By Student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Tomiwa Oyegunle, brought pride to the institution by emerging as the Second Runner-Up at the maiden NECCI PR Essay Competition.
The competition, which concluded at the 25th NECCI Public Relations Roundtable in Lagos, highlighted the intellectual capacity of young scholars in the institution.
He was awarded a cash prize of ₦100,000, with the prize presented by the Founder and Convener of the NECCI PR Roundtable, Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun. The recognition placed OOU on the national stage, underscoring its contribution to shaping the next generation of thought leaders in governance and communication.
The grand prize of ₦250,000 went to Daniel Nnamani of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The First Runner-Up and recipient of ₦150,000 was Baba-Enoch Temitope from Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
The essay competition served as a crucial prelude to the main Silver Jubilee Roundtable, which sought to redefine the role of PR in national development.
Speaking on the urgency of the theme, Convener Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how Nigeria and Africa are governed and perceived.
“This silver jubilee edition is a landmark summit with the theme: ‘The Ethics of Governance: Shaping Reputation through Public Relations,’” Dr. Ali-Balogun stated.
She stressed that the gathering goes beyond celebrating the organization’s longevity, acting as a crucial reaffirmation of commitment to fostering ethical governance and strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in the global space.
The roundtable was not just a stage for celebration, but a forum for strategic dialogue among Nigeria’s elite. As the nation grapples with complex challenges from economic reform to public trust, NECCI is actively championing the push for PR professionals to become architects of ethical leadership and sustainable progress, moving beyond mere image-making.
Arise TV broadcaser., Rufai Oseni called for a crucial update in academic training by bridging the gap between theory and real-life practice.
“Scenario planning should be infused in public relations curriculum, and the practitioners should let truth be the cornerstone,” he noted.
The event featured a powerful line-up of speakers drawn from diverse sectors, including John Momoh (Chairman, Channels TV), Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM), Nkiru Olumide-Ojo (Executive Head of Regional Marketing and Communication, Standard Bank Group), and Femi Adesina (former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President). Their collective presence underscored the roundtable’s mission to set the agenda for ethical leadership and national development for the next decade.
