Abuja: The Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, has urged newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to always tell Chief Executive Officers the truth when offering critical advice. Ali gave the advice while delivering an induction orientation lecture at the 2026 Quarter Induction Ceremony organised by the NIPR in Abuja on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ali implored the new practitioners to be courageous and committed to professional ethics, emphasizing that public relations practitioners must provide honest and informed counsel to their organisations. The NAN boss advised the inductees not to allow the fear of losing their jobs to prevent them from expressing their professional opinions, highlighting the importance of basing their contributions on facts, knowledge, and professional integrity.
Ali further elaborated on the role of PR practitioners, particularly those managing politicians as reputation managers, stressing the need to know their audience well and to be conversant with current governmental issues. He encouraged PR practitioners to resist being ‘yes’ individuals and to speak truth to power as a means to earn respect. Special emphasis was placed on female PR practitioners to resist the temptation to become ‘yes women’ but instead contribute honestly at the highest levels of their organisations.
He underscored the necessity for practitioners to offer independent and informed advice, as this was crucial for building credibility and earning respect from organisational leaders. He warned against opinions influenced by personal interests, rumours, or inadequate information, and urged the inductees to actively participate in management discussions to influence decisions that could affect their organisations’ reputations.
Ali also emphasized the importance of building strong professional relationships with colleagues, journalists, and other stakeholders, as these relationships become crucial during crises. He noted the vital role journalists play in reputation management and crisis communication and urged practitioners to maintain cordial media relations.
The NAN boss also highlighted the evolving media landscape, stressing the need for continuous professional development and proficiency in contemporary communication tools and platforms. He asserted that public relations should be an integral part of organisational management and decision-making processes due to its significant role in guiding public perception.
Sharing his personal experiences, Ali illustrated the importance of divergent opinions in decision-making, especially in political environments. He encouraged the inductees to uphold integrity, professionalism, and courage as they embarked on their public relations careers.
Following Ali’s address, Dr. Ike Neliaku, National President and Chairman of the NIPR Governing Council, emphasized the role of public relations practitioners in nation-building, urging them to demonstrate value, competence, and patriotism in their work. Neliaku encouraged the new inductees to combat negative narratives about Nigeria, highlighting the country’s rich resources and ethnic diversity as assets for unity.
In conclusion, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association, praised the NIPR as a pioneer professional public relations institute in Africa. He advised the inductees to take their professional responsibilities seriously and use communication as a tool for building trust between institutions and the public.