Idorenyen Enang, President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), has urged marketers to redirect their mental and professional capabilities toward nation-building. Emphasizing the responsibility professionals hold in contributing to Nigeria’s development, Enang urged a shift in mindset, encouraging active participation and a sense of accountability among marketers.
The President made this call during the 2023 National Advertising Conference in Abuja which has the theme “Marketing Communication as an enabler of National Transformation.
Addressing the audience on the topic “Birthing New Nigerians: Transforming to Nationbuilders,” Enang stressed that real transformation starts with a mental reawakening and a reorientation that redirects individuals toward a sense of responsibility and engagement. He highlighted the collective obligation of marketers to actively contribute to the nation’s advancement instead of passively relying on others to effect change.
He said: “Nation building starts with you and I , who contributes to the development, progress and wellbeing of a nation. If you check yourself as an individual, do you contribute anything to this nation called Nigeria or you just wake up and you are a liability, You’re sitting down with an entitlement. oh the President will give me this or the President should give me that.
“Our dependency ratio has become so alarming. It tells you that we are really not nation builders and not creating nation builders. We are creating town criers. Nationbuilder is dedicated to the betterment of the country and work towards building a strong and prosperous society.
Enang emphasized the significance of self-assessment, challenging individuals to evaluate their contributions to the nation’s progress. He criticized the prevalent dependency mindset, urging individuals to adopt a proactive stance and take accountability for their actions instead of solely expecting entitlements or handouts.
The NIMN President underscored that true transformation involves a paradigm shift and a willingness to adopt new beliefs or processes. He advocated for visionary leadership across all spheres to drive this transformation. Enang reiterated that nation-building doesn’t solely rely on political leaders; it begins with every individual. He emphasized the importance of investing in people’s development, reshaping mindsets, and nurturing a culture of responsibility to safeguard infrastructure and foster sustainable progress.
“Every government starts with infrastructure development but that is a big lie. The people you don’t build will destroy the infrastructure you put together. Rather than waste money in build a house, build the people. Reshape their mindset so that when you build those houses, they don’t destroy them”.
Enang urged a critical assessment of existing issues such as corruption, fraud, abuse, and societal challenges like drug abuse, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of the root causes. He highlighted the crucial role of education, parental guidance, and the employee-employer relationship in shaping a better future for Nigeria.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of unity among marketers, urging them to transcend divisive sentiments and focus on holistic thinking for collective growth. Enang lamented the tendency to let external associations define professional identity rather than letting the profession itself determine one’s character.
Conclusively, Enang called upon marketers to awaken to Africa’s challenges and recognize that they play a significant role in addressing these issues. He emphasized the urgency for reform, urging individuals not to passively observe but actively engage in shaping a better future for Nigeria. He stressed that upholding integrity, pursuing reform, and taking proactive steps toward positive change are essential traits of a true nation-builder.
