Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has charged the newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to be ambassadors of truth, integrity, and excellence in their respective roles, contributing to the development of a more informed and engaged society.
The Minister stated this at the Special induction ceremony of Information Officers into the NIPR in Abuja. Nigeria’s capital.
The Information Minister who was represented by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, also stressed that the work of an NIPR member does not only reflect on their organization or institution but the nation as a whole.
“In a world driven by information, the role of public relations professionals has never been more vital. As the bridge between organizations, governments, and the people, you carry the responsibility of ensuring that accurate, timely, and meaningful information reaches the public.
“Your work fosters understanding, builds trust, and helps to shape positive perceptions that are critical to the success of any nation. Today, as you take this step into the fold of the NIPR, commit yourselves to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and service. This induction is a call to action; a call to leverage your skills and knowledge to contribute positively to the image and progress of Nigeria,” he stressed.
Mr. Idris, while commending the institute for nurturing generations of professionals who continue to play pivotal roles in nation-building, reiterated his commitment to ensuring public communication is transparent.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria recognizes the indispensable role of effective communication in governance. As the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, I am committed to ensuring that our public communication systems are robust, transparent, and aligned with the best practices. This induction ceremony aligns with our broader vision to strengthen the capacity of information officers across all tiers of government to engage meaningfully with the public and counter misinformation effectively,” he added.
In his speech to the newly inductees, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, emphasized the significance of the public relations profession, stating that: “You are not just lucky, but indeed you are blessed, because now you have joined the rank of the elite profession, the only profession that never gets old, the only profession that gives you the direction of making the best out of life.”
The President underscored the role of public relations practitioners as a critical instrument in building bridges between the government and the public.
“When citizens are properly engaged, they take ownership of government programs. When citizens are properly engaged, they advocate for what has to be done. When citizens are given the opportunity to earn their views, it goes a long way to build consensus,” he explained.
Dr. Neliaku further extended his appreciation to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for his instrumental role in professionalizing the public relations profession.
He highlighted the Minister’s efforts in securing the recognition of public relations as a professional cadre in the civil service.
“Last year, he sponsored a memo to the 45th Council on the establishment in Bauchi, and on the 13th of December 2023, that memo was considered and approved by the Council,” the President said.
“This is a significant milestone for our profession, as it underscores the importance of effective communication in governance,” he added.
About 410 new members were inducted into the Institute as associate members, among which 75 of them were Information officers from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
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