NIPR Holds Conference to Prepare Hospitality Stakeholders Ahead of WPRF
As the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) Abuja 2026 draws nearer, the Host Institute, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has organised a one-day conference which brought together top executives of hotels and other hospitality companies in the nation's capital Abuja.
At the heart of the gathering was to prepare stakeholders in the hospitality industry and equip them with the needed skills to deliver excellent services as Nigeria is set to play host to over 126 countries, from 15th — 22nd November, 2026 WPRF.
Addressing the participants, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku urged them to take advantage of the week-long event to make impact and leave a lasting impression in the minds delegates coming to Nigeria for the Forum.
"When you host someone for one day, you can make a lot of impact, let alone one week. By the time this Forum is over, you have cemented a relationship with them and the impression you leave them with is what will tell them the story of Nigeria, not the one we tell them with words of mouth", he stated.
The delegates made up of advisers of big corporations and governments, according to Dr. Neliaku, have the capacity to redefine impression about Nigeria, appealing to the hospitality managers to maximise the advantage.
In his address, the Chairman of National Planning Committee of WPRF, Dr. Suleiman Haruna stressed that the event offers Nigeria the opportunity to showcase its professional capacity, hospitality, cultural richness, organisational competence and investment potential in the comity of nations, adding that selected hotels are in a position to demonstrate that Abuja can deliver the quality of accommodation and service expected at such major international Forum.
"A delegate's experience begins long before the opening ceremony and continues after the day's sessions have ended. The quality of accommodation, reception, meals, housekeeping, internet access, transportation coordination and staff interactions will influence how delegates assess the event.
"A single poor experience can overshadow several successful conference sessions, while exceptional service can become a lasting positive memory. Every member of hotel staff, from the general manager to the receptionist, concierge, security officer, cleaner, restaurant attendant and driver, has a role in shaping Nigeria's image", Dr. Haruna noted.
Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, Chairman of FCT Chapter of NIPR, the Host Chapter, informed that the WPRF serves as a big platform to retell the story of Nigeria, highlighting that the hospitality industry will play a vital role in boosting the experiences of over 3,000 delegates expected at the Forum.
The CEO Right Angle PR, Mrs. Oge Neliaku urged hotels chosen as partners for the Forum to deploy their very best in terms of manpower and equipment and leave no chances in ensuring that the hospitality culture Nigeria is known for is demonstrated throughout the global event.
With the theme, "Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World", the WPRF will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, with the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as the Chief Host, while his Zambia counterpart, His Excellency, Hakainde Hichilema will deliver the Keynote Address.
