In a special recognition of professionals shaping narratives and redefining the industry, the 2025 PR Power List honoured 50 standout figures. The evening also sparked fresh dialogue on storytelling, influencer strategy and the evolving role of PR in connecting brands and society.

It was a vibrant celebration  honour, excellence, creativity and resilience,  as Nigeria’s top 50 most outstanding public relations and communications professionals were unveiled at the 2025 PR Power List.

It is a landmark initiative curated by GLG Communications in partnership with The Guardian and Edelman Afrique.

The annual list, launched to mark World PR Day, highlights remarkable individuals shaping narratives, driving social impact and redefining brand communications within Nigeria and across the diaspora.

The exclusive soirée and awards ceremony, held on July 18 at Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, brought together industry leaders, innovators and storytellers for an evening that blended inspiration, recognition and candid dialogue.

This year’s list featured 50 honorees, carefully selected through a rigorous, multi-stage judging process designed to uphold integrity and objectivity.

Raising the bar through recognition

Omawumi Ogbe, Managing Partner at GLG Communications and creator of the PR Power List, expressed profound gratitude for the industry’s response and reaffirmed GLG’s commitment to repositioning the sector.

She commended those honoured and apologised for her physical presence at the event.

She also highlighted  the  transformative work done by  professionals.

Again, she praised the tremendous evolution and ongoing impact of Nigeria’s PR and communications industry.

Among those honoured was John Ajayi, Founder and CEO of MARKETING EDGE Publications Ltd., recognised in the Community Impact category for his contributions to brand journalism and thought leadership.

Significantly, the evening climaxed with the unveiling of the latest edition of the PR Power List magazine a richly curated publication celebrating the honorees and amplifying the voices shaping the industry’s future.

The 2025 list itself, exclusively published by The Guardian on July 16, reaffirmed the growing influence of Nigeria’s PR sector and showcased the diversity and innovation driving the profession forward.

Voices that move the industry forward

 

Reflecting on both milestones and hurdles within Nigeria’s PR landscape, Mr Neliaku, Managing Director of Right-Angle PR and Chair of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Council, in his speech underlined the evolving role of PR in repositioning the country.

He  highlighted the nation’s influential standing across Africa.

He remarked  that “Nigeria stands at the forefront of public relations on the continent.

You simply can’t have a conversation about PR in Africa without mentioning Nigeria.

We remain the first country worldwide to be legally chartered in this profession, which speaks volumes about our identity and legacy.”

The NIPR president further noted, “We’re charting a course for Africa setting an example and showing the right direction.

Today, the PR sector in Nigeria is undergoing a remarkable transformation, making significant strides toward building a robust and dynamic practice.”

He also pointed to key national initiatives, including plans to establish the pioneering World University of Public Relations and Leadership, alongside Nigeria’s upcoming role as host of the World Public Relations Forum and African PR Conference in 2026.

Nevertheless, Mr Neliaku  voiced concern over the prevalence of individuals operating in the field without proper credentials. He identified this rise in impersonation as an ongoing challenge confronting the institute.

 

Jimmie Akinsola of Supersport also shared how authenticity transformed his journey from “the guy on the mic” to a trusted brand ambassador. “Creative influencers are not billboards.

There must be an organic connection with the brand followers see the authenticity and the truth behind the story.”

Meanwhile, Nollywood star Ruth Kadiri recounted her bold pivot to YouTube when few dared, driven by a determination to stand out.

“Even if I failed, I knew I had the strength to continue,” she said, describing challenges like monetisation and finding a committed team but highlighting the importance of vision and resilience.

Themes that shaped the conversations

Panel discussions explored timely topics, including “The PR Hustle: Breaking In, Staying In, and Standing Out,” where speakers shared stories of persistence and adaptation, and “The Storytelling Revolution: Redefining Film Distribution & Success,” which examined how changing consumer habits and digital platforms are transforming the industry.

Honourees and Industry Standouts

The evening spotlighted a dynamic mix of emerging voices and established professionals across several categories. In the rising stars segment, which honours promising talents making their mark in the industry, recipients included David Akinfewa, Adeleye Adeola, Eniola Adefewa, Chioma Ivon, and Ogeh Maduagu. Others recognised were Abiola Wonuola, Adeola Amosun, Bemigo Awala, and Nene Bejide.

For the change-makers category, which celebrates influential figures driving transformation within the profession, the honourees comprised Uzor, Mirabel Emma, Lakinbofa Goodluck, Ike Neliaku, Mabel Adeteye, Odion Aleobua, Victoria Owadioka, Bolaji Abimbola, Dele Oyewole, Dele Oyewale, and Bridget Oyefeso.

Meanwhile, the community impact category paid tribute to professionals whose efforts extend beyond corporate goals to deliver tangible benefits in society. Recognised in this category were John Ajayi, Tolulope Olorundero, and Josh Ajayi.

Additionally, the fourth estate award which highlights media organisations committed to accountability and societal impact went to Arise TV, Business Day, News Central, among several others.

The event also gathered notable figures from the broader PR and creative industries, including Jimmie Akinsola, TV host and founder of Lagos Athletics; actress Ruth Kadiri; Adetutu Laditan, creative director at Woof Studios Africa; Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria; and Mabel Adeteye, who leads Brand and Marketing Communications at Wema Bank, among others.

A celebration of vision, courage and creativity

At its heart, the 2025 PR Power List was more than a roll call of achiever but a tribute to the people redefining what it means to connect brands and audiences in an increasingly complex world.

By honouring  these pioneers  and amplifying voices from across the creative landscape, this year’s edition became both recognition and a rallying call  reminding the industry that real impact lies in authenticity, courage and the relentless pursuit of better stories.

Watch: Nigerian Public Relations Week 2025