WPRF: Nigeria's Speaker of Parliament, Abbas Hosts Prof. Green, Extols Love for Africa
The Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has received the President and CEO of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Prof. Justin Green where he commended the renowned public relations professional for his love for Nigeria and the African continent.
Abbas who spoke in Abuja while receiving the Global Alliance chief, alongside a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) said Nigeria's emergence as the Host Country for 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) is an indication of the influence the country wields in global communications ecosystem.
He expressed gratitude to Prof. Green for his love for Africa and confidence in Nigeria especially at a time some persons he described as "doubting Thomases" never believed in Nigeria's capacity to influence lasting change at the global affairs.
"This is a very big opportunity and I want to sincerely thank Prof. Justin Green for all his efforts to make Africa part of the global picture. Thank you very much for identifying with our great continent of opportunity and I assure you that Nigeria will uphold your confidence and firm belief in us", he noted.
While also applauding the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku for being at the forefront ensuring that Nigeria secures WPRF hosting right, the first in West Africa, the Speaker assured the institutional support of the House of Representatives to ensure that the Forum taking place in Abuja from 15th — 21st November records huge success.
He reiterated the commitment of the House to pursue a robust inclusivity agenda that give women a place of prominence in the nation's leadership structure. He stressed that the Executive Bill before the House seeking to provide special seats for women is a recognition of the huge value women bring to the leadership table.
He added that the annual National Assembly Open Day is part of initiatives of his leadership to deepen engagement with citizens and drive transparency by showcasing achievements of the House and subjecting them to public scrutiny.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of Global Alliance, Prof. Green said since 2015, efforts to bring the WPRF to Africa has been largely unsuccessful as a result of lack of belief and perceptions about the continent.
Prof. Green commended the House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas for prioritising inclusivity of women and persons with disabilities through special legislations, noting that it aligns with Global Alliance's commitment to break barriers and bring people together to deepen community dialogue.
"When I joined the Global Alliance Board, there were seven or eight people on the Board. Now, how can seven or eight people claim to reflect the views, the cultures, the religion from around the world? At the time, some of the Western countries like Canada, the UK, the United States held permanent positions on the Board. When I got into office, I removed them, but I didn't remove it as a dictator. I actually put it before the General Assembly, so it went out to everyone.
"We now have a Board of 29 people from around the world, from everyone, from China to Brazil, to Canada, to New Zealand, to Indonesia, and across Europe. And of course, most importantly, we have six African members on our Board, from no representation to six", he stated.
Also speaking, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku said apart from being the second time the WPRF is coming to Africa, this is the first time it is holding alongside African Public Relations Association conference. While commending Prof. Green for creating regional Council for Africa as a way of advancing inclusion, he assured that the WPRF Abuja 2026 will be the best to have taken place in the history of the Forum.