Insightful discussions took place at a recent event in Lagos, hosted by Quadrant MSL and other esteemed communications professionals, to commemorate Africa Day and Africa Communications Week 2023.
The Account Management Director of Insight Publicis, Oluwaseyi Layade, shed light on the urgent need for strategic communication plans to effectively convey Africa’s narratives and gain national support.
Drawing inspiration from the impactful ‘Great People, Great Nation’ campaign led by the late Mrs. Dora Akunyili, Layade emphasized the pivotal role of strategic communications in fostering unity and progress.
During the event, the Business Lead at Quadrant MSL, Oluwarantimi Olaniyan, and Nestle Nigeria’s Corporate Communications Manager, Victoria Uwadoka, spearheaded a dialogue aimed at promoting intentional and responsible communication practices to strengthen the African narrative.
Olaniyan stressed that Africa’s development hinges on how its activities are perceived both within and beyond the continent, as this perception influences trade, investment, patriotism, and hope.
He called for collaborative efforts among various sectors and specialties to authentically portray Africa’s diversity and engage content creators, media, and non-communicators.
Communicators Okiti and Osage-Brown, serving as panellists, echoed the sentiment that the African story is intrinsically linked to its diversity and uniqueness.
They emphasized the vital role of internal competence and historical context in shaping the collective narrative.
The host of Africa Communications Week in Lagos highlighted the importance of events like ‘Telling the Africa Story’ in shaping and amplifying Africa’s vibrant narratives.
She underscored the responsibility of African communicators to faithfully represent the continent’s realities, challenges, and opportunities.
Uwadoka expressed her optimism that all participants would actively contribute to positively shaping Africa’s narrative. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the Chief Executive Officer of CMC Connect Group and President of the African Public Relations Association, encouraged communicators to extend these conversations to other stakeholders and foster dialogue in various spheres of society.
It is through these concerted efforts that the true essence of Africa can be effectively conveyed and celebrated.
