WPRF 2026: Obasanjo Backs Hosting, Prays For Nigeria's Turnaround

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.

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OGUN NIPR MOBILISES FOR WPRF WITH 'OWANBE ON THE ROAD' CAMPAIGN

The Ogun State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is set to take its campaign for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) to the streets of Abeokuta on Saturday, October 10, as it mobilises public relations professionals, government officials, corporate organisations and other stakeholders for Nigeria’s hosting of the global event.

The roadshow, tagged “Owanbe Season 2 on the Road for WPRF,” will commence at 8:00 a.m. from the Chapter Secretariat and proceed through major locations in the state capital, including Oke-Ilewo, Panseke, Omida, and other key commercial hubs in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the Chapter’s October Business Meeting, the Chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, said the roadshow was part of efforts to ensure that Ogun State actively contributes to the success of Nigeria’s hosting of the international gathering.

“WPRF is not just another professional event; it is a global platform coming to Nigeria. Ogun NIPR wants our members and stakeholders to understand the vast opportunities it presents for professional development, high-level networking, knowledge exchange and enhancing Nigeria’s visibility on the global stage,” Boye said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Chapter’s WPRF Planning Committee, Mrs. Taiwo Akintomide, called on corporate organisations, government agencies, academic institutions, public relations practitioners and young communicators to participate in the roadshow and register for the forthcoming global forum.

She noted that broad stakeholder participation would help raise awareness of the opportunities presented by the WPRF and strengthen collective support for Nigeria’s role as host.

The awareness campaign is designed to generate public interest in the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum, scheduled for November 15 to 21, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, while also building momentum for the chapter’s signature cultural event, Owanbe Season 2.

Nigeria’s hosting of the WPRF is expected to bring together public relations professionals, academics, global communication experts and industry leaders from across the world to discuss the evolving role of strategic communication in addressing global challenges and strengthening public trust.

With the theme “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” the forum will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, international networking and discussions on the role of ethical communication in an increasingly complex world.

To complement the professional focus of the Abuja forum, the chapter is also leveraging its cultural platform, Owanbe Season 2, to strengthen stakeholder engagement and celebrate Ogun State’s rich cultural heritage.

Scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, the event will be held under the theme “Ariya Galore: Celebrating the Spirit of Oneness.” It is expected to bring together professionals, business leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders for an evening that blends cultural celebration with networking and relationship-building.

By combining grassroots mobilisation, professional advocacy and cultural celebration, Ogun NIPR is seeking to deepen public engagement with the public relations profession while positioning the state as an active participant in the global communication community.

Ogun NIPR Media Team

Ogun NUJ @50: Nigeria’s first female Accountant-General, Madein decorated as Golden Jubilee Ambassador

Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, Nigeria’s first female Accountant-General of the Federation, was formally decorated as a Golden Jubilee Ambassador as part of activities preceding the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council. 

The prestigious honor was conferred on her during a private ceremony on Thursday at her Iperu Home, in the presence of family, close friends, and prominent guests, including Dr. Joke Sofowora. 

The Golden Jubilee Ambassadorship is an elite recognition reserved for 50 outstanding Ogun State indigenes who have made extraordinary contributions across various fields of human endeavor.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Union Journalists, Ogun State Council, Wale Olanrewaju described Dr. Madein as a woman of valor who shattered glass ceilings and brought immense pride to Ogun State. 

He commended her for serving the nation with diligence and distinction, highlighting that she concluded her public service with an unblemished record and is enjoying a peaceful retirement. 

“We did not need to brainstorm before coming about your name because your achievements stand out,” Olanrewaju stated, 

He further emphasized her enduring legacy in financial governance.

Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Madein affirmed her readiness to collaborate with the organization

“I want to appreciate the Ogun NUJ for finding me worthy of this honour. I believe you have a reason. I am open to work with Ogun NUJ in any area God permits me to contribute and encourage journalists in the state”, Madein stated.

Urging media practitioners to uphold strict standards of accuracy and professionalism, she underscored the historical and societal importance of the press. 

“Journalism is one of the oldest profession. I say this because information sharing has been done right from the time of creation. Practitioners must therefore lift the profession with accuracy and facts. It is a lot of work that you’re doing. The entire world is waiting for you to give information that will help serve the people, protect democratic institutions and make the world a better place,” she noted.

Dr. Madein also condemned attacks on media personnel while advocating for press freedom.

“Journalism exposes one to a lot of both good and bad. Persecutions, attacks impeding independence and free press. I appreciate you all for being who are undaunted journalists and for boldly reporting the truth.” 

She has also committed to serving as the keynote speaker at the upcoming Ogun NUJ Anniversary Lecture.

Born in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, Dr. Madein’s trajectory to the summit of Nigeria’s financial administration is built on rigorous academic preparation and career perseverance. 

Over a 30-year career in public service, Dr. Madein maintained a distinguished record rooted in institutional integrity and fiscal governance. 

As Accountant-General of the Federation, she drove major financial reforms, including expanding the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to streamline revenue collection and minimize fiscal leakages. 

She also optimized the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), introducing real-time expenditure tracking to strengthen transparency and protect public funds against fraud.

INFORMATION CHAPEL CONGRATULATES OGUN NUJ LEADERSHIP ON NEW 18-SEATER BUS DONATED BY SENATOR ADEOLA

The Executives and entire membership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, warmly felicitate the leadership of the NUJ Ogun State Council, under the able leadership of Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, on the acquisition of a brand-new 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus donated by the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District and the Governorship candidate of the All Proggressive Congress, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi).

The donation is a significant development for the Ogun NUJ and a welcome boost to the Council’s operational capacity. It is also a reflection of the value placed on the welfare and professional activities of journalists in the State.

The Information Chapel commends the Comrade Wale Olanrewaju-led State Executive for its proactive approach to addressing the needs of members and strengthening the structures required for effective union administration. The addition of the bus to the Council’s fleet, we believe, would improve mobility, facilitate coverage of assignments and enhance the overall efficiency of journalists across the State.

We equally appreciate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola for this generous gesture and for his continued recognition of the important role of the media in promoting accountability, development and democratic values. His support for the journalism profession is commendable and will contribute meaningfully to the activities of the Ogun NUJ.

The Information Chapel remains committed to the unity, progress and development of the NUJ in Ogun State. We will continue to support initiatives that promote the welfare of journalists, strengthen the Union and advance the collective interests of its members.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Ogun State Council and the entire NUJ family in Ogun State on this laudable achievement.

E-Signed:

Com. Bolaji Abiodun

Chairman, NUJ Information Chapel

Com. Yemisi Fashola, ANIPR

Secretary, NUJ Information Chapel

TASK FORCE BOOSTS CAPACITY TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN OGUN

          Members of the Ogun State Task Force on Human Trafficking, have completed A 3-day capacity-building workshop to enhance the state's investigation, prosecution and handling of trafficking cases.

The training organised by the Schools Anti-Trafficking Education Advocacy Project (STEAP), in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), was convened by stakeholders across security, welfare, legal, civil society and the media sectors.

Declaring the training open at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, condemned human trafficking as a crime against humanity.

 Represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, Ogungbade, emphasised the necessity of thorough investigation to secure justice, while he lauded the initiative's timeliness.

STEAP Project Manager, Mrs. Rhoda Dia-Johnson, explained that the workshop addressed emerging trends and filled operational gaps created by staff turnover and migration.

"We recognised the need to train new members and provide refresher courses to ensure our task force is equipped to identify, respond to and combat human trafficking effectively," Dia-Johnson said.

Delivering a lecture on local trafficking trends, NAPTIP State Coordinator, Mrs. Abosede Jimoh, warned that traffickers increasingly leverage social media and digital platforms to recruit victims.

Speaking further on the theme, NAPTIP Legal Officer, Mr. Femi Kehinde, detailed Nigeria’s legal frameworks, reiterating that trafficking remained a grave violation of human rights that required firm judicial action.

Also in their presentations, ICMPD resource person Mr. Simeon Favour and STEAP State Coordinator Mr. Samuel Okoroji, trained participants on case reporting metrics and updating the National Anti-Trafficking Database.

To improve inter-agency synergy, the Coordinator for the Ogun State Task Force, Oloye Akolawole Shoremi, outlined multi-stakeholder referral pathways and announced plans to publish a public directory detailing the roles and responsibilities of local service providers.

Speaking on behalf of participants, Dr. Mary Okeriafo from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo of Gender Development Initiative and Mr. Taiwo Adebajo, commended the organisers, noting that the actionable insights gained would significantly elevate operational responses across Ogun State.