Effective Leadership: NIPR Optimistic of Better Future for Nigeria
...As Institute Welcomes 415 New Members
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) says a brighter future hovers around Nigeria in its quest to deepen effective leadership as the successor generation is optimistic of showing strength where the current generation has demonstrated weakness.
Citing a part of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer which places Nigeria on a high trust band in ‘Compared to today, the next generation will be better off’, with 65%, behind only Saudi Arabia worldwide, the Institute says this is an endorsement that Nigeria has a strong and bright future imbued in the next generation, which constitutes over 65% of the nation's total population.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the 2nd Quarter Induction of new members, the President, Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku stressed that time has come for public relations professionals to utilise their skills, knowledge and talent to build confidence and restore hope to citizens as against purveying destructive criticism.
Highlighting further on Nigeria's next generation rating by the Edelman Trust Barometer, Dr. Neliaku said the report by Edelman, the number one public relations agency in the world owned by a US national, Richard Edelman has every element of trust and must be taken with every seriousness through investment on younger generation of leaders.
"It is, therefore, a no-brainer to emphasise that the way to go to secure the future of Nigeria is in heavy, deliberate investments in the growth, grooming and raising of a credible successor generation of young Nigerians, who would be well placed and better prepared to lead a future full of prosperity and progress for the nation!" he said.
While receiving the 415 new members of NIPR, Dr. Neliaku challenged them to embrace public relations as a leadership tool necessary to advance influence, understanding, trust, and engagement.
"Globally, the world needs leadership that can bridge differences, promote understanding, and inspire collective action in an increasingly complex global environment.
"This is why I believe strongly that, Public Relations practitioners and professionals have a critical role to play. As professionals, we are trained to create understanding where there is confusion, build relationships where there is division, and forge consensus where there are competing interests.
"In Nigeria, Public Relations must help strengthen governance, deepen citizen engagement, build confidence in our institutions, and shape a new national narrative. A narrative that builds trust, inspires hope, awakens patriotism, strengthens unity, and promotes social justice. A narrative that gives dignity to the citizens, in which young people will be proud to associate with," the NIPR boss stated.
