Shittu urges Nigerians to leverage on innovative technology to create global brands

The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, on Thursday in Abuja, urged
Nigerians to leverage on innovative technology to create global brands.

He made the call at the “2019 Glocalisation and Branding Summit” with the theme “Accessing Global Markets Using Local Creativity and Personal Branding.”

Glocalisation is the combination of the words “globalisation” and “localisation” to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but it is adjusted to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.

The minister, who reiterated the need for the country to intensify efforts toward developing local contents, noted that such effort would make the country to be in better position to compete favourably globally.

According to him, glocalisation as the name implies is an all-encompassing platform for the creation of virtual
and physical hubs to enhance creativity and promote customised brands.

He said “this cannot be achieved without emphasis on exporting services and focus on Foreign Direct Investments and export of commodities.”

Shittu emphasised the need for stakeholders to come up with viable recommendations on how to make the country an export hub for creativity and brands in Africa.

He expressed the ministry’s commitment to transform Nigeria’s local content market, especially in the areas of
strategy, policies and digital infrastructure investments.

He said “digitalisation is rapidly changing our society. The proliferation of easy-to-use devices and cloud-based applications is dramatically moulding our daily affairs, often in unpredictable and surprising ways.

“The underlying foundation of this evolution is the global service and connectivity infrastructure.

“Every nation is in a developmental phase slowly but surely inherits its bespoke identity, theme, unique product line and reputation and Nigeria cannot be an exception.

“Therefore, Nigeria must utilise the tech and social media revolution to its benefits.

“There are many important techno-political and socio economic questions in accessing global markets, using local creativity and personal branding centre on ubiquitous connectivity.”

Shittu further emphasised Federal Government’s commitment to continue to provide enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

According to him, Nigeria is prime for foreign direct investment and greater synergy with the private sector because of its captivating culture, diverse in nature and complemented by its huge population and potential market.

Mr Lanre Osibona, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on ICT, said that young Nigerians must be encouraged to promote Nigerian brands.

He urged the Nigerian youth to explore the huge potential in ICT to position “made in Nigeria” goods, services and products on the global market place.

He said “there is need to initiate a movement of young people that are determined to change the narratives.

“We must change how the international community sees us. Trust and integrity are key if Nigeria must lead the glocalisation space.”