Olanrewaju Alaka Biography: Early Life, Education, Career & Awards
Olanrewaju Alaka, widely recognised by his brand name Laerryblue, is a Nigerian entrepreneur who has established himself as one of Africa’s most influential voices in communications. As the founder and CEO of Laerryblue Media, he has spent over a decade reshaping how Nigerian and African brands tell their stories, manage their reputations, and compete on a global stage.
Olanrewaju Alaka Biography
- Full Name: Olanrewaju Alaka
- Also Known As: Laerryblue
- Date of Birth: April 18, 1993
- Origin: Osun State, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Entrepreneur
- Agency: Laerryblue Media (Founded 2017)
- Education: Obafemi Awolowo University; IIK Berlin; Sheffield Hallam University
Early Life
Olanrewaju Alaka hails from Osun State, in southwestern Nigeria. While details about his parents and early childhood remain largely private, his academic and entrepreneurial journey offers a vivid picture of a young man who developed an uncommon curiosity about communication, culture, and human connection from an early age.
His path to public relations did not follow a straight line. During his university years, Olanrewaju took an unconventional approach — organising events, promoting clubs, and connecting people. It was through these experiences that he began to recognise his true calling: solving communication challenges and building bridges between organisations and the people they serve.
Education
Olanrewaju Alaka’s educational background is notably international, spanning three countries and multiple disciplines — a foundation that has proven instrumental in shaping his global perspective.
He began his higher education journey in 2010 at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he studied International Relations and German Language, graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
The combination of diplomacy and language studies laid the groundwork for understanding diverse cultures and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
In 2013, while still at OAU, he pursued German language certifications at the IIK – Institute of International Communications in Berlin, Germany, broadening his linguistic and cultural competence on the global stage.
His academic journey reached its peak in 2022 when he completed a Master of Arts in Public Relations at Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom, alongside a BSc in Business Analysis. This advanced training equipped him with cutting-edge knowledge in media management, strategic communications, and brand development.
Career
Olanrewaju’s interest in communications took shape during his time at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he was involved in event organisation and club promotion. These experiences pointed him toward a career focused on brand communication and public relations.
Founding Laerryblue Media
In 2017, Olanrewaju founded Laerryblue Media, a public relations and brand management agency headquartered in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The agency offers services across reputation management, corporate communications, media relations, brand communications, media training, research and intelligence, and social media management.
Its work spans sectors including ICT, FMCG, entertainment, financial services, telecommunications, education, and government.
Laerryblue Media has worked with organisations such as Providus Bank, Keystone Bank, MTN, Veritasi Homes, Landwey Investment, Axon Analytics, and Tenece Group, and has been covered in publications including NairaMetrics, Punch, Pulse, Techcabal, Business Insider Africa, and This Day Live.
Professional Memberships
In 2024, Olanrewaju was inducted as a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), one of the most prestigious professional bodies for PR practitioners in Nigeria. The induction reinforced his commitment to the highest standards of practice within the industry.
Laerryblue Media Foundation
Beyond commercial work, Olanrewaju established the Laerryblue Media Foundation, through which he provides pro bono PR support to NGOs and changemakers — helping non-profit organisations improve their visibility, attract strategic partners, and drive meaningful social impact. This initiative reflects his belief that the power of public relations should extend beyond profit-driven enterprises.
Awards and Recognition
Olanrewaju Alaka’s contributions to public relations have earned him recognition from multiple prestigious bodies:
- PR Manager of the Year — Esteem Awards, in recognition of his consistent service delivery and contributions to the PR industry in Nigeria.
- Icon of Youth Inspiration — Awarded for his role in mentoring and inspiring a younger generation of communications professionals.
- Top 10 Most Influential Digital Marketers in Nigeria — Listed in 2023 for his innovative approach to digital PR and brand management.
- Corporate Excellence Award — Received at the 2024 Global Entrepreneurs Award, honouring his outstanding entrepreneurial achievements and leadership in African communications.
Vision for African PR
Olanrewaju is deeply committed to transforming the public relations landscape across Africa. His vision extends beyond running a successful agency — he seeks to establish a new standard for how African brands communicate, compete, and are perceived globally.
“Our personal lives shape how the public perceives us. PR isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life.”
Through speaking engagements, mentorship programmes, and training initiatives, Olanrewaju continues to invest in the next generation of African PR professionals — creating employment, sharing knowledge, and expanding the industry’s collective capacity.
Social Media
- Instagram: @laerryblue
- Website: olanrewajualaka.com
- LinkedIn: Olanrewaju Alaka
- Agency Website: laerryblue.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Olanrewaju Alaka?
Olanrewaju Alaka, also known as Laerryblue, is a Nigerian entrepreneur born on April 18, 1993. He is the founder and CEO of Laerryblue Media, a leading PR and reputation management agency based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Where is Olanrewaju Alaka from?
Olanrewaju Alaka hails from Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.
When was Olanrewaju Alaka born?
Olanrewaju Alaka was born on April 18, 1993.
What is Laerryblue Media?
Laerryblue Media is a Pan-African public relations, reputation management, and marketing agency dedicated to elevating visionary emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, businesses, and C-suite executives, amplifying their voices across traditional, digital, and emerging platforms.
Where did Olanrewaju Alaka study?
Olanrewaju Alaka studied at three institutions across three countries. He earned a BA in International Relations and German from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria (2010–2015), obtained German language certifications from the IIK Institute of International Communications in Berlin, Germany (2013), and completed an MA in Public Relations and a BSc in Business Analysis at Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom in 2022.
What awards has Olanrewaju Alaka won?
He has received several notable awards, including PR Manager of the Year from the Esteem Awards, the Icon of Youth Inspiration award, recognition as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Digital Marketers in Nigeria in 2023, and the Corporate Excellence Award at the 2024 Global Entrepreneurs Award.
Is Olanrewaju Alaka a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations?
Yes. Olanrewaju Alaka was inducted as a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in 2024, aligning himself and Laerryblue Media with the highest professional standards in the Nigerian PR industry.
What is Olanrewaju Alaka’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram handle is @laerryblue.