Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has underscored truth-based public relations as a strategic tool towards nation building; countering false narratives that undermine the nation’s image and progress.
The Information Minister, said this at the National Unveiling of the upcoming World Public Relations Forum, next year, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Idris stressed that Nigeria is currently faced with reputational threats from foreign actors who aim to distort the nation’s unity, peace and progress. He therefore called for transparent communications
“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 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,” he said.
According to the Information Minister, disinformation campaigns are designed to sow division and must be met with a coordinated communication response anchored on facts, integrity, and professional ethics.
“Responsible communication is now a national duty in the digital era where the speed of information has surpassed the speed of reflection. Words now travel faster than thought, and opinions often outrun truth,” underscoring the need for communicators to be guided by truth, empathy, and service to the public good.
In his call to action, Idris, charged all communicators, journalists, and public officers to rise to the challenge of responsible communication.
“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,” he stated.
The Information Minister expressed optimism that at the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in 2026, Nigeria, would take its rightful place as a leader in global communication ethics.
“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.
“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,” he added.
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the hosting rights as a defining moment for the nation to showcase its true image to the global community.
“The world public relations forum is like the World Cup of public relations. We are going to receive people from over 126 countries coming to Nigeria to discuss about responsible communication. The beauty of this is that apart from the fact that it is the first time that Nigeria is hosting this, but this is a way of projecting Nigeria to the international community.
“We are having people who are vice presidents, people who counsel leaders all over the world coming to the soil of Nigeria to know about Nigeria, to hear about, to feel Nigeria beyond what they have been reading and seeing. Now we have to show them the authentic Nigeria,” he noted.
The Vice President of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Sylvia Arto, said the forum underscores Africa’s growing influence in global communication and celebrates the continent’s creativity, diversity, and hospitality.
“This is a historic moment that highlights Africa’s growing influence in global communication and celebrates the continent’s creativity, diversity, and hospitality. The forum is made possible through our strong partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and regional partners, reflecting the power of collaboration.
“In November 2026, communicators, leaders, and scholars from all around the world will come together in Abuja to explore how communication can drive positive impact for super-responsible leadership and build inclusive communities. Beyond the professional dialogue, the forum will also showcase Nigeria’s rich culture, innovation, and warmth, making this a truly unforgettable experience”, she said.
The theme of the World Public Relations Forum, Abuja 2026 “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World”, is expected to receive people from over 126 countries coming to Nigeria to discuss responsible communication.