NIPR Appoints 605 New Members, Vows to End Quackery The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 605 new members into its fold, with a strong commitment to combat quackery in the public relations industry. Speaking at the induction ceremony, NIPR President, Malam Muktar Sirajo, lamented the increasing prevalence of unqualified individuals masquerading as public relations practitioners. He emphasized that this practice erodes the credibility of the profession and undermines the efforts of genuine professionals. “We are determined to eradicate quackery from our ranks,” Sirajo declared. “We will work closely with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and law enforcement authorities, to ensure that only qualified and ethical individuals practice public relations in Nigeria.” The new members, drawn from diverse sectors including corporate organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, underwent rigorous training and examination before being admitted into the institute. They pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards of the profession and contribute to its growth and development. The NIPR has implemented various measures to combat quackery, including: * Enforcement of Professional Standards: The institute has established a Code of Conduct and Ethics that all members must adhere to. Violators face disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion. * Accreditation of Training Programs: NIPR accredits training programs that meet its quality standards, ensuring that aspiring public relations practitioners receive the necessary education and skills. * Collaboration with Relevant Stakeholders: The institute collaborates with government agencies and regulatory bodies to establish licensing requirements and enforce standards for public relations practice. NIPR believes that by addressing quackery, it can enhance the reputation of the public relations profession, protect the interests of clients, and ensure that the public receives accurate and reliable information. The appointment of these new members is a significant step towards achieving these goals.Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Inducts 605 New Members, Emphasizing Professionalism
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Inducts 605 New Members, Emphasizing Professionalism The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) recently held its Diamond Anniversary Special Induction, inducting 605 new members into the profession. The ceremony, held in Abuja, underscored the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in public relations. NIPR Chairman Dr. Ike Neliaku highlighted the need to eliminate quackery in the field, ensuring that only qualified and well-trained individuals represent the profession. He stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of conduct and integrity, emphasizing that relationships are the hallmark of public relations. Neliaku emphasized the crucial role of accuracy and truthfulness in professional activities, urging members to respect the core values and ethical principles of the field. He emphasized the significance of maintaining public trust and credibility, reminding members that their actions reflect not only on themselves but also on the entire profession. Vice-Chairman of the NIPR Board of Directors, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, underscored the importance of the event, which marked the NIPR’s 60th anniversary. He highlighted the updated Hybrid Induction Format 2024, integrating online and in-person participation to promote greater accessibility. Dandaura noted that 353 new members joined online, while 198 attended in person, reflecting the NIPR’s significant growth and reach. He stressed the historical weight of the Diamond Jubilee, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the institute. “We aim to celebrate NIPR’s contributions to national development over the past 60 years, while promoting professional growth and public engagement in the field of public relations,” said Dandaura. Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed his delight at participating in the event. He praised the NIPR’s influence over the past six decades, noting its substantial contributions to shaping public communications narratives. Ali commended the institute for its commitment to factual reporting, aligning with NAN’s mission. He emphasized the agency’s dedication to maintaining credibility and authenticity in the face of fake news. Baba Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, representing the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, outlined the dual responsibility of the newly inducted members. He emphasized the importance of speaking positively about the country while acknowledging its challenges. Ndace urged the inductees to contribute to a positive national image, focusing on Nigeria’s beauty and potential. He stressed the crucial role of NIPR members in working with the Ministry of Information to restore confidence in public discourse. Goodwill messages were delivered by various industry leaders, including the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Maureen Chigbo; Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo; and Chairman of the House Committee on Public Affairs, Rep. Rotimi Akintunde.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 605 new members into its fold, charging them to uphold the ethics and standards of the profession. Speaking at the induction ceremony in Lagos, the NIPR President, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, said the new members were admitted into the institute after meeting the required criteria and undergoing a rigorous induction process. He urged them to be good ambassadors of the profession and to contribute their quota to the development of the public relations industry in Nigeria. Sirajo also called on the government to do more to end quackery in the public relations profession, saying that it was a major threat to the industry. He said: “Quackery is a major problem in the public relations profession in Nigeria. There are many people who are practicing public relations without the necessary qualifications and experience. This is not only unethical but also dangerous, as it can lead to the spread of misinformation and the erosion of public trust in the profession.” Sirajo urged the government to take steps to regulate the public relations industry and to make it mandatory for all public relations practitioners to be registered with the NIPR. He said: “We need the government to take action to end quackery in the public relations profession. We need a law that will make it mandatory for all public relations practitioners to be registered with the NIPR. This will help to ensure that only qualified and experienced professionals are practicing public relations in Nigeria.” The NIPR President also called on the media to play a role in ending quackery in the public relations profession by refusing to publish or broadcast content from unqualified public relations practitioners.
