NIPR Secures Kaduna Partnership to Host Nigeria Public Relations Week 2026
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has taken a decisive step in advancing strategic communication as a tool for national development with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Kaduna State Government to host the third edition of Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPR Week) in 2026.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, reinforces NIPR’s commitment to partnering with forward-looking state governments to deploy public relations in driving governance effectiveness, investment appeal, and sectoral growth, with food security set as the central theme of the April 19–25, 2026 event.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR, said the 2026 edition has been deliberately designed around Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic concern, food security, with agriculture positioned as the fulcrum for national growth and stability.
According to him, the theme underscores the role of public relations in translating policy intentions into outcomes that resonate with citizens and drive collective action.
He disclosed that the event is expected to host over 2,000 delegates, including communication experts, policymakers, corporate executives, development partners, and international stakeholders, who will converge to exchange ideas, strategies, and innovations in public relations and strategic communication.
Dr. Neliaku also commended Governor Uba Sani for positioning Kaduna as a model of people-centred governance, noting that the Public Relations Week would significantly enhance the state’s reputation as a hub for strategic partnerships and investment.
Responding, Governor Sani described the event as one of the most consequential programmes Kaduna State will host, assuring the Institute of the government’s full support to ensure a seamless and impactful experience for participants.
“The theme: Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate; the Imperatives of Public Relations, aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment to job creation, social welfare, and boosting internally generated revenue through the agriculture value chain,” the Governor said.
Beyond hosting the event, Governor Sani revealed that the collaboration with NIPR would extend to capacity building for government officials, training for traditional institutions, and citizen engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening participatory governance and trust.
Also speaking, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Chairman of the National Planning Committee for Nigeria Public Relations Week, highlighted the far-reaching benefits Kaduna stands to gain from hosting the forum. He said the event would significantly elevate the state’s visibility as an investment destination while showcasing its progress in food security and governance.
According to him, the week-long engagement offers a rare convergence of professionals and policymakers to interrogate national priorities through the lenses of strategic communication, reputation management, and public trust.
Established as Nigeria’s apex professional body for public relations practitioners, NIPR has consistently leveraged the Nigeria Public Relations Week as a platform for dialogue, professional development, and sectoral advancement.
By selecting Kaduna as host for the 2026 edition, the Institute reinforces its commitment to embedding strategic communication in governance, policy advocacy, and national development, with agriculture and food security taking centre stage.
With thousands of delegates expected, the 2026 edition promises a robust mix of policy conversations, professional workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions, offering practical insights for PR practitioners, corporate communicators, and public sector leaders alike.
As Kaduna prepares to take centre stage, attention will be firmly fixed on how strategic public relations can bridge the gap between policy and public perception, drive sustainable development, strengthen food security, and rebuild citizen trust, affirming PR’s role as a catalyst for inclusive growth and effective governance.
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