By Gloria Ikibah
Abuja the nation’s capital is set to become the global capital of public relations in November as communication experts, policymakers, diplomats, academics and business leaders from across the world converge on Nigeria for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
Beyond professional discussions, organisers have unveiled an ambitious cultural programme that includes the maiden edition of the Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, expected to attract about 10,000 participants, alongside a fashion showcase designed to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. 
The week-long event, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” will examine the evolving role of communication in governance, peacebuilding, technology, conflict resolution, sustainable development and the fight against misinformation.
President and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, disclosed the plans during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the forum will go beyond the traditional conference format by creating a platform for direct engagement between communication professionals and key stakeholders from different sectors.
He explained that the event would bring together policymakers, business executives, diplomats, security experts, academics and other major users of communication services.
Neliaku said one of the most significant outcomes of the gathering would be the development of the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, a framework expected to shape the future of public relations over the next decade.
He noted that organisers intentionally designed the forum to encourage dialogue among stakeholders from different sectors.
“We deliberately decided to bring stakeholders into the same room to listen to their expectations, challenges and experiences,” he said.
The forum is expected to attract participants from the fields of politics, governance, business, commerce, technology, academia, security, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, diplomacy, youth development and civil society.
Activities lined up for the event include high-level policy dialogues, workshops, masterclasses, networking sessions and expert-led discussions.
The event will also host the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference and an African Ministers of Information Roundtable, which Nigeria’s Minister of Information is expected to lead.
Perhaps one of the biggest attractions of the forum will be the introduction of the Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, which organisers say will combine culture, cuisine and social responsibility.
The festival is expected to provide meals for about 10,000 people while promoting one of Nigeria’s most celebrated dishes on the global stage.
International visitors will also have the opportunity to experience African fashion through a seven-hour tailoring pavilion, where delegates can have traditional outfits made and take them home as souvenirs.
The programme will further feature exhibitions, entertainment and an interactive experience zone showcasing Nigerian and African art, food, culture and creativity.
Neliaku said the cultural elements were deliberately integrated into the programme to ensure that visitors experience Nigeria beyond the conference environment.
Another major highlight of the forum will be the proposed Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication.
The declaration is expected to build on the historic 1978 Mexico Statement, which established a widely accepted definition of public relations and outlined the profession’s core responsibilities.
Neliaku explained that the communication landscape has changed significantly over the past five decades, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence, social media, digital platforms and the increasing spread of misinformation.
He said the forum would provide an opportunity for global communication experts to review existing principles and develop a framework that reflects today’s realities.
The discussions, he added, will focus on how communication can better support governance, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and the management of emerging global challenges.
Describing the event as a “once-in-a-lifetime engagement,” Neliaku urged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of the profession.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to serve as the chief host, while President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is expected to deliver the presidential keynote address.
Representatives from several international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, UNESCO, Interpol, the World Press Agency and the World Customs Organisation, are also expected to attend.
The programme will feature the World Public Relations Awards to recognise outstanding individuals and organisations, while a special Global Alliance publication on responsible communication is expected to be unveiled.
Youth engagement will also feature prominently, with the Global Youth Public Relations Summit scheduled for November 20, 2026.
Neliaku said the NIPR, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, and APRA are committed to developing the next generation of communication professionals.
He urged diplomatic missions to encourage young people from their respective countries to participate.
According to him, young people must be given opportunities to engage in international conversations and develop the skills required to become responsible leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mersole Mellejor, described the forum’s theme as both timely and relevant.
He noted that the growing spread of misinformation and fake news had made responsible communication more important than ever.
According to him, the forum will provide an opportunity for communication experts, academics and policymakers to examine how communication could promote social cohesion, inclusion, good governance and sustainable development.
Mellejor also described Nigeria as a major economic, cultural and innovation hub, adding that Abuja was an ideal venue for the global gathering.
He assured organisers of the support of the Diplomatic Corps.
With its blend of professional dialogue, cultural diplomacy, food, fashion and entertainment, WPRF 2026 is expected to offer the world a unique opportunity to experience Nigeria while shaping the future of global communication.
