The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for the recognition of strategic public relations as an indispensable component of national security, nation building and public trust, as communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers and corporate leaders gathered at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, for the grand finale of Lagos PR Fest 2026.

The annual conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, concluded a week-long festival of professional, educational, sporting and networking activities held under the theme: “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations.”

Declaring the conference open, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, said the Institute deliberately chose the theme to reposition communication as a central pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, discussions around national security have traditionally focused on military capabilities, equipment and operations while overlooking the vital role of communication, public perception and trust.

“Security is often discussed in terms of arms, personnel and operations. Rarely is it discussed in terms of communication, perception and trust. Yet trust is the foundation upon which every security effort ultimately stands or falls.”

Dr. Ayetutu emphasised that public relations is not merely supportive to security operations but an essential operational tool that builds confidence between institutions and citizens. He noted that intelligence gathering depends on citizens who trust security agencies enough to provide information, while compliance with security directives depends largely on credible, transparent and strategic communication.

“Public relations is not a luxury in the fight against insecurity. It is a necessity. Where communication fails, even the best-resourced security efforts struggle to gain ground. Where communication is strategic and honest, trust follows; and cooperation follows trust.”

The Chairman also commended members of the planning committee, speakers, partners and members of the Institute whose commitment made PR Fest 2026 a remarkable success.

Delivering the keynote address, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Inspector-General of Police, represented by the Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), force criminal investigation department ANNEX Alagbon Close Ikoyi Lagos, described strategic public relations as the bedrock of effective nation building and sustainable national security.

The keynote speaker stressed that modern security challenges require collaboration between government institutions, the media, communication professionals and citizens, noting that security can no longer be achieved through force alone but through trust, transparency and shared responsibility.

According to the Inspector-General, strategic public relations replaces one-way institutional communication with transparent, two-way engagement that builds public confidence and transforms citizens from passive observers into active partners in safeguarding national security.

He identified several priorities necessary for strengthening public trust, including: •rebuilding institutional credibility through evidence-based communication; •promoting transparency and accountability across public institutions; •strengthening grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering; •expanding youth participation in security conversations; •promoting unified national messaging that transcends ethnic and religious divisions; and •deepening collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and the media during crises.

The Inspector-General further commended the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR for convening a timely national conversation capable of strengthening trust between institutions and the public.

The conference also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Mr. Ayo Makinde, Channels Television Anchor. Panelists included: Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga, Professor of Criminology and Security Studies, Lagos State University; Eniola Mayowa, fnipr, Vice-chairman, Lagos NIPR; Basil Agboarumi,fnipr, CEO, The Onward Public Relations; and CP Tjani Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

The panel reinforced the conference theme by emphasising that national security cannot be sustained solely through enforcement mechanisms but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency.

The discussants stressed the importance of rebuilding public confidence in state institutions through openness, consistency and accountability, while highlighting the role of strategic communication in countering misinformation, strengthening citizen participation and promoting responsible media reporting.

They also advocated stronger partnerships among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society, academia and the private sector to foster community-based intelligence, national cohesion and sustainable peace.

Participants agreed that public relations professionals have an increasingly important responsibility in shaping public understanding, managing crises, influencing positive behavioural change and building trust that strengthens democratic governance.

The conference marked the climax of a week-long PR Fest programme that featured a special Jumat service, Members’ Hangout and African Night, sporting activities, Thanksgiving Service, Fellows’ Luncheon, mentorship webinar, facility tours and other professional engagements designed to promote fellowship, learning and professional excellence among members of the Institute.

The Lagos State Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development and called on governments, public institutions, corporate organisations and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a shared responsibility in building a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.