President Bola Tinubu has graciously accepted to serve as chief host of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) and African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, scheduled to hold in Nigeria, and has committed to personally declaring the event open.

This was announced by Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, during the Global Alliance WPRF 2026 Special Pre-Webinar held in solidarity with the world’s women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, themed “Responsible Communication as a Tool for Advancing Women’s Rights and Social Justice.”

Dr. Neliaku, who made the disclosure to an audience of public relations professionals drawn from different parts of the world, expressed delight at the President’s personal commitment to the event. He noted that President Tinubu’s enthusiasm for the forum is rooted in his deep understanding of communications, describing the President as one of Africa’s foremost media owners.

“He understands very clearly what we are trying to do and that is why he is giving us all the support,” Neliaku said, adding that the President has pledged to give his best to ensure the event is a landmark occasion.

Before making the announcement, the NIPR President took a moment to pay tribute to women, whose contributions to society he described as foundational and irreplaceable. Speaking with evident passion, he said that nations which fail to recognise the value of women are on a path to decline.

“A nation that does not know the value of women is bent on falling because women are the pillars that lift society the same way they bear the brunt of keeping families. That is how they keep nations,” he declared, using the occasion to celebrate the women in attendance and across the globe.

Dr. Neliaku also conveyed warm wishes from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed.

“He has asked me to convey his profound best wishes and goodwill. He sends his love. He is passionate about this programme and is doing everything possible,” Neliaku said, assuring participants that the Minister remains actively supportive of the forum and its objectives.

The NIPR President also used the occasion to acknowledge the presence of distinguished guests from across the world, including the Special African Union Envoy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania, and His Excellency Mathias joining from Ukraine, among several other international participants. He expressed sincere appreciation to all keynote speakers and advocates who made time to be part of the pre-webinar, describing their participation as a testament to the global significance of the conversation around responsible communication and women’s rights.

Dr. Neliaku issued what amounted to a promise to the global public relations community. The World Public Relations Forum, to be hosted by Nigeria under the tag “No Wahala,” would set a new standard for the industry worldwide.

“One thing is very clear. Nigeria will give you the biggest, the brightest and the boldest public relations gathering in the world.”