Tari is a big man - over six feet tall, with a thoughtful bearing, deep voice and - above all - a deeply felt and extremely infectious passion for his country, Nigeria, and its people.

 

The work I did for Tari was amongst the most challenging I have taken on, since my customers normally approach me

because I offer special insights into the culture, identity, thoughts, feelings and aspirations of their target culture. In Tari’s case, I knew somewhat less than nothing about Nigeria and he knew it. He was, however, happy to give me a crash course, confident that I could make a strong contribution to developing the communications strategy, key messages and copy for his campaign to run as a gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa in the 2007 elections. His commitment, creative thinking and openness encouraged me to become involved and I’m glad to say neither of us regretted it.

 

I was honoured when he invited me to give the speech welcoming  him at his inaugural campaign rally in London and shall never forget the way I was taken to heart by the members of the Bayelsan community present.

 

In Tari’s case a deserving aspirant candidate who made great sacrifices to help his people didn't win, but he undeniably made an impact.