The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has described 2026 as a golden global opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its rich cultural heritage and redefine its international reputation as the country prepares to host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.
President of the Institute, Dr Ike Neliaku, stated this while wishing Nigerians a prosperous new year, noting that the hosting of the prestigious global event presents a rare chance for Nigeria to gain enhanced global relevance and visibility.
According to Dr Neliaku, the World Public Relations Forum is expected to attract participants from 126 countries, including Presidents, Ministers, leaders of Public Relations associations, and top advisers to governments across the world.
He described the event as “a big deal” for Nigeria, stressing that it offers the country an unprecedented platform to project a positive narrative and engage influential global decision-makers.
In a New Year message made available to the media on Thursday in Abuja through the Institute’s Director of Public Relations, Mr Stanley Ogadigo, the NIPR President revealed that the Institute has, over the last nine months, been working closely with key stakeholders within and outside the country following Nigeria’s successful bid to host the forum.
Dr Neliaku said these efforts are aimed at delivering what he described as “the greatest reputation project” in Nigeria’s history.
“For us at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), this represents hope for the country, provides a lifetime opportunity to redefine the reputation of Nigeria, and holds great prospects in turning around the economy of the nation,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government, sub-national governments, corporate organisations, and other stakeholders to invest in and support the programme, emphasising that the WPRF provides a robust platform for Nigeria to tell its story of greatness and reverse the growing negative perceptions about the country on the global stage.
The World Public Relations Forum is one of the most significant global gatherings of communication and reputation management professionals, and Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 edition is expected to place the country at the centre of global public relations discourse.
