The Presidency has pledged its support for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with about 3,000 delegates from 126 countries expected to converge on Abuja in November.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu 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 global forum is scheduled to hold from November 15 to 21, 2026, under the theme, “Deepening Responsible Communications.”
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Onanuga welcomed Nigeria’s hosting rights, describing the forum as an opportunity to present a more accurate picture of the country to the international community.
He expressed concern over what he described as negative portrayals of Nigeria in some quarters, saying the forum could help correct misconceptions about the country.
“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,” Onanuga said.
“This is a great opportunity for us to correct those things of concern to people. For me, I’ve seen the conference as something that will be good for our country, and it should be supported.”
Earlier, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, said the delegation was at the State House to seek the Presidency’s support for the forum, which he said would also showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Neliaku said Nigeria would become the first African country to host the global event, following previous editions in countries including Mexico, India and Germany.
He added that one of the major outcomes of the Abuja forum would be the signing of “The Abuja Declaration,” an accord to be endorsed by participating delegates.
According to him, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address, while President Tinubu will be decorated with a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said preparations for the forum were in top gear, noting that the committee was working with media organisations and security agencies to ensure a successful event.
Also, Yakubu Lamai, a member of the committee and Director-General of Strategic Communications to the Nasarawa State Government, said the state was building a world-class Public Relations University as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global communications space.
Renowned broadcaster and member of the delegation, Moji Makanjuola, said the forum would be gender-inclusive, with women and persons with disabilities expected to be fully represented.
She urged the Presidency and Nigerians to support the event, stressing that the country must be prepared to welcome international delegates.
“We have to be ready as Nigerians to receive the world. It is a Nigerian thing; it is not for the Ministry,” Makanjuola said.
