By Isyaku Ibrahim
A total of 80 Information Officers and public relations practitioners were officially admitted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) at a grand ceremony held in Kano metropolis
The event brought together senior government officials, media professionals, scholars, and stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
Among the Inductees, 72 were drawn from the Kano State Government, while neighbouring Jigawa State presented three
The remaining five came from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and some private organizations.
Prominent among the freshers was the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya
Speaking, Comrade Waiya congratulated fellow inductees and emphasized the importance of professionalism in public communication. He reaffirmed current Government’s commitment to promote ethical standards in information management and communication strategy.
Earlier the Vice President of the outfit, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, FNIPR, highlighted the strategic role of public relations in national development. He urged the new members to uphold the values, code of ethics, and professional standards of the Institute.
Chairman of the outfit’s Governing Council and President of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, who formally administered the induction oath, gave its historic overview .
He noted that the Institute was established in 1963 and later chartered by Decree No. 16 of 1990.
Dr. Neliaku revealed that it currently has over 31,000 registered members across Nigeria and maintains global alliances with 126 countries.
He encouraged the inductees to actively participate in the Institute’s engagements, update their knowledge, and work towards achieving higher professional ranks, including the prestigious
Fellow (FNIPR) status.
“You must not stop at this level. This induction is only a foundation. Grow yourselves, engage with the profession, attend meetings and conferences, and earn your place among fellows of the Institute,” he advised.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), represented by Director of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Information, Comrade Usman Bello. He acknowledged the longstanding cordial relationship between NIPR and NUJ, assuring continued collaboration to inform the public and build the reputation of the country.
Dr. Abubakar Shehu Minjibir, Director of the Institute of Journalism, Kano, also praised the milestone, describing it as a significant stride in the professionalization of public sector communication.
The orientation lecture was delivered by seasoned journalist and communication scholar, Associate Professor Sule Yau Sule, who enlightened the inductees on the responsibilities of professional membership, noting that NIPR has five categories: undergraduate/student, graduate, associate, full membership, and fellow. He charged them to embrace lifelong learning, ethical conduct, and active participation in professional development.
In his vote of thanks, NIPR Kano State Chairman, Comrade Aliyu Yusuf, expressed deep appreciation to all participants and stakeholders.
He commended Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for facilitating the realization of the induction ceremony, describing the gesture as highly commendable.
He also appreciated the personal commitment of Commissioner Waiya in making the event a success.
Tense of the gathering was the presentation of certificates, symbolic celebrations, and group photographs
