Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the 2026 edition of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, following intensive negotiations and a formal announcement by APRA President Arik Karani.
The decision, revealed during the ongoing APRA conference in Mombasa, Kenya, marks a significant recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in the public relations sector. Karani, a Kenyan national, cited Nigeria’s institutional capacity, pioneering role in enacting the National Public Relations Act 24 years ago, and consistent contributions to the profession across the continent.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency, received the APRA flag on behalf of the country’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, symbolizing Nigeria’s official mandate to host the 2026 event.
Issa-Onilu pledged that Nigeria would uphold the high standards of the APRA conference, assuring delegates of a well-organized event that would reflect Nigeria’s renowned hospitality. “Nigeria and its people are among the most welcoming in the world,” he said, inviting fellow African nations to look forward to an exceptional experience.
Kenya’s National Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, who presented the APRA flag to Nigeria, expressed optimism that Kenya’s own Public Relations Act would soon be passed into law, noting it had already cleared critical legislative stages.
The announcement was met with enthusiastic celebration by the Nigerian delegation, who broke into song and dance to Flavour’s “Nzogbu Nzogbu, Enyimba Enyi.”
This year’s conference, which draws participation from 24 African countries, also commemorates APRA’s 50th anniversary.
