Presidential Aide Embroiled in Controversy as Lack of Certification Revealed
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has found himself in the midst of a controversy after it was revealed that he lacks the necessary certification from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to hold his position. The NIPR, the regulatory body for public relations in Nigeria, stated that practicing public relations without the required certification and licensing is prohibited by law.
The controversy surrounding Ngelale intensified after a gaffe he made, causing embarrassment to the Tinubu administration. Ngelale claimed that President Tinubu was the first African leader to ring the NASDAQ closing bell at the United States stock exchange in New York. However, a fact-check proved this claim false, as former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kiwete rang the NASDAQ closing bell back in 2011. As a result, the State House had to retract Ngelale’s statement.
Prior to this incident, Ngelale had made another false claim, stating that the United Arab Emirates had lifted its visa ban on Nigerians following a meeting between President Tinubu and his UAE counterpart. These incidents led the NIPR to conduct a thorough check of its records, which revealed that Ngelale lacks the necessary certification to practice public relations in the country.
A member of the NIPR governing council expressed concerns about Ngelale’s suitability for his position in the Tinubu Presidency, given his lack of formal PR training and certification. According to the council member, one can be a talented writer, broadcaster, or journalist, but practicing public relations requires specific knowledge and qualifications. The NIPR act even stipulates punishment, including imprisonment and fines, for illegal practice.
Ajuri Ngelale, born in 1986, is a Nigerian broadcast journalist who previously served as the senior special adviser on public affairs to former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also held the position of co-principal spokesperson of Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign council for the 2023 presidential elections. Ngelale’s experience includes working as a senior reporter and presenter at Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television.
The revelation of Ngelale’s lack of certification has raised questions about the hiring process and the qualifications of individuals serving in key positions within the government. It remains to be seen how the Tinubu administration will address this controversy and whether Ngelale will continue in his role as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
The NIPR’s findings serve as a reminder of the importance of proper certification and adherence to regulations in the field of public relations. As Nigeria’s regulatory body, the NIPR plays a crucial role in maintaining professional standards and ensuring that practitioners have the necessary skills and qualifications to carry out their roles effectively.
In conclusion, the lack of certification by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has ignited a controversy surrounding his suitability for the job. The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) revealed that Ngelale does not possess the required certification to practice public relations in Nigeria. This discovery has raised concerns about the hiring process and the qualifications of individuals in important government positions. The NIPR serves as a reminder of the significance of proper certification and adherence to regulations in the field of public relations.
