Chief Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, expressed support for Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, noting that the event would showcase the country’s culture, creative potential and capacity to lead global conversations on responsible communication.
She made the remarks while hosting a delegation of the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), led by its chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, at her residence in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.
The WPRF, which will take place from November 15 to 21, 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, is being organised by the NIPR in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
The weeklong conference themed, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” is expected to attract public relations professionals, policymakers, and business leaders from over 100 countries.
Addressing the NIPR delegation, Mrs. Obasanjo said the WPRF initiative is a laudable platform for enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation.
She subsequently offered prayers for the organisers and participants of the forum, adding that the country would witness a positive turnaround through the global engagement.
She said, “As you gather in this season, may Almighty God send you admirers and destiny-helpers who will connect you to opportunities ordained by Jehovah. May He grant you the grace to exhibit more courage, skill, prudence and diligence, and strengthen you and all yours to remain strong and focused in all you do.”
“You are doing this to encourage the youth, the less privileged, the downtrodden and the marginalised. When you serve humanity, you serve God, and Almighty God will not forsake you,” she added.
Mrs. Obasanjo expressed optimism about the future of the country, noting that the global event would further spotlight Nigeria positively.
“Nigeria is a land flowing with milk and honey, and things will turn around for the better for us. May the fresh anointing of the Lord continue to keep you, uplift you, uphold you and strengthen you. May the joy of the Lord continue to be your strength,” she prayed.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Mrs. Boye said the Ogun NIPR visited Obasanjo’s wife to climax its roadshow tagged “Owanbe Season 2 on the Road for WPRF” and create awareness for both the global event and the chapter’s signature end-of-year cultural event.
The chairman explained that the campaign was in furtherance of the chapter’s sensitisation and mobilisation of relevant stakeholders in the state.
She said, “Our message today is simple but powerful: Ogun NIPR is taking its culture, hospitality, diversity and the spirit of celebration to the road as we mobilise support for WPRF 2026.
“The WPRF is the largest convergence of public relations and communication professionals from around the world. This is the first time Nigeria will be hosting it and over 3,000 delegates will be in attendance. We are going to show the whole world what Nigeria has to offer. It’s going to be the boldest, biggest, brightest gathering ever in Nigeria.
“Let me not forget that the Customs, Immigration and Nigeria Police Force have made adequate provisions to ensure participants attending internally and externally have seamless passages.”
On her part, the Chairman of the WPRF Committee, Mrs. Taiwo Akintomide, said she was hopeful that this year’s edition would be a memorable legacy for Nigeria and the public relations profession.
“The WPRF offers Nigeria an opportunity to tell its story to the world, while also giving Nigerian practitioners an opportunity to listen, learn, connect and contribute to the global PR conversation,” she said.
