By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has assured the international community of Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with delegates from more than 126 countries and representatives of major international institutions expected to attend.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at a world press conference ahead of the November 15–22 event, which will have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Host.
Idris described the Forum as an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its organisational capacity, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to global conversations on responsible communication.
He expressed appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for selecting Nigeria to host the global and continental gatherings simultaneously, noting that Nigeria would become the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the WPRF.
Speaking on the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” the minister said the rapid transformation of the information ecosystem through digital platforms and artificial intelligence had heightened concerns about misinformation, disinformation and declining public trust.
He urged public relations professionals to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency and ethical standards, stressing that their responsibilities extended beyond managing reputations and promoting institutional interests.
Idris also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, describing it as a strategic initiative to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the skills to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.
He said government communication must be a two-way process involving not only the explanation of policies and programmes but also listening to citizens, addressing their concerns and providing credible information.
The minister disclosed that the ministry was working with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and relevant institutions to coordinate protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement for the Forum.
Earlier, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, commended Idris for his support during Nigeria’s bid and preparations for the event, recalling that the minister had directed the team to secure the hosting rights.
The Secretary-General of APRA, Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan, described Nigeria’s hosting of the WPRF alongside the 37th APRA Conference as a historic opportunity for Africa to strengthen its collective voice and influence global communication discourse.
He said the continent was determined to speak with one voice on issues affecting the global public relations profession.
Also speaking, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, disclosed that more than 126 countries were expected to participate, alongside representatives of the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission.
Green credited the support of President Tinubu and Minister Idris for making Nigeria’s hosting of the event possible.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire, attended the event alongside senior ministry officials, including Directors Henshaw Ogubike, Ibidapo Okunnu and Suleiman Haruna.
Others included the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo; and Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Bulama.
