In the nation’s rapidly evolving branding and marketing landscape, where visibility often equals opportunity, one message is rising above the noise: storytelling is no longer optional; it is essential.
The divisional director at Marketing Edge Publication, Aniete Udoh, whose decades of experience span radio broadcasting, advertising, and brand development, noted that, for years, the Nigerian dream was wrapped in a singular path, education, certification, and employment, saying, that model is outdated.
“Growing up in Nigeria, many of us were taught to focus only on certificates. But the world has changed… now, people want to know the why behind your hustle. In essence, your journey matters more than your job title. Your story, the failures, sacrifices, and small wins, now differentiates you in a sea of sameness.
“In traditional advertising, brands told stories to connect with customers. Now, individuals must tell stories to connect with opportunities,” he pointed out. Udoh sees this as a new wave of personal branding, especially relevant in a country like Nigeria, where formal systems are unreliable, and informal networks drive advancement. ‘Your story is your brand. If you’re not telling it, someone else is, or worse, nobody is hearing it at all,’ he said.
Udoh’s warning is clear: digital silence is invisibility. Nigeria’s youth, particularly Gen Z, are digital natives. They tweet, post, and record daily. But Udoh challenges them to move beyond banter and trend-chasing into meaningful storytelling that builds identity and influence.
He shares an example: “a young man in Agege who began posting short videos of himself baking bread in his family’s small bakery: no filters, no gimmicks, just honest content. Within months, someone noticed and offered him a sponsored opportunity to train abroad.
“That is the power of authentic digital storytelling, especially in a country where talent often goes unnoticed unless amplified.”
Udoh encouraged Nigerians to share their journey, not just the wins, but the process. Use platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram to document growth. To him, “Speak publicly when opportunities arise, even in informal settings. Be real, because people can sense insincerity quickly. You don’t need to wait to become rich or famous before telling your story. Start now. Start where you are. With what you have. The future belongs to the authentic, not the loud.”
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