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.

“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.

Glo Foundation, Globacom’s CSR arm, on Saturday celebrated more than 1,000 sanitation workers in Lagos State at a special event tagged, Rest and Relaxation Day, held at the headquarters of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA), Ijora, Olopa, Lagos.

Apart from treating the sweepers to great fun, music, games, food, and bonding activities, aimed at reducing stress and promoting the health and wellness of the workers, the Foundation also promised a four-week skills acquisition training for the workers or their dependents in bead making, barbing, fashion design, digital skills and more, to equip them with permanent vocations.

Head of Glo Foundation, Mrs. Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, explained that the Foundation decided to honour the cleaners with a Rest and Relaxation event to express gratitude to them for the important work they do daily, event at great danger to their lives on roads across the state. She noted that the effort of Glo Foundation in this regard would also extend to other states across the country so as to renew a sense of belonging among those who are doing critical jobs across the country.

“We recognize the important and thankless jobs that you do all over the state in ensuring that our roads and streets are clean every day. We recognize the hazards you face from drivers who don’t appreciate you and are at times impatient while you are by the roadside sweeping. It is the reason why we are here today to let you know how much we value you and your huge contributions to keeping Lagos clean on a continuous basis,” she added.

She also disclosed that there were empowerment and skills acquisition programmes planned for the sweepers which will be held in the following months. They include Fashion Skills (Fashion Design, jewelry making, Fabric Embellishment & Beading); Baking skills: (Basic cake and decoration, Fried and baked pastry, Bread making, soft skills and Entrepreneurship class); Digital Skills (Digital marketing, social media management, and e-commerce).

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, lauded the initiative as a well thought-out idea, to shield the workers from health risks and boost their wellness status.

According to him: “This gesture falls squarely within the frame of the THEMES+ agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration, which prioritizes health and wellness of the people. No doubt that we are used to the culture of working round the clock, and hardly finding the time for intentional rest, during which to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies, to reduce stress and prevent health risks. This much needed occasional relief is at the heart of today’s event. And we thank the Glo Foundation for the kind gesture and encouragement”.

The LAWMA boss thanked the foundation for its planned skill acquisition programme for some sanitation workers, aimed at equipping them for financial stability. “As the saying goes, when you teach a man to fish, you have succeeded in feeding him for the rest of his life. That is exactly what Glo Foundation is set to achieve with that programme, and we are eternally grateful for the kind gesture”, he noted.

Some sanitation workers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Glo Foundation for organizing the event, promising to continue their diligent work to keep Lagos State clean.

“It’s been a while since I have had this much fun, I am truly grateful to LAWMA and the Glo Foundation for organizing this amazing event. I am looking forward to enjoying every moment of it,” said Iyabo Joseph.

Another sweeper, Lateefat Alabi said: “I am very happy today. I appreciate our Glo Foundation and LAWMA for this event. This will motivate me to keep doing my job diligently always”.

Other highlights of the event included dance competition, raffle draw, and gift presentation, where two sweepers won a microwave and a grinding machine, bringing joy to the winners.

In attendance were LAWMA management staff, the Bobakeye of Ijora, Iganmu & Apapa kingdom, Prince Adekemi Ojora, and several Glo Foundation officials, who engaged directly with the workers and freely shared in the fun and pageantry.

As the sun slowly set and the music wound down, there was a lingering sense of fun and humour, suggesting that the event was actually more than just a corporate gesture — it was a statement that every worker matters. It was a good opportunity for the sweepers to be celebrated and be seen beyond the orange uniforms and daily street sweeping schedules.