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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria has officially kicked off preparations to host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026, the largest global gathering of communication professionals, with a national unveiling ceremony held on Monday in Abuja.
The event signaled the launch of Nigeria’s extensive campaign and promotional drive for the historic forum scheduled for November 2026.
President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, described the World PR Forum as “the World Cup of Public Relations.” He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to welcome delegates from 126 countries under the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). According to him, the forum offers a rare platform for Nigeria to narrate its own story, showcasing its cultural, intellectual, and professional excellence on a global stage.
“The World PR Forum will bring together communication professionals, academics, and policymakers from across continents. This is our time to show the world the authentic Nigeria — creative, resilient, and responsible,” Neliaku stated.
Hosting both this global event and the 2026 Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference positions Nigeria as Africa’s communication hub, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation in strategic communication and reputation management.
Expressing gratitude to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Neliaku credited the minister’s persistent support as instrumental in securing Nigeria’s hosting rights.
He noted, “This event is more than a celebration for public relations professionals; it is a national project that gives us the chance to present Nigeria in its true image before the international community.”
The global unveiling of the WPRF 2026 will take place next month in Dubai to raise international awareness about the forum in Abuja. “Everyone wants to come to Nigeria,” he declared confidently. “We are set to host the biggest, brightest, and boldest World Public Relations Forum ever held. We are going to do what other past hosts haven’t done.”
Neliaku, told newsmen that following Nigeria’s national and continental unveilings of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026, the next step is the global unveiling in Dubai. This international event, led by Professor Justin Green, President of Global Alliance, will be the start of a worldwide series of unveilings across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, including planned ceremonies in Zambia and Kenya.
Neliaku stressed Nigeria’s strong dedication to making the 2026 forum the “biggest, the brightest, and the boldest” ever, highlighting the competitive process by which Nigeria secured the hosting rights against other nations. He said over 126 countries will participate, bringing unmatched opportunities to position Nigeria on the global communication map with immense reputation value.
He projected that about 3,000 delegates will attend, ensuring the forum’s impact is invaluable and expansive. Dr. Neliaku stressed the theme of responsible communication, urging politicians to campaign ethically and responsibly since communication shapes public life.
“Responsible communication is the voice of the world,” he said, noting that elections are not everyday events, so it is crucial to harness this platform’s global insights and apply them to Nigeria’s context.
Reflecting on the significance of hosting the event, he expressed pride in Nigeria and encouraged nationwide support, acknowledging the country’s challenges but underscoring the importance of managing them through responsible communication. He concluded that Nigeria is prepared to deliver a landmark event that leverages global collaboration for the nation’s advancement in the communications sector.
In his keynote address, Idris described hosting the forum as both an honour and a call to higher standards. He expressed that the event presents Nigeria with a global platform to exhibit its diversity, creativity, and communicative strength, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of restoring trust between government and citizens while promoting a positive national identity through truth and professionalism.
Idris underscored the importance of responsible communication in an age marked by disinformation and polarization, calling on PR practitioners to lead global conversations on ethical communication, truth advocacy, and public accountability.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, pledged full aviation sector support, promising that airports and entry points will warmly receive international delegates with a dedicated Passenger, Baggage, and Immigration Bureau (PBIB) to enhance their experience. He humorously acknowledged the communication prowess of PR professionals, characterizing his role as supportive in ensuring a successful event.
Keyamo also unveiled the theme song for the WPRF 2026, an emblematic moment in Nigeria’s preparations to become the premier destination for global PR professionals.
Vice President of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication, Silvia Arto, joining virtually, hailed the forum as a historic first-time event in Africa, symbolizing the continent’s growing influence in global communications and celebrating its creativity, diversity, and hospitality. She warmly invited communicators worldwide to Abuja to participate in this landmark forum focused on driving positive impact, fostering responsible leadership, and building inclusive communities.
Highlighting inclusivity, disability rights activist Lois Auta thanked NIPR for incorporating issues of persons with disabilities into the forum. She invoked the “three Vs”—voice, vision, and value—as foundational in public life and stressed the importance of disability, inclusion, and publicity (the popular D&E model) within public relations. Auta emphasised the critical need for accessibility and inclusivity in digital media tools, including artificial intelligence, to ensure vulnerable groups’ voices are fully captured in this historic event.
Several dignitaries commended Nigeria’s readiness and infrastructure for the event. Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and prominent figures like Osita Izunaso called for improvements to Nigeria’s physical landscape, including urgent renovations to the Federal Secretariat near Eagle Square and reform in airport immigration personnel’s conduct, which they argued is essential for projecting a positive image to international visitors.
Traditional leader Yahaya Abubakar expressed dedicated traditional institution support, promising unyielding collaboration to achieve a successful forum and urged early and thorough planning to ensure the event’s success. “We will be there 24-7, offering full support until the day comes,” he said.
A highlight of the unveiling ceremony was the official announcement of the legendary Nigerian musician 2baba as the Music Ambassador for WPRF Abuja 2026. This appointment symbolizes Nigeria’s vibrant cultural and artistic heritage within the forum. Known globally for his hit African Queen, 2baba will help represent Nigeria’s creative dynamism in the public relations realm.
