Recognized as a Rising Voice in the industry, Abiola’s growing influence in public relations, particularly for Africa’s tech ecosystem, continues to shape narratives, build impactful brands, and amplify Tech PR on the continent.

This has helped earn her reputation amongst the crème de la crème of the industry.

According to GLG Communications, the Rising Voices category of the PR Power List “celebrates emerging leaders as well as long-time practitioners whose work is now getting the recognition it deserves. Through bold career moves, standout campaigns, or unwavering consistency, they’ve stepped into the spotlight over the past year, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and innovation to the fore”.

While appreciating the PR Power List Jury and sponsors, Abiola said that,

“I am truly humbled by this recognition. I encourage more professionals to embrace public relations, especially for tech brands. Elevating Tech PR in Africa directly supports the growth of our tech ecosystem, and in turn, contributes to the broader development of the continent.”

With over 9 years of experience across media, marketing communications, core PR and technology, Abiola has successfully managed projects and worked with top brands like MTV Shuga Naija 2018 & 2019, Reckitt (Dettol & JIK 2019 – 2020), MTN Nigeria, Enough Is Enough Nigeria, Beauty in the Motherland (2024) Betway 2018 – 2019, Drugstoc, Afrilabs 2023, VBank 2021, Shecluded 2022 and Binomo. At the helm of Abiola Bonuola Communications, she continues to champion storytelling for B2B, B2C and personal brands within the tech space in Africa.

Other honorees, influential PR Professionals, selected change makers and community builders on the Power List include, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital and New Media; Otega Ogra, Commissioner, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Lagos State; Gbenga Omotoso, Head of Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC Holdings; Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, Lead, External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa; Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Selar; David Akinfenwa, Founder and Lead Consultant, Blanche Aigle Communications; Nene Bejide, Head, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business, Unilever; Godfrey Adejumoh, PR & Media Relations Manager, Moniepoint; Bemigho Awala, Head of Communication and Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa; Oge Maduagwu, and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Sustainability Lead, Nestle; Victoria Uwadoka.

In a collaborative effort with Narrative Landscape Press and GLG Communications, VFD Group donated Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s inaugural children’s book, “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf,” to the students of Comenius Nursery and Primary School as part of the Street 2 School Initiative.

This collaboration underscores VFD Group’s resolute dedication to social impact and education, particularly in underserved communities.

The donation of 1,000 copies of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf” aims to inculcate a love for reading and inspire young minds to explore limitless possibilities.

During the school visit, Ms. Elmer Aluge, VFD Group’s Soft Power Specialist, and Mr. Odudu Abasi-Okon, Strategy Officer of VFD Group Plc, joined forces with Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, director of Business Development at Narrative Landscape, to engage with the school’s administrators and students. Together, they shared stories, laughter, and the joy of discovering reading.

In a heartfelt address, Ms. Elmer Aluge urged the students to remain steadfast in their educational pursuits, emphasizing the power of reading.

She remarked, “Education is the key that unlocks endless opportunities. Let the pages of ‘Mama’s Sleeping Scarf’ kindle your imagination and propel you towards greatness.”

Moved by the students’ enthusiasm, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen expressed his admiration for their curiosity and promised to relay their gratitude to Chimamanda Adichie, whose work continues to inspire young minds across the globe.

The event concluded with a touching exchange of gratitude as students and teachers presented the VFD Team, Narrative Landscape Press, and Chimamanda’s Publicist with handmade thank-you cards and gift bags.

VFD Group remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing future leaders and fostering positive change through initiatives that empower and uplift communities.

More about VFD Group:

• VFD Group is a proprietary investment company that focuses on building positive and socially conscious ecosystems by aggregating potentially viable businesses with the objective of creating innovative products and solutions that are accessible to the everyday Nigerian citizen and entrepreneur.
• It was founded by skilled professionals with diverse experiences, qualifications, and backgrounds.
• As a future-focused group, we have successfully transformed our investment approach from being a financial service-focused proprietary investment company to taking a sector-agnostic approach to investment with a focus on creating a global ecosystem through investments and collaborations in various businesses and sectors of the economy that will enhance our global footprint.

The list was released by GLG Communications in partnership with The Guardian following the unanimous decision of an independent judging panel.

The first-of-its-kind guide was created to honour outstanding PR professionals in Nigeria and to mark World PR Day, celebrated annually on July 16 across the globe.

The PR Power List acknowledged individuals who beyond securing column inches and primetime interviews, have engaged influential voices to stay ahead of the curve in brand perception and narratives, deftly managed crises, and reputations, and created stories that have changed minds and shaped narratives in Nigeria.

Aina was recognised in the change makers’ category, which identified experts, agency founders, C-Suite executives and leaders who have become known as some of the hottest and most respected names in the Nigerian PR Industry.

Responding to the award, Aina said: “I am pleased to have been included in GLG Communications’ inaugural annual PR Power List celebrating outstanding PR professionals in Nigeria to mark World PR Day, held globally on July 16”. 

“I am honoured to have been listed among other inspiring PR and communications professionals in Nigeria. I remain committed to displaying excellence in my work to elevate the perception of our noble profession”, he said.

Funso Aina is a public relations and corporate communications professional with over 24 years of multi-sectoral experience in telecommunications, cultural diplomacy, and journalism.

An in-depth thinker with excellent organisational abilities, he understands the complexities of public relations and targeted communications for achieving desired business results and organisational efficiency.

A highly motivated and very productive PR practitioner, Funso Aina is passionate about adding value through bespoke communication and effective stakeholder management which demonstrably contribute to the attainment of set corporate goals and performance.

About eight months ago, he won the award for “Best in Crisis Management” at the sixth edition of the Lagos state PR Industry Gala and Award (LaPRIGA).

At MTN Nigeria, he is responsible for leading strategy and driving targeted engagement with the company’s critical stakeholders.

See full list of PR Power List 2022 Here.