CAJ President Urges New NIPR Members to Uphold Integrity, Fight Fake News

Livinus Chibuike June 28, 2026

President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, has urged newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to uphold professionalism, integrity and ethical standards, saying responsible communication is essential to rebuilding public trust.

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

He said communication professionals now have a greater responsibility as societies continue to battle misinformation, disinformation and fake news, warning that unethical communication could undermine public confidence.

“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 (NUJ) congratulated the NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and the institute’s leadership for their commitment to promoting ethical practice and professional excellence.

Addressing the new members, Isiguzo reminded them that becoming members of the institute comes with enormous responsibility.

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

He warned practitioners against abusing their influence, stressing that integrity remains the foundation of effective public relations.

“Influence without integrity is dangerous, and communication without ethics can be destructive. Let your practice be guided by honesty, professionalism, empathy and a commitment to the public good,” he advised.

Isiguzo also urged communication professionals to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital media, while remaining committed to ethical values. He said practitioners across Africa must adapt to the changing media landscape without compromising professional standards.

The CAJ President commended NIPR for its growing contributions to strategic communication and national development and pledged continued collaboration between the Congress of African Journalists and the institute to promote media literacy and combat misinformation across the continent.

The induction ceremony brought together public relations professionals, industry leaders, fellows of the institute and other stakeholders to witness the admission of a new batch of members into the profession.