As Nigeria clinched the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), a landmark development announced by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
The prestigious global event, which will take place in Abuja, positions Nigeria at the centre of international communications discourse, while signalling a significant milestone for Africa’s growing influence in strategic public relations.
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The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) will serve as host, making it the first time Nigeria is staging the globally renowned forum. The announcement followed a fiercely competitive selection process involving countries from different continents, and Nigeria’s emergence as host is widely regarded as a diplomatic and strategic breakthrough for the nation’s image-making efforts.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR,disclosed that Nigeria won the bid after a highly competitive selection process with countries from different continents. He reacted to the confirmation with a bold pledge. He said Nigeria would surpass expectations and deliver a historic edition of the forum. Many see this as a diplomatic and strategic breakthrough for the country’s image-building efforts.
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Professor Justin Green, the President and CEO of the Global Alliance, praised the decision. He said it shows confidence in Nigeria’s professional skills and leadership in communication.
“Securing the privilege to host WPRF 2026 is a testament to Nigeria’s expanding role in international PR and communication. It reflects the professionalism, leadership and commitment of NIPR in advancing public relations practices across Africa and beyond.”
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“The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, working with the support of leading public relations stakeholders in Africa, is determined to host the best, biggest and brightest World Public Relations Forum ever held. We are not joking. We mean every word, and we will do it. We have the capacity, we have the competence, and we have the character to get it done in record time.”
The forum will gather thought leaders from around the world, including policymakers, academics, media influencers and strategic communication experts. It will give Nigeria the chance to showcase its culture, creative industries and growing impact on global public relations.
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Beyond the global attention and ceremonial glamour lies a deeper opportunity for national reflection and transformation. Nigeria’s selection as host is not just about its rising influence. It also gives the country a chance to redefine its story, fix its image and take its place in the global conversation.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, shared this view in 2021 during the Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) virtual conference.
He urged PR professionals across Africa to take charge of the continent’s story and use strategic communication to drive development, growth and unity. “There are great stories to be told about Africa, our beloved continent. We need you as partners in public relations and the media to help curate and disseminate Africa’s success stories. This is the path towards the actualisation of the Africa we want as set out in Agenda 2063 of the African Union.”
For Nigeria, this call has gained new urgency. Hosting WPRF 2026 is not just about Africa’s revival. It is about Nigeria stepping forward to rewrite its story with clarity, confidence and credibility.
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But hosting a global event is not enough. Nigeria must prepare across all areas — infrastructure, professionalism, perception, narrative and execution.
PR industry leaders like Yomi Badejo-Okusanya have long called on Nigerian professionals to rise above the low public perception of the field. He urged them to improve standards, follow ethical practices and build trust through consistent excellence.
With WPRF 2026 approaching, the profession must take a serious step forward. It must fix internal issues, remove unprofessional behaviour, train young talent and unite behind one strong, positive voice.
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The countdown to 2026 has begun. Every stakeholder, PR agencies, government bodies, academic institutions and business leaders, must start preparing.
Abuja is not just the venue. It is the stage where the world will examine Nigeria’s identity. Observers will look beyond the speeches and panels. They will study the people, systems and society behind the scenes.
WPRF 2026 is more than just an event. It is a turning point for Nigerian public relations to lead national rebranding through skill, strategy and visible change. What the world sees in Abuja will either repeat old stories or present a new vision, one of ability, ambition and transformation.
The question is whether Nigeria’s PR professionals are ready to take on this challenge. Will they do the hard work needed to welcome the world in 2026 with a new story and a new reality?
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The journey requires clear purpose and shared responsibility as the world will not believe promises, but only actions. What Nigeria does with this moment will shape how others see it for years to come.
The world is coming, and so, Nigeria must prepare its story.
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