WPRF Opportunity to Put Nigeria on Global Communication Space — NIPR
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) says the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) taking place in the country November 2026 comes with numerous values for Nigeria as it among other things presents opportunity to put the nation in global communication space.
President, Chairman of Council of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku who stated this in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025 at the national unveiling of WPRF, which sets the tune for commencement of registration for the programme said it is an opportunity the country will not take for granted but make optimum use of it.
This is the second time the Forum, an annual programme of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management will take place in Africa after it was first hosted by South Africa in 2007. Delegates congregate from across 120 countries who are members of Global Alliance to deliberate on issues of global importance.
"We are serious as a nation. We want this to be the biggest, brightest and boldest WPRF because we understand the opportunities that come with it. Having 126 countries converge in our nation to discuss peculiar issues come with reputational value, which is biggest of it all, then professional and financial values.
"In all ways, it is usually competitive to host such an event and it was very competitive for us. It didn't come just like that, because of what it comes with. The delegates are important individuals who advise presidents, advise governors, ministers and large corporations. It's something you cannot quantify the value", he noted.
Fielding questions on why the Forum is important ahead of the country's 2027 election, Dr. Neliaku noted that it will advance the conversations on why responsible communication culture should be deeply imbibed among the political class and their supporters.
"As they campaign, they must campaign responsibly, as they seek votes, they should seek responsibly, as they cajole, they must cajole responsibly. Whatever they are going to do, they should do it responsibly, because that is the voice of the world", he stated.
The NIPR boss expressed hope that the federal government of Nigeria will give its full backing to ensure that the country hosts the world in November 2026 in a way that shores up the nation's reputation as a hospitable people.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris while applauding the theme of WPRF Abuja 2026 — “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World” noted that responsible communication hinges on truth, empathy, and service to the public good.
While reiterating the readiness of the federal government to rebuild trust with the people through openness, engagement, and shared purpose, the Minister said communication is the lifeblood of that trust.
"As host of the World Public Relations Forum 2026, Nigeria is assuming a leadership role on the global stage of professional communication. We are a country of over 200 million voices—diverse, dynamic, and deeply expressive.
"Our democracy thrives on dialogue, and under President Tinubu’s administration, communication is being repositioned as a tool for unity, accountability, and nation-building. Through the National Orientation Policy, the Open Government Communication Framework, and the strengthening of government information institutions, we are promoting a culture of truthful governance narratives and citizen inclusion.
"The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda—to restore confidence, rebuild values, and reconnect the people to their government through clarity, transparency, and hope-driven communication", he stated.
While emphasizing that the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in Abuja is an opportunity to present Nigeria as a model of transformation through communication, the Minister called for synergy to raise a voice of responsibility that heals divisions, inspires hope, and drives development.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo assured that delegates coming into the country for the Forum in 2026 will enjoy a more enhanced services at the international airports across the country as plans are ongoing to set up a VVIP department.
On his own, the Chairman Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso a Fellow of NIPR assured the willingness of the National Assembly to support the WPRF as well as deploying the instrument of the legislature to raise the bar of responsible communication in the country.
