-‘ PR & Reputation Management Agencies To Watch In 2025, How They Shaped 2024’ Series
Over the years, Chain Reactions Africa has become a trusted partner for multinational corporations, government bodies, and local businesses, delivering strategic communications solutions that resonate deeply with diverse audiences.
From its headquarters in Lagos, the agency has worked with an astronomical roster of clients as well as several government agencies. These partnerships reflect the agency’s ability to navigate complex communication challenges across diverse sectors.
Chain Reactions’ Philosophy
At the core of Chain Reactions Africa’s success is its profound understanding of African culture and trends. This insight informs the agency’s strategies, enabling it to craft campaigns that are not only impactful but also culturally resonant.
Chain Reactions Africa’s approach combines strategic messaging with robust stakeholder engagement. For instance, its campaigns often leverage local insights to create narratives that resonate with citizens, promoting trust and buy-in of public policies.
One of the hallmarks of the agency’s approach is its client-centric philosophy. By working closely with clients to understand their goals, values, and challenges, the agency can create tailored solutions that align with business objectives. This focus on customization has not only earned the agency industry recognition but also deepened its relationships with clients, many of whom see Chain Reactions Africa as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider.
The agency’s consistent delivery of cutting-edge campaigns across industries has set new benchmarks for excellence. By combining a deep understanding of Africa’s markets with global best practices, Chain Reactions has successfully navigated communication challenges that require both strategic insight and creative execution.
Chain Reactions Africa’s work often transcends traditional PR boundaries, incorporating elements of digital marketing, thought leadership orchestration, and reputation management. This integrated approach ensures that the agency’s campaigns are not only effective but also enduring, leaving a lasting impact on both clients and their audiences.
Opayemi- The Principal Strategist
At the core of Chain Reactions Africa’s success is its CEO, Israel Jaiye Opayemi. A visionary leader, Opayemi has steered the agency to new heights, blending strategic foresight with a unique level of excellence.
Opayemi holds a B. A (Hons) Degree in Philosophy and Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos. He began his career as a freelance Copywriter and Speech Writer outsourcing his services to several agencies, medium-sized corporate organisations, and public sector clients. He later assumed the position of Chief Press Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State (2002-2003); and The Special Assistant on Public Affairs in the Governor’s Office with responsibility for Public Affairs, Strategy Development, and Public Communication including Speech Writing (2003 – 2007).
After the expiration of the administration’s term, Opayemi became the founding CEO, Image Savvy Limited, a Media and Public Affairs Consulting firm in 2007; and MD/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions, March 2010 to date.
Multiple-Impacts & Recognitions
Under Opayemi’s leadership, Chain Reactions Africa has embraced a culture of innovation, constantly exploring new ways to elevate communication strategies.
Opayemi’s impact extends beyond Chain Reactions Africa. As a thought leader, he has contributed to the growth of the Nigerian PR industry as well as the entire continent, advocating for higher standards, ethical practices, and greater collaboration among agencies.
The six cardinal principles ofChain Reactions Africa define the agency’s approach to work. These principles namely Audacity, Creativity, Ownership, Responsibility, Respect, and Discipline (A.C.O.R.R.D) shape the agency’s internal culture and external engagements.
These culture and cardinal principles have earned Chain Reactions Africa massive accolades, and awards over the years.
These Landmark Achievements Include a 7-Star Performance at the 2024 SABRE AWARDS for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). In 2024 Chain Reactions Africa (CRA) won the following SABRE awards:
-‘Superior Achievement in Reputation Management’ for “The Hack – Expand Your Hustle” campaign for 9mobile.
-‘Special Event/Sponsorship’ category prize for ‘The Hack – Expand Your Hustle’ campaign for 9mobile.
-=‘Crisis and Issues Management Practice Area’ category for its crisis management campaign on removing fuel subsidies by the Federal Government, titled, ‘Taming the Bull’ managed for the Presidency.
-‘Employee Communications’ category for the ‘Next Era of Happiness’ campaign for leading biscuit company Pladis Foods Nigeria Limited during the rebranding exercise that saw it change its name from A&P Foods Limited.
-‘Public Affairs/Government Relations’ category for its campaign for the ‘Lagos Blue Rail’ legacy project campaign and Public Sector/Government campaigns by Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority – LAMATA respectively.
-‘CEO of the Year’ category for LAMATA CEO’s brand positioning; and a corresponding Certificate of Excellence in recognition of CRA’s hard work in publishing the Nigerian Youth Trends Report 2024 tagged ‘ARAMANDA’, which focuses on the issue of the new variant of populism, and renaissance of Afro-centric sentiments, among Nigerian youths, brands, and government.
-Prestigious ‘SABRE Awards Diamond’ category for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s use of public relations to tell the story of his administration’s achievements as part of his re-election campaign,
At the apex PR recognition platform, LAPRIGA AWARDS Chain Reactions Africa won ‘PR Agency of the Year’; ‘Best in Crisis Management’; ‘Best in Political Communication’; ‘Public Sector PR Campaign of the Year’; and ‘PR Practitioner of the Year’ in 2023.
At the last Brandcomm Awards, the agency also won the
-‘Most Outstanding Strategic Communications Consultancy of the Year’.
-‘Most Outstanding PR Agency of the Year’.
-‘Most Outstanding in Public Relations Agency Political and Public Sector in PR’.
‘CEO of the Year in the Public Relations’ Category. for its Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Israel Opayemi, as the CEO of the Year in the Public Relations Category.
Exploits in 2024
Whether it’s crafting messages for government policies, shaping brand reputations, or driving consumer engagement, Chain Reactions Africa operates with a singular focus on creating impact. Its work is guided by a belief in the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and transform.
.Chain Reactions Africa’s massive achievements in 2024 are a reflection of the agency’s enduring impact and drive for excellence.
The Lagos Shopping Festival
This is a flagship initiative supported by the Lagos State Government created by Chain Reactions Africa to promote economic and entertainment activities and consolidate the City’s positioning as a premium destination for business and leisure.The project is a 3-day, non-stop celebration of the Lagos culture, music, fashion, and fun.
Federal Ministry for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy (FMACCE) Corporate Partners’ Roundtable with Corporate Nigeria in Lagos –
FMACCE Corporate Partners’ Roundtable with Corporate Nigeria is a bold policy and strategic action plan to generate at least $100 billion and create over two million jobs from Nigeria’s creative economy yearly.The Federal Government plan was unveiled by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
Windfall Tax Campaign – FIRS/FG Crisis And Risk Communication Campaign
The Federal Government introduced a Windfall Tax on banks a few months ago as part of its Finance Act Amendments. This one-time levy targets banks’ substantial profits from foreign exchange (FX) transactions in 2023.
The agency developed a strategic policy communication campaign to announce and amplify the policy and its positive impact on supporting the government in delivering key people-centric initiatives.
Another massive project handled by Chain Reactions Africa is the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative launched in April 2024 by Governor Sanwo-Olu .
Another big project of last year was theIndomie Heroes Award (IHA). A project of Dufil Prima Foods Ltd., makers of Indomie Instant Noodles. The project was created to celebrate children’s bravery, creativity, innovative ingenuity, and qualities.
LOOKING AT 2025
Chain Reactions Africa’s massive exploits in 2024 and their success story in the first two months of 2025 where they have already swooped on 4 massive accounts so far, including Guinness and Jumia, makes the agency one the industry should look out for in 2025.
As Chain Reactions Africa looks to the future, its vision remains clear: to become Africa’s number one culture-centric public relations and integrated marketing communications consultancy. This ambition is underpinned by the agency’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and influence, and a mission to deliver uncommon strategic solutions across Africa.