…Tasks Them on Effective Borno Representation at Global Gathering.
Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman A. Tar, has officially inaugurated a specialized committee to coordinate and oversee the state’s participation in the upcoming 13th World Public Relations Forum scheduled to take place this November at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Professor Tar, an esteemed professor of political science and defense studies who also serves as the Chairman of the Progressive Commissioners of Information Forum for APC-governed states, emphasized the strategic necessity of representing the state effectively on global media platforms.
The committee is chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Malam Dauda Iliya, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalu, serving as Joint Chairman. Together, they have been tasked with ensuring a strong and impactful presence for Borno State at the landmark event.
Inaugurating the committee, Professor Tar charged members to develop a comprehensive strategy that showcases Borno’s major achievements while reflecting its broader communication, cultural, and development priorities. Bringing his background in national security and strategic communication to bear, the commissioner directed the committee to submit a moderate budget for consideration and approval, emphasizing prudent financial planning and the maximum utilization of available state resources.
The Director of Administration in the Ministry, Baba Gana Mustapha, will serve as Committee Secretary, with the General Manager of the Borno Radio Television Corporation, Alhaji Ali Mamman Shuwa, acting as Joint Secretary. The committee also features key communication leaders, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Borno State Chapter, Umar Muhammad Tijjani; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Baba Sheikh Haruna; the Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor on Print and Digital Communication, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi; and the Ministry’s Director of Information, Bawagana Abba Liman.
The World Public Relations Forum is the premier global gathering organized by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management. Distinct from World Public Relations Day, which is observed annually on July 16, this flagship conference convenes practitioners, policymakers, and academics to discuss strategic communication and advance professional standards across nations. Having originated in Rome, the international forum moves to a new host country for each edition.
The upcoming gathering in Abuja marks the 13th edition of the forum and Nigeria’s debut as host nation. Organized locally by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations under the theme “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” the event will take place alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as Chief Host for the gathering, which is expected to draw over 3,000 delegates from across 126 countries. The national and international leadership guiding the gathering includes NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku; National Planning Committee Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Haruna; Joint Chairman, Mallam Yakubu Lamai; Continental Planning Committee Chair, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura; and Global Alliance President, Professor Justin Green.
With delegate arrivals scheduled between November 15 and 22, 2026, and core session proceedings running from November 16 to 21, the Borno State committee is expected to commence work immediately under Professor Tar’s guidance as Chairman of the APC Progressive Commissioners Forum to maximize the state’s visibility and strategic voice.
About The Author
