The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed claims of an alleged ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, describing them as false, misleading, and designed to tarnish the country’s global image.
Idris stated this on Monday at the national unveiling of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) Abuja 2026, in Abuja, with the theme ‘Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.’
While speaking further, Idris said the Tinubu administration views communication not merely as a government function but as a strategic tool for accountability, public confidence, and nation-building.
He said, ‘We must come to terms with existential reputational threats to our national brand,’ he warned.
‘For the umpteenth time, I am emphatic that there’s no iota of truth in the claim of a ‘Christian Genocide’ in Nigeria.’
‘This propaganda is externally woven by those who want to weaken our unity. We must use public relations, grounded in facts and truth, to reject these despicable single narratives.
Speaking on the need to protect Nigeria’s national reputation, Idris warned that such narratives pose serious ‘existential reputational threats’ to the country’s brand and unity.
‘We must come to terms with existential reputational threats to our national brand,’ the Minister cautioned. ‘For the umpteenth time, I am emphatic that there’s no iota of truth in the claim of a ‘Christian Genocide’ in Nigeria. This propaganda is externally woven by those who want to weaken our unity.’
He said the Federal Government remains committed to fostering religious harmony and national cohesion, adding that misinformation on sensitive issues such as religion could endanger peace and stability.
‘We must use public relations, grounded in facts and truth, to reject these despicable single narratives,’ Idris added.
Commending the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for securing the hosting rights for WPRF Abuja 2026, Idris said the Forum would highlight Nigeria’s transformation through transparent governance communication.
‘The forthcoming World Public Relations Forum is an opportunity to present Nigeria as a model of transformation through communication,’ he said. ‘Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the world is seeing a Nigeria that is reforming, rebranding, and re-emerging-driven by innovation, private sector growth, and renewed international confidence.’
He urged communication practitioners, the media, and public officers to uphold truth and empathy in their engagements with citizens.
‘Let this unveiling be a call to conscience,’ he charged. ‘To practitioners: hold the line of truth. To the media: inform with integrity. To public officers: communicate with transparency. To citizens: speak with empathy.’
Idris assured that the Federal Government would continue to use communication as a force for national renewal, unity, and peace.
‘Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is reshaping its global image,’ he said. ‘Let this Forum be remembered as the moment when Africa’s largest democracy led the world in defining what it means to communicate with conscience.’
Also speaking, Senator Osita Izunaso, representing the National Assembly, urged organizers to ensure synergy to showcase Nigeria positively before, during, and after the forum.
He also called on government agencies to refurbish federal secretariat buildings, especially around Eagle Square, where key events are scheduled, and asked security agencies at airports and other major entry points to maintain conduct that enhances Nigeria’s image.
Meanwhile, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, describing it as a landmark opportunity to position the nation at the centre of global communication and reputation management.
He also announced that preparations are now shifting to the global unveiling in Dubai. ‘Well, now that the National Unveiling has been done, and the Continental Unveiling was done on Friday, it’s now Global Unveiling. We are going to Dubai to unveil it internationally,’ he said.
He revealed that the Dubai event will be led by the President of the Global Alliance, Professor Justin Green, alongside members of the Global Alliance Board. ‘After that, we will go to Europe for the European unveiling in Berlin, then to Asia, and later to North and South America. In March 2026, we will be in Zambia for the Zambian unveiling, and then move to Kenya, and so on. We are serious about this,’ Neliaku added.
According to him, Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 Forum will mark a defining moment for the country, both in global reputation and economic impact. ‘We want this to be the biggest, the brightest, and the boldest that has ever happened, because we understand the opportunity this presents Nigeria with – for us to be on the international communication map. It’s the first time it’s happening here, and we take it very seriously,’ he stated.
Dr. Neliaku noted that more than 10,000 participants from over 126 countries are expected to attend the Abuja Forum. ‘These are people who advise presidents, ministers, governors, and large corporations. The value they bring cannot be quantified. You have three key benefits – reputation value, professional value, and financial value. The reputation advantage alone is priceless,’ he explained.
He, however, appealed to the Federal Government and other stakeholders to give the event the needed support. ‘All we are praying is that the Nigerian government will take it seriously and do all that they need to do for this opportunity not to slip off our hands,’ he urged.
Clarifying the timing of the event, which coincides with Nigeria’s pre-election period, Dr. Neliaku stressed that the Forum’s focus is on responsible communication, not politics. ‘Global Alliance is not a Nigerian organisation; they have their dates. The last one was hosted in Bali in November. So, they are not coming here because of elections – they are coming to discuss responsible communication,’ he said.
‘As politicians go out to campaign, they must know that responsible communication is the voice of the world. They should speak responsibly, campaign responsibly, and act responsibly. Whatever they do, they must do it responsibly,’ he emphasized.
Dr. Neliaku said the NIPR and the Nigerian communication industry are proud of the recognition the country has earned through the Forum. ‘We feel good, not for any other thing, but because we are Nigerians and people see the value of this to our nation,’ he said.
He called on Nigerians to unite in support of the Forum. ‘I really expect everyone to come out and support this initiative for the best of Nigeria. Yes, we have our challenges, but I have travelled all over the world, and I can tell you that what we have here is good. Others know how to manage their own issues. Part of responsible communication is knowing how to manage our challenges in the interest of our nation,’ he said, adding that, ‘when anything goes down, after all, self and God, it is Nigeria.