AN OPEN LETTER TO PETER OBI: MR PETER OBI, NIGERIANS NEED YOUR VOICE

Insightful101WithCCFrancis (#605)

Dear Mr Peter Obi,

Warmest greetings.

The Nigerian national election is just one year behind us, and amazingly, nothing much is happening with your political advisors, except acting as an opposition party to the Tinubu administration. Unfortunately, we have enough people function as opposition in that capacity, especially from the masses. This is why I think instead of cooling off until 2026 to begin another campaign jamboree, you and your team could increase your relevance through a weekly media engagement.

During World War II, Advertising Agency experts criticised Coca-Cola for wasting money advertising Coke when the world was at war. Coca-Cola’s response was, “People will know we cared while the world is engulfed in war, but they’ll naturally remember us after the war.” This singular act made Coca-Cola become an integral part of the U.S. military’s efforts. The company supplied Coca-Cola to troops, and became a symbol of American culture and a reminder of home. Today, Coca-Cola still stands as one of the top beverage products in the world.

As a younger man then, I would sit and listen to Professor Pat Utomi’s, “Patito’s Gang TV Show” which aired in the 90s. It helped my understanding of Nigerian politics, system of governance and the dynamics of the Nigerian economy. I’m sure that programme also contributed to the many successes of the Lagos Business School – (Prof Pat, in case you’re reading this, you owe me this little AD 😊).

Bringing me back to my story, Mr Peter Obi, sir, you should capitalise on the power of social media to be on the faces of the Nigerian people every week. You should start a weekly talk show programme addressing the state of the nation. Each show will address different sectors of the economy, and the likely solutions the Government and its citizenry should proffer to move the nation forward.

During this programme, your Production Team could invite traditional leaders, politicians, technocrats, professionals, businessmen, traders, union leaders, civil servants, celebrities, journalists, media practitioners, students, etc, to the show, and let them talk frankly about the way forward for the nation. In a short while, it will be an inspiration to many.

The power of the media, in fact, social media, in our contemporary times, cannot be overemphasised. It will grant you the platform to continue to capture the hearts of your audience, enlighten the minds of the ignorant and inspire the progressives towards a better nation. So, I urge, you, Mr Peter Obi to consider launching a weekly TV talk show to address the state of the government and the nation. This platform will enable you to:

– Share your expertise and insights on governance, economy, and policy-making.

– Engage citizens in constructive discussions on pressing national issues.

– Hold leaders accountable for their actions and policies.

– Inspire and empower Nigerians to demand better governance.

– Foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the nation’s future.

It’s not enough to react to issues once in a while, send out tweets or grant press interviews in reaction to certain controversial national matters. A weekly programme of this type should be intentional, deliberate, focus-driven and decisive. It demands energy, time and effort, but the result is enormous.

This show can be a beacon of hope, providing a platform for constructive dialogue, education and inspiration. Indeed, Nigeria needs your voice to spark the needed positive change. Let action begin.

So Sir, don’t miss this opportunity to increase your relevance.

I am CC Francis

… better than yesterday