By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged professional organisations working in the information, communication and marketing ecosystem to come together and collaborate, taking full control of the sector to promote national development.
The President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at the public presentation of the book, “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing”, a publication of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Describing national development as a common interest among the NIPR, GOCOP, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and others, the NIPR boss remarked that each offers a unique service that adds value in raising the bar of nation-building, noting that the efforts of these bodies when put together result to higher value.
“This convergence, collaboration is what we preach at NIPR. Like the publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi said in the Foreword of the book, collaboration is the way to go. NIPR for instance is concerned about reputation and perception management, GOCOP focuses on online journalism, NIMN in interested about promoting the image of products and brand and same applies to other bodies”, he stated.
He highlighted that promotion of the Nigerian brand remains the core objective of these bodies, adding that the intention remains to ensure that the country grows better and remains exemplary among comity of nations in all ramifications.
Dr. Neliaku commended the leadership of GOCOP for coming up with the book which provides pertinent backgrounds on the evolution and frontiers of online journalism in Nigeria, applauding the Guild for preserving the monuments contained in the 11-chapter book.
“In addition, the book underscores the importance of self-regulation as a means of combating unethical practices among media profession. Another profound richness of the book is how it explores pertinent historical contexts on selected states in relation to the development of their digital communication and economy”, he added.
The President also challenged GOCOP members to at all times uphold the tenets of professionalism and sound ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties as players in the information sector.
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In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris lauded the digital media for playing key role in covering various demographies of media content consumers, serving as watchdog, calling on GOCOP to consistently promote truth and responsible communication
He expressed concern over the rising spate of fake news, misinformation and disinformation, describing them as threat to public peace, national security and democracy. “It is our collective responsibility to come together and fight these menace”, the Minister noted.
Earlier in her speech, the President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo reiterated the commitment of the Guild to ensure sanity in the online media space.
