The award celebrates NEMA’s innovative use of digital communication strategies to educate the public and coordinate effective responses during Nigeria’s annual flood seasons.

The presentation ceremony was held in Abuja last Wednesday, with the Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, and President of Upticomm Marketing Company and Convener of the Lagos Digital PR Summit, Segun McMedal, presenting the award to Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA.

The Lagos Digital PR Summit, which began in 2016, is the premier event in sub-Saharan Africa focused on advancing digital public relations practice.

The Summit is a collaboration between Upticomm Marketing Company and the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

The award presentation was part of activities marking the 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit, held at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

NEMA’s campaign was selected following a rigorous assessment process, with its innovative and impactful efforts recognized for utilizing digital platforms effectively to share vital information and engage the public and proactively engaging with stakeholders, providing timely updates to improve disaster response coordination.

NEMA also implemented communication strategies that significantly reduced the impact of flooding and saved lives across the country.

In her acceptance speech, Zubaida Umar expressed deep appreciation to the organizers for the recognition and dedicated the award to the hardworking staff of NEMA nationwide.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians during times of crisis. It motivates us to do even more,” she said.

She reaffirmed NEMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing public sensitization campaigns on disaster risks and prevention and promote nationwide risk management practices to mitigate disaster impacts.

The Agency will also strengthen partnerships with professional bodies like NIPR and the media to drive public awareness and disaster preparedness initiatives.

Umar also emphasized the need for continuous improvement in disaster management efforts and the importance of fostering collaboration with stakeholders to reduce avoidable disasters in the future.

This award highlights NEMA’s pivotal role in advancing effective communication in government and its dedication to safeguarding lives and property during emergencies.

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.”

Themed “Nurturing Authentic Connections in Digital Ecosystems,” the Summit will take place at the MUSON Center, Lagos, on October 16th and 17th, 2024.

This year’s edition will equip participants with the skills to balance cutting-edge technologies and foster genuine, human-centred connections in digital spaces.

Attendees will also gain insights into the latest PR trends, reskill for the evolving digital landscape, and network with industry leaders. 

New segments called Tech Showcase will allow participants to interact with innovative technologies, including smartphones, wearable devices, robotics, electric vehicles, and Lagos Digital PR Summit Awards that will recognize selected teams and professionals for their groundbreaking campaigns and innovative contributions to the Nigerian digital PR landscape.

The Summit is supported by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital and New Media and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State. 

How to Register

To learn more and register, visit the official Summit website. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Participation and induction as Digital PR Ambassadors.

Non-paying participants are also welcome to register; however, they will not be eligible for certification or ambassador recognition.

This hybrid edition serves as an essential training platform for young and mid-level communication professionals, particularly millennials, Gen Z, and forward-thinking Gen X.

The Summit will feature keynote sessions, fireside chats, and masterclasses, all aimed at helping participants leverage AI applications to enhance efficiency and maintain competitiveness in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

The two-day Summit will convene senior and intermediate marketing communications professionals across various industries, key stakeholders, and leading technology companies specializing in internet services, social media, and digital innovation. 

Esteemed media partners include Business Day Media, Techeconomy.ng, CommsOfAfrica, TechCity, Brand Communicator, Pulse.ng, PRNigeria, Marketing Edge, Technext, Cybertron Ads, Nitro 121 and P Plus Measurement Services.

Since its inception in 2016, the Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit has established itself as the premier platform for equipping professionals with essential digital PR strategies. 

The Summit continues to innovate by addressing the profound impacts of AI and other disruptive technologies on public relations and communication.