President Buhari Declares Open APRA Calabar 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed his delight at the theme for this year’s edition of the annual African Public Relations Association (APRA) conference.

Themed, “Leapfrogging Africa: The Role of Communication”, President Buhari said, “Africa, no doubt is the next frontier of global civilization. With an unparalleled economic growth rate averaging 5% across the continent, it is definitely a bride to be courted by all”.  

The President averred that one key problem centres on the negative narrative that shapes the perception of Africa.

But much as Africa is confronted with primordial issues such as infrastructural development, social welfare, education, manufacturing and agriculture, these, he said, are our opportunities; though not denying the many struggles impending Africa’s progress. They are quite numerous but not insurmountable.

“Africa is often perceived as a continent of strife, war, pestilence, anarchy, corruption and massive poverty; yes, a lot of these are prevalent, but the truth is that there are a lot of good stories about Africa.  Across the globe, Africa and Africans are achieving phenomenon feats in their various endeavours. It is therefore time for us to change that narrative. It is time for us to start selling the positive Africa; one that is full of hope and for a brighter tomorrow”.

 He charged APRA to fashion out practical ways of changing narrative about Africa in a way as to help her fulfill her potentials especially in the area of attracting foreign investments and good balance of trade.

The President stated this in his goodwill message captured in a personally signed letter by the President which was read during the opening ceremony by Mrs. Nkechi Alli Balogun, former chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

The 5-Day conference being held in Nigeria for the first time at the Calabar International Convention Centre, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria, had delegates attending from across Africa, Europe, America.

In his welcome remarks, Dr Rotimi Oladele, National President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), thanked the APRA council for bringing the conference to Nigeria.

He also appreciated the Executive Governor of Cross Rivers State, His Excellency Governor Benedict Ayade and the people of Calabar.

He specifically thanked the Secretary General of APRA Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya for raising the flag of Nigeria on the continental level.

keynote speaker at the opening day was Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/CEO Dangote Group.

Dangote rephrased the theme to read “Leapfrogging Africa: The role of Communication”.

The doyen of Public Relations practice in Nigeria and former President of APRA and NIPR, Mazi Mike Okereke chaired the occasion.

Governor Ben Ayade was represented by the Cross Rivers State Commissioner for Information Mr Frank Tamuno.

Other practitioners from global Public Rlations bodies are Mr. Bart de Vries, President, International Public Relations Association (IPRA), from Holland, Mr. Maxim Behar, President International Communication Consultants Organisations (ICCO), from Bulgaria.

APRA formerly known as the Federation for African Public Relations Association (APRA), is a non governmental, non political and non profit making association, established to foster unity via interaction and exchange of ideas amongst public relations practitioners in Africa through communication to promote the social, politicaland economic integration on the continent.

As an association, APRA is strongly committed to selling positive Africa through the instrumentality of the public relations profession; and in collaboration with the African Union.