Minister Sees Public Relations As Strategic Pillar For Economic Development

Jumoke Oduwole the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment has emphasised that Public Relations is a powerful tool for economic growth

Oduwole, in her keynote address at the 2025 edition of the annual Experiencing PR Conference hosted by Nigerian Women In Public Relations said that public relation also deepens investment promotion, and leadership transformation, adding that it goes beyond storytelling.

She highlighted public relations’ crucial role in supporting the ministry’s efforts to attract investments and improve Nigeria’s business climate.

“PR is more than just a support function, I consider it as a very strategic pillar for economic transformation and after a decade long working in the presidency, I can say how public relations has been catalytic to ease of doing business,” she said.

Oduwole further emphasized, “Nigeria’s PR industry holds immense potential to contribute to our expanding services sector, create new economic opportunities, enhance our nation’s global reputation and be a catalyst for the nation’s economic growth.

PR professionals have a unique responsibility to help shape narratives that inspire confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential. They influence policies that drive sustainable business practices; advocate for inclusivity and gender equity in business and governance, and position Nigeria as a global leader in trade investment and innovation.”

This 4th edition of the Experiencing PR conference was held at the Civic Center recently brought together business leaders, senior public office holders, PR and communications practitioners, communication students from across Nigeria and international delegates participating virtually.

The event also featured presentations from industry leaders including Paul Onwuanibe,chief executive officer of Landmark Group; Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, chief executive officer of Zapphaire Events Group; Israel Opayemi, chief executive officer and Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa; Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria; Kanyi Mwangi, communications director, East and West Africa, Mastercard; Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, head of communications, Brands and Event, Lafarge; Odion Aleobua, chief executive officer of Modion Communications; Advita Patel, 2025 President, Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR); Kate Midttun, Chairperson, Middle East Public Relations Association

Speaking at the conference, Tolulope Olorundero, founder of Nigerian Women in PR and Convener of the EPR annual conference, expressed gratitude to all participants and outlined the organisation’s strategic direction: “Each year this gathering grows stronger and as we embark on another transformative experience, I am reminded of the vision that brought us together. The quantum of effort required to elevate EPR conference into a global force is still enormous and as its founder, it is my responsibility to articulate the vision, set the pace and ensure that we remain on course.”

Olorundero detailed the organization’s evolution into three distinct streams: Community – through the Premium Members Club; Events – with Experiencing Public Relations as the flagship and new initiatives like the Comms & Content Expo launching in November 2025; and Training – featuring bespoke curriculum co-developed with global partners and Premium Members.

“The need for strategic communications in business, governance, and leadership is universal, and we are stepping up to meet that need,” she said.

Kate Middtun, chair of the Middle East Public Relations Association and Advita Patel, 2025 President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), who joined virtually, lauded the work of Nigerian Women in PR across Nigeria and Africa.

She commended Nigerian PR practitioners, noting that the recent launch of the Global PR report highlighted that the absolute best work in PR was not just from the UK or New York, but from emerging markets like Nigeria.

During the CEO Chat session, Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of Landmark Group, shared insights on PR’s strategic role in their business success: “Brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Our strategy was to attract people to Landmark and encourage them to stay. The key to success lies in empowering ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results.”

For Mina Obeten, participant at EPR 2025 conference, the event exceeded her expectations. “I came in from Abuja to be a part of this conference, and I must say this was by far one of the most impactful conferences I have attended in a while.”

This year’s conference introduced innovative sessions including the Leaders Lounge and the Author’s Corner. These additions provided delegates with opportunities to learn directly from speakers and authors, collaborate, exchange ideas, and gain practical skills applicable to their professional endeavours.

Nigerian Women in PR, established in 2019, is a social impact professional organisation set up to advocate for, and provide growth resources to, Nigerian women working as public relations and communications professionals across the world.

Through programmes, initiatives and strategic partnerships, the body provide a resource hub for learning and professional growth of members, promote the continuous relevance of members as the Public Relations and Communications profession evolves, platform the RESULTS of Nigerian Women practising in the profession; and promote the understanding and value of the public relations profession.