I went on a 2 year hiatus, partially because I was pregnant and had a kid and because I wanted to clear my head and revamp MNIA and bring it back to the vision that I had in mind.. We have restructured and here is the new website MNIAWEB
Check back in the next couple of days as we bring you more news and updates
The Nigerian Woman
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Rebranding Nigeria
What is the importance of rebranding a country in today’s world?
Branding a country depends heavily on positive image which in turn assists in the marketing of its products. What is image? Image is a value judgment or an idea of a target audience about a specific nation, country, product or subject (Aydogan, 2004). It is also how publicity registers in their minds. The perception process includes beliefs, impressions and ideas that shape the thoughts of an individual. Image is the meanings that registers in the mind and that are told, heard and remembered. It is imperative for a country to create and maintain a positive image because consumers will associate positivity to it whenever it is mentioned, but if the country has a negative image; it causes great damage and affects that country negatively.
People develop an image of certain countries based the things that they learn in school, fairytales, children’s books, literature, theatre, acquaintances, friends, accounts by relatives, radio, television, international and cultural exchange programs, magazines, newspapers, and sports (Aydogan, 2004). In an attempt to rebrand Nigeria, factors such as geographical locations, economy, history, touristic and cultural values has to be taken into consideration. Nigeria needs to be rebranded because the negative image of the country has tremendous influence on tourism, trade, and the inward investments of the country. The image of Nigeria determines the reputation, picture, and the stereotype that consumers and businessmen attach to the products from the country. It is a sum of all the informational, descriptive, and inferential beliefs that people have about the country. In order for Nigeria to improve its brand value and sustainability, the following has to be done:
• Creating an effective working group
• Analyzing the existent situation of the country
• Modifying the country’s brand value
• Choosing effective communication tools
• Determining what contributes to the brand value of the country
Creating an effective working group
Private Sector
• Opinion leaders in economic and social-cultural areas such as universities, professional organizations, arts, sports, exchange market, trade unions and the Chamber of commerce.
Government
• Local governments, ministries, and political groups
Analyzing the existent situation of the country
• Coherence between the current situation and aimed results
• Corporate images in Nigeria
• The international image of the country
Modifying the brand value of Nigeria
• Qualities of the products from the country
• Country image
• Promotional policy
• Awareness and promotion rate
• Preference rate of the country’s products at an international level
• Basic properties that comes to mind when Nigeria is mentioned for example, the association between the country’s products and its image
Choosing effective communication tools
Mass media
• Cinema
• Internet
• Television
Basic tools
• Attractive/ catchy slogan
• Nigeria’s symbol
Properties of the country
• Political
• Scientific
• Cultural
• Economic
Factors that contributes to brand value
Citizens
• Faith, trust, enrichment, social improvement, and productivity
On behalf of the country in the international arena
• Increase in export
• Credibility
• Trading advantage
• Improvement in tourism
• Leadership in solving problems at the international level
In order for Nigeria to be rebranded or to develop a positive image, an effective working group, which consists of public and private opinion, has to be developed. With full authority and a substantial knowledge of how Nigeria is portrayed in the international area, the group has to analyze the internal and external existent image/ perception of the country and develop ideas that will attract the main target such as investors (DRG, 2007). Also the values and true facts of Nigeria have to be analyzed. Rebranding Nigeria will be a long term effort and has to start with the comparative advantage of the country. Details that need to be considered are the weak and strong properties of the country; its market size, skilled labor, tax, incentives, trust, industrial groups, zonal trades, and competitive advantages. The existing situation, perceptions and images of the chosen sectors for the rebranding of the country must be identified. Marketing strategies has to be determined and implemented; the coherence between constituted and the existing situation has to be examined. The developments and changes around the world need to be followed closely. Attractive symbols, slogans, visual images and charming websites should be designed.
Bibliography
Aydogan, F. (2004). To Develop Country Image and National Brand Strategy To Attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI): An Example From Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan. Retrieved on June 9, 2010, from http://www.bledcom.com/uploads/papers/Tunca.pdf
Discernment Research Group (DRG). (2007). Re-Branding Global Mission. Retrieved on June 9, 2010, from http://herescope.blogspot.com/2007/05/re-branding-global-mission.html
Branding a country depends heavily on positive image which in turn assists in the marketing of its products. What is image? Image is a value judgment or an idea of a target audience about a specific nation, country, product or subject (Aydogan, 2004). It is also how publicity registers in their minds. The perception process includes beliefs, impressions and ideas that shape the thoughts of an individual. Image is the meanings that registers in the mind and that are told, heard and remembered. It is imperative for a country to create and maintain a positive image because consumers will associate positivity to it whenever it is mentioned, but if the country has a negative image; it causes great damage and affects that country negatively.
People develop an image of certain countries based the things that they learn in school, fairytales, children’s books, literature, theatre, acquaintances, friends, accounts by relatives, radio, television, international and cultural exchange programs, magazines, newspapers, and sports (Aydogan, 2004). In an attempt to rebrand Nigeria, factors such as geographical locations, economy, history, touristic and cultural values has to be taken into consideration. Nigeria needs to be rebranded because the negative image of the country has tremendous influence on tourism, trade, and the inward investments of the country. The image of Nigeria determines the reputation, picture, and the stereotype that consumers and businessmen attach to the products from the country. It is a sum of all the informational, descriptive, and inferential beliefs that people have about the country. In order for Nigeria to improve its brand value and sustainability, the following has to be done:
• Creating an effective working group
• Analyzing the existent situation of the country
• Modifying the country’s brand value
• Choosing effective communication tools
• Determining what contributes to the brand value of the country
Creating an effective working group
Private Sector
• Opinion leaders in economic and social-cultural areas such as universities, professional organizations, arts, sports, exchange market, trade unions and the Chamber of commerce.
Government
• Local governments, ministries, and political groups
Analyzing the existent situation of the country
• Coherence between the current situation and aimed results
• Corporate images in Nigeria
• The international image of the country
Modifying the brand value of Nigeria
• Qualities of the products from the country
• Country image
• Promotional policy
• Awareness and promotion rate
• Preference rate of the country’s products at an international level
• Basic properties that comes to mind when Nigeria is mentioned for example, the association between the country’s products and its image
Choosing effective communication tools
Mass media
• Cinema
• Internet
• Television
Basic tools
• Attractive/ catchy slogan
• Nigeria’s symbol
Properties of the country
• Political
• Scientific
• Cultural
• Economic
Factors that contributes to brand value
Citizens
• Faith, trust, enrichment, social improvement, and productivity
On behalf of the country in the international arena
• Increase in export
• Credibility
• Trading advantage
• Improvement in tourism
• Leadership in solving problems at the international level
In order for Nigeria to be rebranded or to develop a positive image, an effective working group, which consists of public and private opinion, has to be developed. With full authority and a substantial knowledge of how Nigeria is portrayed in the international area, the group has to analyze the internal and external existent image/ perception of the country and develop ideas that will attract the main target such as investors (DRG, 2007). Also the values and true facts of Nigeria have to be analyzed. Rebranding Nigeria will be a long term effort and has to start with the comparative advantage of the country. Details that need to be considered are the weak and strong properties of the country; its market size, skilled labor, tax, incentives, trust, industrial groups, zonal trades, and competitive advantages. The existing situation, perceptions and images of the chosen sectors for the rebranding of the country must be identified. Marketing strategies has to be determined and implemented; the coherence between constituted and the existing situation has to be examined. The developments and changes around the world need to be followed closely. Attractive symbols, slogans, visual images and charming websites should be designed.
Bibliography
Aydogan, F. (2004). To Develop Country Image and National Brand Strategy To Attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI): An Example From Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan. Retrieved on June 9, 2010, from http://www.bledcom.com/uploads/papers/Tunca.pdf
Discernment Research Group (DRG). (2007). Re-Branding Global Mission. Retrieved on June 9, 2010, from http://herescope.blogspot.com/2007/05/re-branding-global-mission.html
Monday, May 31, 2010
Project Women Education
Project Women’s Education (WE) focuses on the advancement [Social, Financial, and Sustainability] of the Nigerian woman through education. The project aims to assist women in rural villages and cities with funds to cover educational costs. This will empower them through life’s struggles to forge on forward to attain the highest level of education with appropriate assistance. Project WE aim to equip and empower Nigerian women with the tools and confidence needed to persevere despite their circumstances.
The program aims at achieving the following:
Provision of scholarships for the less fortunate women in Nigeria
Assist in providing school uniforms for deserving primary/secondary school girls.
Promotion of women’s teacher training programs
Provide non-formal educational programs for adult women
Initiation of a campaign to encourage parents in remote areas to send their daughters to school.
Your assistance in making the objectives of "Project Women Education" will be greatly appreciated. I will be traveling to Nigeria to execute the project and also to do other humanitarian activities. Donations that comprises of computers, and school supplies can be accepted by the Africa America Crisis Assistance Network organization. Monetary donations will be a plus. The non-profit organization has a 501(c)3 status and all donations are tax exempt. Please feel free to call 7709746695 for more information.
The program aims at achieving the following:
Provision of scholarships for the less fortunate women in Nigeria
Assist in providing school uniforms for deserving primary/secondary school girls.
Promotion of women’s teacher training programs
Provide non-formal educational programs for adult women
Initiation of a campaign to encourage parents in remote areas to send their daughters to school.
Your assistance in making the objectives of "Project Women Education" will be greatly appreciated. I will be traveling to Nigeria to execute the project and also to do other humanitarian activities. Donations that comprises of computers, and school supplies can be accepted by the Africa America Crisis Assistance Network organization. Monetary donations will be a plus. The non-profit organization has a 501(c)3 status and all donations are tax exempt. Please feel free to call 7709746695 for more information.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Facts about HIV/AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which progresses into AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a deadly condition that gradually decreases the effectiveness of the immune system and increases the susceptibility of the infected individual to opportunistic tumors and infections. It is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the blood stream with a bodily fluid containing HIV such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. HIV/AIDS is a pandemic and its awareness needs to be raised in every country in the world especially in the continent of Africa.
According to the World Health Organization, 34.3 million people in the world have the HIV/AIDS virus; 24.5 million of them are in sub-Sahara Africa. Nearly 19 million people have died from AIDS; 3.8 million of them are children under the age of 15. There were 5.4 million new HIV/AIDS cases in 1999, 4 million of them were in Africa; 2.8 million people died from the disease in 1999; 2.4 million of the cases were in Africa; 13.2 million children became orphans because of AIDS; 12.1 million of them were in sub-Saharan Africa. The life expectancy in Africa decreased from 59 years to 45 years from 2005 to 2010 and in Zimbabwe from 61 years to 33 years. More than 500,000 babies were infected in 1999 by their mothers and most of them were in Africa. South Africa is the number 1 country infected with HIV/AIDS, followed by Nigeria and India. The deaths in Africa caused by the disease has retarded the economic growth and destroyed the human capital in the continent (WHO, 2010).
I truly believe that education is the key when it comes to eradicating HIV/AIDS because although the mortality and morbidity rates of HIV infection can be reduced significantly by the use of antiretroviral medication, they are expensive and routine access to the drugs are not available in all countries. If individuals can be educated on ways to prevent the infection, that would be the key in controlling the HIV/AIDS pandemic. People can be taught different methods of safe sex and the importance of utilizing sterilized needles. One of my main objectives for “Project Women Education” is to educate women on how to practice abstinence and to empower them in convincing their partners to utilize condoms and practice safe sex.
Bibliography
World Health Organization (WHO). (2010). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved on April 24, 2010 from http://www.who.int/hiv/en/
According to the World Health Organization, 34.3 million people in the world have the HIV/AIDS virus; 24.5 million of them are in sub-Sahara Africa. Nearly 19 million people have died from AIDS; 3.8 million of them are children under the age of 15. There were 5.4 million new HIV/AIDS cases in 1999, 4 million of them were in Africa; 2.8 million people died from the disease in 1999; 2.4 million of the cases were in Africa; 13.2 million children became orphans because of AIDS; 12.1 million of them were in sub-Saharan Africa. The life expectancy in Africa decreased from 59 years to 45 years from 2005 to 2010 and in Zimbabwe from 61 years to 33 years. More than 500,000 babies were infected in 1999 by their mothers and most of them were in Africa. South Africa is the number 1 country infected with HIV/AIDS, followed by Nigeria and India. The deaths in Africa caused by the disease has retarded the economic growth and destroyed the human capital in the continent (WHO, 2010).
I truly believe that education is the key when it comes to eradicating HIV/AIDS because although the mortality and morbidity rates of HIV infection can be reduced significantly by the use of antiretroviral medication, they are expensive and routine access to the drugs are not available in all countries. If individuals can be educated on ways to prevent the infection, that would be the key in controlling the HIV/AIDS pandemic. People can be taught different methods of safe sex and the importance of utilizing sterilized needles. One of my main objectives for “Project Women Education” is to educate women on how to practice abstinence and to empower them in convincing their partners to utilize condoms and practice safe sex.
Bibliography
World Health Organization (WHO). (2010). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved on April 24, 2010 from http://www.who.int/hiv/en/
Monday, March 1, 2010
Black History Month
The main reason for the celebration of black history month is for America to acknowledge its past. Black history requires the reflection of all Americans. The event that surrounds black history has to be appreciated and the time and places in which they occurred must be considered to be meaningful. In every nation, there are usually times of troubles and turmoil which contributes to its evolution towards civilization. This is an exact example of the formation and growth of the United States. In order for America to get to its present state, it had to pass through its darkest times to become victorious and glorious. Black history month is meant to dissect the events in the nation’s past. It is to examine why certain things occurred and how much it has influenced our society today.
For black history month, I went to Arabian Mountain High School in Atlanta, GA. The school is fairly new with less than 500 students. It is located in a rural area with its population comprising mainly of individuals from low socio-economic background. It is also located in a county which has a very high crime rate in Georgia. I had a good time at Arabian Mountain High School. There were several performances of the events that happened during the civil rights movement. Students from other neighboring high schools in Atlanta came to the event to recite their favorite poems or literature written by famous African American authors. There were professional actors and actresses who portrayed Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman. My best moment besides giving a speech to the teenagers, was meeting the great, great grand-daughter of Frederick Douglas.
How was your Black History Month?
For black history month, I went to Arabian Mountain High School in Atlanta, GA. The school is fairly new with less than 500 students. It is located in a rural area with its population comprising mainly of individuals from low socio-economic background. It is also located in a county which has a very high crime rate in Georgia. I had a good time at Arabian Mountain High School. There were several performances of the events that happened during the civil rights movement. Students from other neighboring high schools in Atlanta came to the event to recite their favorite poems or literature written by famous African American authors. There were professional actors and actresses who portrayed Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman. My best moment besides giving a speech to the teenagers, was meeting the great, great grand-daughter of Frederick Douglas.
How was your Black History Month?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Life is too short. Learn your lesson
When in doubt, take things easy
Life is still good even if it is not always fair
Stop hating people
Stay in touch with your friends and family. They'll take care of you when you're sick, not your job
Pay your credit card bills each month
Agree to disagree. You cannot win every arguement
Crying with someone is more healing than crying alone
God can take anger. It is alright to be angry with him
Form the habit of saving for retirement
Resistance is futile when it comes to chocolate
Any questions?
Life is still good even if it is not always fair
Stop hating people
Stay in touch with your friends and family. They'll take care of you when you're sick, not your job
Pay your credit card bills each month
Agree to disagree. You cannot win every arguement
Crying with someone is more healing than crying alone
God can take anger. It is alright to be angry with him
Form the habit of saving for retirement
Resistance is futile when it comes to chocolate
Any questions?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Claret Onukogu (Miss Nigeria In America) Receives An "Outstanding Nigerian Award" From The World Ebony Network
On December 12, 2009, at Howard University (Washington DC), during the launching of the book “Nigerians in Diaspora, USA (Fact Book) Volume 1”, which was written by Nollywood actor, King Joseph Okechukwu, an award ceremony was held for the individuals whose names were included in the book. I was fortunate to be one of the recipients of the award titled “Outstanding Nigerian Award.” The event was organized by the World Ebony Network and supported by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Information and Communications and the House Committee on Diaspora. The order of the book launching/ Fundraiser/ Award Ceremony went as follows:
An introduction of the book by Ezi Mecha (World Ebony Network) and King Joseph Okechukwu
Recital of the United States and Nigerian National Anthem
Opening Remarks- (Nigerian and Washington DC dignitaries)
Introduction of the hosts of the event, JC and Prince Dajour (Washington DC Radio Personalities)
Address from the Nigeria Embassy Representative (Honorable Chukwukeme)
Performances by an African dance group (Farafina), Wale (Hollywood rapper), Yvee (Comedian), Bende War Dance, Reverend Vernon Burch, Koleurz, B-Clay
Vote of Thanks by Ezi Mecha and King Joseph Okechukwu
The awards were given to the recipients in the following order:
Science and Technology
Philip Emeagwali
Business
Kase Lawal
Automobile Design
Jelani Aliyu
Government
Kyrian Nwagwu
Medicine
Dr. Nelson Oyesiku
Dr. Abdulkadir Sarki
Dr. Julius Kpaduwa
Accounting
Taiwo Pedro
Sports
Victoria Farley-Bradford A.K.A. Oluchi Ogwo
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon
Art (Music)
Abiodun Koya
Art (Movies)
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Rasak Adoti
Art (Beauty)
Claret Onukogu (Miss Nigeria In America 2009)
Security
Sylvester Okere
Mobile Clinic
Anu Esuola
Religion
Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Pastor Foluke Adeboye
James Oladipo Fadele
Pastor Bayo and Margaret Adeyokunu
I am very elated and honored to have been recognized as an “Outstanding Nigerian.” Special thanks to the World Ebony Network and King Joseph Okechukwu for contributing in making me a part of history.
In addition to receiving my award at the end of this year, I was also very fortunate to present the proposal for Project Women Education to the Margaret McNamara Scholarship Fund Committee at the World Bank in Washington DC. I also got the opportunity to meet with the assistant to the Secretary General of the United Nations at the head quarters in New York to discuss the details about the project with him. Hopefully, 2010 will come with abundant blessings for everyone. Amen.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
An introduction of the book by Ezi Mecha (World Ebony Network) and King Joseph Okechukwu
Recital of the United States and Nigerian National Anthem
Opening Remarks- (Nigerian and Washington DC dignitaries)
Introduction of the hosts of the event, JC and Prince Dajour (Washington DC Radio Personalities)
Address from the Nigeria Embassy Representative (Honorable Chukwukeme)
Performances by an African dance group (Farafina), Wale (Hollywood rapper), Yvee (Comedian), Bende War Dance, Reverend Vernon Burch, Koleurz, B-Clay
Vote of Thanks by Ezi Mecha and King Joseph Okechukwu
The awards were given to the recipients in the following order:
Science and Technology
Philip Emeagwali
Business
Kase Lawal
Automobile Design
Jelani Aliyu
Government
Kyrian Nwagwu
Medicine
Dr. Nelson Oyesiku
Dr. Abdulkadir Sarki
Dr. Julius Kpaduwa
Accounting
Taiwo Pedro
Sports
Victoria Farley-Bradford A.K.A. Oluchi Ogwo
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon
Art (Music)
Abiodun Koya
Art (Movies)
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Rasak Adoti
Art (Beauty)
Claret Onukogu (Miss Nigeria In America 2009)
Security
Sylvester Okere
Mobile Clinic
Anu Esuola
Religion
Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Pastor Foluke Adeboye
James Oladipo Fadele
Pastor Bayo and Margaret Adeyokunu
I am very elated and honored to have been recognized as an “Outstanding Nigerian.” Special thanks to the World Ebony Network and King Joseph Okechukwu for contributing in making me a part of history.
In addition to receiving my award at the end of this year, I was also very fortunate to present the proposal for Project Women Education to the Margaret McNamara Scholarship Fund Committee at the World Bank in Washington DC. I also got the opportunity to meet with the assistant to the Secretary General of the United Nations at the head quarters in New York to discuss the details about the project with him. Hopefully, 2010 will come with abundant blessings for everyone. Amen.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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