NIPR Extols DSS on Compliance

Congratulates Peter Afunanya as Pioneer Director of PR

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commended the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Alh. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for elevating Public Relations to a Directorate cadre, and 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 28th September, 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”.

In the same vein, the Institute in a separate letter, congratulated the new Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya on his appointment and assured him of the Institute’s support in his new assignment.

It could be recalled that the DSS was among key government agencies that partnered with the NIPR on the “Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security”.