First, Alia was not on the Federal Government delegation list. He gatecrashed.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday by Director GeneralSebastine Tar. Hon Campaign Organisation.
Second, his interview with “the press” lacked standard UN media branding.
The microphones used to interview him were not branded to identify the media in that interview.
Apparently, these were people hired to pose as journalists to give credence to the Alia’s games.
There was no UN backdrop to show that he was at an official meeting.
Third, he did not name specific development partners, MoUs or pipeline investments.
In investment promotion, optics without deal-sheet is questionable. A serious investor round at UNGA is usually announced weeks ahead with a schedule of bilateral meetings and closed with communiques.
A social media user, Joe Ver’s questions as quoted are the real test: “Who funded the trip? What was pre-approved? What measurable commitment did Benue return with?”
And how does a state grappling with insecurity, IDPs and kidnappings pitch itself without first addressing the risk factors investors can check in seconds?
This time, citizens no longer celebrate travel photos. They ask for: List of companies met, sectors discussed and next steps.
Alia should stop playing on Benue people’s intelligence.
