In what promises to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s image and communication industry, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has announced that the country will host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026 — a milestone global event set to attract representatives from 126 countries to Abuja in November 2026.
The event, which will gather over 3,000 delegates from around the world, is seen as both a reputational milestone and an economic opportunity for Nigeria. For a nation often misrepresented by isolated incidents that overshadow its global contributions in innovation, business, and culture, the forum represents a powerful chance to reshape narratives and reintroduce Nigeria to the world.
Speaking at the official unveiling in Abuja, Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR, emphasized the immense value the event brings – not only in economic terms but also in rebuilding international perception.
“We are expecting 3,000 people who will come here to spend their money, buy things, pay for their accommodation, feeding, and, more importantly, contribute to our reputation advantage,” Dr. Neliaku said. “You cannot quantify it. Having 126 countries come here to discuss our nation brings three values – reputation, professional, and financial. It was highly competitive to win the bid, but Nigeria earned it.”
Nigeria’s success in securing the hosting rights underscores its growing influence in global communication. Despite long-standing stereotypes linking the nation to financial and cybercrimes, Dr. Neliaku noted that Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector, business innovators, and diaspora professionals continue to make positive global impact – a story that deserves greater amplification.
Echoing the sentiment, Arik Miraani, President of the Africa Public Relations Association (APRA), urged practitioners to champion responsible communication – anchored on clarity, empathy, and integrity.
“Responsible communication is about communicating with clarity and empathy. As we do this, we must focus on accuracy, respect, and the impact our words have on others,” he said.
For StakeBridge IRPR Consulting Limited, a firm at the intersection of public relations, investor relations, and reputation management, Nigeria’s hosting of the World PR Forum aligns with its mission – to strengthen narratives that build trust, attract investment, and deepen stakeholder confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
This event is not just a global gathering – it is a statement. It signals that communication excellence and reputation leadership are now central to Nigeria’s development strategy.
The presence of international delegates, including leaders from the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, will also open doors for cross-border collaborations, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing – key pillars for driving professionalism and ethical communication across Africa.
The unveiling ceremony, graced by top communication experts and industry veterans including Mukhtar Sirajo, immediate past NIPR President, and Silvia Arto, Vice President of the Global Alliance, was crowned with a performance by music icon Tuface Idibia, symbolizing Nigeria’s creative strength and cultural pride.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the World Public Relations Forum stands as more than an event – it’s an opportunity for Nigeria to tell its own story with credibility, purpose, and pride.
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