BrandArena: December 2020

Tuesday 29 December 2020

Nedbank Hires Publicis Groupe as its Digital Creative and Media Partners for 2021

Leading financial services power-house in South Africa, Nedbank has announced its appointment of Publicis Groupe as its digital creative and media partners for 2021. The agreement sees Digitas Liquorice continuing and expanding its long-standing relationship with Nedbank as the group's digital creative agency, while Publicis Media comes on board as the bank's digital media agency.

The Coca-Cola Company has appointed former Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer at GE Africa, Patricia Obozuwa as Vice President, Government Affairs, Communications & Sustainability for Africa.

Emirates SkyCargo transports first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for Dubai Health Authority

...Emirates SkyCargo transports the vaccine free of charge

Emirates SkyCargo has notched yet another milestone by flying in COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech to the UAE for the first time for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The vaccines were transported from Brussels on Emirates flight EK 182 on 22 December 2020, arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 22.15 local time.

NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange has informed market participants and stakeholders that Allianz Nigeria Insurance Plc has delisted its shares from the NASD platform.

In recognition of exceptional talents in the Nigerian music industry, MTV Base recently thrilled its audience to the 2020 edition of its MTV Base Roundtable. The annual entertainment show brings together the most versatile media personalities in Nigeria to discuss the hottest topics and trends in the music industry. The show which aired exclusively on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322; GOtv Channel 72) also unveiled the #mtvbasehottestnaijaalbum list of 2020.

Nigeria’s talented music sensation, Umughare Aghogho Prosper popularly known as Holmes, who is fast establishing himself as one of the great artistes on the continent with his Afro-fusion genre of pleasant sound has continued to break fallow grounds in the entertainment industry, despite the challenges that hit the year 2020.

Emirates has announced several key movements and rotations to its commercial team, both in its Dubai hub and across key markets in the Far East, West Asia and Africa.

UK and EU to finally strike Brexit trade deal after nine months

European Union (EU) and Britain have finally struck a free-trade deal that will avert economic breakdown between the two sides on January 1, 2021.

Nigerian fintech startup founded by Opera, OPay, has confirmed plans to expand its payments service operations to North Africa next year as it aims for a $2 billion transaction value by end of 2020. The company started with $363 million in January and grew to a whopping $1.4 billion in November.

Following the launch of Pinkberry Kafe, Pinkberry Frozen Yoghurt, a leading food brand for delightful and healthy treats in Nigeria has just announced its expansion to other stores across Lagos.

NBA Rosters Feature 107 International Players From 41 Countries

The National Basketball Association (NBA) had announced that 107 international players from 41 countries are on opening-night rosters for the 2020-21 season, including a record 17 Canadian players and a record-tying 14 African players. This marks the seventh consecutive season that opening-night rosters feature at least 100 international players. All 30 teams have at least one international player.

X3M Ideas Commissions Multi-million Naira Glo Fibre Optic Internet Connectivity

Leading Nigerian creative powerhouse, X3M Ideas has commissioned a multi-million Naira Glo fibre optic internet connectivity for its offices to enhance seamless business operations in the coming year and going forward.

Proshare, Nigeria's Premier Financial Information hub, as part of its fourteenth (14th) anniversary announces the re-organisation of its leadership (as well as that of its subsidiary - WebTV Limited), as part of its transition to a "Tech-Driven Information Market" created to deliver value to a new financial ecosystem.

The Recording Academy has announced the honorees for its 2021 Special Merit Awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Lionel Hampton, Marilyn Horne, Salt-N-Pepa, Selena, and Talking Heads. Ed Cherney, Benny Golson and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds are Trustees Award honorees; and Daniel Weiss is the Technical GRAMMY Award recipient. The honorees will be recognized on the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 31, 2021. Given the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, more details about the special award presentation event will be announced at a later date.

Emeka Emuwa Takes A Bow As CEO of Union Bank

...Board Named Emuwa Okonkwo As MD Designate

The Board of Union Bank Nigeria Plc has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Emeka Emuwa, has communicated his decision to retire after eight years leading the Bank. He would finally take a bow on as CEO on March 31, 2021.

Liquid Telecom, a leading pan-African telecoms group has appointed Wole Abu as Chief Executive Officer for Liquid Telecom Nigeria and its new Africa Data Centre (ADC) in Nigeria, effective January 2021.

Nigeria’s leading customer-focused telecommunication company, 9mobile, has reassured its enterprise customers of improved Quality of Service (QoS) on its network in 2021. This reassurance was given during 9mobile’s Enterprise Customer forum 2020 in Port Harcourt recently. The Forum is designed to appreciate customers for their loyalty while receiving their feedback for better service response.

Heritage Bank partners LAWMA for sustainable greener, cleaner Lagos

…Launch Lagos Recycle Initiative

Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s Most Innovative Banking Service provider has entered into strategic partnership with Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to attain sustainable greener and cleaner Lagos.

Hotels.com, an Expedia Group company, and the National Basketball Association (NBA), today announced a multiyear global partnership that makes Hotels.com the Official Travel Partner of the NBA.

The year 2020 has taught us many things, but nothing greater than the importance of celebrating special moments with loved ones. This was the case with Greenwood House School Ikoyi, who has celebrated its 25th anniversary with various events through the year and concluded with a virtual Christmas concert on the 15th of December 2020.

Bold play for a stronger future: How Emirates is supporting Dubai’s sports industry

...supports efforts for safe return to golf and cements Dubai’s position as a global golfing hub

Dubai has yet again captured the attention of the golfing world with high profile competitions like the DP World Tour Championship and ‘Race to Dubai’, the European Tour’s season-ending finales. Golf’s very best players and rising stars convened in Dubai for one of the game’s most prestigious prizes. As Official Airline of the event, Emirates has been providing critical air transport links to support the players, organizers and the entire golfing community to safely resume international sports action on the ground, and cater to the millions watching the broadcasted event around the world.

Africa must leverage investment to unleash the potential and ingenuity of its youth, its most important asset, African development BankPresident Akinwumi Adesina said at a Conference of Montreal fireside chat event.

Facebook has released its “2020 Year in Review: Highlights” an infographic showcasing some of its key investments and work across Africa in 2020. Supported by an animated video celebrating and showcasing a few people across the continent rising against the challenges of this unexpected year, the campaign aims to highlight the successes, strength and resilience of its users, whilst reinforcing Facebook’s ongoing commitment to the region.

Umbro South Africa has to announce a new long-term partnership as the official technical sponsor of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) for the next four years.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lagos Metropolitan has installed Ayodeji Akinwande as its 2021 Local Oganisation President. He took over from Omowunmi Davies-Akinwande whose term has ended.

The festive season is bound to look very different this year, but, there are still a lot of ways to share the love with family and friends. This December, Boomerang is continuing to celebrate the magic of children’s imaginations in its new series of Magic Makers, with a fourth edition of the campaign launching in time to celebrate the festive season. With this hectic year coming to an end, the time that all children have been waiting for has arrived, and Boomerang is here to make sure that the celebrations are a lot more special!

AfDB Appoints Gauthier Boulard as Director and Special Advisor in the Office of the President

The African Development Bank Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Gauthier Boulard as Director and Special Advisor in the Office of the President, effective 1 January 2021.

Procter & Gamble launches its Pampers Rigakafi III program

…donates over 180,000 Pampers diapers to the Tabitha Cumi Foundation

Leading consumer goods company, Procter & Gamble P&G recently launched its Pampers Rigakafi III program through a partnership with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) to reduce infant mortality and increase immunization rate in Nigeria. Through this initiative, Procter & Gamble donated over 180,000 Pampers diapers to support the TCF’s ‘Help Mama Keep Baby’ project which promotes maternal and infant health in hard to reach communities in Nigeria.

Mastercard has partnered with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) to help bridge the digital and financial literacy gap amongst school students and young adults in Nigeria. Through a series of programs, the students will be equipped with the essential skills to prepare them for future success as digital entrepreneurs. JAN is part of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the world’s oldest and largest non-profit economic education organization operating in 120 countries.

The Board of Directors of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has confirmed the appointment of Mr Gbenga Oyebode as Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board, effective from 11th December 2020.

Estonian based on-demand startup, Bolt, has raised €150 million ($182 million at current rates) in an equity round to expand its operations in Europe and Africa.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed mobile operators in the country, MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9 Mobile, to block all SIMs without National Identity Numbers (NINs) from their networks as from 31 December 2020.

Staff and alumni of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria have held the fourth edition of their annual Walk for Charity on Saturday 12 December 2020. The walk tagged “5for5” covers five kilometres and is aimed at raising funds for five selected charities. This year, however, due to COVID-19 and the restrictions to large gatherings, the Walk took a slightly different format with staff, partners and alumni of the firm walking in small groups around their own neighbourhoods.

The International Facility Management Association, IFMA, Nigeria Chapter has elected her 11th President, Mr Segun Adebayo, as well as other Council members to serve as the new executive council team for the Association up till 2022.

Creative Industry gets a new leaf of life with N5bn funds- Heritage Bank

…As winner of Ynspyre Account online giveaway received N1m

Entertainment and creative sector is about to receive a huge boost, as Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s Most Innovative Banking Service provider has arranged to set aside N5billion as support funds to drive the industry and stimulate sustainable growth to the nation’s economy.

Junior Chamber International, Nigeria has called on Nigerians to nominate prospective young Nigerians that are advancing the cause of human and global development for its 2021 ‘Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award, that is also known as JCI Nigeria TOYP.

NCC Endows N40m Professorial Chairs in Two More Universities

In line with its ongoing initiative to ensure a sustainable telecommunications industry that is responsive to global technological changes as well as national consumer preferences, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instituted and endowed Professorial Chairs to the tune of N40 million in two more Nigerian universities.

The atmosphere was nothing short of electric with scenes of dancing and jubilation as Abiola Fausat Emmanuel emerged winner of N10 million grand prize at the just concluded Mega Millions Promo. The star prize winner could not contain her joy as she was presented with her cheque.

Counsel to Honeywell Group, Mr Olabode Olanipekun (SAN), today, Monday 14th December 2020, hinted that his client will be seeking the apex court’s intervention and review of the Court of Appeal judgement on its protracted case with Ecobank.

P+ Measurement Services, an independent public relations (PR) measurement and evaluation agency, has revamped its Independent public relations(PR) performance audit reporting services as part of measures aimed at enhancing clients' efficiency.

Nigerian Creator of Unrefined storytelling Orry Shenjobi Debut Her Solo Exhibition

...Inspires many through her artistic rendition of real-life human stories

One of Nigeria’s inspirational storytelling artist, Orry Shenjobi is set to debut her solo art exhibition ‘The Beauty Within the Struggle’. The event which promises to be experiential will take place from the 18th to 24th of December 2020 at Angels and Muse Art Gallery Lagos.

Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman of C&F Porter Novelli, a trusted business adviser focusing on strategic communications, has said that the ‘tried-and-tested’ public relations is losing its shine and efficacy.

Samsung Electronics Nigeria has unveiled a new revolutionary and innovative QLED television which doubles as a piece of art on the wall when it is switched off. The launch held at the prestigious Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos. The new QLED TV is called The Frame because it serves as a painting or picture frame wherever it is placed.

ViacomCBS, Inc. on Friday, December 11, 2020 announced that Raffaele Annecchino has been appointed President and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), effective immediately. He succeeds David Lynn, who is stepping down and will depart the company following a transition period.

Access Bank, one of the foremost banks in Nigeria in talks with Atlas Mara to buy its assets in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, according to emerging reports.

InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has announced the completion of a US$27 million equity investment into InfraCredit, a specialised local currency infrastructure credit guarantee institution based in Lagos, Nigeria which has been rated ‘AAA’ by Agusto and GCR. InfraCo Africa’s equity investment, made through its dedicated investment vehicle, makes InfraCo Africa an equivalent shareholder alongside the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Africa Finance Corporation.

Kid rapper and pint-sized powerhouse Young Dylan will join the Nickelodeon Africa family this festive season. The brand-new live-action series, Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan, will premiere on Monday, 14th December exclusively on Nickelodeon Africa (DStv Channel 305) at 16:25 CAT/15:25 WAT. Executive produced, directed and written by Perry, the first scripted kids’ series by Tyler Perry, follows a family whose world is turned upside down when their nephew, Young Dylan played by Dylan Gilmer, an aspiring hip-hop star, moves in unannounced.

9mobile, CBN, Ecobank, others brainstorm deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria

As part of efforts to promote financial inclusion among the unbanked and underbanked population in Nigeria, innovative telecoms brand, 9mobile, joined Ecobank, Vanguard Newspapers, Sanef, and other stakeholders in the financial sector to brainstorm the germane issues and plot a roadmap to actualizing the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The virtual Forum Series which was organized by Ecobank and Vanguard Newspaper focused on Mobile Payment Innovation and Closing the Financial Inclusion Gap – post Covid-19.

Emirates has been named as the World’s Leading Airline in three major categories at the World Travel Awards 2020: World’s Leading Economy Class, Airline Rewards Programme and Airline Lounge - Business Class.

Augustine Aigbostua Wins For the Love of Golf 2020 Charity Golf Tourney

Augustine Aigbotsua, of Ikeja Golf Club playing off handicap 12 emerged winner of the For the Love of Golf 2020 Charity Golf Tournament held at Ikeja Golf Club over the weekend.

Tuesday 29 December 2020

Monday 28 December 2020

Thursday 24 December 2020

Wednesday 23 December 2020

Tuesday 22 December 2020

Friday 18 December 2020

Wednesday 16 December 2020

Monday 14 December 2020

Friday 11 December 2020

Thursday 10 December 2020

Wednesday 9 December 2020