The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged the 422 newly inducted members to promote the reputation and image of Nigeria with patriotism, sincerity and integrity.

NIPR president, Ike Neliaku, said this at the third quarter induction exercise of new members on Friday in Abuja.

According to Mr Neliaku, the inductees will be called guardians of trust in a distracted era, not only in Nigeria, but in the world, as there are too many distractions everywhere in the globe.

He said the induction was not just a mere ceremony, 

but a covenant which must be taken seriously, adding that by the induction, they have made up their minds to join 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 of where trust still counts.

“You are now custodians of truth, interpreters of perception, managers of reputation and most importantly, builders of national credibility.

“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.

“Your credibility is your currency; once it goes down, it’s like a bank account that is in the red. Every message you craft or counsel you give must ask, Does this strengthen Nigeria? If it doesn’t, please drop it.

“It is not about your boss, but the nation. If this nation goes down, everybody goes down. Public Relations is evolving; always stay ahead. Commit yourself to continuous learning, ethics and innovations,” he said.

Mr Neliaku noted that Nigeria was going through challenges and everyone is crying for a new country, interjecting that: How can we have a New Nigeria when we don’t have new Nigerians to build a new Nigeria?

“The institute is releasing the newly inducted members to go out as new Nigerians, to build the new Nigeria that we want to see.

“You have taken a responsibility to stand tall as professionals, who must build communication for the good of society, not for manipulation, but to enlighten and unite the people.

“The institute does not align with tribe, religion or section of the country. The time for discrimination is gone,” he said.

Mr Neliaku harped on critical pillars of the institute, including ethics, competence, and credibility, 

among others.
The vice-president, NIPR, Emmanuel Dandaura, advised the inductees to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the institute for professional growth.

Also, Jibrin Ndace, director-general, Voice of Nigeria (VON), said that public relations is not important to organisations alone, but to the government, society and individuals.

Mr Ndace said that every opportunity he had in life, his public relations background helped him stay afloat, as a spokesperson to the former governor of Niger, and as the current D-G of VON.

“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.

Meanwhile, NIPR’s director of public relations, Stanley Ogadigo, appreciated the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for his support and encouragement to the council.

The event featured the presentation of the inductees to the president by Maryam Sanusi, chairman, Membership Services Committee, and administration of the induction oath moderated by the registrar of the institute, Uzoma Onyegbadue.

In attendance were the executive secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dili and the former director-general of the National Orientation Agency, Mike Omeri, among others.

(NAN)