Executive Director of Real Lens Digital Ltd and publisher of lens.ng, Shafihi Abdulrasheed Oladimeji, was on Friday inducted as an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations alongside 421 other professionals.
Abdulrasheed, a recognized fine writer with a razor-sharp brain in strategic planning, has built his reputation helping individuals, organizations, and government establishments achieve their goals and mandates through effective communication strategies.
The induction ceremony, held in Abuja, saw the NIPR caution new members against deploying their skills to manipulate public perception but focus on strategic execution of tasks which must reflect professionalism.
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Abdulrasheed, whose media outfit specializes in PR, media consultancy, training, printing, branding, and news publication, joins the ranks of certified public relations practitioners in Nigeria. His strategic acumen and writing expertise position him as a valuable addition to Nigeria’s certified PR community.
During the ceremony, NIPR National President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, reminded inductees that membership was not a licence for manipulation but a commitment to uphold trust and integrity in public communication.
“I am calling you guardians of trust in this distracted era. We are certainly in a distracted era in the globe, not just in Nigeria,” Neliaku told the new associates.
He warned that the nation faces challenges and urged the inductees to use their professional skills responsibly and to serve humanity.
“You have taken a responsibility to stand tall as professionals who must use communication and our membership to good use, not for manipulation,” the NIPR president emphasized.
Neliaku described the new members as custodians of truth and interpreters of perception, stressing their role in rebuilding public trust.
“At a time like this, when values are collapsing, when nobody is sure of who to trust, you must make yourselves examples that trust still counts,” he said.
He also warned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies against engaging uncertified practitioners, noting that sanctions would follow such infractions.
Jibrin Ndace, Director-General Voice of Nigeria, urged the inductees to use their platforms to reshape Nigeria’s narrative globally and counter negative portrayals.
“We must be very deliberate and intentional about telling our own story, because others are busy telling theirs,” Ndace stated.
He emphasized the thin line between criticism and condemnation, warning against actions that could damage Nigeria’s global image.
The NIPR, established by Decree No. 16 of 1990 (now an Act), serves as the sole regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria.
The institute has consistently raised concerns about quacks managing public communication for government institutions and political figures.
