Buyology.com.ng joins e-commerce platform Nigeria

Joining the likes of Konga and Jumia in the Nigerian e-commerce space, Buyology.com.ng has been launched to helping shoppers make informed purchase decision.

According to the company, its primary focus is to make online shopping earier for online savvy customers by empowering them with vital information that will help them get what they need at prices that will suit their budget.

According to Yeye Durojaiye-Arogundade, Executive Director of the platform, “Buyology.com.ng is not just a regular shopping site with product categories to choose from, it is one with a difference in its unique service offerings. All information on products and services are displayed on our website, www.buyology.com.ng, and we offer 24 hours service delivery of products purchased within Lagos and two to three days service delivery outside Lagos.”

iDigital: Digital Marketing Seminar To Hold on October 23rd to 25rd

Cihan Group, a leading digital and marketing agency and the organizers of the Mastering Digital Marketing Seminar: iDigital has announced Wednesday, October 23rd to 25rd, 2013 for the Digital Marketing Seminar, giving more delegates enough time to register.

The seminar which was previously scheduled for October 2nd to 4th, 2013 will be held at Protea Hotel, Lagos. The event promises to be the most provocative and insightful digital media and marketing event in Nigeria.

Canada-based Sam Fiorella, who is ranked one of the top 50 marketers in the world by UK’s Kred, an influence marketing platform, has been confirmed as the lead facilitator for the iDigital Mastering Digital Marketing seminar, organised by Cihan Group and supported by Sendible. Sam is also the author of 'Influence Marketing: How To Create, Manage and Measure Brand Influencers in Social Media,' ranked among America’s top 100 business books by Neilsen Bookscan.

Sam is a partner at Sensei Marketing, a consulting and technology firm focused on aiding global companies grow their business value through improved customer experiences.

Sam will be in Lagos at the Mastering Digital Marketing Seminar 23rd to 25th of October, 2013.

Instagram To Start Allowing Ads In Photo Feeds

As a way of growing its business, Instagram is set to commence placing of adverts in users’ photo-streams.

"Our aim is to make any advertisements you see feel as natural to Instagram as the photos and videos many of you already enjoy from your favorite brands. After all, our team doesn’t just build Instagram, we use it each and every day. We want these ads to be enjoyable and creative in much the same way you see engaging, high-quality ads when you flip through your favorite magazine", a post on its official blog reads.

The company pledged to enable users to control the ads by enabling them to hide and provide feedback about what they didn’t feel right about.

The adverts will first appear for US users and Instagram said they will experience the “same way you see engaging, high-quality ads when you flip through your favorite magazine”.

It could be recalled that the company was acquired by Facebook for US$1 billion in April last year.

Prohz Set To Drop Two Singles

One of fastest rising Nigeria’s songster, Samuel Sokale popularly known as Prohz is set to drop two singles on 10th of October 2013.

The artiste who recently changed his name from So’Prohz to Prohz after releasing his official single “OhNaNa” early this year and has continued to thrill music lovers across the country ever since. 

Prohz

Having emerged 3rd amongst the 45 contestants of the Airtel One Mic freestyle competition in Ogun state recently, Prohz has since been working hard in the studio recording mixtapes, tracks; doing features and also pleasing turns of crowds at major shows. He has shared the stage with some of the big names in the industry such as Dbanj, Sound Sultan, Ice Prince, DR. SID, Wande Coal, Vector, Skales, Terry G, amongst others.

With his resounding vocal dexterity, lyrical excellence and reinvigorating tunes, “Mr. Maturemusic” as usual will present for your enjoyment two banging tunes “I Sing” and “Ceteris Paribus”.

 The former, a mid-tempo jam, produced by ace producer, Otyno, is dedicated to the Legends in the game. He also uses the avenue to present himself to the industry as the future.

In “ceteris paribus”, the young chap jumped on the instrumental of one of today’s club banger “skelewu” and creatively blessed the beats as he brings all the sexy ladies to the dance floor, teaching them how to dig it.

Undoubtedly, these will be songs to die for, kindly anticipate. Good music always.

You can follow Prohz on Twitter: @iamProhz , Facebook: Samuel Sokale  or BlackBeery Messenger:2ae9d7c6

Introducing “Pepsi FootballNOW” App

Following the official Orange African Cup of Nations, SOUTH AFRICA 2013 App, CAF and its exclusive marketing and media rights agency, SPORTFIVE Africa are once again using mobile platforms to help bring African football to life for as many fans as possible, by creating an innovative new “second screen” experience.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched a live game prediction app for the semi-finals of the Orange CAF Champions League 2013 and the Orange CAF Confederation Cup 2013.

The application is available to download from Google Play and the App Store and is free of charge.

According to a release by CAF, viewers and fans who downloaded the application and created their profile will be able to predict the outcome of each match. Once the match kicks-off and cosily seating in front of its TV set, each player will also be prompted to answer some questions around key situations such as corner kicks, free kicks and penalties, etc. In addition, there will be some bonus questions about competitions, teams and players.

Numerous prizes to win including a tablet, tickets for the finals of the two competitions and official match balls CAF adidas Katlego

Gamers will earn “Pepsi Points” for correct predictions allowing them to collect Pepsi FootballNOW badges: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, according to the points won during a single match. During competitions, new badges will be unlocked.

British Airways Celebrates with Nigeria @ 53, Launches Discounts Across Cabins to UK, US, Europe

Celebrating 53 years of Independence with Nigeria, leading global airline, British Airways has announced special price discounts across all of its cabins for its Nigerian customers. Known as the Independence Anniversary Special, it presents the airline's customers the opportunity to travel at special discount rates to London, the United Kingdom, and selected destinations in Europe and the United States from Lagos and Abuja. The offer even extends to First.

According to officials of the airline, from October 7 to October 31, 2013, customers travelling to different destinations from Lagos and Abuja in all its cabins can now experience the unparallel service and luxurious surroundings of British Airways for less with the Independence special offer. But they must hurry, as the selling period closes on October 6.

British Airways Country Manager for West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka, revealed that with the Independence Anniversary Special, customers in World Traveller class can now travel direct from Lagos or Abuja to London, the UK and select European destinations from as low as US$353. For those travelling to the same destination in the World Traveller Plus, he said, the fare goes for $753, while fares for Club World and First Class cabins start from as low as $2,153 and $5,353 respectively.

Giving further details of the offer, Olayinka said travelling to US cities is now also cheaper on British Airways, with new fares of $653 in World Traveller, $1,453 for World Traveller Plus, $2,753 for Club World and $6,453 for First on select North American destinations, including US and Canadian cities.

"We are always looking for new ways to make our customers happy and satisfied, and also give them value, and the Independence anniversary provides us with such a unique opportunity," he said. He promised that the airline will continue to offer its Nigerian customers great fares, and a choice of services and onboard products, adding that all fares quoted are exclusive of all surcharges and taxes.

Why you need to undertake an online Responsible Service of Alcohol Course

When you start working in hospitality, you will undoubtedly need to acquire a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate to start work. A RSA Certificate is proof that you and your employer understand responsible drinking and have undertaken the required training to serve alcohol; meaning you understand the rules and standards of serving alcohol and the risks involved by not following procedure.

All venues that serve alcohol require anyone handling alcohol to have a RSA certificate by law, especially as liquor permits laws tighten up, without it your employers could face serious fines. Conversely, if you have a Certificate and are found to be serving alcohol irresponsibly, you could also face problems.

As the Certificate is a requirement for so many people, there are many places that offer RSA training via different methods and differing costs. Traditionally, you would have to attend a workshop where an individual would train you. The problem with this method however, is that you would have to make time to attend a session, and not many people these days have the time to do that. It may have also been difficult to get to the specified location, costing you money in transport as well as fees for a class that required an instructor.

Alternatively, these days RSA courses are easily accessible online, making them convenient and affordable for anyone over the age of 18 to complete (of course a requirement of the course is that you must be over 18 as that is the legal age of alcohol consumption). The internet is ripe with online RSA courses vying for your attention, but you should be wary of any dodgy looking websites. Ask around for suggestions of reputable organisations, such as Complete Hospitality Training, and look into what the course includes.

Article by Belinda Darling

Dell Introduces New Line of Tablets and Updated XPS Laptops

Dell has took a bold step in unveiling a new family of tablets and new laptops, including a 2-in-1 Ultrabook. The Dell Venue line of tablets is comprised of four new ultrathin models designed to address the changing way people live and work today.

Dell’s “damned sexy” tablets, as described by leading Enderle Group analyst, Rob Enderle, deliver leading performance and quality, backed by Intel processing technology. With compact designs that make it easy to stay connected on the go, the Dell Venue tablets have an exquisite fit and finish.

“People today expect the best experience possible from their technology – they are counting on it to keep them connected and move with them, wherever they are,” said Sam Burd, vice president Dell Personal Computing Group. “The new Dell Venue tablets and XPS laptops give customers the stellar experience they expect from us, with performance that allows them to work how they want, when they want, in a design they’ll be proud to show off and own."

Malta Guinness Fuels Nigeria’s Talents, Sponsors “Nigeria’s Got Talent Show”

L-R : Nigerias’ Got Talent  Show, judge, Dan Foster, Senior Brand Manager, Malta Guinness, Wole Adedeji, Nigerias’ Got Talent, Judge, Kate Henshaw and Nigerias’ Got Talent, judge, Yibo Koko at the Press Conference to formally announce the commencement of Nigerias’ Got Talent Season 2 held at Get Arena, Victoria Island yesterday.

Leading non-alcoholic Malt drink from the stable of Guinness Nigeria, Malta Guinness, in partnership with Rapid Blue Format Limited has announced commencement of Nigeria’s Got Talent season2. The show is an international format, produced at world class standard that enables Nigerian youths to exhibit their creativity in a dramatic & entertaining.

Speaking on the development, Director, Marketing and Innovation, Guinness Nigeria, Austin Ufomba said that Malta Guinness’ decision to sponsor Nigeria’s Got Talent is because the show embodies the passion of the brand; fueling Nigerian youths to RISE with their immense talents at the world stage. Malta Guinness is known for Energy, Goodness, & vitality. The sponsorship is therefore a strategic partnership driven by shared values between Malta Guinness & the Nigeria’s Got Talent show.

Mr. Rotimi Pedro, Group Managing Director of Rapid Blue Format Limited Nigeria, franchise owners of the TV reality show said: “now in its 2nd Nigerian talents on the world map side-by-side with other countries like the United States, Britain, France, India, etc. where the franchise has also been running for years. One of the fastest growing shows in the world, it combines world class entertainment with amazing display of talents. Everywhere Got Talent show is aired, we’re always reminded of our boundless capabilities as humans”

The season 2 of the Nigeria’s Got Talent reality show will run from November 2013 to February 2014, with the auditions starting from October, 2013. Several talented Nigerians with unique talents are expected to troop to audition centers located across the country, to audition for a chance to be the next Nigerian celebrated performers. Nigeria and South Africa are the only African countries with the ‘Got Talent’ franchise in Africa.

Briggs Family Commends Maltina

Briggs family

Winners of Maltina Dance All (MDA) Season Seven, The Briggs family have commended, Nigeria’s number one malt drink, Maltina for providing the platform that shot them to stardom. They also commended the brand for promoting family bonding as well as transforming their family status through the wonderful prizes they won.

They made the commendation in their home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and after visiting some top television and radio stations in Lagos for live interviews. It would be recalled that part of Maltina’s brand promise was to continuously help the winners realize their dreams. This is also aimed at encouraging every family in Nigeria to see Maltina Dance All as a platform that can propel any family to greater heights.

Family representative of the Briggs family, Sotom Briggs, a 400 level student of Accounting at the University of Port-Harcourt expressed the family’s satisfaction and appreciation to the brand for giving them the opportunity to display their talents and learn more life changing lessons through dance and friendship that will help the family stay together as they share values and emotional affinity. 

Commenting on how the N6 million won would be spent, Sotom, said, “First of all, we will pay our tithe from the money and we will discuss before we decide within our family what we would do with the rest. You know our priority might differ but at the end we will agree as a family. I’m so happy about the car also. I feel so lucky. I never dreamt of anything like this. It’s just so amazing. I am so shocked. I am also going to use the money to further my dance career”.

Mr. Sampson Oloche, Marketing Manager Non- alcoholic drinks, Nigerian Breweries Plc, commended the Brigg family and the other families for giving a good performance. His words, “all the families performed well. But unfortunately there had to be a winner and losers. These families put in their best and it was a great spectacle”.

Heritage Bank CEO Advocates Strategy For Building Next Generation Of African Corporates

Managing Director/Chief Executive
Officer of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo

Concerted promotion and protection of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the establishment of a solid framework supported by clearly articulated government policy is the first step in creating an active SME sector that could spearhead the much needed revolution Nigeria and indeed Africa urgently requires in the area of building the Next Generation of African Corporates.

This was a major submission of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, who was a guest Speaker at the 2nd US-Africa Trade & Investment Forum/Africa Investment & Development Awards which took place on 25th September 2013 at St. Regis Hotel, New York, USA where he was selected to speak as an authority on "Small & Medium Enterprise Funding in Africa - a banker's experience", on account of what the organizers described as the outstanding efforts of the new Heritage Bank in the area of SME Banking in Nigeria.

The Heritage Bank helmsman observed that in Sub-Saharan Africa, SMEs are more credit-constrained and this typically affects growth possibilities as significantly low number of start ups who apply for financing actually succeed. Studies, he noted, indicate that more than 70% of the SMEs lack access to medium-longer-term finance, creating an SME funding gap of more than $140 billion in Africa alone.

Etihad Airways Celebrates Ho Chi Minh City Launch With Facebook Fans

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is launching a Facebook competition and a Vietnam-themed social hub to celebrate its new daily Ho Chi Minh City flights and its partnership with celebrity chef, Luke Nguyen.

To coincide with today’s inaugural Ho Chi Minh City flight, Etihad Airways will run a ‘Vietnam Eats’ competition in which fans can upload photos of their favourite Vietnamese food for the chance to win a pair of Coral Economy Class flights to Ho Chi Minh City from any point on the airline’s network.

Whether it is a home-cooked meal, a dish from a favourite restaurant or fresh produce, fans will be encouraged to get snapping and upload their best Vietnamese cuisine-inspired image.

Fans can upload and vote for their favourite foodie photos via the ‘Vietnam Eats’ Facebook application throughout October. At the end of the month, a panel of judges will choose a winner from the 10 most popular photos as voted by Etihad Airways’ Facebook fans.

The foodie-focused competition celebrates the new Vietnamese-themed menu on Ho Chi Minh City flights which has been designed in partnership with Luke Nguyen, the celebrity chef who is a host on the TV series Masterchef Vietnam.

At the same time, fans can tag photos and videos of Ho Chi Minh City or travel with Etihad Airways to the city with the hashtag #HCMCPEARLS. User-generated photos and videos will be pulled together to create a Vietnam-themed social hub on Etihad Airways’ Facebook page. Here people can find fan-generated recommendations on what to do, where to go, and what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nokia, Etisalat, Etihad Announce Lumia 1020 Pre-order Promotion

Global phone manufacturer, Nokia in partnership with Etisalat Nigeria and Etihad Airways, has announced a pre-order promo for its latest Windows smartphone, the Nokia Lumia 1020 which will be available in Nigeria as from October 2013.

The pre-order promotion announced at the TEDxLagos conferencewill take place from 10:20am of the 1st of October 2013 to the 15th of October 2013.

Nokia West Africa, General Manager, Chris Brown said the pre-order promo will give customers the opportunity to purchase the devices online at www.etisalat.com.ng/LUMIA1020 before it finally arrives in Nigeria in October. Mr Brown added that all customers who pre-order and pay for the device from Etisalat's website will be entitled to special discounts on airfares to several destinations on Etihad Airways.

Describing the device, Chris explained that, “The Lumia 1020 is an improved version of the Nokia 808 smartphone launched in 2012. The Nokia Lumia 1020, running on windows 8 operating system is the ultimate camera phone”.

Director of Business Segments at Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada said, “With the growing demand for Smartphones in Nigeria, we decided to collaborate with Global phone manufacturer, Nokia and United Arab Emirates flag carrier, Etihad Airways in a first of its kind strategic partnership. These organisations share our vision of developing and growing the Nigerian market as well as offering customers best value for every kobo they spend. To this end; our partnership with Nokia for the launch of the Lumia 1020 Smartphone bundled with our easyflex5000 2 for 1 offer is yet another evidence of our commitment to revolutionize the broadband space.

Customers who purchase the Nokia Lumia 1020 Smartphone will enjoy the easyflex 5,000 with the buy 2 and get 1 free offer which will give them N37,500 airtime to use for voice, data and SMS to any network upon a recharge of N10,000. To purchase the easyflex 5,000 bundle, the customer should get an Etisalat line, recharge with N5,000 and dial *344*5000#. Customers will receive a third bundle free once the second purchase of easyflex 5,000 has been made within 30 days.