NIPR Lagos to host forum on public trust

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has unveiled plans for PRFest 2026, a week-long programme scheduled for July, with a focus on security, public trust, and nation-building.

The announcement was made during the chapter’s monthly meeting and PR Clinic held recently at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall in Ikeja, where executives outlined the objectives and activities of the forthcoming festival.

Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Samuel Ayetutu, said the initiative was designed to strengthen professional engagement among communication practitioners while deepening the role of public relations in addressing national challenges.

“Public relations practitioners have a crucial role to play in fostering trust, promoting responsible communication and strengthening the relationship between institutions and the public,” Ayetutu said. “PRFest 2026 will provide a platform for stakeholders to examine these responsibilities and contribute to national development.”

He said the 2026 edition would focus on the intersection of security, nation-building, and public trust, noting that strategic communication had become increasingly important in shaping social cohesion and governance outcomes.

Planning Committee Chairman for PRFest 2026, Bolaji Abimbola, said preparations were underway to deliver a well-structured programme that would meet the expectations of participants across the public and private sectors.

He said the committee was working to ensure a “memorable and impactful festival” that would bring together professionals, policymakers, academics, students, and industry stakeholders.

The festival is scheduled to run from 3 to 9 July 2026, and will feature a range of activities, including a sports and fitness event, PR mentorship and leadership club launch; practitioners’ hangout and African night; a media tour of Lagos; an annual conference lecture; and the annual general meeting.

Organisers said the programme is expected to provide networking, mentorship and learning opportunities while reinforcing the importance of strategic communication in governance and public trust-building.

The chapter invited communication professionals, corporate organisations, government agencies, students and other stakeholders to participate in the event.