Former Guardian Life Editor and strategic communications consultant Njideka Agbo has been appointed Director of the West Africa Interest Group of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Africa, joining the association’s newly constituted regional executive board responsible for advancing the communications profession across the continent.

Her appointment forms part of IABC Africa’s new leadership team led by Chair Christine Breet and vice Chair Nkem Emezie-Ejinima, bringing together communications leaders responsible for governance, professional development, awards and regional engagement across Africa.

As Director of the West Africa Interest Group, Agbo will lead initiatives aimed at strengthening member engagement, expanding professional development opportunities and fostering greater collaboration among communications professionals across the sub-region while connecting West African practitioners more closely with IABC’s global community.

Founded in 1970, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is the world’s leading professional association for business communicators, bringing together professionals across corporate communications, public relations, marketing communications, public affairs, employee communication and executive advisory. Through research, certification, professional development and thought leadership, the association advances communication excellence worldwide.

Speaking on her appointment, Agbo said: “Every generation inherits a defining leadership challenge. I believe one of the defining challenges of ours is trust.

“Trust is not built by words alone. It is earned through consistent leadership, meaningful engagement and institutions that are willing to listen as much as they speak. Communications is indispensable to that process because it helps organisations explain difficult decisions, navigate complexity and build understanding over time.

“West Africa is home to an extraordinary community of communications professionals whose work is shaping organisations, influencing industries and contributing to public life. My hope is that this role helps create stronger platforms for collaboration, deeper intellectual exchange and greater recognition for the exceptional work happening across our region. Ultimately, I want West Africa to be recognised not simply as a participant in global conversations about communications, but as a region helping to shape where the profession is going.”

Agbo is the Founder and Principal Consultant of GLANN Media Consult, a strategic communications advisory firm specialising in executive positioning, corporate communications, reputation management and thought leadership.

Before founding GLANN Media Consult, she served as Editor of Guardian Life, where she led editorial coverage and conversations at the intersection of business, leadership, innovation, culture and society. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has completed executive education in Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling and Action at Harvard Kennedy School.

Her appointment comes at a time when organisations across Africa are increasingly recognising strategic communications as a leadership discipline that strengthens institutional trust, stakeholder engagement and long-term organisational resilience.

About IABC

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is the world’s leading professional association for business communicators. Through its global network, IABC advances communication excellence by promoting professional development, certification, ethical practice, research and thought leadership.