As the World Public Relations Forum, WPRF Abuja 2026 draws nearer, the host institute, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has organised a one-day conference for top executives of hotels and other hospitality companies in Abuja, the nation's capital.
The conference was aimed at preparing stakeholders in the hospitality industry and equipping them with the skills needed to deliver excellent services as Nigeria prepares to host delegates from over 126 countries at the WPRF from November 15 to 22, 2026.
Addressing participants, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, urged them to take advantage of the week-long event to make an impact and leave a lasting impression on delegates visiting Nigeria for the forum.
"When you host someone for one day, you can make a lot of impact, let alone one week. By the time this Forum is over, you have cemented a relationship with them, and the impression you leave them with is what will tell them the story of Nigeria, not the one we tell them with words of mouth," he stated.
According to Dr Neliaku, the delegates, who include advisers to major corporations and governments, have the capacity to reshape perceptions of Nigeria. He urged hospitality managers to maximise the opportunity presented by the forum.
In his address, the Chairman of the WPRF National Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said the event offers Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its professional capacity, hospitality, cultural richness, organisational competence and investment potential to the international community.
He added that the selected hotels were well-positioned to demonstrate that Abuja could deliver the quality of accommodation and service expected at a major international forum.
"A delegate's experience begins long before the opening ceremony and continues after the day's sessions have ended. The quality of accommodation, reception, meals, housekeeping, internet access, transportation coordination and staff interactions will influence how delegates assess the event.
"A single poor experience can overshadow several successful conference sessions, while exceptional service can become a lasting positive memory. Every member of hotel staff, from the general manager to the receptionist, concierge, security officer, cleaner, restaurant attendant and driver, has a role in shaping Nigeria's image," Dr Haruna noted.
Mr Stanley Ogadigo, Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, the host chapter, said the WPRF provides a major platform for Nigeria to retell its story. He highlighted the hospitality industry's crucial role in enhancing the experience of the over 3,000 delegates expected at the forum.
The Chief Executive Officer of Right Angle PR, Mrs Oge Neliaku, urged hotels selected as partners for the forum to deploy their best personnel and equipment and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Nigeria's renowned hospitality culture is demonstrated throughout the international event.
With the theme, "Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World," the WPRF will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as the chief host, while his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema, will deliver the keynote address.