By Oluremi Akande
Oluremi Akande, the young, urbane, gregarious, innovative, and dynamic Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at LAPO MFB, recently made The Guardian newspaper’s “Top 50 PR Power List” as a crowning glory of his professionalism and unmatched work ethics. He pens down his profound appreciation for the honour and recognition. He also provides an insight into his work philosophy and the centerpiece of his brand and communications objectives and strategy.
When I reflect on my career in brand marketing and corporate communications, it’s not the headlines or high-profile campaigns that stand out the most — it’s the people. The entrepreneurs who found their footing. The women who turned micro loans into thriving businesses. The teams who believed in the power of storytelling to drive change.That’s why being named on The Guardian’s 2025 Top 50 PR Power List is deeply meaningful. It’s more than personal recognition — it’s a testament to the power of purpose-driven communication, and the incredible work we’ve been doing at LAPO Microfinance Bank to amplify the voices that matter most.Since joining LAPO MfB, I’ve been privileged to lead a communications vision that goes beyond products and services. We’ve built a narrative rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and sustainability — shining a light on how access to finance can transform lives, families, and communities.
So, this honour is not just for me but for the team that I lead and, indeed, LAPO MFB, for providing a thriving environment for us to innovate and create value as well as enabling the transformative effect of our activities. Without the support and acquiescence of Management, little would be achieved.
Whether it’s telling the stories of women entrepreneurs in underserved communities, creating platforms to showcase our impact in climate change and financial literacy, or reinforcing our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through thought leadership and media strategy — every message has been intentional, every campaign backed by meaning.At LAPO Microfinance Bank, communication isn’t just a department — it’s a bridge between the bank and the people it serves. It’s been fulfilling to see how our storytelling has helped strengthen stakeholder trust, elevate our brand visibility, and position us as a socially responsible financial institution. From high-level media engagement to grassroots community activation, we’ve moved the conversation from transactional banking to transformational impact.
Today, there is no ambiguity or ambivalence about the position of LAPO MFB as the best micro lending institution in the country, a fact anchored on the pedestal of its size, business volume, best practice, and societal impact on development and household prosperity. This fact and reality have been well accentuated and reinforced with appropriate and effective communication and ancillary messaging systems.
What drives me every day is knowing that our work contributes not only to business growth, but also to societal good. That’s the power of communication when done right — it educates, it uplifts, and it catalyzes real change.So yes, this recognition by The Guardian is an honour — but more than anything, it is fuel to keep going. To keep telling better stories. To keep amplifying impact. And to keep using communication not just as a business tool, but as a force for inclusion, equity, and shared prosperity.
