NIPR Unveils World PR Forum 2026, Says Nigeria Ready to Host the Globe
Nigeria has officially begun preparations to host the world’s biggest gathering of communication professionals — the “World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026” — with a national unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Monday.
The event, which took place at the Banquet Hall of the NAF Conference Centre, marked the official flag-off of Nigeria’s campaign, promotion, and marketing drive for the historic forum scheduled for November 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the World Public Relations Forum as “the World Cup of Public Relations,” noting that Nigeria is ready to host delegates from 126 countries under the umbrella of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).
According to him, the forum presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to tell its own story to the world and showcase its cultural, intellectual, and professional excellence in a way that has never been done before.
“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 said.
He added that hosting the global event, along with the 2026 Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, positions Nigeria as the communication hub of Africa and underscores the country’s growing reputation in strategic communication and reputation management.
Read Also:
The NIPR President expressed gratitude to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his steadfast support in helping Nigeria secure the hosting rights for the global forum.
“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,” he noted.
Neliaku announced that the global unveiling of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum will take place next month in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, signaling the beginning of international awareness for the Abuja event, a year from now.
“Everyone wants to come to Nigeria,” he declared. “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.”
Delivering his keynote address, Alhaji Idris, described Nigeria’s hosting of the WPRF 2026 as both a national honour and a call to excellence.
He said the event offers Nigeria a global stage to showcase its diversity, creativity, and communicative strength, reaffirming the government’s commitment to repositioning the country’s image through truth, professionalism, and responsible storytelling.
The Minister noted that the forum aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of restoring trust between government and citizens while promoting Nigeria’s positive identity before the world. Alhaji Idris emphasized that in an era of disinformation and global polarization, communication professionals must rise as custodians of truth and builders of social cohesion.
He called on Nigerian public relations practitioners to use the forum as a platform to lead the global conversation on ethical communication, truth-driven advocacy, and public accountability.
According to him, responsible communication is not only the theme of the forum but also the moral compass that should guide all professional communicators in shaping narratives that unite rather than divide.
