In a bid to address issues of economic failure and negative narratives in Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, has called for a collective shift in the way Nigerians perceive and present their country.

Speaking at the 2025 National Investiture Ceremony hosted by the Institute of Certified Sales Professionals (ICSP), Yusuf, a former Chairman of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), emphasised the urgent need for Nigerians to amplify the country’s achievements both at home and abroad, while ensuring the effective implementation of ongoing economic reforms.

According to Yusuf, one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges is its tendency to focus on negative narratives.“We amplify the bad things, the negative stories, and negative narratives.”

Highlighting the country’s young innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are excelling in various fields, he said.: “There are a lot of good things happening in this country, a lot of achievements by fantastic people in practically all sectors, but they are overshadowed by the dominant negative narratives.”
He warned that this continued focus on negative stories has had a damaging effect on the collective mindset of Nigerians, making many feel there is little to be proud of.

Yusuf stressed the importance of reclaiming the country’s narrative, arguing that “telling our own stories” is an essential part of patriotism.
“No country is without challenges, but other nations do not excessively dwell on their shortcomings. Instead, they amplify their successes and instill national pride. We must do the same.”

He urged individuals, the media, and government institutions like the National Orientation Agency to take responsibility for changing the national narrative.

Addressing the country’s economic situation, Yusuf acknowledged the severe challenges of the past two years but maintained that the ongoing reforms were necessary despite the hardships they initially caused.

“The economy has gone through very difficult times, especially in the last two years, due to necessary reforms, but the good news is that the worst is behind us. The economy is stabilizing.”
Yusuf however, beckoned on the government to help manufacturers to create an environment to produce quality and well efficient products at much lower costs, so as to propagate economic reforms.

He expressed optimism that 2025 would be a turning point, as key indicators such as inflation and energy prices are beginning to show signs of improvement.
The CPPE chief noted that investor confidence is rising and Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports is reducing, signaling progress toward self-sufficiency in critical sectors.“We are not where we want to be yet, but things are getting better,” he assured. “My hope is that we will continue on this path.”

Yusuf’s remarks serve as a call to action for Nigerians to not only support the country’s economic transformation but also to play an active role in shaping its global image. The event featured sales experts who were onboarded by the Institute to be nurtured and guided on how to promote and attain higher levels of selling skills through innovation.
The President, ICSP, Mr. Arthur Ozoigbo, in his speech to the newly onboarded members, emphasised the crucial role of salesmen in the success of organisations, stating that without their efforts, even top executives would struggle.

“Unless the salesmen sell, even the MD won’t be able to sleep,” he stated.
He stressed that without effective salesmanship, products would either not be produced, or if manufactured, would become obsolete due to low demand.
Encouraging members to remain dedicated, he urged them to resist temptations on the job, as they often handle financial transactions in both public and private sectors. Ozoigbo warned against unethical practices, affirming that the ICSP was established to uphold integrity and professionalism in the Nigerian sales industry.

“We are a people who have chosen to set ourselves apart. While some may take shortcuts, in the long run, those who remain professional and ethical achieve greater success,” Ozoigbo added.