NIPR inducts 422 new members

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) inducted 422 new members at the weekend, charging them to uphold ethics, integrity, and trust, while warning against using their skills to manipulate public perception. Speaking at the third-quarter induction ceremony in Abuja, the National President of NIPR, Ike Neliaku, described the fresh inductees as “guardians of trust” […]

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) inducted 422 new members at the weekend, charging them to uphold ethics, integrity, and trust, while warning against using their skills to manipulate public perception.

Speaking at the third-quarter induction ceremony in Abuja, the National President of NIPR, Ike Neliaku, described the fresh inductees as “guardians of trust” at a time of global distraction, national challenges, and declining values.

Neliaku reminded the new members that their role was not manipulation but service to truth and responsibility.

“Our nation is going through challenges, and everybody is crying for a new Nigeria. You have taken a responsibility to stand tall as professionals who must use communication and our membership to good use, not for manipulation,” the NIPR President explained.

He further urged them to embody integrity in a time of declining values.

“At a time like this, when values are collapsing, when nobody is sure of who to trust, you must make yourselves examples that trust still counts. Secondly, you are now custodians of truth and interpreters of perception. When this nation goes down, everybody goes down. So ask yourself that question,” Neliaku said.

The NIPR President also warned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) against engaging uncertified practitioners, stressing that sanctions would follow such infractions. His caution reflected longstanding concerns over quacks handling official communications and spreading propaganda, misinformation, and divisive narratives.

In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, emphasised the global dimension of the inductees’ task, urging them to reshape Nigeria’s narrative.

“Our founding fathers thought it wise and understood the place of Nigeria, not just on the African continent, but also on the global stage. We must be deliberate about telling our own story, because others are busy telling theirs,” the VON Director General emphasised.

Mr. Ndace stressed the need for deliberate, forceful, but truthful communication.