By Eric Elezuo

A distinguished public relations outfit, AS+A COMMUNICATIONS, has rolled out the drums to celebrate 24 years of unbroken business, where it specialised in image branding, event management and product marketing among others.

The 24th anniversary was characterized by presentation of awards and honours to deserving corporate organisations and distinguished individuals, rendition of speeches and cultural displays as well as product exhibition.

Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, and tagged 2024 PR/Forum/CSR Exhibition and Awards, with the theme, “BOOSTING SUSTAINABILITY, SOCIAL IMPACT AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT”, the event, which was anchored by a notable PR personality, began officially with the singing of the freshly reintroduced nation’s anthem, and opening prayer before the Chief Host, and Managing Director, AS+A Communications, Yeye Adenike Agnes Shobajo, took the stage to deliver her welcome address.

Acknowledging that the company has come a long way in 24 years, she returned all the glory to Almighty God, and at the same time gave kudos to brands that have flowed with them in thick and thin.

“Our story is a long one, but sweet to tell. We started in the year 2000. Our first awards were held in the premises of Philip Consulting, in UBA House, Marina, in 2001. We are the pioneers of CSR in Nigeria.  We understand that there are people who have the wherewithal, those who can add value to people’s lives from what they do, without realizing. When we came to the knowledge of this, we took it upon ourselves to reach out to high networth individuals, corporate organisations as well as government institutions; departments and parastatals, to bring them out. These people go out of their way to do things that today, are referred to as sustainability. We call it social responsibility.

“So we can them out individually and corporately, to recognize their efforts to the society. And that explains the birth of this awards event.

“It is worthy of note that this event has been invited to showcase and hold in London for the 2025 edition. That’s how much we have made ourselves visible and responsible in the last 24 years.

“We recognize the efforts of past influential personalities, who have done so much to the society like the former Interim President, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Chief Molade Okoya Thomas (may their souls rest in peace). There are also the likes of Chief Dele Momodu, who have done, and are still doing things for the society. We do our to honour them, so that others can be encouraged to look for areas in the society, where they can give back, and affe t positively.

“And for every awarded today; it is a clarion call to do more. We are also partnering with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, led by Mrs Tarela Aghanti, who surprised us with her presence today, having selflessness flown from her base in England, to Lagos, Nigeria. We appreciate her believe in us.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate every brand that has identified with us, especially Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government that has been with us in the last four years. We also call on other state governors and governments to join us in this task of affecting the society.

“We also thank Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who has invited to the state in September. We are exploring the states of Nigeria, and from.there, we will go into other African countries, and continue internationally.

“Our special appreciation to everyone, and may God bless us all,” Yeye Shobajo declared.

The event was spiced up with performances from students of Lady Bird Top Flight College and inmates of Mercy and Love Orphanage Home, who thrilled the audience spectacular dance steps, cultural displays.

In his address, the representative of the Lagos State Governor, who is the Director of Strategy in the Information Ministry, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi, who delivered the keynote message, said that the government is solidly behind the efforts to boost sustainability, social impact and return on investment in the state, noting that it would provide enabling environment for individuals and corporate entities, who are will to affect the society with their positive impact.

“Lagos State under Governor Sanwo-Olu is ever ready to support any venture that is targeted at boosting sustainability, social impact and return on investments across board,” Mr. Oyekanmi said.

With speeches from Engr. (Mrs) Olu Maduka, Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, who representated the President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations; President/Chairman of Council, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Mr. Gabriel Idahosa and Yeye Tobalase Aderonke Elegushi, the mother of the day, among others, the guests were thrilled and encouraged to begin and continue the act of corporate social responsibility and sustainability from their own little corners.

Also present at the event was veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede and Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo, president of NIPR.

A major highlight of the event was a slide presentation by the Founder, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation UK and Nigeria, Mrs Terela Aghanti, who used the opportunity to recreate awareness the Osteogenesis Imperfecta disease, which causes paralysis and disability, calling on well meaning Nigerians and all and sundry to identify with the Founder towards helping the victims of the scourge.

She praised Yeye Shobajo for her amazing work, and professed her followership of her trajectory.

“The AS+A has been a solid partner of our foundation, and I have a personal interest in Yeye Adenike Shobajo for the amazing work she does, and the fact that she has a grandson that has Osteogenesis Imperfecta makes it phenomenal for me to associate with her.

“We held an eye opening event in March/April this year, and it went viral. We found more children that needed our assistance. Remember, we gave out a total of 300 walking aids to diverse persons suffering from the disease, according to the stage and medication required.

“And that brings me further reveal that come 2025, this event will be held in London, in association with our parent body, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Network.

“Again, I’m using this opportunity to reach out to the stakeholders, politicians, government departments, agencies and parastatals to partner with us, because with us, there is possibility of reaching to everyone at the grassroots,” Aghanti said.

Collaborating her stand, Mr. Adeoye Tolulope Emmanuel, a career therapist, working on the project, said the build up to further affect those suffering from Osteogenesis Imperfecta is being sustained for the food if the society.

Among organizations that awarded for their efforts in sustaining Corporate Social Responsibility, making social impact and creating avenues for return on investments were NIMASA, NTA, Toyota, Ovation Media Group, Nestle Nigeria Plc and LCCI.

On the individual category, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwooolu, Rev. Gbenga Oshokoya, Mr Reuben Muoka among others were recognised and awarded.

The programme was rounded up with the cutting of the anniversary cake, which was followed by a vote of thanks by the daughter of the host.