Godfrey Adejumoh’s New Book Sparks Renewed Call For PR To Influence Decision-making At Highest Levels
Industry stakeholders have expressed strong support for Godfrey Adejumoh’s newly launched book, Winning with Strategic Communications, describing it as timely and essential for advancing public relations practice in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking at the launch, Jaiye Opayemi, managing director and chief strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, noted that the book arrives at a vital moment as many leaders of top PR agencies approach retirement age. “First and foremost, this book would not have come at a better time than now,” he said, highlighting the need for structured knowledge transfer to sustain industry growth. He further described the book as a call to action for practitioners to document and share their experiences for the benefit of future generations.
Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, President of the African Public Relations Association and Managing Director/CEO of CMC Connect, underscored the importance of distinguishing between strategy and tactics. He observed that while the book conveys tactical insights, it also fits into a broader strategic vision aimed at influencing decision-making at the highest levels of business. Badejo-Okusanya emphasized that communications professionals must assert their relevance across finance, human resources, sales, and marketing functions, noting that the book’s impact depends on sustained engagement beyond its pages.
Industry stakeholders from across the public relations and communications landscape, particularly in Nigeria were in attendance. Key attendees included Dr. Adetutu Samuel, Chairman of NIPR Lagos; Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, former Chairman of APRA; Israel Ajayi Opeyemi, former PRCAN President; ACAMB President; Babajide Sipe; Joshua Ajayi, Publisher and Brand Communicator; and Oluwasoromidayo George, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Coca-Cola HBC.
Others present were Mrs. Comfort Nwankwo, Immediate Past NIPR Lagos; Segun Ogunleye, Head of Marketing at Diageo; Philip Odiakose, Principal Consultant at P+ Measurement; Daniel Obi, Chairman of the Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria; Tolulope Olorundero, Founder & Executive Director of the Public Relations Women Foundation; and Chido Nwakanma, Faculty at Pan-Atlantic University and Lagos Business School.
Author of the book, Godfrey Adejumoh, Head of Corporate Relations for Diageo West and Central Africa, used the launch to advocate for a paradigm shift in corporate leadership. He argued that public relations professionals should aspire to executive-level influence, not just departmental leadership. “Do not aspire to become director of corporate communications. Aspire to be in the room where they are deciding who becomes MD or CEO,” he urged, stressing the need for communications to play a central role in shaping business outcomes.
Drawing on over two decades of experience, Godfrey highlighted how strategic communication has resolved complex challenges, including crisis management and organisational transformation. “We are already the ones backing this forward. Why can’t we now take the lead on the front row?” he asked. He further emphasised that success in communications stems from influence, measurable impact, and strategic clarity.
The book, Godfrey said, bridges theory and practice and encourages practitioners to internalise strategy and influence, rather than rely solely on tactical execution. “Our job is not to go there and be raising shoulders. Our job is influence. That influence comes from a place of doing the work and making your impact tangible,” he explained. He also highlighted the importance of interdepartmental collaboration, noting, “This job is nothing without these interconnections,” referring to finance, HR, and commercial teams.
The launch attracted a wide array of industry stakeholders and practitioners, and Godfrey expressed hope that his book would spark sustained conversations about the evolving role of communications in business leadership. The consensus among attendees was clear: elevating PR from a support function to a strategic leadership role is essential to the industry’s continued growth and relevance.
