The nigerian state re-branding and the people's perception

Governments and countries are increasingly using branding to sell their regions and countries to the rest of the world, in order to increase their international profile, attract foreign direct investment, make her citizens acceptable anywhere, and their places ideal destinations for tourism and trade. This study examined the Federal Government re-branding campaign and its effect on the river state people. The objective of this study is to ascertain the people's perception towards the Nigerian state before the Re-branding campaign. Survey research method was adopted in the study among 386 population of Rivers State. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data utilized in the study and presented in tables. Chi-quare was used to test the study hypotheses. The result of the study shows that the people's perception towards the Nigerian State has been largely negative before the rebranding campaign, thereby justifying the need for the rebranding initiative in the first place (calculated value (6.3766) > critical value (7.815). Therefore, the null hypothesis was accepted, while the alternate hypothesis was rejected. It was recommended that The president, should urgently develop the political will to prosecute all high profile corruption cases, while giving no room for “sacred cow”. He should also give good leadership. This will give the rebranding initiative the needed impetus to succeed in the future.