As part of efforts to galvanise international stakeholders in public relations and information sector for successful hosting of World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital in 2026, the President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku has held strategic engagement with Zambia's Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa and officials of Wikimedia Foundation.
The meeting in Mombasa, Kenya on Thursday, June 12 came at the end African Public Relations Association (APRA) 50th anniversary conference.
Dr. Neliaku at the meeting informed the Minister that public relations professionals in Africa are creating a pan-African consortium that will offer public relations consultancy services for African leaders, to end the use of non-Africans for strategic communication of African Presidents.
"Africa has come of age to provide strategic communication for African Presidents. We have all it takes to do that, so we are coming together to float this idea. You are one of those we want to invite as ambassadors of that framework", he stated.
He added that Africa has the capacity to give itself a voice, a narrative and a perspective that tells the story of the continent as against relying on foreigners.
The NIPR boss also used the opportunity to extend invitation to the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema to attend the WPRF in Abuja next year, describing him as one of the African leaders who commands respect among his colleagues.
Also speaking, the President of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Prof. Justin Green congratulated Zambia for leading the charge in strategic communication by being one of the countries in Africa to professionalise public relations.
He urged the Zambian government to support the hosting of WPRF bh Nigeria, coming to Africa for the second time since inception.
In his response, the Minister described PR as most potent tool for the preservation of peace and advancement of national development and global progress.
While assuring the readiness of his country to continue to support the development of public relations, he said Zambian government will be fully involved in ensuring that Africa hosts a successful WPRF in Abuja next year.
Similarly, the President also met with the Director and Global Head of Trust and Safety of Wikimedia Foundation, Jan Eissfeldt, inviting him to attend WPRF in Abuja.
While assuring that WPRF Abuja 2026 will be the biggest, brightest and boldest ever hosted, the NIPR President invited Eissfeldt to serve as one of the resource persons at the Forum.
Eissfeldt in his response commended the Nigerian delegation for the visit, stating that his organisation has continued to play a role is supporting students across the world, including Nigeria to have access to education materials at no cost.
He pledged the support of his organisation in advancing projects that will add value to all nations of the world, including the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in Nigeria.