The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has pledged its support for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to take place in November.
The NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the commitment when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), led by its Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, in Abuja.
General Nafiu stressed the critical role of public relations, image-making and perception management in the growth and survival of organisations.According to him, effective corporate communication is essential across every sector of society, particularly in shaping public perception and building institutional credibility.
The NYSC Director General commended the Scheme’s Public Relations Officers for their efforts in projecting a positive image of the NYSC and noted that image-making has been an integral part of the Scheme since its establishment.“Image making and perception management has been part of NYSC since inception,” Nafiu said.
He also praised Professor Dandaura for his contributions to the establishment of the NYSC National Cultural Troupe, describing the initiative as an important platform for cultural expression.
General Nafiu further commended the NIPR for its support and understanding during the recent abduction of 16 Corps Members in Kogi State, who were subsequently rescued by security agencies.
He assured the NIPR delegation that other requests presented in connection with the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum would receive due consideration.Earlier, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, who represented the NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, congratulated the NYSC Director General on his achievements, including his peacekeeping missions.
Dandaura also commended General Nafiu for his accomplishments since assuming leadership of the NYSC and praised the Scheme for its role in mentoring Corps Members.
He particularly highlighted the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which exposes Corps Members to skills and opportunities capable of improving their economic prospects.
Dandaura disclosed that representatives from 126 countries are expected to participate in the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, with more than 2,000 delegates projected to attend.
The week long international event, he said, would feature several activities, including the unveiling of a University of Public Relations and Leadership to be established in Nasarawa State.
He explained that the partnership with NYSC would provide an opportunity to showcase the Scheme and Nigeria’s values, culture and hospitality to international participants.
Dandaura appealed to NYSC to provide Corps Members who would assist with the organisation, coordination and smooth interaction with foreign delegates throughout the event.
He said the Corps Members would serve as tour guides and support personnel, stressing the importance of deploying well-trained Nigerian youths who could represent the country appropriately before international visitors.
“We think NYSC should take a central place because we are expecting a lot of guests,” Dandaura said, while emphasising the need for Corps Members who could interact professionally with participants and “sell Nigeria appropriately.”
The NIPR Vice President disclosed that the institute was seeking to train and deploy 100 Corps Members to support the World Public Relations Forum, describing the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen youth participation in a major international event.The statement was signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, NYSC.
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