The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has concluded plans to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, to promote professionalism and also actualise the vision of the commission in the region.

Speaking at a courtesy visit in her office at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Christy Atako said, the need for the partnership became paramount due to the problems of lack of communication, a bridge which the NIPR is creating to ensure effective participation in governance.

Dr. Atako who commended the roles of the PR institute said, the NIPR remains an effective and functional tool to ensure high level of competence.

The NDDC boss also emphasised the need for the Commission to open a new NIPR chapel in the NDDC headquarters since majority of NDDC staff are practically NIPR members involved in the day to day administration of the Commission.

Also speaking, the leader of the NIPR Group, Mr Samuel Toby while identifying with the achievements of the Commission  said, the roles of PR executives in the management and implementation of the NDDC policy cannot be over-emphasised.

Samuel also explained the leadership challenges faced by the NDDC in previous administration as a wake-up call for rapid socio-economic development in the communities of Niger Delta.