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Why Your PR Report Must Include CEO Metrics — Or Risk Losing Their Interest Entirely

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Why Your PR Report Must Include CEO Metrics — Or Risk Losing Their Interest Entirely

By Philip Odiakose

Let us be honest — if I had a Naira for every time a CEO said or thinks PR is a “cost center,” I would probably have built a second agency by now. And I get it — PR feels intangible to some folks in the C-suite. It is not always as direct as “We spent X and sold Y.” But here is the kicker: PR is the only business function working daily to maintain the public reputation of the brand that the CEO wakes up every day to lead. Without PR, a brand’s reputation could crumble quietly while the finance team celebrates balance sheets. So when next you hear someone say PR doesn’t bring value, kindly show them this article — and maybe offer them a bottle of water too, because they are clearly thirsty for the truth.

Having stated the value of PR, let us start this conversation with a bit of PR truth serum. If you have ever presented a beautifully designed PR report and watched your CEO flip through it with all the enthusiasm of someone reviewing a phone book in 2025, I feel your pain. And I have lived it. With over 15 years in PR measurement, research, and media intelligence — and having worked across different markets in Africa — one recurring silent theme has always echoed from boardrooms: “This is great, but what exactly does it say about me?”

You do be surprised how fast a CEO’s interest sparks when they see their name with a performance score next to their competitors.

Now, before you roll your eyes and scream “vanity metrics,” hold on. This isn’t about stroking egos or creating a separate report that worships leadership. It is about relatability. One of the major reasons why some executives see PR teams as a cost center — and why they struggle to sign off on measurement budgets — is because they simply can’t connect with the report. Yes, the brand got 500+ mentions. Yes, the sentiment was 80% positive. Yes, you landed an exclusive in a top-tier publication. Yes, you have raised brand awareness. But guess what? If nothing in that report speaks directly to the leadership’s role in that performance, you are missing a critical link.

PR isn’t only about brand exposure and reputation — it’s also about brand leadership visibility.

At P+ Measurement Services, I can’t count how many times PR professionals have said to us during cold calls, “Our CEO isn’t buying into the PR measurement thing; he thinks it is fluff.” And honestly, I get why. When a report is full of brand numbers but doesn’t show how the leadership contributed or is being perceived, it loses the executive audience quickly. That is why in the early years of our agency, we developed a proprietary framework (P+MCA) that captures CEO-specific performance metrics — not just the presence of their names in headlines but how they rank in sentiment, thought leadership, share of voice, and positioning versus competitive CEOs.

You want sign-off on your Measurement and Evaluation budget? Show your CEO how they perform against other CEOs. Then step back and watch the magic.

There was a time we worked with a leading insurance brand in South Africa. The PR team had been practically begging their CEO to take up a keynote speaking slot at an industry event, but the man was adamant: “Not now.” Frustrated, the team approached us for help. We produced a CEO-focused performance audit — showcasing not just his media presence but a comparison of his leadership metrics against rival insurance CEOs. When he saw his score at the bottom of the table, his reaction was priceless: “How can I be last on this scoreboard?” The very next week, he was asking the PR team for the event lineup. That moment right there? That’s what we call data doing the heavy lifting.

Let the data speak where words fail. CEOs don’t argue with numbers.

This doesn’t just help you secure leadership buy-in for PR campaigns; it opens up strategic conversations around executive positioning, thought leadership, and industry influence. One of our proudest long-term engagements came from that South African experience — we have supported that team since 2018, helping position their CEO from media-shy to media-smart. Data made that happen.

And this isn’t just relevant for CEOs with PR-phobia. It is vital for CEOs who sit on multiple boards. A chairman might be squeaky clean in one company and still drag your brand into crisis by association. I remember working with a multinational FMCG brand in Nigeria whose chairman also served on the board of a financial services company. When the latter entered crisis mode, the FMCG brand was dragged into headlines it didn’t ask for. Why? Because media doesn’t separate leadership roles — it connects them.

Your CEO’s reputation isn’t siloed. If they sit on multiple boards, so do their risks.

Including CEO-specific metrics and competitive insights helps PR professionals spot reputational risks early. It also helps pre-empt crises. When you know how the media is talking about your leadership, and how that compares with others, you have the leverage to act — not react. And that, dear PR pro, is the difference between being seen as a “cost center” and a strategic partner.

This is your call to upgrade your report. Brand performance is great — but leadership performance? That’s where the real power lies.

So next time you are struggling to justify your PR strategy, your measurement and evaluation budget, or why your CEO should attend that industry event — don’t argue. Just present the data. Let it tell the story, and let P+ help you craft one they can’t ignore.

Philip Odiakose is a leader and advocate of public relations monitoring, measurement, evaluation and intelligence in Africa. He is also the Chief Media Analyst at P+ Measurement Services, a member of AMECNIPR, AMCRON, ACIOM and Founding Member of AMEC Lab Initiative

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Dangote Salt Gives Trucks, Cash Credits to Customers

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Dangote salt customers trucks

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Gift items worth millions of Naira were dolled out to customers by NASCON Allied Industries Plc, otherwise known as Dangote Salt.

The company splashed trucks and cash credits to 50 outstanding customers at its 2025 Customers Dinner and Awards Night in Abuja on Thursday.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ali Balarabe, who got a 20-ton truck and cash credit, expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that it reflects the company’s commitment to excellence.

Mr Balarabe further pledged to sustain his loyalty and continued support, promising to remain a steadfast and devoted customer in the years ahead.

Other customers who received truckload awards and cash credits included Mr Ibrahim Achida, Muabsa Integrated Services, Fanisau Enterprises, Idris Saleh Nigeria Limited, Sani Adamu Trader, and GIA Global Concept, among others.

The president of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, in his remarks, thanked consumers for their loyalty, and also commended the company’s board, management and staff for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and consistent contributions to the organisation’s growth and sustained market leadership.

“Recognising customers is not just good relationship management – it is good business. It sends a clear message to our people that customer service is truly one of our core values.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in brand equity, supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and digital capabilities. But these investments only create value when they are aligned with customer realities. Your continued engagement and feedback remain critical,” he said.

In his speech, the chairman of NASCON Allied Industries, Mr Olakunle Alake, said, “As a quoted company, we are accountable to shareholders, regulators and the investing public. But the confidence of the market is ultimately rooted in the performance, and market performance depends on customers who believe in our brands.”

The Managing Director of the firm, Aderemi Saka, stated that the central message of the awards night was to celebrate and appreciate the company’s customers, noting that the organisation’s success is closely tied to the growth and prosperity of its customers.

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IVI PR Opens Registration for IviTrybeSage Masterclass

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IviTrybeSage Masterclass

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Lagos-based strategic communications firm, IVI PR, has called for registration for its exclusive masterclass designed specifically for the modern PR professional known as IviTrybeSage.

A statement from the company said registration would remain open until capacity is reached. Given the exclusive nature of the IviTrybeSage programme, spaces are strictly limited to ensure an intimate, high-impact learning environment.

Interested professionals can secure their spot by completing the form via https://forms.gle/sqvTe1sNM4ure8iJ7.

Business Post gathered that the curriculum will cover brand personality and storytelling, public relations strategy, media relations, crisis management, social media and digital PR, influencer marketing, and more.

Participants will learn how to move beyond traditional press releases into the realm of strategic influence and creative storytelling, transitioning from foundational PR tactics towards the sophisticated demands of today’s global market.

IviTrybeSage is open to fresh graduates seeking the skills necessary for an upward trajectory in strategic communications, as well as entry-to-senior level PR and marketing practitioners, corporate communications executives, and ambitious agency leads.

In an era where the media landscape shifts daily, IviTrybeSage serves as a bridge between academic theory and real-world PR and communication demands. The programme focuses on providing practical, cutting-edge skills to create a pipeline of highly competent talent.

The PR industry is a dynamic field defined by rapid digital transformation and shifting audience behaviour. For PR practitioners to transition from mere messengers to high-value strategic partners, continuous skill acquisition is imperative.

Today’s practitioners must master a diverse toolkit that includes data and trend analysis, crisis management in the age of ‘cancel culture’, and strategic storytelling.

By proactively sharpening these skills, PR professionals ensure they can navigate complex algorithmic changes and evolving social trends, allowing them to protect brand reputations with precision and command a well-earned seat at the executive table.

The chief executive of IVI PR, Mr Nosa Iyamu, while commenting on the initiative, said, “In an era of noise, it is imperative that clarity is prioritised through strategic communication. The industry is evolving at breakneck speed.

“IviTrybeSage isn’t just a training session; it’s a community for those ready to lead the conversation rather than just follow it. It is for those who want to understand how to drive clarity rather than join the bandwagon of those who merely sell noise.”

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PR Firm Wimbart Creates Subsidiary for Africa’s Early-Stage Companies

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Maria Adediran Wimbart Lite Jessica Hope Wimbart CEO

By Adedapo Adesanya

Wimbart, an award-winning Public Relations agency specialising in business and technology sectors across Africa and emerging markets, has launched a subsidiary called Wimbart Lite, designed specifically for pre-seed and early-stage startups that have raised under $1 million.

To lead the new division, the agency has appointed Ms Maria Adediran, Associate Director and founding team member, as Head of Wimbart Lite.

Launched in 2015, Wimbart has built a strong track record across African markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, specifically helping companies navigate the continent’s most complex news cycles.

As the African tech ecosystem continues to mature, competition for attention has become increasingly intense. In this environment, clear and consistent communication across online, broadcast, and print media is no longer a luxury for startups but a business necessity.

Wimbart Lite responds to this need by bridging the communications gap for early-stage companies. It provides focused, fast-turnaround support for startup teams, venture capital portfolios, and global partners seeking credible, well-positioned storytelling that cuts through a crowded media landscape.

Specifically curated for African companies that have raised under $1 million, Wimbart Lite adopts a service-led, menu-based approach built around three core strategic routes. Each route is designed to meet the communications needs of early-stage businesses as they scale visibility, credibility, and investor confidence.

The milestone announcement pack focuses on press releases and strategic media outreach to support key moments such as product launches, partnerships, and major company updates. This ensures that important developments are clearly articulated and positioned to reach relevant audiences.

The founder profile pack centres on thought leadership, using op-eds and interview pitching to amplify leadership voices. It helps founders articulate their vision, share category insights, and establish authority within their industries.

The fundraising pack delivers coordinated funding communications tailored to early-stage rounds and venture capital portfolios. It supports clear, consistent messaging during fundraising activities and includes a 15 per cent discount for portfolio companies.

Speaking on this, the chief executive of Wimbart, Ms Jessica Hope, said, “Wimbart was built in the trenches with African tech founders – before the market had fully caught up with their vision. Wimbart Lite has been in development for some time, as a service for early-stage companies who may not require full-blown month-on-month public relations support, but do need to get a news story “out there”.

“Maria is Wimbart’s day one and has grown with the company, and with dozens of African tech start-ups over the past decade; she understands exactly how to turn a good story into something that actually travels.”

With over a decade of experience across consumer and corporate PR, Ms Adediran has led multi-market campaigns for VCs and high-growth companies from early-stage to unicorn, including Andela, M-KOPA, TLcom, and Kobo360. As Head of Wimbart Lite, she will set the division’s vision and lead its growth, overseeing new business and delivery standards.

The new Head of Wimbart Lite added, “I joined Wimbart at a time when African tech was still small enough that a $1M raise felt like a massive milestone for the whole ecosystem. Now that the market has matured, early-stage teams are put under the microscope much earlier. Wimbart Lite exists to turn real work and traction – early milestones, partnerships, and fundraises – into a clear, credible story the ecosystem can understand and trust.”

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