As trust in institutions and media continues to erode globally, public relations industry leaders are calling on the next generation of communicators to chart a different path, one rooted in truth, empathy, and responsibility.
This was the resounding message at a forum hosted by M.Inc PR on Wednesday, July 16, to mark World PR Day (WPRD) 2025. Held in Lagos, the exclusive event brought together public relations experts and Mass Communication students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for a dialogue themed ‘Building Bridges and Navigating Polarisation’. The session focused on the foundational role of trust in modern communication and the urgent need for young professionals to become ethical storytellers in a fractured world.
In her opening remarks, M.Inc PR’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategist, Mirabel Aleladia, articulated her vision to the gathering to get the conversation started.
“PR is not just how I get paid; it is a conduit for impact. When I leave the world, I want to know that we have made a difference,” said Aleladia. “We organised this event to help build a sustainable foundation for the next generation of PR professionals, empowering them to pioneer their passion,” she said.
The centrepiece of the event was a panel discussion which featured experts from diverse sectors of the media and communications landscape. The panellists shared firsthand experiences on navigating polarisation.
Oluwamayowa Idowu, co-founder and editor-in-chief at The Culture Custodian,
discussed the ethical tightrope of leveraging pop culture to foster conversation without sacrificing truth, while advising aspiring professionals on the importance of deep, foundational knowledge to stand out in a competitive field.
The forum successfully provided the student attendees with a practical framework for responding to stakeholder demands, fostering inclusivity, and building a career founded on integrity.
