The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has charged the newly inducted members of the NIPR to prioritise the responsibility of building communication to enlighten and unite the people and to promote the image of Nigeria with patriotism, sincerity, and integrity for the good of society.
Dr. Neliaku gave the charge at the third-quarter induction ceremony of 420 new members of the Institute in Abuja, Nigeria.
He explained that the newly inducted members have become guardians of trust in a distracted world, not only in Nigeria but globally, as there are too many distractions everywhere.
“Since narrative shapes nations, perceptions drive reality, trust sustains institutions, you are now part of that profession that must protect the foundation of perception, trust and reputation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You have taken this oath to be members of this institute; now you have become four critical things: guardians of truth, partners in nation building, champions of excellence and innovators,” he explained.
According to him, the induction was not just a mere ceremony but a covenant that must be taken seriously, noting that through the induction, the members have joined a community of professionals whose essence is trust.
“At a time like this, when values are collapsing, when people don’t know who to trust, you must make yourselves an example where trust still counts. You are now custodians of truth, interpreters of perception, managers of reputation and most importantly, builders of national credibility,” he said.
The NIPR President further disclosed that the Institute is releasing the newly inducted members to go out as New Nigerians to build the New Nigeria that we want to see.
“Your credibility is your currency; once it goes down, it’s like a bank account that is in the red,” Neliaku said.
Dr. Neliaku stressed that nations are built on the content of character and who they represent, not where they come from, adding that God is the one who decides.
“The institute does not align with tribe, religion or section of the country. The time for discrimination is gone. As members of the Institute, we are people under God, bound by his love, sheltered by His Grace, energised by His position and enabled by His faithfulness,” he added.
In a related development, the Vice President of NIPR, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, in a virtual address, urged the newly inducted members to make good use of the numerous opportunities available in the Institute for their professional growth.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace, said public relations is not only important to organisations but also to the government, society, and individuals.
He tasked the prospective inductees to be deliberate in their communication and aim towards promoting the image of the country rather than condemning it.
“Reputation is a national currency; without credible communication, even the best policy and achievements remain undervalued. You must understand text, context and content. See yourselves as custodians of national reputation. Aside from the statements you give out, your life must reflect your profession,” he said.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of the inductees to the president by Maryam Sanusi, chairman of the Membership Services Committee, and the oath-taking.
Those in attendance were the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mike Omeri, and many others.