It was a seven-star performance for Chain Reactions Africa (CRA), one of Africa’s leading Public Relations and Integrated Communications Consultancy as it took home seven African SABRE trophies, more than any other public relations firm in Africa in the 2024 competition.

The awards which were held at the end of the annual African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, were presented by Provoke Media, organizers of the awards in Basam, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivore on May 16th 2024.

The work covered campaigns for the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and its Lagos Blue Rail, 9mobile’s The Hack – Expand Your Hustle’, ‘Taming the Bull’ for the Presidency, ‘Next Era of Happiness’ for leading biscuit company, Pladis Foods Nigeria Limited.

Receiving the awards on behalf of Chain Reactions and its clients, was its Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Israel Opayemi, who noted that this is a seven-star performance by Chain Reactions Africa at the 2024 SABRE Awards.

In his comments Opayemi said “to emerge as the highest winner at the 2024 edition of the award with seven SABRE Awards is humbling as well as exciting for us at Chain Reactions Africa. We are immensely proud to be honoured on such a global platform like the SABRE awards which is the holy grail of Public Relations globally as the awards programme is dedicated to benchmarking the best PR works across the globe.”

He continued, “I am making a three-fold dedication of these multiple trophies to our clients who believe in us, my team members who do the brave works relentlessly and our dear country Nigeria. Ten years ago, we were at the SABRE Awards in Miami, Florida in the United States watching and applauding as winners took turn on stage. Ten years ago, we were asking for a seat at the table. Today, we are sitting in creative resplendence at the head of the table. Today, we are flying the Nigerian flag on the global stage. We are now a territory of reckon and relevance in the global PR space.”

It seems winning awards is just a Chain Reactions thing, chuckled Arun Sudhaman CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Provoke Media, organizers of the SABRE Awards as Opayemi rose up seven times to receive the awards. The PR consultancy also picked up four Certificates of Excellence in recognition of its work launching the Nigerian Youth Trend Report 2024 known as ‘ARAMANDA’, ‘Next Era of Happiness’, ‘Lagos Blue Rail’, ‘The Hack – Expand Your Hustle’, and ‘Taming the Bull’.

In his reaction, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) described the awards by Chain Reactions Africa as “a harvest of honours for Nigeria”. He thanked the Chain Reactions Africa team for their outstanding works saying, “thank you for making us proud.”

Chain Reactions Africa has over the years won several prestigious SABRE awards and has been awarded more than 15 Certificates of Excellence. At last year’s award, the company won CEO of the Year category for the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for use of public relations to tell the story of his administration’s achievements and scooped two Certificates of Excellence in the Corporate Image category for the ‘Momentum Campaign’ for Cellulant, a flagship payment solution provider; and ‘Marketing to Consumers’ category for ‘The #NaijaHighlandah Campaign’ for William Lawson’s, Scotch Whiskey brand.

The 2024 Africa SABRE Awards shortlist included more than 120 campaigns, selected from over 500 entries in this year’s competition, which recognizes Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation and Engagement. The campaigns were evaluated by a jury of industry leaders.

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance executive, had his bail plea dismissed by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

In his verdict, Justice Emeka Nwite stated that the bail application is denied because, after carefully reviewing the application, he concluded that, should bail be granted, the defendant will violate it.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed charges against Gambaryan, his business Binance Holdings Limited, and another high-ranking executive who is presently fugitive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, for money laundering and supporting terrorism.

More to come…

On this auspicious day, as Tokunbo Wahab turns 52, we celebrate a man whose life has been a tapestry of courage, dedication, and unwavering vision.

Born on May 17, 1972, Wahab has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation, leaving indelible marks on Nigeria’s legal, educational, and political landscapes.

Tokunbo’s journey began at the University of Benin, where he distinguished himself not only academically but also as a fervent student leader.

His leadership during the tumultuous June 12 Democracy Struggle, which saw him confront the repressive Abacha regime, speaks volumes of his bravery and commitment to justice. This early encounter with adversity did not deter him; rather, it fortified his resolve to serve the people.

A seasoned lawyer with over 20 years of experience, Wahab honed his legal acumen at prestigious institutions such as the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Wharton University of Pennsylvania.

His legal practice, marked by his partnership at Wali and Ace, and his earlier tenure at Paul Usoro & Co, Aluko & Oyebode, and Jiti Ogunye Chambers, is a testament to his expertise and integrity.

Wahab’s foray into public service has been nothing short of transformative. Appointed as the Special Adviser on Education to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2019, he quickly became a pivotal force in the actualization of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.

His efforts led to the historic establishment of two new universities in Lagos State: the Lagos State University of Education and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology.

Moreover, his introduction of the Eko Digital Initiative revolutionized the educational landscape, integrating modern technological resources across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. This initiative, along with the proliferation of libraries and ICT centers, has cemented his legacy as a visionary in the education sector.

Wahab, now the indefatigable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, has redefined environmental stewardship in Lagos with a blend of innovation, resilience, and a profound commitment to public service.

Among the notable achievements in his second coming as commissioner is the strategic partnership with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, aimed at preventing flooding through the systematic release of water from the Oyan Dam. This proactive measure is crucial for safeguarding communities like Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle from flood risks.

Under his leadership, the Lagos State government has also embarked on the removal of illegal structures encroaching on drainage systems, a critical step in averting the perennial flooding that plagues the metropolis.

The demolition of buildings in Mende Estate to clear the System 1 drainage channel exemplifies his commitment to prioritizing public interest over individual gains, ensuring the city’s infrastructure can withstand heavy rains.

As he celebrates his 52nd birthday, we laud his enduring contributions to Nigeria. His life epitomizes the spirit of a true patriot, one whose guts and vision continue to inspire and uplift.

May his journey forward be as impactful and transformative as the paths he has already paved.