By Nseobong Okon-Ekong
ikotibok@gmail.com
Ms. Inimfon Etuk stands out as a dynamic strategist who has spent more than two decades shaping conversations, amplifying voices, and building platforms that empower women, young people, and communities across Africa. A Public Relations and Strategic Communications professional with deep expertise in Development Communications, she has mastered the art of turning ideas into opportunities—consistently deploying communication as a tool for transformation.
As Founder of She Forum Africa, a pan-African Women Development, Advocacy and Intergenerational Co-Leadership platform founded in 2013, Inimfon has nurtured a thriving movement that connects women across East, West, Southern Africa and the diaspora. Today, the Forum is an influential hub for mentorship, leadership development, public engagement, and policy conversations that amplify the aspirations of African women and girls. Her work earned her global recognition, including the Women Economic Forum (WEF) 2019 Global Award for “Iconic Woman Creating a Better World.”
Strategic Communicator with a Development Lens
Ms. Etuk brings a rare blend of technical expertise and cross-sectoral experience to her work. Her professional background spans public relations, journalism, diplomacy, gender development, social entrepreneurship, and youth mentorship. This multidisciplinary capacity enables her to design and implement stakeholder engagement strategies that resonate across government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations.
Her academic and professional training reflect the breadth of her interests. She holds a BA (English Education) from the University of Uyo; an Advanced Certificate in Branding from the London School of Public Relations (LSPR); and a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She is also trained and certified by the Protocol School of Washington, USA, as a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant—further strengthening her diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills.
Intergenerational Diplomacy and Global Engagement
Inimfon’s career has been marked by numerous leadership and international engagements. She is a 2015 alumna of the United States Government’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) and has facilitated high-level convergences featuring government leaders, diplomats, development specialists, and influencers from across the continent.
Her early involvement in intergenerational policy dialogue includes a notable discussion with HRH (then) Prince Charles of Wales in 2006 on youth development under the British Council’s Connecting Futures Programme. The British Council/DFID would also publish her development-focused communication handbook Communication the same year.
Her passion for inclusive leadership earned her a 2003 Youth Leadership Award from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) for “Synergy of Thought and Action”—a testament to her long-standing commitment to constructive engagement between generations.
Influence Across Sectors and Institutions
Inimfon’s career is distinguished by a track record of hands-on leadership roles across multiple industries. She has led strategic project implementation teams in government, media, health, tourism, entertainment, finance, and oil and gas. She further served as Special Assistant to the President of the 8th Senate, National Assembly (2015–2019), providing strategic communication and public affairs advisory at the highest level of national governance.
Her development-sector engagements span partnerships with globally recognised organizations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), DFID, USAID, UN Women, International IDEA, European Union, Pathfinder International, and the British Council. Inimfon has managed multi-country stakeholder engagement briefs and has become a trusted consultant for programmes that target gender equality, governance, youth leadership, and inclusive participation.
Championing Women’s Safety Through Technology
In September 2021, Ms. Etuk was named Goodwill Ambassador (Africa) for WanderSafe by Jozu for Women, based in Sydney, Australia. Through this role, she pioneers the first-in-Africa impact study deploying WanderSafe—a safety-enhancing mobile technology for women and girls. Her work addresses the growing concerns around the “shadow pandemic” of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by exploring innovative, tech-enabled solutions.
Journalism and Media Roots
Before her rise as a continental development strategist, Inimfon built a strong foundation in broadcasting. She started at NTA 12 Uyo, where she anchored the popular “Weekend Train” interview segment. As a university student, she wrote for Searchlight Magazine as a campus journalist. Her versatility later saw her serving in multiple roles at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)—from Presenter and Reporter to News Editor, Producer, and Government House Correspondent in Anambra State.
These early years sharpened her storytelling skills and deepened her understanding of the media’s power to influence public perception and policy.
Consultant, Strategist, and Thought Leader
Today, Ms. Etuk leads Global Narratives Consults, a New Media Strategy, Communications & Training Consultancy. She works with governments, corporates, and nonprofits to elevate their communication strategies, shape public narratives, and strengthen social intelligence skills. Her work is grounded in efficiency, integrity, and sustainable development principles.
Her distinguished stakeholder engagement design for public and private sector clients makes her a sought-after facilitator for high-level programmes across Africa and beyond.
Professional Networks and Global Affiliations
Inimfon’s professional affiliations reflect her influence in global communication and leadership spaces. She is:
Member, World Communications Forum Association (WCFA), Davos
Fellow, Institute of Information Management (FIIM)
Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC)
Two-term PRO, NIPR Abuja Chapter (2019–2023)
Inaugural UN Women Consultant for establishing the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) – Nigeria and Liberia Chapters
Facilitator for the UN Women Generation Equality Campaign Launch in Nigeria (2020)
Her leadership in these networks positions her as a vital link between local initiatives and global development frameworks.
Honours, Awards, and Recognitions
Across her professional journey, Ms. Etuk has been recognized for excellence, leadership, and impact. Among her numerous awards is the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Rare Gem Award for Exemplary Leadership and Dedication to Mentoring Girls and Women—fitting recognition for a career defined by advocacy, mentorship, and service.
Legacy of Purpose and Influence
With over 25 countries visited, a network of high-value collaborators, and a career dedicated to shaping narratives and empowering voices, Ms. Inimfon Etuk continues to redefine what it means to lead with purpose. Through She Forum Africa, her consultancy work, and her advocacy across global platforms, she remains an unrelenting force for women’s development, youth co-leadership, and positive social transformation across Africa.
Her story is one of vision, versatility, and relentless commitment—proof that when communication meets passion, meaningful change happens.