With the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) just around the corner, host nation representative NIPR is teaming up with the NTDA. Together, they are set to spotlight Nigeria’s vibrant tourism potential on the global stage during this premier event.
The commitment was sealed in Abuja on Thursday, June 11, when NTDA Director-General Dr. Ola Awakan led his team on a courtesy visit to NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr.
Highlighting tourism as a potent force for global influence, the NIPR President emphasized that the forum is the perfect stage to market Nigeria’s vast potential. The event is set to gather top professionals from over 126 countries in Abuja.
Dr. Neliaku added that this strategic synergy will allow the institute to give global delegates a taste of world-class Nigerian hospitality.
He urged the new NTDA leadership to harness Nigeria’s tourist sites with powerful narratives that drive greater value for visitors.
“The NIPR has come a long way: we established the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, to ensure that our reputation gate is no longer porous again. We had the Reputation Summit and the Nigeria Perception Index Survey.
“We organised and hosted the NIPR Week earlier this year and also established the University of Public Relations and Leadership in Gudi, Nasarawa State to train future generations of credible leaders.
“We are also building a Public Relations Place and planning to establish a Public Relations Museum here in Nigeria.”
He noted that the Global Alliance’s 2026 WPRF hits Abuja this November, welcoming delegates from over 126 nations.
“My colleagues in Council and members of the institute are delighted to work with NTDA, and we will give our maximum support”, he said.
Earlier, Dr. Awakan described the collaboration as pivotal to national development, noting that President Bola Tinubu remains strongly committed to economic diversification.
He explained that at the recent Tourism Expo in Kampala, other African nations explicitly looked to Nigeria to champion and spearhead the continent’s tourism sector.
“We need to walk the talk to enhance the drive for diversification through tourism.
“President Tinubu noticed this, that is why, when he came on board, he established the Ministry of Tourism and later merged it with Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.”
He stressed that partnering with the NIPR is essential to rebranding Nigeria and rewriting the country’s narrative. Dr. Awakan noted that by showcasing Nigeria’s immense positive offerings, the collaboration can successfully counter negative stereotypes on the world stage.
“For the 2026 WPRF, we have a National Travel Bureau in our organisation that can create tours anywhere the visitors want to go. We also have initiatives like the Naija Flavour Initiative to showcase our identity in various spheres.
“We are planning a Tourism Expo and also discussing with Nigeria Movie Award. NTDA and NIPR can work together during and after the Forum,” Awakan said.
The NIPR President formally decorated Dr. Awakan with the regalia of an NIPR Ambassador.
