At a five star event in Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday, July 27, 2012, Johnnie Walker unveiled its new, emotive campaign, KEEP WALKING NIGERIA. It also announced Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles player and coach, as the first Nigerian Johnnie Walker Giant.
Attended by a host of high profile Nigerian entrepreneurs, politicians, businessmen and celebrities, Siasia, gave a rare public address that inspired the esteemed guests with his own story of personal progress. The first Nigerian to be recognized as a Johnnie Walker Giant, his ideals as a person, a former player and coach are in harmony with those of Johnnie Walker himself and the brand philosophy of ‘Keep Walking’.
Sharing with the guests the story of his own journey through life and how he is determined to Keep Walking to achieve his goals, Siasia moved the audience as he told how throughout his life he had always believed in himself and had been determined to make a success of his life. Relating personal progress to his passion for football, he said, “One thing I have learnt: when life tosses you the ball, play it; because nothing can stand in the way of a man who believes in himself”.
A poignant video featuring Samson Siasia narrating his own story of personal progress was unveiled at the event.
Introducing Siasia at the event, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc. and Diageo Brands Nigeria said, “Johnnie Walker is proud to be associated with Samson Siasia; striker, coach and proud Nigerian as he continues his journey through life. Like many of us, he has faced obstacles and challenges on his journey, but his determination to overcome these hurdles to achieve his goals epitomize the Johnnie Walker philosophy to Keep Walking”.
Recognized as a mark of status in over 150 countries around the world and the number one choice of the world’s scotch whisky experts, Johnnie Walker is a brand that stands for personal progress, for having a dream and the courage to pursue it relentlessly. They would be celebrating individuals who has achieved their goals despite the odds and to inspire the nation to keep walking.