The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for the recognition of strategic public relations as a critical pillar of national security, nation building and public trust.
The call was made at the grand finale of Lagos PR Fest 2026, where communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers and corporate leaders gathered at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on July 9, concluded a week-long programme of professional, educational, sporting and networking activities centred on the theme, “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations.”
Declaring the conference open, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the theme was deliberately chosen to reposition communication as an essential component of Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, national security discussions have traditionally focused on military capabilities and operations while overlooking the role of communication, public perception and trust.
He noted that intelligence gathering depends on citizens who trust security agencies enough to provide information, while compliance with security directives is strengthened through credible, transparent and strategic communication.
Ayetutu described public relations as an operational necessity rather than a support function, adding that effective communication strengthens cooperation between institutions and the public.
Delivering the keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, described strategic public relations as fundamental to effective nation building and sustainable national security.
According to him, today’s security challenges require stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communication professionals, the media and citizens, noting that security cannot be achieved through force alone but through trust, transparency and shared responsibility.
He said strategic public relations promotes two-way engagement between institutions and the public, helping to build confidence and encourage citizens to become active partners in safeguarding national security.
The Inspector-General identified rebuilding institutional credibility, promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening grassroots engagement, expanding youth participation in security conversations, encouraging unified national messaging and deepening collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and the media as key priorities for strengthening public trust.
He also commended the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR for convening what he described as a timely national conversation on strengthening trust between institutions and citizens.
The conference featured a panel discussion moderated by Channels Television anchor Ayo Makinde, with contributions from Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University, Lagos NIPR Vice Chairman Eniola Mayowa, Chief Executive Officer of The Onward Public Relations Basil Agboarumi, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Tjani Fatai.
Panelists agreed that national security cannot rely solely on enforcement but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency. They also stressed the importance of countering misinformation, promoting responsible media reporting and strengthening partnerships among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society, academia and the private sector to enhance community-based intelligence and national cohesion.
The conference marked the conclusion of Lagos PR Fest 2026, which featured a Jumat service, Members’ Hangout and African Night, sporting activities, a Thanksgiving service, Fellows’ Luncheon, mentorship webinar, facility tours and other professional engagements.
The Lagos State Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development and called on governments, public institutions, corporate organisations and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a shared responsibility in building a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.
