Obong Victor Attah, the erstwhile Governor of Akwa Ibom State, lamented the difficulties Nigeria faces in promoting itself to international investors and gaining recognition for its exports, citing the inadequacy of marketing efforts and representatives as key impediments.
Addressing attendees at the 2024 investiture ceremony of the Institute of Certified Sales Professionals in Ikeja, Lagos, he delved into the theme “Fostering the art of being outstanding.”
Attah spoke on the topic, “The imperative of selling Nigeria to the outside world in the post-2023 national elections era.”
Furthermore, he suggested that Nigeria’s failure to cultivate patriotism and maintain strong human relations among its citizens has been a barrier to establishing favorable trade relations with other nations.
He lamented the tendency for state governors’ trips to devolve into mere jamborees, with minimal tangible outcomes, echoing similar concerns about the Presidency and federal officials’ travel engagements.
He expressed disapproval of the manner in which Nigerians subjected their leaders and the country to global criticism during the buildup to the 2023 general elections, with negative comments that gained international traction.
“One thing distinguishes the February 2023 Presidential Election from all others which preceded it. It was the election in which the presidential candidates and their supporters spent more time on the character assassination of their opponents than setting forth their plans for governance in the event they were elected.
“Individually and collectively, Nigerians forgot that the number one National Salesman is the President of the country. He, more than any other person, has the responsibility of selling Nigeria first to Nigerians, and Nigeria to the rest of the world.
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“Don’t get me wrong, it is vital that the characters of our leaders – Presidents, governors – are known. But, in a situation in which only faults are highlighted, and positive attributes are concealed, the picture the world, as well as fellow Nigerians, receive is that of leaders with whom nobody should do business – unless it is unavoidable.
“Passive acknowledgement, rather than enthusiastic support would characterise our relationships with other nations virtually all the time. That is a shaky foundation for enduring and sustainable economic progress based on external trade,” he said.
Attah added that the nation has many things to sell to the world apart from crude oil, but that unfortunately, Nigeria has lost her pride of place in the agricultural sector.
”Let me say that the circumstances and conduct of the 2023 elections caused serious damage to the character of our President, our number one salesman, our electoral process and our judiciary. It left Nigeria with a badly damaged image. It is difficult enough to sell a good product in the face of stiff competition, to sell a damaged product is a daunting task.
“Those trying to sell Nigeria or its products to the world would need proper training and must be imbued with a high dose of patriotism. Whatever we want to offer must be of pristine quality and we must be always conscious of the fact that we have competitors and whoever we want to sell to has a choice,” he stated.
Attah was officially appointed as the Chief Patron of the institute during the investiture ceremony.
Dr. Dele Sobowale stressed the need to represent the country to the global audience with precision and professionalism, as he addressed the audience.
“We believe strongly in selling Nigeria to the world, but the only thinh is that it must be done correctly and in very professional manner. We have so many things that the world can benefit from us as a nation, as we can also derive benefits from the outside world, ” he said.
The President of the institute, Arthur Ozoigbo, highlighted the considerable risks salesmen undertake to garner public acceptance of products and services, underscoring the importance of enabling professional sales representatives to contribute to national progress.
According to the Registrar, Bukunmi Fabelurin, the institute has solidified its position as a leading influencer in enhancing the professionalism of salespersons within their profession.