The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has briefed Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and other members of the diplomatic community in Abuja on Nigeria’s preparations to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), scheduled to hold in the capital from November 15 to 21.
The briefing which was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently was attended by members of the diplomatic community, NIPR officials and other stakeholders, ahead of what organisers describe as the world’s largest gathering of communication professionals.
Suleiman Haruna, chairman of the forum’s national planning committee, outlined the key plans for the event themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” with President Bola Tinubu serving as chief host. The forum, organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management in partnership with the African Public Relations Association (APRA), is expected to draw about 3,000 delegates from 126 countries.
Nigeria will become the first African country to host the event, following previous editions in Mexico, India and Germany. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address, while President Tinubu is billed to be decorated with a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms during the gathering.
Speaking at the briefing, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the ministry attaches significant value to platforms that deepen mutual understanding, foster collaboration and demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity to host major global events, noting that the diplomatic community had an important role to play in the forum’s success.
The NIPR President Ike Neliaku, described the WPRF as a national project that extends beyond the institute itself. Alongside the main conference, Nigeria will also host the 37th APRA Conference and African Ministers of Information Roundtable during the week-long event.
Organisers say a major outcome of the forum will be the signing of the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, an accord expected to set an agenda for the global public relations profession over the next decade. The programme will also feature a cultural component, including a maiden Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival expected to serve about 10,000 people, as part of efforts to showcase the country’s heritage to visiting delegates.
