Lagos NIPR Champions Strategic Public Relations as Key to National Security, Public Trust and Nation Building at PR Fest 2026
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has underscored the critical role of strategic public relations in strengthening national security, promoting nation building and restoring public trust, as communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers and corporate leaders converged at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, for the grand finale of PR Fest 2026.
The conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, marked the climax of a week-long festival of professional, educational, sporting and networking activities themed, “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations.”
Declaring the conference open, the Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, fnipr, frpa, said the Institute deliberately chose the theme to reposition communication as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that discussions on national security have traditionally focused on military strength, equipment and operations while paying little attention to 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,” he stated.
Dr. Ayetutu described public relations as an indispensable operational tool that fosters confidence between institutions and citizens, stressing that intelligence gathering, public cooperation and compliance with security directives depend largely on transparent, credible and strategic 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 added.
He also commended members of the planning committee, partners, speakers and members of the Institute for contributing to the success of PR Fest 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, psc, fdc, pspsp, MINIM, described strategic public relations as the foundation for effective nation building and sustainable national security.
According to the Inspector-General, today’s complex security challenges demand stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communication professionals, the media and citizens, stressing that national security can no longer rely solely on force but must be driven by trust, transparency and shared responsibility.
He explained that strategic public relations promotes two-way engagement between institutions and the public, transforming citizens into active partners in safeguarding national security.
The Inspector-General identified key priorities for strengthening public confidence, including rebuilding institutional credibility through evidence-based communication, promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering, expanding youth participation in security conversations, encouraging unified national messaging beyond ethnic and religious divides, and deepening collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and the media during crises.
He applauded the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR for convening what he described as a timely national conversation capable of strengthening trust between public institutions and citizens.
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Channels Television anchor, Mr. Ayo Makinde.
Panelists included Professor Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University, Vice Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Eniola Mayowa, fnipr, Chief Executive Officer of The Onward Public Relations, Basil Agboarumi, fnipr, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai.
The panelists unanimously agreed that sustainable national security cannot be achieved through enforcement alone but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency.
They advocated rebuilding public confidence through openness, accountability and consistency while highlighting the importance of strategic communication in combating misinformation, encouraging citizen participation and promoting responsible media reporting.
The discussants further called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society organisations, academia and the private sector to strengthen community-based intelligence, promote national cohesion and sustain peace.
Participants also agreed that public relations professionals play an increasingly significant role in crisis management, behavioural change communication, public enlightenment and strengthening democratic governance through trust-building initiatives.
PR Fest 2026 concluded a week-long programme that featured a special Jumat service, Thanksgiving service, Members’ Hangout and African Night, Fellows’ Luncheon, sporting activities, mentorship webinar, facility tours and other professional engagements aimed at promoting learning, networking and professional excellence.
The Lagos State Chapter of NIPR reaffirmed its commitment to advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development and urged governments, public institutions, corporate organisations and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a shared responsibility in building a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.