By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged its 415 newly inducted members to participate actively in the institute’s activities to build a stronger public relations profession, a better Nigeria and Africa.
The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, gave the charge at the institute’s second quarter 2026 induction ceremony on Friday in Abuja.
Neliaku said exceptional leadership was now required to address contemporary challenges, noting that public relations professionals had a key role to play in promoting trust and national cohesion.
“We are now transiting from the era of great leadership to the era of exceptional leadership. Public relation professionals were the part of the vanguards of that movement.
“Today, Nigeria is in dire need of leadership that can unite our people. Africa also needs leadership that can project the continent’s strengths, opportunities and aspirations with confidence and credibility.
“Since charity is said to begin at home, we must first build a strong Nigeria that will have the strength to build Africa.
“Please, inductees. Don’t just collect your certificates and run away. Become active in your states. Join any of the hubs and participate actively in our programmes.
“Let us work together to build a stronger profession, a stronger and better Nigeria, so that this better Nigeria will help build a strong and better Africa,” Neliaku said.
He further urged the inductees to contribute to repositioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa and enhancing the continent’s global competitiveness.
“I welcome you to the beautiful family of NIPR and to the nobel responsibility of helping to shape better Nigeria’s narratives, a better Africa and a better world.”
Also speaking virtually, the Vice President of NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, said the inductees were joining the institute at a defining moment in its history.
“We are going to host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in November where participants from 126 country will come to Abuja.
“Also, the NIPR’s University of Public Relations and Leadership in Gudi, Nasarawa State would take off this year and we will build a PR Place at Radio House.
“Today is more than induction; it is a journey to something spectacular in the history of NIPR. Public Relations is about reputation, ensure you practice with integrity,” Dandaura said.
In his induction lecture, Mr Sam Nwaobasi, Special Adviser on Programme, Policy Implementation and Monitoring to the Governor of Imo State, said the ceremony marked the inductees’ formal entry into the public relations profession.
He urged them to uphold the values of the institute wherever they found themselves, noting that their primary responsibility was to shape perception, manage reputation, and build and preserve brands.
Nwaobasi said that, in addition to protecting reputation, practitioners should cultivate good character, stay informed about current affairs and acquire digital skills.
“You should understand the mission, vision and values of the organisations you represent, you must have a good communication skills for effective communication.
“You must have a good interpersonal skill and know the difference between advertising, promotion and marketing. It is better to avoid crises than to manage it,” Nwaobasi said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chairman of the Membership Services Committee, Mrs Maryam Sanusi, presented the inductees to Neliaku, while the Registrar, Mr Uzoma Onyebadue, administered the oath on them.
NAN also reports that the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, and other dignitaries congratulated the inductees.
They also restated their commitment to supporting the institute in delivering its mandate. (NAN)
