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Business Rivalry: Why Dangote & BUA Should Embrace Co-opetition

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 By Ishola, N. Ayodele   Aliko Dangote                  Abdul Samad Rabiu Introduction The intense rivalry between two Nigerian conglomerates, Dangote Industries Limited and BUA Group, has recently taken a contentious turn, with allegations, accusations, and counter-accusations flying back and forth. This 'do or die' business rivalry has not only stirred up tensions in the corporate world but also holds valuable lessons on the detrimental impact of such fierce competition on business growth and the nation's economy. In this article, I delved into the Dangote-BUA rivalry, drawing insights from renowned economists and business strategists, to shed light on why such cutthroat competition can be counterproductive.   The Escalation of the Dangote-BUA Rivalry The Dangote-BUA rivalry is a prime example of how competition can sometimes spiral out of control, leading to a host of adverse consequences. The conflict, which recen...

Communication without Communicating: Lessons from FG’s response to Atiku’s Press Conference

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By Ishola, N. Ayodele Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar Introduction In the fast-paced world of politics and public life, criticism is almost inevitable, and public figures must navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion with grace and strategic communication. A recent case that highlights the importance of the Nigerian State house response to the world press conference of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and a presidential candidate in the 2023 election. This response serves as an important lesson in handling criticism especially from competitors or oppositions. In this article, I will like to argue that from a strategic communication point of view, attacking your critics, even when their mischief is apparent, is not the best response strategy. Instead, I will highlight a more effective approach to respond to such statements without getting entangled in a war of words. Bayo Ononuga (Special Adviser on Information & Strategy) The Pitfalls of A...

CRISIS CREED: WHY PR EXPERTS ARE WRONG ON ERISCO FOODS CRISIS

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By Ishola Ayodele In the tumultuous world of crisis management, where swift and well-judged responses can make the difference between recovery and ruin. Erisco Foods, a titan in the Nigerian tomato paste industry, found itself ensnared in a web of controversy when a Facebook influencer, Chioma Egodi, publicly voiced concerns about their Nagiko Tomato Mix product. What should have been an opportunity for dialogue and resolution quickly spiraled into a case study on how not to handle customer complaints.  On October 5, 2023, I had the privilege of addressing the topic, 'TOMATO TALES: Case Studies on Navigating Today's Complex Terrain of Customer Complaints,' in the context of the Erisco Foods Crisis. My perspective, which deviated from the advice of many crisis management experts, posited that Erisco Foods' response couldn't have been different, not due to a lack of awareness of best practices, but because their perspective on the situation was fundamentally diffe...

The Transformative Power of Marrying Creativity with Technology in PR (Part 1)

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By Ishola Ayodele Ishola Ayodele 'A Message Engineer' In today's fast-paced and digital-driven world, Public Relations (PR) professionals are tasked with not only crafting compelling narratives but also navigating a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The convergence of creativity and technology has transformed the way PR services are delivered, creating new opportunities for engagement, measurement, and innovation. By harnessing the synergy between these two forces, PR professionals can elevate their service delivery to new heights, connecting with audiences in meaningful and impactful ways.   The Nexus of Creativity and Technology At first glance, creativity and technology may seem like polar opposites, but they are becoming increasingly intertwined in the realm of PR. Creativity serves as the heart and soul of effective communication breathes life into narratives enabling PR professionals to tell stories that resonate with target audiences thereby propelling the in...

COMMUNICATION WITHOUT COMMUNICATING: PR Lessons from the CMC Connect’s Report Backlash

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By Ishola Ayodele Ishola Ayodele 'Message Engineer' “It is not what you say but what people hear that matters in communication’                                                                                                  Ishola Ayodele Introduction In the realm of public relations and communication, accurately gauging public sentiment is a paramount task. A recent incident involving CMC Connect, a prominent PR agency in Nigeria, highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when attempting to capture public opinion or sentiment through surveys and reports. The fallout from CMC Connect's report underscores the intricate interplay between methodology, public perception, and the broader sociopolitical landscape. The Controversial Rep...