BON Urges FG to Set Up Committee for 2026 World PR Forum
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has called on the Federal Government to establish an inter-ministerial committee to support preparations for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), describing the event as a strategic platform to enhance Nigeria's global reputation and attract investment.
BON Chairman, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, made the call while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Akiotu said the forum, which will have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Host, should be treated as a national project requiring coordinated support from relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
According to him, hosting the World Public Relations Forum presents Nigeria with a rare opportunity to project a positive national image, counter negative perceptions and showcase the country's economic potential to a global audience.
"The NIPR has done Nigeria and indeed Africa proud by securing the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum. It is now our collective responsibility to ensure its success because it provides an opportunity to present the true image of Nigeria to the rest of the world," Akiotu said.
He urged the Federal Government to constitute an inter-ministerial committee that would work closely with the NIPR in coordinating preparations for the event, noting that such collaboration would strengthen strategic planning and position Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment, tourism, business and international partnerships.
Akiotu also assured the Institute of the support of Nigeria's broadcasting industry, disclosing that BON member organisations would provide extensive publicity for the forum and actively participate in the week-long programme scheduled for November 15 to 21, 2026.
Earlier, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Institute and the broadcasting industry while exploring new areas of collaboration in support of national development.
He noted that a stronger partnership between the NIPR and BON would play a critical role in projecting a more positive image of Nigeria to domestic and international audiences ahead of the global event.
According to Neliaku, the collaboration would also support efforts to reshape Nigeria's reputation through accurate storytelling, strategic communication and constructive engagement with global stakeholders.
A statement issued by the NIPR's Director of Public Relations, Stanley Ogadigo, said the World Public Relations Forum is expected to attract communication professionals, business leaders, policymakers, academics and industry stakeholders from around the world.
The event, regarded as the premier global gathering of public relations professionals, will provide Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, economic potential and leadership in strategic communication, while promoting the country as a destination for investment, innovation and sustainable development.
Nigeria will host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum from November 15 to 21, 2026, marking the first time the global event will be held in the country.
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