New PR Practitioners Charged To Resist Misinformation, Shun Unethical Practices
By Sunday Etuka
The President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, has charged newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.
Isiguzo spoke on Friday at the NIPR 2026 Second Quarter Induction Ceremony held in Abuja, where a new cohort of Public Relations Practitioners was formally admitted into the Institute before an audience of industry leaders, fellows, and communication sector stakeholders.
Drawing on his background as a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Isiguzo described journalism and Public Relations as natural partners in the pursuit of truth, accountability and national development.
He told the inductees that their credentials carried obligations that went beyond academic achievements.
“What is happening here today is a solemn initiation into a profession that sits at the heart of reputation management, trust-building, stakeholder engagement, and national development,” he said.“The society you are entering desperately needs communicators who can stand firmly for truth, credibility, transparency, and responsible engagement.”
On the dangers of unchecked influence, he was direct: “Influence without integrity is dangerous, and communication without ethics can be destructive. Therefore, let your practice be guided by honesty, professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to the public good,” he advised.
Isiguzo also addressed the impact of emerging technologies on the profession, urging practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence and digital media platforms as tools for innovation, while ensuring that ethical values remained non-negotiable.
“Communication professionals across Africa must continuously adapt to the rapidly evolving media and technology landscape without compromising the principles that define the profession,” he said.
The CAJ president commended NIPR’s President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and the Institute’s leadership for their commitment to professional excellence and strategic communication, describing NIPR as one of Africa’s leading bodies in the field.
He pledged that the Congress of African journalists would continue to work with NIPR on media literacy and anti-misinformation efforts across the continent.
“As President of the Congress of African Journalists, I assure you of our continued support and collaboration in advancing professional communication, combating misinformation, promoting media literacy, and fostering a more informed and enlightened society across Africa,” he said.
