Abuja is set to welcome delegates from an estimated 126 countries for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum Conference, scheduled for November, organisers have confirmed.
Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin and Council Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), spoke to journalists in Ilorin about the Institute’s upcoming national and international engagements.
Themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” the global forum aims to address rising concerns about ethics, professionalism, and accountability in communication, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.
Prof. Abdulbaqi highlighted that the African Public Relations Practitioners Association will hold its conference around the same time, enabling NIPR members to attend both events with a single registration.
On the growing role of technology in communication, she cautioned: “People should not over-rely on artificial intelligence. That is why training on the use of AI is very necessary.” She stressed that technology should support, not replace, human judgement and critical thinking.
Describing public relations as the management of communication for mutual benefit, she said the responsibility of practitioners has become more delicate in a digital age where misinformation can easily spread.
She linked the issue to national reputation, noting that NIPR recently conducted a nationwide Public Relations Perception and Reputation Index, which revealed trust gaps affecting Nigeria’s image. According to her, the survey showed that Nigerians rated the country low in trust, leadership, and governance, with implications for both domestic and international perception.
“We must be careful not to demarket our own country through careless narratives,” she warned.
Prof. Abdulbaqi also announced that this year’s Nigeria Public Relations Week will hold in Kaduna with the theme “Food Security and Reputation Management.” She said the programme will explore challenges for practitioners, including the responsible adoption of technology.
At the state level, the Kwara chapter of NIPR has revived monthly meetings and professional clinics to help members stay abreast of trends in digital communication and emerging technologies.
“Technology will keep changing, but professionals must remain relevant by thinking, questioning and acting responsibly,” she added.
