The call was made at the grand finale of Lagos PR Fest 2026, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, where communication experts, security professionals, academics, policymakers and business leaders converged to discuss the role of effective communication in strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
The conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place on July 9, brought a week-long series of professional engagements, educational programmes, sporting activities and networking sessions to a close. The events were anchored on the theme: “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, explained that the theme was carefully selected to highlight the growing importance of communication in national security and governance.
Ayetutu observed that conversations around national security had often focused mainly on military strength and operational capacity, while the influence of communication, public perception and trust had received less attention.
He stressed that effective security operations depend significantly on the relationship between institutions and citizens, noting that intelligence gathering becomes more effective when members of the public trust security agencies enough to share relevant information.
According to him, public cooperation with security policies and directives is also strengthened when institutions communicate openly, honestly and strategically.
“Public relations is not merely a support function; it is an operational necessity that strengthens cooperation between institutions and the public,” Ayetutu said.
He added that strategic communication helps bridge the gap between government agencies and citizens by creating understanding, encouraging participation and improving confidence in public institutions.
Police Leadership Advocates Trust-Based Approach to Security
Delivering the keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, described strategic public relations as a major driver of sustainable national security and development.
The police chief noted that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges require collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, media organisations, communication professionals and citizens.
According to him, security cannot be achieved through enforcement measures alone but must be supported by trust, transparency and collective responsibility.
“Strategic public relations promotes two-way engagement between institutions and the public, helping to build confidence and encourage citizens to become active partners in safeguarding national security,” he said.
Egbetokun identified rebuilding institutional credibility, improving transparency and accountability, increasing grassroots engagement, involving young people in security discussions, promoting unified national messaging and strengthening cooperation among security agencies, government bodies and the media as important steps towards improving public trust.
He commended the Lagos NIPR chapter for creating a platform that addressed what he described as a critical national conversation on improving relationships between institutions and citizens.
Experts Highlight Role of Communication in Tackling Security Challenges
The conference also featured a panel session moderated by Channels Television anchor Ayo Makinde, with contributions from Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University, Lagos NIPR Vice Chairman Eniola Mayowa, Chief Executive Officer of The Onward Public Relations, Basil Agboarumi, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tjani Fatai.
During the discussion, speakers agreed that sustainable security requires more than enforcement, emphasising the need for continuous engagement, ethical communication and institutional openness.
They highlighted the importance of combating misinformation, encouraging responsible media practices and creating stronger partnerships among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society groups, academic institutions and the private sector.
The panelists also noted that community-based intelligence and national cohesion could be improved when citizens feel included, informed and confident in the institutions responsible for their safety.
Lagos NIPR Reaffirms Commitment to Strategic Communication
The grand finale brought an end to Lagos PR Fest 2026, which featured several activities including a Jumat service, Members’ Hangout and African Night, sporting events, a Thanksgiving service, Fellows’ Luncheon, mentorship webinar, facility tours and other professional development programmes.
At the conclusion of the event, the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR reiterated its commitment to promoting strategic public relations as a tool for national transformation.
The chapter called on governments, corporate organisations, public institutions and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a collective duty in creating a safer, more transparent and united Nigeria.