The Federal Government has called on the Nigerian Institute for Public Relations to create strategies to tackle the spread of fake news and disinformation in the country.
Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, made this appeal during the induction ceremony of 421 new NIPR members held at the Federal Ministry of Information in Abuja. The minister, represented by Suleiman Haruna, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, praised the institute for its contributions to information management and pledged government support for promoting professionalism.
Speaking about the challenges posed by the digital age, Mohammed expressed concern about how some individuals misuse online platforms.
He said, “The digital age has empowered citizens with access to information but has also given rise to misinformation and disinformation. As professionals, you have the critical responsibility of ensuring that truth prevails over falsehood and facts triumph over fiction.”
He urged the newly inducted members to uphold the values of truth and integrity, adding, “Your work does not only reflect on your organization but also on the entire nation. Use your platforms to foster unity and project Nigeria positively to the global community.”
The National President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, also addressed the event, cautioning government agencies against employing unqualified individuals as public relations officers. He warned that uncertified practitioners, referred to as quacks, would face prosecution under the law.
Neliaku said, “According to the law of the federation, you are a quack if you are not certified by the institute. The law provides for criminal prosecution for anyone practising public relations without proper certification.”
He further explained, “Once convicted, there’s the stigma of being an ex-convict, which no one wants to carry. We have zero tolerance for quacks under my leadership.”
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the honorary fellowship awarded to Mrs. Emmanuel Arukwe, the pioneer Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Limited, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field.
