Advertising body yearns for professional as next information minister

The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has urged Mohammadu Buhari-led administration to ensure the appointment of a skilled and experienced marketing communication professional as the Minister of Information.

In a press statement, the President of the Association, Kelechi Nwosu noted that the new role of the Ministry of Information is far beyond the traditional role of acting as a catalyst in disseminating information and management of the information machinery of the government.

In view of the strategic importance of the Information Ministry, the ideal Minister, AAAN believes, should have a track record of brand building and executing high impact communication strategies and frameworks in the interest of the nation.

The statement, signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Association,  Ikechi Odigbo, said the Minister of Information of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at this stage in the history of the country, should be a thoroughbred professional. He should have relevant experience in integrated marketing communication, information strategy & management and brand building in order to put in place and manage  national communication plan and rebranding process in line with best global practices.

“The country has been confronted with several image and brand positioning challenges of recent and critical in complicating the problems has been the absence of brand  communication expertise as a strong consideration in the appointment of the heads of the country’s Information Ministry. But we are happy that the new government rode to power, driven by the campaign slogan of Change. For us, this change should be extended to the appointments of professionals to manage relevant strategic offices,” the AAAN President said in the statement.

He added that today’s information management has become very complicated and requires a professional with hands-on experience and proven track record in handling complex projects.