BrandArena

Monday, 2 February 2015

Valentine's Day: Close-up Launches Cupid Games Campaign

Ahead of the forthcoming Valentine’s Day (February 14), Unilever Nigeria, producers of Close-up toothpaste has launched the Close-up Cupid Games campaign in Lagos, as it prepares the minds of its customers towards the celebrations.

Through the launch of a digital social interaction tagged ‘Cupid Games’, Nigerian youths and the young at heart will be getting closer and expressing affection at a time when closeness is in the air.

“The Closeup Cupid Game”, according to the organisers, “is a platform, where young Nigerians can meet and form new friendships. It is a very interesting and exciting game that is available to play both online via www.cupid-games.com/ng or via sms by texting Username+ Gender+ Age+ State of Residence to 20050 and is open to all Nigerians who are at least 18years old.”

The management of the brand said, the Cupid Games for Valentine is a platform for young individuals to express their feelings for that special person. The evening was graced with fun and excitement as musicians, Yemi Alade and Davido entertained the crowd with music.

Speaking on the modalities involved to participate in the game, the owners of the brand, in a statement, noted that, “During the course of the game, participants will demonstrate how far they can go for love by taking the challenge, which is in a form of a dare.

Intel Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lantiq, a leading supplier of broadband access and home networking technologies. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 90 days.

Smart gateways and intelligent access networks are important elements in Intel’s efforts to make everything smart, connected and best with Intel. This acquisition would expand Intel’s success in the cable residential gateway market and broaden its offering to other gateway markets, including DSL, Fiber, LTE, retail and IoT smart routers.

Kirk Skaugen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group stated that “By 2018, we expect more than 800 million broadband connected households worldwide; Intel has been a global leader in driving broadband into the home and to connected computer devices. The combination of our cable gateway business with Lantiq’s technology and talent can allow global service providers to introduce new home computing experiences and enable consumers to take advantage of a more smart and connected home.”

The combined team would have a comprehensive range of connectivity solutions and home cloud technologies for OEMs, service providers and companies innovating new applications for the home. Together with Intel’s IoT solutions, Intel Security products and Intel-based client devices, Intel can deliver exciting new connected experiences for consumers.

Aviation Africa 2015: High Level Speakers Confirmed for new Aviation Africa Event 10-11 May 2015, Dubai

Aviation Africa 2015 organised by Arabian Aerospace and African Aerospace magazines is gathering senior, influential industry figures from both Africa and the Middle East. The event will take place 10-11 May 2015 in Dubai, UAE.

Speakers confirmed from African and Middle East airlines already include Girma Wake, Chairman, Rwandair (formerly CEO, Ethiopian Airlines), Adel Ali, Board Member & Group Chief Executive, Air Arabia and Dr Nicklas Dahlstrom, Human Factors Manager, Emirates Airline.

Elijah Chingosho

There are also senior figures from aviation authorities and associations who include Dr Elijah Chingosho, Secretary General, Africa Airlines Association – AFRAA, Hussein Dabbas, VP Africa & Middle East, IATA and Dr Hamdi Chaouk, Director General, Civil Aviation Lebanon.

Aviation Africa 2015 has been launched to change the perception of African aviation. The panel sessions will deal with the opportunities and issues challenging the growth of the African aviation market, tackling Open Skies, Training, Human Factors, Finance and Business Aviation.

Alan Peaford, the Summit Chairman and show organiser said: “We are delighted that our panel sessions at the summit will include these high level speakers as their participation ensures the debates will benefit from their leadership experience and help to encourage not just discussion but decisions and real progress”.

African IPO market realises strong numbers in 2014 – PwC Report

2014 saw the highest level of activity in African equity capital markets (ECM) over the previous five years, and a significant increase in both transaction volume and capital raised during 2014 compared to the prior year, according to a report issued by PwC today.

PwC’s inaugural publication entitled, IPO Watch Africa 2014, has found that US$11bn was raised in 2014 in the African equity markets across the continent, almost equal to the combined money raised in the whole of 2012 and 2013, which totalled US$11.1bn. During 2014, IPO activity also increased overall in number from 20 to 24 IPOs, and doubled in terms of capital raised to US$1.7bn from US$0.8bn in 2013.

The report analyses equity capital market transactions that took place between 2010-2014 on exchanges throughout Africa, as well as transactions by African companies on international exchanges.

Nicholas Ganz

Nicholas Ganz, PwC Africa Capital Markets Leader, says: “The performance of African markets was strong in 2014, with an increase in equity capital market activity of 40% in terms of volume of offers and 100% in terms of capital raised when compared with prior year activity. We noted a few instances of management following a dual-track approach aimed at maximising value for existing shareholders, and consistent with the growth in other forms of capital raising activity across Africa.”

The report shows a significant share of capital was raised in markets outside of South Africa, with Johannesburg listings accounting for only 32% and 44% of total IPO capital raised in 2013 and 2014, respectively, a notable departure from its more prominent position in prior years.

Sanofi Nigeria reinforces its commitment to diabetes through new treatment

With the introduction of INSUMAN, a leading Human Insulin product from Sanofi’s range of diabetes treatments, Sanofi is now the only company to provide a full range of both oral and injectable treatments for patients with diabetes in Nigeria.

To better support the patients in the management of their disease, Sanofi has also announced their support in the opening of 12 dedicated diabetes and hypertension clinics in partnership with health authorities. The first clinic was recently inaugurated, at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Sales Director, Nigeria, Sanofi, Akinbowale Oluwale; Ethical Franchise Director, Nigeria-Ghana, Odediran Folake ; Director of Hospital Administration, Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Mrs. Akinlawon Jumoke ; Head of Medical and Regulatory, Sanofi Nigeria-Ghana, Dr. Inoussa Fiffen; Director of Account , Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Mrs. Lawal Kuburat and Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Mrs. Shode Modupe at the donation of diabetes equipment in support of Sanofi’s creation of diabetes & hypertension clinics held in Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) last, Friday, January 30, 2015

In Nigeria, around 5 million people are suffering from diabetes and this figure is expected to double within the next 20 years, with 63% undiagnosed and many that are diagnosed, not correctly controlled. 76% of deaths due to diabetes are in people under the age of 60 on the African continent.

Patients are exposed to many complications including vascular complications, blindness and limb amputation, which can be prevented by treatment with Insulin and effective, close management of patients. With over 90 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Insulin, Sanofi is a world leader in delivering quality, innovative solutions to meet the needs of patients. The INSUMAN® range allows for individualized treatment (basal, rapid and premix) available in both Vials and Cartridges.

Gesture Recognition Market for Smart TV and Mobile Biometrics Market 2019 Forecast and Analysis

Sandlerresearch.org offers Global Gesture Recognition Market for Smart TV 2015-2019 and Global Mobile Biometrics Market 2015-2019 research reports in its ever expanding business intelligence and research store.

The emergence of stereoscopy in smart TVs is one of the upcoming trends in gesture recognition market for smart TV. Stereoscopy creates an illusion of depth in an image and creates a 3D effect from 2D images also. It helps in giving accurate visual images, improving the visualization and perspective of the 2D image.

Analysts forecast the Global Gesture Recognition market for Smart TV to grow at a CAGR of 33.07% over the period 2014-2019. According to the report, the development of gesture recognition technologies by original equipment manufacturers is one of the major drivers in this market. OEMs such as Sony, use gesture recognition technology, and this helps to generate a sense of trust and goodwill among end-users.

This report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the Global Gesture Recognition market for Smart TV for the period 2015-2019. The report considers 2014 as the base year and provides data for the trailing 12 months. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sale of the gesture recognition solutions for smart TV. The scope of the report covers smart TVs, which are a part of consumer electronic products with gesture recognition technology.

2015 AFCON: See The Hotels The Teams Are Staying In

The 2015 AFCON is well underway, and while the matches have been thrilling there have been quite a number of accommodation situations faced by the qualifying teams. Apparently, while Equatorial Guinea was very gallant in volunteering to host the tournament this year, there were questions as to whether the country would be ready to host on time.

Recently we told you about the four beautiful cities hosting the tournament in Equatorial Guinea. If you’re thinking of going to see a game or two and wondering what a West African country like Equatorial Guinea might have in store for you. Great weather and a good game of football of course!

You may have heard talks about how hard it is to find a good hotel in Equatorial Guinea but some team parties like Ghana and South Africa were able to find suitable enough accommodation. The African Cup of Nations was carefully planned to accommodate teams of football champions from across Africa. Here are the top hotels in Equatorial Guinea where you are most likely to find your favourite football stars. The hotels are fit for superstars and superfans alike so look around and take your pick. You can book the best hotels in Equatorial Guinea on Jovago.com, Africa’s largest online booking portal.

Ibis Bata

Providing heightened luxury in 120 rooms, Ibis Bata is a one of a kind hotel located by the seaside and only 10 minutes from the Bata International Airport. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi and a safety deposit box, what more could you ask for? After a good night’s sleep, you can take a walk around this grand hotel and have a drink or grab a bite at the restaurant & bar. For a mid-afternoon swim, you can take a dive in the outdoor pool just to relax. With the perfect location and excellent amenities, Ibis Bata hotel is guaranteed to give you a wonderful experience.

Ibis Malabo

You wouldn’t be surprised to see an enormous hotel planted right in the centre of Equatorial Guinea’s capital city, Malabo but more than one thing sets the Ibis Malabo hotel apart. It is conveniently located in the Business District of Malabo and every one of its 130 rooms comes fully equipped with an inviting double bed that ignites a cosy, luxury experience.

The modern design of the hotel highlights the famous Ibis name and ensures that travellers get the very best. If that’s not enough to draw you in to take a peek, Ibis Malabo offers an all-you-can-eat buffet every day from 6.30 to 10 am, providing guests with locally accessible continental and traditional dishes.

The month of love is here, February, a season when lovers and friends give gifts as a sign of love and affection, Nigeria’s foremost taxi requesting service, Easy Taxi isn't being left behind as it has launched a promotion which offers active users in Lagos and Abuja one free taxi ride for every two rides taken within a week, starting from the 1st of February 2015.

The Easy Taxi application is a free smartphone app that makes it easy for users to hail a cab from the comfort of their homes, offices or desired locations and allows them to track their drivers in real time. Although users who board rides frequently are only eligible to one free ride per week, they still get to win discount vouchers, recharge cards and complimentary gifts by following Easy Taxi Nigeria on all social media platforms.

How it works: All you have to do is download the Easy taxi Mobile App, request a taxi ride twice in one week and you get the third ride for free! Hurry and get going!

For convenience, those who spend more time on their computers can hail a taxi directly from the Easy Taxi Nigeria web app. This offer is limited to active users in Lagos and Abuja only.

Sunday, 1 February 2015

Alarab: New pan-Arab Satellite News Channel Launches

After Qatar-subsidised Al-Jazeera pioneered regional news broadcaster 19 years ago in the Arab market, Alarab has become the latest player to launch a 24-hour pan-Arab satellite news channel.

Alarab News Channel kicked off transmission today, 1st February from its headquarters in Bahrain to viewers all over the world. The launch ushers in a completely new style of news programming for the Middle East and beyond and fills a critical void in Arab-language news programming by delivering to millions of viewers with an objective, fresh and unbiased view of world events.

Commenting on the launch in a release, Mr. Fahad Sukait, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the channel said: "We are proud of the strong start we've made and thank HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his unstinting support. Our goal is to provide viewers with a new and different style, delivering impartial and accurate news based on deep analysis." He added: "I would like to thank all our staff for their hard work which has contributed to today's successful launch."

Alarab will deliver the news objectively and accurately, providing news bulletins at the top of each hour through its extensive network of correspondents and bureaux around the world, in addition to a group of analysts and subject matter experts. The region's leading business news will be delivered through a cooperation agreement with Bloomberg which will provide world-class information to the region's business community.

Jay Z Gets Into Music Streaming With $56M Bid For Aspiro

One of the world's best-selling music artists of all time, Shawn Corey Carter popularly known as Jay Z is set to become the next big digital music mogul after making a $56m bid for Aspiro, the Scandinavian company behind streaming services WiMP and Tidal.

Jay Z

Project Panther, that is owned by Jay-Z’s S. Carter Enterprises, has bid 464 million Krona (that’s around $56 million) to buy a Nasdaq Stockholm-floated association outright, according to a release. A understanding is theme to shareholder agreement but, with Aspiro’s house of directors unanimously recommending that a offer is accepted, a execution seems imminent.

WiMP is accessible in a handful of European markets — Denmark, Germany, Norway, Poland and Sweden — while Tidal offers a “higher fidelity” service, that boasts a higher quality of sound than to the likes of Spotify, Rdio and Deezer’s services. Available in a UK and a U.S. given Oct 2014, Tidal is labelled at $20 per month, that is around double a categorical competition.

In Aspiro’s last public financial statements, it said that WiMP had 512,000 paying subscribers, with 20,000 paying for its more expensive HiFi version that offers higher-quality streams for twice the monthly cost.

Following the conclusion of Barclays' three year sponsorship deal worth £120m ending before the 15/16 season kicks off, Diageo’s flagship beer brand Guinness could be the next title sponsor of the English Premier League in a deal thought to be worth £150 million, if speculation about the company preparing a bid is true.

Diageo’s ambitions of landing the deal could be complicated by the fact many Premier League clubs have individual supply and sponsorship agreements with rival beer brands, according to Sky News.

Current sponsor Barclays has also announced its intent to issue another bid for the rights, although Samsung, Ford and MasterCard are reportedly interested in the sponsorship.

In West Africa, Diageo is one of the strongest TV advertiser of the EPL with a significant support for the round leather game at the grassroot level.

British Airways Thrills World Traveller with Special low Fares

British Mega carrier, British Airways over the weekend announced that it will be offering special low fares to air travellers on its World Traveller and World Traveller plus cabin from Lagos & Abuja to select global destinations including London, Europe and North America.

The special fares, which went live from Friday, 30 January, offer customers great value for money with return flights to the UK and Europe starting from as low as $309.

Announcing the offer, British Airways Country Commercial Manager for West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka, said with $309, customers travelling to London can book on British Airways World Traveller cabin and $341 to Europe.

For customers going farther, Olayinka said they can book via Terminal 5 to New York from $722 in World Traveller and $1585 in World Traveller Plus.

Strategy Analytics' revealed in its latest report of the global Smartphone market that while Apple has made terrific strides with record-breaking iPhone sales, Android handsets still make up for 81.2% of the global Smartphone market as of the end of 2014. That figure is slightly higher than the 78.9% market share enjoyed by Android OS in 2013.

In 2014 alone over a billion Android devices were shipped – at least according to Strategy Analytics. The analyst firm figured out that out of the estimated 1.3 billion smartphones shipped last year, more than a billion of those were powered by the Android platform,

Apple iOS shipped 192.7 million smartphones worldwide in 2014, capturing 15 percent share. The new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models have recently re-energized Apple's growth and their bigger-screen designs have swiftly gained traction among wealthy consumers.

For the year 2014, a total of 1.28 billion Smartphones were shipped across the globe, up from 990 million in 2013.