Michael Benis
Client: Tari Iniekio-Suboh, Yenagoa and Hove
Tari is a big man - over six feet tall, with a thoughtful bearing, deep voice and - above all - a deeply felt passion for his country, Nigeria, and its people.
The work I did for Tari was amongst the most challenging I have taken on. My customers normally approach me because I offer experience of and insight into the culture, identity, thoughts, feelings and aspirations of their target public. But in Tari’s case, I knew 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 happy to say neither of us regretted it. Far from it!
So, I was doubly honoured when he invited me to give the presentation speech 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.
Brand and Communications Consultant
Branding • Creative Concepts & Strategy • Copywriting
• Creative Direction • Speechwriting