NIPR Welcomes 415 New Members, Charges Inductees on Firm Belief in Nigerian Project
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted a total of 415 new members into its fold, the 17th induction ceremony to be held by the Institute since August 2023 when the current Council assumed office.
Welcoming the new practitioners in Abuja on Friday at the 2nd Quarter induction 2026, the President, Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku urged the young public relations professionals to reject the narrative of failure being hung on Nigeria’s neck but become carriers of good news about the nation’s greatness
“We must continue to believe in ourselves, feel great about our country, act great and be proud of who we are; because we are indeed a great people with a great nation. We must vehemently reject and remove their signpost of evil hung about our neck.
“Borrowing the University of Ilorin mantra, I would say that, “Nigeria is greater by far”. I am not saying that we don’t have challenges. We do! But our challenges are not worse than their, they are only better in hiding theirs and pretending to be who they’re not”, he stated.
He emphasised that Public Relations is not just about publicity, protocol or packaging, nor is it merely about media relations, but leadership through influence, understanding, trust, and engagement.
“Throughout history, great leaders have succeeded not because they possessed the greatest power, but because they earned greatest respect and trust. However, we are now transiting from the era of great leadership, to the era of exceptional leadership. Public Relations professional must be part of the vanguards of that movement.
“Distinguished guests and colleagues, trust is the currency of leadership, and Public Relations is the discipline that builds, sustains, and protects that trust. This is why I premised my speech on the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer.
“Today, Nigeria is in dire need of leadership that can unite our peoples, harness our diverse cultures, and promote our various interests towards a consensus around national consciousness, for peace, security and development”, he noted.
Also in his remarks, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mal. Jibrin Baba Ndace stressed that at a time when information travels faster than imagined, the need for responsible and credible communication has become more critical.
While underlining that communication plays a vital role in shaping perception and building trust, he urged the new practitioners to always uphold the value of integrity, truth and professionalism in their practice.
“As communication practitioners, you have a responsibility of not only representing your organisation but also to contribute positively to Nigeria’s image and reputation”, Ndace noted.
Also speaking, the President of Conference of African Journalists, Dr. Chris Isiguzo said in an era of misinformation, disinformation, fake news and growing public distrust, the role of public relations professionals in shaping perception has become more critical.
“The public relations profession and journalism are natural partners in the pursuit of truth, accountability and societal progress. While we journalists inform and educate the public, public relations professionals facilitate understanding, foster dialogue and build bridges between institutions and people they serve”, he noted.
Some of the new inductees expressed delight to join the public relations body as certified practitioners, pledging to contribute their quota in shaping the nation’s image within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
