BrandArena : February 2017

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Etihad Airways Launches Global Sale With Up To 40% Off On Fares

Etihad Airways has launched a global up to 40% off sale for travel worldwide that must be booked by Wednesday, 1 March for travel until Sunday, 10 December 2017.

This time the Abu Dhabi-based carrier is offering 40% off 100 destinations including Abu Dhabi, London, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, New Delhi and New York - as part of its A World Within Reach sale.

Total Nigeria Rewards Winners of its 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Promo

Total Nigeria Plc recently concluded its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) promotion which ran for the entire duration of the football tournament in all Total service stations nationwide. Customers who purchased items worth N2,000 in its station or Bonjour shops got a scratch card to win instant gifts. They also automatically qualified for a raffle draw to win the grand prize of watching the semi-final and final matches of the tournament live at Gabon.

At the end of the raffle draw, 7 lucky winners emerged for the all expense paid trip to Gabon to watch the semi-finals and another 7 lucky winners for the final match. This promotion started on January 13 and ended on February 6, 2017. The winners include: Olusola Alabi, Olufemi Emmanuel, Tope Akande , Temidayo Enitan, Shehu Danmusa, Lateef Akinsanya, Ekundayo Akanbi, Kolawole Akeyemi, Babatunde Ogunleye, Mariam Shoroye-Disu and Abosede Akinsanya.

Startup Roborace Ltd. yesterday unveiled its much anticipated self-driving race car at Mobile World Congress 2017 Mobile Conference in Barcelona.

The final version of the all-electric and self-driving racecar - “Robocar” a fully electric vehicle that can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour without any input from a human driver. It has been roughly six months since Roborace revealed its “Devbot” prototype, a self-driving race car that runs on Nvidia Corp.’s Drive PX 2 artificial intelligence supercomputer.

Liverpool have appointed Peter Moore, the former EA Sports president and currently Electronic Arts’ chief competition officer, as the club's new chief executive officer.

Current CEO Ian Ayre will be departing his role at the end of February as he takes up a position at German second-division side 1860 Munich.

Ayre decided to depart three months ahead of schedule to become German 1860 Munich's general manager.

Applications for the 7th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (OSVPAM) are being accepted until 6 June 2017 21:00 GMT in the “Orange Social Venture Prize” pages of the website www.EntrepreneurClub.orange.com.

As in previous years, the OSVPAM will be awarded to innovative projects which make use of information and communication technologies to improve living conditions for the peoples of Africa and the Middle East in fields such as health, finance, education and agriculture.

FirstBank promises digital transformation Journey at #SMW2017‎

If you are heading to, or already at this year's Social Media Week Event, the #FirstBantAtSMW2017 exhibition stand is a place to be.

Participants have been promised by First Bank to be delighted with an exciting digital experience, geared towards exploring accessible and convenient banking services and products.

Asides an array of services to explore from First Bank, participants may decide to partake in other activities by obtaining passes to attend any of the programmes for t‎he week-long event.

Xenophobic Attacks: TUC Demands Immediate Recall of High Commissioner to South Africa

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria expressed serious concern over the ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa and called for the immediate recall of the country’s High Commissioner to the country.

According to TUC, "From all indications, it appears there is a grand conspiracy by the government cum state security apparatus to continue to mindlessly waste lives and take over people's properties of innocent and harmless fellow Africans.

First and foremost their anger is misplaced and probably borne out of the inferiority complex suffered from years of oppression and apartheid. "As a credible organization we condemn crimes in all its forms and support punishment for those found culpable. But in this case no one has mentioned any case of crime; it is rather a case of a country whose freedom we staked our lives, financed and spent other resources to fight for and today we get xenophobia as returns", a statement by the Union read.

In a bid to continue to improve on its role as a global player in the comity of maritime nations, Nigeria would be hosting the 3rd Conference of the Association of Heads of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA Conference) in Abuja, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, from 19th -21st of April,2017.

The meeting which will be hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in conjunction with International Maritime Organization (IMO) according to the Director General NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, will bring together all the major Maritime Administrators and leading stakeholders in Africa to discuss various issues and ways of improving the maritime sector in the continent.

Facebook's CPO in Nigeria to Meet Local Entrepreneurs and Creatives at Social Media Week 2017

Chris Cox, Chief Product Officer at Facebook on Monday arrived in Nigeria, to speak at Social Media Week in Lagos about the future of media, and to meet with Nigerian entrepreneurs and content creators.

Nigeria is the first stop on a week-long trip to West Africa where Chris will visit Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal to learn about the challenges and opportunities people in the region face so that Facebook can better serve the region’s content creators, entrepreneurs and developers.

Chris Cox

Inspiration for content creators at Social Media Week
During his talk at Social Media Week — the region’s premier new media and social media conference — Cox highlighted Nigeria’s status as a hub for innovation and creativity because of its fast-growing mobile technology sector and its vibrant film and music industries. He focused on how the world is moving to digital video, with formats such as virtual reality, live video broadcast and 360 video giving people new ways to tell their stories.

Just few days after its major competitor, Jumia Travel launched its flight booking service, Hotels.ng has also rolled out an online flight bookings – on its website. This new service has been designed to provide our users from all over the world with an affordable and an all-inclusive travel platform from where all their travel arrangements can be made.

Mark Essien, the company’s CEO described the inclusion of affordable flight solutions as a move that provides more value to travellers and Hotels.ng users, and a natural and logical diversification that will help to consolidate the company’s presence in Nigeria.

Blackberry Ltd may have exited the device business, but fans of the pioneering email machine need not despair as Chinese smartphone maker TCL Communication has introduced its first Blackberry-licensed phone with the physical keyboard that was long its key allure.

The KEYone combines a touch display with a physical keyboard to give users more useable space for typing than a typical 5.5-inch all-touch smartphone, along with BlackBerry Ltd’s security and software, TCL said.

Omnicom Media Group’s Agency OMD was awarded the most Creative, Innovative and Effective Agency Network of the Year for the 11th consecutive time by the Gunn Report for Media.

The Gunn Report for Media is the industry standard for evaluating media creativity, innovation and effectiveness. The report summarizes media agencies’ overall performance from January to December 2016 based on the results of global, regional and national Media creative award contests spanning over 40 markets in the world. Most importantly, it recognizes the vital role media agencies play in today's highly competitive and fragmented media landscape.

Egbe Alu Dundun has clinched the overall prize in the traditional drumming contest at the Ilorin edition of the Goldberg Excellency Tour on Sunday, February 26, 2017.

The winning band outshone four other finalists at the contest held at Forest Guest Inn, Old GRA, Ilorin and took home a cash prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira. Ayanwale band came second and won One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira while Arowolo band took the third position and went home with One Hundred Thousand Naira. The fourth and fifth finalists, Egbe Omo Ayan and Ori Oye also got cash prizes of Fifty Thousand Naira each.

Don Jazzy, Dele Odufuye Launch ‘Flobyt’ — A Free Wifi Service

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has partnered with Tsaboin CEO, Dele Odufuye to launch a free WiFi service – Flobyt.

Flobyt is a free WiFi service provided at partner locations for patrons of the locations. The WiFi service is made available through an internet router that does not require much technical know-how to operate.

Don Jazzy presenting Flobyt to guests and media

Available in Lagos for now, the locations include Bar Enclave, Ilupeju; FoodHouse, Ikosi; Lounge 9a, Anthony; Massimo Bar, Ikeja; Grace’s Cakes, Ogba; Jazzment Salon Lekki; Kayz Place Barbershop, Lekki; Amala Express, Lekki; White House, Sabo, Yaba and Road Star Burger, Lekki.

Hollywood Actor, Bill Paxton is Dead!

Award-winning Hollywood actor Bill Paxton has died at 61 from a ‘stroke after complications from heart surgery’, according to reports.

“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery,” a family representative said in a statement. “A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”

R-L: Fela Ibidapo, Group Head, Corporate Communications, Heritage Bank Plc; Omobolaji Mogaji, Media Sales Executives at Multichoice and Gifty Powers, Big Brother Naija's housemate, during her visit to the bank's head office in Victoria Island Lagos, weekend.

Samsung to officially unveil Galaxy S8 on March 29

Samsung is set to officially launch the new Galaxy S8, which it teased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. It will be unveiled on the 29th of March in New York.

Usually, Samsung's flagship smartphones are launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) trade show in Barcelona, Spain which is currently taking place but the new Galaxy S8 will be unveiled in the US.

Mobile World Congress 2017 will kick off today Monday, 27 February through Thursday, 2 March, 2017, in the Mobile World Capital Barcelona, Spain - bringing together global thought leaders in tech, startups and trend analysts.

The theme for this year's event is "The Next Element".

Tech Firms Partner To Expand Peering of Internet Transit Traffic Within Nigeria

MainData Nigeria (MDXi) and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) have announced a partnership aimed at expanding the peering of Internet Transit traffic within Nigeria. The partnership seeks to take advantage of the numerous networks and content providers already connected to MainOne to grow traffic in the Nigerian Internet Exchange.

With its open access submarine cable system, Tier III data centre and IP transit network already connected to the Lagos, Accra, London and Amsterdam Internet Exchanges, MDXi will bring to the Exchange the capacity to connect directly with the greatest number of IP transit and Content Delivery networks in West Africa.

Caterpillar Inc has announced plans to consolidate its parts distribution centers in Isando, South Africa into a new parts distribution facility near Johannesburg at about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the existing centers.

The new facility is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2017. The consolidation provides several advantages including enabling the company to work more efficiently, while increasing the capability to provide unmatched parts availability to customers in Africa.

Claudio Ranieri, the manager who led Leicester City to one of the more implausible success stories in history, has been sacked only nine months after taking a team of 5,000-1 outsiders to the Premier League title and a football miracle.

Ranieri’s dismissal comes barely two weeks after Leicester offered him their “unwavering support” in a statement insisting there was no way his job could be in danger and pointing out that the club’s success had been “based firmly on stability, togetherness and determination to overcome even the greatest of challenges”.

The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Friday launched the search for fifty-four science and technology Ambassadors, one champion from each African country. The selected NEF Ambassadors will join the NEF Fellows Class as part of the NEF’s Community of Scientists.

NEF Ambassadors attend the NEF’s signature event, the NEF Global Gathering, the second edition of which will be held in March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda. They will have the opportunity to network with emerging and world renowned scientists and technology leaders as well as industry and policy leaders at an innovative gathering that will focus on how science and technology can solve global challenges, boost sustainable growth and accelerate human development.

Tink Africa Opens Platforms for Start-Ups, Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Franklin Ozekhome's TINK Africa, a Consumer Insights and Business Intelligence Platform, which was established in October 2014, has partnered with local and international institutions to set up the ‘bschool’, a unique Innovation School for Marketing and Creative Professionals in Nigeria.

The ‘b.School’ also known as TINK Brand School, is a fully-equipped and digitalized institution where students study and practice strategy, learn how to become brand managers, develop and launch products, understudy design thinking, execute digital campaigns, and create new media platforms, games and tools for brands and marketers. Entrepreneurs and innovators are given a reason to re-think everything.

A Lagos lawmaker, Mr. Segun Olulade has called on the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and Culture, “to reconsider the implications of Big Brother Naija on our culture and youths”.

Olulade, who is the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Services, in statement on Thursday said that the content of the programme was completely foreign to the indigenous culture which forbade immorality.

The Big Brother Naija is a Reality TV Show sponsored by PayPorte, an online shopping platform, and aired by Africa Magic on DStv.

The 2017 inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame were announced Wednesday morning, with hip-hop icon Jay Z and one-man hit factory Max Martin leading a class that also includes Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and three members of Chicago.

With his induction, Jay Z becomes the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall. The 21-time Grammy winner “was in a space where, even though he’s had more pop albums than anyone else, because he did it through rap,” it took longer for traditional voters to consider him, said Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers, who announced the inductees on CBS This Morning. “It’s massive. He has changed the way that we listen to music. He’s changed the way that we have fun.”

Samsung Electronics has launched its new QLED Q9, Q8, and Q7 TV series with the belief that this latest range of TVs will create an entirely new era in home entertainment.

“With the advent of QLED TV, Samsung can provide the most true-to-life picture on screen, having been successful in solving past inconsistencies in the viewing experience and consumer pain points. While we are redefining the fundamental value of TV with this range, we have also placed a strong focus on ensuring that there will be models available that will suit the pockets of our customers in the emerging markets,” says Lance Shaun Berger, Business Unit Head: TV/AV at Samsung South Africa.

Telecoms giant, MTN this afternoon, officially commented on the series of xenophobic attacks and it mentioned Nigeria and South Africa.

In a statement by the company on Thursday, the group expressed concerns and called for calmness and restraint. According to the company, the attacks are directed against non-nationals both in South Africa and Nigeria.

Airtel, through its Touching Lives philanthropic programme, has come to the aid of a struggling non-governmental organisation, Child Rights Brigade (CRB), whose purpose is to rescue abandoned and abused children in Lokoja, Kogi State.

In the second episode of Airtel Touching Lives season three, Esther Aniagwu, a victim of child abandonment and domestic violence, suddenly finds herself homeless, motherless, and helpless. But in an unusual lucky break, a total stranger rescues her. This Good Samaritan, Destiny Adejo, is the founder of CRB and a survivor of sexual abuse.

For three years, charity has provided a sanctuary for molested children in its community and, so far, it has helped 10 children. According to Destiny, six of these kids have become “very successful.”

Loeries partners Marketing Edge on creative awards

Loeries Award Company, a continental creative ranking company based in Durban South Africa has renewed its relationship with Marketing Edge, Nigeria's leading brands and marketing publication. The new deal was consummated yesterday at a breakfast meeting between the management of Marketing Edge and Loeries Award Company held at De Renaissance Hotel, Lagos.

Standing second-left, Publisher/CEO, Marketing Edge Publications Ltd, Mr. John Ajayi presenting a copy of the magazine to the Chief Executive Officer of Loeries Durban, South Africa, Mr. Andrew Human after the signing of Media Partnership Agreement with the leading marketing and advertising magazine on the 2017 Loeries Awards. Flanked on their left is Senior Manager, Marketing, Miss Ogechi Odigbo; General Manager, Marketing, Mr. Anietie Udoh and Editor of the magazine, Mr. Joseph Ekeng Asuquo during a breakfast meeting at De Renaissance Hotel, GRA, Ikeja Lagos.

Loeries CEO, Andrew Human who is in Nigeria as part of LAC's road show in Africa and the Middle East noted that his organisation was motivated to renew the partnership with Marketing Edge based on the fruitful and productive relationship between both parties last year.

J. Walter Thompson appointed agency for SunStreamTM

J. Walter Thompson Cape Town has been appointed to lead all marketing communication on the African continent for solar technology enterprise, SunStream™ Technology Inc.

The agency’s extensive regional footprint and campaign reach across Africa for the last 90 years, provided the J. Walter Thompson team with knowledge of the continent’s diverse markets, and in particular, nuances in consumer attitudes and behaviour. In addition to deep insight around adoption patterns for technology in the region, J. Walter Thompson Cape Town’s response to SunStream™ business demands, reflected in the agency’s entrepreneurial mindset, delivered an integrated yet multi-market strategy that offered SunStream™ a clear differential in its communication.

VConnect, Nolands Tax Holds Business Forum for SMEs

Nigeria’s largest search engine, VConnect has once again shown its commitment to the development of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria. The search engine recently partnered Nolands Tax to host a business forum for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

From the left, second row, Mr and Mrs Osagiede ; Owners of Bella Hair and Bella Homes Ltd.

The event which was themed: ‘Leveraging Online Tools to Grow Your Business’, had in attendance entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to address challenges hindering the growth of Nigerian SMEs and to educate business owners on how to leverage the new ‘Vconnect for Business’ platform to grow their business.

Andela has now expanded its reach outside Lagos to Calabar and Abuja. The bootcamp in Calabar will serve the South-South & South East regions of Nigeria while Abuja will serve the North-Central & North-West regions of Nigeria.

The company is now taking applications for this bootcamps. After your successful completion of bootcamp, accepted candidates will be inducted into the Andela Lagos Fellowship Program.

8 WAYS TO USE TWITTER FOR BUSINESS

Twitter is a place for people to connect, share opinions and keep abreast of happenings around the world. In addition to this, Twitter can also be used as a powerful tool to market your business because there is a prevalent discovery mindset in people when they are on Twitter, which makes them open to interactions.

Jumia Travel, in this first part, shares 8 ways you can leverage Twitter to drive traffic to your business and bring new life and ‘renewed business purpose’ to your Twitter efforts.

PAY ADEQUATE ATTENTION TO YOUR BUSINESS TWITTER PROFILE

First, the name of your twitter handle should help people easily find your business. Also, your profile photo should visually represent your business brand and should be consistent. You shouldn’t constantly change your business profile photo.

Sage, the market and technology leader for integrated accounting, payroll & HR, and payment systems, has today launched Sage Foundation’s Enterprise Fund. The new $1 million fund is open to non-profits in Africa with enterprising ideas to help improve the lives of military veterans, young people or women and girls.

Every day, across Africa inspiring non-profit leaders, volunteers and their supporters are working tirelessly to make their communities better places to live. Sage Foundation’s Enterprise Fund has been designed to support those organisations generate further income, create new initiatives or enhance existing and proven activity.

Promasidor Nigeria Limited, the sponsor of Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics Television Quiz Show has upgraded the Registration portal for the 2017 edition of the competition.

While entry into this competition is FREE, Abiodun Ayodeji, Promasidor’s Category Manager (Dairy) enjoined contestants to register online at www.cowbellpedia.ng. Also, he advised the candidates/schools to do the following: Go to www.cowbellpedia.ng; click on link to Register your school; Fill the form; Ensure you fill all required fields and complete the process by clicking the Register button. Ayodeji explained that the new improvement on the registration portal will flash the required fields on the computer screen to alert prospective candidate on the need to complete all the processes.

Emirates Appoints New Regional Manager For West Africa

Emirates, a global connector of people and places, has appointed Afzal Parambil, as its Regional Manager for West Africa.

Prior to taking up his new appointment, Mr Parambil served in a number of commercial roles within Emirates, the most recent being the Country Manager for Ethiopia.

Afzal Parambil, Emirates Regional Manager, West Africa

Congratulating Mr. Parambil on his new position, Orhan Abbas, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations for Africa, said: “Nigeria is a very important market for Emirates and we are delighted that Mr. Parambil will serve as the new Regional Manager for West Africa. It’s part of our human resources strategy to continuously develop and enhance our employees’ capabilities across the Group through providing them with new challenges and opportunities,” he added.

Jumia Travel has announced the unveiling of its Flights Services for travelers, a major move to boost its service offerings. This service is part of the broader programme to create a one stop travel shop providing accommodation, packages, and flights all on the same platform, in a bid to streamline travel in Africa.

The N°1 online hotel booking company is now offering both domestic and international flights by major airlines in the continent including Arik Air, Dana Air, Medview Airline, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Rwandair Express, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Fly Dubai, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, and Air Seychelles among others.

NB Proposes N28 Billion Dividend Payout, Records 6.7 Per Cent Revenue Growth

The Board of Directors of Nigerian Breweries Plc has proposed a total dividend of N28, 181, 179 (Twenty eight billion, three hundred and eighty six million, one hundred and eighty one thousand, one hundred and seventy nine naira only), that is, N3.58 (three Naira fifty kobo) per ordinary share of fifty kobo each for approval by the company’s shareholders for the 2016 financial year.

In a statement filed at The Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Company said it had earlier paid an interim dividend of N7.9 billion, that is, N1.00 (one Naira only). The declared final dividend of N2.58, which is in addition to N1.00 interim dividend is a 100% earnings pay out.

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, has announced the launch of On Demand Delivery for the Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) region. The new service allows shippers and receivers globally to select from a range of standardised delivery options.

On Demand Delivery is currently deployed in 6 markets across SSA – South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mauritius &Tanzania, with plans to roll out to further countries in SSA throughout 2017.

On Demand Delivery offers shippers the choice to activate specific delivery options and have DHL Express proactively notify their customers via email or SMS about a shipment’s progress. Customers can then select the delivery option that best suits their requirements via the On Demand Delivery website. The service is specifically tailored to the demands of international e-commerce deliveries, where the majority of shipments are addressed to residential addresses and customers place considerable emphasis on flexibility and convenience.

Cloud computing has become the new normal. Business owners that want to remain relevant in the future have little or no option than to embrace and apply technology. According to tech analysts, cloud computing will be one of the tech tools that will continue to redefine how we think, work and play.

Speaking at the maiden edition of NERDS Unite organized by MainOne, themed “Disruptive Technology: Achieve More with Less”, experts revealed the latest cloud technology solutions designed to make play, work and lifestyle generally better for individuals and for organizations and called for the adoption of same.

The leading noodles brand in Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has revealed its intention to reach 10,000,000 million Nigerians in the year during its annual sampling exercise. The program will see millions of Consumers freely taste the number one brand in the noodles category across the country.

Speaking on the free sampling program for the year, Brand Manager, Indomie Instant Noodles, Mr. Amber Yadav said: “Indomie is using this exercise to remind Consumers of how quality taste like. We know things are hard at the moment but people should always remember that there is no price tag that can justify inferiority. Noodles globally is loved by families and when you love your family you are expected to give them the very best; in the noodles market that best is Indomie.”

Biggie to announce evicted housemates only to voting public

This week’s nomination show took an unexpected turn when Big Brother canceled all the nominations by the housemates, saying he would decide who would be evicted come Sunday night.

The decision came after Big Brother exposed a plot between Kemen and Marvis in a video he played on screen to the housemates. A furious Big Brother sentenced Kemen and Marvis to the isolation booth and also, withdrew Bisola and Bally’s earned advantages. Meanwhile, Big Brother had earlier in the day issued a warning to fake housemates, Jon and Ese, after he screened their conspiracy and scolded them for breaking the rules.

Simplified Corporate Logistics Opens New Outlet

To further accommodate logistics needs of numerous customers across Lagos, Simplified Corporate Logistics, a premier provider of simplified export and import solutions has opened a new outlet at Ikota area of Lagos State.

From L-R - Manager, Ikota Lekki Branch, Simplified Corporate Logistics, Mr Nathanial Adegbite; Chief Executive Officer, Simplified Corporate Logistics, Mr Nduka Udeh; Business Development Manager, Simplified Corporate Logistics Ismail Lawal, at the formal opening of Simplified Corporate Logistics branch at Ikota Shopping Complex Lekki Ajah in Lagos on Monday

The expansion according to Simplified Corporate Logistics is in line with the organisation strategy of providing stress free logistics solutions to businesses across Nigeria at unbeatable rate.

Speaking during the official opening of the ultra-modern outlet, Nduka Udeh, The Managing Director said that SCL understands that each business has its peculiar requirement and needs depending on the market they serve and as such, the organisation has put in place a tailored solution designed to serve the uniqueness of each market to enhance client’s core business strategies.

FCMB gets new MD, as Ladi Balogun becomes Group CEO

FCMB Group Plc has announced a re-organisation of its leadership at the Group level, as well as its flagship company First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB Limited) with Ladi Balogun stepping down as Group Managing Director having served for 10 years in this capacity.

Mr. Adam Nuru

Mr. Balogun will be succeeded as Managing Director of FCMB Limited by Mr. Adam Nuru, who is currently the Executive Director in charge of Business Development for the bank.

Mr. Goodie Ibru has announced his resignation after 32 years as founding Chairman of Ikeja Hotels Plc.

His resignation came just weeks after a court ruling validated his position as the chairman of the hotel group, amidst a rancorous family dispute, involving Maiden Ibru, the wife of the late younger brother, Alex Ibru.

GTBank appoints new Executive Director, Non-Executive Director

The Board of Directors of foremost African financial institution; Guaranty Trust Bank plc, has announced the appointment of Mobolaji Lawal as an Executive Director and Babatunde Soyoye as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Bank.

Announcing the new appointment, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje stated that: “As a Bank, we maintain high corporate governance standards and ensure our Board appointments are in line with global best practices”. He further stated, “Bolaji has been an integral part of the Bank’s success and has seen the bank evolve and develop through the years. I am confident that his appointment to the Board will further strengthen and position the bank for improved performance”.

PayPorte Donates Millions of Naira and Food Items to Orphans in Partnership With Miyonse

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, PayPorte, your preferred online store, has donated millions of Naira and food items to orphanage homes in partnership with the Ex-BBNaija housemate, Miyonse.

The event, which took place in Lagos and tagged “PayPorte Feast of Love” fed over 300 orphans and showered many gift items to the various orphanage homes.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer, PayPorte, Bassey Eyo, said the initiative was in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility in affecting the quality of lives in its community through strategic partnerships.

Goldberg Excellency Tour: Otapo Bata Drummers Emerge Winner of Cultural Contest in Abeokuta

Otapo Bata Drummers from Abeokuta have emerged winners at the traditional drummers contest at the kick-off event of the Goldberg Excellency Tour in Abeokuta on Saturday, February 18, 2017.

L-R: Josiah Akinola, Assistant Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, NB Plc; Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands; Otapo Bata Drummers, overall winners of the Traditional Drummers Competition and Lucky Oiwoh, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, during the prize presentation ceremony at the Goldberg Excellency Tour in Abeokuta over the weekend.

The group outperformed four other groups at the grand finale to cart home the coveted prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250, 000). Ayanwale Drummers clinched the second position and won One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150, 000) while Omo Aribido Drummers claimed the third spot and settled for the One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000) on offer for the slot. The other two finalists, Ayandare Drummers and Paramount Band got Fifty Thousand Naira (N50, 000) each.

At the commencement of the event on Friday, February 17, 2017, 12 groups auditioned at the cultural centre, venue of the event, with five groups emerging from the pool to reach the grand finale.

After 28 days, Gifty has emerged the fourth evictee from the Big Brother Naija competition putting to an end her dream of clinching the ultimate prize of 25 million naira and an SUV.

Gifty who was up for possible eviction with fellow housemates, Thin Tall Tony (TTT) and Marvis, was asked to exit the Big Brother Naija house at the live eviction show on Sunday, 19 February. Her exit was greeted with silence as she hurriedly said goodbye to the other housemates and left.

Following the announcement of her eviction, BBNaija show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, revealed that Gifty secured only 25.65% of the votes while Marvis and TTT had 42.27% and 32.08% respectively.

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Monday, 27 February 2017

Friday, 24 February 2017

Thursday, 23 February 2017

Wednesday, 22 February 2017

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

Monday, 20 February 2017