Northern PR Stars: Outstanding Communicators in Multinationals
By *Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba
In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, Public Relations (PR) has emerged as a formidable force, shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the Northern region of Nigeria has also witnessed an impressive rise in its PR industry, with a wave of talented professionals making their mark on the communication landscape within and outside the country.
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The North has also produced iconic Communicators, scholars, spokespersons, and other PR practitioners who contribute to defining contemporary issues in the public relations industry. They are highly organized communications professionals, and some of them are also found in multinational corporations where communications can make all the difference in a complex industry with increasing competition.
Spokesperson’s Digest, a sister publication of PRNigeria presents three personalities who are successfully promoting their multinational corporations in gaining the trust and visibility they deserve among relevant stakeholders in their respective industries.
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Bashir Chedi: The Wave-Making PR Director of Dornier
Dornier Flugzeugwerke was a German aircraft manufacturer founded in Friedrichshafen in 1914. Over the course of its long lifespan, the company produced many designs for both the civil and military markets.
Meanwhile, the Dornier Group is a global one-stop shop for engineering services with a focus on the infrastructure sector. Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP Limited is a recognized industry operator in private aircraft charter, FBO services, aircraft management and maintenance.
Operating in a delicate sector, Dornier is very active and maintains high professional integrity without any blemish due to the way and manner it manages its reputation. Bashir Chedi, the Director of Corporate Communication, Commercial and Public Relations at Dornier Aviation Nigeria, is an Aviation Management practitioner of high repute, with vast experience in Public Relations, Corporate and Integrated Communication and Business Development.
As the spokesperson of the multinational company in Nigeria, Bashir Chedi ensures that the company has a unique insight into key areas of aviation and has maintained an unsurpassed reputation for professional service, product knowledge, and commitment to complete customer satisfaction within Nigeria, and the African sub-region.
A graduate of Bayero University, Kano, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication, Bashir Chedi holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Management Law and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration [MBA} from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
As a dedicated and committed member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Chedi has served at both state and national levels in several capacities as Secretary of Kaduna State Chapter; two-time Chairman of NIPR, Kaduna State Chapter, Council Member and Member of several NIPR National Standing Committees.
A Fellow of NIPR, Bashir Chedi is vastly experienced in Crises and Event Management Corporate and Government Relations. He is also an expert in Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and community development. He has also attended several conferences at home and abroad, as well as winning some awards in the cause of his commitment and dedication to his job and profession.
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Aliyu Ma’aji: The Unsong Public Affairs Manager of Lafarge
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Currently the Country Head, Public Affairs at Lafarge Africa Plc, Aliyu Ma’aji is an experienced journalist, certified marketing communications specialist and seasoned relationship and people manager.
A Mass Communications graduate of the Bayero University Kano, Aliyu Ma’aji was born on December 24, 1972, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
A pioneer Group Business and Economy Editor of Daily Trust between 1999 and 2001, after a stint at the banking sector as communication specialist, Ma’aji joined the British American Tobacco (BAT) in 2004, and became the company’s West Africa Area Communications Manager in charge of Nigeria, Benin Republic and the Republics of Niger and Togo.
He later joined Unity Bank in 2008 as AGM/Head of Corporate Communication, leading the company’s rebranding project and driving its recapitalization communications programme, including playing a prominent role in its corporate strategy and restructuring plan in 2010.
He was afterward, General Manager, Group Communications and Government Affairs at TGI Group; an international investment and holding company, with diversified interests and investments in several other emerging markets.
Aliyu Ma’aji, also was once the Managing Director of Reputation Capital, AGM/Head, Corporate Communications at Unity Bank Plc.
A widely travelled and internationally-trained professional, Ma’aji has attended several international Master’s classes in communications and business training in over 25 countries.
A holder of the traditional title of Ma’ajin Zazzau, the Lafarge spokesperson is a designated royal chief, and custodian of the Zazzau emirate’s economy and its treasury.
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Anas Galadima – The Iconoclastic Head, Government Affairs at MTN
Anas Galadima is Senior Manager, Public Affairs (Government Relations) at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. He has extensive years of experience in telecommunications policy & regulations, stakeholder engagement, consumer affairs, public affairs, policy/advocacy, and corporate social responsibility, together with media and strategic communications.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and a Masters Degree in Communication, Media and Public Relations from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, Mr. Galadima oversees stakeholder management and public policy matters at the Federal and State levels, within the Regulatory Affairs function of MTN.
He is responsible for advising MTN on government policy initiatives and how they will impact on the business. As Head of Public Affairs, Galadima coordinates MTN’s efforts to align with government policies to support strategic national development.
Galadima leads the team that develops actionable plans for dealing and communicating effectively with Public Policy and Regulatory authorities at Federal and State levels across Nigeria.
He started his career nearly two decades ago as a newspaper journalist with Media Trust Nigeria Limited, Publishers of Daily Trust and other titles. He later moved from journalism to Public Relations, serving as Corporate Affairs and Media Relations Officer in the now defunct Oceanic Bank International Plc from 2007 to 2011.
In 2011, he moved to MTN Nigeria where he currently works as Senior Manager, Public Affairs. During the course of his career, he has attended numerous courses, trainings and workshops, including executive courses at the prestigious Harvard University.
Mr. Galadima is passionate about community development, education and youth empowerment. In addition, he continues to be involved in various voluntary community service initiatives, including serving as Special Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
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*Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba, a Staff Writer with the Spokesperson’s Digest is an alumnus of Leeds Beckett University obtaining a Bsc in Media Communication Culture and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Email: [email protected]
