Chimsom Ifeanyi receiving her award with her agency.
Written by Qujoe Tenkorang (USA)
Belgrade, Serbia – The world of public relations recently turned its spotlight on Chimsom Ifeanyi, a Nigerian trailblazer whose strategic acumen earned her a coveted IPRA 2024 Golden World Award (GWA) in the highly competitive Crisis and Issues Management – Agency category. This prestigious accolade, presented at a gala event at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia, on October 15, 2024, signifies not only a personal triumph for Ifeanyi but also a significant moment for African excellence in global communications.
The International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards, established in 1990, are globally recognized as the premier international PR awards, celebrating campaigns that meet stringent international standards. Ifeanyi's recognition is particularly remarkable as she stood as the sole female professional among the distinguished group honored for the "100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service" campaign. This distinction highlights her exceptional capabilities and serves as a powerful testament to female leadership in a demanding industry, inspiring aspiring PR professionals across the continent.
The award-winning "100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service" campaign was a masterclass in strategic communication, born from a powerful collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR). IMPR, renowned for publishing influential platforms like PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, was also recognized as the "PR Agency of the Year (Crisis Management)" for its pivotal role. The campaign meticulously chronicled the strategic communication efforts during the initial 100 days of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi's tenure, showcasing an innovative approach to engaging stakeholders on the recently amended Customs Act and the broader Reform Agenda.
A key challenge expertly managed was the crisis stemming from the ECOWAS trade embargo with the Niger Republic. Amid public outcry over border closures, Adeniyi's crisis communication strategy, supported by the campaign, involved extensive consultations with community leaders and youth groups to provide relief and legitimate options. The campaign's meticulous execution yielded impressive and measurable results, including an unprecedented 75% increase in revenue collection for the NCS, enhanced border security, improved public perception, and restored public trust. Philip Sheppard, IPRA Secretary General, specifically commended Adeniyi's transformative management, highlighting its crucial impact on the campaign's success.
Ifeanyi's strategic approach to public relations is deeply rooted in a clear understanding of impact and a commitment to measurable outcomes. She consistently emphasizes that successful communication strategies are built upon well-defined, measurable objectives, often referring to them as SMART goals. Her methodology prioritizes thorough audience research, adaptability to the dynamic media landscape, and robust crisis communication plans.
Her recognized expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her a significant role in shaping the future trajectory of global public relations. Chimsom Ifeanyi has been appointed to serve as a distinguished jury member for the 2025 IPRA Golden World Awards. In this esteemed capacity, she will play a crucial role in evaluating and recognizing outstanding work from around the world, meticulously assessing campaigns for their creativity, strategic thinking, measurable impact, and strict adherence to ethical standards. Her trajectory, moving from an award recipient to an award juror, signifies a profound level of respect and influence within the global public relations community, positioning her as a thought leader and a direct contributor to the industry's ongoing evolution.