The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on governments at all levels to embrace transparency, accountability and ethical leadership as essential pillars for sustainable development and public trust.

 

The call was made during the commemoration of World Public Relations Day 2026 organised by the Rivers State Chapter of the institute at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.

 

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Kenneth Nweke of the Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, said strategic public relations has become a critical tool for strengthening governance through honest and open communication.

 

Speaking on the theme, “The Golden Age of Strategic Public Relations,” Nweke said the profession has evolved beyond media relations and event management to becoming a driver of transparency, trust-building and effective leadership in the digital age.

 

He urged governments to engage qualified public relations professionals capable of fostering meaningful engagement between leaders and citizens.

 

According to him, honesty in governance remains indispensable, warning that corruption continues to undermine public confidence and national development.

 

“Today’s public relations must focus on building trust for government and leadership. Governments must be honest because corruption has taken centre stage,” he said, adding that sustainable development can only thrive where openness and accountability are prioritised.

 

Also speaking, the National President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, represented by Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, said public relations has emerged as a strategic management function that shapes decision-making at the highest levels of governance.

 

He described practitioners as “boardroom strategists, reputation architects and custodians of institutional credibility,” urging members of the profession to provide ethical counsel and promote trust-based relationships across public and private institutions.

 

Dr. Neliaku also noted that Nigeria’s hosting of the World Public Relations Forum reflects the country’s growing role in global reputation management and strategic communication.

 

In his remarks, Rivers State NIPR Chairman, Rev. Francis Asuk, stressed that public relations professionals have a responsibility to bridge information gaps, build consensus among stakeholders and support initiatives that promote peace, investment, social cohesion and sustainable development.

 

He also warned against the activities of unqualified practitioners, insisting that only registered members of the institute are legally recognised to practise public relations in Nigeria.

 

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchuku, represented by the Registrar, Dr. Chinonye Ajie, commended the institute for hosting the event at the university and pledged continued collaboration in advancing professional communication and leadership development.