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Tag: Omolaraeni Olaosebikan

  • Feature: Redefining the Disconnect in Strategic Communication between the Nigerian Government and the People

    Feature: Redefining the Disconnect in Strategic Communication between the Nigerian Government and the People

    By Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan

    The relationship between the government and the governed is pivotal for the progress and growth of any society. 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. By 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 endeavors, 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 Nigeria 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.

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

  • Omolaraeni, McEnies Boss Receives Honourary Doctorate, Excellence Business Leader Award By 2 Esteemed Foreign Institutions

    Omolaraeni, McEnies Boss Receives Honourary Doctorate, Excellence Business Leader Award By 2 Esteemed Foreign Institutions

    A prestigious College of Business and Management in the UK MGIBES, in partnership with HonorCrest Institute, Canada and Theophany University, Hait, North America have jointly conferred on Omolaraeni Olaosebikan an honorary doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership and Business Management.

    Dr. Omolaraeni who is the CEO of McEnies Global Communications also bagged an award of Global Excellence Business Leader in the field of Leadership and Strategic Management as one of the Global Excellent Business Leaders in Africa (GEBLA) by the Board of MGibes College of Business and Management, UK.

    This newest milestones for McEnies boss is a two in one awards, having been identified by the organizers as a worthy recipient with proven tack records of distinction in her chosen career.

    The auspicious event took place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos amidst dignitaries from all walks of life.

    According to the institution the award forms part of its vision to recognize well performing business leaders and corporate professionals in Nigeria and Africa, noting that the choice of Omolaraeni as one of the awardees was very well thought out and in tandem with the institution’s policy thrust.

    Speaking at the event, the President, Dr. Adegoke Kojo Michael disclosed that MGCBM has designed this 2-in-1 degree as an image title, as it establishes the recipient as a symbol of high status, merits and recognition of her professional achievements in her years of service.

    The President further noted that the primary candidates distinguished for this award are individual business leaders within the private sector (CEOs, Senior-Level Managers and Business Owners).

     “It would interest you to note that your nomination comes from our alumni network which is then screened by the Partner University Bodies from Haiti (Theophany University), Canada (HonorCrest Institute) and Mexico in partnership with M-Gibes College of Business and Management, UK.” Dr Kojo noted.

    Reacting to the award as a recipient, the integrated marketing communication guru was deeply elated to be honoured by these Institutions, which she described as prestigious institutions she strongly hold in high esteem.

    In her acceptance speech, Dr. Omolaraeni thanked the University for the honour noting that the recognition would further drive her to do more to help businesses thrive in the overall national development. 

    “Receiving an honorary doctorate is an extraordinary privilege that I accept with great joy and humility. I am truly proud to be associated with these great institutions and I sincerely and especially thank College of Business and Management in the UK MGIBES, in partnership with HonorCrest Institute, Canada and Theophany University, Haiti, North America, for adding value to my contribution through the conferment of this honorary degree and award.

    Continuing, Dr. Omolaraeni stated: “This latest feat will make me redouble my efforts in strategic management especially in reviewing and determining client’s strengths, weaknesses, operational effectiveness and opportunities.

    “It will equally spur me not to renege in making informed and flawless recommendations based on internal and external factors to minimize risks and formulate plans to achieve client’s short-term and long-term goals.

    “Together with my team we will not rest on our oars in driving effective integrated marketing communications prowess which is essentially our turf, we shall also reignite our zest in employing vibrant and forward thinking youths to accelerate the growth of the company through international best practice to accentuate cutting-edge skills for capacity building, optimal output and efficiency.

    “We would also boost our ingenious energy in creating communications that inform, educate, persuade, remind customers of a need they have, reassure and differentiate one product or brand from another to suit their preference and ultimately deliver messaging that will be profitable and productive to our clients. What also interest me more was that the Doctorate giving out these awards is in the field of Leadership and Strategic Management. For me this is a plus.” Dr. Omolaraeni said.

    One of the high-profile guests at the event, Dr. Taiwo Ogunmilade, on his part also gave an inspiring speech on the need to seek strategic leaders across all sectors in the nation. He spoke extensively on the current situation in Nigeria and called for Nigerians to be deliberate when they are choosing their leaders.

    “These people in positions of authority must have qualities that are important to leading the nation or business excellently well. Amongst the qualities are foresight, passion, empathy, understanding, compassion, intelligence, integrity, tenacity of purpose and team spirit” he said.

  • McEnies Bags 6-Month Communications Deal With FCDO, UK Meteorological Office In Nigeria To Alleviate Flooding

    McEnies Bags 6-Month Communications Deal With FCDO, UK Meteorological Office In Nigeria To Alleviate Flooding

    McEnies Global Communications has won a contract with UK Meteorological Office to develop improved communications practices on weather information and work out meaningful communication strategies to mitigate against perennial flooding in Nigeria.

    The project which is being sponsored by UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will bring together several relevant government agencies, like the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA),  National Emergency Management Agency (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, the CEO of McEnies Global comms, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan 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.

  • CEO of McEnies Global Communications, Omolaraeni Shines At Lagos Seminar, Highlights The Strength Of IMC


    CEO of McEnies Global Communications, Omolaraeni Shines At Lagos Seminar, Highlights The Strength Of IMC

    Omolaraeni Olaosebikan has proven not to rest on her oars just as she redoubled her commitment to the process of brand engagement and detailed brand storytelling, which are initiatives that have given her cutting edge in her career, whilst also showing consistency in clients’ satisfaction.

    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 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 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.