Kilo One Thrills Fans at News Of The People Awards

Lagos city, one of the entertainment hubs of Nigeria came alive with much excitement and happy moments as “Notable Brand of the People” awards were held. The award has come and gone but the performance of Kilo-One, one of the new entrants into the Nigeria music industry will not be forgotten in a rush.

Kilo One performing on stage

Penultimate week, the publisher of one of the leading magazine in the country, News Of The People staged a first of its kind award. At the award ceremony, along with other A-class artistes across the country, Kilo-One thrilled the mammoth fun lovers who stormed the occasion.

Amidst beehive of heightened activities, Kilo One, real name Uwaifo Lawrence the CEO of Benez Music International performed hit songs like “beautiful People”, “Obiageli” among many other good songs to the satisfactions of his teeming fans. The event which took place at Imperial Hall Ikeja had in attendance notable people from all works of life who glamour for more from Kilo-One as he dishes out good music from his collections.  

Speaking after the event, Kilo-One revealed what his music house has in the cooler. “There is going to be a show from Benez Music house before the end of this year. It is going to shake the music industry in Nigeria! Benez Music crew alongside A-list act in Nigeria such as; Chuddy K, W4, KC Fresh, Terry G. will thrill fun lovers.

There will be guest foreign artistes, such as; Manfesto from Spain and Fuse ODG from Ghana  who will be on hand to relate with good music to their teeming fans in Nigeria. Details of this event can be found on http://www.benezmusic.com/” Kilo One Revealed.

Benez Music is a recording company that was founded in 2002 and officially launched on February 14th, 2004 in the city of Torino, Italy.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

L-R: Rita Amuchienwa, Channel Development Manager HP Imaging and Printing Group, English Africa; the event moderator, Efosa Aiyevbomwan and Janet Thiong'o HP IWS Product Manager, West, East and Southern Africa, Printing and Personal Systems Group unveiling the ink advantage units.

Janet Thiong'o explaining a point to the journalists

 

Samsung commence construction of second Engineering Academy in Nigeria

As part of its contribution to quality education and empowerment of the youth in Nigeria, Samsung Electronic West Africa has commenced the construction of its second Engineering Academy in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Having opened its first Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy at Government Technical College, Ikeja in Lagos State, the electronic company's initiative is aimed towards ensuring that Africa develops an adequate pool of engineering skills.

The academy also provides learners with well-paying job opportunities, a pledge that supports the Nigerian government’s drive to address the issue of unemployment especially among the youth.
According to the company, its interest and commitment to facilitating a better future for Nigeria by training a skilled workforce of technicians who will become service experts empowered to create wealth. 

The Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy provides youths participating in the scheme with free hands-on, vocational training. Students undergo a one-year programme comprising basic, intermediate and advanced engineering skills and are introduced to industry appropriate practices, tools and equipment. The academy is one of several community development projects undertaken by Samsung over the past few years, in furtherance of its corporate social investment initiatives.

Always Supports Williams Sisters to empower women, young girls

Always, a feminine hygiene brand from the stable of Procter & Gamble Nigeria, is supporting the visiting Williams Sisters to empower women and young girls to believe in themselves in a bid to achieve their full potential in life.

source: www.nairaland.com

The Williams sisters: Venus and Serena are international tennis stars who arrived Lagos yesterday as part of the African ‘Breaking the Mould’ tour; a programme that aims to empower women and young girls to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential. Serena and Venus Williams embody the meaning of “Mould Breakers” as the story of their lives exemplifies how determination, passion, hard work and self-belief can turn dreams into reality.

On 1 November 2012, the duo will partner Always for a joint girls empowerment event at the Government Secondary School in Osborne, Ikoyi.

“We are proud to welcome Venus and Serena in Lagos. They are powerful role models for all girls and women who know what it takes to achieve their dreams. I have no doubt that each girl who meets Venus and Serena will come out feeling unstoppable” says Temitope Iluyemi, P&G Communications Leader.

“Always’ strong brand awareness and established social media footprint [http://www.facebook.com/alwaysnigeria] will help to globally drive awareness for ‘Breaking The Mould’ and the message of girls’ empowerment”, she add.

Their visit will also help raise awareness of the Always School Care Programme that has helped empower millions of girls in Nigeria and across the globe by educating them on proper feminine hygiene and puberty over the last 12 years. Last year alone, the programme positively impacted 1.5 million girls across Africa.

The superstar sisters will be in the country between Tuesday 30 October to Friday 2 November 2012 during which they will be involved in talk sessions to motivate and inspire women. The pair will wrap up their visit with an exhibition match against each other.

DUO expands to Nigeria, Kenya

A specialist ICT marketing and PR agency based in South Africa, DUO Marketing Communications, has announced its aim to expand its presence into West Africa's business hub, Nigeria and Kenya.

According to reports on bizcommunity, the agency plans to pursue distinct strategies in each country depending on its clients' needs as it regards Kenya and Nigeria as two particularly important markets. It also hope  of opening local offices in the future.

The company is specialises in business-to-business communication, particularly for medium-sized ICT companies that have their roots in South Africa.

Insight Communications Clinches Brand Excellence Award

In recognition of its more than three decades contribution to the development of Integrated Marketing Communications in Nigeria, Insight Communications, a formidable advertising agency was adjudged ‘Creative Agency Of The Year 2012’ by the MarketingWorld Magazine in the second edition of its annual Award Ceremony held at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, Lagos.

The creative agency emerged tops after it was nominated alongside 141worldwide, Centrespread FCB and DDB. The award for brand excellence, which has now become an annual event, is designed to promote organizational excellence in branding and marketing communications in Nigeria.

Receiving the award on behalf of Insight, Franklin Ozekhome, Head of Marketing, expressed appreciation to MarketingWorld Magazine for the award which is a reflection of Insight’s creative ranking in the industry. “It was an honour to receive this award; an attestation to Insight’s brand performance and creativity, which is being monitored by independent firms like MarketingWorld.”

(L-R) Africa Marketing Director, Family Nutrition GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Health Care Plc, Lanpe Omoyele, presenting Creative Agency of the Year Award to Head of Marketing Insight Communications, Frankline Ozekhome at the Marketing World Brand Excellence Award in Lagos recently.

Ozekhome stressed that it never takes its award wins for granted, as this only spurs Insight to continuously produce “leading-edge creative works across platforms, breaking new grounds in brand experience and building sustainable relationships” with clients, consumers and industry stakeholders. As a result, Insight has been recognized – at both local and global levels - for its creative ingenuity.  

Speaking at that colourful ceremony, Mr. Akin Naphtal, Publisher of MarketingWorld magazine, organizers of the award, said this year’s award focused on outstanding organisations that have made positive impact in their various sectors. “The award” He said “pays tribute to organization that present product distinctiveness and continuous improvement process with long term returns in terms of goodwill and revenue growth. It aims to highlight brands that deliver a full spectrum of maintaining the highest standard of quality, exemplify creativeness, developing a corporate culture and positive benefits that exceeds customers and stakeholders’ expectations. MWA also stands for promoting and celebrating outstanding marketers who have helped enhanced the image of their organization and significantly contributed to the country’s economy”.

The highlight of the award ceremony was the Lifetime Achievement Award given to Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, Executive Director, Marketing Service, Nestle Nigeria for her contribution to the marketing industry for three decades. She spoke with emotion, recounting her sacrifice and that of her family being there for her in the last 30 years in Nestle as she received the award from Mrs. Bunmi Oke, President of AAAN who also received the award for “Industry Personality of the Year.”

Other Award winners were; HotSauce, a subsidiary of Tryoka Group which won  “digital agency of year”, Wazobia FM, “radio station of the Year,” CoolWorld Electrical, “impactful retail design and merchandising,” Starcomm Media, “media agency of the year,” New Crystal, “outdoor agency of the year,” Zenith Bank and Forte Oil amongst others.

Taylor Swift to co-host "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live

Six-time GRAMMY winner Taylor Swift will co-host "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night," along with two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J. Additionally, country singer/songwriter Luke Bryan has been added to the lineup for the one-hour special, joining previously announced three-time GRAMMY-winning group Maroon 5.

The show — which will announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees — will take place live for the first time ever at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Dec. 5, and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network (www.cbs.com) from 10 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (9 p.m. Central).

Additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly. For updates and breaking news, please visit www.grammy.com, and The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.
                                                          
This concert special marks the fifth time nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced live on primetime television. Last year's airing of the nominations special helped lead to increased ratings for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which attracted 39.9 million viewers, the largest GRAMMY audience since 1984 and the second largest in history. The telecast was also the biggest social event in the history of television at that time, drawing 13 million social media comments with the conversation on Twitter reaching a record high at 160,341 tweets per minute during the live telecast.

The road to Music's Biggest Night begins with "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!" and culminates with the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, and broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

"The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer. LL COOL J is producer.

Harp Lager ignites the spirit of friendship at the 18th national sports festival

Harp Larger, a Guinness Nigeria brand, has announced a partnership with the 18th National Sports Festival, EKO 2012. The partnership was unveiled at a formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EKO 2012 and Guinness Nigeria, at the organization’s head quarters in Oba Akran in Lagos.

Speaking at the signing, Mr Seni Adetu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc said the partnership is one that will foster friendship and camaraderie throughout the games. “We are delighted to work with the Lagos state government towards the upcoming festival. We all know that Harp Lager is ’Best Enjoyed with Friends’ and so for us this partnership is one that will help push that message to Lagosians and Nigerians. We want to identify with the message of the festival ‘ignite the spirit of friendship’ and we believe Harp is best placed to drive that message home for us.”

L-R Marketing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Austin Ufomba; Chairman, Marketing and Sponsorship Sub-Committee, EKO 2012, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas; Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr Seni Adetu and Secretary General, Local Organising Committee, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding for Harp Lager’s sponsorship of the National Sports Festival, EKO 2012, in Lagos.

Signing the MoU on behalf of the state government, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Chairman, Marketing and Sponsorship Sub-committee, expressed gratitude to Guinness Nigeria Plc, makers of Harp Lager, for their support to the Local Organizing Committee and the Lagos State government.

“This is indeed a great partnership we have gone into with Harp. It is particularly exciting because we are staging the first ever private sector driven sports festival. This partnership will enable us deliver on the objectives of the event which include the promotion of mass participation in sports from the grassroots level throughout the country and identification of talents for further development.”

The Secretary-General, Local Organising Committee for the festival, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, lauded the company for showing interest in the festival, saying, it was in tandem with the resolve of the Lagos State government to stage a public-private sector fiesta that will set the bar for other states in the Federation. “We are glad that Guinness Nigeria through its world-renowned brand, Harp Lager, has decided to partner the LOC and the state to ensure that we stage a successful fiesta and we hope other corporate bodies will also come on board as the kick off of the games gets closer.”

Guinness Nigeria plc has over the years sponsored other sporting activities across the country such as the National Division One League Handball Championship, Benin Golf Tournament and Kaduna Polo Tournament. Guinness is also the official sponsor of the Nigerian Senior National team- The Super Eagles, and the jersey sponsor of Enyimba Football Club and Shooting Stars football club through Dubic Extra Lager.

The Eko 2012 Festival commnced in Lagos from November 27th and will end December 9th. Parading participants for a total of 28 sporting categories.

Visafone Partners RIM to Unveil CDMA-enabled BlackBerry smartphones

One of the leading CDMA mobile network in Nigeria, Visafone in partnership with Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, have unveiled three BlackBerry smartphones, becoming the first carrier to introduce CDMA-enabled BlackBerry smartphones in Africa.

Beginning October 26, all Visafone shops in the country will be able to take pre-bookings from customers for the BlackBerry Curve 9310, BlackBerry Curve 9370 and BlackBerry Bold 9930 smartphones, which will be available in November. The combination of the BlackBerry smartphones with BlackBerry services will give Visafone customers access to email, Internet and social networking apps, including BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), Facebook and Twitter.

Mr. Jim Ovia, chairman of Visafone, stated, “This partnership represents a big step forward in Africa’s mobile history and we are very excited to be at the forefront of such a ground-breaking development in the Nigerian market. We have responded to our customers’ demands for BlackBerry services by being the first to provide them with a suite of CDMA-enabled BlackBerry smartphones that best meets the region’s growing mobile needs. More broadly, this launch is a major boost to the NCC’s efforts to achieve growth of data usage and quality voice services to the country’s 100 million active mobile phone lines.”

According to the Regional Director for RIM in East, Central and West Africa, Waldi Wepener, “We are proud to support Visafone with the launch of the BlackBerry solution to their customers in Nigeria, and to bring CDMA-enabled BlackBerry smartphones to the region with Visafone for the first time. The BlackBerry solution from Visafone offers customers a strong selection of smartphones and a wide range of services that connects them to people and information around the country, across the continent, and throughout the world.”

Featuring the BlackBerry 7.1 OS, all the new BlackBerry smartphones provide a highly refined and integrated suite of phone, email, messaging, social networking, multimedia, and consumer and business apps to keep customers connected and productive throughout the day. The smartphones can also be used as mobile hotspots, allowing other Wi-Fi enabled devices to use the smartphones’ mobile network connection to access the Internet.

HP Introduce New Printers, Offers More Choices For Affordable

In an attempt to further offer more choices for affordable, reliable and quality printing to its teeming customers, one of the world leading technology companies, HP yesterday announced an expanded portfolio of its Deskjet Ink Advantage printers with six new printers which include first-to-market technologies such as wireless direct printing that does not require a network.

L-R: Tolulope Lawani, HP Printing and Personal Systems Marketing Manager, West Africa; Rita Amuchienwa, Channel Development Manager, HP IPG, English Africa and Janet Thiong'o HP IWS Product Manager, West, East and Southern Africa, Printing and Personal Systems Group during the launch of the Ink Advantage range of Printers in Lagos on Wednesday

The Ink Advantage series will enables customers to print up to two times the amount of pages for the same cost and offers the most extensive line-up in Nigeria.  The new line-up of Deskjet Ink Advantage printers are enhanced with more features and faster print speeds than predecessors, while offering different price-points to address customers’ varying needs.

The new series are: 2515, 3525, 5525, 4615, 4625 and 3515 e-All-in-One produces. With the new Ink Advantage printing systems, home users and micro-business customers can now print up to two times the amount of pages for the same cost. The new features include wireless printing without a network which enables users to print directly from their mobile phones, computers and other devices through WiFi.

 “HP has an unrivalled track record of bringing industry-leading innovation and choice to our customers. Our growing HP Deskjet Ink Advantage portfolio will offer more affordable choices that allow our customers to print more at a lower cost, without sacrificing quality or reliability,” said Janet Thiong’o, IWS Product Manager, West, East and Southern Africa, Printing and Personal Systems Group.
On why the company embarked on the introduction of the new series, Thiong'o stated: "We carried out a study on what consumers want and we found out at the end of our research that they want to print more at an affordable rate that was why we came up with this new printers."

According to the Channel Development Manager of HP, PPS, Africa, Rita Amuchienwa, the new HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 3525, 3515 and 5525 e-All-in-One printers come with first-to-market features that grow HP’s lead in addressing customers’ growing mobile and digital needs by allowing them to easily print from any wireless-enabled mobile devices without a network or router through HP wireless direct printing, print from virtually anywhere with HP ePrint while the HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 5525 e-All-in-One printer, which also allows for direct scanning to emails without a PC.

One of the notable photographers in the country, Seyi Lawson also shared his experience with BrandArena having used the 5525 e-All-in-One printer. His words: "I was amazed with the quality of the printer. I tried both photographic and paper printing on it and really liked the output. It is quite different from any of the printers I have ever used. It prints faster and clearer than other printers. Sincerely, its a great device that I'm sure everyone will like every of these series."

The exceptional reliability offered by HP Deskjet Ink Advantage printers also allows users to reduce the cost of printer damage and reprints from messy leaks, spills and clogged cartridges with the use of alternatives.

HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 2515 All-in-One printer comes with an intuitive graphic display for easy printing, scanning and copying, while delivering high-quality prints at low running costs; 3525 and 5525 e-All-in-One printers offer HP wireless direct printing that allow users to easily print from wireless-enabled mobile devices without a network or router.

The HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 4615 All-in-One and 4625 e-All-in-One printers allow users to print, scan, copy and fax, and save up to 40% on energy consumption with Scheduled On/Off while the 3515 e-All-in-One produces offers users brilliant borderless documents and photos, plus eye-catching flyers and more—at home.

Apple Introduces iPad mini

iPad Mini, image source: www.apple.com

Apple has introduced iPad mini, a completely new iPad design that is 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad. The new iPad mini features a stunning 7.9-inch Multi-Touch™ display, FaceTime HD and iSight cameras, ultrafast wireless performance¹ and an incredible 10 hours of battery life - every inch an iPad, yet in a revolutionary design you can hold in one hand.

Apple on same day (October 23, 2012) also announced the fourth generation iPad featuring a gorgeous 9.7-inch Retina™ display, new Apple-designed A6X chip, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless performance. Both iPad mini and fourth generation iPad come with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features.

“iPad mini is every inch an iPad. With its gorgeous 7.9-inch display, iPad mini features the same number of pixels as the original iPad and iPad 2, so you can run more than 275,000 apps designed specifically for iPad,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPad mini is as thin as a pencil and as light as a pad of paper, yet packs a fast A5 chip, FaceTime HD and 5 megapixel iSight cameras and ultrafast wireless―all while delivering up to 10 hours of battery life.”

iPad mini comes in a beautiful new aluminum and glass design that is just 7.2 mm thin and weighs only 0.68 pounds. The 7.9-inch Multi-Touch display delivers the same iPad experience users have come to expect, in a design that has 35 percent more screen real estate than 7-inch tablets and up to an astonishing 67 percent more usable viewing area when browsing the web. The dual-core A5 chip delivers responsive graphics and a fast, fluid Multi-Touch experience, while still providing all-day battery life.

iPad mini features a front-facing FaceTime HD camera and a 5 megapixel iSight camera on the back with advanced optics for taking sharp still pictures and recording full 1080p HD video. The iSight camera includes video image stabilization and both cameras feature backside illumination to let users capture great pictures in low light. iPad mini also allows easy sharing of photos with friends and family using iCloud’s Shared Photo Streams.

The new fourth generation iPad features the amazing 9.7-inch Retina display and includes a new Apple-designed A6X chip that delivers up to twice the CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance of the A5X chip, all while delivering an incredible 10 hours of battery life in the same thin and light iPad design. Other new features include a FaceTime HD camera, twice the Wi-Fi performance when compared to previous iPad models and support for additional LTE carriers worldwide.

Google Introduce New Chromebook, For Everyone

In order to have one, two or more computers around the house, they need to be easy to use and much more affordable, Google has lauch a Samsung, we designed a new laptop—the new Samsung Chromebook for $249—the computer for everyone.

"For families, it’s easy to use and share: for kids doing homework on the couch, parents catching up on emails at the kitchen counter and grandparents staying connected on video chat. There’s no need to worry about security updates and maintenance is easy; all you need to do is charge the battery. It just works.

"The new Chromebook is a great computer at any price, but it’s an incredible computer at $249. It’s one of the lightest laptops on the market. You can easily carry it around all day—it’s 2.5 pounds, a mere 0.8 inches thick, with more than 6 hours of battery life for the typical user. And with 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive*, you can get to all of your stuff anytime, anywh"

Amstel Malta boosts Williams’ sisters’ Lagos Tour

Breaking The Mould (BTM) campaign, a women’s empowerment initiative, has got a major boost from Amstel Malta, the original low sugar malt drink brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc with sponsorship support towards the planned visit of the international tennis icons, Serena and Venus Williams to Lagos, Nigeria from Tuesday 30 October to Friday 2 November 2012.

The support, which has been highly applauded, makes NB’s leading non-alcoholic malt drink, Amstel Malta the official drink of the tour.

The Williams sisters, as they are fondly called, are coming to Lagos on the platform of ‘Breaking The Mould’ campaign which has the primary aim of empowering women and younger ones to achieve their inner potential. Serena and Venus Williams fit into the position of “Mould Breakers” as the story of their lives exemplifies how determination, passion, hard work and self-belief can turn dreams into reality, despite obstacles.

In line with the intent of BTM, the duo will use their tour of Lagos to inspire, motivate and mentor women as well as other range of audiences through a series of supporting initiatives which include a tennis clinic, exhibition match and gala night.

Commenting on the sponsorship platform, Mrs. Adedoyin Owotomo, Brand Manager, Amstel Malta said Nigerian Breweries is delighted to support the Williams’ Sisters’ Tour and ultimately the BTM initiative because it aligns with the core values of the brand one of which is enabling the consumers be the best they can be. “Amstel Malta, with its low sugar formulation, helps to activate the mind and the body so that people can be the best they can ever imagine. The empowerment attribute of Breaking The Mould initiative underlines this core brand essence, and we are proud to be associated with it’’, she said.

She added that “By coming to Nigeria and Lagos in particular, Serena and Venus Williams and Amstel Malta will be joining forces through this worthy advocacy being promoted by Octagon and its West Africa’s affiliate, Connect Marketing Services, to impact Nigerians positively.”

Frances Eza, Account Director at Connect Marketing Services, said they are delighted to have Nigerian Breweries and its top brand Amstel Malta on board. “We are delighted at this tremendous support from NB and Amstel Malta”. He said, “This affirms the demonstration of our common resolve to make Nigeria greater and better by helping our people, and in particular women, to break moulds so that they can be the best they love to be.”

The Lagos’ visit by the Williams sisters is the Nigerian leg of the two-nation African Tour which the renowned tennis champions are undertaking this year. The two favoured countries are Nigeria and South Africa. In Nigeria, only the city of Lagos has been selected as the place they would visit while Johannesburg is their choice city for the South African leg.  

Terry G’ to Perform at Benin Legend Real Deal Nite

Highly energetic music entertainer, Terry G, is set to perform in the ancient city of Benin which is billed to play host to the entertaining Legend Real Deal Nite event. According to Mr. Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Legend, Terry G, the ‘Akpako’ master, will thrill fans at the Asotime Groove at the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of the ancient city on Friday, October 26th 2012. 

Legend extra stout, is the leading stout brand from the stables of Nigeria breweries plc. The “Real Deal Nite” is a monthly in-bar activation the brand deploys to reward consumers for being loyal to the Legend brand of stout. The event also gives brand loyalists the opportunity to win fantastic prizes in a raffle draw promo while they have fun and feel the spirit and uniqueness of the Legend brand.

Last month, widely acclaimed Port-Harcourt ‘first son,’ Duncan Mighty, sent the crowd at the Baytown Lounge, Abuja into wild frenzy when he gave a sublime performance of his hit songs. In the coming months, the Real Deal Nite, which started in Lagos since March 2011, where it holds every last Friday of the month, is expected to hit other major cities across Nigeria to give fun lovers what only Legend gives.

Ayeni stated that the relevance of the Real Deal Nite is to create an atmosphere where the brand bonds with its consumers and to make them understand the brand essence, “we are calling on people to follow the brand, try it and of course become a loyalist.”

He added that Legend Extra stout is by far “the best brewed stout brand in Nigeria with distinguishing qualities that sets it apart from other stout brands in the market because of the full brewed process that it undergoes.”

It would be recalled that Legend Extra Stout - the premium stout from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, received the prestigious Gold Quality Award at the 51st Monde award ceremony held recently in Athens, Greece.

adidas NEO Label Announces Justin Bieber As New Style Icon

adidas NEO Label has appointed global phenomenon and POP/R&B superstar Justin Bieber as its style icon. To celebrate this partnership, teens worldwide can hunt down the superstar's exclusively customized NEO gold sneakers online in a bid to win a pair and meet Justin on tour.

As NEO's new global style icon, Justin Bieber will inspire young consumers with the label's stylish and fresh teen looks through a two-year partnership until end-2014. As well as sporting his favorite NEO looks, Justin will make appearances for the label in its major markets throughout 2013 and share its latest news and collections through his vast social media reach.

Justin Bieber

He will front NEO's seasonal campaigns under its "Live Your Style" positioning, with Spring/Summer 2013 to debut in February.  Teens will be able to shop for his favorite NEO looks and personally selected styles for each season.

To mark the appointment, adidas NEO Label and Justin launched a competition to find his NEO sneakers online in the Find My Golden Shoes challenge. Pictures of Justin's exclusively customized NEO gold sneakers that he is wearing during his Believe World Tour concerts are hidden online. 

One lucky entrant each week over five weeks will win a pair of the NEO gold sneakers and an all-inclusive trip to meet Justin on tour in Miami. Entrants will also have the chance to win daily prizes of NEO goodies.

adidas NEO Label is one of the proud sponsors of Justin Bieber's "Believe" world tour 2012/2013.

To watch the video message of Justin announcing the news and to sign up for daily competition clues go to www.facebook.com/adidasneolabel. To stay up to date on all things NEO, including the label's fresh new looks and Justin Bieber 's seasonal favorites beginning 2013 visit www.adidas.com/NEO.

More Consumers Experience Heinekens’ Crack the Case Activation

Brand loyalists of Heineken, the world’s leading premium beer brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, have been participating in the digital campaign adventure tagged “Crack the Case” experience.

Less than a month after introduction, over 4000 loyalists have taken part in the exciting game which takes consumers on a virtual journey replete of all the excitement of the iconic James Bond character and secret service twist and turns.

The digital campaign and new TVC that hit TV screens in Nigeria recently are in anticipation of the release of the 23rd James Bond adventure movie, SKYFALL™,-which features Daniel Craig as he brings his explosive portrayal of James Bond to a Heineken ad for the very first time.

The brand has over the years developed a strong and successful relationship with James Bond movies spanning global partnerships with ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’, ‘The World is Not Enough’, ‘Die Another Day’, ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Quantum of Solace’ and now ‘Skyfall’ .

Some consumers who have already cracked the case spoke of their experiences. Jide Aboderin said “The game was quite engaging; I liked the fact that one’s picture is taken and put up. This heightened my expectation and makes me look forward to watching the movie, I encourage those who have not participated to go online and crack the case.”

Another Heineken fan, Rachel Ogunjumo said the virtual journey was a thing to behold. “I was just laughing all through, when I saw the certificate I was impressed with the level of creativity and technology which Heineken deployed in the game, I really felt like a secret agent.”

The movie is billed to be premiered across various cinemas in Nigeria on November 2 starring Daniel Craig as the James Bond man and stunning French newcomer Berenice Marlohe as the Bond girl. It will be premiered at Silverbird galleria, Genesis Deluxe and Ozone cinemas in Lagos as well as Silverbird Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Enugu.

In addition to this and also in anticipation for more to come, Heineken is partnering with major retail chains like Shoprite, Game, Mega Plaza, Park n Shop to run a 6 week promotion where every consumer will get a limited edition branded gift with every purchase of Heineken.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Left: Barr. Andrew Enahoro, Head, Legal / Public Relations of Promasidor Nigeria Limited and Barr. Olajide Agboola Ologun, Chairman, NIPR, Lagos State Chapter at the NIPR Annual General Meeting / PR Week held at the NECA House, Alausa - Ikeja, Lagos recently

Safeguard Celebrates Global Handwashing Day with Launch of Doctors on Wheels Program

Mrs. Chidinma Erue-Ifeanyi, Safeguard, BOIM, Dr. Yinka Goodman, Territorial Manager Society for Family Health, Lagos and Mrs. Mokutima Ajileye, Brand Operations Integration Manager at the Global Hand Washing Day and the Launch of ‘Doctors on Wheels’ Programme in Lagos yesterday.

As part of activities to commemorate the 2012 Global Hand Washing Day (GHWD), Safeguard anti-bacterial soap is set to launch the Doctor on Wheel’s program. To spread the handwashing message even further, Safeguard is partnering with the Society for Family Health (SFH) Nigeria to hold a series of handwashing enlightenment campaigns across Nigeria.

The ‘Doctors on wheels’ programme is a nation-wide program that would serve to raise public awareness on the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent the spread of diseases. ‘Safeguard Doctors on Wheels’ program would provide members of the public with the added opportunity to have basic health checks and medical consultation by a qualified medical doctor.

 “Through its partnerships with health experts around the world, Safeguard has been instrumental in demonstrating that handwashing with soap can help save lives by helping prevent the spread of illnesses” commented Mokutima Ajileye, P&G Brand Operations Integrations leader for West Africa. “I’m delighted for Safeguard to partner with the Society for Family Health to spread this message to the Nigerian people as we unite on Global Handwashing Day to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing with soap. P&G’s Safeguard soap, endorsed by the African Medical Association (AfMA) has antibacterial properties that prevent disease. Unlike ordinary soaps, Safeguard’s unique formulation prevents re-growth of skin germs for up to 12 hours after washing.”

The GHWD started in 2008 and is now celebrated every year on October 15. The objective of the commemoration is to foster and support a global culture of hand washing with soap, shine a spotlight on the state of hand washing in every community and raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing with soap.

Published research has indicated that handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhoea and pneumonia risks by up to 50%.  In light of this evidence, handwashing with soap has been referred to as ‘the most important medical remedy for children in developing countries.’ Yet, published data suggests that despite its potential, handwashing with soap is seldom practiced and not always easy to promote.

AAAN set to hold LAIF 2012 Awards, Introduces New Young Laifers Category

The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has concluded plans to hold its 2012 edition of LAIF Awards and also introduce a new award category.

The Young Laifer category is aimed at promoting excellence in brand strategy development as well as encourages craftsmanship in young practitioners. This new category is intended for young practitioners less than 30 years of age, working within a recognized advertising organization.

The Awards is themed: ‘The best of LAIF’. The 2012 awards will feature, Steve Evans, CEO of ETISALAT Nigeria as chairman of the grand finale and Award Dinner is slated for November 3, 2012 at the Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos.

The LAIF Awards which started in 2006 with the aim of recognizing, rewarding and fostering creative excellence in all areas of marketing communications has come to be regarded as the country’s version of Cannes the global advertising, film and creative festival.

Coca-Cola Retains Number One Spot in Interbrand 2012 Report

Coca-Cola, Apple and IBM lead Interbrand’s 13th annual Best Global Brands report. While Coca-Cola retained its #1 position, Apple jumped to #2 with stellar sales in both developed and emerging markets over the last year. Social media giant, Facebook (#69), enters the report after making headlines as the third largest IPO in US history, and Google (#4) experienced a 26% increase in brand value over the last year, exceeding rival Microsoft’s (#5) brand value for the first time in the history of Interbrand’s report.

Interbrand, the world’s leading brand consultancy, publishes its Best Global Brands report of the world’s 100 most valuable brands on an annual basis. Interbrand’s methodology - the first of its kind to be ISO certified – analyzes the many ways a brand touches and benefits an organization, from driving bottom-line business results to delivering on customer expectations.

To develop its report, Interbrand examines the three key aspects that contribute to a brand’s value: the financial performance of the branded products or service, the role the brand plays in influencing consumer choice, the strength the brand has to command a premium price, or secure earnings for the company

2012 new entrants are:  Pampers, Facebook, Prada, Kia, Ralph Lauren, MasterCartop rising brands include: Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Nissan, Oracle while

“As global competition increases and many competitive advantages, like technology, become more short-lived, a brand’s contribution to shareholder value will only increase,” noted Jez Frampton, Interbrand’s Global Chief Executive Officer. “The world’s 100 most valuable brands are leading the way by listening to consumers, employees, and investors alike and delivering a seamless and holistic brand experience across an ever-evolving range of touchpoints.

In a fast-moving world where consumers’ offline and online brand experiences constantly intertwine, the leading brands are staying actively engaged, tapping into the inexorable rise of data and information in order to drive innovation across all industries. They are spending the time and money required to understand the role their brand plays in consumers’ lives – and they are strategically weaving their brand proposition into every interaction.

Join the James Bond & Heineken Team and “Crack the Case”

It is an undeniable experience as I tried to crack the case alongside James Bond crew in the Heineken “Crack the Case” online game. I was a secret agent cast listed as a ‘wanted person’. Berenice Marlohe, the new Bond girl takes me through a virtual journey on how to discover the hidden case and crack it open by punching in some digits.

The journey doesn’t end there as I have to fight the villains and get the case to safety. On the successful completion of the game, I get to choose three friends on Facebook to join me to the movie premiere. It is an interesting game and Heineken’s way of engaging its consumers with the new James Bond movie.

Heineken the World’s most valuable international premium beer from the stables of Nigerian Breweries is partnering with James Bond’s latest movie “Skyfall” to be launched in November 2012. The movie will be premiered across various cinemas in Nigeria come November 2nd.  Heineken has developed a strong and successful relationship with James Bond movies over the years spanning global partnerships with ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’, ‘The World is Not Enough’, ‘Die Another Day’, ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Quantum of Solace’ and now “Skyfall.

The movie is starring Daniel Craig as the James bond man and the beautiful French newcomer Berenice Marlohe as the Bond girl.

Heineken launched a 60 second TVC on the 26th of September across various Television stations in Nigeria to introduce the campaign. In addition to this and also in anticipation for more to come, Heineken is partnering with major retail chains like Shoprite, Game, Mega Plaza, Park n Shop to run a 6 week promotion where every consumer will get a limited edition branded gift with every purchase of Heineken.

James Bond is the iconic British spy, introduced in Ian Fleming’s novels and made famous in 23 James Bond movies. Starting with ‘Dr. No’ in 1962 and continuing with the expected release of the new James Bond movie, ‘Skyfall’ in November 2012, James Bond movies represent the most successful film franchise in history. The first James Bond actor was Sean Connery  and Daniel Craig is the current James Bond.

Abuja Comes Alive with Legend 'Real Deal Nite'

Abuja, the federal capital territory of Nigeria, was agog when the highly entertaining Legend 'Real Deal Nite' train stormed the nation's capital. The 'Real Deal Nite' is an in-bar activation the Legend brand deploys to engage its numerous consumers as well as reward them for their loyalty. The venue of the event, Baytown Lounge, Gudu crescent, was a beehive of heightened activity as Legend brand loyalists trooped there in droves.

The ambience at the event was simply breath taking. Despite the fact that the rains threatened, guests were unperturbed as they kept vigil with their popular brand, more so as popular on air comedy personality, De Don, was the compere of the night.

The presence of popular music maestro, the widely acclaimed ‘Port-Harcourt first son,’ Duncan Mighty, sent the crowd into wild frenzy. Duncan Mighty was on ground to thrill fans to the hit tracks which has endeared him to millions. The crowd went ecstatic when Duncan Mighty performed songs like, 'Obianuju', 'Port-Harcourt first son', 'Na God'.
In consonance with the 'Real Deal' spirit, guests also won wonderful gift items.

Henry Michael, an automobile business man, was stunned when he was confirmed as the winner of a brand new 32" plasma television. According to him, he had heard about the event on radio and thus made sure he attended.

Another winner, Nonso Ekwo, a real estate marketer carted home a brand new generator. “I feel so glad tonight. I wasn’t expecting to win anything at all. It came to me as a very big surprise. Prior to now, I never believed in raffle draws and things like that but when my name was called, I was shocked. The whole thing has proved a very credible exercise. I’m so excited tonight. I'm leaving here happy”. He said.

Sony Launches New SD Handycam - DCR-SX22

Sony DCR-SX22

High quality video shooting with excellent zoom capability has never been easier with the launch of the new SD Handycam camcorder from Sony – the DCR-SX22.
    
The DCR-SX22 boast an impressive feature set including a high quality Sony 60x optical zoom lens. With such high-performance zooming capabilities, the latest Handycam® is perfect to capture subjects a distance away such as birds and wildlife or for the most exhilarating events in the sporting world today.
    
That experience is further magnified with the new 70x extended zoom feature. Thanks to a more effective usage of the image sensor area, the 60x optical zoom range will become a 70x zoom lens, making that far-to-reach object all the more closer. Different from conventional digital zoom technology, there is almost no visible image degradation thanks to an advanced image processing algorithm, allowing for expansive shooting capabilities from wide to telephoto.
    
In addition to SteadyShot image stabilisation which easily enables one to capture smooth footage, Intelligent Auto makes the shooting of beautiful images and videos a breeze. Automatic recognition of up to 18 different combinations of scenes and adjustment of the camera settings accordingly make using this new Handycam a hassle-free experience even for first timers.
    
For even greater ease-of-use, Face Detection technology also automatically detects up to eight faces in a scene, optimising exposure for quality results. With the integrated LED video light, your subject will be illuminated with a bright and energy efficient LED light, good for up to 1.5 metres – allowing for the seamless capture of videos even in dark environments.
    
The DCR-SX22 represents Sony’s commitment to helping users easily preserve their most intimate memories for eternity. The DCR-SX22 is currently available in Nigeria.
    
Sony Middle East and Africa FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, VAIO laptop computers, Computer Peripherals, Data media, Recording Media and Energy (Batteries), Mobile Electronics (Car Audio) and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region.

Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Middle East and Africa leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners and representative offices.