The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has officially inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Kaduna State Government to host the third edition of Nigeria Public Relations Week, slated to take place from April 19 to 25, 2026.

Consequently, the  landmark agreement, signed in Abuja, signals a significant collaboration between the nation’s communication professionals and a state government keen on leveraging strategic public relations to promote development, governance, and investment.

According to Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR, the week-long programme has been carefully structured to focus on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with food security serving as the central theme.

He emphasised that agriculture remains a catalyst for addressing broader national challenges, linking sustainable food systems to economic growth, social stability, and public wellbeing.

“Food security brings solutions to other challenges facing the nation,” Dr. Neliaku remarked, highlighting that the event is expected to attract over 2,000 participants from across Nigeria and the wider African region.

These will include communication experts, policymakers, corporate leaders, and international stakeholders, all converging to share insights, strategies, and innovations in public relations and strategic communication.

Kaduna: A Hub for Governance and Strategic Communication

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Neliaku praised Governor Uba Sani for positioning Kaduna State as a model for good governance through people-oriented policies that foster unity, inclusion, and social cohesion.

He added that the week-long engagement will leave a lasting impact on the state’s reputation, elevating Kaduna as a destination for strategic partnerships and investment.

Governor Sani, responding to the NIPR delegation, described the event as one of the most significant programmes to be hosted in Kaduna. He assured stakeholders of the state government’s full backing to ensure a seamless and impactful experience for all participants.

“The theme, Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate; the Imperatives of Public Relations, aligns perfectly with our government’s commitment to create jobs, enhance social welfare, and boost Internally Generated Revenue through the agriculture value chain,” Governor Sani said.

Again, he further highlighted that the collaboration with NIPR extends beyond mere event hosting. Plans include training traditional institutions in effective communication, capacity building for government functionaries, and citizen engagement initiatives that aim to strengthen participatory governance.

“This demonstrates your genuine interest in contributing to the development and growth of Kaduna State,” he added, emphasizing the mutual benefits such partnerships create for both the government and the professional communication ecosystem.

Strategic Benefits for Kaduna and Nigeria

Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Chairman of the National Planning Committee for Nigeria Public Relations Week, outlined the multi-dimensional value Kaduna stands to gain from hosting the event.

According to him, the state will enjoy heightened visibility as a preferred investment destination, while also receiving enhanced recognition for progress in food security and governance practices.

He noted that the week-long forum provides a unique convergence point for communication professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore critical national issues through strategic communications and reputation management.

“Kaduna will not only host conversations that shape national discourse, but it will also demonstrate its capacity to integrate public relations into policy implementation and citizen engagement,” Badejo-Okusanya added.

NIPR: Driving Strategic Communication for National Impact

Established as the apex body for public relations professionals in Nigeria, NIPR has consistently leveraged its annual Public Relations Week to create platforms for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

By selecting Kaduna as the 2026 host, the institute continues its commitment to embedding strategic communication into governance, policy advocacy, and sectoral growth, particularly in agriculture and food security.

So, with over two thousand delegates expected, the 2026 edition promises to blend policy discussions, professional workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions, providing practical insights for PR practitioners, corporate communicators, and government leaders. Experts believe that such gatherings not only shape professional standards but also enhance Nigeria’s global reputation in strategic communications.

Looking Ahead: A Landmark Week for PR and Governance

The Nigeria Public Relations Week has become a must-attend annual forum for professionals seeking to align communication strategies with national priorities and emerging socio-economic trends.

As Kaduna prepares to host the third edition, the spotlight will be on how strategic public relations can drive national development, create jobs, strengthen food security, and enhance citizen trust.

By bridging the gap between policy and public perception, the week is set to reinforce the role of public relations as a catalyst for sustainable governance, social inclusion, and economic growth.

Stakeholders are already anticipating high-level dialogues, practical training sessions, and actionable strategies that will define the trajectory of professional communication in Nigeria for 2026 and beyond