By Collins Yakubu-Hammer, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has called for the regular training of manpower to defend the reputation and integrity of Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Chapter, Mr Kingsley Ogadigo, made the call at Chapter’s PR Solution Spotlight, heralding the 35th anniversary of the institute on Saturday in Abuja.
“The FCT’s Chapter of NIPR is 35 year-old today. We are doing everything possible to make sure our impact is felt across the country.
”What we are doing today signals the celebration of the anniversary.
“As public relations practitioners, we understand the value of internal public. In most cases, some organisations would always focus on the external public.”
According to him, at the end of the day, it is the information from the internal that will give the negative or positive reputation.
”So, we have decided to ensure that we start with ourselves, like the saying, ‘charity begins at home’.
“Let us not neglect our own. Let us build the strength, capacity and value of our people, so that, together, we can all go out to defend the course of the country.
“So, what we are doing today is a corporate social responsibility and sustainability to our own internal stakeholders, public and practitioners. It is a way of giving back knowledge for their support.”
Ogadigo said that what was need in the country was not about how we attack issues that confront us, but to take the issues from the root by training manpower that are going to go out there to defend the country, organisations and institutions.
According to, him, the PR Solution Spotlight organised by the Chapter is a way of contributing to national development.
He explained that at the end of the event, practitioners would know how to behave in terms of reputation building and management.
“This is because, public relations is about adding value and provision of solutions; and if you don’t have the capacity, you can’t do it.
“I appeal to government at all strata that public relations should be given more priority. They should know that it is not job for the boys. It is a professional incline duty.
“Public Relations Professionals should not practice for money. It is a profession that has to offer service to the society and not self,” Ogadigo said.
The Guest Speaker, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said, in the modern information environment, reputation is the true centre of gravity, adding that two wars are simultaneously fought.
“They are the physical war which is against insurgents on the ground, and information was, which is against their digital.
“Disruption will always evolve. Technology will keep shifting, but credibility remains timeless.
”A crisis doesn’t create reputation; it reveals it. The credibility you have in a crisis is the one you’ve built in calm.
“I hereby call on Public Relations Professionals to be forthright, because, honesty is not optional; it is strategic, be grounded, Know your audience and connect authentically.
“Also, be hybrid; blend innovation with integrity and be credible by guarding your professional reputation; it is your greatest capital.
“Let us, as members of the NIPR, continue to be the credible, professional, and excellent voices our nation needs,” Usman said.
Meanwhile, the Committee Chairman of NIPR-FCT @35, Hajiya Lami Tumaka said in a situation of conflicting interest, Public relations professionals should be truthful, honest and trust worthy to themselves and their organisations.
“When you say A, mean A, when you say B stand by it. So, that is the way to resolve any kind of conflict of interest as it relates to reputation and public relations”.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA