By Tosin Adesile
Alhaji Idris Mohammed, Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, has lauded the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for its pivotal role in advancing public relations practice across the continent and amplifying Africa’s narratives with authenticity and pride.
Represented by Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Minister delivered his remarks at the ongoing APRA 50th Anniversary Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. The event, themed “Transforming Africa through Safe and Responsible Digital Communication: Celebrating 50 Years of APRA,” has brought together PR professionals, policymakers, and media stakeholders from across Africa.
In his address, the Minister commended APRA for its five decades of fostering excellence in public relations and creating a platform where Africa’s stories are told with dignity and accuracy. “APRA has been instrumental in raising the bar for PR practice in Africa, ensuring that our narratives reflect our realities, aspirations, and achievements,” he stated.
Emphasizing the need for sustained efforts in shaping Africa’s image, the Minister called for a collective commitment to telling the African story—“a story of hope, progress, unity, and passion.” He urged PR practitioners and media professionals to leverage digital communication responsibly to counter negative stereotypes and showcase the continent’s developmental strides.
“Africa’s story must be told by Africans, for Africans, and to the world. We must take ownership of our narratives, celebrating our diversity while promoting a shared vision of prosperity,” Mallam Onilu reiterated on behalf of the Minister.
The APRA conference, which runs from June 8–13, 2025, features panel discussions, workshops, and keynote sessions focused on digital transformation, ethical communication, and Africa’s socio-economic growth. The event also marks a milestone in APRA’s legacy as the foremost PR body driving professional standards and continental collaboration.
As the conference progresses, stakeholders are expected to adopt resolutions aimed at strengthening Africa’s communication ecosystem, ensuring that the continent’s voice remains influential in the global digital space.
