The head of media relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan has been elected as the secretary-general of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) during the 35th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Ibietan joins a three-member executive council alongside the association’s president Arik Karani (Kenya) and vice president, Dr. Michele Mekeme (Cameroon).
As a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and APRA, Ibietan aims to collaborate with the Executive Council to further the reforms in APRA, promote greater involvement of national public relations institutions in Africa and strengthen relationships with the African Union Commission and Council of Ministers to integrate public relations into policies and projects.
With a background in journalism, writing and authorship, Ibietan plays a key role at NCC in shaping the public communication strategy of Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory authority.
Having served as a special media advisor during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and possessing over two decades of experience in media, communication, academia, and stakeholder relations, Ibietan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
His academic achievements include a BA and MA in communication arts and communication & language arts from the universities of Uyo and Ibadan, respectively, as well as a Ph.D. in communication from the North-West University in South Africa. He also holds certifications in regulation and telecommunications management.
As a scholar, Ibietan focuses on political communication, media studies and communication theory in relation to democracy and freedom. He is actively involved in teaching and research at the Rome Business School’s Nigerian campus.
Ibietan’s recent publication, “Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria,” reflects his research interests and expertise in the field.
At the conference, Ibietan presented a paper on digital inclusion and its impact on public relations, highlighting the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission in promoting digital public relations through various initiatives.
APRA, established in 1975, aims to unify Africans and their global partners through meaningful interactions. This year’s theme, ‘One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide,’ underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering unity and communication across the continent.
Endorsed by the government of Côte d’Ivoire and major global PR associations, APRA Côte d’Ivoire 2024 features the IN2SUMMIT and the SABRE Awards Africa, showcasing innovation and excellence in public relations.
Based in Nigeria, the APRA secretariat maintains observer status with the African Union, further solidifying its role in promoting effective communication and collaboration across Africa.
