The conference, held at the Metropolitan Club, Lagos, brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and the communications ecosystem under the theme, “Crisis Management in the AI Milieu: Fresh Threats, Smarter Responses.”

Discussions throughout the event reinforced the need to shift from reactive crisis management to a more proactive, intelligence-led approach to preparedness.

In his welcome address, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Lead Partner at CMC Connect LLP, called for a fundamental repositioning of crisis management within organisational leadership.

He noted that crisis management must move from the background to the centre of leadership, stressing the importance of anticipation, preparation, and decisive leadership in navigating crises.

He described the conference as part of a broader movement aimed at redefining preparedness in an increasingly volatile environment.

Badejo-Okusanya also announced the launch of Crisis-X, an AI-driven crisis management platform developed by CMC Connect LLP, describing it as “built for speed, intelligence, and the demands of the current moment.”

“In the age of AI, a stitch in time doesn’t just save nine, it preserves reputation, leadership, and the trust that underpins both,” he added.

Delivering the keynote address, Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, highlighted the growing importance of data, technology, and coordinated systems in managing modern crises.

He emphasised the need for a forward-looking approach, stating that while crises are inevitable, responses can be shaped through preparedness.

“With the right data and systems, organisations can move from reacting to crises to anticipating risks and managing them in real time,” he said.

A key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the CMC Connect Crisis-X Intelligence Engine, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance how organisations detect, analyse, and respond to crises.

The solution integrates real-time monitoring, sentiment analysis, strategic response planning, and recovery mechanisms. It also incorporates emotional intelligence capabilities to help organisations better interpret and respond to public sentiment during critical situations.

In addition, a Public Verification Portal was introduced to help combat misinformation by enabling organisations to validate and disseminate accurate information in real time, thereby safeguarding credibility and strengthening public trust.

Discussions at the conference reflected a shared concern about the speed and complexity of modern crises, particularly in an era shaped by digital platforms and artificial intelligence. Speakers noted that misinformation now spreads faster than institutional responses, placing credibility and trust at the centre of effective crisis management.

As one of the key observations from the sessions highlighted, “today, crises are faster than facts, louder than truth, and increasingly engineered,” reinforcing the urgency for organisations to adopt faster, more coordinated, and intelligence-driven responses.

As the conference drew to a close, participants collectively underscored the importance of embedding preparedness as a strategic priority. There was a shared commitment to leveraging innovation, collaboration, and responsible use of technology to navigate an increasingly complex risk environment.

In his goodwill message, Olalekan Fadolapo, director general and chief executive officer of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, who represented Mohammed Idris Malagi, the minister of Information and National Orientation, commended the Board and Management of CMC Connect LLP for its forward-thinking approach to crisis management.

He raised concerns about the growing misuse of artificial intelligence by unregulated content creators to spread misinformation and amplify negative narratives, urging stakeholders to deploy AI more responsibly in support of national development.

Dignitaries at the event also included Femi Olubanwo, Immediate Past President of Igbobi College Old Boys Association and Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo; Kunle Elebute, Immediate Past Chairman of KPMG Africa and current Chairman of CMC Connect LLP; and Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, the first female President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing, among other distinguished guests.

The Crisis Management Advocacy Month Flagship Conference ultimately reinforced a central message, while crises are inevitable, organisations that invest in anticipation, intelligence, and coordinated response will be better positioned to protect trust and emerge stronger.

Themed “Crisis Management in the AI Milieu: New Threats, Smarter Responses”.

The 2026 edition will examine how Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally reshaping crisis communication, institutional response systems, governance frameworks, and reputational risk management.

The Advocacy Month will culminate in a high-level conference on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, commencing at 10:00 a.m.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, will attend as Special Guest of Honour. Earlier in the month, Mr. Emeka Oparah, Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa, will headline a closed-door Media Workshop convened exclusively for senior media executives.

Beyond the flagship conference, the 2026 edition will feature strategic collaborations with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) through its Monthly PR Clinics in both the Lagos and Abuja Chapters, where Ms. Affiong Edet, Senior Corporate Communications Analyst at CMC Connect LLP, will deliver a thematic presentation aligned with this year’s focus.

The initiative will also partner with the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice through its weekly webinar series to interrogate the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Crisis Management, and the Law.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Project Coordinator, Ms. Bright Emmanuel Okon, stated: “Artificial Intelligence has fundamentally altered the crisis landscape.

Crisis Management Advocacy Month 2026 is intentionally designed to convene cross-sector leaders to interrogate emerging risks, strengthen institutional preparedness, and promote smarter, ethical response architectures in an AI-driven environment.”

Chief Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya, lead partner of CMC Connect LLP, added:

“In today’s digital ecosystem, crises evolve at unprecedented speed. Institutions must move beyond reactive communication toward intelligent crisis architecture. Crisis Management Advocacy Month represents our commitment to advancing national and institutional resilience in the age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Registration for Crisis Management Advocacy Month 2026 is now open.

For participation, partnership enquiries, and registration details, visit www.cmcconnectllp.com.

The launch, which took place at the firm’s corporate headquarters in Lagos on Monday, March 10, marks a significant milestone in CMC Connect LLP’s 33-year journey as a leader in perception management.

As part of this initiative, the firm has also declared March as Crisis Management Advocacy Month, a global annual campaign aimed at raising awareness on the importance of crisis preparedness and response.

Crisis-X serves as a comprehensive platform offering expert insights, training, and strategic guidance to help businesses anticipate, manage, and recover from crises.

The initiative covers key areas such as risk assessment, crisis communication, reputation management, and post-crisis recovery.

Speaking at the launch, Raheem Olabode, Managing Partner of CMC Connect LLP, emphasized the firm’s commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions.

“We are thrilled to unveil Crisis-X, a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation in crisis management. At CMC Connect LLP, we remain committed to equipping organizations with the necessary expertise to navigate crises effectively. This initiative reinforces our role as industry leaders in providing cutting-edge, sustainable solutions that drive impact.”

Delivering a keynote presentation on Crisis-X, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Lead Partner of CMC Connect LLP, provided an in-depth overview of its strategic framework, highlighting the critical role of proactive crisis management in today’s dynamic business environment.

Guest speaker, Professor Anthony Kila, Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced Professional Studies, commended the initiative, noting its significance in Nigeria and beyond.

“What we are witnessing today is truly groundbreaking. Crisis is an inevitable part of life, and how we prepare for it determines the outcome. With Crisis-X, CMC Connect is setting a precedent in the industry by not only providing solutions but also leading advocacy efforts to reshape crisis management practices.”

Reinforcing the importance of the initiative, Badejo-Okusanya further stated:

“In an era where a single incident can escalate within minutes and significantly impact public perception, organizations must be prepared. Crisis-X is our answer to this growing need, equipping businesses with the tools, expertise, and strategies necessary to safeguard their reputation.”

CMC Connect LLP had earlier announced the establishment of Crisis Management Advocacy Month, to be observed annually in March, beginning this year.

This initiative seeks to drive awareness of the critical need for proactive crisis planning and preparedness across businesses and organizations.

Throughout the month, industry experts, business leaders, and public sector stakeholders will engage in a series of activities to foster dialogue on emerging trends in crisis management.

Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the lead partner of CMC Connect, and Hassan Abdul, the lead consultant/CEO of DrawBridge CM, took the first step towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see both firms enhance their collaboration in advocacy for crisis communication and reputation management as well as the delivery of services in both areas by both firms.

Speaking on the collaboration, Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of the partnership, stating,

“This alliance will be a game-changer in the crisis communication space. By combining the unique strengths of CMC Connect LLP and DrawBridge CM, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping businesses navigate crises efficiently while safeguarding their reputation.”

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time as both organizations recently launched innovative solutions independently, tailored to address reputational risks and crisis communications.

While CMC Connect launched “Crisis X,” a specialized crisis communication service that combines expert crisis handling with proactive management techniques, DrawBridge CM introduced “PRISM (Protecting Reputation Through Insight, Strategy & Management), a trademarked framework that provides a comprehensive approach to Reputation Risk Management, helping organizations effectively build reputation resilience.

This proposed strategic alliance is premised on the recognition that leveraging the combined expertise and cross-functional capabilities of both firms can create a more comprehensive and dynamic approach to crisis communication and reputation management for the market.

Through this shared vision, the partnership will explore opportunities to deliver holistic solutions that help businesses, institutions, and individuals mitigate reputational risks, manage crisis, and strengthen stakeholder trust.

Hassan Abdul emphasized the synergy between both solutions, saying,

“Crisis-X and PRISM are complementary solutions that address the evolving challenges of reputation management. Through this collaboration, we will offer clients an expanded toolkit for proactive and reactive management of their credibility and stakeholder trust.”

As the landscape of corporate communications continues to evolve, this partnership sets the stage for innovative, data-driven, and proactive reputation management.

Adopting these would empower organizations to maintain credibility, trust, and stability in an era of heightened scrutiny and digital disruption.

This theme underscores the firm’s dedication to innovation, strategic excellence, and delivering impactful solutions that elevate the public relations landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the firm’s journey, following the launch of GAME CHANGER UNLEASH 2.0 last year, which led to outstanding performances in 2024.

During the year, CMC CONNECT LLP secured several high-profile clients, including British Council Nigeria, IHS Towers Nigeria, Digital Jewels Africa, ipNX, and IPRFZ. The firm also celebrated its 32nd anniversary, commemorating its transformative contributions to Africa’s largest economy.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the lead partner, emphasized the importance of embracing innovation and strategic adaptability in today’s dynamic industry.

“As a leading PR and strategic communications firm in Nigeria, adopting ‘INFUSION’ is crucial for sustaining our competitiveness, innovation, and impact,” he said.

Mr. Badejo-Okusanya highlighted the organization’s vision of integrating creativity, strategy, and innovation to drive sustainable growth.

“The unveiling of ‘INFUSION: Growth 2025’ is more than just a theme; it is a commitment to redefining public relations through innovation, creativity, and strategic collaborations. As we celebrate 33 years of excellence, we remain dedicated to fostering growth for our clients, our industry, and society at large,” he said.

He further stressed on the agency’s resilience and ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the marketplace, which has been critical to maintaining its leadership position in the industry.

“With our core values of INNOVATION, ENTERPRISE and FUN, and our overarching vision of building trust among all stakeholders, particularly our clients, we are poised to maintain our leadership position in the West Coast of Africa.

Speaking further, Badejo-Okusanya said “the core of our strategy for the year is ‘INFUSION’ a theme that reflects our commitment to embedding innovation, strategic intent, and excellence into every facet of our operations.”

It is worth noting that CMC CONNECT LLP was honoured with two prestigious awards at the 2024 Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA): PR Agency of the Year and Model Agency of All Time, the latter for the second consecutive year.

These accolades underscore the firm’s unwavering dedication to delivering data-driven campaigns and setting industry standards.

As CMC CONNECT LLP embarks on this exciting new chapter, the firm extends an invitation to its clients, partners, and stakeholders to join in shaping the future of public relations in Nigeria and beyond.

He will succeed the current Chairman, Mr. Akinmolu Opeodu, effective January 1, 2025. By instituting strong corporate governance values, Mr Opeodu has steered the company’s board through a period of remarkable growth and transformation

Mr. Kunle Elebute brings over 40 years of corporate experience. He was National Senior Partner, KPMG Nigeria from 2016 to 2022.

He led KPMG Africa as Chairman from 2017 to 2022 and was a board member, KPMG International, Europe, Middle East & Africa from 2017 to 2022. He is currently the Board Chair of Teach for Nigeria & PSI Nigeria (affiliate of US-based healthcare not-for-profit), and Gerrard Capital Advisory Services.

In his remarks, Mr. Opeodu stated,

“It has been a privilege to lead CMC Connect LLP through such exciting chapters of its growth. I am confident that Kunle is the ideal leader to carry forward our legacy of excellence. His dynamic leadership and forward-thinking approach will propel the company to new heights.”

Responding to his appointment, Mr. Elebute stated, “I am honored to lead CMC Connect LLP’s board at this pivotal moment.”

“My vision is to help transform CMC Connect LLP into a game-changer in the Public Relations and Strategic Communication industry, not just in Nigeria but across Africa. Together with our talented team, we will harness technology, innovation, strategic insights, and cutting-edge solutions to exceed our clients’ expectations and redefine industry standards.”

On his part, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the lead partner, CMC Connect LLP, stated,“ We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Elebute as our Chairman-Designate.”

“His appointment signals a bold step in our journey to becoming the foremost Public Relations and Strategic Communication firm in Nigeria. We are poised for groundbreaking growth and innovation under his leadership, as well as strengthening our presence across Africa and capturing new market opportunities,” he concluded.

More about CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting)

CMC Connect LLP founded in 1992, is a game-changer in Nigeria’s communications space, leveraging insight-driven, bold, and creative solutions that put our clients ahead of the game.

Transiting from a Limited Liability Company to a Limited Liability Partnership, it has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic, most diversified, and most capacity-infused Public Relations and Strategic Communication firms.

As the exclusive affiliate of Burson (a WPP company) in Nigeria, it operates from Nigeria’s economic capital and the largest economy in Africa.

The firm is strategically positioned to provide solutions across markets using a project management approach.

With experienced and highly skilled professionals, the firm is inspired and committed to delivering extraordinary services, solving the most difficult issues for its esteemed clients, and transforming businesses through communications.

The nation-wide perception audit revealed that some of the banks adverts in Nigeria are misleading.

They make some of their banking services look so easy to access but the opposite is the reality.

Also, the report revealed that “Consumers do not have enough information and understanding about banks products”.

“Banks”, it says, “must be painstaking in providing much needed information and understanding on their products and services. They must stop making customers feel they are doing them a favour and manage customers with utmost respect and empathy. Customers have alternatives!”

The public presentation, titled “Customers’ Perception of Banking Products and Services in Nigeria” was presented by Mss Vanessa Ezenwafor, Team Lead, Strategy and Intelligence and hosted by Mss Oiza Balogun, Head, Digital PR Strategy Desk, at a webinar on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

The survey report delved into the thoughts and emotions of Nigerian banking customers, revealing their perspectives, preferences, and expectations as they entrust their financial well-being to the country’s banking institutions.

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, chairman of Odu`a Investment Company Limited, while presenting his opening remark, expressed his satisfaction with the detailed survey reports. He congratulated the firm and emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace banking culture, citing its potential to reduce the incidence of armed robbery. In his words, “Now it is time for us in this country to imbibe the culture of banking, because it will reduce level of armed robbery”.

Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, president of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), who was also present at the webinar, emphasized the importance of Nigerians adhering to due process when encountering banking issues.

He discouraged the practice of banking customers venting frustrations and expressing discontent on social media, suggesting a more measured approach such as making use of the bank’s customers complaints platform created by every bank in Nigeria.

Furthermore, he extended congratulations to the firm and lauded their effort to conduct such an extensive survey.

In her conclusion, Miss Ezenwafor posited that,” In today`s dynamic banking landscape, customer perceptions are vital metrics that shape the industry`s future.

 “This survey underscores the importance of understanding these perceptions and acting upon them. To remain ahead of the competition, banks must embrace digital transformation, elevate the quality of customer service, and foster greater trust through transparency and responsiveness.”

The virtual event was attended by distinguished individuals from the banking sector, members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), members of Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) and representatives of various media platforms.

CMC Connect LLP is a game-changer in Nigeria’s communications space that provides insight-driven, bold, and creative solutions that put her clients ahead of the game.

Transiting from a Limited Liability Company to Limited Liability by Partnership, the firm has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic, most diversified, and most capacity-infused Perception Consulting and Strategic Communication Firms.

The report can be accessed on the website of CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting)

This was made known when the organisation hosted members of the FATE School of Entrepreneurship, an emerging Entrepreneurs programme founded by FATE Foundation recently at their office in Ikeja, GRA, Lagos.

Representatives from the FATE School of Entrepreneurship were warmly welcomed by the team at CMC Connect LLP as the Entrepreneurial visit is an integral part of the Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme through which the entrepreneurs pay courtesy visit to top industry tycoons.

The visit commenced with an engaging dialogue between the representatives of both organizations, where they shared insights, experiences, and best practices in supporting budding entrepreneurs.

The discussions revolved around the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs and the various ways in which both entities could collaborate to provide them with the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship.

The representatives from the FATE School of Entrepreneurship had the opportunity to explore the facilities at CMC Connect LLP and were impressed by the agency’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to host the representatives of the FATE School of Entrepreneurship during their courtesy visit. At CMC Connect LLP, we strongly believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change and economic growth,” said Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Lead Partner at CMC Connect LLP. “This visit has provided us with valuable insights and potential avenues for collaboration to further empower aspiring entrepreneurs in our community.”

The representatives from the FATE School of Entrepreneurship expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and expressed their eagerness to explore future collaborations with CMC Connect LLP.

They acknowledged the agency’s expertise in communication and outreach, which could greatly enhance their efforts in empowering entrepreneurs at scale.

CMC Connect LLP looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with the FATE School of Entrepreneurship and other like-minded organizations to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and foster economic growth in our community.

CMC Connect LLP is a game-changer in Nigeria’s communications space, leveraging insight-driven, bold, and creative solutions that put our clients ahead of the game.

Transiting from a Limited Liability Company to Limited Liability Partnership, we have emerged as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic, most diversified, and most capacity-infused Public Relations and Strategic Communication Firm.

As the exclusive affiliate of the BCW network in Nigeria, we are operating from Nigeria’s economic capital and the largest economy in Africa, strategically positioned to provide solutions across markets using a project management approach.

With experienced and highly skilled professionals, we are inspired and committed to delivering extraordinary services, solving the most difficult issues for our esteemed clients, and transforming businesses through communications.

CMC Connect LLP, one of Africa’s leading perception management and public affairs consulting firms, is set to host public and regulatory affairs practitioners in the private and public sectors to a national discourse in the area of fiscal policy direction for the incoming government.

The program is billed for Thursday May 11, 2023 via an online webinar platform between 10:00am and 12:00 noon. Theme: “Setting a Fiscal Policy Agenda for the Bola Tinubu Administration”.

Keynote Speaker is Dr Abiodun Adedipe, a distinguished economist with expertise in fiscal policy, banking, finance, and public sector consulting.

The program will be moderated by Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, founder and Lead Partner at CMC Connect LLP.

The dialogue will have a panel of discussants drawn from different sectors of the economy. They include Mr Tilewa Adebajo, Chief Executive Officer at The CFG Advisory; Mr Vivian Ikem, Corporate Affairs and Communications Director at Japan Tobacco International, among others.

The discourse is designed as a convergent platform for private sector players in public and Regulatory affairs to make case for their business interest on key issues around fiscal policies and regulatory challenges in Nigeria.

Speaking on the policy dialogue session, Adetola Odusote, Partner, Public Affairs at CMC Connect LLP, explained that “as Nigerians await the swearing of the President Elect, many businesses are anticipating with bated breath, the direction of the new administration’s fiscal policy. The last eight years have been very challenging for most Nigerian businesses and the hope is that the new administration will institute significant pro-business policy reforms that will re-inflate the economy,

“CMC Connect‘ 3rd National Policy Dialogue, a non-political, non-partisan, pro-business platform, will bring together key stakeholders with the objective of aggregating views and making very incisive recommendations on how best the next government can move the Nigerian economy forward”, Odusote stated.