On Friday, March 18, 2011, the Brand Journalist’s Association of Nigeria (BJAN) organized a Lecture & Award Presentation Ceremony to appreciate the efforts of some public servants who have incorporated the art of branding into public governance in Nigeria.
The event which has the theme “Incorporating Visioning & Branding in Public Governance” kicked off with a Press Conference in the morning at Protea Hotel, Victoria Island. At the press conference, Karen Post, a Brand Expert from the USA addressed a group of brand writers.
The highpoint of the Presentation Ceremony which took place in the evening at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island was the presentation of awards to two distinguished public servants – the Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim who was awarded the “Most Visionary and Brand-Friendly Governor”, and Former Minister of Information & Communication, Prof. Dora Akunyili who was honored with the “Most Distinguished Brand Ambassador”.
As a citizen of Imo State, I’m appalled that Ikedi Ohakim, the fool that was just kicked out of office unanimously, by Imo people was given an award for good governance in this ceremony. Makes the thing look very much like the usual charade by associations in Nigeria where they give awards to people who sponsor their events.