…to speak at Parliamentary Democracy Day, open NASS exhibition pavilion
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has expressed his excitement as Nigeria hosts the Global Alliance–World Public Relations Forum 2026 in November.
Speaker Abbas said Nigeria will use the event to tell its story, change narratives, and address the negative perceptions and misconceptions about the country as it hosts public relations experts across the world.
The Speaker said this when he hosted Prof. Justin Green, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the worldwide umbrella body for the profession, representing over 300,000 communicators across 126 countries.
Prof. Green was accompanied by the President/Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku (FNIPR); Secretary of Council, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura (FNIPR); Member of Council, Moji Makanjuola (MFR, FNIPR); and Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan (FNIPR), among others.
The WPRF 2026 will be the first time in history that Africa will host the global event alongside the African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference.
Speaker Abbas is billed to deliver the keynote address at the Parliamentary Democracy Day and open a dedicated Exhibition Pavilion on the National Assembly’s legislative history.
The Speaker said, “Indeed, today is a moment of history – history in the making and history that has been made – in the sense that, for the first time, a decision – an affirmative decision – has been taken for Nigeria, once again, to be identified as a host… for the first time in the history of this 25-year-old association to host the entire world. One hundred and twenty-six countries coming to Nigeria is not a small thing.
“I am happy, particularly not because 126 countries are coming but for the opportunity that will present itself for those ‘Doubting Thomases’ around the world who think Nigeria is at the lowest ebb of development, to come and see with their eyes what Nigeria is and what Nigeria is promising to be in the future.
“This is a big opportunity, and I want to thank you very sincerely, Prof. Justin, for all the efforts you have been making over the past 11 years to make Africa be part of the global picture. It is something that we, Nigerians, will never forget nor take for granted. Thank you so much for identifying with us in Africa, and I assure you that Nigeria and Africa will not let you down.”
Speaker Abbas also commended Dr. Neliaku, describing the NIPR President as “a dogged fighter.” He stated, “This couldn’t have happened if not because you have also been very consistent and persistent in the pursuit of this particular opportunity.”
Earlier, Prof. Green commended Speaker Abbas for supervising inclusive legislation and governance that captures children, youth, women, and other categories of persons at the House.
The Global Alliance boss said he chose to speak from his heart after going through the 3-year scorecard of the 10th House under Speaker Abbas, noting “This didn’t just happen. This has been 10 years in the making.”
Prof. Green noted that Nigerians abroad are ambassadors of the country, recalling his pleasant experience with a Nigerian in Ireland, who showed love to him for visiting Nigeria.
The professor expressed confidence that when participants from 126 countries arrive in Abuja, “they will receive something that they have never ever received before.”
Together with Dr. Neliaku, the Global Alliance president said, “We are going to make this happen.”
Earlier, Dr. Neliaku noted that while the WPRF hosted a conference in Africa in 2007 – 19 years ago – it will be the first time it will be hosted alongside with the African Conference.
The NIPR President also emphasised how Prof. Green lobbied for Nigeria and Africa to get the hosting rights. He also noted how Africa now has six members of the Global Alliance under his leadership.
Telling Prof. Green about Speaker Abbas, Dr. Neliaku said, “He has been very supportive. He is one of the very few political leaders that we are happy to identify with… When you get back to Global Alliance, please tell them that you met a Speaker who speaks for the people.”