By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, (CGI), Kemi Nanna Nandap, has urged 73 newly inducted Public Relations Officers (PROs) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to actively counter misinformation about the Service.
This was contained in a press release, e-signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, Service PRO, NIS Headquarters, Abuja, Saturday.
Speaking through DCG Visa and Residency, FU Nwanneka, the CGI said the officers must be at the forefront of correcting false narratives and protecting the image of the Service. The charge was given during their induction into Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Saturday at the Service Headquarters, Abuja.
The induction followed the successful completion of the NIPR Training and Certification Programme. According to a press release e-signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, Service PRO, the exercise is part of NIS’s commitment to institutionalizing strategic communication.
DCG Nwanneka tasked the officers to respond effectively to crises and manage public perception proactively. She noted that in today’s digital age, misinformation can spread faster than facts and damage public confidence.
She also charged them to strengthen public trust as the Service implements technology-driven reforms in Migration Management and Border Governance.
The CGI commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for partnering with NIS to professionalize and deepen the practice of Public Relations within the Service.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, formally inducted the 73 officers. He described them as critical stakeholders in national security communication.
In his address, Dr. Neliaku enjoined the inductees to uphold ethics, professionalism, and continuous learning. He said PR practitioners must be strategic, truthful, and timely in their engagements.
The Service PRO, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, anipr, in his closing remarks, highlighted the CGI’s resolve to standardize Public Relations practice within NIS. He thanked NIPR and all stakeholders for their support in making the programme successful.
He added that the successful completion of the training and induction demonstrates the Service’s commitment to continuous professional development, through strategic partnerships and specialized programmes that project its core mandates of Migration Management and Border Governance.
