When the government fails to effectively communicate its policies, programs, and initiatives to the citizens, it only deepens the distrust and disconnect between them.

Studies have shown that most African citizens don’t trust their leaders as the news of corruption allegations and other vices seem to be the order of the day.

This is not different in Nigeria, a country regarded as the giant of Africa. The lack of trust in leadership can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the country’s socio-economic development and political stability.

Addressing corruption and restoring faith in government institutions is crucial to building a better future for all Nigerians. Leaders need to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and integrity to regain the trust of their people and work towards a more prosperous and equitable society.

The lack of strategic communication in government activities across all levels in the country is a concerning issue. While funds are being released by ministries and agencies to support businesses and citizens, the intended beneficiaries are not effectively reached due to inadequate messaging.

This communication gap creates opportunities for corrupt individuals and officials to exploit the situation for personal gain.

Addressing this communication inefficiency is crucial to ensuring the effective and transparent distribution of resources to those in need, ultimately preventing misuse and corruption.

A more coordinated and targeted approach to communication can help bridge this gap and ensure that government support reaches its intended recipients efficiently and fairly.

Unfortunately, due to economic challenges, some businesses have been forced to shut down, leading to a mass exodus of citizens, especially the youth, who are seeking better opportunities abroad. This phenomenon has been termed the ‘Japa syndrome‘, as individuals are opting to leave their homeland in search of greener pastures.

The increasing trend of young people leaving the country in pursuit of better prospects reflects the struggles and limitations faced by businesses and individuals within the local economy. It highlights the need for reforms and support to retain talent and foster growth within the community.

At every stage, Nigerian political leaders must take a cue from developed countries that many young individuals aspire to live in.

By examining what sets these countries apart and makes them attractive to their citizens, Nigerian leaders can gain valuable insights. While direct comparisons may not always be relevant due to differing contexts, conducting a thorough study of successful practices in developed nations can serve as a guide for the Nigerian government in making informed decisions.

Looking at what these countries have done right can provide a yardstick for measuring progress and implementing positive changes for the benefit of Nigerian society.

To renew the hope of the citizens and business community in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra, strategic communication plays a pivotal role.

It is crucial to bear in mind that the hallmark of good governance lies in maintaining an accountable, transparent, fair, and efficient system. B

y effectively communicating government initiatives, policies, and progress, trust and confidence can be fostered among the people and businesses. This transparent and open dialogue ensures that stakeholders are well-informed and engaged, promoting a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.

Ultimately, strategic communication is instrumental in building a stronger foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Fundamentally, strategic communication plays a crucial role in averting crises like riots or protests that may arise when new policies are introduced. Take, for instance, the tragic outcome of the #EndBadGovernance protest in some regions – it could have been prevented with effective communication strategies.

Through strategic communication, governments can sway citizen opinions towards endorsing national objectives, fostering a closer relationship between the government and its people. In this way, a symbiotic connection is established, benefitting both parties involved.

Emphasizing the importance of strategic communication is essential, as the failure to do so has been a contributing factor to the rise of fake news and misinformation.

Research shows that there is a lack of public knowledge about the government’s continuous endeavours, as they usually only announce their projects, plans, and achievements during specific occasions. President Tinubu’s speech at the 64th Independence Day festivities exemplifies this ongoing problem.

Citizens feel the government doesn’t value or see them as key stakeholders aside from election time. They feel that news disseminated is not completely true or has hidden facts.

The Case of Dangote Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is an example. Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, had to address the media before his concerns were addressed.  It also shows that the government often waits for citizens’ outbursts before responding to critical issues.

Another issue is the lack of transparent communication regarding developments in the oil and gas sector, leaving citizens uninformed. An example of this is the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State, which has yet to start operations despite assurances from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC.

This lack of clarity raises concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and effectively manage the oil and gas industry. Citizens deserve more transparency and accountability to understand the status of crucial projects like the Port Harcourt refinery and the overall state of the sector.

In another vein, citizens are always told to be patient by the government but are not told what to do to complement the government’s effort through effective communication campaigns.

So, communicating ways citizens can mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters; and ways to support security agencies in reducing terrorism, kidnapping; and others could boost citizens’ engagement in contributing to nation-building. This includes the government being transparent in communicating its plans and programmes.

I am very certain that the governments of developed nations prioritize proactive communication with their citizens rather than waiting for crises to unfold. By fostering transparency and open dialogue, they have successfully garnered the trust of their people.

This approach has cultivated a generation of patriotic individuals who are committed to safeguarding the integrity and stability of their nations at all costs. This proactive communication strategy not only ensures a sense of unity and shared responsibility but also lays the foundation for a strong bond between the government and its citizens, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the country.

The key to success for government at all levels lies in prioritizing strategic communication. It is essential for them to take a proactive approach to communication rather than simply reacting to problems.

It is time to shift focus away from propaganda and instead concentrate on transparent communication methods that encourage citizen participation.

By collaborating closely with the citizens, Nigeria can reach its true potential and flourish. The political leaders must accentuate open, honest communication to establish trust and encourage collaboration between the government and the people in order to make Nigeria great.

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*Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan is a strategic communications expert and the CEO of McEnies Global Communications, a leading strategic integrated marketing communications agency in Nigeria.

The post Redefining the Disconnect in Strategic Communication between the Nigerian Government and the People appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Effective governance practices ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making, which are essential for sustainable growth and success in both public and private sectors.

In the corporate world, adhering to sound principles of corporate governance helps in fostering investor confidence, mitigating risks, and enhancing overall performance.

By upholding the principles of good governance, organizations can build trust with stakeholders, maintain a competitive edge, and contribute to long-term success and sustainability.

The call for good governance has been put on the front burner in Nigeria with the hunger protest by citizens tagged #EndBadGovernance.

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests: President Tinubu’s Speech vs Reality of Nigerians

Although the protest turned bloody in some parts of the country, resulting in the looting of supermarkets and shops and vandal of public facilities, it has shown the disconnection between the government and the citizens.

The violent turn of events highlights the deep-seated frustrations and grievances of the people towards the authorities. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and responsiveness from the government to address the issues that have led to such drastic actions by the populace.

The unrest underscores the critical importance of heeding the calls for reform and ensuring that the concerns of the citizens are heard and addressed to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Sadly, the situation has further dirtied the reputation of the country among the League of Nations.

However, after several calls by citizens, President Bola Tinubu had to address the nation calling for calm and understanding and urging citizens to end the protest.

In his address, he reeled out some of the initiatives his administration is doing to stabilize the economy and reduce hunger, poverty, and others.

As commendable as this is, it shows how the government has not been proactive and not even deliberate about strategically communicating with the citizens and stakeholders.

Successive governments have also followed this path; they wait until there is an outburst from the citizens before they address the nation. Then they start reeling out the interventions they are doing and how citizens can access them.

This is not just peculiar to the federal government and its agencies, states, and local government; the other organs of government are not left out.

They claim to disburse huge amounts of funds for citizens, but the expected beneficiaries are not aware of it. The effort is like ‘winking in the dark’ and it has always been counterproductive for the country.

Citizens don’t trust the government and the government doesn’t engage citizens appropriately. Town hall meetings met to boost the government-citizen relationship have become a gathering of politicians.

Government spokespersons are commonly seen as the mouthpieces of the political party in power who mostly blame the opposition for campaign promises not yet filled instead of clearly communicating their policies and programmes.

This present government won on the mantra of ‘Renewed Hope’ but after the election, it has failed to deliberately leverage strategic communications to engage citizens and stakeholders to reposition the country.

Why is strategic communications important for Nigeria?

Strategic communications is about communicating the best message, through the correct channels, to the right people, at the right time and using feedback from this process to stay focused on set goals.

Conflict, insecurity, and other challenges facing the country will reduce when the government becomes more transparent and deliberate about communicating to the citizens and not just political party members.

The government also needs to understand that if they don’t listen to citizens and communicate on time, false news or negative perceptions may dominate the public agenda.

Listening and responding on time help build trust. This is similar to how corporate organizations operate; if they don’t treat the feedback, they get from their customers timely and appropriately it will have a negative impact on their reputation and sales.

In essence, good communication is essential for good governance to be attained. The World Bank in a blog post once said,

“When trust in governments around the world is at a historic low, and a myriad of challenges continue to overwhelm leaders, it’s imperative for government agencies to revamp their strategic communications approach.”

It is important to state how a country projects or positions itself will give hope to the people and attract potential investors.

Reputation is very important and most developed economies have strategically protected their reputation and positioned their country as a tourist destination or manufacturing hub.

An example of this is Dubai which is generating massive revenue and investment from tourism and China which is making a huge impact in manufacturing.

Citizens expect the government to fulfill its promises, show care and concern, listen to their needs, and communicate effectively with them. In return, citizens are willing to support government initiatives and policies, which ultimately contribute to securing the future of the country.

This symbiotic relationship between citizens and the government is essential for a thriving and stable society where both parties work together towards common goals and shared prosperity.

By fostering trust, understanding, and collaboration, governments can better address the needs of their citizens, leading to a more harmonious and successful nation.

In essence, for an effective government, it is crucial to stay informed about the news and public sentiment, actively listen to the concerns of citizens, develop well-informed policies and strategies, maintain transparency, accountability, fairness, and responsibility in decision-making processes, and take a proactive approach in engaging with citizens and key stakeholders through strategic communication.

This ensures that the government remains connected, responsive, and aligned with the needs and expectations of the public, fostering a relationship of trust and collaboration that is essential for good governance and effective policymaking.

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Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan is a strategic communications expert and the CEO of McEnies Global Communications, a leading strategic integrated marketing communications agency in Nigeria.

The post Why Nigerian Government Needs to Take Strategic Communications Seriously appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

She made this assertion on Thursday. On a virtual meeting with newsmen on May 30, 2024, she used the opportunity to talk about her latest skill and knowledge acquisition feats at both ‘Said Business School’, the University of Oxford, and the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).

Dr. Omolaraeni secured certifications in the Artificial Intelligence programme at Said Business School, University of Oxford on May 28, 2024, and also became a Certified Management Consultant, CMC on May 27, 2024, at the Institute of Management Consultants.

The McEnies CEO also attained IMC Fellow Membership.

While fielding questions from journalists, she shared,

“Recently, after a rigorous two-month academic experience, I received a certification from the Said Business School, University of Oxford, on the Artificial Intelligence programme. The experience was incredibly engaging as it allowed me to enhance my skills in integrating AI into business processes, while also gaining insights into the ethical implications and impacts on businesses. Understanding the expectations as the world transitions towards AI in contemporary business practices has been enlightening. This certification holds great significance for my career development and has broadened my perspective on the future of AI in business.”

“Through my scholarly experience, I have gained valuable technical awareness and leadership skills essential for navigating and expanding organizations in the era of Artificial Intelligence. This enriching journey has not only equipped me to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving technological landscape but has also empowered me to balance and excel in meeting my current work obligations. The blend of academic knowledge and practical application has honed my abilities to drive innovation and success while managing existing responsibilities with dedication and proficiency”.

“I also got certification at the Institute of Management Consultants, CMC-Nigeria; this is a founding member of an international federation, The International Council of Management Consulting Institutes, ICMCI-Global; interestingly, I am now a fellow. For me, it’s a big win and also a plus in career progression. This certification establishes me as a consultant capable of managing consulting business transactions within blue-chip companies with a strong emphasis on ethical standards. Equipped with this certification, along with my meticulousness, clarity, and strategic thinking, I am well-prepared to engage with multinational corporations and provide expert consultation across various domains, ensuring precision and timely delivery of services as agreed upon”.

“Permit me to also say that for Nigeria to leap-frog into the next AI revolution that is changing nearly all aspects of human life, there is an urgent need for the launch of a successful implementation of a national AI strategy in the country that hinges on collaborative efforts among stakeholders from various sectors- government and the private sector”.

“By fostering partnerships between the government, businesses, researchers, and international allies, Nigeria can leverage the transformative potential of AI to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and address societal challenges. Each stakeholder has a vital role to play in contributing to Nigeria’s AI journey, whether through policy advocacy, technology adoption, research collaboration, or global partnerships. By working together towards a common vision, Nigeria can position itself as a frontrunner in AI innovation, unlocking new opportunities and shaping a prosperous future for its citizens in the age of Artificial Intelligence,” She said.

Dr. Olaosebikan also used the occasion to appeal to various industry business owners and leaders to key into the AI digital transformation of Nigeria’s business ecosystem through technology adoption.

According to her “businesses are principal drivers of AI innovation and adoption, leveraging AI technologies to enhance operations, drive growth, and deliver value to customers in the contemporary transformative business climate.

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According to this integrated marketing expert, machine learning algorithms now have the foolproof ability to predict potential risks based on historical data and past occurrences.

She maintained that this feat allows organizations to proactively address risks before they escalate and communicate with relevant stakeholders in a more informed manner and in the nick of time.

Recall that Omolaraeni Olaosebikan last year won a contract with The Meteorological Office UK (Met Office) to develop improved communications practices on flood crisis information and work out meaningful risk communication strategies to mitigate perennial flooding in Nigeria.

The project is being sponsored by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and it is expected to bring together several relevant government agencies, like NIMET, NASRDA, NIHSA, NEMA, etc while also engaging in some desk-based research and consultations.

She said: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized risk communication by enabling organizations to analyze data, predict risks, and communicate with stakeholders more effectively with precision to solutions.

“In recent times, I have been involved in flood management, and natural disaster studies with the MET Office and FCDO which you are aware of and I desire I go steps further to be more involved in ways to help the vulnerable people amongst us. Those who day-to-day live in abject poverty and deprivation because of what natural disasters, pandemics, and other related crises have done to them and the government possibly not even looking to help their needs and preferences.”

The very engaging session took a better part of the female CEO’s time on Thursday even as she professionally responded to how to mitigate social vulnerability through AI-assisted risk communication strategies.

Her words,

“Risk communication essentially relies heavily on data analysis to identify potential threats, trends, and patterns. As I’ve said previously, AI-powered tools can process vast amounts of structured and unstructured data from various sources, including social media, news articles, and reports, to uncover valuable insights. By analyzing this data, organizations can gain a better understanding of emerging risks and tailor their communication strategies accordingly.

“AI’s predictive capabilities are invaluable for risk communication. Machine learning algorithms can predict potential risks based on historical data and past occurrences. This foresight allows organizations to proactively address risks before they escalate and communicate with stakeholders in a more informed manner.”

Fielding questions on empowering vulnerable communities with risk communication and AI technology strategies for resilience and safety, the McEnies Global Communications CEO reacted and said:

“AI can seamlessly help to mitigate the risks identified by providing recommendations, actions, and solutions. It can equally use data-driven awareness to suggest the best ways to reduce or eliminate the risk and create safety nets for the target or vulnerable segments of society. The aggregates of insights drawn from this can ultimately help to either enforce policies through government agencies or legislation from the Parliament, or run advocacy programmes to deepen the right message and techniques for the target groups and relevant stakeholders especially during, before, or after emergency situations.”

While stressing on risk communication and AI technology strategies and dose for saving social vulnerability, Omolaraeni gave this submission to the media:

“I’m not here to stir any scare, but the reality is that the fourth industrial revolution is in full swing, bringing with it a wave of technological advancements that have the potential to reshape every aspect of human life across the globe. Artificial Intelligence is at the forefront of this revolution, promising to transform various sectors and drive inclusive growth. In Africa, could the adoption of AI and related technologies accelerate the continent’s development and help to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The answer is: Yes!”

“Natural disasters are inherently unpredictable, but their consequences can be mitigated through early intervention and effective preparedness. These events can have devastating economic, social, and environmental impacts. Preventing natural disasters or minimizing their damage is a global imperative. AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data, analyze patterns, and make real-time predictions, will definitely revolutionize our approach to disaster prevention.

“Before delving into the ways AI can assist in disaster prevention, it’s crucial to understand the nature of these events. Natural disasters are broadly categorized into geological, meteorological, hydrological, and climatological phenomena. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis fall under geological disasters, while meteorological disasters include hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. Hydrological disasters involve floods and landslides, and climatological disasters encompass droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires.

“One of the most crucial aspects of disaster prevention is providing early warnings to vulnerable populations. AI-powered systems can process data from various sources, including weather sensors, satellites, and social media, to detect early signs of impending disasters. For example, in the case of hurricanes, AI algorithms can analyze atmospheric data to predict their path and intensity accurately. These predictions enable authorities to issue timely warnings and evacuate individuals at risk-prone areas and saving countless lives”

In the aspect of enhancing social vulnerability with AI Technology and risk communication, she noted; “Data-driven artificial intelligence technologies are progressively transforming the humanitarian field, the use of digital technologies in humanitarian action again should not be seen as a new phenomenon. Yet, contemporary advances in computational power, coupled with the availability of vast amounts of data, have allowed for more widespread use of digital technologies in the humanitarian context.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the trend of using digital technologies to help maintain humanitarian operations. AI is broadly understood as a collection of technologies that combine data, algorithms, and computing power. These technologies based on my understanding consist of software and possibly also hardware systems designed by humans that, given a complex goal, act in the physical or digital dimension by perceiving their environment through data acquisition, interpreting the collected structured or unstructured data, reasoning on the knowledge, or processing the information, derived from this data and deciding the best action to take to achieve the given goal and mitigate against disaster.”

On the need to bridge the gap and explore the intersection of AI technology and risk communication, she said;

“Globally, modern workplaces are undergoing a profound digital transformation, and of course here in Nigeria, we shouldn’t be caught napping. In line with this global shift, we must start to recognize and utilize the unparalleled value of AI’s capabilities.

These capabilities bring enhanced operational procedures, heightened productivity upscale success stories, and a growing range of innovative service offerings.

As AI systems become increasingly integrated, we must learn to follow the trend, reshaping the foundation of communication in risk and disaster management, know how to predict right, and cater to diverse needs and preferences.

This transformation weakens the traditional ties within incumbent financial institutions and paves the way for entirely new operational models.

“AI is reshaping the landscape of risk communication, empowering organizations to analyze data, engage with stakeholders, and respond to crises more effectively. By harnessing the potential of AI and upholding ethical standards, organizations can enhance their risk communication strategies and build stronger relationships with stakeholders in today’s rapidly changing world. As technology continues to evolve, AI’s role in risk communication will become more significant, making it an indispensable tool for modern risk managers and communication professionals. And for us at McEnies Global Communications we’re moving at the speed of light to meet up with contemporary standards in tandem with global best practices,” Omolaraeni Olaosebikan stated.

The post Olaosebikan Canvasses Use of AI in Risk Communication & Strategies appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The project which is being sponsored by UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will bring together several relevant government agencies, like NIMET, NASRDA, NIHSA, NEMA, etc while also engaging in some desk-based research and consultations.

The team will come together to co-develop improved communications products and protocols to reach the most vulnerable flood prone States and communities like Bayelsa, Lagos, Kebbi, Oyo, Kogi etc, to allow them make life-changing decisions.

The project is expected to last for 6 months and it will cover all the 36 states of Nigeria including FCT, Abuja.

During this period McEnies Global Communications is expected to professionally liaise with Nigeria’s local media across all channels, under a painstaking high-level engagement with government delegates and agencies that are crucial for the success of the well-intentioned project.

This upwardly mobile wholly owned Nigerian company, McEnies Global Communications that is known with vast expertise in strategic, integrated marketing services and digital marketing secured this deal with FCDO and UK Met Office in September, 2023 a confirmation from the company has revealed.

Met Office, is the United Kingdom’s national weather service and an executive agency and trading fund of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It’s also known for making meteorological predictions across all timescales from weather forecasts to climate change.

Speaking about its latest feat in blue cheap clientele expansion, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, the CEO of McEnies Global comms, said the latest milestone would enable the firm to continue to create a cohesive creative communications solution and further strengthen the agency’s ability to offer clients in Nigeria and outside Nigeria value for their money with premium and enduring satisfaction.

She added that sealing a deal with UK FCDO and UK Met Office is a confirmation of her company’s commitment to enhance its communication services offering for clients across the globe.

“Nigeria is one of the biggest economies in sub-Saharan Africa and creates opportunities for an innovative communications firm such as McEnies Global Communications.

“We will not rest on our oars in making use of our global network advantages, coupled with our local professional services experience, to provide strategic communications support to all our clients and of course our fresh contractual agreement with FCDO and UK Met Office to work out communication protocol that can help to mitigate against perennial flooding in Nigeria, and as well create a new conversation and right message with preferred language among vulnerable segments of the society will no doubt project us to the world as a competent and reliable outfit whose integrity, moral rectitude and Jack for excellence can never be compromised.

“This meritorious rise for us as a brand at McEnies Global Communications by dint of hardwood validates our strength in doing what we know how to do best and we are also committed to expand frontiers of integrated marketing communication, unlock more opportunities, break barriers and deepen customers’ satisfaction whilst also putting into cognizance industry standards and codes of ethics in tandem with global best practices,” she said.

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Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, the Chief Executive Officer of McEnies Global Communications, has said that corporate communications professionals need to show readiness to partner with NGOs and governments at all levels in order to drive desirable results and build capacity by designing and properly communicating programmes and reforms to the target audiences.

She added that experts must be seen at the forefront of championing and deepening governments and NGOs policies and initiatives through use of contemporary tools of communication to educate the general public on human development initiatives which essentially look out for them to live a better life within their respective communities.

Speaking in Lagos with some selected senior brand reporters to mark her monthly media briefing at the popular Eko hotel on Friday August 18, 2023, Omolaraeni urged the President, Governors and NGOs to employ seasoned professionals, who are strategic brand communicators and specialists, as partners in Progress.

She said, “As integrated marketing communication professionals, we just hope this will be a great opportunity to let the world know we can be an indispensable partner in progress with government across all levels and also with NGOs. State actors need professional brand communicators and specialists because people are brands. We need people that would not just sell in the country, sell in the brand but understand the ethics of it which is the most important aspect of the value chain.

 “We need professionals to sit down and craft a strategy to work in the entire system and then implement it using the vehicle of the media to drive it. Honestly there is an urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s marketing communication economy, all for the greater good of our nation.

“For example, currently there is no strategic campaign put in place about the distribution of palliatives that have been provided to the people by the government to cushion the impacts of the subsidy removal on premium motor spirit, most people do not know because there aren’t enough communication strategies in place to help the people to know and be well informed of what they need to do to take part in the scheme. It’s the role of the integrated marketing communications experts to partner with the government to get the words out to the public, using appropriate channels of communication.

“By focusing on sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, services, and investing in infrastructure, education and technology, Nigeria can unlock its economic potential, create employment opportunities and improve the standard of living for its citizens when the good use of excellent marketing communications strategies are rightfully deployed.

Omolaraeni equally added that the communication industry shouldn’t be an all comers affairs but it must only be for only those who are trained, qualified and licensed to practice while also putting into cognizance the ethics of the profession.

According to her: “An enforceable standard of practice needs to be established to provide acceptable industry-wide rules of engagement and this must cut across the interests of several sectors in the industry.”

While reminiscing on the roles played by some professional communicators during the 2023 election circle, the Ekiti-born marketing communications guru said:

“I have said it before in one of my old interviews and I must re-echo it again that our seasoned professionals truly proved their mettle in the 2023 election circle. Meanwhile, they made those who didn’t engage them to realize it was a bad outing for them in terms of positive outputs. I saw our people developing increasingly sophisticated tools and techniques during that period. Remarkably, these thrilling narratives and success stories which are becoming more visible in Nigeria at a time like this must be applauded. The practitioners, mostly youngsters, are not just making tremendous contributions to the growth of the industry, they are positively disrupting and developing the nation’s broader business and political landscape.”

Omolaraeni continued; “Strategic communications will help clarify and paint a clearer picture of the policy direction and overriding ideology of the government, in terms of what destination they are headed? Why does it matter? What are the implications and benefits for the nation and citizens in the different socio-economic groups? What level of adjustment and support is required from the various stakeholders for its success? What is the picture of the expected change or transformation if they need to succeed? Among other salient variables.” She noted.

The post Why Govt’s Campaigns Often Suffer Setbacks – Omolaraeni Olaosebikan appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The CEO of McEnies Global Communications who is championing a 360-degree marketing communications powerhouse with cross-solution services while delivering a lecture on the benefits of Integrated Marketing communications at a seminar organized at Lagos Sheraton hotel recently said success in business is not ‘rocket science’ but conscious, unwavering determination and serious hard work.

Speaking specifically to the topic of the day Omolaraeni Olaosebikan said:

“Integrated marketing is the principle of creating consistent messages across your marketing communication channels.  Companies with an integrated marketing strategy strive to show customers the same visual aesthetic, the same slogans, the same promotions, and the same overall tone across multiple channels.

“Whether these, customers engage with your product via a digital ad, a billboard, or an in-store experience, they’ll see a unified look and feel.

“As a small business owner, avoiding such customer confusion is probably in your best interest. You do this by employing consistent messaging throughout all your marketing efforts. This is known as integrated marketing communications.

The marketing communications expert also dazzled her teeming audience with what she described as a disjointed brand experience by the customers, in her explanations with an example to guide her claims, she noted:

“Imagine seeing a billboard advertising a car rental company. The billboard has a red and blue colour scheme and sports the slogan Car Rentals Done Right!”

“You remember the brand name, so later, when you get home, you visit the rental car company’s website. The site has an orange and yellow colour scheme and uses a slightly different slogan: Do Your Car Renting Right! You might be asking yourself is this really the same company? What you have just experienced is a disjointed brand experience. This hypothetical car rental company gave you a different look and a different message on different marketing channels.”

On the benefits of integrated marketing in brand management, the Ekiti born communications guru said

“Successful integrated marketing campaigns can yield many benefits for both small businesses and large corporations. When your demographic encounters your company across multiple channels, you get multiple chances to deliver the same consistent message. You can also use different marketing strategies to reach your target audience on each channel. For example, you might use search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website’s ranking on Google or retargeting ads to reach customers who have already visited your site.

“I’ve also realized that Integrated marketing helps stretch your digital marketing budget. Because you will use very similar creative across multiple marketing channels, it’s like getting several campaigns for the price of one. You also can collect customer data from all different platforms and use this valuable information to inform future marketing decisions.

“IMC also improves brand loyalty; it allows you to build a rapport with your target audience and create long-term customer relationships. You can establish trust with potential and current customers by delivering a consistent message across all channels. When customers trust your brand, they’re more likely to do business with you and recommend you to others.

“Another benefit is what I call streamlined management. To thrive in the digital commerce economy, many marketing managers embrace omnichannel marketing which involves a presence on everything from TV to social media platforms to Google Ads. An integrated marketing strategy helps your marketing team manage all these platforms and channels because you’ll be using the same slogan, colour scheme, and sales promotions on all platforms.” She spoke

When asked on how to create a robust integrated marketing campaign, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan in her response maintained that every committed stakeholder in the profession must understand campaign goals, know and identify the target audience, carefully select marketing channels, decide on creative direction, create a plan to collect leads, coordinate launch, analyse results, and accordingly adjust campaign and repeat to suit the set narrative.

The post Omolaraeni Olaosebikan Encourages Stakeholders in IMC to Step Up Games in Clients Satisfaction appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, the CEO of McEnies Global Communications‘ love for integrated marketing communication has pushed her to become a versatile expert in her corporate career with over two decade-long spans of experiences of managing blue chip clients from various multinational companies.

Her laudable feats have not only earned her fame but many laurels in the highly competitive industry, not even her gender could serve as a barrier for her in parameter setting with precision and ultimately in achieving key milestones.

The seasoned and thorough bred entrepreneur extensively spoke on Thursday, April 20, 2023 with some selected senior brand correspondents in Ibadan where she highlighted her experiences in her choice of career.

“In my career, I have grown to the point where I have proven myself. How creative and dedicated I am to the business and everything I do”, she stated.

Olaosebikan who currently handles accounts in oil and gas industry, hospitality, banking/finance, fashion/style and tourism services, whilst fielding questions from journalists during her interactive monthly media chat further said: 

McEnies operates a result driven business, ensuring that all results are measurable and transparent. In our tool-kit are: excellence, creativity, accountability, professionalism & integrity. With this, we have successfully proved our services to a wide array of clients in the area of advertising, media planning and buying, content and sponsorship, Public Relations, events management/activation as well as digital marketing. Depending on which angle of the prism you are looking from, you would see us either as a phoenix or the mistress of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). You would be right any ways. But be certain that great things lie ahead for our outfit and our clients ultimately stand a better chance of being optimally satisfied without regret.”

– Olaosebikan

She continues, “At a time stakeholder in the marketing communication industry thought the business environment was too tough for anybody to venture into, McEnies Global Communications was established with the vision and commitment to change the marketing communications landscape. However, in just about three years of operation in the highly competitive industry in the country, we have significantly proven to become an iconic creative brand, with the array of local and international awards and accolades in the industry.

Responding to the question of list of landmarks in the industry, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan answered: “With all sense of humility and gratitude to God we are growing in leaps and bounds, on the list of our landmarks in the industry within the shortest possible time of our existence if I start to talk about it, this press briefing won’t stop till tomorrow afternoon and I’m not joking. The patronage and success stories have been so great and phenomenal.

“Beyond the conventional creativity, we are one professionally inclined organization that prides itself as a solution provider to brands challenges in the marketplace by looking into their business problems and strategic way of solving them. If the yardstick for judgment is based on volume of business, billings and ability to rejuvenate brands, obviously, McEnies Global Communications is a market leader in the media planning and buying business.

“To achieve our targeted result, we believe to always deploy insight–driven media strategy and planning by defining marketing problems, probing challenges among others. Perhaps the secret of McEnies success lies in the strength of our network and outstanding talents. Please kindly permit me to applaud my team and our partners in progress for the feats we’ve recorded and still recording.

“As an ambitious creative community of talents, we develop brand experiences by working with our clients in a collaborative way that yields experimentation and new ideas. Our consistent great works are what have continually brought fame and fortune to us. This strategic thrust has undoubtedly guaranteed and deepened remarkable relevance and effectiveness for us as an entity.

“Truly, we have stayed true to our core belief of seeking and building differentiation on profound truths about all our clients, no wonder we have remained an ambitious creative community in our quest to become an iconic global idea brand creatively turning knowledge into value for businesses.” Omolaraeni Olaosebikan said.

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The event which took place in Maryland, Lagos had 25 inductees into ARCON altogether, 22 for Associate membership and 3 for Fellow.

ARCON, which is seen to be expanding its membership is the apex advertising, advertisement, and marketing communications’ regulatory agency of the Federal Government, and in accordance with its statutory mandates, responsibilities, and powers as conveyed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022.

Omolaraeni Olaosebikan who is the Chief Executive Officer of McEnies Global Communications with this latest certification now has the full legal rights to establish a full-fledged advertising agency and explore opportunities in outdoor advertising and other independent media space.

In a chat with the pressmen, Omolaraeni one of the inductees expressed appreciation for the honour done to her by ARCON which according to her will serve as a boost to her advertising and PR practices.

She also praised the council, describing it as very professional, thorough, disciplined, and dynamic in its conducts as well as policy thrust.

The Ekiti-born marketing communication guru encouraged young and upcoming advertising practitioners to work hard and always put God first in their dealings while also embracing the ethics of advertising.

Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, who had handled many blue-chip accounts for over a decade enjoined young practitioners to continue to develop their abilities in serving and satisfying their clients.

The elated Omolaraeni added that with the certification, she was ready to explore more opportunities in the sector; thanked ARCON leadership especially the DG, for the honour done to her and several other esteemed Nigerians on Wednesday and prayed for continued success of council.

“You can’t set up agency without getting approval from ARCON and for us stakeholders we are pleased to see this critical sector to be regulated by this reputable council. I am also happy to see this platform creating understanding on how to deal with clients and agency across the entire value chain. One thing I have also learned is that wherever you find your feet, do good and God will bless your works. ARCON is a prestigious professional body, and it must be respected so and I am proud to be part of it.” Omolaraeni said

On his own part, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General of the ARCON after administering oath on the inductees emphasized on the four areas where inductees can use their certificates in both indoor and outdoor advertising, he also talked about the new ARCON’s Act which puts the regulatory body in good stead to carry out its duties, since it takes care of gaps in the former APCON Act. One of such gaps, he said, is the control of new media and online advertisement, which he believed was not taken care of in the APCON Act.

According to Dr. Fadolapo the council is now empowered under law to effectively regulate and enhance inclusive growth. He assured stakeholders that ARCON is not regulating to strangulate, adding that, all it plans to achieve with these new regulatory powers is to ensure good corporate governance and inclusive growth in the sector.

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One of these unique individuals is this unassuming and elegant lady, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, the CEO of Perfect Clicks Signature a leading event planner with a rich clientele that cut across all walks of life.

Specifically, her clientele is mostly the cream of the society, high-ranked politicians, royalties blue chip companies, multinationals and various corporate organizations across Nigeria.

Impressively, her clients are drawn to her attention to detail as well as the class and elegance she brings to all her events.

Omolaraeni Olaosebikan has perfected her highly cherished skills of transforming spaces into wonderland; meeting the taste of her clients. Her diligence and passion stand her out in the competitive market of event planning and management. She attributed her staying power to her esteemed passion for the job.

Perfect Clicks Signature, the event coverage arm of her wide range of her business and expertise is one of the biggest event planning outfits in Nigeria giving events the desired touch of music, colors, discussions, security, decorations etc.; while also bearing in mind that Event Planning encompasses all aspects of a ceremony, from its initial conception and idea-generating stage through to the tiny bit of the details of the event itself without snags.

Olaosebikan’s entrepreneurial tentacles are spread across six categories, one of them is McEnies Global Communications, this involves Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Sale promotions, media management, Advertising and Media Consultants.

Second in line is McEnies Global Events, this involves Event Planning and Management, Destination event, Hall scouting and negotiation, event consultancy, event productions, security and corporate pickup. Thirdly is McEnies Events and Protocols, which are, Ushering services, bouncer services, stage designs and decorations, event coordination.

The fourth category is a McEnies Management Consultancy this is solely about Human Resources and Management consultancy.

The fifth category is the Perfect Clicks Signature, this involves Event coverage, e.g., Photography, Videography, drone flying, live streaming, etc., others in this category are post event productions which include Royal frames, synthetic Photobook, acrylic frames etc.

And lastly, is the Ruby Models Company, this involves Children Modelling agency, children voice over artist management, talent hunt and management etc. She has a lot in her portfolio to the satisfaction of her clients.

This Ekiti born entrepreneur, on her part, has professionally and courteously made the management and delivery of a hitch-free events her preoccupation, and consistently making the satisfaction of her clients her core priority. Her proclivity towards Event Planning and different range of businesses she finds herself in, are borne out of her resolve to be positively impactful to humanity in a most unique way.

Olaosebikan during her monthly media chat with some selected media executives at a hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, September 1, 2022 said:

“We thank God Almighty for our rising profile, and I assure our clients that we will never disappoint them as we journey ahead in our symbiotic relationships. Our records are there in the public domain, at Perfect Clicks Signature, our honest resolve is to do our best to explore every acceptable medium, with our target audience being both old and young. The local newspaper is not left out, broadcast media, the online media, including social media,” she said.

On her penchant for success, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan believes attributes are required to drive a successful event and they are mainly two; Communication and Teamwork.

“From my experience over the years, I can reliably say communication is key to listening, understanding and communicating with clients. People have different tastes. So you have to hold that conversation to be able to know what they want. While working with my team members and different vendors, communication is key. Having clients who also listen and trust your judgment is also very important,” she said.

Explaining her points on teamwork, she stated: “For me, I always believe the input of a photographer is required, the videographer, the decorator, caterer, bouncers, the baker, the MC, the DJ or live band as the case may be and so much more to execute a brief. With attention to the tiniest details on all sides, this of course will make the client to go home fulfilled” she stated.

Whilst reacting to how some difficult clients are handled, the Perfect Clicks Signature CEO said she was privileged to have worked with various clients, adding that her prerequisite training and courteous nature often give her an edge in overcoming pressures and challenges as they come.

“Without sounding immodest, I believe that no matter how difficult someone is, there is always a deal breaker for that person and once you find it and a compromise is made then the issue is settled it becomes a win-win for all concerned parties.

“If you are truly knowledgeable of your onions, all you need to do is, project yourself well, put your best efforts in every job you get, notwithstanding the amount you are paid must be accordingly utilized,” she advised.

“The fact that you have collected the job, and committed yourself to do the job, you must go all out to deliver a good service. At the end of the day, it is the outlook that people will see, not the amount you were paid. People must understand that you are so privileged to market yourself in a circle of almost 2,000 people. So you must give it your best and ensure the event is well delivered. If the event is properly handled, you will probably be able to knock down one or two potential clients through your perfect delivery, and as our name suggests, Perfect Clicks Signature.

“I must also emphasize that once you get a brief, you have to go all out and deliver well, because you have a reputation to protect. There are clients who are not patient enough to see the outcome of the service you aim to deliver. They always want to interrupt the process. I always tell people that you cannot appreciate the process until you see the end result. What they initially see as impossible later becomes something to treasure at the end,” she stressed.

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