CAJ President urges NIPR inductees to uphold integrity, combat misinformation

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, stressing that the future of credible communication depends on responsible practitioners.

Speaking at the NIPR 2026 Second Quarter Induction Ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, Isiguzo described public relations and journalism as natural partners in the pursuit of truth, accountability, and national development.

He noted that at a time when societies across the world are grappling with misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and declining public trust, the role of public relations professionals has become increasingly important.

“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 former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists congratulated the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and the institute’s leadership for their unwavering commitment to promoting professional excellence, ethical practice, and strategic communication in Nigeria and beyond.

Addressing the inductees, Isiguzo reminded them that their certificates represented more than academic qualifications, describing them as a covenant with professionalism, integrity, and service to society.

“The society you are entering desperately needs communicators who can stand firmly for truth, credibility, transparency, and responsible engagement,” he stated.

He warned against the abuse of influence and unethical communication, emphasizing that integrity remains the bedrock of effective public relations practice.

“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.

The veteran journalist further highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital media platforms, urging practitioners to embrace innovation while remaining firmly rooted in ethical values.

According to him, communication professionals across Africa must continuously adapt to the rapidly evolving media and technology landscape without compromising the principles that define the profession.

Isiguzo also commended NIPR for its growing influence and contributions to national discourse, professional development, and societal advancement, describing the institute as one of the continent’s leading professional bodies in strategic communication.

He pledged continued collaboration between the Congress of African Journalists and NIPR in promoting professional communication, media literacy, and efforts to combat misinformation across Africa.

“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.

The CAJ President urged the newly inducted practitioners to wear their membership with pride and responsibility, challenging them to become ambassadors of trust, credibility, and positive societal impact.

The induction ceremony attracted public relations professionals, industry leaders, fellows of the institute, and stakeholders from the communication sector who gathered to witness the formal admission of a new cohort of practitioners into the profession.