As the world commemorates World Public Relations Day (WPRD) 2025 today, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has delivered a stirring call to action, urging public relations professionals across Nigeria to embrace their role not just as communicators, but as architects of national rebirth, unity, and leadership.
In a powerful message released to mark the occasion, Dr. Neliaku described the day as “a moment of deep reflection and renewed purpose” for a profession that has, for over six decades, helped shape Nigeria’s communication landscape, influence policy direction, and reframe public discourse.
“This day offers us an opportunity to reflect on our journey and boldly develop new frontiers for a greater Institute,” he said. “We must ask ourselves, what are our actions or inactions saying about the future of our profession?”
Dr. Neliaku emphasized that Public Relations has evolved beyond its traditional roles of media liaison and ceremonial protocols. Today, he said, PR is a strategic leadership function essential to shaping institutions, transforming societies, driving inclusive governance, and deepening democracy.
The 2025 WPRD theme: “Building Bridges and Overcoming Polarization”, could not be more timely, he noted, especially in a world increasingly fragmented by social, political, ethnic, and ideological divides.
“Public Relations must serve as a unifying force. It must mend the broken trust between government and citizens, and build meaningful relationships where others erect walls of division,” he declared.
Under Dr. Neliaku’s leadership, the NIPR has taken bold steps to reposition the Institute not only as Africa’s largest PR body but also as a key national stakeholder in rebuilding public confidence and fostering inclusive dialogue.
A major milestone in this regard is the upcoming University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), an ambitious, first-of-its-kind project that places Nigeria at the center of global PR and leadership training. Designed to address the leadership crisis across Africa, the UPRL is supported by the Nasarawa State Government, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Leadership Advancement Foundation, and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
Dr. Neliaku expressed deep appreciation to these partners, emphasizing that the university will serve as a training ground for credible, competent, and ethical leaders capable of championing a new Africa narrative.
He also recalled the Institute’s previous strategic interventions, such as the 2022 Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security, which served as a platform to address distrust, disunity, and rising social tensions. The Summit, according to him, was not just a PR event, but a deliberate act of nation-saving.
More recently, the 2025 Nigeria Spokespersons Summit (NSS), held in April provided the Federal Government a robust platform to communicate its tax reforms through a network of trained spokespersons across states and sectors.
“These are not just events; they are national conversations designed to restore trust, enhance understanding, and bridge divides,” Dr. Neliaku said.
In what he described as a “historic opportunity for national rebranding,” Dr. Neliaku announced that Nigeria will host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), a global convergence of communication experts and industry leaders from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance.
“This is the highest gathering of public relations minds in the world, and Nigeria has been given the responsibility to host it,” he stated. “It is a challenge, but also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reposition our country globally.”
He called on all stakeholders, government agencies, private sector players, PR professionals, media, and NIPR chapters nationwide to throw their weight behind the planning and execution of the 2026 Forum, assuring that Nigeria would deliver the most impactful edition yet.
As he concluded his message, Dr. Neliaku urged PR professionals to recommit to the founding ideals of the practice; truth, trust, professionalism, and service to the public.
“Let us celebrate this day not just with joy, but with a firm resolve to keep building bridges where others build walls. Let us use the powerful tools of Public Relations to build the new Nigerians who will, in turn, build a new Nigeria,” he said.
As polarization continues to shape narratives globally, Nigeria’s PR community, under the stewardship of the NIPR, is being challenged to lead with purpose, communicate with integrity, and bridge divides with courage.
World PR Day 2025 is not just a celebration. It is a call to action for a better profession, a united nation, and a rebranded Africa.
