Marketing needs conducive environment to thrive —NIMN president

THE President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Mr Tony Agenmonmen has explained that the decision of the council to open a new corporate office for  the institute in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ikeja, was informed by the need to give marketing practice a new lease of life in the country.

Speaking at the  commissioning of the new  office, recently, Agenmonmen stated that for  marketing  practice to flourish in the country, it has become imperative for practitioners to ply their trades in conducive environments that would positively project their image.

Describing the new building as a  ‘collective effort of the council and the institute’s  members’, the NIMN boss expressed the resolve of the council in ensuring that the practice is given the utmost recognition it deserves in the country.

“Though this building does not belong to us, but it is far better than where we are coming from. Before now, nobody would be proud of being a marketer in the country, seeing the deplorable state of our former office. Though this is  still work in progress, but we believe this new place gives us a sense of pride as marketers,” he added.

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According to him, the institute is gradually overcoming its challenges, as evident in the return of some of its members  that left in the past, and the impressive attendance its activities has been able to attract in the past two years.

“We had double equity challenge, in the past, but we are happy things are gradually looking up. For instance, in the past two years, our members that have left are coming back. Even our activities, especially the last one in Abuja was able to attract the presidency and other important dignitaries  in the country.

“While all these were positive for us, the fact that we had no befitting home (office) was a major challenge. We thought this is a convenient place. We then appealed to our members, and quite a number of them  were  generous,” Agenmonmen stated.

According to him, the Council would soon create a Hall of Fame, to recognise  those who  contributed towards making the idea of the office a reality.

Congratulating the council on the new office, the Chief Executive Officer of S.O& U and chairman of the event, Mr Udeme Ufot,  believes the location is key; since it would go a long way in boosting marketing practice in the country.