BON Urges FG to Establish Inter-Ministerial Committee for 2026 World PR Forum
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has urged the Federal Government to establish an inter-ministerial committee to support the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in planning and hosting the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), describing the global event as a strategic opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s international image.
BON Chairman, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, made the call while receiving the leadership of the NIPR during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
He said the forthcoming forum, which has resident Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its Chief Host, should be regarded as a national project requiring coordinated support from relevant government ministries, departments and agencies.
According to Akiotu, hosting the World Public Relations Forum presents Nigeria with a unique platform to tell its own story, strengthen its reputation globally and counter negative perceptions about the country.
“The NIPR has done Nigeria and indeed Africa proud by securing the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum. It is now our collective responsibility to ensure its success because it provides an opportunity to present the true image of Nigeria to the rest of the world,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to constitute an inter-ministerial committee comprising relevant ministries to work closely with the NIPR in coordinating preparations for the event.
According to him, such a committee would facilitate strategic planning and help showcase Nigeria as a safe destination for investment, tourism, business and international partnerships.
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Akiotu stressed that the opportunity should not be taken for granted, noting that the forum would attract communication professionals, policymakers, investors and delegates from across the globe.
He also assured the NIPR of the full support of broadcast media organisations, disclosing that BON members would provide extensive publicity for the event and actively participate throughout the week-long programme scheduled for November 15 to 21, 2026.
Earlier, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the NIPR, **Dr. Ike Neliaku**, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Institute and the broadcasting industry while exploring new areas of collaboration for national development.
Neliaku noted that effective partnership between the NIPR and BON would play a vital role in projecting a positive image of Nigeria to both domestic and international audiences.
He said the collaboration would also support efforts to reposition Nigeria’s reputation by promoting accurate narratives, strategic communication and constructive engagement with global stakeholders ahead of the World Public Relations Forum.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations of the NIPR, Stanley Ogadigo, the World Public Relations Forum is expected to bring together communication experts, business leaders, policymakers, academics and industry stakeholders from across the globe, providing Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, economic potential and leadership in strategic communication.
The World Public Relations Forum, regarded as the premier global gathering of public relations professionals, is expected to hold in Nigeria from **November 15 to 21, 2026**. It will serve as a platform for advancing professional excellence, strengthening international collaboration, and projecting Nigeria’s image as a destination for investment, innovation and sustainable development.
By PRNigeria
