..Named among Nigeria's Top 50 Most Influential PR and Communications Professionals
Most days, David Akinfenwa shapes stories from behind the scenes, steering brands and crafting stories that move audiences to action. But ask him what he really does, and he'll tell you something very simple: “I help people and brands find their voice.”
It is a statement that reflects both his humility and clarity of purpose. In an age where the lines between media, marketing and public perception are constantly shifting, Akinfenwa's approach to public relations delivers a refreshingly human experience rooted in empathy, storytelling and authenticity.
“I've always believed that communication isn't just about visibility,” he says thoughtfully. “It's about connection. People buy from meaning, not messages.”
That belief has shaped a remarkable journey that has seen him steadily rise in Nigeria's communications landscape – from journalism to consulting for some of Africa's most promising startups, and now being named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Public Relations and Communications Professionals in Nigeria, an honor presented 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 stop,” he admits with a quiet smile. “When you're at work you don't really think about impact – you just want to make an impact, help brands tell better stories. But to be recognized among so many professionals is something I deeply respect… it felt like confirmation that I was on the right track.”
Before becoming one of the country's most respected communications professionals, Akinfenwa was a journalist – a background he says gave him a unique perspective on storytelling.
“Journalism taught me curiosity,” he says.
“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 have a story yet.”
This foundation in narrative clarity and meaning would later define his work as he transitioned into public relations. Over the years, he has worked with many of the leading brands in the African tech ecosystem – including Phase Delivery, Anchor, Bendada and ALX Africa.
Today, as Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Celar, Africa’s leading creator commerce platform, Akinfenwa continues to bring that journalist’s instincts to brand strategy – ensuring every message is authentic, relevant and resonant.
“At Cellar, we are telling the story of Africa’s maker economy,” he explains. “It's a story of innovation, resilience and creative freedom. It's powerful because it's not just about a product, it's about redefining the way people earn, create and live.”
Beyond her corporate role, Akinfenwa is also building something intensely personal – she has her own communications agency, J&B Communications, a creative PR and communications organization focused on helping businesses use 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 a place where strategy and creativity meet, where we don't just help brands sell, but help them create meaning.”
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 are clear about your purpose and communicate it consistently, you create 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 – highlighting PR and showing how storytelling can be a powerful growth tool even without a big budget.
“I wanted to make PR accessible,” he says. “Many founders think that PR is something only big brands can afford. But effective communication isn't about the money, it's about the message.”
Akinfenwa's growing influence in the communications sector has also made him a voice for young professionals interested in pursuing a career in PR. He frequently mentors emerging practitioners and speaks passionately about the need for the next generation to combine technical skills 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 need to be as emotionally intelligent as they are strategic.”
For them, the future of the profession lies in the balance between data and creativity, technology and empathy, visibility and value.
“I see PR in Africa becoming more purpose-driven,” he predicted. “We're moving beyond vanity metrics. The real question now is, what impact are your stories creating? What change are they driving?”
If there is a common thread in Akinfenwa's journey, it is 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, to show that communication done right can change lives and communities.”
In an industry that is often defined by noise, David Akinfenwa stands out for his signal to be a clear, thoughtful and purpose-driven voice that reminds everyone that great PR doesn't just mean being seen; It's about understanding.
