The 9th Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit today released the confirmed list of keynote speakers and faculty members headlining the Summit, themed “Nurturing Authentic Connections in Digital Ecosystems,” scheduled to take place on October 16th and 17th, 2024, at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos.

The Summit, which aims to place Nigeria at the forefront of digital public relations by examining how AI is reshaping the industry while underscoring the enduring significance of human connections, is supported by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital and New Media, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on New Media, along with leading media and technology firms and global digital marketing communications agencies.

The faculty boasts extensive experience in brand management, corporate communications, and marketing, coupled with their in-depth knowledge of leveraging digital platforms for brand storytelling and reputation management, making them ideal contributors to this important conversation.

The Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, is the keynote speaker. Special guests of honour expected at the Summit include the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital Communications, Engagement, and New Media Strategy, O’tega Ogra, and the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat.

This year’s faculty members include the Co-founder/CEO, Optimus AI Lab, Lanre Adelanwa Basamta; Managing Partner, TPT International, Adetokunbo Modupe; Head, Digital Marketing, Olam Nigeria, Dotun Babatunde; Head Digital Media and Insight, Sub-Saharan Africa, FrieslandCampina, Ifeoluwa Esther Obafemi; and Director of Content, Pulse Nigeria, Damilola Dawson; and Founder/CEO, The Republic Media Limited, Monday Michaels Ashibogwu.

Others are the Head of Media, Sub-Saharan Africa, Reckitt, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh; Head Brand and Stakeholder Management, FirstBank of Nigeria, Olayinka Ijabiyi; Brand and Marketing Communications, Wema Bank, Mabel Adeleye; Chief Executive Officer, Cihan Media Group, Celestine Achi; Global Senior Brand Manager, The Heineken Company, Sandra Amachree; Managing Director, Skot Communications, Tokunboh George-Taylor; Head, Corporate Communications, TGI Group, Rafiat Gawat, and Co-founder and Content Chief, Technext, David Afolayan.

The Commissioner for Communications, Kwara State, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kogi State, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo; Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; and Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc, Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade) are also expected to speak at the Summit.

Special highlights in this edition include opening ceremonies, keynote speeches, masterclasses, and tech showcase drawing a diverse audience of PR and communications professionals, marketing experts, business leaders, content creators, and students. Another highlight includes the unveiling of the third edition of the Digital PR Digest, the official magazine of the Summit, featuring compelling stories, industry developments, and practical guides on digital public relations.

The co-convener and Chairman, Lagos NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, remarked that “The 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit reflects our ongoing commitment to driving the future of public relations in the digital age. Our faculty members are some of the brightest minds in the field, and they bring an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience. This year’s theme resonates deeply as it underscores the human aspect of communication in the midst of AI’s growing role in the industry.”

The President, Upticomm Marketing Company, and Convener of the Summit, Segun McMedal, stated that “As we look toward the future, the 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit serves as a critical platform for industry professionals to equip themselves with the skills necessary for navigating the digital landscape. This year’s faculty lineup will address the dynamic intersection of AI and human-driven communications, ensuring participants leave with practical insights on building trust and authenticity in an increasingly digital world.”