Lagos Digital PR summit highlights authentic connections, honours digital excellence

The 9th Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit, themed “Nurturing Authentic Connections in Digital Ecosystems,” successfully concluded at the MUSON Center, Lagos, bringing together industry leaders, young professionals, students, and the media from the communications and marketing sectors.

The two-day event, backed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provided a platform for knowledge sharing and networking

Adetokunbo Modupe, CEO of TPT International, delivered the keynote, emphasizing the importance of persuasive yet authentic communication.

He stressed that while artificial intelligence (AI) plays a transformative role in marketing, it cannot replace the emotional intelligence necessary for meaningful connections. Modupe highlighted that authenticity, paired with strategic communication, helps brands engage and retain their audiences.

O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media, also delivered a session titled “Cultivating Authentic Connections: Trust and Transparency in a Hyperconnected World.”

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He discussed the power of trust and transparency as key differentiators for brands. Ogra outlined five key lessons on trust, cautioning that while authenticity is critical, perception and strategic vulnerability can also influence how brands are viewed in digital spaces.

Lanre Basamta, CEO and co-founder of Optimus AI Labs, spoke on the significance of content in brand perception, underscoring that content must align with a brand’s core message to create emotional resonance. He noted that effective storytelling shapes audience perception, driving deeper engagement.

The summit concluded with the inaugural Digital PR Awards, recognizing excellence in public relations and digital communication. A standout moment was the honoring of Coach Dreh (Akinrodoye Samuel) for his mental health awareness campaign, where he swam across Lagos Lagoon to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

Additionally, the third edition of the Digital PR Digest was launched, featuring O’tega Ogra’s story on his journey from corporate leadership to government roles in digital engagement.

The 2024 Lagos Digital PR Summit reinforced the importance of authenticity, trust, and strategic communication in fostering genuine connections in today’s crowded digital landscape.