tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post8630120844061379084..comments2010-04-28T17:30:10.086-04:00SOLOMONSYDELLEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564768670896215900noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-60375188771716002712010-04-28T17:30:10.080-04:002010-04-28T17:30:10.080-04:00<em><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8649035.stm" rel="nofollow">Nigeria&#39;s Senate</a> has ordered an investigation into reports that one of its members has married a 13-year-old Egyptian girl. The senator is reported to have paid a dowry of $100,000 (£66,000) to the child&#39;s parents - and to have brought the girl into Nigeria from Egypt. Mr Sani was the governor of Zamfara state, where he oversaw the introduction of Sharia law - for the first time in a northern state - in 1999</em>. How we fit brand dis?Beautyhttp://nigeriawhatisnew.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-36623407694046388972009-11-20T12:18:52.030-05:002009-11-20T12:18:52.030-05:00ALL THESE REBRANDS IS FULL OF RUBBISH WE HAVE TO BRAND BEFORE REBRANDING YOU DONT EVEN HAVE A WEBSITE NO BLOG NO FACEBOOK ALL WHAT THIS WOMAN IS DOING IS JUST A WASTE OF TIME APPLY TECHNOLOGY TO REBRAND MY COUNTRY SAFE US AS YOU SAVE NAFDAC PLEASEKWAMEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483790208982686120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-75228437010676771932009-04-24T20:40:00.000-04:002009-04-24T20:40:00.000-04:00If we can stop the Global warming, we can rebrand Nigeria! I guess the 0zone layer over nigeria is non-existent as it has been depleted beyond belief with our wanton wastage and humongous carbon emission,the day the top echelon or sacred cows in our nation do away with their cars/vehicles and long convoys are reduced to a max of 2 cars IRRESPECTIVE OF WHO THEY ARE,Nigerians will throw away sentiments and wholeheartedly embrace rebranding! SHALOM!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-66012449787516828012009-04-15T17:02:00.000-04:002009-04-15T17:02:00.000-04:00The problem is, how do we rebrand diz country in d face of our self made adversities?When can an electorate determine d outcome of any election in Nigeria?When will there be an effective rule of law?These questions must be answered correctly before any logical rebranding can take placeAngel Adedayonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-16867667786234574922009-04-01T21:10:00.000-04:002009-04-01T21:10:00.000-04:00Hi SSD, i agree with most of the comments in this and previous posts about the weaknesses of the re-branding effort but i also see the value of it. It's just a shame that it doesn't seem to have been well constructed. <BR/><BR/>I believe in the power of the messages that we internalise to shape what we believe. I also think it is important that we see the value in ourselves instead of always demeaning our identity in comparison to other nations. I can't remember how many times i've heard Nigerians talk about when they realised that oyinbos are not the saints they'd always believed them to be. <BR/><BR/>Nigeria is not the only country that has a brand. To my mind, the US has the biggest and maybe most effective brand. Why else would Americans be absolutely convinced that their country is God's own country, the greatest in the world, always in the right and anyone against them must be on the side of evil etc? It's because this is the message they constantly receive about themselves. If it were up to me, i would bombard Nigerians with messages of my choosing...'subliminal brainwashing' if you like. <BR/><BR/>We may have other problems of more importance to deal with but that argument could be used to postpone any good, non-urgent project. You don't have to wait for all the big things to be sorted before you attempt to tackle other issues that may be less urgent but are easier to solve.baraalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574694690761690575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-13594545997737271602009-04-01T19:05:00.000-04:002009-04-01T19:05:00.000-04:00time would reveal what we currently dont know about this rebranding project.9ja_Kutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17982192511161104119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-1664100298315089802009-04-01T12:19:00.000-04:002009-04-01T12:19:00.000-04:00Messaged you with the link you gave me. :)Sugabellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943638849867603413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-875045891562939282009-04-01T10:01:00.000-04:002009-04-01T10:01:00.000-04:00Can I Just add that the Nigeria Police will continue to be a joke unless the states are allowed to police themselves.Dojahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774240433615628769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-64416369951173195842009-04-01T06:22:00.000-04:002009-04-01T06:22:00.000-04:00Okay.....I watched Prof. Akunyuli on BEN tv the other day discussing this rebranding thingy....she sounded really passionate about it and being the Minister of Information I guess she is trying to use this platform to kind of change the perception of Nigeria by the outside world. I applaud her efforts but the change must start from within...from the grassroots to the very topjoiceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618958439283233753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-74505400966027712272009-04-01T05:19:00.000-04:002009-04-01T05:19:00.000-04:00hi solomons, always a pleasure to read here. <BR/>in italy not so bad thanx<BR/>i keep in touch to you ciao <BR/>anthonyRC6http://www.repartocorsenumero6.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-74005866688772005232009-03-31T15:21:00.000-04:002009-03-31T15:21:00.000-04:00Just checked ma balance and I saw this message attached,'do you know MTN recharge cards are bio-degradable and made in Nigeria?'<BR/>I was stunned at the information but I couldnt help but wonder if the re-branding effort is already working...fareedasviewhttp://fareedasview.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-5237296584904143552009-03-31T14:53:00.000-04:002009-03-31T14:53:00.000-04:00Solomonsydelle! I have been meaning to come here and read but I've been so stressed out and I felt like I owed each article/post some proper attention. I am so happy to know this site - you make it so easy for busy people like myself to keep updated on news. I always agree with you too. <BR/>Same for the re-branding issue. I was disappointed with this logo as well. It looks just like any other country's advertisment on CNN? There is so much hidden talent in Nigeria that can be harvested for a good cause. I agree with Sugabelly - why rebrand while not having fixed or at least having started to fix some of the most fundamental problems. At the same time I always like ambition and tourism is another way to go in Nigeria. But theres still a lot of things to do to make Nigeria more attractive internationally. I also agree with you on the police issue.Having a better police force is so pricelessly important. Better training and salaries. <BR/>thanks for another great post Solomonsydelle I don't know how you do all that you do :)Adaezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18005977710433435845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-52660288398494371432009-03-31T12:56:00.000-04:002009-03-31T12:56:00.000-04:00@sokari - a policy for the Nigerian police to have a torture chamber? - personally, I find that difficult to believe. I would rather be provided evidence to convince me otherwise. Please note that this is just my personal opinion. I've personally experienced the brutality of police, but i don't know about it being a policy to actually have a torture chamber. Also to be fair, i have encountered politeness and good deed from the police too.webroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785044875485919642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-77662536427822833232009-03-31T12:50:00.000-04:002009-03-31T12:50:00.000-04:00The rebranding effort should be broken down into short (immediate), mid-term, &amp; long-term goals. Something like the police will fall under mid/long-term goal.<BR/><BR/>For short-term/immediate effort: identify highly visible and simple to implement areas where a positive turnaround can be implemented. Work with those in charge to make the necessary changes and sit back and watch the populace do the rebranding effort for you. An example is applying/renewing your passports at the Nigerian embassies in US and UK. If the foreign affairs mission fixes that, Dora can include it in her branding effort and the populace will take up the rebranding mantra for her. Find something similar for those at home and repeat the same thing.<BR/><BR/>Some are talking about website for the rebranding effort. I couldn&#39;t even find a decent website for the ministry. This is what i found - http://nigeria.gov.ng/webroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785044875485919642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-59795117715085211852009-03-31T12:44:00.000-04:002009-03-31T12:44:00.000-04:00I just feel Nigeria spends too much money on these kind of campaigns which never generate results because people are hungry and angry.Dojahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774240433615628769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-54150279975461125982009-03-31T12:43:00.000-04:002009-03-31T12:43:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Dojahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774240433615628769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-67486758180815582452009-03-31T09:10:00.000-04:002009-03-31T09:10:00.000-04:00@ Madam Cee: thank you for the challenge presented by your question.<BR/><BR/>My resistance to the Mike Okiro's announcement is due to my concern that "re-branding" is becoming a term bandied about by Nigeria's political elite. A term with no substance and even less vision associated with it.<BR/><BR/>Does the Police Force need an image overhaul? Probably. Is that overhaul as important as the nation's need for a changed rethinking in how it sees itself and how the world sees it? Now that is where I have to say, "not necessarily". <BR/><BR/>Nigeria hasn't convinced the people on this re-branding issue yet, having Okiro jump on the bandwagon will unfortunately further dilute the message that Akunyili needs to instill. Why? Because the reality is that Nigerians don't trust the police, matter of fact, given our history, we don't really trust people in uniform, to be honest. But, Akunyili at least is the one of a few political elite that still has some goodwill from the people, so associating her project with the Police Force might not be a good thing. I just worry that further association with the Police will continue to kill the baby before it climbs the Himalayas (lol - please refer to Sokari's wonderful comment above for clarification).<BR/><BR/>Additionally, the cynic in me is worried that the Police Force is simply trying to get their hands on "re-branding money", a technique used by bureaucrats the world over but even more unique in the case of Naija and its unfortunate corruption issues. The thinking is that there's a new fad and therefore, there's money, so, let's get into it. That will be of little consequence, given that we all know there are already budget issues involved with this campaign and that the planning for the campaign appears less than stellar.<BR/><BR/>As such, and I should have clarified this in the post, I do not think that Okiro or the Police Force should piggyback on the campaign. Pure P.R. and corruption reasons. Given the limited resources, the Police Force can simply focus on results without a 'splashy' campaign. Nigeria, however, needs to not just focus on results and promises, but must also invest in a serious P.R. offensive, at home and abroad. <BR/><BR/>As you can see, I see a distinction between the importance of a re-branding campaign for the Police and for the nation. Both are important, but given the current realities, one takes precedence. Thanks again for taking the time to not just ask a serious question, but ask a question that helps us all think through the countless issues involved in this campaign. I truly appreciate this. It has added to my own knowledge in the process. Thank you and please do not hesitate to ask such pressing questions. I know if I am unable to handle it for any reason, a few of the other members of the Nigerian Curiosity family will also help.SOLOMONSYDELLEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564768670896215900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-28837340685374809342009-03-31T05:14:00.000-04:002009-03-31T05:14:00.000-04:00SSD, as an avid albeit anonymous reader of your blog, I commend you on your work and even moreso on your optimism. Matter of fact I am an optimist myself and am usually in agreement with your opinions. However this post raises a question in my mind... Why are you optimistic about re-branding Nigeria but not re-branding the police force? Aren't the issues you cite about the Nigerian police first changing their practices\policies exactly analogous to Nigeria first changing it's practices re. corruption, justice etc? <BR/><BR/>Can we really change our image by applying a lick of [inferior] paint over our image? It's a hard question but sincerely...?Madam Ceenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-68904028594558699652009-03-31T02:52:00.000-04:002009-03-31T02:52:00.000-04:00Splashed - http://www.blacklooks.org/2009/03/splash_award.htmlsokarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311113231872002519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-34426827016350230192009-03-30T23:40:00.000-04:002009-03-30T23:40:00.000-04:00Hiya, I need to email you about something. Is there an email address you can give me?Sugabellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943638849867603413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-85378921145629651742009-03-30T20:08:00.000-04:002009-03-30T20:08:00.000-04:00Nice one SSD..<BR/>I have been looking for this logo too..Thx for sharing it. <BR/>We cannot talk of Re-branding Nigeria without find solutions to the problems is meaningless. <BR/>I totally agree with Akin.. We've got lots of work to do seriously in Nigeria and it involves you and I.Ms. SpicyTeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411168029384140846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-34162293577750158912009-03-30T18:58:00.000-04:002009-03-30T18:58:00.000-04:00@ cacainadjourney: Howdy, Cacai M. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I see you changed your name a little bit...<BR/><BR/>@ Sokari: "acknowledging the basics of life " has been the chief gripe by most Nigerians about this re-branding efforta nd in fact most Nigerian efforts. I realised over 10 years ago, that if Nigerians had the basics - good roads, access to adequate healthcare, electricity, schools with non-striking teachers - we probably wouldn't really care whether leaders put money in their pocket. Not saying that attitude is right or wrong, I just think it is the way we are as a people.<BR/><BR/>As per the police, no be me send them oh! lol! The cynic in me sees this as simply a ploy to get some of rebranding money into the Police coffers, unfortunately. Re-branding is now becoming some sort of catchy slang thrown around by Nigeria's political elite. It will take the likes of good Nigerians to bring them down to earth via such discussions.<BR/><BR/>And unfortunately, I am not surprised by the 'torture chamber' mention. Besides, any Nollywood film that involves police will show that aspect of the police's reputation quickly and decisively for the world to see.<BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for stopping by and joining the conversation.<BR/><BR/>@ Danny: Hey Danny! I have contact information for Dora and her deputy but think that we need to find the head of the re-branding project to show him links to the discussions we bloggers are having. Which reminds me, I must put a link up to Akin's very astute review of blogville's discussion of this matter in the first week. It makes for very good reading for anyone interested in this topic.<BR/><BR/>@ Sugabelly: I read Sokari's comment and chuckled but just laughed out loud at your reference to it again! What was Obama's slogan - Yes We Can, right? That mean say baby fit reach top of himalayas oh!<BR/><BR/>But seriously, you might be able to use the 'Heart of Africa' logo. It was created to belong to the people and to be modified as seen fit for the purposes of that campaign. Now that the campaign is over, it could be public by now. But you run the risk of ownership issues if you do turn it into something big. You know how it is.<BR/><BR/>"Bad Nigeria. Bad" - indeed, my sista.<BR/><BR/>@ Akin: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail; but then Nigerians believe in miracles and maybe that is what we are looking for."<BR/><BR/>How symptomatic of us Nigerians, don't you think? This project was hurriedly put out as OZ suggested a few posts back. I spoke to him and suggested that the reason for such hurry was because Dora was embarrassed by the UN's maternal and infant death rate numbers that were recently released in Abuja some weeks back. Can explain that further if you or anyone else needs that. Unfortunately, what Dora, and her team (especially those who advised her) have done is look incompetent. This logo only reinforces that possibility. <BR/><BR/>Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us and I must link to your Nigerians Talk review of the Re-branding discussion's first week.SOLOMONSYDELLEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564768670896215900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-4150390377066474532009-03-30T18:27:00.000-04:002009-03-30T18:27:00.000-04:00Hello SolomonS,<BR/><BR/>You are making progress, you have found the logo but where is the website?<BR/><BR/>Like I said in the opening paragraph of my reviews of views on rebranding for <A HREF="http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=58" REL="nofollow">NigeriansTalk</A>, rebranding a drink without dealing with the stomach upsets the drink causes is preparing for an even greater PR disaster.<BR/><BR/>Optimism has to have form, to be optimistic to conceal a more foreboding pessimism that we all have for this campaign is fallacy to say the least.<BR/><BR/>What is obvious like I have heard from many a wise older person in Nigeria is - if you fail to plan, you plan to fail; but then Nigerians believe in miracles and maybe that is what we are looking for.<BR/><BR/>The natural course of things would never produce success, a miracle might - let us start praying those endless fervent prayers that we are wont to pray amiss.<BR/><BR/>Regards,<BR/><BR/>AkinAkinhttp://akin.blog-city.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-23040982195254687402009-03-30T18:16:00.000-04:002009-03-30T18:16:00.000-04:00omg, LOL @ the baby trying to climb the Himalayas!!! <BR/><BR/>But seriously though, I TOTALLY prefer the Heart of Africa logo. By the way, do you know if now that they've abandoned the Heart of Africa project, I can use the name and logo for my own Heart of Africa project????? <BR/><BR/>This new logo is BORING. And tired. And now I'm yawning. Bah, I'm going to bed. <BR/><BR/>We need to end our dependence on Oil, fix our infrastructure, and educate our people so that they will realise that Oil is NOT the answer to ANY of their problems. You can't rebrand a country you haven't fixed. That's like scratching off the expiry date on milk that you KNOW is five years old and putting it back on the shelf for sale again.<BR/><BR/>Bad Nigeria!! Bad!!!Sugabellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943638849867603413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259678905729324935.post-5069869278689699882009-03-30T16:12:00.000-04:002009-03-30T16:12:00.000-04:00well thought out piece yet again SSD - guess I've ranted here in the past on my thoughts that the rebranding exercise should not be the priority at the moment.. hopefully since it is here to stay, some one on Dora's team will be astute enough to step back from the hype around the rebranding exercise and think critically through some of the key success factors that you have highlighted on here. Thank for sharing.Danny Baguccihttp://dbthinks.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.com