The Presidency has pledged its support for the forthcoming Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
The conference, being organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), is expected to bring together about 3,000 delegates from 126 countries.
Themed “Deepening Responsible Communications,” the forum will focus on issues surrounding public relations, strategic communication and the role of responsible communication in shaping public discourse.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance when he received members of the WPRF Abuja 2026 Planning Committee at the State House in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku.
Onanuga expressed satisfaction that Nigeria would host the international gathering, urging Nigerians to use the opportunity to project a positive image of the country.
He expressed concern over what he described as negative portrayals of Nigeria in some quarters, saying the conference could provide an opportunity to correct misconceptions about the country.
“You see, as a Nigerian, I always feel very odd when you read online the kind of things our people put out in the public space. They say negative things about this country. This is a great opportunity for us to correct those things of concern to people. For me, I’ve seen the conference as something that will be good for our country, and it should be supported,” he said.
NIGERIA FIRST AFRICAN HOST
Neliaku said Nigeria was the first African country to secure the hosting rights for the World Public Relations Forum.
He said countries including Mexico, India and Germany had previously hosted the global event.
According to him, a major feature of the Abuja conference would be the signing of an accord known as the “Abuja Declaration” by participating delegates.
Neliaku also disclosed that Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema would deliver the keynote address, while President Tinubu would receive a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms during the event.
Chairman of the WPRF Abuja 2026 Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said preparations for the conference were progressing, noting that the committee was working with media organisations and security agencies to ensure a successful event.
Another member of the planning committee and Director-General of Strategic Communications to the Nasarawa State Government, Yakubu Lamai, said Nasarawa State was building a world-class Public Relations University as part of efforts to strengthen confidence among international partners.
Also speaking, renowned broadcaster and member of the delegation, Moji Makanjuola, said the conference would be gender-inclusive, with women and persons with disabilities expected to be adequately represented.
Makanjuola appealed for the support of the Presidency, stressing that Nigeria must be prepared to welcome delegates from across the world.
“We have to be ready as Nigerians to receive the world; it is a Nigerian thing, it is not for the Ministry,” she said.
The World Public Relations Forum is expected to bring together public relations practitioners, communication experts, policymakers and other stakeholders from around the world for discussions on responsible communication and the future of the profession.
