Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s Public Relations Manager, has been recognised in the ‘Changemakers’ category as one of the leading voices advocating for a shift in how Nigerian PR professionals approach their craft.

Speaking at the recent 2025 PR Power List event at the Alliance Français, Ikoyi, Lagos, he drew compelling parallels between customer service excellence and effective public relations strategy.

“PR has progressed from that period when the speech was one company to everyone, now we do one company-to-one person engagement. It’s the same principle that is applied in customer relations,” Dr. Goodluck explained during a panel session. His approach centres on the principle that successful brands speak to one customer at a time, designing products and messages for individual satisfaction, knowing that others within similar demographics will naturally follow suit.

At the corporate level, managing communications for Africa’s largest telecommunications company requires a delicate balance between authenticity and appropriateness. Goodluck emphasised the critical importance of understanding media consumption behaviour as part of audience analysis, a component he believes many PR professionals overlook. “If you understand the media consumption behaviour, then you’ll be able to tailor your message to the audience properly,” he stated.

The communications expert referenced Marshall McLuhan’s famous theory that “the medium is the message,” explaining how platforms dictate communication formats and styles. This insight becomes particularly crucial for Nigerian brands navigating diverse media landscapes, from traditional outlets to rapidly evolving social media platforms like TikTok, where content format fundamentally shapes message delivery.

His customer service-inspired approach to PR represents a strategic evolution for Nigeria’s communications industry, moving away from broad, generic messaging toward precision-targeted, individually-focused communication that creates ripple effects across larger audience segments.

Others present on the panel session titled “The PR Hustle: Breaking In, Staying In, and Standing Out” were Segun McMedal, Lead Partner at Upticomm Marketing Company and Former Chairman of the Lagos NIPR; Jimmie Akinsola, TV host and Actor, and Founder of Lagos Athletics; and Dr. Olubukola George-Taylor, Managing Director of Robert Taylor Media.

It was a moment of heartfelt tributes and celebration on Friday, as family, friends, political allies, and well-wishers gathered at the Abuja residence of former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona, to mark his 59th birthday.

Speakers hailed Irona as a principled, dependable, and courageous leader whose legacy continues to inspire trust and admiration.

The atmosphere brimmed with admiration as speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes to Engr. Irona, describing him as a dependable, courageous, and principled leader whose legacy continues to inspire across political and social divides.

In their separate remarks, three former members of the House of Representatives – Hon. Ikenga Mayor Eze, Hon. Jeff Ojinika, and Hon. ThankGod Ezeani, praised Irona’s unwavering commitment to justice and fairness, describing him as a relentless crusader for equity and good governance.

“Irona is dependable. He does not tolerate injustice in any form,” they affirmed. “He is steadfast and upright, always willing to stand for what is right, even in the face of adversity.”

Echoing similar sentiments, former Secretary to the Government of Imo State and ex-federal lawmaker, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, hailed Irona as “a man of truth who consistently chooses the path of justice, regardless of whose ox is gored.”

Also lending his voice, former Director of Public Affairs at the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Barry Nwibani, reflected on over two decades of personal friendship and professional admiration. “Engr. Irona’s consistency, integrity, and lifestyle remain exemplary. He represents the kind of leadership Nigeria yearns for – credible, courageous, and selfless.”

In a heartfelt tribute posted on his verified Facebook page, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, described Irona as “a trusted pillar of steadfast loyalty.” The former Governor used the opportunity to also celebrate the Director General of the Rebuild Imo Movement, Dr. Vin Udokwu, who marked his 68th birthday on the same day.

The message, titled “Honouring Two Steadfast Allies,” read in part:

“To the glory of God, I celebrate two exceptional men – Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, my trusted Deputy in Imo, as he turns 59, and Dr. Vin Udokwu, our devoted Director General of the Rebuild Imo Movement, marking 68 remarkable years.

Over time, these two gentlemen have proven to be trusted pillars of steadfast loyalty, exemplary character, and resolute commitment. Their dedication to service and the shared vision for Imo has inspired confidence and hope across the state and beyond.”

In his remarks during a virtual chat, former lawmaker representing Oguta State Constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Ugboma stressed that

“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Gerald A. Irona is not just a leader but an inspiration to many of us who look up to his courage and commitment to service. Celebrating him at 59 is celebrating excellence, resilience, and uncommon grace.”

Irona’s wife, Ogbuefi Vivian Irona, in a special birthday message, described Irona as a selfless leader. Her message reads in part – “today, I celebrate not just your birth, but the man you are- strong, yet gentle, visionary, yet humble, courageous, yet compassionate.”

“Your life of service, both to your family and to the people of Imo State speaks volumes of your character – selfless, noble, and deeply inspiring.”

Adding his voice, former Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Ken Akunnakwe stressed that “in Hon. Gerald Irona, I found a humble, loyal, consistent, and practical politician. He is a man of few words who leads by example. Beyond his kindness, Irona is deeply grateful to those who have contributed to his journey.

Beyond Abuja, the 59th birthday of Engr. Irona was also celebrated by associates and supporters at various locations in Imo State, including the ‘Rebuild Imo movement’, reflecting the wide-reaching admiration he enjoys for his leadership, integrity, and principled politics.

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley

Sunday, July 20, 2025, was not just another birthday, it was a grand testimony to a life well-lived, a journey of impact, and a legacy still unfolding. The occasion marked the birthday of a distinguished son of Umukparo Mbala Isuochi, a man whose name evokes admiration and reverence: Chief (Sir) Richard Ikpe, KJW, Nwazuoro Oha 1 of Isuochi.

In an era where selflessness is scarce and true leadership is defined by service, Chief Ikpe stands tall as an embodiment of philanthropy, excellence, humility, and tireless community spirit.

From modest beginnings, he has risen through the ranks to become a business magnate, a committed mentor, and a pillar of his community. Yet, through it all, he has worn his achievements with a humility that only true greatness can afford.

Like Muhammad Ali would say, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

Chief Ikpe’s life is a shining reflection of this eternal truth. Known far and wide as Nwazuoro Oha 1, a chieftaincy title conferred upon him at a relatively young age in recognition of his extraordinary kindness and service to humanity, he has indeed lived up to that name, the one who gives freely to the multitude. It is not just a title; it is his very essence. Whether in times of joy or distress, he is the first to show up, to give, to support, to build, to counsel.

An uncommon philanthropist, Chief Ikpe does not give for applause or prestige; he gives because it is in his nature to uplift others. Scores of men and women, once struggling to find their feet, are today standing tall in their various vocations because Chief Ikpe believed in them, invested in them, and mentored them, quietly, deliberately, and effectively. They are entrepreneurs, professionals, and contributors to society today because one man decided their destiny must not be tied to poverty.

Tom Peters, a famous researcher, consultant, writer and management guru in the area of successful business management practices once said, “True leaders don’t create followers. They create more leaders.”

Indeed, leadership for Chief Richard Ikpe is not about position or pomp, it is about purpose. It is this same drive that compels him to remain deeply invested in the affairs and development of his beloved Mbala Isuochi.

From youth empowerment to infrastructure initiatives, from community health drives to educational support schemes, Chief Ikpe is ever at the forefront, mobilizing resources and galvanizing people towards a better tomorrow for Mbala and Isuochi. His love for the land of his birth is not a mere sentiment; it is an active mission.

As a Knight of John Wesley in the Methodist Church, Chief Ikpe brings his faith to bear not only in the church pews but in the marketplace, in boardrooms, and on the dusty roads of Mbala. His Christianity is not loud, but it is loud enough to be felt by the widows he has helped, the church he has helped to build, and the lives he has transformed through silent generosity. This is further corroborated by Prophet Muhammad’s statement that “A man’s true wealth is the good he does in this world.”

Nwazuoro Oha’s birthday celebration on July 20, 2025, was more than an occasion of joy. It was a festival of gratitude, a gallery of glowing tributes from family, friends, protégés, and admirers. Testimonies poured in, of school fees paid without asking, of businesses funded without conditions, of advice given in humility, of open doors and shoulders offered in times of sorrow.

What strikes everyone who encounters Chief Ikpe is his gentle strength. He is humble but firm, approachable but principled, generous but disciplined. There is a serenity about him that commands respect, and a warmth that invites you in. Even in circles of influence and affluence, he remains down-to-earth, unassuming, and always relatable.

His life story is a profound inspiration to the younger generation: that one can rise from the depths of struggle to the heights of influence, not by cutting corners, but by hard work, integrity, and compassion. He stands today as a reminder that background does not determine destiny, and that success without service is empty.

As the candles were lit and the songs were sung on his birthday, one thing became clear: Chief (Sir) Richard Ikpe is not just growing in age; he is growing in legacy. His is a life that calls others to service, to excellence, and to the higher ideals of humanity.

May his days be long, his strength be renewed, and his impact multiplied. And like someone once charged, “Let us not seek to be great, but to do great things.”

Chief Ikpe, Nwazuoro Oha 1 of Isuochi, is doing great things—and the world is better for it.