Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc
Kufre Ekanem joined Nigeria’s foremost brewer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, with a rich background in communications spanning over 15 years. A holder of a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA in management and marketing from the University of Calabar, Ekanem cut his teeth in communication at SO&U, one of Nigeria’s leading integrated marketing communications companies. He made his foray into the corporate world at Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he was the corporate affairs manager. He handled execution of the company’s communication strategies so well that he was given the additional responsibility to oversee corporate communication in Cadbury Ghana.
At Nigerian Breweries, he coordinates all official communications and execution of the company’s public relations programmes. The result of his efforts is evident in the hugely positive image and profile of the company that controls about 60 per cent of the Nigerian beer market.
Kufre believes so much in the partnership of the media in the activities of his organisation. “The consumer wouldn’t know what we have if the media is not there to communicate our activities, whether it is our financial performance, products, Human capital, contribution to social responsibility, technology, History and heriateg” he once stated while hosting media men.
In recognition of the importance of partnership with the media, the Nigerian Breweries has instituted pen Award for Journalist, a yearly compettition and award to recognise and reward outstanding performance among journalist across the country. This award is one of the activities of Nigerian Breweries which Kufre cherishes so much due to the importance he places on his copanies partnership with the media.
Kufre believes in hardwork, which has seen him rise to his present position without relying on any god father – a common Nigerian factor.
He has once told his story of how he came to Lagos standing in a bus from his state, Akwa Ibom, but through dint of hardwork he has found himself at the top of his career as one of the current best perception managers in corporate Nigeria.
The Lesson from Kufre’s Career is a story of hardwork, professionalism and the blessing of God.
