Firm strengthens capacity in digital communication, PR

As part of its drive to boost capacity in the area of digital communication and public relation practice among graduates in Nigeria, Sesema PR, an integrated marketing communications firm, has held the maiden edition of its Corporate Communications Interactive Forum (CCIF).
The one-day interactive session brought together undergraduates and graduates who have an interest in the Corporate Communications sector, to give them a practical introduction into the field. Participants also had opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain vital career insights.
Tampiri Irimagha-Akemu, managing director, Sesema PR, noted at the forum that the CCIF programme was birthed due to the gap noticed in hiring quality PR graduates and professionals.
“As an organisation, we are actively involved in the growth and development of the Nigerian youth. We identified a lag and as an agency passionate about mentorship we are committed to making a lasting mark. This is why we have organized this programme today, to improve the quality of manpower and give young people a chance at self-development,” Irimagha-Akemu said.
“As a creative agency, we are committed to innovation; the CCIF is another first for Sesema PR. We will continue to seek ways of impacting the society positively.”
She also shared experiences with the participants and gave clear insights, using real PR case studies throughout the forum.
Damilola Sobajo and Olutayo Irantiola, the Sesema in-house team, facilitated the sessions on the key skills needed to succeed in the PR sector. Other topics covered by them include Ethics in public relations and writing press releases.
“A good PR campaign must have a clear objective; in building a brand, honesty is extremely important. Public Relations is used to validate a brand not to promote false advertising. No matter how good a brand is, they still need PR to build proper relationships with their audience,” they said.
Tomiwa Aladekomo of the Ventra Media Group gave a practical lesson on digital marketing and branding, noting that “proper communication skills are essential to succeeding in the marketing industry and it is important to be passionate about what you do/or want to do for a living”.
He further advised the participants to define their identity, their audiences and the content they want to pass across before engaging in any digital campaign.
“It’s important as a brand to narrow your area of focus, find your niche. Do not wait for a job to do what you want to do; start doing it on your own,”he said.
The participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend the programme, noting that opportunities like the CCIF were rare in the industry and they would be glad to attend future sessions.
“I am happy to be selected for this forum. Being here has changed my perspective of the PR industry. I learnt that public relations is the lifeblood of many companies and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to handling PR issues,” said Duvie Great, one of the participants at the forum.
The Corporate Communications Interactive Forum (CCIF) will be held every quarter. This initiative is another way Sesema PR reinforces its commitment to investing in Nigerian youths and grooming creative minds.

KELECHI EWUZIE