WPRF 2026: Idris Assures Global PR Leaders of Nigeria’s Readiness
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has pledged its full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), in Abuja, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, saying the event will provide an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its growing influence on the global stage.
Idris gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when he received the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, who paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the November forum.
The Minister said Nigeria’s successful bid to host the WPRF, alongside the first UNESCO Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), reflected growing international confidence in the country’s ability to convene major global institutions and conversations.
“Everyone in this country is waiting to receive you, and by extension, waiting to receive the world. This is a clear indication to me that the world is now looking up to Nigeria,” Idris said.
He assured the organisers that preparations for the forum were well underway, stressing that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to ensure a successful event.
“Nothing will be left undone to ensure the successful hosting of the World Public Relations Forum here in November. We are all getting prepared, and the expectation will be surpassed,” he said.
Neliaku disclosed that Nigeria’s campaign to host the 2026 WPRF began in 2024 when he approached Professor Green during the World Public Relations Forum in Bali, Indonesia, to express Nigeria’s interest in hosting the event.
He said the bid subsequently received strong government backing and was pursued through the NIPR, African Public Relations Association and Global Alliance.
“Professor Justin Green has been in the struggle to ensure that the World Public Relations Forum comes to Africa, and since we won the bid, he has been extremely supportive,” Neliaku said.
According to him, the 2026 forum will feature the Abuja Declaration, which is expected to provide a new framework for responsible communication and the future direction of the public relations profession.
He also announced plans for the establishment of a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria.
“The Abuja Declaration is coming alive in Nigeria, providing a new opportunity to shape the future of public relations and communication for the next decade,” he said.
Professor Green thanked the Minister and the Federal Government for their support, saying the administration’s commitment had been instrumental to bringing the global public relations gathering to Nigeria.
“Without your support, we wouldn’t be here today. Your professionalism and your approach in galvanising the ministry and the wider administration have been fundamental,” he said.
Green said more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries were expected at the forum, describing the gathering as an opportunity for Nigeria to engage the international communication community and present its story to the world.
“The world’s eyes are on Nigeria in November, and I have no doubt whatsoever that Nigeria will not only fulfil expectations; you will go far beyond them,” he said.
The 2026 WPRF, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA), Conference.
The meeting was attended by senior officials and stakeholders, including the Director, Production, Publication and Documentary, Ibidapo Okunnu, representing the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation; Special Assistant (Administration), Dr. Sunday Baba; Director, Public Relations and Protocol and Chairman, National Planning Committee of the WPRF, Dr. Suleiman Haruna; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Nze Dili Ezughah; Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Assistant Director, Child Rights Information Bureau, Temitoye Falayi; NIPR Vice President and Chairman, Continental Committee on WPRF, Professor Emmanuel S. Dandaura; Secretary-General, African Public Relations Association, Dr. Omoniyi Ibienitan; and Director-General, Strategic Communication and Events Management and Co-Chairman, National Planning Committee of the WPRF, Mallam Yakubu Lamai, among others.
