Kaduna NIPR mobilizes members for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum

The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has begun mobilizing members and government information officers for the upcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with the state government expected to sponsor some participants.

The chapter’s president, Mohammed Abdullahi, disclosed this at the October general assembly in Kaduna, where he said the forum will provide an opportunity to showcase the state’s investment potential, cultural heritage and development efforts to a global audience.

Abdullahi described the WPRF as an important platform for public relations professionals to build professional networks, attract partnerships and promote Kaduna State to investors and development partners.

“We will not go to the WPRF as mere participants; we will go as ambassadors of Kaduna State,” he said, adding that the chapter is pursuing partnerships and sponsorships to support members and government information workers attending the event.

He said the chapter is also working to reposition itself through a digital transformation agenda covering member management, online communication, e-learning, virtual participation and the development of a digital resource centre.

According to him, a needs assessment conducted by the chapter identified ongoing training and improving digital skills as key priorities for members.

“We cannot practice the public relations of the future with the tools of the past,” Abdullahi said, underlining the need to equip professionals with skills relevant to changing communications needs.

He said the chapter has consequently introduced monthly and quarterly capacity-building conferences to enhance the professional competence of members.

The meeting also featured a lecture on artificial intelligence and public relations practices by a professor, Samaila Mande, who urged professionals to adopt technology responsibly without allowing it to replace professional experience.

Mande said AI could support the practice of public relations, but cautioned against over-reliance on it in areas requiring critical thinking, emotional intelligence, professional judgment and strategic decision-making.

He called for the ethical use of artificial intelligence in line with the principles and professional code of the public relations industry.

In a goodwill message, the immediate past president of the section, Haroun Malami, congratulated the new executive committee and urged it to deliver measurable results while supporting the progress of the section.

It also encouraged members with relevant expertise to contribute to professional training and knowledge sharing initiatives.

Abdullahi commended the immediate past executive committee for renovating and modernizing the chapter secretariat, pledging to build on its achievements.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to professional development, digital innovation and ethical practice.