BrandArena: April 2021

Thursday 29 April 2021

BREAKING: CBN sacks directors of FBN Holdings, First Bank Nigeria

...moves to 'reinstate' Adeduntan as MD

The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has just sacked the entire members of the board of FBN Holdings Plc and First Bank Nigeria Limited.

Uhuru Investment Partners (Uhuru), a leading middle-market private equity firm based out of Lagos and Abidjan, is pleased to announce the first close of Uhuru Growth Fund I (UGF) at US$113 million, with capital support from CDC Group, the UK's development finance institution (DFI), along with other DFI partners, commercial and Impact Investors. UGF’s capital will support enterprises that boost job creation, increase access to goods and services in consumer staples, and enhance access to healthcare and fintech sectors.

Bongalow Nigeria, an online market place providing diaspora mortgage solutions for immigrants living in the US and the UK as well as Nigerians in Nigeria, seeking to acquire property in their home country; and Ramos of Lagos Realty, a luxury real estate firm that specializes in building, selling and renting quality homes to clients have partnered to provide home financing solutions to Nigerians home and abroad.

Let Netflix do all the work, with its Latest “Play Something” Feature

...Automatically Unlock New content with feature optimization

There are times when we just don’t want to make decisions, or we feel overwhelmed by the many choices available that we just want the stress taken away. A Friday evening after a long work week. A fridge full of food but nothing seems exciting enough to try, or a family movie night where no one can agree. We’ve all been there, that’s why today 28th April 2021, Netflix has launched “Play Something.”

Segun Ogunsanya joined Airtel Africa in 2012 as Managing Director and CEO Nigeria and has been responsible for the overall management of our operations in Nigeria, our largest market in Africa.

Leading developmental investment institution, DLM Capital Group, has unveiled its Fixed Income Fund which aims to provide capital preservation and income generation.

First Bank appoints Shobo as new MD/CEO as Adeduntan takes a bow

The Board of Directors of First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced the appointment of Gbenga Shobo as its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment was disclosed in a statement made by the bank’s Chairman, Ibukun Awosika on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Sunday 25th of April was a memorable one for young muslim scholars in Badagry as the Pioneer of Real Acts of Kindness - RAK Development Foundation, Alh. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Alatileyin Adini of Badagry Division Organized the first of its kind Quranic Recitation Competition with lots of unimaginable prizes.

The Lagos State Government, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has expressed its readiness to partner Eko Wellness in this year’s Eko Wellness Fair and the 6th of its Edition, which would hold on the 1st of May through 7th May, 2021 and its theme as ‘My Mental Health Matters; For Our Collective Prosperity’ as part of Lagos State’ Mental Health Month.

African Leadership Group is an ANCHOR PARTNER of Africa’s Business Heroes prize competition in 2021; The initiative gives African entrepreneurs a unique platform to showcase their talent and grow their businesses; Applications are now open in English and French for “heroes” across all sectors and African countries.

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, today announced the opening of a new factory in Rugvica, Croatia to support its integrated modular solutions (IMS) business in EMEA. Compared to the previous factory, the site offers 130% more indoor space and 60% more outdoor space and can easily be expanded to seize the opportunities of the rapidly growing prefabricated modular data centers (PFM) market. The factory also includes a number of innovations for the construction of PFM modules as well as thermal management air handling units.

Nigeria emerges as Paxful’s biggest market

...Hits $1.5 billion in Volume with over 1.5 million users

Paxful, the leading global peer-to-peer fintech, has disclosed that Nigeria is its biggest market with an impressive volume which currently stands at $1.5 billion to date. The P2P platform made this known while also announcing an impressive increase in the number of its Nigerian users to almost 1.5 million.

Setting Africa up for a Post-Mao China type economic revolution, the Zedcrest perspective

By Adedayo Amzat, GMD, Zedcrest Group

The People’s Republic of China was officially founded in 1949, but the economy didn’t really find its feet until the start of economic reforms in 1978, after the topsy turvy turbulence of the two periods of “The Great Leap Forward” 1958-1960 and the “Cultural Revolution 1966-1976.”

ExperientialNG Holds Free Strategic Training Programme for Top Executives in Africa

ExperientialNG, in line with her goal of providing world-class professional dynamic capabilities to Marketing professionals across Africa, would be organising free Strategic training sessions for top African Executives.

8th edition of the NollywoodWeek film festival goes global

...Selection includes films from other African countries and the African Diaspora

NollywoodWeek film festival, the first and only Nigerian film festival organized in Paris has taken its 8th edition online. The films in this year’s line-up will be available to a global online audience from May 6-9, 2021. This year’s selection has expanded beyond Nigeria to include high quality, thought provoking, and entertaining productions from other countries in Africa and the African Diaspora.

AXA Mansard Pensions Limited has announced a rebrand and change of name to Tangerine Pensions Limited after it received approval from the National Pension Commission (PenCom). The name change arose following the acquisition of AXA Mansard Pensions Limited’s equity by Eustacia Limited, a company controlled by Verod Capital Management Limited.

AfroPop Singer, Holmes Celebrates birthday... Drops EP featuring top-line artists, Davido, Dj Neptune

Nigerian Afro-pop singer, Umughare Aghogho Prosper popularly known as Holmes, is set to release his debut EP, titled “‘#HolmesSzn” to commemorate his birthday.

The Federal Government has prohibited the importation of refined sugar and its derivatives from the nation’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs), in a bid to protect the sugar industry, which is governed by the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

Facebook launches profile frames to boost COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Nigeria

Facebook has announced the launch of a new social media drive allowing people to add frames and graphics to their profiles on Facebook and Instagram, saying they have either had the COVID vaccine or plan to. Working in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other key regulatory bodies within the Health sector in Nigeria, Facebook will use its scale and speed to reach people quickly and help them get credible information, get vaccinated and come back together safely.

Innovative and youth-focused telecommunications company, 9mobile has restated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote a culture of reading and publishing, especially among the youths.

Audiomack has partnered with MTN Nigeria to unveil the Audiomack+MTN Data Bundle program, which offers MTN subscribers tailored data bundles for streaming unlimited music and accessing content on Audiomack free of data charges.

Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital (MRCC) opens doors in Lagos

...bringing world-class cancer treatment to Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa

In support of the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital, the country’s first fully-equipped private oncology centre, GE Healthcare has completed the delivery and installation of advanced radiology and radiopharmacy equipment in Nigeria which will accelerate diagnostic care for cancer.

In pursuance of the aim of providing a solution to the age-long marketing industry need for offline measurement, the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and Interaction Channel Limited (ICL), an advertising technology company have embarked on a strategic collaboration to provide a currency of measurement for the OOH sector in Nigeria using the innovative ‘Moving Audiences’ platform.

Emirates has commenced trials of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass– a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information.

In commemoration Earth Day 2021, South Energyx Nigeria Limited, developer and planner of Eko Atlantic City, has restated its commitment to building an environmentally friendly city.

Red Star Express Plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost logistics solutions providers, has launched an online platform that enables customers to make custom duty payments for imported items.

Founders Factory Africa partners with Small Foundation to invest in 18 agritech startups

Founders Factory, a South African based venture development and investment company, announced that it is partnering with Small Foundation, a Dublin-based philanthropic foundation focused on the rural and agriculture sector in sub-Saharan Africa, to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to build and scale 18 agritech startups across Africa.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and New Fortress Energy Inc. (NFE), a global energy infrastructure company founded to help accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy, today announced a multiyear partnership that makes NFE a Founding Partner and the Official Energy Partner of the BAL. The inaugural BAL season will tip off Sunday, May 16 at the Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, with 12 teams from across Africa competing in the new professional league. The first BAL Finals will be held Sunday, May 30.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has released its unaudited Financial Results for the period ended March 31, 2021, to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

Canon’s Miraisha Programme has selected 10 young storytellers (https://bit.ly/2QpVpLR) from the Mathare community in Kenya to receive a scholarship at KCA University, helping them to develop skills for a sustainable livelihood.

5G introduces unprecedented speeds and network capacity for consumer and business services, empowering a fully digitalized society; 5G networks retain Etisalat’s technology leadership in the region; 5G introduces early use cases such as enhanced mobile broadband while addressing Industry 4.0 digital transformation opportunities

Heritage Bank Plc has further reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of the creative and entertainment sector by supporting the “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge.”

Facebook today announced the launch of Facebook Creators campaign in Nigeria and Ghana, highlighting the inspiring stories of leading content creators who have succeeded in various creative industries using the Facebook family of Apps to inspire other creative artists and connect with communities.

P+ Measurement Services, Nigeria's leading Independent Public Relations (PR) measurement and evaluation agency, has introduced “Get-Reports” a product that allows the purchase of PR performance audit reports. It is the first of its kind in the Nigerian Public Relations industry.

Mouka Flags Off ‘Mums In Business Challenge’, Calls For Entry

To celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day in May, Mouka has rolled out the ‘Mums in Business Challenge’ to reward female entrepreneurs with cash grants for their ventures. The initiative is in line with the brand’s mission of adding comfort to life and falls under its CSR pillar of “skills for life”.

Marriott International appoints Sandeep Walia as COO for the Middle East

...Jerome Briet as Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa

Marriott International, Inc. has announced today the appointments of Sandeep Walia as Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Jerome Briet as Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa.

In Senegal, 8 out of 10 workers are paid in cash. Most are temporary workers and excluded from health insurance. A survey revealed that 77% of temporary workers would be willing to receive their wages digitally if this gave them access to health insurance. These are some of the major findings of the publication that the Senegalese government has launched today, with support from the Better Than Cash Alliance (United Nations) (www.BetterThanCash.org), the World Bank and the National Agency of Statistics and Demography of Senegal. Combining digital payments with health insurance benefits offers an excellent opportunity for social inclusion, formalization, and financial innovation.

Today, the Recording Academy announced that after a year of virtual advocacy, the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards will return to the nation's capital in person on Sept. 22, 2021.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Making Finance Work for Africa Partnership (MFW4A) released on 15 April 2021 the African Trade Finance Survey Report which provides a better understanding of the trade finance landscape across Africa and how it has evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report is the first of its kind, surveying 185 banks from across Africa, representing more than 58% of total assets held by African banks.

Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi soft drinks and sausages, has recently restated its commitment to creative arts, ideapreneurship and the Nigerianness of positive energy portrayed through music, which it said, believe would put Nigeria on the global map.

Early this week, Award-winning Odoo ERP consultants, erpSOFTapp unveiled a new website. The new website which was built in-house using the Odoo version 14 website builder was created with improved user experience and easy navigation in mind thereby offering visitors more focused content with fewer clicks. This new milestone comes shortly after erpSOFTapp announced its Odoo V14 certification.

Emirates Milestone flight EK2021 highlights industry readiness for travel rebound

Emirates’ one-of-a-kind flight EK2021 proudly made a journey across the different emirates this week , to signal the aviation industry’s readiness for a travel rebound. It was also to celebrate the UAE’s remarkable vaccination programme that has administered close to 9 million vaccines doses to date.

ETI appoints Akin Dada as Group Executive, Corporate & Investment Banking

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), parent company of the Ecobank Group has announced the appointment of Akin Dada as Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Bank. He joined Ecobank in 2017 as the Executive Director for Corporate Bank in Nigeria, and prior to his new appointment was Group Head, Corporate Banking for the Ecobank Group.

Platform Capital Group, Africa’s leading growth markets focused, sector agnostic investment and advisory firm collaborated with its global partners to provide free medical tests in eight countries across the world in honor of International World Health Day.

Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie, the number one instant noodles brand in Nigeria is set to reward lucky consumers with the chance to win N100,000 in its latest promo tagged “The Indomitable Eat and Win Promo”.

Twitter’s mission is to serve the public conversation, and it’s essential, for the world and for Twitter, to increase the number of people who feel comfortable participating in it. To do this, we need to make it easier for everyone to join in and provide more relevant experiences for people across the world.

Enyo Retail and Supply Limited has officially unveiled a new retail station to provide more access to customers for fuel purchase. The new station located in Badore is the company’s 40th retail station in Lagos and the 95th in the country.

Africa’s largest inter-university hackathon brings students together on Zindi for data science, for good

UmojaHack Africa 2021 was an unprecedented success, bringing more than 1000 students from 126 universities across Africa to compete on Zindi in a virtual machine learning hackathon on the weekend of 27-28 March. More than $10 000 USD in prizes were awarded to data science students from 9 African countries, and more than 8500 submissions were made to solve three real-world machine learning challenges on Zindi.

In celebration of the Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Netflix in partnership with the GRAMMY Museum present Ma Rainey: Mother of the Blues, a half-hour television special about the music icon and trailblazer.

Yesterday in Kinshasa, FIFA, the Congo DR Football Association (FECOFA) and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed an historic MoU that will see the creation of a schools football championship.

Thursday 29 April 2021

Wednesday 28 April 2021

Tuesday 27 April 2021

Monday 26 April 2021

Saturday 24 April 2021

Thursday 22 April 2021

Tuesday 20 April 2021

Wednesday 14 April 2021

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Friday 9 April 2021