The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 540 new members in a Special Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Induction organized for Media and Allied Practitioners, held at Sangria Hotel Abuja on 11 July 2024. Also honoured at the ceremony were the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with the Diamond Award of Excellence in Professional Compliance and its spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who received the Diamond Award of Excellence in Professional Service. In his remarks at the ceremony, NIPR President, Mr Ike Neliaku, expressed gratitude to the NAF for its remarkable service to the nation, highlighting that the award was in recognition of NAF’s adherence to the constitutional provisions of Decree 16 of June 1990, now known as the NIPR Act. He then noted that organizations like the NAF have been instrumental in enabling the NIPR fulfill its mandate to regulate and control the practice of public relations in Nigeria, promote professional standards and development, and ensure that practitioners maintain ethical conduct. He then commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for providing the resources and an enabling environment for NAF PR Department to thrive and excel. Mr Neliaku also praised the NAF Spokesman for his professionalism and tact in managing the image of the NAF, especially during crisis situations. ‘We are proud of your professionalism and happy with your efforts at managing the image of a very important arm of government like the NAF. Please keep it up,’ he said. 

Speaking as a member of the NIPR Act Enforcement and Compliance Committee, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet noted that many individuals and organizations have a poor notion of what PR really represents. According to him, PR goes beyond merely being eloquent or having the mastery of public speaking. Instead, he went on, PR is all about perception, strategy, tact and being able to know when and how to effectively communicate with the general public. Speaking further, Gabkwet emphasized the need for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of Government to comply with Act to foster professionalism and mitigate the projection of unqualified individuals into the PR profession. ‘The consequences of projecting a nonprofessional as an image maker of any organization could have negative consequences and at times far reaching outcomes on Nigeria’s national security,’ he added. He then concluded that effectively communicating with the general public can only be better handled by trained professionals saddled with ensuring the integrity and efficacy of Public Relations practices. AVM Gabkwet also thanked the Chief of the Air Staff for entrusting the management of NAF’s image to him and his team of officers, airmen/airmen and civilian staff, who are all members of NIPR. 

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Sagir Musa Ahmed, former Ministers of Information Labaran Maku, Lai Mohammad, Frank Nweke Jnr and Chief Chukwuemeka Chikelu, alongside the institution's Governing Council and other notable dignitaries.