The Nigerian Government has pledged its support for the 2026 Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 15 to 21.
The commitment was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, when members of the WPRF Abuja 2026 Planning Committee visited the State House in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku.
Nigeria is expected to host the global forum under the theme, “Deepening Responsible Communications”, with about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance expected to attend.
Onanuga expressed delight that Nigeria would host the international gathering, saying Nigerians had a responsibility to serve as good ambassadors of the country and promote its image.
He expressed concern over what he described as negative portrayals of Nigeria in some quarters, which he said could create misleading impressions among foreigners about the country.
Onanuga said the forum would provide an opportunity to present a more balanced picture of Nigeria and address misconceptions about the country.
“You see, as a Nigerian, I always feel very odd when you read online the kind of things our people put out in the public space. They say negative things about this country. This is a great opportunity for us to correct those things of concern to people. For me, I’ve seen the conference as something that will be good for our country, and it should be supported,” he said.
Earlier, Neliaku told the presidential aide that the delegation had visited to seek the government’s support for the forum, which he said would also provide an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
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He noted that Nigeria would become the first African country to host the event. He added that Mexico, India and Berlin, Germany, had previously hosted the forum.
Neliaku said one of the key features of the gathering would be the signing of an accord known as the “Abuja Declaration”.
He also disclosed that Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema would deliver the keynote address, while President Bola Tinubu would receive a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms.
The Chairman of the WPRF Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said preparations for the event were progressing, noting that the committee was working with media organisations and security agencies to ensure a successful conference.
Also speaking, a member of the planning committee and Director-General of Strategic Communications to the Nasarawa State Government, Yakubu Lamai, said the state government was building a world-class Public Relations University as part of efforts to strengthen professional capacity and attract international confidence.
Renowned broadcaster and member of the delegation, Moji Makanjuola, who represented women’s interests, said the forum would be inclusive and ensure the participation of women and persons with disabilities.
Makanjuola appealed for the Presidency’s support, stressing the need for Nigeria to make adequate preparations to welcome delegates from around the world.
