In a defining moment that affirms his exceptional qualities and contributions to media practice and public communication, Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has been honoured with the prestigious Media Man of the Year Award at the 6th Edition of the Anambra Media Excellence Awards (AMEA) 2024 recently in Awka.
By Niyi Lasisi
In a defining moment that affirms his exceptional qualities and contributions to media practice and public communication, Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has been honoured with the prestigious Media Man of the Year Award at the 6th Edition of the Anambra Media Excellence Awards (AMEA) 2024 recently in Awka.
For a hardworking media aide quietly minding his business, the AMEA recognition did not come as a surprise since it celebrates his remarkable achievements while also highlighting his positive role in impacting Nigeria’s media landscape.
Aburime’s journey in media excellence began long before his current role as Press Secretary, marked by a distinguished career that spans journalism, advertising, and strategic communication. A graduate of the prestigious University of Ibadan with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Media Studies, and holding a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, Aburime has consistently demonstrated that academic excellence can seamlessly translate into professional mastery.
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His versatile career trajectory includes notable positions as editor and Bureau Chief in various media houses, showcasing his deep understanding of journalism’s nuances. His expertise further expanded through leadership roles in advertising, including positions as Head of Client Services at Dawn Functions, Lagos, and significant contributions to Interpublic Ltd and B3 Communications in management capacities. The establishment of Broaderworld Limited, his Media Management Agency, where he served as lead consultant and CEO, marked his entrepreneurial acumen in the media space.
What truly sets Aburime apart is his remarkable ability to blend tactical media advocacy with strategic communication. His support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for Anambra State began well before the governor’s election in 2022, through a series of compelling articles that demonstrated remarkable foresight. These writings, characterised by their incisive analysis and global perspective, have consistently captured the attention of both mainstream media and digital platforms, achieving widespread circulation and impact.
As Press Secretary, Aburime has elevated the art of government communication to new heights. Working with a cerebral governor like Prof. Soludo means Aburime has to always be on top of his game. His writings, which articulate Governor Soludo’s achievements and vision, go beyond just random press releases to include comprehensive analyses that resonate with both local and international audiences. The eagerness with which bloggers and mainstream media outlets reproduce his articles speaks to their quality and relevance in shaping public discourse.
Instructively, his mastery in brand management and strategic communication has also been instrumental in effectively communicating the Soludo administration’s achievements to the public. Through his tireless work, Aburime has demonstrated that government communication can be both informative and engaging, setting a new standard for public sector media relations.
The AMEA 2024 recognition is undoubtedly an authentication of the evolution of government communication in Nigeria. It acknowledges Aburime’s role in bridging the gap between government initiatives and public understanding, using his vast experience in media practice and brand management to create compelling narratives that touch base with diverse audiences.
Yet, his extensive professional development, marked by numerous training programmes both within and outside Nigeria, further reflects a passion for continuous learning and adaptation in an ever-evolving media landscape. The multiple awards he has received throughout his career now validate his consistent excellence and innovation in media practice.
As Press Secretary, Aburime continues to redefine the boundaries of government communication, combining traditional media expertise with modern digital strategies. His work exemplifies how strategic communication can enhance governance and public engagement, making complex policy initiatives accessible to the general public.
For aspiring media practitioners and communication professionals, Christian Aburime’s career trajectory offers valuable lessons in versatility, continuous learning, and strategic thinking. His journey from traditional media to government communication, distinguished by innovation and excellence at every step, serves as an inspiration for the next generation of media professionals.
As he continues to shape public discourse and government communication in Anambra State, winning acclaim along the way, Aburime must be acutely aware of the imperatives of working harder since he cannot afford to let his principal, Ndi Anambra and the media community down. He has a responsibility to keep standards high while influencing the future of media practice in Nigeria and setting new standards for excellence in public sector communication.
Niyi Lasisi is a journalist, based in Lagos
