Minister charges new NIPR inductees on ethical communication

Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris represented by Director of press and Public relations of the Ministry Dr. Sulaiman Haruna, has charged newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to uphold highest standards of ethical communication and contribute positively to the nation’s development.

Speaking at the induction ceremony of Information and Public Relations Officers to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) held at Radio House, Abuja, the Minister emphasized the crucial role of public relations in fostering transparency, accountability, and trust between the government and the people.

According to the statement released by the Ministry, he urged the inductees to utilize their skills and knowledge to counter misinformation, promote unity, and project Nigeria positively on the global stage.
He emphasized the significance of the occasion, describing it as a celebration of professional excellence and a commitment to advancing the practice of public relations in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has long been a bastion of excellence, providing training, certification, and a framework for ethical conduct in the field of public relations. Through its efforts, the NIPR has nurtured generations of professionals who continue to play pivotal roles in nation-building,” he stated.

He commended the leadership of the NIPR for their unwavering dedication to advancing the profession and underscored the Federal Government’s recognition of effective communication as a cornerstone of good governance.
“In my capacity as the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, I am committed to ensuring that our public communication systems are robust, transparent, and aligned with best practices.

“This induction aligns with our broader vision to strengthen the capacity of information officers across all tiers of government to engage meaningfully with the public and counter misinformation effectively,” the Minister said.

Highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, he charged the newly inducted members to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and professionalism in their roles.

“To the newly inducted members, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your professional journey. Your work does not merely reflect on your organization or institution; it reflects on the entire nation. Uphold the values of the NIPR and be ambassadors of truth, integrity, and excellence,” he urged.
He further called on the inductees to use their platforms to foster unity, promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, and project the country positively to the global community.

“As the bridge between organizations, governments, and the people, you carry the responsibility of ensuring that accurate, timely, and meaningful information reaches the public.

“Your work fosters understanding, builds trust, and helps to shape positive perceptions that are critical to the success of any nation,” he added.

The Minister congratulated the inductees and commended the NIPR for its steadfast commitment to professional excellence.

In his speech to the newly inductees, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, expressed his delight at the induction of new members into the prestigious institution.
“The President emphasized the significance of the public relations profession, stating, “You are not just lucky, but indeed you are blessed, because now you have joined the rank of elite profession, the only profession that never gets old, the only profession that gives you direction of making the best out of life.”

The President extended his gratitude to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for his instrumental role in professionalizing the public relations profession.

He highlighted the Minister’s efforts in securing the recognition of public relations as a professional cadre in the civil service.

“Last year, he sponsored a memo to the 45th Council on establishment in Bauchi, and on the 13th of December 2023, that memo was considered and approved by the Council,” the President said. “This is a significant milestone for our profession, as it underscores the importance of effective communication in governance.”

The President emphasized the role of public relations practitioners in building bridges between the government and the public. “When citizens are properly engaged, they take ownership of government programs.

“When citizens are properly engaged, they advocate for what has to be done. When citizens are given the opportunity to earn their views, it goes a long way to build consensus,” he explained.