NIPR Holds 17th Induction Ceremony Under Neliaku’s Leadership
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has held its 17th induction ceremony under the leadership of its President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, marking another milestone in the institute’s drive to strengthen professionalism and ethical public relations practice in Nigeria.
Speaking at the second quarter induction ceremony held on Friday, Neliaku said the event represented the 17th induction ceremony conducted since he assumed office three years ago.
He noted that the institute had introduced a more structured induction process through the newly refined and rebranded Executive Membership Class (EMC), designed to equip prospective members with the knowledge and skills required for contemporary public relations practice.
According to him, participants spent five days undergoing intensive learning sessions facilitated by experienced professionals drawn from across the integrated marketing communications industry.
He added that the institute also received valuable feedback from participants, aimed at enriching the curriculum and repositioning NIPR for greater relevance in national development.
Highlighting one of the major sessions during the Executive Membership Class, Dr. Neliaku referenced the presentation of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer by the Chief Executive Officer of Edelman Africa, Ms. Karena Crerar, describing its findings as significant for both the profession and Nigeria.
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He said the report revealed growing public trust in Nigeria while also warning against increasing societal insularity and intolerance, urging public relations practitioners to become advocates of unity, hope and national cohesion.
The NIPR President said public relations practitioners have a responsibility to build confidence in public institutions, promote constructive national narratives and strengthen trust between citizens and government.
Addressing the newly inducted members, Neliaku reminded them that they were not merely receiving certificates but accepting leadership responsibilities.
He described public relations as a leadership function centred on influence, trust, engagement and consensus-building rather than publicity or media relations alone.
According to him, Nigeria requires leaders capable of uniting diverse communities, while Africa needs communicators who can project the continent’s strengths, opportunities and aspirations with confidence and credibility.
Neliaku also called on the inductees to remain active in their respective state chapters and contribute meaningfully to the institute’s programmes instead of viewing membership as merely ceremonial.
He further urged practitioners to prepare for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum and the 37th Africa Public Relations Association Conference scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, describing the events as opportunities for Africa to help shape global conversations on responsible communication.
The induction ceremony formally admitted a new batch of professionals into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, where they pledged to uphold the ethics and standards of the profession while contributing to nation-building through responsible communication.
By PRNigeria
