The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has joined other State Chapters across the 36 states of Nigeria in a nationwide roadshow aimed at creating awareness about the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) Abuja 2026 and promoting professional registration and membership of the Institute.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State Chapter, Bishop Aturu, the chapter explained that the roadshow, held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, was part of the nationwide mobilisation and awareness campaign ahead of the global public relations gathering scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
The exercise provided the Kogi Chapter with an opportunity to engage members of the public, communication professionals, government institutions, students, the media and other stakeholders on the significance of Nigeria hosting the international forum and the opportunities it presents for the public relations and communication industry.
The Kogi team commenced the awareness roadshow from Ganaja Junction, Lokoja, moving through major routes and points of public engagement before proceeding towards the Government House, where the exercise culminated.
A major highlight of the roadshow was a stopover at the Cenotaph, a significant historical monument in Lokoja, where members of the Institute paid tribute to Nigerian soldiers who served and fought during the First and Second World Wars.
The stopover provided an opportunity for the public relations practitioners to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served the nation while drawing attention to the importance of preserving Nigeria’s historical heritage and telling the country’s story responsibly.
The team thereafter proceeded to Lugard House, located within the Government House complex in Lokoja. The historic structure, which is associated with Nigeria’s colonial administrative history, provided another significant heritage point during the roadshow.
The visit also underscored the role of strategic communication and public relations in preserving, documenting and projecting the historical and cultural heritage of communities and nations.
At the Government House, the Kogi NIPR team was received by the Director-General of Protocol, Mr. Emmanuel, who represented the Kogi State Governor.
Mr. Emmanuel, while receiving the team on behalf of the Governor, welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the importance of public relations and strategic communication in projecting the image and identity of Kogi State and Nigeria.
He commended the Kogi State NIPR Chapter for joining the nationwide mobilisation and for taking the message of the World Public Relations Forum to the public through the roadshow.
The Vice Chairman of the Kogi State NIPR Chapter, Mr. Tade Oshaloto, who represented the Chapter Chairman, Ismaila Isah, addressed journalists shortly after the team’s arrival at the Government House.
Mr. Oshaloto explained that the roadshow was not only designed to sensitise the public about WPRF Abuja 2026 but also to encourage qualified communication practitioners and other eligible professionals to embrace professional registration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
He noted that professional membership of the Institute provides practitioners with an opportunity to identify with the statutory body regulating and promoting professional public relations practice in Nigeria, while also contributing to the advancement of ethical and responsible communication.
According to him, Nigeria’s hosting of WPRF 2026 presents a significant opportunity for Nigerian public relations practitioners to participate in global conversations around the future of communication, professional practice, ethics, trust and responsible communication.
He therefore called on government institutions, corporate organisations, media practitioners, communication professionals, academics, students and other stakeholders to identify with the forum and participate actively in the opportunities associated with the global gathering.
The 2026 World Public Relations Forum, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” is expected to bring together public relations and communication professionals, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders from different parts of the world in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for meaningful conversations around trust, ethical leadership, responsible communication, social cohesion, Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, sustainable development and the rapidly changing communication landscape, including the challenges posed by misinformation and emerging technologies.
The Kogi roadshow featured the display of WPRF and NIPR-branded materials, stakeholder engagement, interaction with members of the public, media engagement and public sensitisation along the route.
