NIPR Inducts 421 Members, Neliaku Urges Professionals to Lead Nigeria’s Reputation Reset
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Thursday inducted 421 new members into the profession, with a strong charge on practitioners to take responsibility for rebuilding Nigeria’s image through credible and strategic communication.
The induction ceremony, held in Abuja, drew participants from across the federation, cutting across both the public and private sectors.
Speaking at the event, NIPR President, Ike Neliaku, said the country’s reputation challenge requires deliberate and coordinated efforts from communication professionals, noting that perception has become a defining factor in national development.
He stressed that public relations practitioners must move beyond routine media engagement and assume a more strategic role in shaping narratives that reflect Nigeria’s strengths, values, and opportunities.
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According to him, the Institute is already driving initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s global image, insisting that the task of managing the nation’s reputation cannot be left to chance or fragmented efforts.
Neliaku explained that reputation management has become a critical national asset, warning that negative perceptions—whether accurate or not—can undermine investment, governance, and public confidence.
He told the newly inducted members that their admission into the Institute comes at a time when the demand for credible information and responsible communication is more urgent than ever.
“You are not just joining a profession; you are becoming part of a national effort to redefine how Nigeria is seen and understood,” he said.
The NIPR President further urged them to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, and truth in their practice, describing trust as the currency that sustains public relations.
He noted that misinformation and unverified narratives continue to shape public discourse, making it imperative for practitioners to serve as gatekeepers of accuracy and responsible communication.
While congratulating the inductees, Neliaku emphasised that membership of the Institute comes with a duty to contribute meaningfully to national development through effective stakeholder engagement and reputation building.
