The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have strengthened collaboration ahead of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum scheduled to take place in November.
The partnership is expected to see the NYSC provide Corps Members to support the organisation and coordination of the international event, which is projected to attract more than 2,000 delegates from 126 countries.
According to an official statement signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, pledged the Scheme’s support when he received an NIPR delegation led by its Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, in Abuja.
Nafiu emphasised the importance of strategic communication, image-making and perception management to the growth and survival of organisations, noting that effective corporate communication was relevant across all sectors of society.
He commended NYSC Public Relations Officers for their efforts in projecting the image of the Scheme and noted that image-making and perception management had remained integral to the NYSC since its inception.
The NYSC Director General also commended Dandaura for his contributions to the establishment of the NYSC National Cultural Troupe and praised the NIPR for its support during the recent abduction of 16 Corps Members in Kogi State who were later rescued by security agencies.
Nafiu assured the delegation that other requests made by the institute in connection with the forum would receive due consideration.
Earlier, Dandaura, who spoke on behalf of the NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, congratulated Nafiu on his achievements during his peacekeeping missions and commended his accomplishments since assuming office as NYSC Director General.
He also acknowledged the NYSC’s role in mentoring young Nigerians through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
Dandaura disclosed that the week-long World Public Relations Forum would bring together representatives from 126 countries and more than 2,000 delegates from around the world.
He said the programme would feature a youth summit and the unveiling of a University of Public Relations and Leadership to be established in Nasarawa State.
According to him, the partnership with NYSC would provide an opportunity to showcase the Scheme and Nigeria to the international community, particularly through the participation of Corps Members in the event.
Dandaura appealed to the NYSC to provide Corps Members who would serve as guides and support personnel for international participants, stressing the need for well-trained Nigerian youths capable of interacting appropriately with foreign delegates and projecting the country positively.
He said the NIPR planned to train and deploy 100 Corps Members to support the event.
The collaboration is expected to deepen the role of Nigerian youths in the international forum while providing an avenue to promote Nigeria’s image, culture and hospitality before a global audience.
