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Friday, 2 August 2013

Photo Of The Week: Courtesy Visit by Miss Nigeria to the Management of Insight Communications

From Left, Managing Director Insight Communications, Mr. Jimi Awosika, Miss Nigeria 2013, Ezinne Anyaoha, Project Coordinator Miss Nigeria Organisation, Konnie Nnachetan-Agu and Head Marketing Insight Communications, Franklin Ozekhone, During a Courtesy Visit by Miss Nigeria to the Management of Insight Communications in Lagos on Friday.

Etisalat targets executives with Mobile Assistant

Etisalat Nigeria has introduced a value-added service that enables incoming mobile calls to business executives to go through their assistants or secretaries for screening.

The service, Mobile Assistant, provides freedom for busy executives by allowing the calls to be taken by a secretary or an assistant, who can also screen these calls to determine how important they are before transferring the call to the executive.

Lucas Dada, Director of Business Segment at Etisalat Nigeria, said, "The Mobile Assistant is yet another innovative service from Etisalat that seeks to delight our customers by providing them with unique offerings that will further affirm Etisalat’s position as the most customer focused company in the telecommunication sector.”

With Mobile Assistant, when a call comes through to an executives phone, it can be transferred to their assistant’s phone. The assistant may be able to handle the call for the executive thereby freeing up their time.

Close Up gives away over N2billion with Consumer promo

Close Up, Nigeria’s most loved and Coolest toothpaste brand, has announced a Consumer promo to show appreciation for their customers’ support over the years, as well as to appreciate the recent recognitions and awards the brand has received. The promo, worth over N2billion, will reward over 94million consumers across Nigeria.

The promo, scheduled to run from August till December 2013, will give consumers who buy the Big family size Close Up toothpaste tube an extra 30 grams for free at the same price. Additionally, consumers who buy the New 15grm sachet, get an extra 50% for same price.

David Okeme, Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria, who spoke during a press briefing while announcing the promo said, “This promo goes to show our appreciation to the vast individuals and families that make up the Naija we love. The romance between the Close up and our consumers have waxed stronger over the years and the massive support we have received has contributed immensely to making the Close Up brand Nigeria’s Number 1.

“What we have is not just a brand, Close Up is a Citizen brand, that cares for Nigerians. Our mantra is ‘Close Up Loves Naija’. Today, we unveil yet another demonstration of this commitment to Care – by unveiling the biggest Promotion ever in the history of the brand.  Also speaking, Oiza Gyang, Category Manager, Oral Care, said that beyond this promo, Close Up  has been very busy in engaging and connecting with various levels of the Nigerian community.

According to her, the recent tooth brushing challenge which is a Guinness World Record attempt that saw over 300,000 youths gather to brush their teeth simultaneously was among other things, a gateway to teach the healthy habit of teeth brushing.

“We have also delighted Nigerians with free dental checks. This is part of our social responsibility activities and has seen many people – young and old – benefit from professional dental care from members of the Nigerian Dental Association,” Gyang said.

Elated about the promo, Dexter Adeola, Brand Manager, Close Up said, “We are excited about this promo as we get to reach every Nigerian individual and family we cater to. Our gesture goes to show that we take the recent awards we have received recently seriously.”

Microsoft Opens First Tech Centre in South Africa

First Microsoft Technology Centre (MTC) has been opened in South Africa. A high-tech multi-million rand facility is aimed at helping local companies become more globally competitive.

Located in Microsoft’s Johannesburg offices, the centre is planned to help local companies of all sizes become more globally competitive and develop “next-generation solutions”.

Speaking at the MTC launch, Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom said it was important that South Africans and Africans develop home-grown technology solutions and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth.

“There has never been a better time for businesses, government and the youth to develop solutions that can address a range of challenges.  Technology hubs like these can only enhance our capacity to provide innovative solutions to the most pressing social and business challenges facing our country and continent,” said Mr Hanekom.

The MTC includes an array of purpose-built environments for learning and development experiences. This includes a data centre, fully-equipped developer suite, three envisioning centres and a retail store, which is being run in partnership with technology retailer Incredible Connection.

African culture: Street art

From Cairo to Cape Town, Lagos to Nairobi, African street art includes everything from simple graffiti to elaborate murals.

Street art can be beautiful, political, or just plain fun. It can bring color to the grayest street and give a voice to ordinary people.

We want to celebrate the best in African street art, and we want you to help us.

Do you create street art yourself? If so, show us your work and tell us what inspires you. Or, if you’re a fan, share your photos and video of your favorite African street art and the best could be used online or on air!

Follow us on Instagram and want to show us some great street art? Simply tag your photo #cnnireport.

 For more information go to: http://ireport.cnn.com/topics/1006647

Orange Sponsors Afrobasket 2013

Mobile phone network brand, Orange is to sponsor of the International Basketball Federation’s (Fiba) 27th African Basketball Championship.

Orange signed the deal with the organising committee of the competition.

The event, Afrobasket will take place in the Ivory Coast, from August 20-31.

Dane Kondic Appointed Air Serbia Chief Executive Officer

Dane Kondic has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia, and will lead the airline formally known as JatAirways, upon completion of regulatory approvals.

Mr Kondic has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, having held senior positions in sales, marketing, customer management, and strategic change management.  He has dual Australian and Serbian citizenship and speaks Serbian.

Aleksandar Vucic, Deputy Prime Minister of the Serbian Government, said: “These are exciting times for JatAirways as it becomes Air Serbia, and we are delighted to appoint Dane, a highly talented and driven professional, as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Dane has a strong record for delivering results at several leading global aviation companies and this, combined with his understanding of the Serbian business community, as well as the Serbian language, will ensure the airline begins its new life in great hands.”

Mr Kondic has gained his experience in roles across the aviation industry, including positions at Malaysia Airlines and Qantas, as well as in the agency, wholesale and content areas of the travel business. “It is a great honour to be given this opportunity to lead Air Serbia as the airline enters an exciting new era. The national carrier is very important to the Serbian people and I, alongside my new colleagues, look forward to building a truly world class company”, he said.

Between August 2012 and August 2013 Mr Kondic held the position of Sabre Airline Solutions’ Regional Director for South East Asia. Prior to that, he was Vice President Commercial, at Abacus International in Asia.

P&G’s Always and Ariel Brands Win BusinessDay Generation Next Awards

Ariel Detergent and Always Sanitary pad, leading brands from consumer goods company, Procter and Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, both bagged awards at the 2013 BusinessDay Generation Next Survey Awards.  
L-R: Editor-in-chief, Business Day Newspaper, Prof. Onwuchekwa Jemie, Corporate Communications Manager, Procter and Gamble, Olatomiwa Akande and MD/CEO, HDI Youth Marketeers, Joko Okupe at the 2013 Business Day Generation Next Survey Awards held in Lagos where P&G’s Ariel and Always brands received awards for their categories.
Always was conferred with the award of ‘Coolest Sanitary pad 2013’ while household detergent Ariel received the ‘Coolest Detergent 2013’ award at the awards ceremony organized by HDI Youth Marketers in collaboration with Business Day newspaper in Lagos last weekend. Oral B toothpaste was also nominated for an award in the category for toothpastes. 

Remarking on the awards, P&G’s Company and Femcare communication manager, Miss. Tomiwa Akande, said," P&G is honored by this special recognition for two of our flagship brands in Nigeria. The company is dedicated to making everyday life a little better for all Nigerians. One of the ways we do this is by providing innovative world class brands, the latest product innovation, technology and standards to meet the needs and budgets of our Nigerian consumers. The awards show that our brands are appreciated by consumers across Nigeria and for this we are truly grateful". 

The Managing Director, HDI Youth Marketers, Mr. Joko Okupe said the awards were conferred on brands based on results of a recently concluded survey in the country. “The survey was in three stages. There was the poll building, then the submission of entries, and then the focus group discussion to collate findings. HDI aims to make meaningful and memorable differences in the lives of youths in Africa and to understand the fast-changing dynamics of youth culture and their behavior”, Mr. Okupe said.

In his welcome address at the event, the Editor–in-chief for Business Day newspapers, Professor Jemie Onwuchekwa said “It is important to note that the youth constitute approximately 60 percent of the Nigerian population. This is very large and they are therefore a force to reckon with. They are primary consumers of several brands, influencers of some brands and the future market for most brands.”  

Pele Becomes Global Brand Ambassador for SUBWAY Restaurants

One of the world's largest restaurant, SUBWAY, have announced international football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele as its newest "Famous Fan".

The Brazilian hero who is commonly recognized as the greatest soccer player in history, joins a wide-ranging list of athletes with champion pedigrees including Michael Phelps, Apolo Ohno, Nastia Liukin, Ryan Howard and Justin Tuck, who eat at, and work with, SUBWAY Restaurants.

The restaurants established this relationship with Pele's agency of record, Legends 10, after an introduction by Mediacom Sport. Pele will appear in various advertising and in-restaurant promotional campaigns throughout a multi-year relationship with the brand in the U.S. and around the globe.

With more than 39,700 SUBWAY locations in over 102 countries, SUBWAY Restaurants is the largest restaurant chain in the world, boasting more than 1,000 locations in Pele's native Brazil. A long-time fan of SUBWAY Restaurants, Pele's favorite sandwich is Tuna on Italian bread with lettuce and salt and pepper.

"Futbol is the global sport and Pele is the pre-eminent player of all time," said Tony Pace, SUBWAY Global Chief Marketing Officer. "It's great to have him as part of the SUBWAY brand around the world."

Etihad Airways And Government Of Serbia Unveil Strategic Partnership To Secure Future Of Serbian National Airline

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled plans to acquire 49 per cent of JatAirways. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has also been awarded a five year management contract for the Serbian national airline.

These are two of the key components of a wide-ranging strategic partnership agreement, signed by Etihad Airways and the Government of Serbia, which includes a fleet of new aircraft, and a new integrated network of international destinations enabling greater access for business and leisure travellers to Serbia.

The historic agreement follows the launch of Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi and Belgrade in June and will significantly enhance trade and investment relations between the United Arab Emirates and Serbia as well as boosting the tourism sector in both countries.

Economic ties between the two countries, valued at EUR 23.3 million in 2012, three times greater than in 2011, continue to expand with a number of key government agreements signed in recent months which will see investments in agriculture, defence, technology, and tourism.

The strategic partnership agreement was announced by James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways and Aleksandar Vučić, Deputy Prime Minister of the Serbian Government, at a media conference in Belgrade today, Thursday 1 August 2013.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Air Serbia to our equity alliance and look forward to working constructively with them and their stakeholders to build a sustainable, competitive, and profitable airline.

“We will have tough decisions to make but the financial investment by Etihad Airways and the Government of Serbia, together with the positive impact of our joint management expertise and experience, will help ensure this airline, with its proud history, now has an even brighter future.”

Aleksandar Vučić, Deputy Prime Minister of the Serbian Government, said: “Etihad Airways’ reputation, financial strength and stability will be of significant benefit to Air Serbia and we are delighted to launch this strategic partnership. Air travellers to and from Serbia will soon benefit from an incredible range of new products and services.

New Name And New Look Revealed For Serbia’s National Airline As Etihad Airways Acquires Equity Stake And Management Contract

AirSerbia flight
The national airline of Serbia now has a new name – Air Serbia – and a new corporate logo and colour scheme, as part of the largest transformation of its 86-year history.

The change signals not only a rebranding of the former Jat Airways, but a whole new identity, affirming that Air Serbia will be a completely different airline.

Driving the change is Etihad Airways, the national carrier of United Arab Emirates, which has secured regulatory approval to acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia and been awarded a five year management contract.

Announcing the groundbreaking deal today, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, said the rebranding signalled the arrival of an all-new airline and exciting new opportunities for Serbia. “This is not just a change in strategy,” said Mr. Hogan. “It is a package of changes so significant that the airline requires a change of identity and appearance.”

The Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, said a strong national carrier was essential not only for the Serbian economy but for national pride. “The people of Serbia value their heritage and their national identity,” Mr. Vučić said.

“This change signals a break with the national airline’s past practice but not with its strong ethnic roots. “The name Air Serbia will carry the national identity into other markets, and clearly establish the Serbian brand in a way that Jat Airways could not.”

The newly-installed Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia, Dane Kondic, said the rebranding ultimately would cover every part of the airline, from aircraft exteriors to cabin crew uniforms, ticket offices, boarding passes and advertising. “The new brand will take the Serbian name and its red, white and blue colour scheme from Belgrade to the world,” Mr Kondic said.

Coca-Cola Extends Partnership With Mainz

World's biggest soft drinks brand Coca-Cola has extended its partnership with German Bundesliga team, FSV Mainz for another three years, from 2013-14 to 2015-16.

Under the deal, Coca-Cola will provide alcohol-free drinks at Mainz’s Coface Arena. The company will also benefit from an advertising presence in and around the stadium and will continue to stage autograph sessions with players and ticket promotions

Nokia, Microsoft Launch Ramadan apps

Nokia and Microsoft have jointly launched new Ramadan apps on the Windows 8 platform this year.

The new apps include Ramadan kareem, Qur’an Mojawed, Muslim Prayers, Essential Duas, and also Zomato, which features a special iftar and sahoor section on their website.

The new range of Ramadan relevant applications can now be downloaded directly from the Windows Phone Store.

Michael Mansour, Developer Platform and Technology Lead at Microsoft Gulf said, “This Ramadan, Nokia Lumia users will now have easy access to many of the cherished experiences that Muslims like to be close to, and keep them connected to Ramadan. Developers from the region have added various Islamic apps that would let users celebrate this Ramadan with renewed religious fervour and offer Ramadan-specific activities with greater ease and conviction. We are committed to providing Windows phone users with access to innovative applications for seamless experiences on the Windows 8 platform.”

“Developers in the region are very enthusiastic with the opportunities Ramadan apps offer on the Nokia Lumia smartphones with Windows Phone 8 as they constitute a “unique economy” within the Middle East app ecosystem. There has been a significant increase in this category and we are pleased to announce the availability of some of the most innovative applications relevant for this Ramadan season,” said Ahmed Arab, app marketing manager, Nokia MENA.