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, Dr Ike Neliaku, said this at the third quarter induction exercise of new members on Friday in Abuja.
According to Neliaku, the inductees will be call guardians of trust in a distracted era, not only in Nigeria, but in the world as there is too much distractions everywhere in the globe.
He said the induction was not just a mere ceremony rather a convenant which must be taken seriously, adding 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 as 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, is like a bank account that is in 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.
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 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 the society not for manipulation but to enlighten and unit the people.
“The institute does not align to tribe, religion or section of the country. The time for discrimination is gone,” he said.
Neliaku harped on critical pillars of the institute including ethics, competence, credibility among others.
The Vice-President, NIPR, Prof. 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 the government, society and individuals.
Ndace said that every opportunity he had in life, his public relations background helped him stayed aflot, 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 the statements you give out, your life must reflect your profession,” he said.
Meanwhile, NIPR’s Director of Public Relations, Mr Stanley Ogadigo appreciated the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for his support and encouragement to the council.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured presentation of the inductees to the President, by Mrs Maryam Sanusi, Chairman Membership Services Committee, and administration of induction oath moderated by the Registrar of the institute, Mr Uzoma Onyegbadue.
In attendance were the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Prees Council, Dr Dili and former Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mr Mike Omeri, among others. (NAN)