World PR Day 2026: Inside GLG Communications' Glamorous PR Power List Soirée & Awards

As I stepped into the opulent venue in Lagos, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. World PR Day 2026 was being celebrated in style, and Nigeria's communications industry had gathered for the 5th annual PR Power List Soirée & Awards, hosted by the renowned public relations and reputation management firm GLG Communications. It was a night that brought together leaders from public relations, media, business, and government for an evening of meaningful conversations, recognition, and celebration.

The PR Power List has become Nigeria's leading annual recognition for public relations and strategic communications professionals, celebrating the people shaping the profession while documenting its evolution. This year's edition reinforced a simple but powerful message: public relations has earned its place at the leadership table. The evening featured thought-provoking conversations on the future of communications in Africa, beginning with a panel session themed "Commanding the Stage: Strategic PR and the New African Narrative." Moderated by Founder of CAST Public Relations, Babajide Benson, the discussion featured Stephanie Busari, Founder and CEO of SBB Media; Autumn Marie Faraj, Founder and CEO of KGL FWRD; and Marian Ogaziechi, Managing Director of Dentsu Agyle. Together, they explored how African communicators are shaping global conversations through authentic storytelling, innovation, and strategic influence.

Guests also enjoyed the Jury President's Rapid Fire session, hosted by media personality Neo Akpofure, where 2026 Jury President Kwame Senou, Executive Director of THOP and Regional Advisor at Edelman, shared insights into this year's judging process, what distinguished the 2026 honourees, and the evolving role of strategic communications. One of the defining moments of the evening was the keynote conversation, "The Power of Counsel: Driving National & Corporate Excellence," featuring Dr Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in conversation with Omawumi Ogbe, Managing Partner of GLG Communications.

Reflecting on the evolution of the profession, Dr Neliaku emphasized that public relations has moved beyond media relations to become a leadership function. "PR has become a leadership function. PR is sitting at the table and working as a counsellor now. We are not errand boys with press releases." He also challenged practitioners to remain relevant by continually creating value. "Value follows relevance. Always have value to add. Once your value depreciates, your relevance is gone."

The PR Power List Soirée & Awards is more than just a glamorous event; it's a celebration of the people shaping the profession and documenting its evolution. The evening's conversations highlighted the growing importance of public relations in Africa, and how practitioners are using innovative strategies to shape global conversations. As I watched the honourees receive their awards, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for the dedication and hard work that had gone into earning their places on the list.

The PR Power List has become a benchmark for excellence in public relations and strategic communications in Nigeria. The list is carefully curated by a jury of industry experts who select the most outstanding practitioners based on their achievements and contributions to the profession. The list is evidence of the growing importance of public relations in Africa and the impact that practitioners are having on global conversations.

As the evening drew to a close, I couldn't help but think about the future of communications in Africa. The conversations I had heard earlier in the evening highlighted the growing importance of public relations in shaping global conversations. With the rise of social media and the increasing importance of digital communications, it's clear that the role of public relations will continue to evolve in the years to come.

As a writer, I'm excited to see how the profession will continue to grow and evolve in the future.## The Evolution of Public Relations

The PR Power List Soirée & Awards is a celebration of the people shaping the profession and documenting its evolution. As I looked around the room at the honourees and industry leaders, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for the dedication and hard work that had gone into earning their places on the list. The evolution of public relations is a story of growth, innovation, and strategic influence, and it's a story that will continue to unfold in the years to come.