The African country Nigeria is seeing some interesting changes within their country relating to public relations. Here are some happenings there we wanted to share.
Nigerian Police Force
The Nigerian police are making PR progress as they just appointed the first female head of PR for their national police force. Acting ACP Olabisi Alofe Kolawole has a strong educational background with a first degree in law from Ogun State University. Her Police Leadership Master’s degree was earned at the University of Leicester, U.K. The Nigerian police force already has many female officers, and this appointment is hoped to demonstrate the progress of the country and give a female leadership voice to those officers.
Public Relations Consultant Association of Nigeria (PRCAN)
PRCAN began holding monthly learning breakfast meetings in July and continued in August 2015. At the breakfast on August 20, President John Ehiguese spoke with the group about ways to increase professionalism by its members. The guest speaker at this breakfast was VP of Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Nigeria – Emeka Oparah. Oparah gave a presentation titled “Crisis Management as a Strategic Leadership Imperative.” The presentation led to open discussion and brainstorming among the group for ideas and ways to implement the information shared by Oparah.
FleishmanHillard South Africa
FleishmanHillard recently announced their further expansion in the South African PR market through a new and deeper affiliation with Mediacraft Associates in Nigeria. Mediacraft is well-established in the country and has been representing high-profile clients for several years. This association with FH, however, brings a level of knowledge and expertise previously unknown to the area. As part of the deal,FleishmanHillard will bring new training, capacity building, and exposure to FleishmanHillard’s global network of communications specialists. The new affiliation will also be working to bring new clients to Mediacraft. This should happen as FleishmanHillard has existing global client PR needs in the area, as well as more local companies needing Public Relations services.
As stability comes to countries that have faced political and real battles in recent years, public relations begins to fill needs for advanced thinking and understanding. Nigeria seems to be headed down a progressive path now.