The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has tasked its 422 newly inducted members with rising as guardians of truth, rebuilding public trust, and protecting Nigeria’s reputation.

The institute stated that this is necessary at a time when Nigeria is confronted with misinformation, disunity, and global image challenges.

President of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, delivered this message on Friday during the institute’s 3rd Quarter Induction Ceremony for new members in Abuja.

He described the event as a covenant rather than a routine ritual, emphasising that public relations practice in Nigeria must be rooted in truth, competence, and national service.

He urged the inductees to view themselves as interpreters of perception, managers of reputation, and builders of national credibility.

According to him, the demand for a new Nigeria would remain a mirage unless Nigerians themselves embraced new values.

Neliaku said: “This event is not just a nice ceremony. It is a covenant. By this induction, you have chosen to join a community of professionals whose essence is trust. At a time when values are collapsing and nobody is sure of whom to trust, you must be examples that trust still counts.
“Our nation is crying for a new Nigeria, but how can it be achieved without new Nigerians to drive it? If you are not new Nigerians, you cannot aspire to a new Nigeria. Today, we are releasing you to go out and build that Nigeria we all desire.”

The NIPR boss warned that the institute would enforce strict disciplinary measures against members found to be spreading falsehoods or unethical propaganda.

Citing a recent case in which a member was accused of maliciously maligning a colleague, he said such infractions could lead to suspension or expulsion.
“Without ethics, there is no profession. All you have is propaganda and lies. Without competence, there is no value. Without credibility, there is no influence. Your credibility is your currency; once it goes down, it is like a bank account in the red.
“We are not Christians, we are not Muslims, we are not defined by tribe or religion as PR practitioners. Nations are never built on such things. Nations are built by the content of your character, by truth and responsibility,” he added.

The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, urged the new inductees to view their membership as a call to national service, emphasising that reputation remains a valuable form of currency in international relations.

Ndace highlighted efforts to reposition VON as a credible international broadcaster, stating that the station had restored its 250KW shortwave transmitter to reach broader audiences across Africa and beyond, while expanding its multilingual broadcasting services.
“Good things happen in Nigeria every day, but if we don’t tell our story, others will tell it for us, and not always in our favour. As PR professionals, you must help to shape perception, build goodwill, and sustain trust in Nigeria,” he said.