NIPR Inducts 327 New Members

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, on Friday inducted 327 new members into its fold. 

The number, quoted to be one of the highest in Institute's recent history, comprise 250 Regulars with Mass Communication and Journalism backgrounds, and 77 others who joined the elite Master Class group after days of intensive training.

While addressing the insutution's new members in a Hybrid event, the institution's President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, pointed out that the Public Relations profession is fast taking the centre stage in nation-building. He urged new members to contribute in helping to reshape the country's reputation.

According to him, the Institute is determined to build a sustainable and globally competitive reputation for Nigeria, adding that the recent establishment of Nigeria Reputation Management Group, NRMG, headed by Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi, was one of the measures towards improving reputation of the nation.

"The reality is that when reputation is in tatters, a nation can only be in shambles. I must make it clear that it is only the public relations that is fully equipped with the appropriate body of knowledge to properly manage the reputation of Nigeria. However, we recognise the need to work in partnership with government and private sectors to reshape the reputation of Nigeria" he said.

He noted that the Institute is collaborating with the government to pursue the REBIRTH Nigeria programme, an acronym for Reinvent, Essence, Beauty, Integrity, Resourcefulness, Tradition and Heritage, calling on all patriotic Nigerians to join forces with the Institute to carry out the assignment he described as important.

On those masquerading as public relations practitioners under any guise, without licensing, Neliaku said that the grace time is running out, as the Institute's deadline for compliance and enforcement remains 1st January, 2024.

He added that effective January, the enforcement and compliance committee, headed by Gen. Chris Olukolade, Rtd, will launch a clampdowm on quarks that are dragging the Institute to a state of disrepute