Ayeni’s session, titled ‘Freedom of Speech and Free Media’,
will examine the fundamental human right of freedom of expression, the benefits
of having independent media and implications of these on the PR industry across
the world.
Ayeni will be joined by other agency CEOs alongside
experienced Communications Directors and consultants from over thirty different
countries. Speakers will focus on emerging trends and unresolved issues within
the practice, leading to critical discussions that will challenge PR practitioners
to reevaluate the industry.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ayeni said:
“We have a lot to learn, and to do, if we are being honest, about ensuring absolute freedom of speech and free media; be it in Nigeria, my home country where Twitter remains banned and journalists are regularly censored and harassed, or in America and Europe where, as we continue to see, the entire concept is threatened by cultures more potent than government; and the gatekeeping has since been handed over to an industry that refuses to be accountable.
There has never been a better time for communicators to take a
stand – not just with words on paper; but with everything we do – our ethics,
our counsel, our investments, our causes; even the kind of clients we choose to
work for; and the kind of agenda we amplify.”
Ayeni is a Nigerian entrepreneur and consultant with
interests in public relations, advertising, media innovation, Human capital
development, technology, and entertainment. Ayeni started his career as a
journalist spending over 10 years in the field before founding BHM in November
2006. The company currently serves a wide range of high-end clientele spread
across different sectors including FMCGs, Telecommunication, and Media
Services.
BHM is also the first African Platinum Sponsor of the
summit. Commenting on the move to sponsor the over 20-year-old annual event,
Ayeni said: “By putting BHM at the forefront of activities like the ICCO
Summit, we are making ourselves heard and deepening our engagement with the international
PR community. I hope to see greater African participation and representation at
every level in global organisations and events. This is just the beginning.”
BHM’s Enitan Kehinde, ID Africa’s Femi Falodun, and Magna
Carta’s Moliehi Molekoa will also participate in different sessions, as part of
a full BHM delegation.
Nitin Mantri, President, ICCO added: “ICCO is a global
organisation, and it is important that is reflected not just in our diverse,
international speaker programme and membership but also our sponsor line up, so
I am delighted that Ayeni has taken this step to support the event, which is a
really positive statement of intent and ambition from him and his agency.”
Ayeni Adekunle will bring his unique viewpoint on bridging
communications between Africa and the UK, and how diversity, technology, and
advocacy will change the world as we know it.