The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) inducted 422 new members on Friday, 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.
He said, “I am calling you guardians of trust in this distracted era. We are certainly in a distracted era globally, not just in Nigeria. We are challenged by all manner of things. By this induction, you have made up your mind to join a community of professionals whose essence is trust.”
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.
“We must be deliberate. We are not going to tell lies, but we must be very forceful, because daily, good things happen in our country that we must let the world know about,” he reiterated.
The VON Director General said that practitioners must draw a careful line between critique and condemnation.
He said, “Public relations is not just for organisations. It is also vital for the government, communities, and individuals. There is a line, a thin line between criticism and condemnation. When you condemn your country, it is the value that you as a person and your nation put to the world that you are also devouring.”
For some inductees, the ceremony was proof of professionalism. Chioma Momah, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Guinness Nigeria, described the process as inspiring.
“The recent induction was a breath of fresh air. Firstly, the classes which preceded the introduction were very thorough, showing the standard they expect public relations practitioners to keep. Then the ceremony started on time, and all the speeches and formalities kept to time. This showed professionalism at its peak. I’m looking forward to being an active part of a thriving community,” She said.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Conference of Public Relations Professionals in Tertiary Institutions Committee, Peter Oyeneye, delivered the induction orientation lecture.
He urged the new members to remain actively involved in their NIPR Chapters, saying such participation was key to growth.
“Consistent participation of the inductees in NIPR’s activities is essential for professional growth,” Oyeneye added.
The NIPR said the admission of the new members represents another milestone in its drive to strengthen professionalism in public relations practice in Nigeria and uphold the highest ethical standards in engaging with the public.
The NIPR, established under law in 1990, remains the sole regulator of the public relations profession in Nigeria. Friday’s induction was seen as part of renewed efforts to strengthen professionalism, curb quackery, and restore credibility to the practice.