The Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) 2026 has concluded in Kaduna, drawing stakeholders from across the country and reinforcing discussions on communication, governance, and food security as key drivers of national development.
Speaking on the event, Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and communication scholar, Omoniyi Ibietan, described the week-long programme as a “festival of ideas and hope,” noting that it repositioned Kaduna—often referred to as “Croc City”—as a hub for learning, culture, and policy dialogue.
The event, organised under the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) President and Chairman of Council, Ike Neliaku, focused on the theme “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate – The Imperative of Strategic Communication.” Discussions centred on how effective communication can translate agricultural policies into tangible food security outcomes.
A major intellectual reference point during the event was the work of Ghanaian economist George Ayittey, whose thesis argues that Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo possess vast arable land capable of feeding the African continent if properly harnessed. Participants explored how strategic communication can help bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural sector.
The programme featured a series of engagements beginning with a workshop on the Kaduna peace model, highlighting the link between peace, social stability, and food security. Traditional rulers and community leaders participated in discussions aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and conflict prevention.
Subsequent sessions brought together senior Kaduna State government officials for capacity-building on trust-building and effective communication within public institutions. Another session focused on improving government communication strategies to better align policy delivery with public expectations under governance frameworks such as the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The week also saw reflections on the historical foundations of the NIPR, with tributes to pioneer figures such as Dr. Sam Epelle and other early leaders who helped establish the institution’s professional legacy in Nigeria.
Ibietan noted that the Kaduna edition of the programme demonstrated the role of public relations as a tool not only for messaging but also for nation-building, policy translation, and strengthening public trust in governance.
