A coalition of seasoned and respected Public Relations (PR) professionals representing a diverse spectrum of industries have come together to endorse Nkechi Ali-Balogun (NAB) as the quintessential candidate for the position of National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
With a collective vision for the future of PR in Nigeria, this alliance firmly believes in Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s transformative leadership and her capacity to drive positive change within the industry, especially as the first woman in Nigeria in the running to lead the umbrella body for PR professionals in Nigeria. Having held the esteemed position of leading the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nkechi has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to advancing the field.
The alliance, which comprises leaders who have shaped the PR landscape through innovation and excellence, recognizes Nkechi Ali-Balogun as a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the profession’s challenges and opportunities. Her track record of accomplishments, strategic insights, and commitment to raising the standards of PR has earned her the unwavering support of this influential coalition.
NAB is a multi-talented luminary within Africa’s PR industry, boasting a wealth of experience spanning more than two decades across diverse facets of the Public Relations and Training Consultancy landscape.
Commenting on behalf of the alliance, Odion Aleobua, the convener of the group, stated, “At this critical juncture in our industry’s development, we need a leader who not only understands the evolving dynamics of communication but is also dedicated to fostering collaboration, growth, and ethical standards in PR practice.”
Her profound understanding of client and service perspectives and adeptness at delivering innovative solutions to managerial challenges has solidified her reputation as a trusted expert. Nkechi’s journey has led her to the helm of NECCI Consulting, where she serves as the Principal Consultant and CEO.
“Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s demonstrated passion for PR, her emphasis on continuous learning, and her inclusive approach make her the ideal candidate to lead NIPR into a new era of excellence,” said Israel Jaiye Opayemi, President Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN).
The alliance emphasizes Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional and digital PR practices, ensuring that the profession remains relevant and effective in an ever-changing media landscape. Her commitment to nurturing emerging talents and her dedication to creating a more connected PR community align seamlessly with the coalition’s values.
“Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s leadership is a testament to her ability to inspire, innovate, and steer PR professionals toward achieving impactful results,” Rasheed Bolarinwa, President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks in Nigeria (ACAMB), said.
Also commenting, Tolulope Olorundero, Founder and Chairperson of Nigerian Women in Public Relations, stated that “NAB’s vision for NIPR resonates with our collective aspirations for a stronger, more influential PR industry.” Guided by a transformative mindset, Nkechi excels in converting obstacles into avenues of growth, drawing from her own experiences to provide insights and strategies that resonate. Her creative intuition and strategic acumen set her apart, contributing to her triumphant trajectory as a mentor, motivational speaker, and catalyst for industry evolution. • ENDS –
More About NAB Essential Qualifications that Define Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s Remarkable Journey: • Academic Eminence: Nkechi is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Lagos, where she laid the foundation for her remarkable career. She further enriched her knowledge with an MBA in Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the same institution. • Global Expertise: Nkechi’s quest for knowledge led her to distinguished institutions such as the Lagos Business School and the revered Frank Jefkins School of Public Relations in London, where she honed her skills in Public Relations Management. • Breaking Boundaries: Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s trailblazing spirit was recognized when she became the recipient of the Most Outstanding Public Relations Practitioner (Female) award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Lagos, a historic feat as the first woman to attain such recognition. Her accomplishments extend far beyond this milestone, with numerous other accolades attesting to her impact. Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s story is of relentless dedication, constant growth, and the pursuit of excellence. As a visionary leader, she has elevated herself and become a beacon of inspiration and transformation for the entire industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of expertise, innovation, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness. About the Alliance: The Alliance of Frontline PR Professionals is a coalition of esteemed PR leaders who have joined forces to support and endorse Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s candidacy for National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The alliance comprises professionals from various industries who share a joint commitment to advancing the PR field in Nigeria. Their endorsement reflects their confidence in Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s ability to lead NIPR into a future of growth, innovation, and collaboration.
They include: Odion Aleobua – Convener & CEO, Modion Communications Israel Jaiye Opayemi- Founder, Chain Reactions Africa Rasheed Bolarinwa – President, ACAMB Tolulope Olorundero – Founder, Nigerian Women in Public Relations John Ehiguese, Group CEO, Mediacraft Associates Nn’emeka Maduegbuna – Chairman – C&F Porter Novelli Adetokunbo Modupe, Founder, TPT International Nikiru Olumide-Ojo – Executive Head of Africa Regions Corporate Communications Marketing & Corporate Social Impact at Standard Bank Group Tokunboh George-Taylor – Managing Director of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Nigeria Adekunle Ayeni – Founder/CEO of BHM Chuddy Oduenyi – Managing Director, Compact Communications Adedayo Ojo – Founder, Caritas communication Bolaji Abimbola – MD, Integrated Indigo Hassan Abdul – Founder Media Range Chido Nwakama – Chief Executive, Brandhaus Communications Ken Egbas – Founder, TruCSR Abudul Imoyo – Head of Public Relations at Access Bank Holdings Jide Sipe – Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication at Ecobank Nigeria Temitope Akande – Head, Corporate Affairs PR, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency Kunle Odusola-Stevenson, Founder, Legend & Legacy Mr Lanre Alabi. MD, Prosper Strategies Babajide Benson – ED, Cast Communications Advisory
Access Bank Appoints Uche Orji as Independent Non-Executive Director
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Uche Orji as an Independent Non-Executive Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’), effective from January 7, 2025, following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (‘CBN’).
orji
This appointment reflects our commitment to enhancing our governance practices and ensuring a diverse and experienced board.
Mr. Orji is a renowned investment banking professional, information technology entrepreneur, and finance expert with three (3) decades of professional and board experience. He is the Co-founder and Partner of Titangate Capital Management, an equity firm that invests in deep-tech, enterprise software, semi-conductors, hardware, and artificial intelligence companies.
He is the Founder and Director of Vitesse Africa Limited, an investment advisory firm focused on African energy, technology and infrastructure sectors. He serves as an Executive Board member and investor in Ultrasafe AI, an artificial intelligence/IT development firm that maintains strategic collaborations with leading technology companies. He also sits on the Board of Private Infrastructure Development Group, London, and chairs the Risk Committee.
Previously, Mr. Orji served as the founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. He held positions as Managing Director and Senior Analyst at UBS Securities Limited New York and Managing Director and Head of European Technology/Semiconductor Equity Research at JP Morgan Securities, London. He also served as Executive Director/Portfolio Manager at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, London. Earlier in his career, he was Acting Financial Controller at Diamond Bank Limited and an Audit Trainee at Arthur Andersen & Co.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Port-Harcourt and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, the Chairman of the Bank said:
“Mr. Orji has been appointed based on his exceptionally rich professional, academic, and corporate board experience which will be invaluable to the Bank as we continue to pursue our strategic objectives.
We are confident that his addition to the Board would further enrich the quality of our decision-making process, enabling us to deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.
His appointment has been made in accordance with the Bank’s internal policies and has been notified to all relevant regulatory authorities underscoring our commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.
On behalf of the Board, Management and staff, I warmly welcome Mr. Orji to the Board and look forward to his contributions towards our goal of becoming one of the top 5 African Banks in the shortest possible time.”
Go and List Your Challenges, Lagos Speaker tells NANS Member During Courtesy Visit
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos State University (LASU) branch, on Friday paid a courtesy visit on the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
The student representatives said the visit was to congratulate Meranda over her emergence as Speaker of the State Assembly.
Meranda, an alumnus of LASU, was elected Speaker on January 13 after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa by the lawmakers over issues relating to alleged high-handedness and financial impropriety.
Describing her as a thoroughbred Lagosian, the chairman of NANS, Abdulraheem Azeez, used the opportunity to list some of the challenges faced by students in the university.
According to him, students have had to read in darkness as the Ikeja campus gets less than two hours of power supply daily.
Azeez also raised the need for the State to make available loans for indigent students as well as for the Assembly to provide opportunities for students to witness the plenary of the House.
Meranda, while thanking the students for the visit, urged them to always attend town-hall meetings in their constituencies where they can contribute and make their opinions known.
She further encouraged them to apply for the loans initiated by the government as done by students in other countries.
The Speaker requested the students to formally send their complaints in written forms to the House for action.
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede charge members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to be change agents and strong resisting force against corruption.
He also enjoined them to be active foot soldiers and whistle-blowers or intelligence-gatherers against corruption.
Speaking on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Olukoyede said It is important for youths to realise that, these roles, if performed creditably, will bring up appreciable growth in the economy of our nation. He said that, “creative energies of youths will be maximised when corruption is brought to its knees.”
The EFCC boss whose address was delivered by the Head, Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Ayodele Babatunde said that most of the problem confronting the country such as kidnapping, banditry, poor infrastructure, among others were connected to corruption. He added that all hands must be on the deck to tame the cankerworm.
Olukoyede encouraged the youths to embrace the virtues of hard work and shun fraudulent practices such as cybercrime noting that, “it’s profitable to earn dignity and fame through hard work and legit business.”
While calling on the youths to channel their potentials productively and shun crime, the EFCC Chair said that, “Yahoo-Yahoo is not a sustainable way of life.”
“There is no shortcut to wealth and fame. The fact that the rate of unemployment is high should not be an excuse to resort to crime. Act of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but there will be misery and gnashing of teeth”, he said.