C&F Porter Novelli Boss to Chair NIPR Lagos Leadership Lecture

Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman, C&F Porter Novelli, a trusted global business advisor focusing on strategic communications, will chair Leadership Lecture at the 28th edition of Lagos Public Relations Week scheduled for Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.                 

The Leadership Lecture themed, “Boosting Competiveness and Inclusive Growth through Communication” is part of the activities marking Lagos Public Relations Week, an annual week-long experiential platform organised by Lagos State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, for public relations, communications professionals and stakeholders.

According to Olusegun McMedal, Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, “Maduegbuna is a renowned public relations and public affairs professional, with extensive experience in directing communications for Nigeria’s largest public and private sector companies as well as international investors seeking market entry. We could not have chosen a better person to chair the Leadership Lecture”

The Leadership Lecture will feature Mr. Akinnwumi Ambode, Governor of Lagos state, as Chief Host and Foluso Phillips, Founder/Chairman, Phillips Consulting Group, delivering the lecture. The panel of discussants include Osayi Alile, Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Coronation Trust, ACT, Foundation; Chioma Nwachukwu, General Manager, External Affairs and Communications, Seplat Petroleum Development Company; Tim Newbold, Regional Director and Managing Director Nigeria, Africa Practice R&B and Tokunbo Modupe, Chief Consultant and Lead Strategist, TPT International.

The Lagos Public Relations week which will also serve as Annual General Meeting, AGM, and Elections for the Chapter, is scheduled to run from Friday, May 18 to Thursday, May 24, 2018. The activities for the event will kick off with a pre-event Cocktail and Networking Mixer, themed: “Relishing Professional Company”, which is slated for May 18, 2018, at 5:00 pm at Chain Reactions, 72 A, Oduduwa Way, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. The Cocktail is aimed at strengthening relationships with industry stakeholders.

The Cocktail will be followed by Chief Alex Akinyele Charity Match, which will feature SUPERSPORTS All-Stars and the Best of the Institute at Astroturf Pitch, Lagos Country Club, Ikeja on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 9:00 am. This match tagged: “Champions of Love” is intended to create awareness, acceptance, respect and support for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ASD. There will also be health check-up and aerobic session for participants.

Digital Communication for Government Workshop, a digital communication training put together to sharpen the skill set of public affairs officers of Lagos state government will hold at LTV Multipurpose Hall, Ikeja, Lagos, on May 21, 2018, at 10: 00 am.

The next port of call will be Yaba College of Technology for Simeon Adelabu Roadshow and Tour, a special field trip by members of the Chapter to attract new talents into public relations practice especially from the department of Mass Communication. This will take place on May 22, 2018, at 11:00 am.

Maduegbuna makes 50 most influential marketing communication practitioners.

Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman, C&F Porter Novelli, a trusted global business adviser, providing strategic communications clarity across West Africa, has been named as one of the 50 Most Influential Marketing Communication Practitioners in Nigeria. This research was carried out by Brandcampaign, one of Nigeria’s most resourceful brand communications journals in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of a special/latest edition of the magazine titled, “50 Most Influential Marketing Communications Practitioners in Nigeria,” which held in Whitehouse Hotel, Ikeja G.R.A., Lagos recently, to mark its seventh anniversary, Dickson Akinwumi, Publisher, Brandcampaign, stated that the special edition was dedicated to 50 personalities who have made significant impact in the Nigerian marketing communications landscape.

According to Akinwumi, the list is made up of nineteen practitioners from the traditional Advertising sector, nine practitioners from the Outdoor Advertising sector, and six practitioners from the Media Independent sector.

Also making up the list of 50 Most Influential Marketing Communications Practitioners in Nigeria are nine practitioners from Public Relations and Reputation Management sector, six practitioners from Experiential Marketing agencies and one Brand Journalist.

Lagos State Government: Spirit of Lagos: – Attitudinal Change Campaign

SITUATION

The Spirit of Lagos  a campaign aimed at engendering a change in the attitude/behaviour of the people of Lagos and encouraging them to imbibe those values that will make for the improvement of Lagos State. It is hinged on the four pillars of Civic Responsibility, Social Justice, Good Neighbourliness, and Citizenship. The campaign also aims at highlighting the good in Lagos State and the very lifeline that connects its glorious past with its future. The campaign is promoted by the Lagos State Government and executed by a project team built by the TBWA/C&F Porter Novelli Consortium. The campaign was executed from December 2012 to December 2013.

TASK

C&F Porter Novelli was  responsible for the development and implementation of the public relations aspects of the campaign.

 APPROACH

The focus of the effort was on the creation and deployment of  content on social media  to drive awareness for, and participation of the people of Lagos State in, the campaign.

RESULTS

In a little more than one year of the social media campaign, the group recorded massive engagements on its various platforms. October  2013 polled a total of 1,741 engaging tweets. It  amassed over 37,000 followers. On average, it made s over a million eyeball impressions and an estimated reach of 600,000+ in as much as nine hours of engagement. On specific Twitter activities, the No-Horn Day interview, which lasted for four hours, trended in Lagos on the day, with the #NoHornDay, reaching over seven million accounts and recording over 28 million impressions on Twitter. On the other hand, the interview with the governor reached 1,581,340 accounts and made 6,271,017 impressions. The group’s Facebook page recorded over 63,514 likes in a little more than one year of existence.

Central Bank of Nigeria: Banking Sector Reform Communications

SITUATION

Following the suspension of the board and management of 8 indicted banks during the 2009 recapitalisation process in Nigeria, there were challenges from the managers and owners of the banks, who saw the CBN action as high-handed, illegal, and insensitive. They challenged the decision in the courts of law as well as courts of public opinion. Employees, shareholders, and other key stakeholders felt confused, at risk and abandoned considering the sackings and the subsequent misinformation campaign by the accused parties to win public support.

TASK

The CBN engaged C&F Porter Novelli to manage a communications campaign designed to educate   major stakeholders of the real situation in these banks and the danger it portended for the banking sub-sector in the country, counter inaccurate information, set the record straight, and explain the wider implications of the recapitalisation process. Finally, provide ground intelligence to help nip issues in the bud before they become full-blown.

APPROACH

Relevant stakeholder groups were engaged, and their perceptions of the recapitalisation process as well as that of the Governor’s sought. These stakeholders were then educated on the realities on the ground and what these realities meant for the banking sector and the economy in general, if not for the CBN’s intervention. Education was supported by engaging the editors and business editors of all the national and business newspapers. A combination of periodic meets, a constant flow of information, and access to economic and financial experts ensured that they were up-to-date with the fast-changing events as they unfolded.

RESULTS

The CBN succeeded in garnering enough support from the critical stakeholder groups that made the recapitalisation program a success. Media perception and reportage moved from all negatives to more positive and almost all-positive within four and six weeks of the campaign, respectively. Armed with the right information, the stakeholders were able to look beyond the misinformation peddled by former managers of these banks to become advocates of the CBN intervention and supporters of subsequent mergers.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange: Campaign to secure passage of Demutualization Legislation

SITUATION

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (The Exchange ) now the NGX Group  had hitherto operated as a company limited by  the guarantee of its members. This   posed several legal restrictions, hampering its ability to operate competitively and profitably as a company limited by shares. In order to convert into a company limited by shares, the sponsorship of a demutualisation legislation via a Private Member Bill was seen as the most effective and time-efficient means of facilitating the smooth transition of the NSE into a demutualized entity.

TASK

In July 2017, The Exchange  mandated  C&F Porter Novelli to serve as its adviser in securing passage of  the Demutualization of The Nigerian Stock Exchange Bill, 2017 (the “Bill”). The scope of work included provision of  technical and other assistance and dealing with lobbying and other public affairs  issues . The first half of 2018 was set as the deadline for securing passage of the bill: first half of 2018.

APPROACH

Two major objectives were identified for the campaign as follows: creating  a positive legislative environment for expedited passage of the Bill; and facilitating  the process of reaching common grounds between key members of the legislature and other key stakeholders. Stakeholders were identified , followed by a stakeholder mapping(Baseline  Assessment) which led to a distillation of stakeholders ‘expectations in terms of  issues and challenges. The strategic framework entailed construction of  bridges of understanding amongst the various  stakeholders. Tactics deployed included consensus building,  lobbying, mobilisation of opinion formers, and media relations.

RESULTS

Consensus was successfully achieved across different stakeholder groups. In line with the desires of the NSE, support was also garnered among the capital market players, the media, and commentators. The bill was  passed by the National Assembly and assented to by  the President who  signed  it into law, thus leading to the enactment of the  “Demutualisation of Nigeria Stock Exchange Act  2018.

Uquo JV Gas Facility: Brand Positioning & Media Relations Management

SITUATION

The Uquo Gas Facility Plant in Ekit-Eket, Akwa Ibom State was constructed by the Uquo JV, formed by two independent, indigenous oil & gas companies, Frontier Oil Limited and Seven Energy, and formally commissioned by the President of Nigeria. The Uquo gas field (OML13) was one of the 24 marginal fields awarded by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to indigenous operators as part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Marginal Field programme in the February 2003.

TASK

The JV retained the services of C&F Porter Novelli to provide it with communications support that  will introduce the Uquo JV to the public as an indigenous pioneer that has delivered on expectations and one that can also replicate this ‘Uquo JV successes’ in future marginal field operations to the benefit of all stakeholders.

APPROACH

 Uquo JV was positioned as an indigenous trailblazer in the marginal field operations and willing developer of Nigeria’s non-associated gas, by campaigning its   achievements which spanned  seismic survey through  production and transportation of the gas to power stations. Implementation was undertaken within the context of the official commissioning of the facility. The tactics deployed ran on two broad tracks: extensive content development to provide perspective and dynamic storytelling for purposes of driving the message. Content development entailed production of  brochures,  photo bank,  audio visual documentary, advertorials, and drafting of op-ed pieces    With a press office installed,  media facility tours, press conferences, media briefings, media interviews, and television  appearances were utilised in getting the story of the story out. All of these tactics came to a highpoint at  the official commissioning of the gas plant.

RESULTS

Communication objectives were achieved as C&F Porter Novelli got media buy-in to the entire programme, which resulted in huge media coverage – number of mentions, tonality, timeliness, and alignment with agreed key messages.

Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN): Stakeholder and issues management

SITUATION

In April 2018,  there was a  gridlock in the Apapa, Lagos Port area. The gridlock was caused by the heavy traffic of trucks and trailers that transport goods to and from the port . The Major Oil Marketers Association of  Nigeria (MOMAN) is an organization that serves as an advocate on behalf of the players in the Nigerian downstream sector. Its members operate terminals in the  Port area. In line with its role, MOMAN felt the need to proactively engage with key stakeholders with a view to ensuring clearing of the gridlock.

TASK

TC&F Porter  Novelli was retained by MOMAN to provide advisory services as the trade body engaged with the stakeholders. The mandate also included managing communications in connection with the effort.

APPROACH

A plan was developed with three major thrusts. This comprised creating opportunities for a broader discussion amongst the stakeholders on the gridlock and how it can be resolved, projecting the efforts of  MOMAN in engaging stakeholders towards a resolution of the gridlock and positioning MOMAM as a thought leader.

Agency worked with MOMAN to convene a series of stakeholder’s meetings involving the Nigerian Navy, Tanker Drivers Association, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).. The agency provided media relations support to the MOMAN. Tactics covered  content development, briefings, handling of enquiries, and drip-feeding of stories on developments culminating in the feat of clearing the gridlock.

RESULTS

MOMAN’s role in clearing the gridlock received wide publicity and helped build reputational capital for the body as an advocate on behalf of the players in the Nigerian downstream sector.

Seplat Energy Plc: Corporate Communications Services

SITUATION

Seplat Energy, a leading independent oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges, has the mission of “leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable, and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.” The company retained C&F to provide it with public relations services including reputation management, event management, media relations, as well as media monitoring and analyses.

TASK

C&F Porter Novelli was tasked with providing qualitative communications support for all of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support corporate growth. These initiatives include the SEPLAT Teachers’ Empowerment Programme, (STEP), the Eye Can See programme, and the Pearls Quiz for its core host communities. Additionally, the agency provided SEPLAT with daily media monitoring which were analysed through monthly and yearly reports and recommendations to aid decision-making.

APPROACH

A strategic communication plan driven by stakeholder mapping which identified target audiences for each of the initiatives was developed. Through its robust media relations approach, the desired key messaging was consistently executed through appropriate print, broadcast, and online channels. Quality content was continuously communicated by building apt narratives through news releases, event coverage, photo-ops, interviews, and RESULTS

SEPLAT has become a visible and reputable brand. The brand consistently received positive coverage across online, print, and electronic media platforms. For instance, the Public Relations value garnered in the three months of October to December 2023 was over Seventy-Nine (79) million in cost savings, with a reach of 65.08m.feature articles across media

Stroke Action: Changing  the Stroke Landscape in Nigeria

SITUATION

Stroke Action Nigeria  was established in 2012 as a  national Stroke support organisation  to help promote positive wellbeing and save lives through helping stroke survivors regain function and independence, as well as preventing and managing stroke risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity. In 2012, there was low level of understanding of the risk factors associated with stroke. Inadequate stroke care at the community and level Low level of support for stroke survivors, leading to delayed recovery from stroke and stress for carers and stroke patients..

TASK

Against the background of the dearth of stroke awareness and specialised medical services, Stroke Action Nigeria  required communications management support to realise its objectives. It thus entered a partnership with  C&F Porter Novelli..

APPROACH

 C&F Porter Novelli developed a strategic communications plan designed to catapult  the incidence of stroke above the national message clutter, motivate change about stroke amongst relevant  audiences, and amplify the issues with regards to stroke. A key tactic was the championing of a stroke advocacy campaign by Stroke Action Nigeria. The campaign focused  on stroke awareness and prevention with the celebration of the annual World Stroke Day on October 29 as a major event. .. Other  elements of the communications plan  included policy-maker outreach, alliance building,  issues management, and media relations.

RESULTS

Increased Stroke awareness: There are  now other stroke support organisations  in Nigeria with statutory and non-statutory agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH)  celebrating the annual World Stroke Day.

Policy change in Nigeria Stroke Care: In collaboration with the FMOH , Stroke Action Nigeria, facilitated the establishment of the Nigeria Stroke Reference Group which led to the development of the first Non-Communicable Disease  policy in Nigeria that has a stroke mention.

Global recognition as leader in community-based stroke rehabilitation :The community-based life after stroke intervention model for stroke rehabilitation developed by Stroke Action Nigeria  has attracted international attention. A study is currently  in progress to evaluate its impact for purposes of replicating the model in other sub-Saharan African Countries.

HP:Anti-Counterfeiting Conferences

SITUATION

HP has always faced challenges arising from the counterfeiting of its toners and ink cartridges. A major effort to combat this fraudulent activity is the  HP Anti-Counterfeiting Conference (HP ACF).

TASK

 C&F Porter Novelli  was mandated to   provide services at the Ghana,  and Nigeria HP ACF. These included: end-to-end event management,  stakeholder management, guest relations, and media management..

APPROACH

Procurement executives of government agencies, and HP channel partner who form the core target of  the anti-counterfeiting campaign in the two countries were invited to these conferences, at which HP officials  exchanged views and ideas with them on the counterfeiting menace. Selected journalists in each country  who also participated in the conferences were also briefed on the pervasiveness of the counterfeiting and its effect.

RESULTS

Effective collaboration with related top government organisations was achieved, with very  attendance and participation of core target audience – procurement executives of government bodies, media, and HP channel partners. The conferences had positive and enthusiastic reviews from leading media targets in Ghana and Nigeria..