The Presidency has pledged its support for the forthcoming Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
The event will be organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance on Wednesday when he received members of the planning committee of WPRF Abuja 2026 at the State House in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku.
Nigeria is expected to host about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management for the event, which has the theme, “Deepening Responsible Communications.”
Onanuga expressed delight that Nigeria would host the international gathering, stressing the need for Nigerians to serve as good ambassadors of the country and promote a positive image of Nigeria.
He also criticised what he described as negative portrayals of Nigeria in some quarters, saying such narratives could give foreigners a distorted impression of the country.
The presidential aide said the conference would provide an opportunity to correct misconceptions and present a more balanced picture of Nigeria to the international community.
“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,” Onanuga said.
“For me, I’ve seen the conference as something that will be good for our country, and it should be supported,” he added.
Nigeria to host global PR gathering
Earlier, Neliaku told the presidential aide that the delegation was at the State House to seek the Presidency’s support for the conference.
He said the event would showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage and provide an opportunity for the country to strengthen its image and influence within the global communications industry.
According to Neliaku, Nigeria is the first African country to secure the hosting rights for the World Public Relations Forum.
He noted that countries including Mexico, India and Germany have hosted the event at different times.
A major feature of the Abuja conference will be the signing of an accord known as the “Abuja Declaration” by participating delegates.
Neliaku also disclosed that Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address.
He added that President Bola Tinubu would be honoured with a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms during the event.
Organisers intensify preparations
The Chairman of the WPRF Abuja 2026 Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said preparations for the event were already in top gear.
Haruna said the committee was working with media organisations and security agencies to ensure the successful hosting of the international conference.
Another member of the planning committee and Director-General of Strategic Communications to the Nasarawa State Government, Yakubu Lamai, said the Nasarawa State Government was also taking steps to strengthen confidence among international participants.
Lamai disclosed that the state was building a world-class Public Relations University as part of its efforts to contribute to the development of the communications profession.
Women, persons with disabilities to be included
Renowned broadcaster and member of the delegation, Moji Makanjuola, who represented the womenfolk, said the conference would be gender-inclusive.
She said women and persons with disabilities would be adequately represented and carried along in the programme.
Makanjuola appealed to the Presidency to support the event, stressing that Nigeria must be adequately prepared to welcome delegates from around the world.
“We have to be ready as Nigerians to receive the world; it is a Nigerian thing, it is not for the Ministry,” she said.
The organisers said the conference would provide a global platform for discussions on responsible communication while showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage, professional capacity and growing role in international public relations.