WPRF 2026: NIGERIA READY TO SHOWCASE ITS GROWING GLOBAL INFLUENCE, SAYS INFORMATION MINISTER

FMINO PRESS RELEASE

WPRF 2026: NIGERIA READY TO SHOWCASE ITS GROWING GLOBAL INFLUENCE, SAYS INFORMATION MINISTER

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, of the Federal Government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.

Idris gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when he received the two public relations leaders on a courtesy visit ahead of the November forum. He said Nigeria’s successful bid to host the WPRF, alongside the first UNESCO Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute, (IMILI), reflected growing international confidence in the country’s capacity to convene major global institutions and conversations.

“Everyone in this country is waiting to receive you, and by extension, waiting to receive the world. This is a clear indication to me that the world is now looking up to Nigeria.”

The Minister said preparations for the WPRF were well underway, assuring the organisers of the necessary government support to deliver an event that would showcase Nigeria’s capacity, hospitality and leadership in Africa.

“Nothing will be left undone to ensure the successful hosting of the World Public Relations Forum here in November. We are all getting prepared, and the expectation will be surpassed.”

Dr. Neliaku said the journey to Nigeria’s successful bid began in 2024 when he approached Professor Green during the World Public Relations Forum in Bali, Indonesia, about Nigeria’s interest in hosting the 2026 edition. He said the bid subsequently received strong government backing and was pursued through the NIPR, African Public Relations Association and Global Alliance.

“Professor Justin Green has been in the struggle to ensure that the World Public Relations Forum comes to Africa, and since we won the bid, he has been extremely supportive.”

Neliaku disclosed that the 2026 forum would feature the Abuja Declaration, aimed at providing a new framework for responsible communication and the future of the profession. He also announced plans for the establishment of a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria.

“The Abuja Declaration is coming alive in Nigeria, providing a new opportunity to shape the future of public relations and communication for the next decade.”

Professor Green thanked Minister Idris and the Federal Government for their commitment to the forum, saying their support had been instrumental to its successful hosting in Nigeria.

“Without your support, we wouldn’t be here today. Your professionalism and your approach in galvanising the ministry and the wider administration have been fundamental.”

He said more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries were expected, describing the forum as an opportunity for Nigeria to engage the global communication community and present its story to the world.

“The world’s eyes are on Nigeria in November, and I have no doubt whatsoever that Nigeria will not only fulfil expectations; you will go far beyond them.”

The 2026 WPRF, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” is scheduled to hold in Abuja in November 15 – 21, alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference.

Those in attendance were: the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, repesented by the Director, Production, Publication and Documentary, Ibidapo Okunnu, NPOM, MNIPR; Special Assistant (Administration), Dr. Sunday Baba, FNIPR; Director, Public Relations and Protocol and Chairman, National Planning Committee of the WPRF, Dr. Suleiman Haruna; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Nze Dili Ezughah; Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority, Comrade Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Assistant Director, Child Rights Information Bureau, Temitoye Falayi (CRIB); Vice President, NIPR and Chairman, Continental Committee on WPRF, Professor Emmanuel S. Dandaura; Secretary-General, African Public Relations Association, Dr. Omoniyi Ibienitan; Director-General, Strategic Communication and Events Management and Co-Chairman, National Planning Committee of the WPRF, Mallam Yakubu Lamai; and other officials and dignitaries.

Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation