By: Amadi Vincent Uzoma
Taking a significant step for Nigeria’s representation globally, Mr. Omoniyi Ibietan has been chosen as the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
This esteemed appointment was made known during the 35th annual conference and general meeting hosted in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Ibietan’s election is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of national pride for Nigeria. It signifies the country’s increasing influence and the acknowledgment of its professionals within the public relations and communication field across the continent.
Ibietan brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is a fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and APRA, with over twenty years of expertise in media relations, communication strategy, and policy discussion. His work with esteemed organizations such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication has aptly prepared him for this position.
His academic achievements are equally impressive, holding a BA and MA in Communication Arts from the Universities of Uyo and Ibadan respectively, as well as a Ph.D. in Communication from North-West University in South Africa, specializing in political communication. With a focus on new media, media, and culture studies, and the theoretical underpinnings of communication in the context of democracy and freedom, he also holds an MBA in telecommunications from NEOTELIS in Paris. Additionally, he is affiliated with various reputable organizations within the communication field.
As a scholar, he concentrates on political communication patterns through new media, media, and culture studies, and the theoretical and normative foundations of communication concerning democracy and freedom. He is a faculty member at the Nigerian branch of the Italy-based Rome Business School (RBS), teaching doctoral students in PR & Advertising, and Media Management & Communication Strategy. Moreover, Ibietan has authored a notable book on voting behavior in Nigeria.
During the conference where he was elected, Ibietan delivered a paper titled “Digital Inclusion as Arbiter of Accessible Public Relations: A Case of Nigerian Communications Commission,” drawing on contemporary theories and practical examples to advocate for digital inclusion as foundational to digital public relations.
APRA, established in 1975 in Nairobi as the successor to the Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA), aims to promote unity among Africans and their global partners through meaningful interactions. This year’s theme, ‘One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide,’ underscores the importance of communication unity.
As the Secretary-General, Ibietan has committed to advancing APRA’s reforms, enhancing democratic engagement, and collaborating with African Union bodies to align public relations with policy implementation, thereby fostering unity and excellence in the field across Africa.
His election serves as an affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in public relations and communications, as well as an opportunity to elevate APRA’s mission and raise the profile of public relations professionals continent-wide. Ibietan is seen as leading Africa towards a more connected future where public relations plays a central role in shaping policies and narratives.
Analysts view Ibietan’s election as a testament to his expertise and vision. The emphasis on democratic reforms within APRA and cooperation with key African Union bodies has been recognized as steps toward placing public relations at the forefront of policy-making and implementation.
His foresighted approach, particularly his paper on digital inclusion, has garnered acclaim for its relevance in the current digital era. The confidence in Ibietan’s ability to positively influence the future of public relations in Africa is high, with his leadership shining a spotlight on Nigeria and its role in shaping the continent’s communication landscape.
