GLG Communications has unveiled the 2026 PR Power List, recognising 50 outstanding public relations and communications professionals whose work has shaped organisations, influenced public discourse and advanced the communications profession over the past year.

Released annually to commemorate World PR Day, the PR Power List has become Nigeria’s definitive annual recognition of excellence in public relations and strategic communications. Published in partnership with The Guardian, the list celebrates professionals within Nigeria and across the diaspora whose work continues to demonstrate strategic thinking, innovation and measurable impact.

The 2026 honourees were selected across four categories: Rising Voices, Changemakers, Community Impact and Fourth Estate; following a rigorous evaluation process involving research, independent assessment and jury deliberations by respected communications leaders from Nigeria and across the globe.

Commenting on this year’s selection process, Kwame Senou, Executive Director at THOP and Jury President for the 2026 PR Power List, said, “The jury was not looking for visibility. Visibility is now the cheapest thing in our industry.

We were looking for consequence, for the practitioner whose work changed a decision before it was taken, who protected an institution when it was unpopular, who shifted a national conversation without needing their name on it”.

Senou, who also serves as Regional Advisor at Edelman and is a member of the PRCA Global Advisory Board, added: “That is the entire difference between publicity and public relations. Publicity is something you do to a public. Public relations is something you build with one. Five editions in, this list knows the difference.”

Speaking on the milestone fifth edition, Omawumi Ogbe, Managing Partner of GLG Communications and Creator of the PR Power List, said the platform was established to shine a spotlight on the professionals whose work often happens behind the scenes but whose impact is felt across business, government and society.

“Five years ago, we set out to create a credible platform that recognises excellence in public relations and strategic communications. Today, the PR Power List has become more than an annual list; it has become a record of the people shaping our profession and raising the standard of strategic communications in Nigeria. We are proud to celebrate this year’s honourees and grateful to everyone who has contributed to building the PR Power List into what it has become.”

Ogbe also acknowledged The Guardian, which has partnered with the initiative since its inception, as well as PRCA, ICCO, THOP, Alliance Française and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for supporting this year’s milestone edition.

The release of the 2026 PR Power List forms part of a broader programme marking World PR Day 2026, including the World PR Day Global Summit and the PR Power List Soirée & Awards, where this year’s honourees will be celebrated alongside industry leaders from Nigeria and around the world.

The PR Power List is published exclusively by The Guardian in print and online on 16 July 2026.

RISING VOICES

The future of public relations is being shaped by professionals who are not waiting their turn; they are earning it. The Rising Voices category recognises emerging leaders and accomplished practitioners whose work has reached new heights through standout campaigns, bold career milestones, breakthrough ideas, and consistent excellence. They represent the next generation of influence, proving that impact is defined not by tenure, but by the quality of work and the courage to challenge convention.

COMMUNITY IMPACT
Communication has the power to do more than build brands; it can build societies. Community Impact honours professionals using strategic communications to advance social causes, strengthen communities, influence policy, and create measurable change. Whether through advocacy, philanthropy, education, or purpose-driven storytelling, these honourees demonstrate that the most meaningful influence is measured by lives touched, conversations shifted, and communities empowered.

CHANGEMAKERS

Progress belongs to those willing to challenge the status quo. Changemakers recognises leaders who are redefining the communications profession through innovation, bold thinking, and measurable results. From transforming organisations and building iconic brands to introducing new ideas and industry standards, these professionals are shaping the future of public relations, one bold decision at a time.

FOURTH ESTATE
A thriving communications industry depends on a strong and independent media. The Fourth Estate category honours journalists, editors, publishers, broadcasters, and digital media leaders whose work informs the public, challenges power, shapes national conversations, and elevates the communications profession. Through credible reporting, compelling storytelling, and editorial leadership, they continue to strengthen public trust and hold institutions accountable.

RISING VOICES
Adaoha Njemanze
Founder & Principal Consultant, NOVVA Media & Communications

Adeola Adejokun
Head, Communications, FCMB Group

Anne Ezeh
Director, Communications and Events, Afreximbank

Bamidele Odugbesan
Communications, Media and NGO Relations Manager, Renaissance Africa Energy Company

Chioma Yvonne Afe
Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc

Dr. Meksley Nwagboh
Group Head, Corporate Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc

Emmanuel Isibor
Ag. Senior Media Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc

Femi Adeniran
Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria

Franklin Ozekhome
Executive Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Chain Reactions Africa

Franklyn Ginger-Eke
Founder & Chief Strategist, The Rainbow Strategy

Hadiza Umar
Director, Corporate Communications & Media Relations, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

Hakama Sidi-Ali
Acting Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, Central Bank of Nigeria

Muyiwa Akande
Group Head, Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group

Nene Bejide
Founder & Principal Consultant, Blanche Aigle Communications

Njideka Akabogu
Regional Manager, East Africa, BHM Holdings

Olayinka Ijabiyi
Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank Group

Omotola Oyebanjo
Global Head of Communications, CIMMYT

Oyinade Adegite
Chief Communication Officer, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO Plc)

Sylva Ifedigbo
Director, Corporate Communications, Nigeria, IHS Towers

Tosin Adefeko
Founder & CEO, AT3 Resources (The Muvmnt Agency)

CHANGEMAKERS

Anthony Chiejina
Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Dangote Group

Bukky George-Taylor
Founder & CEO, Robert Taylor Media

Celestine Achi
Director of Public Relations | CEO, Cihan Media Communications

Chinedu Zephaniah Ph.D
Group Head of Corporate Communications @ Zenith Bank Plc

Damilola Ogunbiyi
Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) | UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy

Emeka Oparah
Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Africa

Ike Neliaku PhD
President & Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)

Ijeoma Balogun
Founder & CEO, Redrick Public Relations

Israel Jaiye Opayemi
Founder & Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa

Ken Egbas
Founder & CEO, SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards

Mabel Adeteye
Head, Brand & Marketing Communications, Wema Bank

Nkechi Ali-Balogun
Founder & Convener, NECCI PR Roundtable

Nnenna Ukoha
Director & Head, Public Affairs Department, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

Odion Aleobua
Chief Executive Officer, Creato Urban

Ozoemena Mbanefo
Founder & Provost, Oxygen (O2) Academy

Rafiat Gawat
Head, Corporate Communications, TGI Group

Rasheed Bolarinwa
Immediate Past President, Association of Corporate & Marketing Communications Professionals in Banks (ACAMB)

Tobi Demuren
Global Head of Advocacy Marketing (Agencies), LinkedIn

Tolu Alero Ladipo
Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA

Tokunbo George-Taylor
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SKOT Communications

Victoria Uwadoka
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Sustainability Lead, Nestle

​Yushau Shuaib
Founder and CEO of PRNigeria.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

John Ajayi (Posthumous)
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher, Marketing Edge

Joshua Ajayi
Publisher, Brand Communicator

Peter Ukhurebor
Founder & MD, Black at Cannes

Tolulope Olorundero
CEO, Principal Consultant, Mosron Communications & Founder, Nigerian Women in PR

​Tomiwa Aladekomo
CEO of Big Cabal Media, the parent company of TechCabal and Zikoko.

FOURTH ESTATE
ARISE TV
BusinessDay
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