Ex-Ovation TV Editor, Ebuwa Martins Agbonwaneten, Bags Double Appointments

 

Ebuwa Martins Agbonwaneten, former Managing Editor of premium celebrity television channel, Ovation TV, is in a season of jubilation for three significant reasons or more: his new age that was on  Sunday 7th of August and his two new appointments in the lines of his media career and his humanitarian vocation. 

 

 

 

The media-shy and often tacit founder and CEO of White Martinz Productions Limited uncovered the titillating news of his recent double appointments during a brunch with this reporter last weekend at a classy restaurant tucked in the Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Lagos. 

 

 

 

Breaking the news of the double appointment during the brunch just as the appointments, according to him, were delivered in his _plate_ at a particular point in time some weeks back; he disclosed that the first is as the Managing Director of newly formed, ground-breaking international multimedia house, Tingo Media — while the second is as the Chief Operating Officer of eponymous charity foundation, Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation (DMF), both appointments announced to him by the multi-serial entrepreneur and millionaire philanthropist himself, Mr Dozy Mmobuosi. 

 

 

 

Repeatedly reeling out his appreciations to Mr Mmobuosi, energetic Ebuwa Martins as he is fondly called by friends and colleagues in the media sector could not conceal his excitement any longer, as he disclosed how some months ago the business mogul Mmobuosi invited him irresistibly to join his impact-making and robustly growing Tingo business empire and eponymous foundation.

 

 

 

"I just got these double appointments within a little time of one month", he enthused. "I'm usually scared when I hear Dozy (Mmobuosi) talk and when I see what he does. I want to transform his dreams into reality. If I can achieve even my part of his vision, I'll be fulfilled. His dreams are so mighty to impact greatly on Nigeria and Africa at large. Transforming a part of it where I am relevant is my lifetime priority right now. My vision is to own a world-class TV and radio station, to produce high-budget feature films and to publish a world-class internet newspaper; and all that is coming to pass already through my engagement in Tingo Media. We just acquired a studio where our focus is triple play via voice, internet and TV. We will be adding values to the broadcasting and media industry. Already, we are working with a topnotch partner company based in the US and the UK". 

 

 

 

He was enthused further. "Dozy Mmobuosi is pushing me as well into lots of humanitarian initiatives and projects which I never thought of doing and I see the abundant joy in the beneficiaries. That is the joy I've been experiencing since he appointed me as the Chief Operating Officer of the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation." 

 

 

 

In our check at the www.dozymmobuosifoundation.com, we found out that the humanitarian philanthropy impacts on its communities through four major intervention channels namely healthcare, information technology, education and entrepreneurship. 

 

 

 

Mr. Agbonwaneten cited their ongoing Free Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening programme as one of their currently running healthcare initiatives. He said: "We've been on it for about two months now and we've seen several abnormal cases in Lagos and Abuja. We are now going gradually to other states and thereafter to other African nations". He also mentioned the case of a celebrity who was recently paid off three million Naira plus for her emergency healthcare needs. 

 

 

 

As education interventions, "We give out scholarships to geniuses and scholars who cannot afford basic quality education expenses. We also offer training to both teachers and pupils respectively, and we equip less privileged schools to upgrade their infrastructures and facilities. For example, we are about buying a property in Ajegunle and upgrading it to international standards after which we will present it to the community to run sustainably." 

 

 

 

"Next year, we are having a 3-day tech conference for women at the prestigious Eko Hotel for selected young ladies who will get free months of training, empower them with laptops and with employments through our links, and further financial empowerment for those among them who are ready and willing to go into business, without expecting anything in return", he went on as he pointed out their immediate plan for entrepreneurship-cum-infotech intervention.

 

 

 

Importantly, the former Executive Director of Legendary Gold's Nigerian Fashion Show in Europe and former Country Director of Soundcity Premium in Ghana, and former Associate Producer of Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) in USA, Ebuwa Martins, disclosed their upcoming high-octane event scheduled to hold at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel, London on the historic 9-11 date, September 11, 2022, only a few weeks away. Featuring Nigeria's megastar songstress Aṣa and music stars Soul2Soul and Brandy among other eminent entertainers, the event, according to him, is also hosting to a grand and lavish ceremony, the unveiling of the foundation to a gathering of honourable members of parliament (MPs), business tycoons and other high profile guests from the UK and Europe, the US and Africa.

 

 

 

Obviously elated by the double appointment and the exciting engagements that come with it, Ebuwa Martins was full of praise and thanks first to his Creator for sparing his life to witness the all-round progress in his life as he clocks yet another age on Sunday 7th, August 2022. He also expressed appreciation for his family, his close and helpful friends and also for three notable mentors and benefactors in his life progress namely Lexy Mojo-Eyes of the Legendary Gold fame, Dele Momodu aka Bob Dee of the Ovation International brand and Dozy Mmobuosi of the Tingo Media, Tingo Holdings and the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation leverage. 

 

 

 

The constantly goal-driven learner, whose first name Ebuwa means "Wealth Amidst Plenty", believes and professes that leadership is by making impacts and vows to dish out, beyond his new age and as long as he lives, his wealth of virtues and experience even in the midst of the plenty potential and empowerment that his benefactors like his immediate friend and boss, Dozy Mmobuosi, bestows on him.

Amb Yusuf Buratai Bags Yoruba Chieftaincy Title

  

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun iii, has conferred the chieftaincy title of ‘Are Balogun Agba’ of Owu-Kuta Kingdom on former chief of army staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd.
According to the letter of conferment sighted by our Correspondent, Olowu said; “Besides my long-standing excellent inter-personal relationship with you, your qualification as an icon worthy of being bestowed with High Chieftaincy titles of Owu-Kuta is superlative.

 

Olowu explains that since he assumed the throne of his forefathers on the 15th September, 2012, he has developed three main concerns as primary objectives in Office, which include peaceful coexistence, socio-economic development and qualitative leadership.

 

He said ; “Confernment of this title on you by the Owu Kingdom is a further testimony to the fact that people appreciate what you have done and the ones you are still doing for the country. This long-earned title should further reinvigorate you to do more for posterity.

 

 
“After due consultation with the Olowu-in-Council and the entire Royal Family, I hereby confer on you the High Chieftaincy title of:
‘Are Balogun Agba’ of ‘Owu-Kuta’ Kingdom.

 

 
“Please accept our congratulation with the highest royal esteem!
The installation will take place at a later date.

Caging Insecurity: Situating Gen. Buratai’s New Recipe

  

 

Buratai

 

As guest lecturer at a recent symposium on National Security, organised by Arewa House in Kaduna, former Chief of Army Staff and current Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, pitched for negotiation as a resolution option with armed non-state actors. Louis Achi examines the new recipe.

 

For three tough years, Rome had besieged the City of Carthage which was the only existential threat to the Roman Empire thereabouts 142 BC, until the coming of the Vandals several centuries later.

 

As the battle-hardened Roman General Scipio Africanus who took the city finally in 146 BC watched it burn in complete destruction, he suddenly broke down and wept. It was a shocking spectacle for his troops to behold. Crying for a defeated enemy or pitching for some benign accommodation was an indulgence unknown in that era.

 

Scipio’s emotional reaction to this particular conclusion of a historic, bloody campaign stemmed from a deep philosophical apprehension that all cities, nations, and authorities must, like men, meet their doom.

 

In a fundamental sense, General Scipio’s tough exploits and later philosophical sentiments about the enemy echo that of Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and current Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai. By boldly proposing an alternative engagement modus with non-state actors who have actively sought and are still seeking to bring the nation to her knees and fracture her sovereignty, General Buratai presents a compelling case deserving specific interrogation.

 

It could be recalled that following his appointment in July 2015 as COAS by President Muhammadu Buhari until he exited in 2021, Lt. Gen. Buratai had besieged the Boko Haram terrorist group and other potent armed non-state actors who posed considerable existential threat to the nation. He led from the front, amidst grueling, multifarious challenges and left with head held high.

 

Lt. Gen. Buratai had on June 11, 2022, called for dialogue between governments and armed groups, saying a growing practice of engaging in dialogue with all parties to a conflict had emerged since the mid-1980s. He observed that there must be concerted efforts that there are no ungoverned spaces in the land.

 

He urged state and local governments to establish their presence in their areas of responsibility. According to him, negotiation and dialogue are integrated approaches that can end insecurity by involving traditional and religious leaders, media, security and intelligence agencies.

 

The former Army boss spoke as a guest lecturer at a one-day symposium on National Security, organised by the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Centre for Historical Research and Documentation, Arewa House Kaduna, with the theme ‘Politics and Insecurity in Nigeria: Way Forward’.

 

Significantly, he further noted that he aligned with the approach being promoted by a revered Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, seen by many as controversial. His words: “This is where I commend Sheikh Gumi for his initiative. One-third of the fight is military; others should be non-kinetic, through dialogue. We must get this solution and this is the right time to get it done.”

 

Buratai further suggested the revitalisation of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria, better welfare and equipment for police, as well as the establishment of a national border force as done in other parts of the world.

 

According to him, the issue of the carrot and stick approach can be used to explore ways to end some of the conflicts confronting Nigeria, counselling the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to collaborate and employ all means to block off supplies to terrorists.

 

He also held that “the ongoing reforms of the Nigerian Police, procurement of modern platforms for intelligence gathering, and effective control of Nigeria’s porous borders will go a long way” in curbing various forms of insecurity in different parts of the country such as insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West, agitations in South East and crude oil bunkering in South-South.”

 

The one day event was graced by heads of military and paramilitary organisations, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar who was represented, university dons, religious leaders, serving and retired military office and prominent Nigerians from diverse walks of life.

 

Is it conceivable that General Buratai’s diplomatic tour of duty may have mellowed the tough soldier’s appetite for frontal confrontation, or on the other hand, tweaked his philosophy of engagement? Big question!

 

According to Italian-American Professor of International Relations, Angelo M. Codevilla, “By their very nature, diplomacy and military force are means to the ends of statecraft as well as channels by which governments press their agendas on others. Neither is inherently more or less useful than the other.

 

“Far from being antithetical to one another, diplomacy and military force are complementary insofar as they serve the same political ends. “What are we after? What are they after?” These questions are as central to warfare as to diplomacy.”

 

In dissecting General Buratai’s new recipe of caging bloody insecurity, it needs to be stated that current armed conflict in Nigeria is characterised by an abundance of non-state armed groups who compete with the state for control over people, resources, and territory. The composition, areas of influence, and alliances of these groups tend to be fluid and subject to rapid change. This essentially captures the strategy of Boko Haram insurgents.

 

Beyond this, the internal dynamics within them are often opaque, providing limited opportunities for outsiders to develop an understanding of their interests and to identify opportunities for negotiation. Humanitarian actors, diplomats, and mediators must nevertheless engage these groups if they are to succeed in reducing levels of violence, bring an end to the conflict, or provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.

 

Before these negotiations can begin, however, opportunities have to be found or created to bring armed groups to the negotiating table – whether literal or figurative. But then these groups need to be first incentivized.

 

The most effective incentive for armed groups to negotiate usually relates instead to legitimacy. But careful analysis is needed to ensure these groups enter negotiations in good faith rather than being content to simply appear to negotiate. Opportunities are likely to be scarce for engaging armed groups that derive their legitimacy by violating international norms. Armed groups may also be compelled to negotiate over their desire for humanitarian assistance to substitute for their own responsibilities.

 

Positive inducements, then, are usually a more effective means of getting armed groups to the negotiating table. The most effective incentive for armed groups usually relates to their need for legitimacy. Many armed groups serve as de facto governments often overseeing a range of government-like services, such as health or education departments. Others have even established putataive sub-national governance structures and often aspire to hold post-conflict leadership positions.

 

In a significant sense ‘conference diplomacy,’ a term coined by the defunct League of Nations, can contribute to conflict prevention by providing a forum for negotiation over the terms of a conflict’s conclusion, as well as laying the ground for the development of sustainable peace.

 

As part of the diplomatic toolbox, it allows focused attention to the issue at hand, brings together all relevant actors – ideally in a neutral setting and by a trusted convener – and fosters both momentum as well as a clear deadline for action.

 

At press time, it cannot be disputed that the nation badly needs an end to the current bloodletting, brazen banditry and kidnapping daily going on. Today, food insecurity, direct fallout from the rampaging banditry, is glaringly real. Is Gen. Buratai the man who saw tomorrow?

 

Could the tough Roman General Scipio Africanus’ fleetingly gripping insight into the core of the human condition have influenced his Nigerian counterpart, General Buratai, eons later, to reconsider the traditional kinetic engagement with enemies. Has General Buratai, peering into the twilight zone of his eventful life, morphed into a statesman or become a soldier-statesman? Time will tell.

All Set for Christ Royals Apostolic Church Praise Conference

 

For every blessing that comes down from the throne of God, billions of hands ought to be raised in gratitude and worship. Many people may be unaware of this fact, but not the grateful people of Christ Royals Apostolic Church.

 

 

In a few days, their praise conference will begin and it will be a delight and a wonder for those who have never attended.

 

 

The Christ Royals Apostolic Church, Ogun State, is currently making preparations for hosting its members and the general public for its praise conference. This year, the theme of the conference is PRAISE TO DELIVER, taken from Psalms 103:2 which instructs people to bless the LORD and never forget all His benefits. And with the caliber of ministering guests, it is certain that every individual that attends the conference will not forget any of God’s benefits.

 

 

 

Of course, the host is none other than Pastor Olabode and Prophetess Fola Emmanuel, the servants of God that have strengthened the church since its founding in Ogun State. And among those that have been invited to minister to God’s people with them are Evangelist Bose Adeiwa, Olamide Gold, Vickky Sax, and Saxoluwafemi, all great people that love God.

 

 

 

Now, regarding the event itself, the praise conference will be held at the church’s headquarters in Ogun State. Specifically, the conference will be held at CoolRoom Unity/Oke Odo, off Unity Street, Arigbawonmo Mowe.

 

 

Naturally, this year’s edition of the praise conference will set a mark in the heart of God’s people that will not be erased by time in the years to come.

 

 

So, all is set at the venue. All that remains are the people of God who recognize His many good things in their lives

 

Nigerians Celebrate Poland World War II Hero, Agboola Brown, Ask Govt to Immortalize Him

 

Nigerians living in Poland, on Monday, gathered to celebrate the heroic exploit of August Agboola Brown during the invasion of Warsaw by the Adolf Hitler controlled Nazi German soldiers between 1939-1944.

 

 

August Agboola Brown, according to history, was the only African descent and a Nigerian who fought on the side of the Resistance Army of Poland with the codename "Ali" during the World War II to put the German soldiers in check. About 200,000 Polish were said to have perished in this brutal uprising.

 

 

The event said to have been sponsored by Afro Euro Investment and International Afryka Shop Warszawa, Poland among others had in attendance Nigeria Ambassador to Poland, His Excellency, Christian Ugwu, Dr Tade Omotosho, NIDO Poland President, Prince Adekunle Adebayo Ayoola, Mrs Patience Okiyi and Dr Emmanuel Kalejaiye from Nigeria Embassy in Poland.

 

 

Others are Mr. Krzysztof Kopytko of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Saharan African Division, Mrs. Iwona Woicka-Zuławska (Director of Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

 

Dr. Lucyna Żbikowska as well as Izabela Janiszewska among other Nigerians resident in Poland.

 

 

Leading Nigerians to join Poland to mark the 78 years anniversary of the World War II in Warsaw on Monday, Dr. Lateef Erinfolami from the Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora Organization, Poland (NPIDOP) and the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the programme said that the event was an opportunity to salute the sacrifice and bravery of Mr. Agboola Augustus Brown while also paying tribute to all the heroes and victims of the Warsaw uprising.

 

 

Thanking the Polish government for allowing the construction of cenotaph for the late war veteran as well as commemoration of his heroic feats every first day of August when Warsaw Uprising anniversary is marked, Dr Erinfolami said the government of Poland should further immortalise Agboola by naming streets around Poland in his name and establishing a Science and Art Foundation

for young Africans in his remembrance.

 

 

Dr Erinfolami said "we the Nigerian diasporan in Poland appreciate all the people and Historians who brought to us the life and history of Agboola Brown and his heroic contribution to the Warsaw uprising.

 

 

"We thank the "Freedom and Peace Foundation” and the City of Warsaw under the presidency of Mr. Rafal

Trzaskowski for the recognition of Mr. Agboola which has made our commemoration possible today.

 

 

"In the name of all African association and African residents in Warsaw and Poland in general we say your fight is our fight, your Hero is our Hero just as we enjoy the comfort and welcoming friendship of the polish people.

 

 

"Today, as we commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of Mr. Agboola Augustus Brown, we pay tribute, by bending our heads, to all the heroes of Warsaw Uprising, both the anonymous ones and those remembered in historical documents, we pay tribute to the memories of the heroes and victims of World War II and the victims of Nazi genocide.

 

 

"Additionally, we recognize the multitude of African men and women who are making their mark daily to promote the good image of their mother nation and the adopted Land of Poland. We recognize you for your sacrifices and dedication".

 

 

Mr. Agboola was said to have been born in Lagos, today Nigeria on 22nd July 1895 to Father Mr. Wallie and Mother Jozefina daughter of John who is believed to be of Polish origin.

 

 

However, much is said not to be known of Agboola's Polish lineage as it still couldn't be proved and this is even said to be contrary to how he was referred to in the press after his marriage as an authentic black man marrying an authentic white woman. It is generally safe to say Agboola was an authentic African man from today Nigeria.

 

 

Agboola after his secondary education was said to have joined his grandparents on the farm but later opted for adventure to the new world on a merchant ship as a Sailor.

 

 

In England, he was said to have joined a touring Jazz group, playing around Europe from where he later landed in Poland in 1922.

 

From several publications and archival records; Mr. Brown lived at Złota Street in Warsaw. He was a professional Jazzman and worked in clubs. His first album was recorded in 1928 which was historic as he was possibly the first African musician to have achieve this in Europe at that time.

 

 

Agboola reportedly got married in Krakow to a Polish woman in person of Ms Zofia Pykówna, they had two sons – Ryszard (Richard) in 1928 and Aleksandra (Alexandra) in 1929. His friends and neighbors were said to have remembered him as a very intelligent, courteous person, and a polyglot (he spoke six languages).

 

 

Unfortunately, in 1939 Poland became the first victim of Nazi declaration of War on Europe. Warsaw was occupied, Agboola was said to have volunteered to use his knowledge and insight within the city as an asset in the ranks of the resistance Polish Home Army, the biggest partisan force in World War II.

 

 

Since every resistance soldier is referred by his/her Alias, Agboola Brown chose the nickname “ALI” and he daringly toiled, defending the city of Warsaw alongside the brave men and women of the Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa) notwithstanding the ruthless Nazi German occupation force until its final hour.

 

 

As confirmed in several archival documents, where one can read:

 

"Home Army -1st District "Radwan " - Sub-District "Sławbor" - Battalion "Iwo". His immediate commander was Corporal Aleksander Marcińczyk code-name "Łabędź" [- Swan].

 

 

Among the memories, one can also find the testimony of Jan Radecki code-name

"Czarny", who confirms that he saw "Ali" "at the command post at 74 Marszałkowska Street,

and fought together with him, shoulder to shoulder, in August 1944 ".

 

 

The end of struggle came, when Hitler ordered the annihilation of Warsaw, killing over 200 000 people with total destruction of Warsaw infrastructures and buildings.  Fortunately, Agboola survived the war.

 

 

Although, there is said to be  little reliable information on his life after the war.  It was reported that he worked in the Department of Culture and Art of the City of Warsaw around 1949.

 

 

It was also learnt that he played an episodic role in 1953 Polish propaganda movie “Żołnierz Wolności”

(„Soldier of Victory”) about the life of communist general Karol “Walter” Świerczewski.

 

 

 

Agboola later emigrated to United Kingdom in 1958. There he lived anonymously for almost two decades and passed away 8th September 1976.

 

 

7 Must-Watch Programmes on GOtv This Week

 

 

The month comes with a fresh start and an opportunity to plan new goals, leave your comfort zone, and try new activities. 

 

As the home of non-stop entertainment, GOtv will be providing its customers with a wide range of entertaining programmes including reality TV shows, comedy, soap operas, local dramas, and live sporting action to keep you glued to your screen.

 

Wondering what to watch or where to start? We have got you covered.

Here’s a list of all the hot and super entertaining shows to guide you through this week on GOtv.

1.       Big Brother Naija: The house is slowly warming up and sparks have started flying, Tune in to GOtv (Channel 29 and Channel 8) to catch up on what the housemates are up to in Big Brother’s house, their daily tasks, and also vote for your faves who are up for possible eviction this week.

2.       Bling Lagosians: When it comes to lavish spending, and luxurious displays, no one does it better than Lagos elites. Catch up on the popular Nollywood blockbuster movie, Bling Lagosians which tells the story of the “who and who” that matter in the city of “Eko”. 

As each member of the Holloway family work to solve their problems, they prepare for Mopelola's party, clearly to become the year's biggest society event. But the buzz about the party compels the Asset Management Corporation to foreclose on St. Ives, the family business, after the death of the God Father, Baba Eko, who had been protecting Akin Holloway. He must then fight a bigger battle - getting Mopelola to cancel her party and maintain a low profile to get them off the radar, while he tries to save the business. Showing this Wednesday on ROK (Channel 17) at 6:15pm..

3.   Cheaters: Explore the world of real-life dramas and documentaries this week, as American reality TV show, Cheaters, showcases a team of private investigators who are on a mission to help those that suspect their partners are being less than honest to them. Grab your detective hat because the show promises to take you on an exciting ride. Tune in this Wednesday on CBS reality (Channel 22) at 9:30 pm.

4.  Garage Squad: Car enthusiasts aren’t left out on this one. Follow up with the reality car show, Garage Squad, which focuses on a group of mechanics who rescue killer cars and trucks and bring them back from the “great beyond”.  Showing this Thursday on Discovery Family (Channel 50) at 10:15 pm.

5. Island Life: It’s no doubt that we crave and fantasize about the freedom of living on the island and the beauty of living away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Island Life centers on tropical dreamers who are shown island properties that fit into any budget, from ultra-affordable to totally outrageous. This show highlights everyday families in search of their own slice of paradise and proves that fantasy can be a reality. Follow up to enjoy this Wednesday on Real Time (Channel 12) at 8:15 pm

6. Being Maryjane: If you have watched Hollywood classics like Girlfriends, and The Game, then this drama series, Being Maryjane, will meet up to your expectations. It follows the life of Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union), a cable news reporter from Atlanta who goes through failed relationships in the quest for love while growing her career and contending with family drama. Airing on BET (Channel 21) this Thursday at 9:45 pm.

7. Tottenham Hotspur VS Southampton: The new football season is upon us and officially starts this weekend. It gets more exciting for football lovers as they watch Tottenham Hotspur clash with Southampton this Saturday. Airing live on SS Select 2 (Channel 2) at 4pm.

How IMC Strategies Helped To Curb Covid-19 Challenges For Business Survival -Omolaraeni

 Omolaraeni

A leading expert in the integrated marketing communication (IMC) and CEO of McEnies Global Comms, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan has identified strategies that could be explored by practitioners to revitalise the industry and meet contemporary standards and clients' demands.

According to her, practitioners must begin to deplore IMC tools that would help their business out of the economic difficulties brought upon it by pandemics and other challenges, instead of resulting to self-pity.

She made this disclosure during her monthly media engagement with some brand correspondents at her corporate head office on Monday, August 1, 2022.

Omolaraeni who is equally known as a guru in event planning (Perfect Clicks Signature; McEnies Events and Protocols) added that practitioners must have excellent ability and creativity to easily connect with customers at an emotional level, build trust and develop relationship with relatable, relevant, believable, memorable, emotional, engaging and authentic brand stories among others.

Olaosebikan said: “Integrated Marketing Communication is a game of mind and in marketing, perception is a reality. Moreover, practitioners in this industry are expected to be proactive and ahead of every storm. It is also their duty to always offer relevant professional expertise in order to keep their clients' business alive no matter the enormity of the challenge.

For example, COVID 19 pandemic was a shock like no other, involving simultaneous disruption to both supply and demand in an interconnected global economy. Some of our colleagues couldn't stand the heat of those dark days occasioned by the pandemic, but the few of us who stood firm used our professional prowess and passion to deepen IMC as a veritable tool to keep many business alive for both clients and their respective target audiences.

We successfully met the demands of the so-called new normal that was never anticipated, professionalism significantly played out. Like I usually say, this job is not a walk in the park and neither is it for quacks.” she added.

Omolaraeni further explained why premium should be placed on integrated marketing communication. In her explanation she said:

“As a core professional, an integrated campaign helps you provide customers with information in the format they prefer. Consumers and business customers can specify if they want to receive product information via email, direct mail, text message or telephone.

Clients that you do not reach directly can still benefit from your campaigns by viewing your print ads or hearing your radio and TV spots. Integration ensures that customers and potential customers receive the same information in all communications.

“You can also meet the needs of customers who search the internet for product information by integrating for example, your website design and content with other communications. Above all you must keep your integrity intact as well as the ethical standards.” she said.

When asked if local firms have really maximised the benefits inherent in marketing communications, Omolaraeni cuts in:

“Which Nigerian brands do you know of in the area of consumer goods? And that’s what we need to do. We need to quickly turn these products into brands. For now, there are products all over the place; we need to convert them to brands. It is when we succeed in doing that, that there can now be a connection between the consumers and the brand. And that’s what will bring about volumes that we are looking for; bring the wealth that we are looking for; and save us billions of dollars that we don’t have. And it is possible.

“You are talking to me; you work for various news outlets, and these are Nigerian companies that have Nigerian brand with their respective names. It is indigenous; it is good. Isn’t it? We need to see a lot of that in the area of manufacturing so as to accelerate growth and maximize profit internally and reduce poverty and enhance human capital development” she stated.