NPRW 2026: Shettima Tasks PR Professionals on Clear Communication, Commissions Kaduna Banquet Hall
NPRW 2026: Shettima Tasks PR Professionals on Clear Communication, Commissions Kaduna Banquet Hall
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged public relations practitioners to prioritise clarity and simplicity in communicating government policies, warning that reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may fail without public understanding and trust.
Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday at the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW) in Kaduna, shortly after commissioning the newly constructed Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Government House, Kaduna.
The event hosted by Kaduna government, attracted key stakeholders from government, media, and the communication industry.
Addressing participants, the Vice President described public relations as a strategic pillar of governance, essential for bridging the gap between policy formulation and public acceptance.
“As a government, we regard public relations as a strategic function of governance. It is integral to building trust, managing uncertainty and sustaining reform,” Shettima said.
He stressed that policies must be translated into relatable messages for citizens.
“No matter how brilliant policies are in conception, they must be explained, trusted and translated from technical language into human meaning,” he added.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate,” Shettima said effective communication must resonate with farmers, traders, and households.
He highlighted key interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food supply, deployment of 2,000 tractors, a N100 billion agricultural fund, expansion of dry-season farming, and targeted input subsidies.
“These efforts can only be vindicated when the farmer feels relief, when the market reflects the change, and when the household experiences the difference,” he noted.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani described Shettima as a loyal ally of President Tinubu and reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to agricultural development.
NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said the institute remains committed to strengthening governance through strategic communication, adding that Nigeria would host a global public relations summit in November with participants expected from over 162 countries.
Also speaking, APRA President Arik Karani urged Nigerians to project a positive image of the country, citing improvements in visa processing and airport procedures.
Delivering the keynote address, Brylyne Chitsunge commended Nigeria’s efforts in addressing food security but stressed the need to bridge gaps in policy implementation.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
Earlier, the Vice President commissioned the Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall, describing it as a strategic investment in governance infrastructure and institutional capacity.
Representing President Tinubu, Shettima said the project reflects the Federal Government’s support for subnational initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and promoting national unity.
“What we gather to witness today is a reminder that governance must go beyond policy to strengthening institutions and protecting the vulnerable,” he said.
He added that the facility would serve as a hub for high-level engagements, diplomatic activities, and economic interactions.
“This hall will host summits, cultural exhibitions, and international engagements, boosting Kaduna’s visibility and economic activity,” he stated.
Governor Uba Sani described the banquet hall as a strategic investment designed to position Kaduna as a centre for dialogue, investment, and international engagement.
Built on approximately 2.7 hectares with a seating capacity of 1,300 guests, the facility is expected to host conferences, diplomatic events, and major government functions.
The governor said naming the hall after the late Brigadier General Abba Kyari, a former military governor, was intended to preserve history and honour past leaders.
In an emotional tribute, Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, son of the late administrator, described the recognition as deeply meaningful.
“My father served with discipline, humility, and a strong sense of duty. He left office without attachment to power or privilege,” he said.
He noted that the late Kyari contributed significantly to infrastructure development, including roads, dams, and early planning frameworks in the state.
The ceremony drew top government officials, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who described the project as aligned with national priorities on infrastructure development.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders from across the country were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of the project within Kaduna’s evolving governance landscape.
The NPRW 2026 continues in Kaduna as Nigeria’s premier public relations gathering, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and thought leaders to advance the role of strategic communication in national development.
By TopHeadlines