The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) inducted 109 new members and fellows during Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW 2026) in Kaduna. President Ike Neliaku reaffirmed the institute's commitment to nation building, stating that NIPR had been recognised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication for upholding its reputation as a core asset. He noted the institute developed one of the most robust global frameworks for measuring reputation and emphasized collective efforts in sustaining Nigeria's image. Fellows are selected through a rigorous process aligned with global best practices, according to Mr Neliaku.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, spoke on behalf of the awardees, urging public relations practitioners to combat misinformation, distrust and division through effective communication, active listening and sincerity in service. He credited these values with strengthening democratic growth and national development. Mr Kalu expressed gratitude for the recognition conferred on him and other honourees. Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, reaffirmed the federal government's support for freedom of speech and inclusiveness, describing NIPR as one of the most reputable professional bodies locally and internationally.
Twenty fellows were formally conferred, including veteran broadcaster Moji Makanjuola, Bassey Ebong and Ekaette Ebong. Seventeen honorary fellowships were awarded to figures including the Deputy Speaker, the Minister of Defence, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede of JAMB and Prof. Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The event featured the unveiling of NIPR's fourth register. Vice President Emmanuel Dandaura gave a progress report on the ongoing construction of Reputation House in Abuja. NIPR also held its 63rd Annual General Meeting, where the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter won the bid to host NPRW 2027 from April 19 to 24, 2027.
Ike Neliaku celebrates NIPR's global reputation framework while the institute confers honorary fellowships on serving government officials it is meant to hold accountable. Benjamin Kalu, a recipient, calls for sincerity in public communication even as political figures receive honours from a professional body expected to maintain impartial standards. When regulators blur lines with the regulated, public trust in institutions weakens. The event's focus on image risks becoming optics without accountability.
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