NIPR Lagos Chapter Holds PR Fest, Says Public Relations Critical Pillar for Security, Nation-Building

NIPR Lagos Chapter Holds PR Fest, Says Public Relations Critical Pillar for Security, Nation-Building

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos has held the 2026 edition of the Lagos PR Fest and the Chapter Annual General Meeting (AGM) where it called for the recognition of strategic public relations as an indispensable component of national security, nation-building and public trust.

The grand finale of the week-long PR Fest took place at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Thursday, July 9, 2026 and had in attendance communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers and corporate leaders, under the theme: “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations”, PRO of the Chapter, Oguchukwu Okeke said in a statement.

Declaring the conference open, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu said the Institute deliberately chose the theme to reposition communication as a central pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to Dr. Ayetutu, a Fellow of NIPR, discussions around national security have traditionally focused on military capabilities, equipment and operations while overlooking the vital 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”, the PRO quoted him as saying.

Dr. Ayetutu emphasised that public relations is not merely supportive to security operations but an essential operational tool that builds confidence between institutions and citizens.

Delivering the keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department ANNEX Alagbon Close Ikoyi Lagos, Simeon Udofia Akpanudom described strategic public relations as the bedrock of effective nation building and sustainable national security.

The keynote speaker stressed that modern security challenges require collaboration between government institutions, the media, communication professionals and citizens, noting that security can no longer be achieved through force alone but through trust, transparency and shared responsibility.

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; and CP Tjani Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

“The panel reinforced the conference theme by emphasising that national security cannot be sustained solely through enforcement mechanisms but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency”, the statement noted.