EDITOR ’ S DESK n what is a most powerful endorsement of the industry , the Iworld ' s richest man and founder of Microsoft , Bill Gates declared : “ If I was down to my last dollar I ' d spend it on public relations .” Mr . Gates , as a successful businessman , understands the power of effective public relations in building lasting companies . Good products or the best services do not automatically translate into sales and income for a business , to remain successful in today ' s ultra-competitive marketplace , a business must invest its time and other resources into ensuring it stands out in a global sea of rivals .
The world continues to change at a faster pace than at any other time in human history . Driven by information and communications technology , today ' s business communications space presents new challenges for the communications practitioner as well as the consumer . With the social media phenomenon creating a level playing field between small and large organizations , in terms of their ability to reach out to customers , the PR practitioner must be ever more creative in reaching out to an ever more informed consumer . No longer is the practice of Public Relations a one-way communication , rather public relations have evolved into a two-way and today it is a practice of multi-dimensional communications from company to customers and from customers to other customers .
PR Times exists as a bridge between
THE TEAM the customer and relevant brands , while also keeping the brand connected to ever changing trends in a marketplace where information is being rendered obsolete almost within the twinkle of an eye . The journal is fully packed with information to keep the discerning and aspiring PR practitioner and other relevant publics adequately informed in an evermore fluid communications space .
Our headline feature is a package of five key drivers , who in their own unique and individual ways represent what the Africa of the 21st century is all about . These women , through their different paths , have become models of what the 21st century African woman should be . Fatima Zahra Mansouri took a stand on the side of her oppressed people and emerged Mayor of Marrakech in a society where very little is seen or heard of women .
Lupita took the world by storm , for her role in the blockbuster , 12 years a slave after having travelled the world and built her career , literally from the ground up . She won an Oscar for her efforts , and has since become a symbol of achievement .
Monica Musonda traverses the corporate and industrial world , which is traditionally dominated by men like a colosus . Having cut her teeth with the Dangote group , where she grew to become a director , she ventured into producing her own brands in Zambia and has made an absolute success of it . Tara Fela Durotoye transformed a make-up industry , which was practically nonexistent a few years back , into a money spinner both for herself and for other young women through her pioneering efforts in establishing makeup schools across Africa .
Ola Orekunrin for her part , has been touching lives through her Flying Doctors , moving the critically ill and injured to places where facilities are available to cater to their needs in good time . Moved by the loss of her sister to poor emergency services , Ola has made the sky her starting block by making air emergency medical services available to those who need them .
We do not claim , in any way , that our list is exhaustive of what African womanhood is about , for indeed the women and youth of Africa are doing wonderful things for our common humanity both at home and in the diaspora .
This edition is packed full with key tips and insights that make it an indispensable companion to the discerning PR professional , Business Executive and general interest reader . We hope that PR Times Africa , will spur a new conversation about Africa and Africans , changing negative perceptions , by highlighting the progress being made both by individuals and nations of Africa .
Publisher : Alwalled Khabir H . Yusuff .
Marketing : Susan Benson
Joseph Napoleon
Corporate Affairs :
Suleiman O . Munirat ( Barr .) Udok Emmanuel Anthony
Graphics : Sunday Peters ( Elejiba )
Editor : Basah Mohammed
Columnists : Milita Adeyemo Temitayo Orekoya Samandu Tshimanga
Photographer : Global Watch Pictures Int ’ l Ltd .
Printer : Printworks Nigeria Limited
Published by : Brand Republique Innovative Creations No . 2A , Aba Close , Garki-Abuja .
Unit 13 , Honey Close , 75 Clover Road , Ext . 3 , Kruger , Honeydew , Johanesbong , South Africa
Tel : 0803 414 4302 , 0705 771 2799 Email : prtimesafrica @ gmail . com
02 VOL 1 . JULY 2015 1ST EDITION
PR TIMES AFRICA