TheCable

Quadrant MSL, a strategic communications and PR firm, and members of the Africa Communications Week (ACW) have hosted communications professionals across Lagos to a conversations-and-cocktails event.

The event was held in commemoration of Africa Day and Africa Communications Week 2023.

Themed ‘Telling the Africa Story: The Communicators’ Responsibility”, the event was designed to promote intentional and responsible communications practices for a strong African narrative.

In her opening remarks, Oluwaseyi Layade, account management director, Insight Publicis, highlighted the importance of strategic communications in garnering national support, using the example of the late Dora Akunyili’s “great people, great nation” campaign. 

She welcomed the dialogue and implored communication professionals to proffer solutions on how Africa’s stories could be best told.

Oluwarantimi Olaniyan, business lead of Quadrant MSL, stressed the importance of getting Africa’s story right. 

She said Africa’s development was dependent on the perception of its activities by both dwellers and continental colleagues.

“This perception of Africa determines the volume and degree of trade and investment, patriotism, and hope,” she said.

“For this reason, the African story must be apt to deliver the positive outcomes Africans desire. We must look beyond ourselves to collaborate across sectoral and specialisation borders in order to enhance the true story of our diversity, bringing in content creators, media and non-communicators into the mix.” 

On why Africa Communications Week was important, Victoria Uwadoka, ACW host, disclosed that dialogues like “Telling the Africa Story” were instrumental in shaping and amplifying the dynamic narratives of Africa. 

“As African communicators, we have a responsibility to represent and reflect the realities, challenges, and opportunities of our continent,” she said.

“As we engage, it is my hope that we all embrace our responsibility as communicators and make a positive impact on Africa’s narrative.”