Yesterday night, I got an sms from someone yesterday that Dora Akunyili might actually be looking for the New Nigeria Club. That I need to get searching and find out exactly how to link up with her. I took the information in my stride, showed a few colleagues with the intention of getting all the creative juices flowing. I continued through the night and slept, only to be woken up this morning by a phone call from senior officer in the Ministry of Education.
The question rang clear pulling me out of dream world, the assumptions the same – “Dora Akunyili is looking for something in the perimeters of what you people are doing in the New Nigeria Club!” That got me to an early start this morning, checking the news and rummaging through the dailies, the TV and all sources of information on what exactly could be happening. What exactly does Dora Akunyili want, and how does it concern us at the New Nigeria Club? My search was rewarding, but it didn’t leave me with answers, it left me with questions. Questions are not bad however, wisdom is a function of questions, intelligence a function of answers. I’ll like to call an emergency meeting, online and offline of New Nigeria Club members, let’s brainstorm on this together, and let’s see if we need to be invovled with this.
Overview of what the Ministry of Information desires.
The Ministry of Information has come to jettison the Heart of Africa branding project which did not work for me, and based on my interactions, I believe the same for most of us. The head of the ministry, Prof Dora Akunyili unveiled a new intitiative to market Nigeria with a Rebranding Nigeria Campaign. She also launched a competition for the logo and slogan for the campaign. She believes this competition will yeild something that will last, just like our flag lasted.
Re-Branding Nigeria? What’s the Concept?
The heart beat of this campaign is correct the perceptions of Nigerians at home and abroad. It is an unfair occurence but today, any black person involved in any criminal activithy is first tagged a Nigerian. Things are bad, but not as bad as it’s currently percieved. Today, even criminals from other African countries prefer to hide their identities by claiming to be Nigerians. Apparently she got some data while she was the director of NAFDAC to support these claims. She actually got a letter of apology from the EU for a case where Nigeria was accused only for investigations to be concluded and it was discovered that the criminals where Ghanians. According to the excerpts I read, she is clear in her thoughts that she wants Nigeria rebranded, so we can be percieved differently from how we are today.
Why Jettison Heart of Africa Project
The Heart of Africa Project is being jettisoned for many reasons, and in her words, two ver important reaons. Aside of the fact that the Project has not had any impact relative to the issues Nigerians are facing all over the world, there are two other main reasons for junking the project.
1. The name being contentious – Malawi was the first to use the slogan, and many other countries have laid claim to being the Heart of Africa.
2. The Heart of Africa was launched overseas and failed to connect with Nigerians at home, making the project elitist.
Aside of this the project was not very cost effective.
Based on all these, the ministry has decided to embark on a New Nigeria project that will be home-grown and planned in such a way that Nigerians will have ownership of the project. Yes they will leverage on the positive things in the Heart of Africa project!
New Nigeria Club – Do We Support this?
I don’t know about you, but the more I read what she has in mind, the more I see for a fact that what she is looking for in Sokoto (Upcountry), is already in the Sokoto (Trousers). The rebranding that our country needs first needs to re-orient Nigerians and show them who they truly are, the values we as a new nation subscribe to, and where we are headed. Then we need to move quickly to show the world that we are great people and the miscreants among us are outnumbered! We must borrow a leaf from corporate branding – 50% of our branding budget must be spent on developing the brand ambassadors. The people who are Nigerians need to see themselves the way Nigerians ought to be projected, once that is ingrained and well done, the rest becomes easy. No matter how much we stick customer service on our lintel, the customer service lady’s action will speak much louder than those words.
In the last 1yr plus of our existence, we have been utilizing all forms of channels and avenues to build a truly Nigeria owned, home grown, internal and external rebranding machinery called the New Nigeria Club. We have gone to over 20 higher institutions, addressed over 50,000 Nigerians offline, millions online, we have reached beyond the phyiscal boundaries called Nigeria, to Nigeria and Nigerians in Diaspora – UK, US, Candada, Ireland, e.t.c. We hav been on radio, we have featured on Television, we have branded t-shirts, branded cash cards, wear Nigeria lapel pins, branded CDs and DVDs like Nigeria’s map, we have sponsored events, sponsored atheletes, supported orphanages, given scholarships, empowered people, collaborated with other change agents and done our widows might in achieving a truly New Nigeria.
We have a choice however today, do we support this government in this national re-branding? Or will we be accused of doing what Dora was accused of doing – A la destroying her reputation by joining this government? Or do we tell ourselves that our responsibility as light is to look for where it’s dark and shine there, irrespective of whatever prejudices. How to reach Dora is not a problem, she is actually 1 person away from us. The question is as a group, what are your thoughts? I want as many members as possible to share their views on this. Do we work with a government, or do we continue without the government. I’m a member and have my views, but I feel it’s only right that we get on board as many views as possible. In the multitude of counsellors there is safety. And if you are stil wasting time and haven’t joined the New Nigeria Club. Go to www.newnigeriaclub.net/ibelieve and join today!
{This post is duplicated on the New Nigeria Club Blog, and is sent as an email to all members of the club as well.}
@ Olumide Akinkugbe
Well understood.
@Deolu
Kudos for the progress of NNC so far. If only more people will take just one step to help repair Nigeria’s battered image we will make more progress.
Too many Nigerians have allowed themselves to be overwhelmed by the complexity of our present troubles to the extent that they fail to see the brighter future that lays ahead.
In my candid opinion, NNC should support and work WITH Pro. Akinyuli because she has a track record that cannot be disputed.
As for “The Go Slow System” in place, we should not bother about that. Afterall, with or without Government, we have already made up our mind to contribute our individual QUOTA in making Nigeria a great country.
As long as we don’t work FOR the government, we cannot be POCKETED. So, go ahead full throttle, you’ve got our support. Cheers.
I remain proudly Nigerian!
It has started. Haha it has indeed started. I have always known that until Jesus got into the hands of the then leaders of the jewish faith, Christianity was not ready to be born. Yes…until the creme de la creme of Nigerian politics understand and hold the ideas of the vision of a new Nigeria from a passionate view point. Nigeria may not have good leaders. Am overly happy and i hope this turns out very well. I will try and download skype in my system so that i can be part of the new Nigerian conference.
God bless u Deoulu.
hello, chairman, long time, i have been very busy, concerning the topic, i believe this is the whole essense of the campaign, so PLEASE LETS GO THERE AND SHOW THEM HOW ITS BEEN DONE. lets work with the government !!!!!!!!!!!!
The project of re-branding Nigeria is an all effort one for all Nigerians as a wake up call that there’s troble as we are being projected & represented outside.I was to enter the competition with a slogan that reads ” SEE NIGERIA & DIE,FOR THERE’S NOTHING MORE TO SEE”
Nigeria is a solid ground to stand on as a market,democracy,its people & diversity etc.
Sincerely, I pray Nigeria gets it this time for our collectiv goal. Akunyili cant do it all alone, she just set the ball rolling for us to gather the musk. Love, Frank Ebikefe.
Hi egbon. Nice 2 witnes NNC dvlpt so far. Lost tune with u for a period. Bak 4 real. Pls n plssss, NNC shud not only work wit Min of infos rebrandin crusade but shud also flow into it.Dse ocean waves viz NNC, GEMSTONE,etc r positivly inspired n d move of d min by Prof Dora is divinely n timely orchestrated regardles of wat pessimists or saboteurs say.Sanballat, Tobiah n Geshem did worse against Nehemiah n other Israelites wen they decided to rebuid n even durin d course of rebuildin their nations broken walls.D issue of uncertainty about their seriousnes is not a big deal. Pls, wen a light bulb is introduced to a dark hall, can someone tel me wat happens? An athlete’s foot is preservd againt unnecessary hurt dat cud cost a whole nation an olympic gold medal. A modelz pretty face is saved d possibly irrevocable loss of sellability. Someone right there in d hall myt b saved d regrettable n human resources- depletin physiological delayed wakefulnes dat often xtises a black-out mornin. Now imagine wat ‘salvation’ one mor bulb wil giv. I thnk dat one mor bulb is NNC,GEMSTONE, me, other positive Nigerian youths out there. These old men n women of 2day will soon leave or better put r already leavin. We, d underated Nigerian youths r d real GOOD NIGERIANS dat will metamorphose in2 d GREAT NATION. God heal me, God heal u, God heal Nigerians, God heal Nigeria. Watch out for WINBOX from d stables of tognetwork.
i will only advice that the minister makes the NNC the pilot or worst still co pilot because i believe in the originality of NNC and will not want to see anybody trample on what Deolu has built all this years. the dream is the NNC’s and nothing changes that. secondly do not forget that the MINISTRY is not Dora’s so it prone to the influence of those devilish people( Nigeria’s idiamin’s ) so pls let NNC thread softly to abvoid compromise even though it’s one of “our” core values.
I believe in this Re-branding thing. I believe in the different perspectives to it. I hope my comment is not coming rather too late. Anyway let me still say something.
“The branding will only make sense if the people of our nation are also touched in the process” I believe that what we are re-branding is not just the name or logo or colour but the people that bears the logo, the name should be re-branded, a positive orientation. We need to see a New Nigeria from a new perspective. The Nigeria of our dream, not minding the present shape of things. Yep! someone mentioned Government involvement, if the Government is sincere with what they said, there are 1 million and 1 Nigerians ready with good motive to Re-brand Nigeria. We just need a good leadership focus, leadership with good motives, some people do good things for selfish motives.
back tot he question about Government involvement with NNC, my advise is look before you leap. this whole system still need to convince me of readiness for the change we desire. We can present our scope and module operandi, let’s see how it goes.
I am by name Chibuike Iroegbu from Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A of Abia State Nigeria.I am 20 years old and an undergraduate of Ebonyi state University.I am a devoted Christian.As part of the re branding Nigeria Project,I wrote a very powerful book through the revelation a got for the future of my beloved country Nigeria and the world at large titled “CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD”.The book is yet to be published and is ready for printing but i don’t have sponsors to help me publish the master-piece as i came from a financially challenged family.I write in request for an assistance to enable me publish the master-piece meant for every Nigerian who want the peace of the country and particularly the true Children of God who are both passively and actively in politics and also those who are aspiring to be the true ambassadors of Jesus Christ here on earth especially Nigerians.I will also want to be a member of re branding Nigeria club as i believe so much in Nigerian’s bright future and what GOD have for us in this country.I look forward to hearing from you as no help is too small for the actualization of this master-piece.
Email:chibuike_iroegbu@yahoo.com
Phone:+2348067882214 and +2348072257583.
Address:298 ehi road p.o.box 2053 aba abia state.
As for the initiative of our excellent mother Dora Akunyili,i believe that it is going to be what many Nigerians are waiting for in this country Nigeria.We are going to go places with well meaning Nigerians like her.The fact is that we are trying as a country and our leaders are alos trying their best for the country but we can not make any meaningful impact if we do not start with ourselves first.Change is some thing that comes from inside and it requires change from the changer first then the people will not even have any other option than to join the train.We are going places very soon because the world will soon come to get wisdom from Nigeria because god is raising Men who have understanding of the time and what Nigerian is expected to know and do just like Men of Issachar in the bible.God bless Nigerians and our mother Prof Dora Akunyili
GIVE ME FEW DAYS, I WILL GIVE YOU A SOLUTION THAT WILL LAST
If I ask you, what type of country will you consider ideal and most desirable for you as a citizen? You may give myriads of list like this:
1: A country whose leaders at all levels are a people of positive character which comes after the fear of God because the fear of God produces good character and begins wisdom.
2: A country that is a standard to what development should look like for the rest of the world because development leads to man-power.
3: A country whose citizens are knowledgeable in their various disciplines and diligence is their watchword, for it is only a diligent man in his business that can stand before kings in the world.
4: A country that will bring investors from all over the world thereby contributing the required annual budget for the nation.
5:A country where education will be valued most as where development of man-power starts and where people will study to show themselves approved as workmen that needed not to be ashamed but rightly doing what they know best.
6: A country whose citizens are in high demand by the world, in the labor market, and whose graduates will stand with graduates from Cambridge, oxford, Harvard and show their inner strength.
7: A country where killing, bribery and corruption will become so afraid of and love will be happy with. Love covers all things
8: A country whose major focus is on innovation, renovation, re-branding and where peace, unity and progress flow from the throne room of God.
9: A country that rewards creativity, knowledge, handwork and where transparency, equity are used in judgment rather than credentials, influence and tribalism or “He come from my state syndromes”.
10: A country that prepares Men, embarks on continues improvement, produces Men who will be ready to adapt to the ever-changing world.
For a country to achieve meaningful development, be universally accepted and to be a lender to the world, then there should be commitment in the investment in Man-power training and development and Man-power utilization which comes from dedication to service, mercy and truth. For mercy and truth preserves the king and his throne is upheld by mercy. When the spirit of God is in the heart of Man, development starts for the spirit of Man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
A developed nation is a consequence of a developed people. A re-brand nation is a consequence of a re-brand people which starts from a re-brand mind, re-brand conscience and in turn will bring out a brand new country. Take it from me; Development does not come by being a consumer of technology, consumer of wealth but its producer. The wealth of a nation is our intellectual capital.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God’s leading frequently does not fit our expectations. Although this may cause us some confusion and frustration, we should never forget that HE always has our best interest in mind .Realizing this will help us handle his surprises with less fear and greater trust.
…TO BE CONTINUED NEXT TIME.
FROM
CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
CHIBUIKE_IROEGBU@YAHOO.COM
+2348067882214 AND +2348072257583
THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD.
kudos to able mother dora nwanyioma.u are great in the world and in the eyes of GOD ALMIGHTY.Dont relent because people wants you to but do all thing as to God and him alone.I love You.I look forward to sitting with you one day to give my own view of how changes will come.keep on reading my comment because God is raising a men of impact that will move this country forward and i thank God that i am one of them.You are bless
Thanks from chibuike iroegbu
the author of the book
CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD
GIVE ME FEW DAYS, I WILL GIVE YOU A SOLUTION THAT WILL LAST
If I ask you, what type of country will you consider ideal and most desirable for you as a citizen? You may give myriads of list like this:
1: A country whose leaders at all levels are a people of positive character which comes after the fear of God because the fear of God produces good character and begins wisdom.
2: A country that is a standard to what development should look like for the rest of the world because development leads to man-power.
3: A country whose citizens are knowledgeable in their various disciplines and diligence is their watchword, for it is only a diligent man in his business that can stand before kings in the world.
4: A country that will bring investors from all over the world thereby contributing the required annual budget for the nation.
5:A country where education will be valued most as where development of man-power starts and where people will study to show themselves approved as workmen that needed not to be ashamed but rightly doing what they know best.
6: A country whose citizens are in high demand by the world, in the labor market, and whose graduates will stand with graduates from Cambridge, oxford, Harvard and show their inner strength.
7: A country where killing, bribery and corruption will become so afraid of and love will be happy with. Love covers all things
8: A country whose major focus is on innovation, renovation, re-branding and where peace, unity and progress flow from the throne room of God.
9: A country that rewards creativity, knowledge, handwork and where transparency, equity are used in judgment rather than credentials, influence and tribalism or “He come from my state syndromes”.
10: A country that prepares Men, embarks on continues improvement, produces Men who will be ready to adapt to the ever-changing world.
For a country to achieve meaningful development, be universally accepted and to be a lender to the world, then there should be commitment in the investment in Man-power training and development and Man-power utilization which comes from dedication to service, mercy and truth. For mercy and truth preserves the king and his throne is upheld by mercy. When the spirit of God is in the heart of Man, development starts for the spirit of Man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
A developed nation is a consequence of a developed people. A re-brand nation is a consequence of a re-brand people which starts from a re-brand mind, re-brand conscience and in turn will bring out a brand new country. Take it from me; Development does not come by being a consumer of technology, consumer of wealth but its producer. The wealth of a nation is our intellectual capital.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God’s leading frequently does not fit our expectations. Although this may cause us some confusion and frustration, we should never forget that HE always has our best interest in mind .Realizing this will help us handle his surprises with less fear and greater trust.
…TO BE CONTINUED NEXT TIME.
FROM
CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
CHIBUIKE_IROEGBU@YAHOO.COM
+2348067882214 AND +2348072257583
THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD.
LOOSENING THE MASK TO GET A CHANGE
Full self-disclosure is something we tend to avoid at all costs.
In fact, we are prone to keeping people out of our private worlds by
wearing masks-not physical masks, but psychological ones.
Some of us wear an “I’m tough” mask so that others won’t see how weak and frightened we are.
Many of us display an “I’m corrupt mask, which makes
the world brand everybody from our country as corrupt and dirty.
The “I can handle anything “ mask is another one that we commonly put on.
Behind it, we may feel bewildered and hurt, but this mask makes
these emotions practically undetectable by others.
…TO BE CONTINUED
FROM
CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY ABAKALIKI.
+2348067882214.
THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD.
CONTINUE FROM LOOSENING THE MASK TO GET A CHANGE PART ONE.
Are these cover-up games worth playing? Certainly not. How could a life
characterized by phoniness, loneliness and slavery to a lie ever compare to one marked by honesty, companionship and freedom to live the truth? The latter lifestyle is the one God wants us to have, It is the one that will bring us closer to change and when we are in close relationship with change, development becomes inevitable. So let’s commit ourselves to putting away our mask to get a change. Life is all about changes, let’s change with it.
…TO BE CONTINUED
FROM
CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY ABAKALIKI.
+2348067882214.
THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD.
CONTINUE FROM LOOSENING THE MASK TO GET A CHANGE PART ONE
Are these cover-up games worth playing? Certainly not. How could a life characterized by phoniness, loneliness and slavery to a lie ever compare to one marked by honesty, companionship and freedom to live the truth? The latter lifestyle is the one God wants us to have, It is the one that will bring us closer to change and when we are in close relationship with change, development becomes inevitable. So let’s commit ourselves to putting away our mask to get a change. Life is all about changes, let’s change with it.
…TO BE CONTINUED
FROM
CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY ABAKALIKI.
+2348067882214.
THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD.
i want to specially pray for Mr President and to wish him safe recovery.God will be merciful for Mr President and grant him quick recovery.You will be part of the successs story of Nigeria because GOD is in the business of restorying the glory of Nigeria that the world will come to seek advise from the country through greet Men and Woment of Nigeria.Please i will request that youth who are ready for a change should contact me.God has given me and some other great youth the mandate of raising godly youth who will say God give Chrsitian Nigeria or we die.We have started from Abia and Ebonyi state.It going national.Let the youth that have understanding of the time Pray to God now.We are going from church to church raising youths
If you love change and will like us to visit your church and raise a chapter in your church and in your state,call this numbers +2348067882214 and +2348072257583.LET US PRAY FOR NIGERIA AS JOHN KNOX PRAYED FOR SCOTLAND.IT IS THE TURN OF THE YOUTH WHO LOVE NIGERIA AND HATE EVIL AND WANT GOD'S PARADISE TO BE ON EARTH.MAKING USE OF THE TIME BECAUSE THE DAYS ARE EVIL.CALL US NOW.
LETS PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS TOWARDS RE BRANDING NIGERIA.SOME YOUTH HAVE DECIDED TO DIE PRAYING FOR NIGERIA FOR GOD'S INTERVENTION.BE AMONG AND PRAY.GOD BLESS YOU ANYHOW AS YOU CALL AND BE INVOLVED.
IF YOU WANT YOU TEAM TO COME TO YOUR CHURCH,SOCIETY AND STATE TO RAISE MEN OF IMPACT,GIVE US A DATE,AND CONTACT US.
BLESS YOU.
CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
AUTHOR
CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD.
FOUNDER,(PREVAILING YOUTH GROUP)
…MAKING NIGERIA GOD'S PARADISE
Interesting. May I add your blog to my link exchange directory?
I WILL WANT TO THANK GOD BECAUSE HIS WORDS ARE YES AND AMEN.CONGRATULATION TO OUR ABLE PRESIDENT AND THE BIG MUM IN THE INFORMATION MINISTRY.THE BIBLE SAID THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVES GOD AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.AM STILL LOOKING UP TO THE TIME WHEN MEN SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD WITH ALL THEIR HEART AND PEOPLE WILL LEARN TO RESPECT GOD AND HIS WORD.PROF DORA,I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU BY THE SPECIAL GRACE OF GOD.I WILL SEND IT SOON.I HAVE MUMMY DORA IS PREPARING FOR THE BIG TASK AHEAD COME 2011.IF GOD BE GOD,HIS WILL MUST BE DONE HERE ON EARTH AND IT WILL BE LIKE THUS WE ARE DREAMING.KEEP IT UP ALL NEW NIGERIA CLUB CREW.GOD BLESS YOU ANYHOW.
FROM CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
{THE ARTHUR OF CHRISTIANS IN APOLITICAL WORLD.
Remember,”to the pure,all things are pure”Please can anyone help me tell Mummy Dora that Daddy Goodluck will hand over a mantle to her when the fullness of time is come.For every thing,there is a time and for every time,there is a season.Men of understanding will rule the country.The prophesy is for an appointed time,wait for it though it tarry,it shall come to pass and not lie.The hot sit will begin very very soon to select Men.{laugh}.Write these words and commit it to heart and prepare.Warning!Follow Daddy Closely,seek his advise and please do all that he will demand of you.It shall happen like a dream but must come.Sorry for speaking in parable.Understand fast.GOD BLESS NIGERIA.wish US WELL IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION.Remember it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that showeth Mercy.
Happy independence celebration to all new nigeria fans club,to you deola and to mummy Dora Akunyili.Thank God for the freedom from slavery 50yrs ago.God still has a very big plans for Nigeria which will surely come to pass whether the Devil likes it or not.Though the vision tarries,it shall surely speak and not lie.Heaven! i have the pleasure to specilly invite all lovers of change to my book lunch very soon,titled “CHRISTIANS IN A POLITICAL WORLD”.It Will be a miracle and healing day not just ordinary lunching as usual.The cloud in filled and about to rain on earth.Please i will like to see all lovers of change that day.The date and vanue will be communicated to you all soon.Just prayerfully plan to attend.It will be a healing moment for Nigeria and Nigerians.Inform others.the hot lines to call for those willing to keep a date with destiny are 08033233825 and 08072257583.Date and vanue will be made known soonest.God bless you anyhow.ITS WORKING.
CHIBUIKE IROEGBU
CHIBUIKE_IROEGBU@YAHOO.COM
Prof Dora Akunyili started well,but later she diverted to a great danger that cannot be trusted anymore.She knew what am saying.Forget how she hide under the sickness of late President Yaradua to redeem her tainted image,she probably knew that d game was up for Yaradua,so she seized the moment.I once saw this woman eyes-ball to eyes-ball,i knew all the praises about her ‘re mere costmestics make-up.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation however I find this matter to be really something which I believe I’d by no means understand. It seems too complicated and very wide for me. I’m looking ahead on your next publish, I will try to get the grasp of it!