Ondo NIPR Sets Economic Agenda for World PR Forum
By Exponent News, 3rd October, 2026.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ondo State Chapter, Mr. Olufunmilayo Ikueduranmi, has said that the Ondo State Chapter would set an economic agenda for the World Public Relations Forum coming up in Abuja this year.
He expressed optimism that the state would not be left behind at the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum, slated to hold in Abuja from November 15–21, 2026.
Speaking to pressmen today after the Chapter’s roadshow, organised with the intention of creating public awareness about the programme, Ikueduranmi said the forum would afford investors great opportunities to explore the investment potentials in Ondo State, particularly in agribusiness and livestock, among other sectors. He said this would lead to higher returns on investment and benefit humanity.
He said, “As a state, as an individual, the World Public Relations Forum 2026 is holding in Nigeria, in Abuja, and this is the first of its kind in West Africa. So, it affords the much-needed opportunity for states like us to be on that forum. We should not watch it from the sidelines.”
Mr. Ikueduranmi also used the forum to call on various states, particularly Ondo State, to be part of the programme in Abuja. He said, “All those states should be part of it. The Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, should be on stage to tell the world what he has been doing, the giant strides he has been making, and what is left for him.”
He explained that by doing this, investors would be invited to the state, adding that he knew the governor was “very, very desirous” of attracting investors.
He further explained that the programme would afford the state the opportunity to invite investors to explore some of the economic potentials present in Ondo State.
“We will be inviting investors to the state because, if you look at the arrangement of this forum, business tycoons are coming from all walks of life around the world. It is a global event. So, all those states, their people, the private sector, the academics, and our academic institutions should be heavily involved, seriously involved in this mission, for the purpose of developing all those states.”
According to the Chairman, the theme for this epoch-making event, which is holding in Africa, in Abuja, is “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
He said the programme was going to be the biggest, brightest, and boldest, as there would be no cost for “Wahala” (no problem) in all ramifications.
He said the forum was one of the global gatherings of public relations and communications professionals across the globe coming to Nigeria and that it would serve as an opportunity for Nigeria to present its stories, culture, investment opportunities, and development aspirations to an international audience.
He gave some of the reasons why Ondo State should be interested in the programme, saying it would serve as an opportunity for the NIPR Ondo State Chapter to project Ondo State beyond the borders of Nigeria.
He explained that the state had enormous opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, technology, education, solid minerals, manufacturing, the blue economy, and other sectors.
He said the state was also blessed and rich in cultural heritage and other natural attractions that could be developed and promoted. He said when thousands of academics and other professionals gather in Nigeria for the purpose of the programme, it creates an opportunity for Ondo State to tell its stories to the world, which would otherwise never have heard them.
Similarly, Ikueduranmi also briefed journalists that investors need first-hand information before investing or making investment decisions. He said they need to know where opportunities exist, what the government is doing, what infrastructure is available, and what kind of environment they could expect.
He explained that the World Public Relations Forum offers Ondo State a platform to communicate its business opportunities to an international audience.
He was of the opinion that Ondo State was open for responsible investment and partnerships for development opportunities, as well as the promotion of tourism and culture.
He explained that the forum would bring together communication experts and professionals to discuss how artificial intelligence, misinformation, digital communication, and technological revolution are rapidly changing the way organisations communicate with the public.
He said the programme would avail academic institutions and other professionals the opportunity to collaborate towards excellence and exchange ideas that could lead to the advancement of other opportunities.
He said the media were important partners in communicating development. He therefore appealed to media organisations, particularly in Ondo State, to help create awareness about the World Public Relations Forum and help the people understand why the event matters to them.
He highlighted the message of the Ondo State NIPR Chapter to the government of Ondo State, which includes organising the private sector, academic institutions, tourism stakeholders, young professionals, and other relevant organisations to explore ways of participating meaningfully in the forum.
He said the NIPR Ondo State Chapter was preparing to play its part in ensuring that Ondo State was adequately positioned to take advantage of the opportunities the forum presents.
He explained that all the association was saying was that the world should hear about the Ondo State story—its culture, agriculture, tourism, people, capacity, and investment opportunities.
He said, “Let the relationships established through this forum produce benefits for Ondo State at large.”
He said the message of the NIPR was about awareness, participation, and opportunity at the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in Abuja, adding that Ondo State must be on the world forum stage.
He therefore used the opportunity to thank all members of the Public Relations Ondo State Chapter who have been in the government and private sectors, both past and present, and who have identified with the chapter in making the programme a success.
