By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to institute the culture of reputation building and management for the nation in its professional conduct.

The President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, made the call in his remarks at the 70th Anniversary Gala/Award Night and Book Presentation of the NUJ in Abuja.

According to him, the NIPR is proud to be identified with the NUJ in the celebration of the milestone achievement.

He commended the President of the Union, Alhassan Yahya, for bringing past national leaders of the NUJ to celebrate its 70th Anniversary.

“I see three things about the NUJ, which include the journey of responsibility from 1955 for the liberty of Nigeria and today we are celebrating that freedom. I also see the story of relevance, and story of resilience.

“I would like you to please consider the element of reputation; reputation is the core asset of every individual, organisation and nation.

“At a time like this, when some people are dishing out narratives to suit themselves,  we must say no and begin to tell our stories in our own way.

“The NUJ has a critical role to play in this project. And that is why we are partnering with the union to man the reputation gate for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Though it is what you say that they believe, sometimes you have to do it in the way that it will tell our own stories because we have so many stories to tell about the goodness of this nation,” Neliaku said.

He reiterated the need to ensure that the reputation of Nigeria should be the focus of reportage in the media space. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola