Key stakeholders at the just concluded 2024 edition of its annual Experiencing PR Conference organised by the Nigerian Women In Public Relations have advocated for stronger relationships, a more intentional push by PR professionals to uphold ethical standards, and a positive perception of the industry and the country.
The conference at the Civic Centre in Lagos had in attendance top PR practitioners, including Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Group Managing Director at CMC Connect (Perception Managers); Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Principal Consultant/CEO of foremost public relations training firm NECCI Consulting; Segun McMedal, President & CEO, Upticomm Marketing Company; Bolaji Abimbola, Managing Director/CEO, Integrated Indigo Limited; and keynote speaker Ndidi Nwunelli, President and CEO of ONE Campaign, along with young and aspiring PR professionals and communications students.
In her keynote speech on the theme “Quiet Wars: Leveraging PR for Conflict Management,” Nwuneli emphasized the importance of nurturing healthy connections and relationships to navigate today’s challenges.
“We cannot fight any wars without relationships,” Nwuneli said, noting that these relationships are built on trust, and trust is built on integrity.
“Who wants to be associated with a chameleon? Relationships are built on trust. When you say something, I believe it. When you say you’re going to be on time, you’re on time. How strong are your relationships? How deep are your relationships?
“You cannot fight any wars for yourself, for your business, or even for your clients if you can’t pick up the phone and say, ‘Oh, I’m going to call the governor of Lagos State,’ and he’ll take your call. Or ‘Oh, I need to reach the head of customs,’ and you get his contact and you can reach him, and he would take your call?
“Never underestimate the power of relationships. Because when the times are good or when the going gets tough, you can pick up your phone and call them, and they will answer your call without hesitation. So, get to networking, build healthy relationships, and start building them now,” Nwuneli said.
James Hewes, Chief Executive of PRCA, who joined virtually, praised the vibrant community of PR professionals in Nigeria and across West Africa and outlined PRCA’s priorities for the coming years, including campaigns on artificial intelligence and accessibility.
“I’m new to PRCA. I only started here a few weeks ago, but already I’ve been impressed with the quality of the service that we provide to our members and the fact that we have this global reach with members all across the world. Our priorities for the next few years are going to be enhancing that service and extending it internationally so that we can continue to offer a great service to all of our members. That’s going to be focused around a number of campaigns.”
Giving an overview of what PRCA is thinking about, Hewes said “the first is about artificial intelligence and the power of generative AI. Understanding how that’s going to affect our industry. Understanding the principles that are necessary for us to adopt before we start working with this important new technology. And then finding examples of best practice.
“The second one is about accessibility. Accessibility and how we can ensure that everybody has a pathway to access work in our industry. We need to draw on the widest possible talent pool, and that means making PR communications the career of choice for young people in schools and universities across the world.”
The conference also marked the launch of the second edition of the Experiencing PR Magazine and a memoir titled “Experiencing Public Relations: Nine Women. Nine Perspectives,” which collects experiences from Nigerian female practitioners around the world.
The publications according to the organisers aim to contribute significantly to the industry’s body of knowledge, particularly in developing markets, and to shed light on the practical realities faced by Nigerian women worldwide. The publications are available for complimentary download here:https://ngwomeninpr.org/pr-magazine-2/ https://ngwomeninpr.org/9-women-collection-2024/
Convener of the annual conference, Tolulope Olorundero, expressed her gratitude to all delegates, stakeholders, partners, and sponsors for the event’s success and massive turnout.
The diverse lineup of speakers, including local and regional experts such as Odiri Erewa Meggison, External Affairs (Corporate Relations) Director at British American Tobacco Cluster of West and Central Africa Markets; Lucy Pearson, Country Director of the British Council, Nigeria and Debbie Larry-Izamoje, Chief Operating Officer of Brila Media.
Others were Hemant Gaule, Dean of the School of Communications & Reputation; Osayi Alile, CEO of ACT Foundation; Eloine Barry, Founder and CEO of African Media Agency who shared their strategies for navigating conflicts, influencing decision-making, and implementing new tactics that will support decision-making in 2024 and beyond.
Through panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, delegates had the opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and gain practical skills applicable to their professional endeavors. The conference also served as a platform for Nigerian women in Public Relations to showcase their expertise and contribute to the industry’s advancement.
