Chukwuemeka Okereke is the Managing Director/ Lead Consultant at Infuxion Communications Limited. He is a finance and communication management expert with over 25 years post graduate experience which cuts across financial management, strategic communications planning and positioning, reputation and Business management for a wide variety of brands and causes.
Prior to co-founding Infuxion Communications Limited, Emeka held top management positions in C&F Porter Novelli, where he rose to the position of Head of Finance, and Head, Business Management, a position he held till his resignation in 2023, He brings over 18 years experience in top flight management, corporate positioning and set ups, as well as
extensive knowledge in the areas of financial management, Integrated marketing communications, Human Resources and Business management, having successfully led and supported teams charged with implementing large scale communications programmes for diverse clients.
He spoke with Ikechi Nzeako,
Tell us about the company?
Infuxion Communications Ltd is a strategic communications consultancy delivering business advisory based on experience and insight. The company is borne out of the necessity to breed freshness to the old skills that have connoted the PR industry in Nigeria for years. We have within the very short period of our existence built a strong access to global resources and insights, and coordinate Africa and the rest of the world through our ‘Hub & Spoke’ approach that have helped us build trusted affiliates and partners.
We partner with companies, organizations and individuals to help manage their reputation. Our communications connect with audiences so effectively, in a way that they are logical and personal, strategic and creative.
The practice is led by a team of dedicated professionals with a combined wealth of experience of over 25 years, with expertise that cuts across a range of different sectors and policy areas designed to meet our client’s needs.
What services does your company provide?
Like I said, our principals are business professionals and communicators with broad spectrum that cut across diverse industry experiences, having advised clients locally and globally over many years at both the best of times and the worst of times.
We are therefore eminently equipped to provide marketing communications support, financial and investor relations services, public sector/ government relations support, corporate communications, designs and branding services, media relations support, strategic communications development, Crisis management and Communications, purpose and sustainability initiatives and Media monitoring and reporting services.
What differentiates your company from other media agencies?
Infuxion Communications Limited is an ideas consultancy. We are foremost a reputation management advisory company, with focus on adding value and delivering results for our clients whether through sophisticated integrated marketing communications or public relations campaigns.
We craft beautiful stories that explore everyday life. Delivering the right PR and marketing content in the right way. Telling stories that matter, seeding ideas and stirring emotion. Standing alongside our clients as custodians of their reputation is a privilege that we will forever cherish.
When was Infuxion Communications established and how has it fared?
Infuxion communications Limited was established in March 2023, following my resignation from C&F Porter Novelli early that year, having held top management positions for over eighteen (18) years. I then decided to partner with some progressive oriented minds to birth Infuxion Communications Limited.
We have since coming on board, worked with notable organisations and companies, providing reputation management support, media relations support, and designs and branding services.
We have within the very short period of our existence build a strong access to global resources and insights, and coordinates Africa and the rest of the world through our ‘Hub & Spoke’ approach that have helped us build trusted affiliates and partners.
What challenges has the company faced and what strategies were deployed to meet them?
Infuxion Communications like every other business have had its fair share of challenges as an emerging company. The present economic situation in Nigeria is a major challenge that have resulted in drought in business opportunities, leading to cut down in company budgets for communications support services. Human capital deficiency in the industry, competition and saturation of the market by nonprofessionals are also part of the challenge.
Notwithstanding, we have continued to navigate through these challenges by introducing our proactive services level models whereby we continue to stand alongside our clients as custodians of their reputation.
What is your assessment of the media agency in the country?
The Nigerian media agency landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, some of which are: Diverse Landscape: The Nigerian media agency is diverse with a mix of regional, and multinational agencies operating in the market which provides clients with a range of options to choose from. Growth Potential: The media industry has grown significantly, and is currently been driven by young and tech-savvy population. Competitive Environment: The landscape is highly competitive, leading to innovative and strategic solutions with agencies struggling for share of the budget of both local and international brands. Digital Transformation: The media in Nigeria is undergoing a digital transformation, with growing emphasis on data-driven strategies for campaigns. Client Expectations: Clients in Nigeria are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are demanding more transparency, accountability and measurable results from their media agency/ partners.
What is your comment on the Nigerian business environment?
Like we all know, the Nigerian business environment is currently beclouded with various kinds of risks, fear, and uncertainty that culminate into the collapse of so many businesses and the relocation of several multinational to other countries and closure of many local firms.
What do you think can be done to make the environment friendly to businesses?
The Nigerian environment could be friendly for businesses if the government make conscientious effort towards improving infrastructure, reducing bureaucracy, ensuring legal and regulatory transparency, tackling corruption, promoting access to finance, investing in education, and skills development, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship are key steps to make the Nigerian business environment more friendly.
What qualities does one need to possess to own an agency in the country?
To own an agency in Nigeria, you would typically need to first register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), then obtain the necessary licenses and permits depending on the type of agency (e.g. advertising, recruitment, real estate etc), have the capital for initial setup and operations, comply with the different regulatory authorities, be it for tax, or for the practice, and meet specific industry requirements. Additionally, having industry knowledge is key, with a solid business plan and networks can be helpful.
What advice will you give a young person who wants to start and run an agency?
For young people looking to start and run an agency in Nigeria, my advice would be to; Obtain a formal education and spend some time to work with a reputable agency to gain relevant experience and skills in the industry. Research the market thoroughly to understand the demand for your services and knowledge of your competition. Register and network with professionals in your industry to gain insights, and mentorship. Develop a solid business plan outlining your agency’s business strategies, service offering and pricing. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements for starting and operating a business in Nigeria. Focus on delivering exceptional customer service to build a positive reputation and attract clients. Continuously innovate and adapt to market trends to stay competitive and meet evolving client needs. Be resilient and prepared to face challenges along the way, and never stop learning and improving your skills and business strategies.
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