The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 73 Public Relations officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), as part of efforts by the Service leadership to end quackery and embrace professionalism in information management.
This development marks the NIS first mass professional induction after an executive training into the institute.
The induction ceremony took place Friday evening at the National Headquarters of NIS in Abuja.
In her keynote address, Comptroller General of the Nigeria, Kemi Nandap, said Public Relations is no longer merely about disseminating information but a strategic function that builds public trust, protects institutional reputation, and strengthens stakeholder confidence.
Nandap who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Franca Nwanneka said it was necessary for NIS to be professionally respected and globally recognised.
She added that the programme reflects the Service commitment to building a professional, innovative, and service-oriented Nigeria Immigration Service.
According to her, as our operational landscape continues to evolve, effective communication has become indispensable to institutional success.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service has continued to implement far reaching reforms aimed at enhancing Border Governance, Improving Service Delivery, and leveraging technology to strengthen Migration Management. However, these reforms can only achieve their full impact 1when they are effectively communicated to the public. This underscores the vital role of our Public Relations Officers.
“As custodians of the Service’s image, you are expected to communicate with Professionalism, Integrity, Accuracy, and Responsibility. You must proactively tell the Service’s story, promote our achievements, manage crises effectively, and reinforce public confidence in our mandate.”
The NIS boss urged the 73 inductees to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training in their respective Commands and Formations.
“Let your certification translate into improved performance and more strategic engagement with our stakeholders.”
While admitting the personnel into the institute, President of the NIPR, Dr.
President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, charged the new inductees on the power of story telling about their organization and the nation, emphasizing the need for them to be proud of Nigeria.
“No foreigner comes into Nigeria without passing through you. That means we are the first image makers for anybody coming into this country.
“People judge Nigeria based on your interface with them once they come in. That is how important you are,” he said.
The NIPR president said beyond functioning as PROs the newly inducted officers had become ambassadors entrusted with carrying and projecting the mandate of both the Service and the nation.
He expressed confidence in the quality of training received by the officers, noting that they had been equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to discharge their responsibilities professionally.
Reminding them about the forthcoming global public relations event coming up in Nigeria later in the year, Dr. Neliaku said: “If people come from over 126 countries and they are not received well, being the first contact the foreigners will meet when they come, that will be a shame for the nation.
“So, I will say to you, be proud of yourself. Be proud of your profession. Be proud of your organization because God sent you there to provide a solution. Be proud of your country. On no account you should join those that says ‘Nigeria jagajaga.’
“I am speaking from experience because Nigeria is one of the best in the world, if it is not so Great Britain and other Nations won’t be coming here, though we have our challenges but the time has come to tell our stories and resist a story that bring us backward,” the NIPR President stated.
In his brief lecture, former Commissioner for Information in Adamawa state, Hamad Sajo told the officers that they need the NIPR training more than anybody because when a visitor is coming into the country they were the first visitors will meet.
While urging them to be patriotic, Sajo said unlike others that may be concern about the reputation of their organization alone, NIS Communication officers must protect image of Nigeria.
“My advise is that you must be patriotic. Apart from professionalism and excellence, you must add patriotism to it. Build trust because where there is no trust there is no progress and bears in. Mind that Public Relations is a leadership function and decision making.”
Also speaking, NIS Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi assured that the knowledge and insights acquired during the training would strengthen the officers’ capacity.
He urged participants to translate the lessons learnt during the programme into practical action by communicating the achievements, policies and operations of the Service with accuracy, integrity and responsibility.
“Let us continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, embrace innovation and remain committed to communicating the achievements, policies and operations of the Service with accuracy, integrity and responsibility,” he said