Lagos State Government has been recognised for its sterling contributions to upholding the Public Relations Profession in Lagos State.
The award and recognition was bestowed on the State Government at the year 2024 PR Forum/CSR Exhibition and Awards organised by AS+A Communications themed: “Boosting Sustainability Social Impact and Return on Investments Part Two”, held on Thursday at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso thanked the organisers for the recognition, noting that positive perception is one key element of the Public Relations profession and the duty of practitioners is to manage appropriately what they want others to see and feel about brands.
Omotoso, represented by the Director, Strategy Centre in the Ministry, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi added that the Lagos State Government remains a responsive and responsible government and a top-notch Public Relations brand, as it continues to implement the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
He, however, emphasised that the tools of Public Relations must be used to serve public interest, while developing mutual understanding between organisations and their publics.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Managing Director/CEO AS+A Communications, Yeye Agnes Shobajo noted that the Public Relations Profession remains a noble one and all hands must be on deck to ensure that it continually takes its pride of place in the scheme of things.
She said, “We hope to foster a synergy between our target publics. For 24 years, we have organised several foras to pioneer the importance of Public Relations and CSR initiatives and this is the reason why we have recognised various corporate institutions and private individuals for their sterling contributions to the profession”.
Also speaking, the President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Ike Neliaku, represented by Mr. Bolaji Abimbola Abideen, stated that organisations should not only be interested in making profits as they must incorporate sustainability mechanisms and technology into their models.
While noting that sustainability is a triple bottom line viz-a-viz the People, Planet and Public, Neliaku averred that, ultimately, the goal is to be purposefully driven and invest in social impact technology.
Dignitaries at the event include NIPR Lagos Chairman, Comfort Obot Nwankwo; former Council Member, Mrs. Nkechi Alli-Balogun; Seasoned Broadcaster, Mrs. Bimbo Oloyede and Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Mr. Rueben Muoka among others.
