Seyi Makanjuola
Public Relations (PR) and Communications Analyst
Our Gap Closer of the month, Seyi Makanjuola, Public Relations (PR) and Communications Analyst, speaks about his work at the Foundation and what he finds most rewarding about it.
“What I find most rewarding is contributing to communication that helps others see why the Foundation’s work matters and how it supports stronger public-sector leadership and better outcomes for society,” he says.
Please share your educational and professional background.
I studied Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations. My professional journey has taken me through administration, digital media and communications, where I have gained experience in content creation, storytelling, social media and strategic communications. I currently work as a PR and Communications Analyst at the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the development sector?
My interest in the development sector grew from my curiosity about how institutions, policies and leadership influence the lives of people. Studying Political Science helped me understand these issues, but I wanted to contribute beyond the classroom. For me, communications was a meaningful way to do that.
Walk us through your work and what a typical day looks like.
I support the Foundation’s communications by helping people understand our work and vision, translating our programmes and impact into stories that connect with different audiences. This means helping to make complex work more accessible, while ensuring that the people and purpose behind it are not lost.
My workdays are rarely identical, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my role. Some days involve developing stories, refining content or planning an event. On others, I am collaborating with colleagues or supporting an event. Each day offers an opportunity to learn something new, connect different pieces of work and amplify our impact.
The work of development organisations can be complex. How do you approach turning ideas, programmes and impact into stories that people can understand and connect with?
I first try to understand the substance of the work before thinking about how to communicate it. I then ask myself what the audience really needs to know and what would make the story relevant to them. I look for the human element, the problem being addressed and the change the work is trying to create. My goal is always to simplify the message without stripping away its meaning.
What is one thing you think organisations in the development sector could do better when communicating their work and impact?
I think we can get better at telling the story behind the numbers. Metrics are important, but they do not always tell the whole story. There is value in showing what those numbers represent, the person who benefited, the institution that improved or the problem that is now being addressed differently. When people can see the human meaning behind an intervention, impact becomes much easier to understand.
What makes the work that we do at the Foundation unique?
What stands out to me is the Foundation’s focus on strengthening the people and institutions that make lasting change possible. Its work goes beyond addressing immediate challenges; it invests in the leadership, capacity and systems needed to sustain progress over time. I find that long-term approach particularly meaningful because it recognises that lasting development is built not only through good ideas, but through capable people and institutions equipped to carry them forward.
What is one project or moment at the Foundation that you are especially proud of, and why?
I am particularly proud of being involved in planning and attending the Closing Ceremony of the 2025 Aig-Imoukhuede Public Leaders Programme. I saw how much the participants had grown, and how the programme had shaped their perspectives and strengthened their commitment to public service. I also gained valuable insights from the sessions and conversations, which made the experience personally enriching. It was rewarding to contribute to telling the story of a programme that invests in public-sector leaders and, ultimately, in better governance.
How has your work at the Foundation shaped your perspective on public sector reform in Nigeria?
My work at the Foundation has helped me see public-sector reform beyond policies and institutions. I have gained a deeper appreciation for the people who have to drive and sustain those reforms. It has also shown me that meaningful change takes time and requires investment in leadership, capacity and systems. Most importantly, I have come to appreciate that public servants are doing important work to improve the systems they operate in, and their stories deserve to be heard.