APRA Re-elects Karani, Mekeme, Ibietan to Lead Continental PR Body, Expands Executive Council

Leadership Continuity and the Swakopmund General Assembly

The re-election was unanimously approved by the APRA General Assembly on the sidelines of the Effective Communicators Conference. The event attracted high-profile dignitaries, including Namibia’s Vice President, Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi; Botswana’s Vice President, His Honour Ndaba Gaolathe; Governor of Namibia’s Erongo Region, Hon. Natalia Goagoses; and Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Emma Theofelus.

Delegates commended the Executive Council for what they described as an impressive performance over the past two years. The General Assembly specifically cited significant achievements in strengthening national and regional public relations associations across Africa. Furthermore, the Council was applauded for deepening strategic collaboration with Ministers responsible for Information and Communication Technology, government institutions, and other key stakeholders. The assembly also recognized the Council for establishing stronger governance and operational frameworks designed to enhance the Association’s effectiveness and sustainability.

Constitutional Expansion and Future Mandates

A key outcome of the AGM was the ratification of APRA’s new Constitution, which expands the Association’s executive structure. The re-elected Executive Council has been mandated to complete the process of filling these newly created leadership positions ahead of APRA’s 37th Annual Conference. This upcoming event will be held alongside the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, Nigeria, from 15 to 21 November 2026.

Strategic Alignment with the African Union

Speaking after his re-election, President Arik Karani reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the African Union (AU) to support the implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. Karani stated that the association would intensify efforts to promote public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and advance digital literacy across the continent.

He explained that APRA intends to champion ethical digital communication practices while building the capacity of communication professionals in critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. According to Karani, the association will foster stronger collaboration among governments, policymakers, the media, academia, civil society organisations, and the private sector to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. He noted that the association remains committed to positioning public relations as a strategic driver of Africa’s digital economy and a key enabler of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Institutional Recognition

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) congratulated Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan on his re-election, describing it as a milestone for the Institute on the international stage. Dr. Omoniyi, a Fellow of NIPR, secured his second tenure in office on Thursday. Reacting to the victory, the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the re-election as an affirmation of confidence in the leadership and values that Dr. Omoniyi has brought to the table over the past two years.

This is not just another milestone for Nigeria at international stage, but, a step further in Africa’s resolve to becoming strongest glabal voice in the communication ecosystem and beacon of responsible communication, Dr. Neliaku stated. While assuring the Institute’s continued support to the Secretary General and APRA, Dr. Neliaku called on all African countries to rise in unison to host the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum and the 37th Conference of the APRA.

Dr. Omoniyi’s re-election comes at a pivotal moment, as the continent has just announced the Africa Declaration on the Professionalisation of Public Relations and Responsible Communication.