Keynote Address At The National Unveiling Of The World Public Relations Forum — WPRF ABUJA 2026

1. Introduction

It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today at this National Unveiling of the World Public Relations Forum—WPRF Abuja 2026.

This is not just another event on the communications calendar; it is a defining moment for Nigeria’s leadership in global dialogue on responsible communication.

Today’s gathering is a bold statement—that under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is stepping forward as the Biggest, Brightest, and Boldest voice for ethical and responsible communication in Africa and beyond.

2. The Power and Paradox of Communication

Communication is at the heart of humanity. It builds bridges, shapes nations, and drives change. But it also has the power to divide, distort, and destroy when misused.

In our digital and interconnected age, the speed of information has surpassed the speed of reflection. Words now travel faster than thought, and opinions often outrun truth. This is why our theme— “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World”—is not just timely, but essential.

Responsible communication is not merely about what we say; it is about how, why, and to what end we say it. It is about truth, empathy, and service to the public good—values that are also the moral compass of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Renewed Hope vision seeks to rebuild trust between government and the people—trust anchored on openness, engagement, and shared purpose. Communication is the lifeblood of that trust.

3. The Role of Nigeria in Global Communication Ethics

As host of the World Public Relations Forum 2026, Nigeria is assuming a leadership role on the global stage of professional communication. We are a country of over 200 million voices—diverse, dynamic, and deeply expressive.

Our democracy thrives on dialogue, and under President Tinubu’s administration, communication is being repositioned as a tool for unity, accountability, and nation-building.

Through the National Orientation Policy, the Open Government Communication Framework, and the strengthening of government information institutions, we are promoting a culture of truthful governance narratives and citizen inclusion.

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda—to restore confidence, rebuild values, and reconnect the people to their government through clarity, transparency, and hope-driven communication.

Nevertheless, we must come to terms with existential reputational threats to our national brand, in which external purveyors of untruth are mischaracterizing our nation as a destination for a so-called persecution of people based on their religious faiths.

This is a propaganda externally woven by those who want to weaken our unity. For the umpteenth time, I am emphatic that there’s no iota of truth in the claim of a ‘Christian Genocide’ in Nigeria.

I therefore urge us to use the instruments of public relations, crafted in truths and facts, to vehemently reject these despicable single narratives about Nigeria.

4. WPRF 2026: A Platform for Global Impact

The forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in Abuja is more than a global conference—it is an opportunity to present Nigeria as a model of transformation through communication.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the world is seeing a Nigeria that is reforming, rebranding, and re-emerging—driven by innovation, private sector growth, and renewed international confidence.

Hosting this global event will reaffirm that Nigeria is not only the communication hub of Africa but also a responsible global partner in shaping narratives for peace, prosperity, and shared progress.

5. Honouring the Global Alliance and NIPR

I must recognise the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), under the distinguished leadership of Professor Justin Green, for establishing the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).

This remarkable brand continues to gain global momentum as a platform for dialogue and expression — a true beacon for PR and communication professionals who envision a world where communication serves as a catalyst for solving humanity’s challenges.

In the same vein, I commend the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), ably led by Dr. Ike Neliaku, for successfully directing global attention to Nigeria by securing the hosting rights for this prestigious event.

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rightly affirmed to the global community, “You have no better friend and partner than Nigeria.”

6. A Call to Action

• Let this unveiling today be a call to conscience.
• To practitioners: hold the line of truth.
• To the media: inform with integrity.
• To public officers: communicate with transparency.
• To citizens: speak with empathy.

Let us become, together, the voice of responsibility—the voice of the world that heals divisions, inspires hope, and drives development.

7. Conclusion

As we look ahead to WPRF Abuja 2026, let us carry forward the spirit of Renewed Hope—a hope that believes in the Nigerian story, the Nigerian voice, and the Nigerian future.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is reshaping its global image. Let this Forum be remembered as the moment when Africa’s largest democracy led the world in defining what it means to communicate with conscience.

Together, we will make the World Public Relations Forum, Abuja 2026, the Biggest, Brightest, and Boldest in history—an event that doesn’t just celebrate communication, but redefines it as a force for truth, peace, and human advancement.

To the world of public relations and communication, I say welcome to Nigeria.

Thank you. God bless the Federal republic of Nigeria.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Monday, October 20, 2025