NIMN resolves to reposition marketing profession

The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has held its eighth yearly conference with a resolve to reposition the profession.During the well-attended event that was declared open by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, in Abuja, marketing institutes were charged by the minister to offer sound professional advice to government on how the country and its image could be better managed.

According to him, government could not do it all alone, noting that there is so much to do to sell the nation through positive stories. He lamented that most citizens play down Nigeria’s positive achievements and amplify her fault lines.He urged the professionals to take the gauntlet of marketing the country, especially its strengths and areas where it had done marvelously.
 
The minister charged the gathering to play up areas like conducive environment for business and the Economic Recovery And Growth Plan, among others. Earlier in his welcome address, the President/Chairman of Council of the institute, Tony Agenmonmen, acknowledged that Nigeria has some of the finest marketing and marketing communications professionals globally, stressing that they were in better position to rebrand the country through fresh ideas.

“Nigeria is a brand. We strongly believe that the marketing principles that apply in ordinary day marketing can be applied to market brand Nigeria.       

The  starting  point is that  a  brand must mean something to the  consumer to    be relevant.” He went on: “Similarly we believe Nigeria must mean something to Nigerians  and  to foreign audience. We must find that  hook that can  connect brand Nigeria to its  audience.That is the  beginning of how    to build a love   relationship between a brand and  its target audience.”   

The highlight of the two-day event was the election of new executives to steer the affairs in the next two years.Elected alongside Agenmonmen are First President, Dr. Umar Mustapha and Mr. Femi Oyewole as Second Vice President while Tarry Ikpebu and Ayoade Adeyemi emerged council members.

Dignitaries that attended the ceremony included presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina; seasoned comedian, Ali Baba; renowned sports journalist, Aisha Falode and veteran marketing professional, Mr. ‘Lolu Akinwunmi, among others.