FG to Use 2026 World PR Forum to Rebrand Nigeria, Counter False Narratives
The Federal Government has said that the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) Abuja 2026 will serve as a global platform to correct misconceptions about Nigeria and promote the country’s progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this at the official unveiling of the WPRF Abuja 2026 on Monday in Abuja.
The event, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” is being organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
Idris said hosting the prestigious forum positions Nigeria as a global leader in professional communication and presents a chance to showcase its reform-driven image.
“We are a country of over 200 million voices, diverse, dynamic, and deeply expressive,” the minister said.
“Through the National Orientation Policy, the open government communication framework, and stronger information institutions, we are promoting truthful governance narratives and citizen inclusion.”
He described the WPRF as more than just a global conference, noting that it will highlight Nigeria as a nation transforming through effective communication.
“Under President Tinubu’s administration, the world is seeing a Nigeria that is reforming, rebranding, and re-emerging, driven by innovation, private sector growth, and renewed international confidence,” Idris stated.
The minister urged journalists, public officers, and communicators to embrace integrity and empathy in their work.
“Let this unveiling be a call to conscience. To practitioners: hold the line of truth. To the media: inform with integrity. To public officers: communicate with transparency. To citizens: speak with empathy,” he said.
Idris expressed optimism that WPRF Abuja 2026 would mark a milestone in reshaping Nigeria’s international reputation.
“Let this forum be remembered as the moment when Africa’s largest democracy led the world in defining what it means to communicate with conscience,” he added.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, likened the forum to a “FIFA World Cup of communication,” saying it would attract participants from more than 126 countries.
“This is the first time Nigeria will host the event, and it will allow us to showcase the authentic Nigeria, not the misinformation and fake news being circulated globally,” Neliaku said.
He added that Nigeria would also host the African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference the same year, describing the back-to-back hosting as a major boost for the nation’s image.
The event also featured the unveiling of the National Committee for WPRF Abuja 2026, chaired by Dr Suleiman Haruna with Malam Yakubu Lamai as co-chairman.
Popular musician Innocent Idibia (2Baba) was introduced as the official Music Ambassador for the global forum.
