ABUJA, August 17, 2026 — Nigeria is preparing to put its food, fashion, music, arts and cultural heritage on the global stage as Abuja hosts about 3,000 international delegates for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in November.
A major attraction will be the maiden Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, which organisers expect to feed about 10,000 people as part of the corporate social responsibility programme of the global public relations gathering.
The cultural programme was highlighted on Monday by the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.
Neliaku said the cultural elements were deliberately incorporated into the programme to ensure international visitors experience Nigeria beyond the conference room.
The week-long WPRF, scheduled for November 15 to 21, will be held under the theme “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
Alongside the Jollof festival, organisers have planned a seven-hour African tailoring pavilion, where international visitors will be able to experience African fashion and have traditional attire made for them.
The programme will also include international and continental exhibitions and a dedicated WPRF Experience Nigeria Zone, featuring Nigerian and African music, arts, culture and cuisine.
The organisers say the cultural component is intended to give international delegates a broader experience of Nigeria while creating opportunities to showcase the country’s creative economy and cultural identity.
The forum itself is expected to attract global thought leaders, policymakers and professionals from business, governance, politics, academia, technology, security, culture, civil society, diplomatic missions and international organisations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chief Host, while President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is expected to deliver the keynote address. Other international participants are expected from organisations including the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO and INTERPOL.
The cultural programme will complement a broader schedule of high-level dialogues, workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions and networking activities, including the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference and the Global Youth Public Relations Summit.
The Global Youth Public Relations Summit is scheduled for November 20 at the University of Public Relations and Leadership in Gudi, Nasarawa State, while the main WPRF programme will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Organisers are inviting diplomatic missions, international organisations, businesses and individuals to participate as delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors, while encouraging young people and students from participating countries to attend.
As Nigeria prepares to receive the world in Abuja, the organisers are seeking to combine serious global conversations on responsible communication with an authentic showcase of Nigerian hospitality, food, fashion and culture.
