ABUJA/Nigeria: The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has urged Nigerian youths to reject the growing narrative that the country is an unconducive environment to live in, calling instead for a renewed spirit of patriotism and positive storytelling about Nigeria.
Speaking on Friday during a virtual engagement with the Youth and Students Work Team of the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), Dr. Neliaku described Nigeria as “the best country on earth,” endowed with unique attributes that enable its citizens to achieve their dreams. He stressed that young people hold the key to shaping the nation’s global image through their words, actions, and online engagements.
“The narrative that our nation is not good enough is being spread by those who have programmed Nigeria to keep falling without failing,” he said. “But unfortunately for them, this great nation keeps waxing stronger every day. Your future is bright in this country, it is the way you package yourself that the destiny of this nation will smile at you. If you acknowledge that this nation is great, it will be great for you; but if you condemn it, that is how it will turn out for you. Do not join others to paint our nation black.”
While acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges, Dr. Neliaku maintained that no nation is without its peculiar struggles. He expressed confidence that with collective effort, honesty, and perseverance, Nigeria will overcome its current setbacks and emerge stronger. He further urged young Nigerians to leverage social media as a tool for promoting positive stories about the country rather than amplifying its shortcomings.
He revealed that the upcoming World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to hold in November 2026, would serve as a global platform for Nigeria to showcase its resilience, creativity, and progress. “We must seize this opportunity to tell our story ourselves,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, assured that youth-centered programmes were being carefully designed to meet the needs and aspirations of young professionals at the 2026 Forum.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Planning Committee of the WPRF, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, encouraged youths to become reputation ambassadors for Nigeria, assuring that adequate arrangements were being made to ensure their full participation in the global event.
