Public Relations Is A Strategic Pillar For Economic Development, Says Oduwole, As Nigerian Women In Public Relations Concludes Experiencing PR 2025 Conference

…Launches Third Edition of its Annual EPR Magazine

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honorable Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has emphasized that “Public Relations is a powerful tool for economic growth, investment promotion, and leadership transformation, and it’s beyond storytelling.”

 This statement was made during her keynote address at the 2025 edition of the annual Experiencing PR Conference hosted by Nigerian Women In Public Relations.

During her address to conference delegates, Dr. Oduwole congratulated the conference convener, Tolulope Olorundero, and 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 stated.

Dr. Oduwole further stated, “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 nations’ 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 year’s  Experiencing PR conference which held at the Civic Center last  Wednesday brought together business leaders, senior public office holders, PR and communications practitioners, communication students from across Nigeria and international delegates physically and virtually .

The event also featured presentations from industry leaders including: Paul Onwuanibe, CEO, Landmark Group; Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, CEO Zapphaire Events Group; Israel Opayemi, CEO and Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa; Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria and Kanyi Mwangi, Communications Director, East and West Africa, Mastercard.

Others include, Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Head of Communications, Brands and Event, Lafarge; Odion Aleobua, CEO 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 organization’s strategic direction.

 Her words, “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 Trainings- 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 concluded.

On her part, Advita Patel, 2025 President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), who joined virtually, praised the work of Nigerian Women in PR across Nigeria and Africa.

Kate Middtun, Chair of the Middle East Public Relations Association, also 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. He said, “Brand is what people say about youwhen 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 endeavors.