Meet David Akinfenwa, Next Gen PR Legend, shaping the future of brand storytelling across Africa
..Named among Nigeria’s Top 50 Most Influential PR and Communications Professionals
On most days, David Akinfenwa is behind the scenes shaping narratives, steering brands, and crafting stories that move audiences to action. But ask him what he really does, and he’ll tell you something far simpler: “I help people and brands find their voice.”
It’s a statement that captures both his humility and his clarity of purpose. In an age where the lines between media, marketing, and public perception are constantly shifting, Akinfenwa’s approach to public relations feels refreshingly human rooted in empathy, storytelling, and authenticity.
“I’ve always believed that communication is not just about visibility,” he says thoughtfully. “It’s about connection. People don’t buy into messages; they buy into meaning.”
That belief has shaped a remarkable journey that has seen him rise steadily through Nigeria’s communications scene — from journalism to consulting for some of Africa’s most promising startups, and now to being named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Public Relations and Communications Professionals in Nigeria, an honour conferred by GLG Communications in partnership with The Guardian and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
For Akinfenwa, that recognition was both humbling and affirming.
“It was one of those moments that made me pause,” he admits with a quiet smile. “You don’t really think about influence when you’re in the work — you just want to make impact, help brands tell better stories. But to be recognised among so many professionals I respect deeply… it felt like validation that I’m on the right path.”
Before he became one of the country’s most respected communications professionals, Akinfenwa was a journalist — a background that, he says, gave him a unique lens on storytelling.
“Journalism taught me curiosity,” he reflects.
“It taught me to ask why and not just what happened, but why it matters. That discipline shaped how I approach PR today. Because ultimately, if you can’t answer why your story matters, you don’t yet have a story.”
That grounding in narrative clarity and meaning would later define his work as he transitioned into public relations. Over the years, he has worked with several prominent brands in the African tech ecosystem — including Fez Delivery, Anchor, Bendada, and ALX Africa.
Today, as Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Selar, Africa’s leading creator commerce platform, Akinfenwa continues to bring that journalist’s instinct into brand strategy — ensuring that every message is authentic, relatable, and resonant.
“At Selar, we’re telling the story of Africa’s creator economy,” he explains. “That’s a story of innovation, resilience, and creative independence. It’s powerful because it’s not just about a product, it’s about people redefining how they earn, create, and live.”
Beyond his corporate role, Akinfenwa is also building something deeply personal — his own communications agency, J&B Communications, a creative PR and communications outfit focused on helping businesses harness storytelling for growth and social impact.
“It’s not just about running an agency,” he says. “It’s about building a culture around meaningful communication. I want J&B to be the kind of place where strategy and creativity meet where we don’t just help brands sell, but help them matter.”
The vision for J&B was partly inspired by what Akinfenwa saw as a gap in the industry: too many brands focusing on visibility without authenticity.
“Visibility without clarity is noise,” he says. “You can trend today and be forgotten tomorrow. But if you’re clear on your purpose and communicate it consistently, you build something lasting.”
That clarity of thought also shaped his book, “The Public Relations Playbook: Doing PR on a Zero or Minimal Budget for Maximum Impact.” In it, Akinfenwa shares practical insights for startups and small businesses — demystifying PR and showing how storytelling can be a powerful growth tool even without big budgets.
“I wanted to make PR accessible,” he says. “A lot of founders think PR is something only big brands can afford. But effective communication is not about money, it’s about message.”
Akinfenwa’s growing influence in the communications space has also made him a voice for young professionals aspiring to build careers in PR. He often mentors emerging practitioners and speaks passionately about the need for the next generation to combine technical skill with emotional intelligence.
“PR is not a press release factory,” he says, laughing. “It’s about relationships, understanding people, reading rooms, telling stories that inspire trust. The next generation of PR leaders must be as emotionally intelligent as they are strategic.”
For him, the future of the profession lies in balance between data and creativity, technology and empathy, visibility and value.
“I see PR in Africa becoming more purpose-driven,” he predicts. “We’re moving past vanity metrics. The real question now is what impact are your stories creating? What change are they driving?”
If there’s a common thread running through Akinfenwa’s journey, it’s purpose. He sees storytelling not just as a skill, but as a calling — a way to shape culture, influence perception, and inspire change.
“When I look back someday,” he says quietly, “I don’t want to be remembered just for the campaigns I worked on. I want to be remembered for helping people and brands tell their truth for showing that communication, done right, can transform lives and communities.”
In an industry often defined by noise, David Akinfenwa stands out for his signal a clear, thoughtful, and purpose-driven voice reminding everyone that great PR isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being understood.
