The Presidency has pledged support for WPRF 2026 in Abuja, where about 3,000 delegates from 126 countries are expected for the global public relations forum.
The Presidency has pledged full support for the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026 in Abuja, describing the global gathering as a major opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage and improve the country’s international reputation.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance on Wednesday when he received members of the WPRF Abuja 2026 Planning Committee at the State House, Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku.
The forum is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.” The official WPRF programme confirms that Nigeria will host the event in partnership with the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
About 3,000 delegates from 126 countries are expected to participate in the forum, which will bring together public relations professionals, policymakers, academics, business leaders and communication experts.
Onanuga said the Federal Government was pleased that Nigeria would host the international event and urged Nigerians to use the opportunity to project a positive image of the country.
He expressed concern over what he described as negative portrayals of Nigeria in some quarters, saying the forum could provide an important platform to present a more balanced picture of the country to international visitors.
“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,” he said.
Onanuga added that the Presidency viewed the conference as an event that would benefit Nigeria and deserved government support.
The Global Alliance has described WPRF 2026 as a major international platform for dialogue on responsible communication, trust, leadership, innovation and sustainable development.
Earlier, Neliaku said the delegation was at the State House to seek the Presidency’s support for the successful hosting of the forum.
He said the event would showcase Nigeria’s cultural diversity and heritage while creating opportunities for international collaboration within the communications industry.
NIPR’s official WPRF platform describes the 2026 forum as the first WPRF to be hosted in West Africa and the second in Africa, although the Global Alliance’s historical record shows that the forum was previously held in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2007. The distinction therefore appears to relate specifically to the current hosting cycle and should not be interpreted as Nigeria being the second African country ever to host WPRF.
The forum is expected to feature high-level speakers from government, international organisations, academia and the global communications industry.
The official Global Alliance programme lists President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Host and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia as a keynote speaker.
Neliaku said a major outcome of the conference would be the adoption of an accord to be known as the Abuja Declaration.
He said the declaration would provide an opportunity for delegates to make commitments around responsible communication and the future of the public relations profession.
Preparations for the event have intensified, with NIPR already securing partnerships with major Nigerian media organisations. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has been designated the official host television broadcaster, while the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) is the official host radio broadcaster.
Neliaku said President Hichilema would deliver the keynote address and disclosed that President Tinubu was expected to receive a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms during the event.
Chairman of the WPRF 2026 Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, told Onanuga that preparations were progressing, with the committee working with media organisations and security agencies to ensure a successful conference.
Another committee member and Director-General of Strategic Communications to the Nasarawa State Government, Mr Yakubu Lamai, disclosed that Nasarawa State was developing what he described as a world-class Public Relations University as part of efforts to strengthen confidence among international participants.
The NIPR has separately announced plans for the unveiling of the University of Public Relations and Leadership in Abuja and Nasarawa State during the WPRF programme.
Renowned broadcaster and member of the planning committee, Moji Makanjuola, who spoke on behalf of women, said the conference would be gender-inclusive and ensure the participation of women and persons with disabilities.
Makanjuola appealed for continued support from the Presidency, stressing that Nigeria must be adequately prepared to welcome international delegates.
“We have to be ready as Nigerians to receive the world,” she said.
The organisers have also incorporated tourism and cultural activities into the event, with NIPR and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority establishing a joint technical committee to develop programmes that will showcase Nigeria’s diversity, hospitality and cultural heritage to delegates.
With preparations gathering momentum, WPRF Abuja 2026 is expected to place Nigeria at the centre of global conversations on public relations and responsible communication while providing an opportunity to strengthen the country’s reputation and international engagement.
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