The Federal Government has declared its readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), assuring the international community of Nigeria’s capacity to deliver a successful event.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave this assurance on Wednesday at a world press conference in Abuja ahead of the Forum, scheduled for 15 to 22 November. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as Chief Host, and more than 126 countries and leading international institutions are expected to participate.

Idris described the Forum as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity and to strengthen its role in global communication discourse. He thanked the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for choosing Nigeria to host the global and continental gatherings simultaneously. He noted that Nigeria is the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the WPRF.

“We are ready, our doors are open, our people are welcoming, and the Federal Government stands firmly behind this important undertaking,” the minister said.

Speaking on the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” Idris said the rapid transformation of the information ecosystem through digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies has heightened concerns about misinformation, disinformation, and declining public trust. He urged public relations professionals to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards, and the public interest.

“Public relations professionals must recognise that their responsibility goes beyond managing reputations or promoting institutional interests,” he said.

He also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for establishing the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, describing it as a strategic intervention to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the skills to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.

On government communication, Idris said it “must be a two-way process.” It must not only explain policies and programmes but also listen to citizens, address legitimate concerns, and provide accurate information that enables people to make informed decisions. He said the Ministry is working with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and relevant institutions to coordinate protocol, security, logistics, hospitality, and stakeholder engagement for the Forum. He welcomed delegates to Nigeria and urged them to explore its cultural heritage, hospitality, and economic opportunities.

Earlier, the President of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, commended the minister for his support during Nigeria’s bid and preparations. He recalled that Idris had told the team to “go, don’t come back without result.”

The Secretary-General of APRA, Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan, said that hosting the WPRF alongside the 37th APRA Conference is a historic opportunity for Africa to strengthen its collective voice and influence the global discourse on communication. “We want to speak with one voice as a continent,” he said.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance, Professor Justin Green, said representatives of the United Nations, the World Bank, the African Union and the European Commission are also expected. He praised President Tinubu and Idris for their support, saying that without the minister, “this event would not be happening.”

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo; the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Bulama; and other senior Ministry officials and NIPR members. (The Nation)