NIPR Inducts 142 Into Chartered Membership
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR has inducted 142 into chartered membership in the country.
Among the 142 Inductees 12 members were inducted under Cross River State Chapter of NIPR.
The induction was led by the President and Chairman of Governing Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and the Registrar and Secretary of Governing Council of NIPR, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue.
The induction took place on Thursday at both physically and Virtually, the physical induction took place at the Sandralia Hotel, Solomon Lar Way, Abuja.
According to the Cross River State Chapter Chairman of NIPR, and a renown Fellow of the institute, Mr. Benedict Onah Okache, who spoke to journalists at the Chamber of the State Ministry of Information, Calabar, shortly after the event, enumerated the critical role of the NIPR in shaping and maintaining a positive public image for various entities, including individuals, organizations, and governments.
Detailing the institute’s responsibility in regulating the practice of public relations in Nigeria by admitting members and granting them professional certification.
Okache also noted that the NIPR operates through chapters across the country, encompassing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said, “After the mandatory training, the new members were formerly inducted into the Institute in line with cap 114 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This also coincided with the 2nd Diamond anniversary of the institute held in Abuja”
Benedict Okache also stated that, “NIPR was established in 1963, the body attended the status of Chartered Institute in June 1990, Decree No. 16, ( now an act of the National Assembly) from which it derives it’s powers.
To combat quackery in public relations, Okache stressed the need for professional training through regular mandatory continuing development programs. He asserted, “What we have done is to ensure that everybody that is doing public relations is professionally trained.”
One of the Cross River State inductee, Otuekong Dr. Kingsley Ita Ikpeme, former Cross River State Representatives in the Nigerian Youth Parliament, a former Director of the Greater Calabar Development Authority, and the current Vice Chairman of the Saint Patrick’s College Alumni Association.
Ikpeme, expressed his expectations as a newly-inducted member of the NIPR. He stated, “My expectation is to add value to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and ensure that it becomes a frontline institute in Nigeria.” Ikpeme also identify the value of professional training and urged others to seek professional certification in order to positively impact society.
Another inductee, Engr. Emmanuel Eneji Nkpeh, enumerated the value of public relations in his field as an electrical consultant.
He stated, “Nobody makes any progress in life without public relations image.” Nkpeh recognized the skills of public relations professionals in crisis management and effective communication, which inspired him to join the institute.
Comrade Matthew Okache, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, shared his reasons for joining the NIPR.
“As a practicing journalist, Matthew expressed his desire to broaden his professionalism and contribute to community development. He stressed the importance of trustworthiness in the field of public relations, stating, “If you are not trustworthy, definitely you can’t be a PR expert.”
Cross River State Chapter Inductees who were among the 142 inducted included, Dr. Kingsley Ikpeme, Engr. Emmanuel Eneji Nkpeh, others are Comrade Matthew Okache, Blessing Enagu, Fortune Udoinyang, Inyabri Ikonshor, Matthew Osaro, and Felicitas. A. Agara, while others members are inducted in Abuja.
The induction ceremony in Abuja was attended by many dignitaries and marked the induction of 142 new Chartered members into the Nigerian Institute chapter of Public Relations, NIPR. Ahjia Miriam Sanusi, Chairman, Membership Services Commission, NIPR anchored the event.
