The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for the recognition of strategic public relations as a critical pillar of national security, nation building and public trust, urging stakeholders to embrace effective communication as a tool for strengthening governance and national cohesion.
The call was made during the grand finale of Lagos PR Fest 2026, held alongside the Institute’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday,July 9 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The week-long event brought together 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.”
Declaring the conference open, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the theme was deliberately chosen to reposition communication as a vital component of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that national security discussions have traditionally focused on military strength and operations while overlooking the importance of communication, public perception and trust.
According to Ayetutu, public trust remains the foundation of every successful security initiative, stressing that intelligence gathering, public cooperation and compliance with security directives depend largely on transparent, credible and strategic communication.
He described public relations as an operational necessity rather than a support function, adding that where communication is honest and effective, trust grows and citizens become active partners in promoting national security.
Ayetutu also commended members of the planning committee, partners, speakers and participants for contributing to the success of PR Fest 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, described strategic public relations as the bedrock of effective nation building and sustainable national security.
He said today’s security challenges require collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, the media, communication professionals and citizens, noting that security can no longer rely on force alone but must be built on trust, transparency and shared responsibility.
The Inspector-General identified key priorities for rebuilding public confidence, including strengthening institutional credibility through evidence-based communication, promoting transparency and accountability, improving grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering, expanding youth participation in security conversations, encouraging unified national messaging and deepening collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and the media during crises.
He commended the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR for convening what he described as a timely national conversation on strengthening trust between institutions and the public.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by Channels Television anchor, Ayo Makinde, with contributions from Professor Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University, Lagos NIPR Vice Chairman Eniola Mayowa, public relations expert Basil Agboarumi and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tjani Fatai.
The panelists agreed that national security cannot be sustained through enforcement alone but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency. They also emphasised the importance of combating misinformation, encouraging responsible media reporting, strengthening citizen participation and fostering partnerships among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society, academia and the private sector.
Participants concluded that strategic public relations has become indispensable in shaping public understanding, managing crises, promoting positive behavioural change and strengthening democratic governance.
The conference marked the climax of a week-long PR Fest programme featuring professional, educational, sporting and networking activities, with the Lagos State Chapter reaffirming its commitment to advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development and a stronger, safer and more united Nigeria.
