President Bola Tinubu has pledged support towards the forthcoming Global Alliance World Public Relations Conference holding from November 15 to 21 in Abuja.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement by the Director, Information & Public Relations, Abiodun Oladunjoye, on Thursday, said Mr Tinubu gave the assurance when he received members of the planning committee of the forum at the State House, Abuja.

Mr Onanuga expressed delight in Nigeria as the host nation for the event, noting that the forum is a good opportunity to end the misinformed narratives of the country and also promote the nation’s image to the world.

Mr Onanuga said, “You see, as a Nigerian, I always feel very odd when you read online the kind of things our people put out in the public space. They say negative things about this country. This is a great opportunity for us to correct those things of concern to people. For me, I’ve seen the conference as something that will be good for our country, and it should be supported.” 

President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, led other delegates at the State House to seek the presidency’s support towards the success of the conference.

The President said that Nigeria was the first nation in Africa to secure hosting rights, adding that the conference had been hosted by other countries such as Mexico, India, and Germany. 

Mr Neliaku said the opportunity serves as a means of promoting the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

This year’s edition of the global forum has the theme: “Deepening Responsible Communications.” with about 3,000 delegates from 126 member-countries set to attend.

Mr Neliaku said Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address for the event, adding that Mr Tinubu will be honoured with a  Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms during the forum.

Dr Suleiman Haruna said that the preparation by the planning committee informed the presidential spokesperson that the preparation for the event is currently ongoing, with the partnership of security agencies and media organisations to ensure the success of the conference.

Director-General of Strategic Communications to the Nasarawa State Government and member of the forum’s planning committee, Yakubu Lamai, said the government of Nasarawa State is working on infrastructure in building a world-class Public Relations University.

Renowned broadcaster and member of the delegation, Moji Makanjuola, representing the womenfolk, said the conference will also be gender inclusive and open to women and persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Ms Makanjuola also called on the presidency’s support to receive the world.

She said, “We have to be ready as Nigerians to receive the world; it is a Nigerian thing, it is not for the ministry.”