Presidency Pledges Support as Nigeria Hosts World PR Forum

The Presidency has pledged its support for the forthcoming Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance on Wednesday when he received members of the forum’s planning committee at the State House, Abuja.

The delegation was led by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku.

The forum, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, is expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance.

The event will be held under the theme, “Deepening Responsible Communications.”

Onanuga expressed delight that Nigeria had been selected to host the global event, describing it as an opportunity for the country to showcase its cultural heritage and improve its international image.

He urged Nigerians to act as good ambassadors of the country, noting that negative narratives about Nigeria could sometimes give foreigners a distorted impression of the country.

“This is a great opportunity for us to correct those things of concern to people,” he said, adding that the conference would be beneficial to Nigeria and deserved government support.

Neliaku said Nigeria was the first African country to secure the hosting rights for the forum, following previous editions held in countries including Mexico, India and Germany.

He said one of the highlights of the conference would be the signing of the “Abuja Declaration”, under which delegates would commit to responsible communication practices.

Neliaku also disclosed that Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema would deliver the keynote address, while President Bola Tinubu would receive a lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms during the event.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said preparations were already at an advanced stage, with the committee collaborating with media organisations and security agencies to ensure a successful event.

The forum is expected to bring together leading public relations professionals, communication experts and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss the role of responsible communication in shaping societies and strengthening global relations.