Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, newly-elected Secretary-General of African Public Relations Association (APRA) during the event in Abidjan.
Justin Green President, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, newly-elected Secretary-General of African Public Relations Association (APRA) during the event in Abidjan.
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Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Media Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has been elected as the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA). This prestigious appointment occurred during APRA’s 35th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting, which is currently underway in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Dr. Ibietan’s new role is a testament to his significant contributions to the field of public relations in Africa. The conference, a major event for public relations professionals across the continent, continues to serve as a vital platform for networking and advancing the industry.
Ibietan has joined the newly formed three-member Executive Council. Alongside him are Arik Karani from Kenya, who will serve as President, and Dr. Michele Mekeme from Cameroon, taking the role of Vice President. This diverse leadership team brings together a wealth of experience and perspectives from across Africa, promising a dynamic and inclusive approach to their governance.
Ibietan, a distinguished fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the African Public Relations Association (APRA), has pledged to collaborate with fellow Executive Council members to sustain APRA’s ongoing reforms. His vision includes broadening the democratic framework by fostering increased engagement from national public relations bodies across Africa. This initiative aims to enhance representation and participation, driving a more inclusive and dynamic PR landscape on the continent.
He has pledged to collaborate more closely with the African Union Commission and the Council of Ministers, aiming to integrate public relations deeply into the core of policy-making, program development, and project execution. His commitment highlights the importance of strategic communication in enhancing the effectiveness and reach of AU initiatives
Ibietan, a distinguished journalist and accomplished author, plays a pivotal role at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). In his capacity, he skillfully manages the public communication strategy for the national regulatory authority overseeing telecommunications in Nigeria. His expertise ensures the NCC’s initiatives and policies are effectively communicated to the public, enhancing the transparency and reach of the regulatory body’s efforts.
In the early days of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, he served as the Special Media Advisor to the Federal Minister of Information and Communication. With more than two decades of expertise, he has navigated the realms of media and communication with distinction. His career encompasses journalism, academia, policy discussions, strategic communication, regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement, showcasing a rich and diverse professional journey.
In a tale of academic prowess and global pursuit, Ibietan emerged as a beacon of excellence. Hailing from Nigeria, he embarked on a journey of knowledge, securing a diploma in journalism with distinction from the prestigious International Institute of Journalism in Moscow. Undeterred by distance, he continued his educational odyssey, graduating at the zenith of his class with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from the University of Uyo. His thirst for learning unquenched, Ibietan then pursued a Master’s degree in Communication & Language Arts from the esteemed University of Ibadan, once again ascending to the summit of academic achievement. Through dedication and determination, Ibietan’s story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence across continents, a testament to the power of ambition and education.
In the depths of South Africa, he embarked on an academic odyssey, emerging with a Ph.D. in Communication from the prestigious North-West University. His focus? The intricate dance of power and persuasion in political communication. But he didn’t stop there. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he ventured to Paris, where he honed his expertise with a mini MBA in telecommunications from NEOTELIS. His journey didn’t end with degrees; he became an IP3 certified regulation specialist, mastering the intricate web of laws and policies governing the digital realm. Armed with a fusion of academia and practical wisdom, he now navigates the complex landscape of communication with finesse and insight
In the scholarly realm, he delves deep into the intricate tapestry of political communication within the realm of new media, unraveling patterns that shape our understanding of contemporary discourse. His expertise extends to the nuanced intersection of media and culture, exploring their symbiotic relationship and influence on societal norms. Yet, his intellectual pursuit transcends mere observation, as he navigates the theoretical and normative underpinnings of communication, seeking to understand its profound impact on democracy and the essence of freedom.
He is a dynamic educator at the Nigerian campus of Rome Business School, where he ignites minds in the realms of PR & Advertising and Media Management & Communication Strategy for doctoral students. With finesse, he guides aspiring communicators through the intricacies of the Master of Corporate Communication program, shaping the future leaders of the industry.
In May 2023, Premium Times Books in Washington unveiled his debut masterpiece, “Social Media, Social Demography, and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria,” marking the genesis of his literary journey. His wanderlust has woven a tapestry of experiences across the continents of Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia, enriching his perspectives and narratives with a global hue.
At the bustling conference, the spotlight fell on Ibietan as he kicked off the business sessions with his groundbreaking paper: “Digital Inclusion: Bridging the Gap in Public Relations,” focusing on the Nigerian Communications Commission’s pivotal role. With eloquence and insight, Ibietan illuminated the transformative power of digital accessibility, paving the way for a new era of inclusive communication strategies.
In a bold thesis, Ibietan intertwines Castells’ Network Society theory and the Knowledge Gap Theory, spotlighting Nigeria’s government via the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). He argues that digital inclusion serves as the linchpin for effective digital public relations. Ibietan’s narrative illuminates how the NCC’s actions epitomize this pivotal connection, shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Ibietan eloquently argued that the NCC’s initiatives, spanning laws, policies, partnerships, and operational efficiency, lay the groundwork for a thriving digital economy. Through copious pictorial evidence, Ibietan painted a vivid picture of how these efforts drive digital inclusion, illustrating their consequential and quantifiable impact on society’s digital landscape.
In his impassioned argument, he contended that the pivotal essence of the digital economy lies in the strategic investment and seamless orchestration of expanding digital infrastructure. These efforts, he emphasized, serve as the cornerstone, breathing life into the interconnected world of digital public relations, amplifying access to its vast resources and unveiling its transformative potential.
In 1975, Nairobi witnessed the birth of APRA, succeeding FAPRA, with a mission to unite Africans and their global allies through meaningful interactions. This year, under the theme ‘One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide’, APRA continues its journey of fostering unity and amplifying the continent’s voice on the global stage.
It should be noted at this juncture however, APRA Côte d’Ivoire 2024 has garnered robust support from the highest echelons of governance, including the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and the esteemed backing of The Holding Opinion & Public (THOP). What’s more, it has earned the resounding endorsement of prestigious global PR entities such as the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA). This monumental gathering has also won the commendation of the African Union Commission (AUC) and resonates with PR national associations across the continent, standing as a beacon of unity and excellence in the realm of public relations.
In conclusion, the conference showcased the eighth Innovation Summit (IN2SUMMIT) alongside the seventh SABRE Awards Africa, set for tonight. Based in Nigeria, the APRA secretariat holds observer status with the African Union.
