In a moment that perfectly encapsulated the fusion of strategic communication and transformative social impact, Mr. Oluremi Akande, the Director of Marketing and Communications for LAPO, became the undeniable star of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council 2025 Press Week. The prestigious event, held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference Centre, was not just an award ceremony but a powerful symposium on truth. And at its heart was Akande, a recently crowned titan of Nigerian PR, who led LAPO Microfinance Bank to a spectacular double victory, clinching the awards for ‘Best Marketing Director’ and ‘Best Microfinance Bank.’
This dual triumph was a crowning achievement in a year that had already seen Akande’s prowess formally recognized. Just prior to this event, he was named among Nigeria’s Top 50 PR Professionals in the prestigious 2025 PR Power List, a respected ranking by GLG Communications published in The Guardian Nigeria that honors innovators and consistent high-performers shaping the nation’s narrative landscape. This accolade set the stage for a night that would further cement his reputation as a leader whose work drives measurable corporate and social change.
From Client Service to Communications Leadership: The Akande Journey
Akande’s recognition is the culmination of a storied 15-year career that embodies dedication and strategic evolution. His journey began shortly after his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, starting at the grassroots level as a Client Service Executive at Dali Communications in 2007. Through relentless dedication, he honed his craft across diverse roles at Phillips Consulting and Skye Bank Plc, building a formidable expertise in advertising, public relations, brand strategy, and research. This path eventually led him to his pivotal role at LAPO Microfinance Bank, where he has masterminded a strategic communications overhaul.
The Architect of LAPO’s Narrative of Empowerment
At LAPO, one of Africa’s foremost microfinance institutions, Akande moved beyond traditional marketing. He embedded storytelling as a central tool for brand positioning, shifting the narrative to focus on human transformation. Under his visionary leadership, LAPO’s communications have powerfully amplified the real-life stories of micro-entrepreneurs, market women, and smallholder farmers—showcasing how access to finance builds resilience, fosters growth, and transforms entire communities.
Amidst this gathering dedicated to truth, two accolades told a story of consistent commitment: Mr. Oluremi Akande, the Director of Marketing and Communications for LAPO and LAPO Microfinance Bank, was crowned ‘Best Marketing Director,’ while the institution she represents, LAPO Microfinance Bank, was honored as the ‘Best Microfinance Bank.’
These awards are not merely trophies; they are testaments to a legacy. LAPO MFB’s journey began not in a corporate boardroom, but in the heart of a social vision. Its origin traces back to the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO), established in the 1980s by Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe. It started as a grassroots initiative aimed at empowering the economically active poor, particularly women and smallholder entrepreneurs, who were systematically excluded from traditional financial systems.
This focus on authentic narrative is built upon a bedrock of monumental achievement. LAPO MFB’s history is a testament to profound social impact, and its achievements are staggering:
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Disbursing over N1.7 Trillion in micro-credits to low-income families and MSMEs.
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Operating a vast network of over 500 branches across 34 states and the FCT, taking financial services to the last mile.
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Empowering over 6,000 youths and children with scholarships and vocational skills training.
Akande’s marketing genius lies in making these staggering numbers resonate with human faces and stories.
Championing Truth as the Chief Launcher
His role as the Chief Launcher for the unveiling of the Correspondents’ Chapel’s special publication was therefore fitting. Addressing the room of seasoned journalists, policymakers, and thought leaders, Akande drew a powerful parallel between his world and theirs.
“Just as we at LAPO meticulously verify and invest in the potential of individuals to build economic stability,” he asserted, “journalists must invest in the integrity of information to build a stable society.” He framed the journalist’s fact-checking process as a sacred audit, a crucial safeguard against the viral spread of misinformation that threatens democratic foundations. His message was a compelling charge for media practitioners to be courageous, ethical, and unwavering gatekeepers of truth.
A Symbolic Convergence
The recognition of Oluremi Akande and LAPO MFB at this event, themed “Journalism and the Fight Against Misinformation in a Digital Age,” was deeply symbolic. It highlighted the essential synergy between a financially inclusive institution building economic truth from the ground up and a free press defending informational truth for a healthy democracy. Akande’s double victory celebrates more than corporate excellence; it honors a communicator who has masterfully bridged two worlds, using the power of story to fight for progress, both in the economy and in the public discourse.
