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Tag: NIPR

  • Public Relations, truth essential to building public trust – Minister

    Trust

    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said on Thursday that speaking the truth was essential to building trust between the government and the citizens, using the Public Relations strategies.

    Idris said this in Abuja on Thursday during a panel discussion at a Grand Colloquium to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as its theme “Public Relations, Value-Orientation and Economic Transformation”.

    The minister said that one of the things he said resolved to do on assumption of office was to restore hope in public communication.

    This, he said was because Nigerians no longer listen to government spokespersons because they had lost hope in their words.

    “As a public communicator, you have to ensure that you tell people the truth and nothing but the truth; it is important for people to recognise that.

    “One of our five pillar agenda in the ministry is that trust must be restored on the path of public communication.

    “If I do not have information about something, it is better I keep my mouth shut than to speak out of ignorance.

    “I have the blessing and approval of my principal, President Bola Tinubu, to say it the way it is but in the most palatable manner.”

    “Trust must return to public communication because that is the only way Nigerians can agree with you, respect you and even listen to you.”

    Mr Yakubu Lamai, Director-General, Strategic Communications, Nasarawa State Government, said the state had used PR to attract investment.

    Lamai said the Governor of Nasarawa ensured that the public procurement law was signed and he created a Bureau of Public Procurement which was recognised by the World Bank because of its transparency and accountability.

    According to him, it is important to keep record books open to enable people to know what is going on.

    Lamai said the true value of leadership was ensuring inclusivity and transparency, while excluding sentiments in all forms.

    “In my opinion, I think it is best if we concentrate on competence, character, deliverables and vision, when we are thinking of campaigning for those in political office.

    “There are politicians who bow to sentiments, either religious or ethnic, and their sentiments becloud the issue,” he said.

    Allen Onyema, Chief Operating Officer (CEO), Air Peace, said humility was a grand tool for public relations, noting that people must learn to own up to their errors.

    ”This is what we do at Air Peace,” he said.

    Onyema said Public Relations must be encouraged to help change the narratives for the country, adding that it had helped Air Peace and Nigeria as a whole to get to their present state.

    “We are looking for a new Nigeria and we must use the tool of PR to change the narrative to make Nigerians know that we are one, and know there is unity in our diversity; therefore, we must fight for each other.

    “Public Relations is one of the things that made the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to waive the payment of VAT on ticket fares, and customs duties for the purchasing of aircraft and spare parts.

    “For seven years we were battling the London route until we engaged in public relations, and that was brought to the public sphere. Without that, Nigerians would have been paying N17 million today for a six-hour flight,” Onyema said.

    He said poverty in Africa was foreign-induced, and called on the leaders to keep fighting for the love of the continent.

    “The country and continent have been adversely stigmatised. What can save the country and continent is us, not anybody else. When Africa will rise and refuse to bend, then they will no longer ride us,” he added.

    Mrs Chizo Malize, Managing Director and CEO, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), said trust in the financial sector was earned by trusting the systems.

    Malize said trusting the system was like having trust in the nation and trusting the operators, regulators and policymakers.

    “Trust is crucial for the financial service sector because without trust you cannot go to bed knowing you have so much investment or funds kept within that sector; so, trust is critical.

    “So if you take that back into value, it means that both the operators, players and customers must be able to work collaboratively to build trust to ensure continuous growth.”

    Malize said women must be recognised for their role in economic development, adding that Public Relations could be used to tell the stories of these women.

    She emphasised the importance of storytelling, as she urged PR practitioners to collaborate with women, businesses, structures and organisations to tell positive stories that would make Nigeria the best in the world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • NIPR inducts 605 new members, seeks end to quackery

    NIPR inducts 605 new members, seeks end to quackery

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has formally inducted 605 new members into the profession, emphasising the importance of professionalism and an end to quackery.

    This was the thrust at the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the institute in Abuja on Thursday.

    The President of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, stated that the initiative was part of efforts to ensure that only qualified and properly trained individuals represented  the public relations profession.

    This, he said would enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the practice.

    Neliaku noted that relationship was the hallmark of public relations, hence the need for new inductees to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity.

    He emphasised that members should avoid practices or behaviors that could harm the reputation of the Institute or the public relations profession.

    Neliaku stressed the importance of adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in all professional activities.

    He urged members to respect core values and uphold the ethical principles that underpin the public relations field.

    He highlighted the critical role of maintaining public trust and credibility, reminding members that their actions reflected  not only on themselves but also on the entire profession.

    Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Vice-Chairman of the NIPR Governing Board, underscored the event’s importance, noting its adaptation to contemporary needs and its alignment with the institute’s diamond anniversary celebrations.

    Dandaura highlighted several key aspects of 2024 Hybrid Induction Format which for the first time, incorporated and allowed greater participation and reflected modern event-hosting practices.

    According to him, the Diamond Anniversary of NIPR held special significance as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of the NIPR, adding historical weight to the proceedings.

    “A total of 605 new members were inducted, with 353 joining online and 198 attending in person. This reflects the institute’s significant growth and expanded reach.

    “Highlights of our anniversary celebration is a seminar on Public Relations, Value Orientation, and Economic Transformation, aimed at professional development.

    “We will also be hosting a Dinner and Recognition- An evening event chaired by General Yakubu Gowon, honoring distinguished icons in the field”.

    The vice chairman said these activities were  designed to celebrate the NIPR’s contributions to national development over the past 60 years, while also fostering professional growth and public engagement in the field of public relations.

    Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, expressed his delight at participating in a significant event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the institute.

    He described the occasion as a milestone and emphasised the importance of celebrating 60  years of the institution’s impactful existence.

    He commended the institute for its growth and influence over the past six decades, noting its substantial contributions to shaping public communication narratives.

    Ali commended everyone involved in making the celebration a success, emphasising the News Agency of Nigeria’s alignment with the NIPR in upholding factual reporting as a cornerstone of their mission.

    Ali underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, amidst the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age.

    Mr Baba Ndace, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), representing the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Malagi, noted the dual responsibility of the  newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

    Ndace stressed the importance of speaking positively and forcefully about the country.

    He acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigeria, as recognised by the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu  but highlighted ongoing efforts to address these issues.

    He urged the inductees not to contribute to negative narratives about the nation, asserting that while no country was perfect, Nigeria’s beauty and potential should be the focal points.

    He underscored the critical role of the new NIPR members in collaborating with the Ministry of Information to restore trust in public discourse.

    He mentioned that one of the ministry’s primary goals has been to rebuild public confidence in communication, fostering trust in institutions and media outlets.

    Ndace called on the inductees to take pride in their nation and contribute to its positive image, noting the NIPR as a platform for mentorship and professional growth.

    Goodwill messages were given by representatives of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, President, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Mr Chris Isiguzo, Chairman, House Committee on Public Affairs, Rep. Rotimi Akintunde.

    Others are the Nigerian Television Authority, Africa Independent Television among others. (NAN)

    TAK/YGA

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    Edited by Gabriel Yough

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