NIPR Lagos announces week-long PRFest 2026 celebration of Public Relations Excellence

Chinedum Ukaegbu

Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has officially unveiled the 2026 edition of Lagos PRFest, a flagship programme designed to celebrate excellence in public relations, promote professional development and strengthen the role of strategic communication in nation-building.

According to the Public Relations Officer,
NIPR, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Oguchukwu Okeke, the unveiling took place during the chapter’s Monthly Meeting and PR Clinic held at Ikeja, Lagos, where members and stakeholders gathered to witness the formal launch of what has become one of the institute’s most anticipated annual professional events.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of NIPR Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, described PRFest as a strategic platform that brings together communication professionals, business leaders, policymakers, academics, students and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues of national significance while advancing the public relations profession.

According to him, the 2026 edition comes at a critical period in Nigeria’s development journey, as it seeks to address the intersection of security, nation-building and public trust through strategic communication.

Dr. Ayetutu noted that effective public relations has become increasingly important in fostering trust, promoting responsible communication and strengthening relationships between institutions and citizens.

He stressed that communication professionals have a vital role to play in shaping public perception, promoting social cohesion and supporting national development objectives.

“Public relations practitioners have a crucial role to play in fostering trust, promoting responsible communication and strengthening the relationship between institutions and the public. PRFest 2026 will provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to collectively examine these responsibilities and contribute to national development,” he said.

The chapter chairman further encouraged members of the institute and communication professionals across Nigeria to actively participate in the festival, describing it as an invaluable platform for learning, networking, mentorship, collaboration and professional growth.

Providing an update on preparations for the event, Chairman of the PRFest 2026 Planning Committee, Bolaji Abimbola, disclosed that the committee had made significant progress and was working diligently to ensure a successful and impactful festival.

He assured members that all necessary arrangements were being put in place to deliver a memorable experience that would meet the expectations of participants, sponsors and other stakeholders.

A major highlight of the unveiling ceremony was the official presentation of the theme for Lagos PRFest 2026 by the chapter chairman and selected leaders of the institute.

The festival, scheduled to hold from Friday, July 3 to Thursday, July 9, 2026, will be held under the theme: “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations.”

The theme underscores the growing recognition of strategic communication as a critical tool for addressing security challenges, strengthening public confidence in institutions and promoting collective action towards national development.

The week-long festival will feature a rich lineup of activities designed to engage professionals, students and stakeholders across various sectors.

Activities include a Sports and Fitness Event, the launch of PR Mentorship and Leadership Clubs, a Practitioners’ Hangout and African Night, a Media Tour of Lagos, the Annual Conference Lecture and the Chapter’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Organisers believe these programmes will provide opportunities for professional engagement, capacity building, networking and knowledge sharing among participants.

The Lagos State Chapter of NIPR has extended invitations to members of the institute, communication professionals, corporate organisations, government agencies, students and the wider public to participate in the various activities lined up for the festival.

The chapter expressed confidence that PRFest 2026 will further strengthen the public relations profession while promoting meaningful conversations around public trust, national security and the collective responsibilities required for effective nation-building.

As preparations gather momentum, stakeholders within and outside the communication industry are expected to converge in Lagos for what promises to be a landmark gathering dedicated to advancing excellence in public relations and exploring the transformative role of strategic communication in Nigeria’s development.

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