NIPR President Charges New Members To Be Guardians Of Trust In Distracted Era At Q3 2025 Induction Ceremony
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on newly inducted members of the Institute to uphold truth, credibility, and service as the bedrock of their professional practice, stressing that public relations in Nigeria must be seen as a tool for nation-building rather than mere publicity.
Speaking to distinguished guests, colleagues, and new members at a hybrid ceremony which is the third quarter induction ceremony of the Institute held today in Abuja, the NIPR President emphasized that the induction, beyond a professional milestone, it constitutes a covenant with truth, unity, and national service.
“For us at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, this event is not just a mere ceremony. It is a covenant. By this induction, you have made up your minds to join a community of professionals whose essence is trust. We are the custodians of truth, interpreters of perception, managers of reputation, and builders of national credibility,” he said.
The NIPR President reminded the inductees that joining the Institute was not about titles, but about responsibility, urging them to deploy communication as a unifying and enlightening tool rather than one of manipulation or division. He further emphasised that in an era plagued by misinformation and distrust, the role of public relations practitioners has become more critical to the survival of institutions and the stability of society.
“Since narratives shape nations, perception drives reality, and trust sustains institutions, you are now part of the profession that protects these foundations,” he declared.
He placed three key expectations on the new members: to be guardians of truth, partners in nation-building, and champions of excellence. He noted that credibility must be seen as the core currency of any practitioner, urging members never to trade truth for expediency.
“Every message you craft, every counsel you give, must ask: ‘Does this strengthen Nigeria?’ PR is evolving. Stay ahead. Commit to continuous learning, ethics, and innovation,” he charged.
The President outlined the ethos guiding the Institute, resting on four pillars: ethics, competence, credibility, and service. He warned that without ethics, competence, credibility, and service, the profession risked being reduced to propaganda, noise, publicity, and mere transactions respectively.
“These are not just ideals, they are obligations,” he insisted, while urging members not to allow anyone reduce public relations to “mere publicity.”
According to him, public relations practitioners must see themselves as nation-builders whose roles go beyond issuing press releases. “Speak when truth is under siege. Act when credibility is at risk. The Nigeria we desire will not be built by noise makers, but by professionals who stand for truth, unity, and service,” he stated.
He urged the inductees to rise from the ceremony with conviction, pride, and humility, reminding them that membership of the Institute is not a reward but a responsibility.
The NIPR President also announced that the Institute is implementing critical programmes between now and 2027 to consolidate its role in national development. These include the cadresiation of public relations in governance, the hosting of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), the establishment of the University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), the creation of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), and the institution of the Annual Nigeria Public Relations Awards and Prizes.
He encouraged members to find their place in these programmes and mobilise their organisations to participate.
“From this day forward, carry the NIPR mantle not as a decoration, but as a declaration—and may I reiterate, that you stand for truth, that you work for unity, and that you live for service. Let your words enlighten, not deceive. Let your actions build, not destroy. Let your legacy be measured, not in the press releases you write, but in the trust you inspire and the lives you impact,” he concluded.
The President congratulated the new members on their induction, charging them to shape the future of the profession and contribute to building a Nigeria anchored on truth, trust, and unity.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is the professional body of qualified Public Relations practitioners in Nigeria that offers exclusive benefits and services designed for PR professionals while maintaining strict adherence to professional standards and ethical codes. The organization plays a crucial role in developing and promoting public relations practice across Nigeria.