BrandArena: November 2020

Monday 30 November 2020

Fifth Lagos PR Industry Gala & Awards Holds December 19

The Lagos State Chapter; the leading and most populated branch of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations accounting for nearly 60 per cent of the communications practitioners in the country, today announced that the fifth Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards will hold at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Lagos on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business and Atlantic Hall School have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance entrepreneurship and experiential learning opportunities for secondary school students in Nigeria.

Bincom Dev Center Launches Global Tech Initiative ‘eMigr8’

In its strong effort to bridge the talents lacuna in the tech ecosystem, provide hands-on experience in software development and other technical skills to produce globally attractive technology experts, Bincom Dev Center, - a tech training and development hub has launched ‘emigr8’, a tech-enabled pathway to relocation abroad.

Qatar Airways Touches Down for the First Time in Abuja, Nigeria

...To operate three weekly flights from Abuja via Lagos

Qatar Airways has announced its plan to operate three weekly flights from Abuja, Nigeria via Lagos, becoming the sixth new destination announced by the national carrier of the State of Qatar since the start of the pandemic. The Abuja service will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank have approved a $120 million loan to fund the construction of a 50 MW hydropower plant in Western Tanzania that will provide reliable renewable energy to households, schools, clinics and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kigoma Region.

The Ecobank Group launches ‘Ellevate’, a programme for women-owned and women-focused businesses across 33 markets. This programme is designed to help women reach their full potential by empowering, growing and supporting them with customized financial and value-added solutions.

Leading consumer finance company, Zedvance, has announced a partnership agreement with AMARA MEDICARE that will enable its customers in Lagos have access to discounted health benefits on eye, dental or ENT care services.

Emirates Group announces half-year performance for 2020-21

...Revenue down 74% to AED 13.7 billion (US$ 3.7 billion) due to the COVID-19 pandemic

The Emirates Group this month, announced its half-year results for its 2020-21 financial year. Group revenue was AED 13.7 billion (US$ 3.7 billion) for the first six months of 2020-21, down 74% from AED 53.3 billion (US$ 14.5 billion) during the same period last year.

This week, YouTube is holding its first virtual YouTube Black Africa Creators Week, a week dedicated to engaging, educating and inspiring African creators to grow on the platform. 

In line with its SMART City agenda of making Lagos a 21st-century economy, the Lagos State Government (LASG) through the Office of Innovation and Technology is organising the second edition of Art of Technology Lagos 2.0. curated by Eko Innovation Centre, the two-day conference will bring together the best of tech minds from across the globe physically and virtually on the 3rd and 4th of December 2020.

WorldRemit Launches a New Price Drop on Transfers to Nigeria this Black Friday

...Customers in all send markets will enjoy 0% on all transfers to Nigeria

WorldRemit, a leading global digital payments company, has announced the launch of its new zero per cent pricing for international transfers to Nigeria. The new lowered price allows customers to send more to family and friends in Nigeria with absolutely no fees and FX margins.

If small businesses can provide easy access to information, frictionless payments, a simple returns policy, and personalized shopping options, they are likely to have an immediate advantage in the marketplace.

Investing in African Mining Indaba (Mining Indaba) has announced the launch of its Virtual Investment Programme, taking place 30-31 March 2021. The Programme is a new service for mining companies, investors and analysts to raise capital, pitch their companies and originate deals.

MTV Africa and MTV Base announced the return of the continental flagship award show in 2021. The Iconic MTV Base celebration, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), which showcases the ultimate in African culture, music, and creativity, will be held in a re-imagined virtual format in partnership with Uganda, The Pearl of Africa on February 20th 2021.

Irantiola's drama, ‘With our Uniform’ mirrors Societal Injustice amongst others

To showcase societal decadence and the ruthless use of force by uniformed men, “With our Uniform” a satirical stage drama written by Olutayo Irantiola came alive at the just concluded Lagos Fringe Festival. The play was staged between 20th and 22nd November at Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

The festive season is a time for families and friends to come together, share special moments, and have tons of fun! This year is particularly unique as many have been living apart, and connecting with family and friends matters more than ever before. But, what’s a festive celebration across Africa without music and dance? On Friday, 4 December, Boomerang will release the last four songs from the second edition of the Boomerang Tunes playlist, sung in English, Pidgin English, and Swahili.

Emirates has been recognized as the Best Airline for 2020 at The Sun Travel Awards, and the Best Long-Haul Airline at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards.

Shoprite Nigeria’s supermarkets have offered early Black Friday deals and big discounts on everyday essentials as customers are increasingly looking for value, given the pressure many households are currently experiencing.

Hold your heads high', Fabamwo charges newly inducted Doctors

At the induction and graduating ceremony of the 15th set of Medical Doctors and 5th set of Dental Surgeons of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) held over the weekend. Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), admonished the new doctors to thirst for knowledge and skills as they begin their journey in the medical profession.

The Board of Directors of Nigeria’s leading financial institution; Coronation Merchant Bank Limited has announced the appointment of Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji as an Executive Director of the Bank with effect from November 18, 2020, consequent to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

GDM Group, a marketing solutions company, has announced the appointment of Omolabake Yussuff as its new Managing Director, the first woman to hold the position.

African Development Bank’s AgriPitch competition awards $120,000 in prizes to African youth “agripreneurs”

The founder of a cassava processing business in Kenya, a co-founder of a novel food processing technology start-up, and the owner of a smallholder farmer food procurement company in Nigeria won the top cash prizes in the African Development Bank’s $120,000 AgriPitch competition on Tuesday.

On Monday, November 23rd 2020, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), together with Portia Ltd, will host a virtual ceremony to kick off the 18th Gender Summit (GS18). Organized on the sidelines of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) and under the framework of the Gender Summit Africa series, GS18 will run from November 23 to December 02 under the theme of "Agriculture through the Gender Lens: From Surviving to Thriving in a Climate Changing World".

Afro dancehall phenomenal out of Africa Onyido Nkemjika better known as "KETCHUP" who introduced the world to his AfroDancehall sound officially in 2010 with his 1st song titled "NUVO" has gone on to be a major hitmaker over the years chunking out massive tunes to the thrill of rich music lovers and excitement most especially of the reggae/ Afrobeat/ dancehall enthusiasts.

Nigeria’s number one pure science competition, PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge (PZCCC) competition has commenced registration for its 7th edition. All SS2 Chemistry Students across Nigeria can now visit www.pzchemistrychallenge.com for an opportunity to win part of over half a million in cash prizes earmarked for the 2020 edition.

TAJBank, Nigeria’s most innovative Non-Interest Bank, has announced a $5m credit facility from the African Export–Import Bank (AFREXIM).

The Board of Directors of 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB) has announced the appointment of Branka Mracajac as the CEO designate. A seasoned Enterprise Resource Planning expert, Branka brings on board, an enviable record of accomplishments in digital financial services and risk management.

The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has elected four (4) new leaders to its executive committee. These elections and announcement births a new tenure for the HFN following the handover of office by the past executives at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually recently.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created major financial challenges for businesses and consumers alike. As money management becomes increasingly digital, fintechs play a pivotal role in helping to restore and rebuild the global economy. To provide increased support for the ecosystem, Visa has announced two new components of its fintech Fast Track program:

Accelerex Holdings Secures $20m Investment from Africa Capital Alliance

Accelerex Holdings has announced that it has signed an investment agreement with regional private equity firm, Africa Capital Alliance (“ACA”), for the Capital Alliance Private Equity IV (CAPE IV) fund to invest $20 million in Accelerex. With this investment, CAPE IV will become a strategic partner in Accelerex and will hold three seats on the company’s board.

As many as five Nigerians have made it to the top 25 list of the African Energy Chamber’s TOP 25 Movers & Shakers Watch List for 2021, released earlier this week. Published every year, the list identifies the leading African and international figures whose work and decisions have a direct impact on the African energy industry and the way Africans access and consume energy.

Eight innovative African tech startups have been selected for the prestigious Facebook Commerce Accelerator Programme. The 12-week non-equity virtual programme aims to assist selected startups in improving their customer relations and creating a seamless shopping experience for users.

TalentQL has announced that it has raised $300,000 in a pre-seed round led by a Nigerian investment firm, Zedcrest Capital and accompanied by angel investors – Venture Platform’s Kola Aina and former Andela Executive, Prosper Otemuyiwa.

Autochek, the automotive technology company that aims to build solutions for the African market, has raised $3.4 million in pre-seed funding round, co-led by TLcom Capital and 4DX Ventures with inclusion from Golden Palm Investments, Lateral Capital, Kepple Africa Ventures, MSA Capital, and some local angel/seed investors. The start-up will use the investment to grow its Nigeria and Ghana markets and will see further investment in technology and growing its teams.

Professional roller-skater Nigerian born British Tinuke’s Orbit (aka Tinuke Oyediran), age 27 years has broken the record for most cartwheels on roller skates in one minute with 30 and the mostspins on e-skates in one minute with 70 in celebration of Guinness World Records Day 2020. A circus performer and skating teacher by trade, Tinuke set herself these challenges at the beginning of lockdown to pass the time and soon realised that her talents could be record worthy.

Nigeria’s leading telecoms services provider, 9mobile and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women have committed to an exciting new partnership to support women in Nigeria to develop the confidence and skills they need to grow their MSMEs at scale. Starting today, on this year’s Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (19th November), 9mobile will harness its technology and networks to promote the Foundation’s award-winning business skills app, HerVenture, to women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Registration for the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge is open! All SS2 Chemistry Students across Nigeria can now visit www.pzchemistrychallenge.com to participate in the challenge and for an opportunity to win part of over half a million in cash prizes earmarked for the 2020 edition.

The organizers of Brandcom Awards, Nigeria’s leading brands and marketing publication, Brand Communicator has concluded plans to honour and recognize brands and marketing communications professionals in the country on November 27.

Okonjo-Iweala Headlines WISCAR’s 2020 Virtual Leadership and Mentoring Conference

A leading player in the Nigeria non-for-profit and women empowerment sector, WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), has announced Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has the keynote speaker at its 2020 virtual annual leadership and mentoring conference. The event themed: ‘The Future We Want’ will take place on the 28th of November 2020. The conference will also feature key industry leaders who will lead proactive round table discussions on the theme.

SBI Media Limited, a leading media agency in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment towards youth’s empowerment and development during the maiden edition of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) workshop titled “The SBI Media Workshop” where some upcoming media entrepreneurs and other innovators were rewarded with cash gifts in grant for their viable ideas and a lucky round-trip ticket winner, courtesy the Turkish Airlines.

A Standard Chartered survey conducted between July and August 2020, amongst a panel of the world’s top 300 investment firms with total assets under management (AUM) of more than USD50 trillion, found that: only 3 per cent of their AUM is invested in Africa; lack of investment in emerging markets puts the chances of meeting the 2030 SDG deadline at risk and of those already investing in Africa, 93 per cent say they will likely increase their investment in the future.

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has approved a Grant Agreement for the Senegalese Groundnut Oil Processing Company, SONACOS, to acquire new laboratory analysis equipment.

The Orlando Magic have signed rookie forward Chuma Okeke, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

WIMCA Sets Agenda For Female Professionals, Awards Deserving Individuals, Brands

The 2020 edition of the prestigious Women in Marketing and Communications Conference/Awards, WIMCA, the first virtual special edition and the fourth edition which held November 13, 2020 via the Hibrid/Zoom platform has set the agenda for female marketing professionals in Nigeria in the quest to advancing their careers.

Pinkberry Gourmet Frozen Yoghurt, the leading food brand for delightful and healthy treats has today launched the first Naija Healthy Kafé, – The Pinkberry Kafé!!!! This is in a bid to offer healthier and delicious food alternatives to its consumers across Lagos.

Western Digital is working with Call of Duty to reimagine three high-performance products from the WD_BLACK portfolio, bringing gamers three special edition storage drives that encapsulate the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War look and feel with the added bonus of in-game Call of Duty points. These three products include the WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive, WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD and the recently announced WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe SSD featuring PCIe Gen4 technology.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is offering full sponsorships for startups to attend the 40th edition of GITEX Technology Week holding at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Dubai, the United Arab Emirates from 3-10 December 2020.

Dr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has inaugurated the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. The centre seeks to position the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution that dwells on emerging technologies.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s director of communications, Lee Cain, has resigned, despite this week being offered a promotion to chief of staff.

Entries are now open for the 2021 SABRE Awards competitions in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The early deadline for all three competitions is December 18; the late deadline will be January 25, 2021.

Monday 30 November 2020

Friday 27 November 2020

Thursday 26 November 2020

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Tuesday 24 November 2020

Monday 23 November 2020

Thursday 19 November 2020

Wednesday 18 November 2020

Monday 16 November 2020