The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has called on the Federal Government to establish an inter-ministerial committee to support the planning and successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), scheduled to hold in Nigeria

Chairman of BON, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, made the call in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), stressing that the global forum presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to project a positive image and strengthen its reputation among the international community.

Akiotu said Nigeria’s successful bid to host the 2026 edition of the forum was a major achievement for both the country and the African continent, noting that the event should be treated as a national project requiring collective support.

He urged the Federal Government to set up an inter-ministerial committee comprising relevant ministries and agencies to work with the NIPR in coordinating preparations for the event, which has President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Host.

“The NIPR has done Nigeria and indeed Africa a lot of good by attracting the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum to this country. It is left for us as a people to see it as our collective project and an opportunity to present the true image of Nigeria to the rest of the world,” he said.

According to him, the forum offers Nigeria a platform to counter negative perceptions and tell its own story to a global audience.

“We now have the opportunity to correct false narratives being portrayed about Nigeria narratives that do not represent who we are. We can utilise the World PR Forum as a platform to tell our story and showcase the country’s strengths,” he added.

Akiotu noted that the proposed committee would help put in place the necessary measures to demonstrate that Nigeria remains a safe destination for investment, business and tourism.

He also assured the NIPR of the support of broadcast media organisations across the country in giving the forum adequate publicity and visibility.

The BON chairman disclosed that members of the organisation would actively participate in the week-long event scheduled to take place from November 15 to 21, 2026.

Earlier, President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between both organisations and exploring areas of collaboration for national development.

Neliaku said partnership with BON would enhance efforts to properly position the Nigerian story and promote the country’s reputation among local and international stakeholders.

He expressed confidence that greater collaboration between public relations professionals and broadcasters would contribute to building a stronger national image and advancing Nigeria’s development objectives.

The World Public Relations Forum is one of the largest gatherings of communication and public relations professionals globally, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, academics and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends and best practices in reputation management and strategic communication.