Link between Personal Branding, Public Relations using Africa’s Debola ‘Lagos’ William as Case Study

By Preciousgift Ajudie-Ogunsanya,

In a world overloaded with voices, your greatest advantage is not being louder. It’s being valuable and strategic.

Every July 16, the world marks World Public Relations Day, a celebration of the craft that shapes perceptions, builds trust, and manages narratives that influence industries and societies. But in today’s world, dominated by media, personality, and influence, another powerful force has become just as necessary.

Personal Branding.

As a Personal Branding and Public Relations Expert, I often say: Personal Branding is the soul, while PR is the voice. One defines who you are; the other ensures the world hears it clearly and consistently. They are not in competition; they complement and strengthen each other.

We are in an era where individuals, not just organizations, shape public opinion. The real question is no longer, “Do you need PR?” but rather, “Do people know who you are and what you stand for?” Today, in Nigeria, over 62% of the population is under the age of 25. This youthful, tech-savvy demographic is building influence faster than most institutions can respond to.

A recent 2024 report shows that Nigeria currently has over 36 million active social media users, with LinkedIn usage increasing by 14% year-on-year, proving that there is a growing appetite for visibility, professional storytelling, and credibility.

In this context, personal visibility is often more powerful than organizational visibility. The reputation of an individual can drive more trust and patronage than the official communication of a brand. For this reason, PR professionals and Personal Brand Managers must collaborate intentionally.

Personal branding clarifies identity, your message, your values, your voice, and your story. PR then takes that clarified identity and positions it across platforms, audiences, and moments that matter. When your brand is clear, PR becomes more authentic and easier to execute.

One Nigerian who exemplifies this fusion masterfully is Debola ‘Lagos’ Williams. A media entrepreneur, youth mobilizer, and political brand strategist, Debola Lagos has become a powerful personal brand built on a foundation of intentionality and amplified through public relations strategy. His rise didn’t happen by accident; it was curated.

Through his firm RED Media Africa, he helped shape the public perception of two Nigerian presidents- Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, positioning himself as a quiet but strategic voice in political communications. His influence in civic engagement, particularly with Nigeria’s youth, grew rapidly, and the media took notice.

Debola Lagos’s brand has been further amplified through global features on CNN, Forbes Africa, and other Media Features. But beyond media appearances, he was deliberate about his visual identity- his signature white agbadas, red caps, and composed public presence became synonymous with elegance, tradition, and power. This is what public relations experts call brand alignment, when image and message work together seamlessly.

His content doesn’t just cover media or politics. He speaks in the same breath about business, legacy, and nation-building, making him not just a strategist, but a story worth telling. Over time, he became the story, not just the one shaping stories behind the scenes.

This magnetism attracted global speaking opportunities, brand partnerships, and positions of leadership. His brand now commands media attention, investor interest, and youth engagement across Africa.

This is what happens when personal branding meets PR. The result is not just visibility, it’s credibility, trust, and legacy. As we celebrate World PR Day 2025, it’s essential to remember that PR is not just a corporate function; it’s a deeply human one.

In today’s world, where executives host podcasts, CEOs build personal tribes, and people influence millions from their bedrooms, everyone is a brand, whether they’re intentional about it or not. The question is not if you have a personal brand. The real question is- are you curating it or leaving it to chance?

So, this World PR Day, let’s not only celebrate the profession. Let’s also honor the people behind the headlines. Let’s invest in crafting clear, consistent, and compelling narratives—not just for business brands, but for personal brands.

Precious Gift Ajudie-Ogunsanya is a Personal Branding Specialist and Founder of Glass and Craft PR, where she helps African visionaries, experts, and emerging leaders turn their expertise into visible authority through brand storytelling, mentorship design, and thought leadership positioning. She is also the Founder of GZAFRICA, a social enterprise dedicated to the holistic development of young Africans. She can be reached via email: thepreciousgiftajudie@gmail.com