Kaduna takes centre stage as NIPR unveils theme and identity for 2026 Public Relations Week

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has unveiled the logo, website and brochure for the 2026 Nigeria Public Relations Week, themed “Croc City,” scheduled to hold in April in Kaduna State, with a strong focus on food security and strategic communication.

The unveiling was led by the President of NIPR, Ike Neliaku, who stated that the 2026 PR Week is aimed at positioning Kaduna State as a leading hub for public relations practice and strategic communication in Nigeria and across Africa.
He explained that the event will serve as a platform for critical discussions on the intersection of food security, security, communication and nation-building.
According to Neliaku, Kaduna State was chosen as host due to its strategic location, available infrastructure and demonstrated commitment to peace-building and economic renewal. He added that the decision reflects the institute’s intention to align professional engagement with pressing national and subnational development priorities.
He recalled that the 2024 edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week focused on economic and reputation renaissance, while the 2025 edition highlighted solid minerals as a growth sector. He noted that the 2026 theme represents a deliberate shift toward agriculture and security, placing food security at the centre in recognition of its growing importance to national stability and development.
Neliaku further explained that the “Croc City” branding blends bold typography with Nigeria’s national colours and the signature red of NIPR, symbolising unity, vibrancy and partnership. He added that the newly launched website and brochure clearly communicate the theme, objectives and value proposition of the event while reinforcing the institute’s brand identity.
He said the materials are also designed to attract sponsorships and strategic partnerships ahead of what is expected to be a major gathering of public relations professionals, policymakers and development stakeholders.
In a technical presentation, Demo Kalla, an animal science professor and livestock policy strategist from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He stressed that food security is critical to economic growth, social cohesion and national survival.
Kalla noted that any nation unable to secure its food supply will struggle to secure its future, describing hunger not just as a humanitarian issue but as a national security threat capable of undermining stability and prosperity.
He stated that tackling food insecurity requires increased agricultural productivity, improved rural security and greater public investment in the sector. According to him, prioritising food security will enable Nigeria to build a more stable and prosperous future.
He identified key drivers for transforming the agricultural sector, including the development of data and traceability systems, protection of farm and food corridors, sustainable financing mechanisms and the promotion of agripreneurship.
Also speaking, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the state government has prioritised agriculture and food security. He disclosed that the state has allocated 11 per cent of its 2026 budget to agriculture, exceeding the national benchmark of 10 per cent.
Maiyaki revealed that the state has recovered over 500,000 hectares of farmland previously affected by insecurity, enabling thousands of farmers to return to productive activities. He noted that improved rural security has been central to the state’s broader economic recovery strategy.
He also highlighted efforts to promote financial inclusion, stating that about three million rural residents, including farmers, have been provided with bank accounts. He explained that this initiative is intended to enhance access to government programmes and reduce post-harvest losses linked to informal cash handling.
Additionally, he said the state has constructed 785 kilometres of rural roads and bridges to improve connectivity between farming communities and markets. According to him, the infrastructure drive is targeted at reducing post-harvest losses, estimated at ₦3.5 trillion annually.
Maiyaki noted that improved road access has made it easier for farmers to transport produce, reducing spoilage and increasing income, adding that most of the roads are already completed and yielding positive outcomes for rural communities.
Stakeholders at the unveiling said the introduction of the “Croc City” branding sets the tone for a Public Relations Week that will place agriculture, food security and security communication at the centre of national discourse, while showcasing Kaduna State’s role in advancing sustainable development.