Nigeria has won the bid to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, a significant milestone bringing professionals from over 126 countries to West Africa for the first time

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria is set to make history as it prepares to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), a prestigious global event that will gather public relations professionals from over 126 countries.

Also read: Nigerian delegation participates in ID4Africa 2025 conference in Addis Ababa

This marks the first time the forum will be held in Nigeria and indeed, West Africa.

The significant announcement was made by Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), during the ongoing Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) in Uyo.

The NPRW, themed “Solid Minerals: A Solid Path to Nigeria’s Sustainable Economic Recovery – The Challenge for Public Relations,” has attracted over 1,000 delegates from various parts of the country and beyond.

Dr. Neliaku revealed that Nigeria’s bid to host the forum was intensely competitive, with South Africa emerging as a formidable contender.

However, after a thorough review process, Nigeria secured the victory, with the international perception of the country playing a crucial role in the final decision.

Emphasizing the importance of national image, Dr. Neliaku stressed that Nigeria’s perception requires significant improvement.

He highlighted that effective leadership and communication are paramount in addressing this challenge. “Part of the challenge of leadership in Nigeria is partly due to lack of effective communication because leaders don’t take responsibility in sharing their views and their visions with those they are meeting.

Part of the challenge of leadership in Nigeria is partly due to lack of effective communication because leaders don’t take responsibility in sharing their views and their visions with those they are meeting.

They assume that they know what the people want and in some cases, they fail,” he noted.

The NIPR President also voiced concern about how Nigeria is viewed both domestically and globally.

“We are a nation in transition. But what bothers me as a public relations practitioner is how we are perceived by the international community. And more importantly, how we are perceived locally by our own people,” he stated.

Dr. Neliaku credited the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his instrumental support in securing the bid.

He recounted the rigorous process: “I went to Venice to defend Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, which has been given to Nigeria.

The first time we came to Africa was in 2007 and it went to South Africa. We fought in Bali, serious fighting led by the Minister of Information to ensure that the next one in 2026 should be to Africa.

We made a pitch with the support of the President of African Public Relations Association for Nigeria, We won the battle.”

The voting process was a decisive victory for Nigeria, securing 17 votes against South Africa’s single vote.

Dr. Neliaku humorously shared anecdotes from his presentation, including a question about his favorite Nigerian fruit, to which he replied “Agbalumo,” much to the audience’s amusement, along with his favorite food.

When asked about Nigerian mosquitoes, he quipped, “The mosquitoes that we have are very friendly mosquitoes.

If they bite you, then you are a bad person. If they are a good person, then they will not bite you. Because we have practiced public relations with them.”

Dr. Neliaku’s compelling 57-slide presentation ultimately convinced the international community that Nigeria is the ideal destination for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum.

Also read: Woodhall Capital unveils UAE-Nigeria investors’ forum

With over 126 countries anticipated to attend, this event is poised to be a landmark occasion, showcasing Nigeria’s growing influence in the global public relations landscape and its capacity to host major international gatherings.