Public relations professionals from across Nigeria and international delegates convened in Kaduna for the 2026 Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW), organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Eko Hot News reports that the conference, themed “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plates; the Imperatives of Public Relations,” was held at the Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall. The venue was recently commissioned by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The week-long event, tagged “Croc City 2026,” focused on advancing communication strategies around national development.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, led a delegation of public relations practitioners to the event. He emphasised that attending such gatherings helps professionals stay updated on global best practices.
Bajulaiye noted that continuous learning remains essential in the field of public relations. He encouraged practitioners to participate in conferences and training programmes to sharpen their expertise and remain relevant in a dynamic communication landscape.
He also commended Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritising human capacity development. According to him, the governor’s support enabled wider participation from Lagos State officials at the conference.
The Lagos NIPR Chairman, Samuel Ayetutu, described the 2026 edition as a significant improvement on previous gatherings. He highlighted increased participation, richer discussions, and broader networking opportunities among practitioners.
Ayetutu explained that earlier editions were hosted in Abeokuta and Uyo, noting that the Kaduna edition marked continued growth for the event. He added that the conference offered valuable exposure, especially for emerging professionals yet to fully integrate into the institute.
He further stressed the importance of public relations in addressing national reputation challenges. According to him, the discussions at NPRW 2026 showcased how the profession can provide solutions to critical societal issues.
Key speakers, including Brylyne Chitsunge and Moji Makanjuola, underscored the importance of food security. They noted that sustainable agriculture remains vital for national growth and development.
They also emphasised that food security requires collective responsibility, encouraging inclusive participation across all sectors. Their sessions highlighted the role of effective communication in driving awareness and policy implementation.
The event featured the induction of 107 new associates into the institute, alongside the elevation of 19 distinguished individuals to fellowship status. Among them were Olumuyiwa Adejobi and Moji Makanjuola.
In addition, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was decorated as Patron of the NIPR Kaduna Chapter. Other notable figures, including Benjamin Kalu and Ishaq Oloyede, received honorary fellowships.
The week-long programme also featured cultural and networking activities such as a Lagos Hangout, cultural night, gala evening, and guided tours of Kaduna. These engagements provided participants with opportunities to connect beyond formal sessions.
Overall, NPRW 2026 reinforced the role of public relations in national development. It also highlighted the importance of continuous professional growth and collaboration in addressing key challenges such as food security.
