APRA Re-elects Nigerian Ibietan as Secretary-General, Approves Council Expansion

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has re-elected Omoniyi Ibietan from Nigeria as its Secretary-General, alongside Arik Karani of Kenya as President and Professor Michele Mekeme of Cameroon as Vice-President. These leadership decisions were finalized during APRA's General Assembly in Swakopmund, Namibia, held on the sidelines of the Effective Communicators Conference which concluded on July 17. The assembly also endorsed constitutional reforms designed to broaden the scope of its Executive Council.

Delegates at the General Assembly commended the outgoing Executive Council for its strong performance over the past two years. Key achievements highlighted included strengthening national and regional public relations associations across Africa, fostering strategic collaborations with ICT ministers and other stakeholders, and enhancing the association's governance and operational frameworks. In recognition of these successes, the mandate of the three principal officers was unanimously renewed.

Beyond leadership continuity, APRA members ratified a new Constitution that expands the Executive Council. The enlarged council will now include a Treasurer, an Assistant Secretary-General, and six regional coordinators representing diverse African regions: East Africa, Francophone Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands and other African-associated islands, North Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa. The re-elected council is tasked with filling these newly established positions before APRA's 37th Annual Conference, scheduled to coincide with the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Council, Mr. Karani expressed gratitude for the delegates' confidence and pledged to guide the association into the next phase of its strategic plan. APRA intends to collaborate with the African Union (AU) to support the continent's Digital Transformation Strategy. The association plans to leverage its extensive network of public relations and communication professionals across Africa to raise public awareness, bolster stakeholder engagement, and build public trust concerning the continent's digital transformation agenda. Initiatives will include promoting digital literacy through strategic communication campaigns and advocating for ethical digital communication practices.

“

APRA will work with the African Union (AU) to support the implementation of the continent’s Digital Transformation Strategy. He said the association would leverage its network of public relations and communication professionals across Africa to promote public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement and build public trust around the continent’s digital transformation agenda.