By Muhammad Sani

‎The National Planning Committee of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) has urged Nigerian youths to protect the country’s reputation through responsible conduct and positive narratives.

The Chairman of the committee, ‎Dr Sulaiman Haruna, made the call on Tuesday at an orientation session for young professionals and volunteers ahead of the WPRF in Abuja.

‎He said reputation management began with individuals, stressing that young Nigerians had a responsibility to promote the country’s positive image locally and internationally.

‎According to him, the WPRF provides Nigeria with an opportunity to change negative perceptions about the country and showcase the positive contributions of Nigerians across various professions.

‎Haruna said the forum would bring together representatives from 126 countries, including 54 African countries.

He added that the joint participation of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in hosting the event was unprecedented.

‎He urged participants to demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, patience and tolerance, noting that individual conduct could influence the reputation of the country.

‎The chairman also outlined the forum’s programme, saying delegates would begin arriving on Sunday, while leaders of the Global Alliance would meet with the Nigerian organising committee to assess preparations and identify possible gaps.

‎He said volunteers would support delegate reception, documentation and other activities, while academic and professional engagements would commence on Monday.

‎Haruna urged young professionals to contribute to the successful hosting of the forum and use the opportunity to promote Nigeria’s image globally.

‎Speaking during the orientation session, Ms Inimfon Etuk, Chairperson, Volunteer Task Team, National Planning Committee, stressed that volunteers were critical to the success of the forum.

‎She said professionalism, discipline and effective time management were essential for projecting a positive image of Nigeria and the public relations industry globally.

‎Etuk said the forum, scheduled for Nov. 15 to 21, would attract delegates, speakers and dignitaries from across the world, requiring effective logistical coordination across airports, hotels and event venues.

‎She cautioned volunteers against lateness and complacency, stressing that adherence to schedules and the principles of relationship-building in public relations were essential.

‎In her closing remarks, Mrs Oghenekeuwe Uchendu, Team Lead, Volunteer Task Team, reminded participants that volunteering was about making meaningful contributions rather than merely attending events, urging them to put the lessons learnt into practice through excellence, integrity and dedicated service.

‎Uchendu said the success of the orientation would be measured by the volunteers’ ability to translate the knowledge acquired into positive actions and lasting impact.

She expressed appreciation to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his leadership, support and commitment to advancing the objectives of the WPRF.

‎Uchendu also thanked the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, distinguished senior members of the institute and the leadership of the Volunteer Task Team for their guidance and support in organising the orientation.

‎She appreciated the facilitators and other contributors for sharing their knowledge and experience, while commending the volunteers for dedicating their time, skills and energy to the success of the forum.

‎The session ended with a WPRF spirit chant, “No wahala!” ‎(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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