Fashola, Ministers to Headline Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 in Abuja

Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, alongside three serving federal ministers, has been announced as a major participant at the inaugural Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

Also confirmed for the summit are the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; the Minister of Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh; and the Minister of Creative Economy and Tourism, Hannatu Musa Musawa. Their presence underscores the importance of youth engagement, innovation, and creativity in reshaping how Nigeria is perceived both locally and internationally.

The Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 is designed as a high-level platform that will convene leaders from government institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The goal is to stimulate meaningful dialogue and practical strategies focused on rebuilding and strengthening Nigeria’s national image.

According to the organisers, the summit is convened by the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG). One of the key moments of the event will be the keynote address to be delivered by Mr. Fashola, centered on the theme “Better Nigeria, Better Reputation.” His address is expected to examine how effective leadership, policy consistency, and strong institutions play a critical role in shaping public trust and global perception of Nigeria.

A notable feature of the summit is a special interactive session targeted at young Nigerians, titled “The Power of Youth, Technology & Creativity in Rebuilding Nigeria’s Reputation.” This session will explore how emerging technologies, digital innovation, and Nigeria’s creative industries can be harnessed to tell more authentic national stories and promote positive narratives about the country. The Ministers overseeing Youth Development, Technology & Innovation, and Creative Economy & Tourism are expected to actively participate in this discussion.

Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Chairman of NRMG, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, emphasized that national reputation requires deliberate management rather than chance.

He noted that a country’s image is shaped by its leadership, institutional frameworks, citizen behavior, and the stories communicated through everyday actions. According to him, the Nigeria Reputation Summit is structured to align these elements and encourage collective responsibility for how Nigeria is viewed and experienced globally.

Planned as an annual gathering, the summit aims to consistently bring together key stakeholders to develop actionable roadmaps, monitor progress, and strengthen collaboration across sectors. The long-term objective is to foster a more credible, positive, and resilient national reputation for Nigeria.

The Nigeria Reputation Summit is convened by NRMG, a private-sector–led initiative under the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The group was established to identify and activate the critical drivers that influence Nigeria’s image, promote coordinated national messaging, and encourage responsible narratives that reflect the country’s values, strengths, and aspirations.