ABUJA/Nigeria: Kenya has pledged its support for Nigeria’s efforts to use the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) to deepen professional and institutional cooperation across Africa.
The assurance was contained in a statement signed by Stanley Ogadigo, Director of Public Relations, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), following a meeting between Kenya’s Minister of Information, Communications and Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau, and a Nigerian delegation led by NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Gitau said Kenya was interested in initiatives capable of promoting Africa’s image and showcasing the continent’s potential, describing the WPRF as an undertaking that required cooperation beyond national boundaries.
He also confirmed that he would attend the forum and said Kenya would participate fully in the event, scheduled for November 15 to 21 in Abuja, alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference.
The minister’s position came during discussions with the Nigerian delegation on the planned forum and its expected contribution to communication practice and information management in Africa.
Neliaku briefed Gitau on the programme for the Abuja gathering and outlined some of the initiatives planned around the event.
Among those highlighted were the proposed inauguration of the University of Public Relations and Leadership, the Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, Akara Festival and a seven-hour tailoring service for international guests.
The NIPR president also presented an invitation from Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to participate in an African Ministers of Information Roundtable scheduled as part of the forum.
Neliaku said the ministerial meeting would provide an opportunity for African information ministers to examine challenges associated with information management and promote more responsible communication practices across the continent.
The WPRF and APRA Conference are expected to bring together communication professionals and other stakeholders from Africa and beyond for discussions on the future of public relations, communication and the role of the profession in strengthening public trust.
The Abuja event is scheduled to run from November 15 to 21, 2026.
