NIPR Inducts 190 LASG Public Affairs Officers
Adewusi Yinka
Over 190 public affairs officers in the Civil Service were inducted as members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations today, just as the Lagos State Government restated its commitment to a professional, motivated and disciplined workforce for the attainment of its T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs. Omobolanle Ogunmola expressed the commitment while addressing the inductees at the Eko FM Multi-Purpose Hall in Agidingbi, Ikeja.
Ogunmola noted that the induction is another high point of government’s commitment, reflecting the thinking and importance attached to professionalism by the Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
According to her “for the State Governor to commit huge resources into making this a reality speaks volumes to the importance which this administration attaches to professionalism of its workforce and to the management of information in general.”
The Permanent Secretary added that it is the desire of the government that all public affairs officers in its employment are professionally certified.
While craving the cooperation of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in championing mental reorientation among the citizenry, Ogunmola also sought an enduring partnership and understanding with the State Government.
Also speaking at the event, the President/Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo enjoined the new members to always strengthen themselves by acquiring more knowledge for optimum performance.
He maintained that as public relations practitioners, the inductees must always desire to learn new ideas and techniques in order to improve their performance.
“You cannot use the knowledge of yesterday to solve today’s problem. Therefore, you must always strive to learn new things and improve yourselves,” Sirajo said.
He noted that the core of public relations is relationship building, advising members of the Institute to ensure that they help in solving the problems of the Nation.
Presenting the induction orientation lecture, a former President of the Institute, Dr. Rotimi Oladele enjoined new members to take self- development seriously, noting that no ceiling is unbreakable.
Oladele emphasised the importance of compliance with the ethics, rules and regulations guiding the profession, saying that adherence to standards breeds competence and integrity.
All newly inducted members were presented membership certificates during the colourful event.