The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed concern over the growing presence of unlicensed individuals in the public relations profession, warning that their activities are damaging the profession’s reputation and creating false impressions about its role.

The Chairman of the NIPR Rivers State Chapter, Rev. Francis Asuk, made the remarks on Thursday during the 2026 World Public Relations Day celebration held in partnership with Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.

Asuk said the increasing involvement of unqualified practitioners in public relations was responsible for widespread misconceptions about the profession, stressing that only licensed members of the institute are legally recognised to offer professional public relations services to organisations and government institutions.

He urged aspiring communication professionals to obtain the appropriate certification through the institute before practising.

According to him, individuals who are not registered members of the NIPR lack the legal authority to practise public relations, adding that the institute has established a structured platform that enables professionals to register, receive relevant training and operate within approved ethical and professional standards.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “The Golden Age of Strategic Public Relations,” Asuk said the focus reflects the increasing significance of strategic communication in tackling today’s social, political, economic and developmental issues.

He noted that public relations has grown beyond its traditional publicity role to become a strategic management function responsible for building trust, influencing public perception, strengthening institutions and sustaining productive relationships between organisations and their stakeholders.

Asuk further stated that strategic public relations remains vital to Nigeria’s development, explaining that effective communication enhances transparency, strengthens public confidence and encourages citizen participation in governance.

He added that governments, businesses and institutions operating in today’s rapidly changing communication landscape require strategic public relations to manage reputation, resolve conflicts, promote inclusiveness and deepen democratic governance.

The Rivers NIPR chairman also challenged practitioners across Rivers State and the Niger Delta to help close information gaps, encourage constructive dialogue, build stakeholder consensus and support initiatives that promote peace, investment and sustainable development.

In his keynote address, Professor Kenneth Nweke of the Department of Political Science at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education said the 2026 theme reflects the profession’s transition from its traditional emphasis on event management and media relations to a stronger focus on transparent and effective communication in the digital era.

Nweke maintained that modern public relations should prioritise building trust in government, leadership and the business environment. He also decried what he described as leadership and followership deficiencies in Nigeria, urging governments to engage qualified communication professionals instead of opportunists.

In a goodwill message, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, described the theme as further evidence that public relations has evolved into a strategic function at the highest levels of governance and institutional leadership.

According to him, public relations practitioners now serve as boardroom advisers, reputation managers and custodians of institutional credibility, influencing decision-making at the highest levels. He urged professionals in the field to uphold integrity and continue building trust-based relationships in support of national development.

Also speaking, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchuku, represented by the institution’s Registrar, Dr Chinonye Ajie, applauded the NIPR for hosting the event at the university and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting the institute’s programmes.