Be Defenders Of Truth, Builders Of Trust, NIPR Charges Inductees

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) yesterday inducted 448 new members, charging them to be defenders of truth and builders of trust.

It also urged them to be ambassadors of Nigeria’s story and be Interpreters between government and the people.

The president and chairman of council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said these at the 4th quarter/end of year induction of new members in Abuja.

He said the event was not just an induction ceremony, but a calling, covenant and commitment to serve the nation, institutions, and humanity, through the power of responsible communication.

“To our inductees, you have today earned the right to belong to the custodians of reputation, the architects of trust, and the guardians of national narrative.

“Dear professional colleagues, we are at a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey, both internally and externally.

“I therefore charge you to be Ambassadors of Nigeria’s Story: Nigeria is more than headlines.

“It is innovation, resilience, creativity, enterprise, and potential. As professionals, you must project a balanced, confident, and forward-looking Nigerian narrative, locally and globally, without denying our challenges, but without surrendering our dignity.

“I also charge you to be defenders of truth, builders of trust, interpreters between government and the people and professionals of conscience,” Neliaku said.

He said it was not the time for cynicism and professional detachment, rather the time for constructive patriotism.

Neliaku, however, warned that patriotism does not mean blind loyalty,

“It means honest engagement, responsible critiquing, and solution-driven communication.

“As Public Relations professionals, you must help to calm tensions, not inflame them; clarify issues, not confuse the public; unite stakeholders and not deepen divisions.

“Nigeria needs communicators who heal, not hype; who explain, not exploit; who build bridges, not echo individual differences.

“As we look ahead, the eyes of the world will soon turn to Nigeria. In 2026, Nigeria, Abuja in particular, will host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).

“This would be the global gathering of the finest minds in public relations and strategic communication.

“WPRF will not just be an event. It will be a global referendum and endorsement of Nigeria’s capacity, credibility, and competence,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, the managing director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, congratulated the new inductees.
According to him, public relations is the heartbeat of any successful organisation, building bridges between institutions and their publics.
“Their role in shaping narratives, managing reputation and fostering trust is crucial in today’s fast-paced media landscape.
“Let me charge you to embrace the power of storytelling, transparency and strategic communication.
“I challenge you to uphold the values of NIPR and Nigeria’s communication sector with integrity and creativity.

“Certainly, your contribution will drive progress, promote understanding and elevate our nation’s global voice,” he said.

Ali welcomed the inductees into the NIPR family, urging them to join in shaping the future of public relations. (NAN)