By Mokobia Rita.
ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter, is set to embark on a statewide public-awareness campaign ahead of Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.
The campaign, which will include a roadshow across the state, radio programmes and other public engagement activities, is part of the national awareness drive by the NIPR to promote the WPRF and deepen public understanding of the public relations profession ahead of the global gathering.
The Chairman of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, disclosed this at the chapter’s monthly meeting in Asaba on Thursday, September 17, 2026, saying the activities would also create greater awareness of the role of public relations in governance, business and community development.
Osakwe said the roadshow would involve engagements across relevant NIPR structures, including collaboration with chapters outside the state and the Federal Capital Territory, as the institute intensifies preparations for the international event.
He said the campaign would provide an opportunity to take the message of public relations to a wider audience, while encouraging practitioners to improve their communication skills and adopt innovative approaches in responding to the changing demands of the profession.
The NIPR chairman said the WPRF presented a significant opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its cultural heritage, creative industries and economic potential to an international audience, particularly with participants expected from more than 126 countries.
The 13th World Public Relations Forum, organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and hosted by the NIPR, is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
Osakwe urged public relations practitioners in Delta State to take advantage of the global attention surrounding the forum to strengthen professional networks, promote innovation and demonstrate the relevance of strategic communication to development.
He also called for stronger support from the private sector, saying greater collaboration between practitioners and businesses would help expand the scope and impact of professional activities and programmes.
Also speaking, Mr. Patrick Ukah, a member of the National Planning Committee for the forthcoming NIPR events, said preparations were progressing steadily, with the institute working towards using the global gathering to create lasting opportunities for the profession.
Ukah said exhibitions of Nigerian arts, crafts, fashion and other cultural products would form part of the activities surrounding the forum, providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs, creatives and cultural practitioners to connect with an international audience.
He said the planned activities would also contribute to projecting Nigeria’s cultural diversity and creative capacity during the period of the international gathering.
The WPRF is expected to bring together communication professionals, policymakers, business leaders, academics and other stakeholders from across the world, with the official programme highlighting cultural showcases, exhibitions, professional sessions and international networking opportunities.
