sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9/sitemap.xsd BrandArena: May 2015

Friday 29 May 2015

DATA Report launch today - From Abidjan to Addis: Delivering in 2015 for Africa

A new funding plan to deliver basic health and education for everyone is essential to end extreme poverty, according to The ONE Campaign’s DATA Report 2015: “Putting the Poorest First,” (http://www.one.org) which was launched today in Abidjan, in the margins of the African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings.

Capture.PNGIf the new Global Goals that will be launched in September are to succeed, world leaders must make a concerted effort to target the poorest people and the poorest countries, or lives will be lost and years of development progress risks being undone.

A focus on girls and women is crucial, both to address the additional deprivation they face and because smart investments in women are more effective at lifting communities out of poverty.

ONE’s analysis shows that development partners are missing their targets, and financial support for the least developed countries (LDCs) continues to fall. Although LDCs are increasingly home to those who live on less than $1.25 a day, they received less than a third of aid (30.3%) in 2014. Had that share been increased to 50%, an additional $26.5 billion would have been available to those who need it most.

ONE is calling for better targeted development assistance to be coupled with increased domestic revenues from developing countries’ own governments to fund access to basic social services for everyone by 2020. With a $152 billion funding gap to meet these basic needs worldwide, including $34.5 billion in LDCs, July’s Financing for Development (FfD) conference in Addis Ababa will be a pivotal moment in securing ambitious commitments.

BBC World Service’s bbchausa.com Now Host Advertising

Hausa is one of the most widely spoken languages in West Africa. Advertisers will now have the opportunity to reach Hausa-speakers (outside the UK) in key BBC Hausa territories such as Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Ghana.

By introducing advertising to its language websites, BBC World Service aims to generate revenue that can be reinvested in high-quality journalism and innovative technology.

BBC Hausa Editor, Mansur Liman, comments: “The BBC Hausa website is a destination of choice for Hausa-speakers, wherever they are, with its offer of up-to-the minute news, features and analysis, bringing to life developments in Nigeria, Niger, Ghana and Cameroon and around the world. As our website starts carrying adverts, its editorial content will continue to stand out for its truly independent and impartial news coverage presenting all sides of the story. This new development will provide the opportunity to invest further in the site for the benefit of audiences.” 

Isla Macleod, Digital Business Development Director for EMEA, concludes:  “The BBC is one of the most trusted and established international public service broadcasters in Africa.  This new opportunity will allow advertisers to reach a Hausa-speaking online audience within the trusted environment of the BBC.” 

Skye Bank Holds Sme Seminar In Lagos

Following the success of its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Seminar in Onitsha, Anambra State last month, Skye Bank Plc today held the Lagos edition of its seminar for business owners in the SME sector.

The event which was of exceptional success, with over 200 entrepreneurs in attendance, took place at NECA Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Skye Bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, explained how Small and Medium Enterprises are major contributors to employment in Nigeria and other countries worldwide.

Mr. Oguntayo added, “Skye Bank wants to facilitate knowledge sharing and offer banking solutions that will help businesses. There is no way for multinationals to employ all the teeming young people who are seeking employment, therefore,  the role of SME’s in employment cannot be over emphasized.”

Keynote Speaker, and Vice Chairman of Tantalizers, Mr. Folu Ayeni, shared his success story on the rapid growth of Tantalizers from a small living room venture to a large scale business with 53 outlets nationwide.

Photos From Kaymu and Kinabuti Children Day With Change a Life Foundation

It was a fun filled day as leading online shopping community, Kaymu.com.ng in partnership with Kinabuti Fashion Initiative celebrated Children’s day with kids of Change of Life Foundation .

The children were trained on how to brand clothing items by Kinabuti trainers and thereafter taken through the whole process of selling on Kaymu.

The items branded by the kids will be put up for sale on Kaymu and proceeds will be given to the Change A Life Foundation.


Brand Nigeria: Read President Buhari’s Inaugural Speech

Inaugural speech by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari following his swearing-in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29th May, 2015

I am immensely grateful to God Who Has preserved us to witness this day and this occasion. Today marks a triumph for Nigeria and an occasion to celebrate her freedom and cherish her democracy. Nigerians have shown their commitment to democracy and are determined to entrench its culture. Our journey has not been easy but thanks to the determination of our people and strong support from friends abroad we have today a truly democratically elected government in place.

I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and cooperation he has given to the transition process, he has made it possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria. I hope this act of graciously accepting defeat by the outgoing President will become the standard of political conduct in the country.

I would like to thank the millions of our supporters who believed in us even when the cause seemed hopeless. I salute their resolve in waiting long hours in rain and hot sunshine to register and cast their votes and stay all night if necessary to protect and ensure their votes count and were counted.  I thank those who tirelessly carried the campaign on the social media. At the same time, I thank our other countrymen and women who did not vote for us but contributed to make our democratic culture truly competitive, strong and definitive.

Continue after the cut...

Thursday 28 May 2015

Unilever Planning Historic Comeback For Pears

Unilever a global FMCG player is plotting a new campaign for its soap brand, Pears and currently holding an in-house pitch to find a global creative agency.

The company is plotting a worldwide above-the-line campaign to reinvigorate the Pears portfolio. It is believed that the process had not progressed past the Request For Information (RFI) stage. Unilever is understood to be open to traditional, digital and social campaign ideas.

Pears was established in 1789 by Andrew Pears and became the first registered brand in the world.

In the second half of the 19th century, it was run by Thomas J Barratt, who became an advertising pioneer, most famously buying the copyright to Sir John Everett Millais’ painting Bubbles to use in one of his ads.

M.I to release new album on Tidal

Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga aka M.I has announced he would be releasing an album “One” exclusively on Jay Z’s Tidal.

In a video hosted by Notjustok TV, Mr. Incredible said apart from the 1001 physical copies of the album, his fans will only be able to get the album which was recorded about a year ago on Tidal.

He has won 14 awards since he hit the ground running a decade ago.

Jay Z's Tidal has over 770,000 subscribers. The America star is taken the biggest artists and made them exclusive to Tidal. The streaming platform is valued at $60 million.

Periscope launches Android app

Two months after it launched its live streaming app Periscope for iOS devices, Twitter's live-streaming app Periscope has finally released Android version.

From observations, the Android version is similar to Periscope on iOS, but makes use of Google’s material design and Android’s in-depth flexible notification feature.

Android users will have more control options over notifications from the app. But even more useful is a new feature called "return to broadcast," which lets those watching a stream quickly get caught up to the live action after interruptions like phone calls and text messages.

Accra to become first 'Centre of Excellence' in Africa

Microsoft Ghana, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Global Alliance of Mayors and Leaders from Africa and African Descent signed an agreement to make the city of Accra in Ghana Africa’s first ‘Centre of Excellence’, through the use of Microsoft’s CityNext applications. This will see the city become healthier, safer and more modern.

Presided over by the Hon. Alfred Vanderpuije, Lord Mayor of Accra, the agreement comes days before the Fourth World Summit of Mayors and Leaders from Africa and African Descent and serves to motivate the 300 mayors attending to follow in Accra’s footsteps.

Private sector partnerships will be a significant dimension of the Summit, exemplified by the agreement with Microsoft, one of the world’s leading technology companies.

The Summit will also encourage Mayors to sign the UNAIDS Paris Declaration to put their cities on the fast-track to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 through focused action for prevention, treatment, and support.

Guinness Nigeria reiterates commitment to conduct business with transparency and integrity

Nigeria’s giant in the brewery industry, Guinness Nigeria Plc. has restated the need for the company, its employees and stakeholders to continue to be transparent, ethical and responsible in their business operations.

The declaration was made at the 5th edition of Pathway of Pride organised by Guinness Nigeria. The Pathway of Pride is an annual event organized by the company as part of its Compliance and Ethics interventions to continue to drive awareness of the company’s Code of Business Conduct and other company policies and embed the company’s values. The purpose of Pathway of Pride is to help all employees understand the “Why” rather than just emphasising the “What” of compliance”. This year’s edition was themed ‘Trusted. Respected. Celebrated’.

Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc. Mr. Babatunde Savage; Keynote speaker and Principal Consultant/CEO EL-Values Advisory, Dr. Nechi Ezeako; and, Managing Director/CEO Guinness Nigeria Plc. Mr. John O’Keeffe at the 5th edition of the Guinness Nigeria Pathway of Pride ceremony that held recently at Guinness Ogba Office.
The idea behind the theme of the event was to make a connection between the company’s purpose, values and performance ambitions through the message that Trust and Respect are essential elements and the foundation to deliver its performance ambition, which will ultimately result in the company being distinguished and celebrated.

Speaking at the event, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr. Babatunde Savage said the event was appropriately tagged in order to remind the organisation’s employees of the values and operations of the company.

Skye Bank announces key executive appointments

The Board of Directors of Skye Bank Plc has announced the elevation and appointments of four new executive directors to the board as part of the overall efforts to uphold the very high standards and tradition of professionalism which have become the bank’s driving force for service excellence and leadership.

The new executive directors are Mr. Bayo Sanni, executive director, Lagos Commercial Banking; Mr. Idris Yakubu, executive director, Abuja and Northern Region; Mrs.  Markie Idowu, executive director, Technology and Service delivery channels; and Mrs. Abimbola Izu, executive director, Corporate services.

Announcing the new board appointments, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, expressed confidence that the new directors would further strengthen and reposition the bank for improved performance. He congratulated them on their appointments which he said would take effect in June and July 2015.

Sanni, who holds both Bachelor and Master’s degrees in finance from the University of Lagos, was, until now, the Chief Risk Officer at FCMB where he quickly effected the reduction of the non-performing loans and the cost of risk for the institution.

...And African Bank of the Year is Groupe Banque Populaire

* Jim Ovia receives African Banker Icon and Lifetime Achievement

Morocco's Groupe Banque Populaire triumphs as this year's African Bank of the Year, while Ghana's Albert Essien, Group CEO of Ecobank wins the award for African Banker of the Year. Ivorian Tidjane Thiam, the first African CEO of a FTSE100 company and Nigerian Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank win in the African Banker Icon and Lifetime Achievement categories, respectively.

In the African Bank of the Year category, Groupe Banque Populaire beat stiff competition from four shortlisted nominees to win the coveted title. Groupe Banque Populaire is one of the most important financial services groups in Morocco. It has recently taken a major stake in West African group Banque Atlantique and helped to turn around its performance significantly.

Veteran Banker, Albert Essien from Ghana was awarded the African Banker of the Year prize. He inherited a bank in a precarious position last year, but has managed to steady the ship and bring in some important shareholders to strengthen Ecobank's capital base.

The incoming CEO of Swiss Bank, Credit Suisse, Tidjane Thiam was honoured with this year's African Banker Icon award. Thiam is one of Africa's global leaders, the first African head of the top 100 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, as well as a former Minister of Finance of his country Côte d'Ivoire.

HomeSend Named Best Payment Product in Africa

HomeSend, an international transfer hub created by MasterCard, eServGlobal and BICS, has been named “the Best Payment Product in Africa” at the Asian Banker Middle East and Africa Awards.  The award recognizes payment products that efficiently enable secure, end-to-end transactions for customers, utilizing innovative channels or devices.



As one of the world’s most extensive cross-border money transfer networks, HomeSend  bridges the gap between various entities globally such as financial institutions, non-financial entities and mobile network operators, enabling Africans living and working abroad to send money from mobile money accounts, payment cards, bank accounts or cash outlets back home.
We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious award,” says Stephen Doyle, Group Head and CEO, HomeSend.  “This award recognises the strides we are making in providing a convenient, safe, and cost effective money transfer channel to Africans, many of whom are unbanked and underbanked.”

For millions of Africans, the receipt of funds from friends and family living abroad is an important lifeline.

Hyundai Unveils Android Auto On 2015 Sonata

Hyundai on Tuesday became the first automaker to make Android Auto available on a production vehicle. Android Auto enables owners of Android devices to access aspects of the mobile operating system such as music, mapping and messaging while driving.

It is presently launching on 2015 Sonata models with navigation and is controlled through the car’s in-dash screen, steering-wheel controls and voice-recognition system.

The automobile compant said that Android Auto eventually will be featured on most of the automaker’s vehicles and will be installed at the factory, owners of existing 2015 Sonatas with nav can add it via a software update free of charge by Hyundai dealers.

“Android Auto aligns with Hyundai’s core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We launched this highly anticipated feature on our best-selling Sonata, adding to our promise of value. With the launch of Android Auto, we provide more owners with the experience of cutting-edge technology.”

Unemployment, electricity top list of Nigerian citizens' concerns - Survey

Unemployment, a reliable supply of electricity, and poverty are the most important problems that Nigerians want their government to address, with crime/security following in fourth place, a recently reseased survey by Afrobarometer shows.

While incoming President Muhammadu Buhari must contend with immediate fuel, cash, and power crises, citizens’ expressed priorities can help inform the administration’s agenda for the next four years.

The Afrobarometer survey, conducted in December 2014-January 2015, shows a continuity of economic concerns and the growing importance of electricity and crime/security on the public agenda.

Key findings

Unemployment, electricity, poverty, crime/security, and corruption are the problems that citizens cite most often among their top three priorities (Figure 1).

Unemployment has been No. 1 among citizens’ concerns in all five rounds of Afrobarometer surveys conducted since 2003, always cited by about half of survey respondents. Poverty and corruption have consistently ranked among the top five problems, while education has declined slightly as a priority (Figure 2).

Jekalo.com Unveils Nigeria's First Ride Sharing Platform

Jekalo, an online platform that enable users to share a ride with someone going along the same route has been launched in Lagos, West Africa's business hub. The platform is the first of such in the country and we say kudos to the team who have worked on this innovative idea.

According to the Jekalo team, “If you own a ride, you can earn rewards by offering rides and for the days you do not want to drive, you can always join someone else’s ride. All members on Jekalo are verified and ride offers are screened before being published.”

The firm says its giving the first 30 rides for free to celebrate its launch in Lagos and will offer its users customized rates based on distance covered. Jekalo aims to be cheaper than a taxi and as affordable as a commercial bus but with greater comfort.

Jekalo is a Yoruba phrase for ‘let’s go,'.

It could be recalled that the Senior Marketing Manager at Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Mr. Jide Adeyemi while speaking on the theme "Changing Landscape" at the TEDxBodija held in Ibadan last year, commented that the world is changing and there would come a time when people would be able to share a ride with someone going along the same route. That era is now!

Onasanya bows out as FirstBank Group Managing Director

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc has announced the retirement of Mr. Bisi Onasanya as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited at the successful completion of his tenure effective from the end of the current Financial Year on December 31 2015.

Mr. Bisi Onasanya
Mr. Onasanya’s successor will be announced in the last quarter prior to his exit,  according to a statement by Folake Ani-Mumuney, Global Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications of the bank on Wednesday.

The statement said Mr. Onasanya is retiring on the heels of an inspiring and enviable career spanning over three decades of diverse management and operational experience, 21 years of which he has spent with FirstBank, serving meritoriously in the last six years as Group Managing Director/CEO.

"He has been able to stabilise and modernise the expanding FirstBank brand since his appointment in 2009, thus reinforcing the confidence of the bank’s diverse stakeholders and the global financial publics.”

It said,  This is in sync with FirstBank’s corporate governance practice, which provides for seamless transition for the office of Group Managing Director. As is well known, FirstBank’s corporate governance posture has won it much respect and awards both locally and internationally.

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Nike Opens Europe’s First Women-only Store in London

London’s iconic shopping street, 33 King’s Road berthed Nike's first women-only store in Europe.

Nike has been working to boost its revenue by going after the women’s athletic wear market. Part of its plan goes into effect as its first Nike Women store just opened in London.

King’s Road is the third women’s only store for the brand; Nike opened locations in Shanghai, China and Newport Beach, California late last year.

Nike King’s Road offers consumers bespoke services such as pant hemming, gait analysis and bra fitting.  Consumers can also get advice on the best products for individual running techniques and training programmes.

The store will create a fitness hub in the King’s Road community with free weekly Nike+ Training Club classes and a Nike+ Run Club. A booking system is housed on the digital community wall within the store allows visitors to reserve spots at all Nike running and training sessions held by Nike across London.

PZ Scores Hat Trick in Manchester City partnership

English Premier League club Manchester City has signed up international consumer products group PZ Cussons as a partner in Nigeria.

The three years partnership deal will run for three years, from 2015-16 to 2017-18.

In a release by the club, the Manchester-based business will activate the partnership through its local brands in Nigeria – Premier, Olympic and Robb.

PZ Cussons’ customers will be given the opportunity to win a number of exclusive VIP match-day experiences at the Etihad Stadium and opportunities to meet the players and watch private training sessions.

Omar Berrada, commercial director of City Football Marketing, which brokers Manchester City FC’s commercial partnerships, said: “We are very pleased to add PZ Cussons to our existing partnerships in Africa. Nigeria, and Africa more broadly, are extremely important markets, where our fan base is continuing to grow. “We will continue to build a strong relationship with PZ Cussons and are looking forward to providing fantastic experiences for their customers and our fans.”

Heritage Bank Formally Unveils Zuriel As Brand Ambassador

Coinciding with the 2015 Children's Day celebration to signify the position of youths in the future of Nigeria, and on the eve of Nigeria's government transition, Nigeria's newest financial institution Heritage Bank has formally unveiled Zuriel Oduwole as their Brand Ambassador across its branches in Nigeria. Heritage Bank acquired Enterprise Bank recently, taking it from less than 20 to more than 160 branches nationwide.

Later today, she would be hosting hundreds of children and youths at the Inspiration FM Children's day carnival at the Dream World Amusement park in Lagos.

As the worlds youngest movie maker at 12 years of age, and recently featured on CNN's African Voices after extensive features on CNBC , the BBC and Bloomberg TV, she embodies the can do spirit of the future, a spirit parents want their children to imbibe, one that children want to be part off, and an example of where Africa sees her children and her future headed towards.

In March 2015, ELLE Magazine listed her as one of "33 Women Who Impacted The World" in 2015, for their annual survey. Others on the impressive list include the Federal Reserve Bank Chairperson - Janet Yellen, and the President of General Motors Worldwide - Mary Barra.

At age 12, she is the youngest person on that very impressive global list.

Ecomium as Akpabio inaugurates last batch of life-touching projects

Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated the last batch of life-touching projects worth billions of naira with a clarion call on the people of the state to emulate selfless service of his administration.

The projects are Ibom Specialist Hospital at Ekritam, Itu Local Government Area, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene and Ikot Ekpene mini-Sports Stadium.

The hospital, which sits on 44,000 square metres in the heart of Uyo metropolitan city, has a 309-bed space expandable to 400, has six theatres, three of which are completely integrated modular theatres and three semi-modular theatres.

It has private, general and semi-private wards, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) which is 1.5 tetular, the most advanced technology available in the imaging field, 640 slide CT scans, full dialysis unit, automated laboratory and an endoscopic unit, CATH laboratory, intensive care unit for adult and children, a medical gas plant, paperless and pneumatic delivery devices, digital mammography, a helipad and a parking lot that can accommodate 500 vehicles.

The Four Point by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene which is a 14-storey oval shaped, has 146 rooms, 14 suites, a 600-seater banquet hall, six meeting rooms, swimming pool, terrace, fountain and presidential wing,  among others.

DSTV extends SABC news channel into Africa

Pay-TV operator, MultiChoice is extending the footprint of the South African public broadcaster's 24-hour TV news channel, SABC News, (DStv 404) on its DStv satellite pay-TV platform to the rest of the continent.

“The SABC News channel is being added to DStv across the Africa continent on 22 May as part of our celebration of Africa Month. We believe this channel will be particularly relevant to the hundreds of thousands of expatriate South Africans who live in other parts of the continent,” said a MultiChoice statement.

The extended footprint for SABC News comes almost two years after the channel finally launched on DStv in August 2013. SABC News replaced the SABC's first struggling attempt at a 24-hour news channel named SABC News International.

Media Fuse Aegis Network Keen On Growing Values

Full service media independent agency network, Media Fuse Dentsu Ageis Network Limited has officially announced the launch of its services in Nigeria .

At the event were the CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network, Iberia and Sub-Saharan Africa, Andres Andrade, CEO Dentsu Aegis Network Sub- Saharan Africa, Dawn Rowlands, Group CEO Media Fuse Aegis Network Nigeria, Emeka Okeke, COO Dentsu Aegis Network SSA Bevis Hoets, Bruce Burgess, Business Development Director Posterscope SSA and other top executives and services divisional leaders in the group in Nigeria.

Incorporated in 2013, Media Fuse Limited launched its services in the Nigeria market in January 2014 under the leadership of Emeka Chris Okeke, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the agency as an indigeneuos national media agency having obtained a national operating license from APCON.

With a small team of professionals Media Fuse broke its first campaign in Febuary 2014 with the launch of the Swedish on-line classified ads service- tradestable.com having won the business in a keenly contested media pitch. As the agency continues in its drive to deliver compelling services in the Nigerian marketing communication industry, its operations received a boost with keen interest shown in the business by global player Dentsu Aegis Network resulting in acquisition of equity interest in the business in July 2014 and subsequent change in name of the company to Media Fuse Dentus Aegis Network Limited.

Apple Crowned World's Top Brand

Apple overtakes Google in the 10th Annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking - Millward Brown
Apple has overtaken Google to reclaim the title of 'world's most valuable brand'.

In the 2015 BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, released on this week by WPP and Millward Brown. Apple has increased its brand value to $247 billion, a rise of 67% year on year. Google (no.2) also grew, achieving a 9% value increase to reach $173.7bn. Microsoft, now worth $115.5bn, is the new no.3, rising one position with value growth of 28%.

Though the AppleWatch has proved extremely popular, it is the success of the iPhone 6 that has been the main driver of Apple's brand value growth.

Doreen Wang, Millward Brown's Global Head of BrandZ, comments: "Apple continues to 'own' its category by innovating and leading the curve in a way that generates real benefits for consumers. It meets their rational and emotional needs, and makes life easier in a fun and relevant way. Apple is clear on what it stands for, and never stops refreshing its message to sustain the difference that makes it so desirable."

The total brand value of the Top 100 now stands at $3.3 trillion, a 14% increase on 2014 and a 126% growth over the 10 years since the ranking was first launched.

PZ Cussons acquires Glanbia Plc's stake in Nutricima joint venture

PZ Cussons Plc has bought-out Glanbia’s 50% stake in Nutricima, the Nigerian joint venture between Glanbia and PZ Cussons, for £21m in cash, giving PZ Cussons full ownership and control.

PZ Cussons has also entered into a new long-term agreement with Glanbia Ingredients Ireland for the supply of milk-based products to Nutricima.

The Nutricima joint venture with Glanbia was formed in 2003 to build a facility in Nigeria to supply evaporated milk and milk powder to the local Nigerian market.  A second facility for the manufacture of UHT products was opened in 2009. Over the last decade, Nutricima has developed market leading consumer brands including Nunu, Olympic and Yo.

These brands will be further strengthened and developed under the full ownership and control of PZ Cussons.  The joint venture’s revenues, EBITDA and PBT for the year ended 31 May 2014 were £74.4m, £3.2m and £1.3m respectively.  Gross assets at 31 May 2014 were £57.9m.


The buy-out has been completed using existing facilities and is expected to be earnings enhancing in the next financial year.

Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam Grand Finale Set For Ibadan

After thunderous performances by the contestants at the semi-final stage of Nigeria’ number one Fuji talent hunt, Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam 5 out of the 15 contestants that made it into the semis in Ilesa, Osun State have secured tickets to the grand finale slated for the ancient city of Ibadan.
Bolaji Amusan
This was after superlative performances that held the entire Ilesa spellbound for over nine hours. The 5 contestants that thrilled the judges will battle for The Wura 1 crown of Fuji T’o Bam at the Trans Amusement Park, Ibadan, and Oyo State on 29th of May 2015.  The contest will be combined with the biggest Fuji concert with notable Fuji icons and comedians in the yoruba movie industry in Nigeria.

 Consumers are in for a Faaji Unlimited with Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin) Adekola Tijani (Kamilu Kompo),Odunlade Adekola and Sanyeri that has been the toast of fan and followers of the show since the kick-off.

It would be recalled that the Paramount King of Fuji, Alhaji Abass Akande aka Obesere, Alhaji Taiye Adebisi (Taiye currency), Baba Tee alongside current Goldberg Ambassador and winner of first Fuji To Bam contest, Nurudeen Atanda ‘Antenna,' delighted over eight thousands (8,000)guests and fan who thronged the SB Bakare ground in Ilesa, venue of the Goldberg Fuji To’ Bam semi-finals which produced the five finalists.

Fun Events For Children’s Day In Lagos

Children are the future of any generation, an important part of the society. In a bid to honor them, the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries maintain a universal Children’s Day on an ‘appropriate’ day. 

Most countries celebrate Children’s Day on the 20th of November every year whereas countries such as Nigeria and India celebrate Children’s day on the 27th of May annually. While it is not a bank holiday, Children’s Day is a recognized national holiday and children and teachers are given the day off from school. 

If you are visiting Lagos with your children and looking for how to spice up their day, Jovago.com has made a list of 4 fun events that will rock their world.

The VitaVite Children’s Day Party
An annual event, the VitaVite Children’s Day Party is an awesome way to treat your children on their special day. Packed with bouncy castles, train rides, caterpillar slides, obstacle courses, relay races, entertainment, games, dance competitions, lots of food and so much more, the event is free for Members of the VitaVite Fan Club and open to non-members at 500 Naira per child.

Inspiration Children's Day Carnival
This event is one of the most anticipated events in Lagos for Children’s Day. Organized by Inspiration FM in partnership with other companies, the event is held annually. This carnival is aimed at nurturing children by showing them love and giving them the attention they deserve, especially on their own day. This year’s carnival will be held at the Dreamworld Africana Amusement Park. Children will get the chance to enjoy amazing dance acts, circus show, comic relief, soul-lifting music and other activities.

Happy Children’s Day


Africa Energy Forum: An important platform for project investment

The Africa Energy Forum arrives at the JW Marriott Hotel Marquis Hotel in Dubai in just two weeks’ time, from 8-11 June.

With global investors clearly looking closer at the opportunities on the continent, it's exciting that already 456 unique companies have registered to date from 63 countries worldwide, spanning the value chain of Africa’s power sector - 28 of those are African countries; the largest number to date in the Forum’s 17 year history.

The Forum has 11 Ministers confirmed; among those are Ministers of Energy, Infrastructure and Finance from Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia, as well as heads of utilities and regulators across Africa.

New for 2015:

•          This year’s Forum introduces the ‘Power In Africa Awards’ & Black Tie Gala Dinner – an ‘Emirati Banquet’ honouring people and businesses with actual projects in operation on the continent.

•          12 Ministerial and Utility-led country specific project briefings will shine the spotlight onto unique countries in Africa to provide detailed industry insights and in-country knowledge.

Apple iStore in strategic partnership with Jumia's Mobile week

Apple iStore, (The home of everything Apple in Nigeria)is has announced it's special participation in Jumia’s Mobile Week Megathon, the one and only mobile sale of this size in Nigeria, taking place from 1-7 June. 

iStore and Jumia partnered to offer mega deals on its finest and latest Apple products, from iPhones to iPads on iStore Online - Powered by Jumia - for seven days in a row, offering customers nationwide the chance to purchase the Apple device of their dreams at a price they would not be able to find anywhere else.

Jumia has been revolutionizing the way of accessing the Nigerian market for mobile brands for three years now, providing trustworthy, direct and fast access to Apple products for the end customers. It is therefore natural that iStore collaborates with Jumia to bring to its customers exactly what they want, and at the best price.

The Apple Deals available are:

10% Discount across iPad mini, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3. All capacities and colors where applicable (16, 32, 64 & 128GB - White, Black, Space Grey, Gold and Silver); iPhone 6 16GB with a free Griffin/Incase cover and screen protector and save N23 000; iPhone 6 64GB with a free Griffin/Incase cover and screen protector and save N33 000 - Hero Deal.

Qatar World Cup 2022: Coca-Cola, Visa voice out on migrant worker abuse

Global brands sponsoring the 2022 World Cup have continued to voice out against the alleged human-rights abuses taking place in Qatar, where hundreds of workers have reportedly died during construction on sites.

Coca-Cola, Visa along with Fifa’s other seven sponsors, is under pressure to speak out about poor working conditions in Qatar, and to lobby the Qatari government to address humans rights abuses.

"The Coca-Cola Company does not condone human rights abuses anywhere in the world," a spokesman for the company said. "We know FIFA is working with Qatari authorities to address specific labor and human-rights issues. We expect FIFA to continue taking these matters seriously and to work toward further progress."

Around 1.4 million migrant workers are reported to be living in Qater to help build stadiums for the World Cup, with many living in squalid conditions.


Image Source: www.venturesonsite.com. Credit: Ryan Bailey

GTBank, Etisalat in Strategic Partnership to Offer New Retail Banking Service

Guaranty Trust Bank plc, a foremost financial institution in Africa and Etisalat, one of Nigeria’s most innovative and fastest growing telecommunications company have partnered to introduce GTEasySavers, a savings account that is easy to open and easy to save.

Designed to enable under-banked and unbanked individuals achieve their financial goals while operating a regular bank account via their mobile phones. This strategic alliance that will enhance the service delivery of both brands, will offer customers, unparalleled lifestyle and loyalty benefits.

Registered subscribers of Etisalat network can conveniently open a GTEasySavers account by simply dialing a USSD short code –“737*0#”via their mobile phones, and a ten digit GTBank account number is sent via SMS immediately. Funding of the account can be done by Cash deposits at Etisalat Experience Centers and GTBank branches; electronic transfers from other bank accounts; Cash Deposit ATMs at GTBank branches and GT Express Agent locations.
Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director and CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje stated that “we are passionate about driving the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy in ensuring the under banked and unbanked, begin to find the propositions of banking services more attractive and convenient and then take the bold step of patronizing our numerous bank products and offerings, a passion which we fully share with Etisalat Nigeria”.

Egyptian Tech Firms Expand Footprint in Africa with Expected Business Deals Worth USD 7 Million

As a part of the country’s efforts to increase IT exports and achieve ambitious economic goals, Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) helped setting out a number of partnership protocols and concluding business agreements between Egyptian companies and 17 leading African telecom companies, financial institutions and ICT enterprises.

This is in 6 different African countries, in the framework of “Africa Together” program, Round II.

The program reflects the government commitment to accelerate economic growth by expanding the export footprint of its domestic enterprises and help them penetrate different regions in this fast growing continent. The Egyptian companies began to reap the fruits of the program, custom-tailored to increase their exports, by a number of deals totaling an estimated USD 7 million.

Over a three-day visit paid by the African delegation, a number of prescheduled one-to-one meetings were held, and site visits to the premises of Egyptian companies were made. On the last day, the visit was finished off with a gala dinner held under the auspices of H.E. Khaled Negm, the Egyptian Minister of ICT, during which ITIDA presented a movie that recapped the program, highlighted the planned initiatives for developing the local IT industry, and featured two keynote speeches by ITIDA’s CEO, Eng. Hussein El-Gueretly and Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC’s group vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.

As many IT Egyptian enterprises with high potential for exports seek to broaden their market exposure, ITIDA in cooperation with IDC implemented a research led Go-To-Market initiative to build up knowledge of African markets and how to approach them effectively.

Tuesday 26 May 2015

New IFC, Ecobank Facility to Finance SMEs Conflict-Affected States in West and Central Africa

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, parent company of the Ecobank Group and leading pan-African full-service banking group, today announced the launch of a $110 million risk-sharing facility that will increase access to finance for small and medium sized enterprises in fragile and conflict-affected states in West and Central Africa.

The target countries face extreme and persistent poverty exceeding 50 percent of their populations, coupled with severe socio-economic challenges, such as low employment, lack of infrastructure, and high insecurity that disrupts business activity and impedes access to finance. These difficult environments have exacerbated the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent the backbone of the participating countries’ economies and provide the bulk of employment.

The facility is designed to overcome the challenges of lending to these smaller businesses, which have a higher risk profile, in what are some of the world’s poorest countries. With IFC and Ecobank sharing risk equally in the $110 million facility, SMEs in Burundi, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Guinea, Mali and Togo will gain increased access to loans through Ecobank affiliates.

“IFC places a strategic priority on promoting a sustainable architecture to improve access to finance and spur job creation in fragile- and conflict-affected states,” said Saran Kebet-Koulibaly, IFC Director for West and Central Africa. “Our partnership will enable Ecobank to better support small and medium enterprises which face difficulty accessing much-needed credit in these economies.”

Glo unveils Nigeria's first airport ultra high speed Wi-Fi with FAAN

Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Carrier, Globacom, has launched the country’s first ever comprehensive airport Wi-Fi facility in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

With this development, passengers and other users of the airports will now be able to connect wirelessly to the internet through their smart phones, tablets, laptops and other smart devices.

The facility was formally commissioned by senior government officials led by the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Captain Victor Iriobe,  top Globacom, the Managing Directors of FAAN and National Airspace Management Agency, the Rector of Nigeria College of Aviation Technology  and other dignitaries at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja on Monday.

Globacom’s Coordinator, Business Solutions, Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu, said Globacom was "delighted to bring Nigeria up to speed with one of the best trends in the aviation industry worldwide by introducing ultra high speed Wi-Fi data experience for travellers and other users of our airports, beginning with Nigeria’s flagship airport, the MMIA."‎

FirstBank re-elected to the board of advisors of PCI SSC

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand has reaffirmed its leadership position in corporate governance and risk management with its re-election into the Board of Advisors of the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) for the second consecutive time.  PCI SSC is an open, global forum for the development of payment card security standards.

The PCI Security Standards Council works with organizations around the world to protect businesses and consumers against data theft by continuously developing new payment security standards, cyber security training courses, and certification programmes.

Lara Nwokedi, Head of Information Security management at First Bank of Nigeria Limited would represent FirstBank on the Board of PCI SSC in the fight against payment fraud and data breaches globally.

Nwokedi, a payment card industry professional, security lead auditor and implementer, has many years’ experience in information security and has led several initiatives in the Bank. Mrs. Nwokedi will be supported in this function by Emmanuel Okoroji who will be the alternate for FirstBank on the Board of Advisors of PCI SSC.

GETTING AROUND IN LAGOS

Lagos, Nigeria has been compared to New York, London and other crowded cities around the world. The traffic in almost every part is well-known. Although Lagos is widely visited by tourists and business travellers, most of  them do not explore the city as much as they ought as getting around is rather tricky. 
Lagos City
Truth is, finding your way around Lagos is quite easy. It is an undisputed fact that Lagos is one of the best-connected cities in Nigeria. The flyovers, connect bridges, numerous bus routes and thousands of taxis amongst others show the commute flexibility in the city. If you are visiting Lagos and you are at loss on how to move around, Jovago.com , Africa’sno. 1 Online Hotel Booking website brings this breakdown on the different ways you can move around Lagos.

Walking
While walking is not a popular as a means of getting around, many people in Lagos, including visitors walk . This is most common on the Lagos Island, along Marina. Walking is best for people who want to get a feel of the city. You will never get bored while walking. Sometimes walking from one district to another can make you feel like stepping into a different place and culture. Lagos can be quite rough as well, it important to always pay attention to the traffic flow. Pay attention to what’s happening in the street, even if you have the right of way. Also, do not wear anything flashy or carry too much luggage while walking, that way you stand less chance of being harassed.

Kaymu, Kinabuti Partner With Change A Life Foundation For Children Day Skill Workshop

In commemoration of Children’s Day, coming up celebrated yearly on May 27th, leading online shopping community, Kaymu.com.ng has partnered with Kinabuti Fashion Initiative (KFI) for a Children’s Day Skill Entrepreneurship Workshop to train children from the Change A Life (CAL) Foundation on silk screen printing.

The workshop slated for Tuesday May 26th is a joint initiative by Kaymu and Kinabuti to empower children with skills to set them off on their entrepreneurial path.

Children from the CAL Foundation owned by ace broadcaster and media entrepreneur, Funmi Iyanda, will be trained on how to brand clothing items by trainers from Kinabuti using locally made and affordable materials. The children will thereafter be educated on how to own and manage an online store on Kaymu. The items branded during this initiative will be put up for sale on Kaymu with proceeds given to the Change A Life Foundation.

Head of PR and Communications Kaymu, Tomiwa Oladele in a release stated, “This initiative was birthed out of the need to drive entrepreneurship amongst Nigerian youths. By empowering children with this skill set, Kaymu and Kinabuti are unleashing the future entrepreneurs of our time”.

Davido's 'Aye' top Nigeria's 10 most viewed YouTube music videos

With increasing internet users in Nigeria, Youtube user have continued to rise. In a recently Google Nigeria released top 10 most watched YouTube music videos in order to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of YouTube.

Davido's Aye still remain atop of the most viewed YouTube music videos. Tiwa Savage Ft. Don Jazzy – Eminado and Flavour's Ada Ada are second and third respectively.

The top 10 most viewed YouTube music videos of all in Nigeria are:

  • Davido – Aye 
  • Tiwa Savage Ft. Don Jazzy – Eminado 
  • Flavour – Ada Ada 
  • P-Square Ft. Rick Ross – Beautiful Onyinye 
  • KCEE Ft.Wizkid – Pull Over 
  • P-Square Ft. Akon, May D – Chop My Money 
  • Davido – GOBE 
  • MAVINS – DOROBUCCI Ft. Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, D’Prince, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di’Ja
  • Iyanya – Kukere
  • P-Square – Personally

Emerging markets’ share of global automotive sales will rise to 60% by 2020 - Carmudi.com

...83% of Nigerian car buyers turning online when researching for cars

Emerging markets’ share of global sales will rise from 50% in 2012 to 60% by 2020, while their share of global profits is also set to rise by 10%; a research contained in the first ever Nigerian Automotive Whitepaper launched by Carmudi.com - Nigeria’s fastest growing online car classified, has revealed.

In Automotive Whitepaper, Carmudi examined the current and future state of the automotive industry in Nigeria and other Emerging Markets.

Carmudi’s report on ‘The Booming Automotive Industry in Emerging Markets’ provides a detailed look into the global state of automotive sales and how car purchasing behaviors have changed due to the drastic increase in internet and mobile penetration, rising GDP, and the emergence of a middle class. The findings in this report are the results of Carmudi quantitative surveys conducted online with both car buyers and car dealers, and in-depth interviews with industry influencers throughout Nigeria.

Christian Keller,
Managing Director of Carmudi Nigeria
According to Christian Keller, Managing Director of Carmudi Nigeria, the firm decision to embark on this timely research is to enable stakeholders to provide workable data for the automobile indsutry and feed car sellers and buyers what needed information on how to transact online.

Mohammed Iyamu, Head of Operations at Carmudi Nigeria, said the report will presented to the National Automobile Council as well as all the manufacturing companies and head of automobile organizations. He noted as the emerging market grow, car buyers and sellers internet penetration will increased, sighting the report of the firm search as evidence.

For full details of the report, check after the cut...

Owa Obokun of Ijesha Land Endorse Goldberg

Dr Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesha Land in Osun State, has endorse Goldberg Lager Beer from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, the endorsement came when the Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam team paid a surprise courtesy visit to the palace of Owa Obokun as a mark of respect to the monarch before the biggest Fuji concert and the semi-final of the Nigeria’ number one Fuji music talent hunt which had over eight thousand fan and guests in attendance on Friday.

Public Affair Manager for West&Mid-West, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Tayo Adelaja, Brand Manager, Bassey Mfon, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Ayodeji Oke led the contestants and other members of the team to the palace as part of demonstrating the brand core values of respect for traditional values of the people.

Speaking during the courtesy call, OwaObokun expressed his joy for the visit; he commended the team for coming up with such a brilliant idea as part of the plan to give back to the society through Fuji talent hunt. He said, Fuji music is a music genre that is mostly enjoyed by the people of the South Western part of Nigeria, because it has a connection with celebrating culture and bringing out the beauty of Yoruba heritage and language.

He added that, Nigerian Breweries Plc as a company is known for brewering quality products for over sixty-four years and it stride in building human, economic and social development in Nigeria. He called for continued partnership between the organization and the traditional setup in developing the communities and the Nation at large.

The Owa then gave his royal blessing to the Brand, the company, the contestants and the entire team. He promised to support the talent hunt to the finale and the subsequent editions.

Monday 25 May 2015

Nigeria’s most viewed YouTube clip ever is ...

Google has announced the most popular Nigerian videos on YouTube of all time. The video that takes the spot is First Lady, Patience Jonathan’s ‘Dia ris God’ cry which was uploaded by Channels TV.

The video, published in 2014 showed Mrs. Jonathan breaking down at a meeting over the abduction of about 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram insurgents in Chibok, Borno State, in a dramatic display of emotion that drew global attention and ridicule.

She questioned why the principal hesitated to honour her invitation for a meeting in Abuja, and the circumstances of the kidnap. With no satisfactory response from the principal, the First Lady exploded, “All these blood you people are sharing, diaris God o, diaris  God o, God…o….Chai, diaris God o,” she lamented repeatedly before dabbing tears from her eyes with a handkerchief.

Saturday 23 May 2015

4 Countries to host DEMO Africa Mini-event

In September this year, DEMO Africa will be hosted in four mini-events ahead of the main event. The events are intended to bring together regional technology eco-systems to learn and share from peers and industry players.

The events are also aimed at encouraging innovations in less favored categories where interventions are critically needed in various countries across Africa.

The DEMO Africa mini-events will be hosted in four cities across Africa. These include Nairobi, Accra, Harare and Cairo. The first of these mini events is scheduled for 3rd June in Nairobi where East Africa technology entrepreneurs will interact with key industry players and their more successful peers.

Commenting on this announcement, DEMO Africa’s executive producer Harry Hare called on the entrepreneurs to take advantage of the existing opportunities, at the same time exuding confidence in the standards of innovations on the DEMO Africa stage. “With each passing year we get to witness the amazing thoughts and hard work of young entrepreneurs, I am confident that on the DEMO Africa stage this year, investors will get to witness innovations that will convince them to channel more of their resources towards technology entrepreneurship.” He said.