PR Fest 2026: Lagos NIPR Champions Strategic Public Relations as Key to Security, Nation Building and Public Trust
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has underscored the vital importance of strategic public relations as an essential pillar for enhancing national security, fostering nation building, and strengthening public trust.
This call was made during the grand finale of Lagos PR Fest 2026, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, where communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers, and corporate leaders converged to discuss Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
The week-long festival culminated on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with the annual conference and AGM under the theme: “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations.” The event featured a series of professional, educational, sporting, and networking activities aimed at driving discourse on the strategic role of communication in national development.
Opening the conference, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, FNIPR, FRPA, Chair of Lagos NIPR, emphasised the importance of reshaping perceptions around security and communication. “The Institute deliberately chose the theme to reposition communication as a central pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture,” he stated.
He highlighted a critical gap in traditional security discussions, which often focus solely on military capabilities and operations, overlooking the crucial role of communication, public perception, and trust. “Security is often discussed in terms of arms, personnel and operations. Rarely is it discussed in terms of communication, perception and trust. Yet trust is the foundation upon which every security effort ultimately stands or falls.”
Dr. Ayetutu further stressed that public relations is not merely a supportive function but an operational necessity that fosters confidence between security institutions and citizens. He pointed out that intelligence relies on citizens trusting security agencies enough to provide information, while compliance with directives hinges on transparent, credible communication.
“Public relations is not a luxury in the fight against insecurity. It is a necessity. Where communication fails, even the best-resourced security efforts struggle to gain ground. Where communication is strategic and honest, trust follows; and cooperation follows trust.”
He applauded the dedicated members of the planning committee, speakers, partners, and Institute members whose commitment made PR Fest 2026 a resounding success.
In his keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, described strategic public relations as the cornerstone of effective nation building and sustainable security. He emphasised that modern security challenges demand collaboration among government agencies, the media, communication professionals, and citizens.
“Security can no longer be achieved through force alone but through trust, transparency and shared responsibility,” he asserted. The IGP highlighted that strategic public relations replaces one-way institutional communication with transparent, two-way engagement that builds public confidence and transforms citizens into active partners in safeguarding Nigeria’s security.
Key priorities identified for strengthening public trust include:
– Rebuilding institutional credibility through evidence-based communication
– Promoting transparency and accountability
– Enhancing grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering
– Expanding youth participation in security dialogues
– Fostering unified messaging that transcends ethnic and religious divides
– Deepening collaboration among government, security agencies, and the media during crises
The Inspector-General commended Lagos NIPR for facilitating a timely national dialogue aimed at strengthening trust between institutions and the public.
The event featured an insightful panel discussion moderated by Mr. Ayo Makinde of Channels Television. Panelists included:
– Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga, Professor of Criminology and Security Studies, Lagos State University
– Eniola Mayowa, FNIPR, Vice-Chairman, Lagos NIPR
– Basil Agboarumi, FNIPR, CEO, The Onward Public Relations
– CP Tjani Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner of Police
The panel emphasised that sustainable national security depends on continuous public engagement, ethical communication, and institutional transparency. They highlighted the importance of rebuilding public confidence through openness, consistency, and accountability, while advocating for strategic communication to counter misinformation, encourage citizen participation, and promote responsible media reporting.
Participants also called for stronger collaborations among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society, academia, and the private sector to foster community-based intelligence, social cohesion, and lasting peace.
The conference marked the climax of a vibrant week of activities, including a special Jumat service, Members’ Hangout, African Night, sporting events, Thanksgiving Service, Fellows’ Luncheon, mentorship webinars, facility tours, and other professional engagements—all designed to promote fellowship, learning, and excellence within the Institute.
Lagos NIPR reaffirmed its commitment to positioning strategic public relations as a catalyst for Nigeria’s development. The Institute urged government bodies, public institutions, corporate organisations, and citizens alike to embrace responsible communication as a vital shared responsibility in building a safer, more united Nigeria.