The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has received accolades from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, for upholding the tenets of the public relations practice.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the commendations were contained in a letter from the National President and Chairman of the Council, dated 27 April, 2022, received from its Abuja Chapter and signed by the chapter Chairperson, Mrs. Maryam M. Sanusi.
TheFact Nigeria notes that the Police Chief was commended specifically for approving the re-appointment of the former Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, on assumption of duty as the 21st Indigenous IGP, and the appointment of his successor, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who are both members of the NIPR and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).
These, according to the PR experts, are in line with the provisions of the NIPR Act CAP N114, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, that only qualified and certified members of the Institute shall be appointed spokespersons of organizations in both private and public sectors.
IGP Baba was also commended by the Council for the establishment of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, which will soon be commissioned.
“His zeal towards public relations development in the Police and nationwide cannot be overemphasized”, the letter read in part.
The Council further assured the IGP of their readiness to partner with, and offer professional assistance, where necessary, to the Force Public Relations Officer towards achieving the set organizational goals of the Force.
The professional body decried the gross violation of its Act by some Institutions and Agencies who appoint public relations officers who are not NIPR certified.
They averred that the Inspector-General of Police however, has constantly emphasized the commitment of his administration to absolute compliance with the extant laws of the land.
He reiterated his policy of putting round pegs in round holes, a basis for resounding success in every sphere of the police, especially in specialized sections such as Accounts, Medica
l, Airwing, Engineering, ICT and others.
