President Bola Tinubu and several African and world leaders are expected to attend the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to hold in Abuja in November, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has said.

Acting President of NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, disclosed this on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the institute and Ventolite Marketing International Ltd in Abuja.

Dandaura said Nigeria would host participants, including heads of state and government, from 126 countries at the week-long event, which will also feature the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and activities of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.

He explained that activities would commence on November 15 with a Polo and Golf Tournament in Abuja, followed by a Knowledge Conference on November 16.

According to him, the official opening ceremony of the World Public Relations Forum will take place on Tuesday, November 17, with President Tinubu expected to declare the conference open alongside visiting African presidents and representatives from the European Union.

“We are trusting God that the President of the Federal Republic will join us, alongside some of our visiting African presidents and a few heads of government from the European Union to open the conference,” he said.

Dandaura added that Nigeria would, for the first time, host the AGM of APRA as part of the broader WPRF activities, noting that APRA is marking its 50th anniversary, while the Global Alliance is celebrating 25 years.

Wednesday of the conference week has been designated as Africa Day, during which African ministers and legislators are expected to deliberate on mainstreaming responsible communication in governance.

He said discussions were ongoing with the Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments to hold a roundtable session concurrently with ministerial engagements.

The forum will also feature an “Experience Nigeria Centre,” showcasing Nigerian culture, fashion, cuisine and entertainment.

Participants are expected to sample local delicacies, including akara and suya, while entertainment villages and musical performances will run throughout the week.

On Friday, activities will shift to Gudi in Nasarawa State, where NIPR is developing what it described as the world’s first public relations university and leadership centre. A Global Youth Summit is also scheduled to hold at the site.

Dandaura said the institute had lined up tourism and leisure activities, including an evening event at Jabi Lake, before delegates begin departure at the weekend.

He stressed that the logistics of hosting the global event required strong partnerships, prompting the appointment of Ventolite Marketing International Ltd as marketing consultant after a competitive bidding process initiated in October 2025.