About 3,000 delegates from 126 countries expected as Nigeria hosts global communications event in November.
The Presidency has pledged its support for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21.
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.
The delegation, led by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, sought the Presidency’s support for the global event, which will be hosted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the NIPR.
Onanuga said the forum presented an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s achievements, cultural heritage and correct negative narratives about the country.
He described the conference as an important event for Nigeria and urged citizens to promote a positive image of the country ahead of the gathering.
Neliaku said Nigeria was the first African country to secure the hosting rights, noting that countries including Mexico, India and Germany had previously hosted the event.
He disclosed that delegates would adopt the Abuja Declaration at the conference, while Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Neliaku also said President Bola Tinubu would receive a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms during the event.
Chairman of the planning committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said preparations were progressing, with the committee collaborating with media organisations and security agencies to ensure a successful event.
The forum, themed “Deepening Responsible Communications,” is expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
The organisers also assured that the event would be gender-inclusive and accommodate persons with disabilities.