By Efe Onodjae 

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has unveiled plans for the 2026 edition of Lagos PRFest, with a focus on strengthening national security, nation-building and public trust through strategic communication.

The unveiling took place during the chapter’s Monthly Meeting and PR Clinic held at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of NIPR Lagos Chapter, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, described PRFest as one of the institute’s flagship professional initiatives aimed at bringing together communication professionals, policymakers, business leaders, academics, students and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues of national importance.

According to him, the 2026 edition is particularly significant given the growing need for strategic communication in addressing contemporary national challenges.

He noted that the festival would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the relationship between security, public trust and nation-building while exploring the role of public relations in fostering social cohesion and sustainable development.

Ayetutu urged members of the institute and communication practitioners across the country to actively participate in the event, stressing that the festival would offer opportunities for learning, mentorship, networking and industry collaboration.

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

Also speaking, Chairman of the PRFest 2026 Planning Committee, Bolaji Abimbola, said preparations for the event were progressing steadily.

He assured members that the committee was working diligently to deliver a memorable and impactful festival that would meet the expectations of participants and stakeholders.

The chapter chairman, alongside other leaders of the institute, formally unveiled the theme and programme of activities for the festival, scheduled to hold from July 3 to July 9, 2026.

The theme of the event is “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations.”

Activities lined up for the week-long festival include a Sports and Fitness Event, launch of PR Mentorship and Leadership Clubs, Practitioners’ Hangout and African Night, Media Tour of Lagos, Annual Conference Lecture and the Annual General Meeting, AGM.

The Lagos chapter of NIPR called on communication professionals, corporate organisations, government agencies, students and other stakeholders to participate in the various activities, expressing confidence that the festival would further strengthen the public relations profession and promote meaningful conversations on public trust, national security and collective responsibility in nation-building.