Lagos is that state the average Nigerian wants their state to be like – a thriving economy in the midst of national recession, infrastructural development at a far more advanced stage than the rest of the country, a responsive and well paid civil service. Lagos is a country in itself, insulated from the woes and perils that have become the trademark of the nation as a whole.

It was most gratifying to read Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed’s admission last Friday that the judicious management of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has helped advance the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s fight against corruption and saved Nigeria from imminent collapse.

It is no longer news that Nigeria’s economy is operating at a recession. With inflation rate currently hovering at a record 16.5, global oil price falling and the effects on Nigerians being real and biting, most governments at all levels now find it difficult to meet up with their wage bills and other necessary obligations owing to these and other circumstances.

Back in 2008 when then Sen. Barack Obama wowed us with his “Yes we can!” Change message (sorry APC, Obama brought “Change” long before Nigerians could say Sai Buhari!), I couldn’t imagine another U.S. presidential election that could be as exciting as that. Boy! Was I wrong?

In today’s digitally connected world, more brands are putting purpose before products and consumers are increasingly embracing experiences over exposure as a more impactful means of connecting with the brand.