O’tega Ogra: Bringing Innovative Approach to Presidency’s Perception Management

Donatus Eleko

Ogra is a study in understated dedication, a person whose actions speak volumes where words are few. While others may engage in self-promotion, Ogra prefers to channel their energy into the task at hand.

‘Tiger’ as he is fondly referred to by his friends and admirers, is at the cutting edge of government communication, leveraging innovative strategies and technologies to engage with the public in meaningful ways.

His approach is characterised by a data-driven understanding of audience behavior and a commitment to utilising digital platforms to their fullest potential. Ograrecognises the importance of authentic communication and strives to create a dialogue between the Tinubu’s administration and the citizens. He is a forward-thinker who understands the power of storytelling and the importance of building a strong, positive public image.

As a seasoned communication professional, Ogra brings years of experience to the forefront of government media and perception management. His career, majorly from the private sector, where he worked with leading organisations in the country, is marked by a series of successful campaigns and initiatives that have significantly enhanced public understanding and support for key government policies.

Furthermore, Ogra’s ability to anticipate and respond to evolving media trends, coupled with their deep understanding of public sentiment, especially in the digital media space, makes him a vital asset in today’s dynamic communication environment. He is known for the ability to bring calm and clarity to moments of crisis, and to build strong relationships with media outlets and stakeholders.

Ogra is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and one of West Africa’s foremost strategic communications, government affairs, and reputation management executives. He is the Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President on Digital Communications, Engagement, & New Media Strategy, leading the Presidential Office of Digital Engagement & Strategy and overseeing all presidential and government digital communications.

His career began in international development with the German Agency for International Development (GIZ) under the federal government’s MultisectoralWomen Empowerment Programme in North-East Nigeria, focusing on Access to Justice, children’s rights, HIV/AIDS and reproductive health initiatives.

He transitioned into financial services at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) before making history as the youngest head of corporate communications for a Nigerian bank at age 24, where he led the rebranding of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank, in 2015.

Prior to his current role, he served as Director of Corporate Communications and Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Africa’s second-largest conglomerate spanning foods, manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure. He spearheaded BUA’s brand, digital, and investor communications strategy, playing a critical role in the historic listings of BUA Cement and BUA Foods, now among Africa’s top ten largest publicly-listed companies by market capitalisation.

Spanning international development, financial services, and manufacturing, his career is defined by transformative initiatives, including BUA’s COVID-19 response and the establishment of the ASR Africa Initiative and its annual $100 million fund for social development—the continent’s largest personal philanthropic endowment. In 2020, he designed and implemented the digital communications framework for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential campaign, which became the backbone of his 2023 electoral victory.

Recognised as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s top experts in strategic communications, partnerships and government affair, crisis management, and strategic influence, he has received multiple awards, including Marketing Edge’s Outstanding Corporate Communication Leader Award, Corporate Spokesperson of the Year, and recognition on the United Nations Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 100 Under 40 list. He was also honoured by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye EnitanOgunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, through the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) and has been consistently named on the PR Power List Nigeria (2022, 2023, 2024).

O’tega is the Second Vice-President of the World Forum of Advertisers affiliated- Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), shaping industry advocacy at both local and global levels. He is a sought-after speaker and mentor, investing in the next generation of government affairs, strategic communications, and marketing professionals.

In a world where information is power, O’tega stands as a testament to the crucial role of effective communication in the modern era. His ability to shape the narrative and bridge the gap between government and the public makes him an indispensable asset to the Tinubu Presidency.