Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commended the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, for elevating public relations to a directorate cadre.
The NIPR also lauded the security organisation for appointing a certified member of the institute Dr. Peter Afunanya, as the pioneer Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the Service.
In a letter of commendation dated September 28, 2023 and signed by the NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, the institute said the DG’s bold and strategic initiative will further reposition the DSS for optimal value delivery to all stakeholders.
Neliaku stated that the institute recognises the premium that the DSS places on citizens engagement, noting that Bichi understands the value of public relations as a management function.
On the import of the new development at the DSS, the NIPR President said, “Both decisions project you as an administrator who knows the value of reputation in nation building and development, and more importantly, as a law abiding leader.
“Your action has placed your organisation among the few government agencies that comply with the provisions of the Act of National Assembly that established the NIPR in 2004, which prohibits quacks from practicing public relations in whatever name or form without certification and licensing by the Institute,” he said.
