Nigerian Immigration Service Trains and Certifies New Public Relations Officers
In a significant step towards enhancing public communications, seventy-three Public Relations Officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service have successfully completed their training and certification program at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. The graduation took place at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, marking a pivotal moment as these officers transition into professional roles within the Institute.
Institutionalizing Strategic Communication
DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Immigration Service, shared this development on Saturday, emphasizing that the appointments reflect the military’s commitment to institutionalizing strategic communication and professionalizing the public affairs sector in alignment with its comprehensive reform agenda.
High Standards of Professionalism Advocated
During the ceremony, FU Nwaneka, Deputy Commissioner for Visas and Immigration, addressed the newly appointed officers on behalf of Immigration Commissioner Kemi Nandap. She called upon them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism as they fulfill their duties, highlighting the importance of managing public perceptions, countering misinformation, and responding effectively to crises to bolster public trust.
Partnership with NIPR Praised
Nwaneka also commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for its partnership with the Nigerian Immigration Service. This collaboration aims to enhance professionalism and improve public relations practices within the agency, aligning with broader technological reforms in immigration and border management.
Ethical Responsibilities Underlined
Dr. Ike Neriak, the President of NIPR and Chair of the Board of Trustees, addressed the event, formally welcoming the new participants. He emphasized the ethical responsibilities associated with their newly attained roles and urged them to prioritize ethics, professionalism, and continuous learning, which are essential tenets of the public relations discipline.
Commitment to Capacity Building Acknowledged
In his concluding remarks, Akinlabi reiterated that this training initiative symbolizes the Comptroller General’s steadfast dedication to building capacity and standardizing public relations practices throughout the Nigerian Immigration Service. The initiative aims to cultivate a proficient body of communication professionals adept at engaging with the public and supporting institutional reforms.
Encouragement for Practical Application
Akinlabi also encouraged the officers to apply their acquired knowledge in practical scenarios, suggesting that such application will further enhance the department’s commitment to effective public engagement. The Nigerian Immigration Service asserts that the successful completion of this training program underscores its dedication to the continuous professional development of its workforce through strategic partnerships and targeted training initiatives focused on enhancing migration and border management capabilities.
