With the theme “Nurturing Authentic Connections in Digital Ecosystems,” the 9th Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit concluded successfully and provided insightful information about how to cultivate real connections in the current digital era.
The two-day event, which was sponsored by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media, was held at the MUSON Center in Lagos and brought together media, students, young professionals, and industry leaders from the marketing and communications fields. It provided a forum for networking and knowledge exchange.
At the 9th Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit, which took place at the MUSON Center in Lagos on October 16 and 17, 2024, attendees included Thelma Okoh, a council member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Otega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on New and Digital Media; Adetokunbo Modupe, Managing Director, TPT International; Comfort Obot Nwankwo, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, Kwara State; and Segun McMedal, President of Upticomm Marketing Company Limited.
Adetokunbo Modupe, the CEO of TPT International, stressed in his keynote address that in order to draw in and hold the interest of their audience, brands need to communicate convincingly. He asserted that authenticity is the foundation of persuasion.
He maintained that although marketing and communications have been transformed by the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the real, emotional intelligence needed to create enduring bonds cannot be replaced.
In a thought-provoking session titled “Cultivating Authentic Connections: Trust and Transparency in a Hyperconnected World,” O’tega Ogra, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media, highlighted trust as the primary differentiator for brands. He emphasized the significance of striking a balance between openness and strategic communication by highlighting five key lessons on trust and its reversals. Although authenticity attracts consumers, Ogra pointed out that perception—or even illusion—can occasionally outweigh truth, so brands need to be careful about how they choose to present themselves online.
Ogra also discussed the need of strategic vulnerability and emotional intelligence in creating deep connections. He warned against overexposure and an over-reliance on emotional appeals, but he did encourage corporations to take responsibility for their errors and actively listen to their fans. In the end, he emphasized the importance of long-term authenticity over immediate profits, reminding brands that their biggest assets in the digital era are genuineness and consistency.
“Nobody cares about your product, except you,” said marketing guru David Meerman Scott at the beginning of Optimus AI Labs CEO and co-founder Lanre Basamta’s engaging talk on the importance of content.
Basamta underlined that perception is crucial and that content is a potent force that influences how viewers perceive a brand rather than only serving as a tool for engagement.
He emphasized how important it is to match content to a brand’s main message, pointing out that powerful narrative evokes strong feelings in viewers. According to Basamta, this emotional bond not only influences how consumers view a brand but also dictates whether or not they are eager to interact with it.
In a congested digital arena where trust and emotional resonance are essential for success, the 2024 Lagos Digital PR Summit emphasized the value of fostering genuine connections. Realness is a brand’s most significant asset, according to speakers, and establishing enduring relationships requires striking a balance between openness and smart communication.
he first-ever Digital PR Awards, which recognized exceptional accomplishments in digital communications and public relations, marked the summit’s high point. The awards honored companies and businesses that have excelled at using content marketing and digital platforms to attain quantifiable success.
The honoring of Akinrodoye Samuel, better known as Coach Dreh, for his outstanding effort to increase awareness of mental health and suicide prevention was one of the highlights of the awards ceremony. Samuel’s valiant attempt to swim across the Lagos Lagoon was a potent illustration of how digital activism can propel social change.
The third edition of the Summit’s official magazine, Digital PR Digest, was also released at the event.
The headline story on O’tega Ogra, “From Corporate to Government: How O’tega Ogra is Redefining Digital Engagement,” is included in this edition along with trending stories, industry analysis, and useful tips on digital PR.
By giving professionals the knowledge and tactics they need to handle the opportunities and difficulties posed by the digital world, the 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit further cemented its standing as a premier gathering in the public relations sector.
