The two-day event, supported by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took place at the MUSON Center, Lagos, drawing industry leaders, young professionals, students and the media from across the communications and marketing sectors, offering a platform for knowledge sharing and networking.

In his keynote presentation, the Chief Executive officer, TPT International, Adetokunbo Modupe, emphasized that brands must communicate persuasively to capture and keep their audience’s attention.

He averred that persuasion must come from a place of authenticity.

He argued that while the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized marketing and communications, there is no substitute for the genuine, emotional intelligence required to make lasting connections.

In his presentation titled “Cultivating Authentic Connections: Trust and Transparency in a Hyperconnected World,” the Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, O’tega Ogra, emphasized trust as the key differentiator for brands in a thought-provoking session.

He highlighted five crucial lessons on trust and their reversals, underscoring the importance of balancing transparency with strategic communication.

Ogra noted that while authenticity draws people in, there are times when perception, or even illusion, can be more powerful than reality, and brands must be mindful of how they curate their digital presence.

Ogra also touched on emotional intelligence and the power of strategic vulnerability in building meaningful connections.

He encouraged brands to own their mistakes and listen actively to their audiences but cautioned against overexposure and relying too heavily on emotional appeals.

Ultimately, He stressed the value of long-term authenticity over short-term gains, reminding brands that consistency and realness are their greatest strengths in the digital age.

Lanre Basamta, the chief executive officer and co-founder, Optimus AI Labs, delivered a compelling session on the power of content, opening with a quote from marketing expert David Meerman Scott: “Nobody cares about your product, except you. Create interesting content.”

Basamta emphasized that perception is everything—content isn’t just a tool for engagement, but a powerful force that shapes how audiences view a brand.

He highlighted the critical need for aligning content with a brand’s core message, noting that effective storytelling creates emotional experiences that resonate deeply with the audience.

This emotional connection, Basamta explained, not only shapes how people perceive a brand but also determines their willingness to engage with it.

The 2024 Lagos Digital PR Summit highlighted the importance of nurturing authentic connections in a crowded digital space, where trust and emotional resonance are critical for success. Speakers emphasized that realness is a brand’s most valuable asset, and balancing transparency with strategic communication is key to building lasting relationships.

The Summit climaxed with the inaugural Digital PR Awards, which honoured outstanding achievements in public relations and digital communications. The awards recognized organizations and brands that have shown excellence in leveraging digital platforms and content marketing to achieve measurable success.

One of the standout moments of the awards ceremony was the recognition of Akinrodoye Samuel, also known as Coach Dreh, for his remarkable campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Samuel’s courageous feat of swimming across the Lagos Lagoon served as a powerful example of the role digital activism plays in driving social change.

Additionally, the event saw the launch of the third edition of the Lagos Digital PR Digest, the official magazine of the Summit. This edition features a lead story on O’tega Ogra, titled “From Corporate to Government: How O’tega Ogra is Redefining Digital Engagement,” alongside trending articles, industry insights, and practical guides on digital public relations.

The 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit further solidified its position as a leading event in the public relations industry, equipping professionals with the insights and strategies needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital world.

The Summit, which aims to place Nigeria at the forefront of digital public relations by examining how AI is reshaping the industry while underscoring the enduring significance of human connections, is supported by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital and New Media, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on New Media, along with leading media and technology firms and global digital marketing communications agencies.

The faculty boasts extensive experience in brand management, corporate communications, and marketing, coupled with their in-depth knowledge of leveraging digital platforms for brand storytelling and reputation management, making them ideal contributors to this important conversation.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is the keynote speaker.

Special guests of honour expected at the Summit include the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital Communications, Engagement, and New Media Strategy, O’tega Ogra, and the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat.

This year’s faculty members include the Co-founder/CEO, Optimus AI Lab, Lanre Adelanwa Basamta; Managing Partner, TPT International, Adetokunbo Modupe; Head, Digital Marketing, Olam Nigeria, Dotun Babatunde; Head Digital Media and Insight, Sub-Saharan Africa, FrieslandCampina, Ifeoluwa Esther Obafemi; and Director of Content, Pulse Nigeria, Damilola Dawson; and Founder/CEO, The Republic Media Limited, Monday Michaels Ashibogwu.

Others are the Head of Media, Sub-Saharan Africa, Reckitt, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh; Head Brand and Stakeholder Management, FirstBank of Nigeria, Olayinka Ijabiyi; Brand and Marketing Communications, Wema Bank, Mabel Adeleye; Chief Executive Officer, Cihan Media Group, Celestine Achi; Global Senior Brand Manager, The Heineken Company, Sandra Amachree; Managing Director, Skot Communications, Tokunboh George-Taylor; Head, Corporate Communications, TGI Group, Rafiat Gawat, and Co-founder and Content Chief, Technext, David Afolayan.

The Commissioner for Communications, Kwara State, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kogi State, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo; Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; and Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc, Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade) are also expected to speak at the Summit.

Special highlights in this edition include opening ceremonies, keynote speeches, masterclasses, and tech showcase drawing a diverse audience of PR and communications professionals, marketing experts, business leaders, content creators, and students. Another highlight includes the unveiling of the third edition of the Digital PR Digest, the official magazine of the Summit, featuring compelling stories, industry developments, and practical guides on digital public relations.

The co-convener and Chairman, Lagos NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, remarked that “The 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit reflects our ongoing commitment to driving the future of public relations in the digital age. Our faculty members are some of the brightest minds in the field, and they bring an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience. This year’s theme resonates deeply as it underscores the human aspect of communication in the midst of AI’s growing role in the industry.”

Segun McMedal, the president, Upticomm Marketing Company, and Convener of the Summit, stated that “As we look toward the future, the 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit serves as a critical platform for industry professionals to equip themselves with the skills necessary for navigating the digital landscape. This year’s faculty lineup will address the dynamic intersection of AI and human-driven communications, ensuring participants leave with practical insights on building trust and authenticity in an increasingly digital world.”

The Summit, which will take place on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17, October 2024, at the MUSON Center in Lagos, is supported by the Office of the Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital and New Media, alongside leading media houses, global PR and digital marketing communications agencies, and industry professionals.

The Lagos Digital PR Summit is the premier and leading digital public relations gathering that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and emerging talents in digital communications.

Volunteers will have the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of event management, gaining hands-on experience while engaging with top professionals in public relations, digital marketing, media, and technology.

This platform offers volunteers the chance to enhance their skills, grow their professional network, and contribute to an event that is setting the benchmark for the future of digital communication in Nigeria and beyond.

Prospective volunteers with a passion for digital communications and a commitment to making meaningful contributions are encouraged to apply by completing the attached application form in the link or see flyer below:

This is an invaluable opportunity to be part of a transformative event that is reshaping the communications landscape in the digital era. Registration closes on September 15, 2024.

Speaking on the initiative, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, the chairman, Lagos NIPR, said,

“The Lagos Digital PR Summit has always been pushing boundaries and fostering innovation in public relations and digital communications. Volunteers will be able to contribute to an event that is shaping the future of digital PR and gain invaluable experience while making meaningful connections that will shape their careers forward. We look forward to welcoming passionate volunteers who are ready to be part of this transformative journey.”

Since its inception in 2016, the Lagos Digital PR Summit has been at the forefront of exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on public relations.

With over 100 courses produced and a community of over 1000 Digital PR Ambassadors, the Summit has established itself as a leading force in shaping the future of digital PR in sub-Saharan Africa.

Visit lagosdigitalprsummit.com for more information about the 9^th Lagos Digital PR Summit.

The faculty is made up of chief executives and experienced senior executives in leading digital marketing communications firms who are bringing their distinctive insights and practical experience to facilitate at the Summit.

They include the Cofounder and CEO, Zedi Africa, Ized Uanikhehi; Head of Marketing, Kwik Africa, Michael Owatunde; Head, Brands, Growth and Partnerships, Zedi Africa, Omobolanle Akingbala; Snr. Account Manager, Eskimi, WECA, Bukayo Ewuoso and Head, Ad Operations, HippoAD, Uchenna Innocent.

Others are Principal Partner, TMB Global Brands, Temitope Ooye; Deputy Business Director, Redwolf Company, Omokehinde Thomas; Director, Digital and Media (CWAR), Publicis Groupe, Muyiwa Aleshinloye; Head, Growth and Product Marketing, Omnibiz Africa, Princewill Ejirika and Managing Partner, ThePush, Aderinsola Jolaosho.

Special guests of honour expected at the opening of the Summit and launch of the Digital PR Digest include the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pension, Lagos State, Ajibola Ponnle; Group Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, United Bank for Africa, and CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; Founder/Chief Executive officer, Bellanaija Media Group, Uche Pedro; and President, Public Relations Association Consultants Association of Nigeria and CEO, Chain Reactions, Israel Jaiye Opayemi.

Comfort Obot Nwankwo, the Co-host and Chairman of the Lagos NIPR, said that “This edition of the Summit will x-ray the dynamic difference and impacts technology has introduced into human connections and interactions in the digital age without disregarding the way and manner social relations and human cordiality existed before now.

The focus is on building a digital community which is now the de facto place to live, work, play and sell online for B2B and B2C. Businesses need to find and create a community to transition from carrying their own torch to having a community that carries it for them.

The Lagos Digital PR Summit will equip participants with skills to create a better content that builds trust and engages a multi-channel community”.

The Summit adopts the FLIPPED Learning Approach where direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, ensuring a well-rounded model to knowledge acquisition and extension to drive positive changes in their organisations.

Attendees will earn a Certificate of Participation and the honorary Lagos Digital PR Ambassadorship.

The Lagos Digital PR Summit brings together senior marcomms professionals, Generation X and Millennials managing communications for government, corporate, media and NGOs to equip and expose them to contemporary techniques and glean new insights into the fast-growing digital media space for modern-day strategic communication practice.

This edition is being organized in partnership with multinational technology companies specializing in Internet-related, social media, global television broadcast station and social networking services and products including leading digital communications consultancies in the world including TVC Communications, TechCity, The Comms Avenue and leading marketing communication magazines.

The annual Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit is the first of its kind and the largest gathering of digital communication enthusiasts in Sub Saharan Africa.

The two-day experiential gathering of communicators focused on achieving collective intelligence to equip and capacitate communicators with high-level digital communication strategies, tactics and how-to’s, so they are better equipped to work in the rapidly growing algorithmic media ecosystem.

This edition of the Summit is poised to x-ray the dynamic difference and impacts technology has introduced into human connections and interactions in the digital age without disregarding the way and manner social relations and human cordiality existed before now.

It will equip participants with skills to create a better content that builds trust and engages a multi-channel audience.

The Institute is calling on public relations practitioners and digital communication enthusiasts to register.

The standard fee is One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000) per participant. However, there is a discount of Thirty Thousand Naira (N30,000) for payments received before close of business on Friday, October 21, 2022. There is also a 10% discount for organizations sending more than three participants.

Interested marcomms professionals can log-on to the Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit website to glean the full details and register to take part in the Summit. A special QR Code has been created for ease of registration on mobile devices.

The Summit adopts the FLIPPED Learning Approach where direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, ensuring a well-rounded model to knowledge acquisition and extension to drive positive changes in their organisations. Attendees will earn a Certificate of Participation and the honorary Lagos Digital PR Ambassadorship.

The Summit brings together senior marcomms professionals, Generation X and Millennials managing communications for government, corporate, media and NGOs to equip and expose them to contemporary techniques and glean new insights into the fast-growing digital media space for modern-day strategic communication practice.

This edition is being organized in partnership with multinational technology companies specializing in Internet-related, social media, global television broadcast station and social networking services and products including leading digital communications consultancies in the world including TVC Communications, TechCity and The Comms Avenue and leading marketing communication magazines.

The annual Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit is the first of its kind and the largest gathering of digital communication enthusiasts in Sub Saharan Africa.

The two-day Lagos Digital PR Summit, an experiential gathering of communicators, focuses on achieving collective intelligence to equip and capacitate communicators with high-level digital communication strategies, tactics and how-to’s, so they are better equipped to work in the rapidly growing algorithmic media ecosystem.