The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Imo State chapter, has cautioned non registered members who are still operating as public relations officers in various government agencies, corporate organizations and schools, advising them to formerly register their membership to avoid sanction or being discredited.
The group gave the warning in a release issued by NIPR Chairman, Ever Bezze Nwosu, Secretary, Dr. Nnaemeka Ijioma and Public Relations Executive,
Comr. Destiny Akunesi and made available to newsmen after a meeting held at Legend Hotels, Owerri last week.
According to the group, “NIPR, Imo State chapter, has observed with dismay the use of non registered members of NIPR as Public Relations Officers (PRO) by some government agencies, corporate organisations, schools and other establishments in the state.
NIPR advises them to desist from such unlawful act”.
They noted that NIPR was established in 1963 having “attained the status of a Chartered Institute in June 1990 through Decree No. 16 (now an Act of the National Assembly) from which it derives the power and responsibility to register members, set parameters of knowledge to acquire to qualify to practise, regulate the practice, development of the PR Profession, as well monitor professional conducts through an established Code of Ethics, among others.
As it is the practice with respectable professional organisations everywhere, the law stipulates standard academic and professional qualifications for admission into the institute”.
The group said “NIPR is giving such persons three months from the date of this Press Release to desist from such act and consult the institute to enable it do the needful for their own interest”.
Therefore, NIPR urges government agencies, corporate organisations, schools and any establishment who want to employ a Public Relations Officer in the state to make sure the person is a certified member of NIPR.
