The executive governor of Imo state and the former minister for information Dora Akunyili will be honoured by BJAN for their outstanding contribution in visionary leadership and branding.
Dr Ikedi Ohakim and his fellow nominee Dora Akunyili became candidates for the awards after deliberation by the executive committee of the association, who concluded that both awardees of have gone the extra mile to promote branding in governance.
In the light of this, Governor Ohakim was conferred with the “Most Visionary and Brand Friendly Governor” award, while Prof. Akunyili was given the “Most Distinguished Brand Ambassador”.
Before Governor Ohakim was elected, he had an elaborate vision of where he wanted to take Imo state to. He went about it methodically and branded the platform that would propel his political agenda for the state. He mapped out where he wanted to drive Imo and the kind of vehicle he would use in doing that. Despite all the set-backs, Dr Ikedi Ohakim was about to achieve his vision and purpose for the state in all sectors. At the inception of his administration, some did not understand what he was doing, but the “New Face Of Imo” and the “Clean and Green” initiative became the philosophical vehicle through which his administration has undeniably brought this about a discernible paradigm shift in Imo State. Imo state today under the Ohakim administration has become a state to beat in terms of infrastructural development.
Prof. Akunyili renewed the effort at positively managing the image and perception of Nigeria and Nigerians through her home grown “Rebranding of Nigeria”. With very meagre resources, she committed so much energy toward enlightening Nigerians that “Rebranding” must start with them. “Charity must begin at home”. If we want the world to see us from a positive and respectable perspective, we must repudiate those unacceptable conducts that has attracted international odium. In the process of the exercise, she gave the country a slogan that reminds us we are: Nigeria, Great People, Great Nation.
The awards is scheduled for March 18, 2011 would be presented at the EXPO Hall, Eko Hotel and suites, Lagos, in a ceremony that would attract top government functionaries, friends and captains of marketing communications industry. The ceremony will also feature a lecture titled: "BRANDING IN GOVERNANCE," by Karen post, a renowned international speaker from the United States. The brand journalists are committed to pursing this line of advocacy as a strategy for making governance impactful and result, oriented in order to better avail Nigerians the dividend of democracy.

LET'S DO MORE IN OUR STATE, IMO.