BrandArena : January 2020

Friday, 31 January 2020

Emirates wins ‘Best Airline in the World’ and ‘Best First Class’ at the prestigious 2019 ULTRAs

Emirates has picked up ‘Best Airline in the World’ and ‘Best First Class’ at the prestigious 2019 ULTRAs. Voted by the hundreds of thousands of readers of The Telegraph’s luxury travel magazines Ultratravel UK and Ultratravel Middle East, the awards are the industry hallmark of the world’s best luxury travel experiences.

Adidas Switches to Recycled Polyester, Plans to End Plastic Waste by 2024

Adidas has joined the list of major fashion brands to pursue a more sustainable process of manufacturing. The brand has made a commitment to END PLASTIC WASTE through innovation and partnerships.

Cybercriminals are actively abusing the names of artists and songs nominated for a Grammy 2020 award, in order to spread malware. Kaspersky protection technologies detected a 39% rise in attacks (attempts to download or run malicious files) under the guise of nominees’ work in 2019, compared to 2018. Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Post Malone were attackers’ favorites, with these nominees’ names used most often in 2019 as a disguise for malware.

As Nigeria continues to make significant progress in the e-commerce sector, a major player in the sector has reiterated its commitment to ensuring growth across its platform to satisfy its consumers. The Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Group, Jeremy Hodara stated this while reviewing the Company’s activities for the year 2019.

L-R: Saheed Adedayo Amzat, Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Capital Group, Nnena Ogoke, Area Sales Manager, GSK Nigeria; Blessing Dolapo, Marketing Executive, Sebeccly Cancer Center; Taibat Dayo-Amzat, Managing Director, Zenfix Nigeria Limited & Convener We.Share Foundation; Dr Awele Okeke, Project Manager, Sebeccly Cancer Centre; Morenike, Community Volunteer and Usman, Community Volunteer at the We.Share Foundation charity event held in Lagos recently.

Prolific Kenyan Afro-Pop Band, Sauti Sol signs with Universal Music Africa

Universal Music Africa (UMA), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the signing of an exclusive recording agreement with award-winning Kenyan Afro-Pop collective Sauti Sol.

The Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has commended telecom operator Airtel Nigeria for “taking a bold step” with its Airtel Touching Lives, the company’s philanthropic programme. Airtel Touching Lives premiered its fifth series Saturday night at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Lagos.

Over 500 IT professionals from enterprise organizations across West Africa will convene in Lagos on February 21, 2020 for MainOne’s 5th annual gathering of its flagship event, Nerds Unite, themed: “Enabling the Digital Economy”.

TAJBank, Nigeria’s second Non –Interest financial institution launched its 3rd office in less than 2 months of operations at the National Assembly in Abuja recently.

Ikeja Electric records reduced ATC&C, improved sustainable power in 2019

…commits to improving service delivery in 2020

Despite challenges that characterized the power sector in 2019, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), Nigeria’s leading electricity distribution company, has said it recorded several achievements last year including the reduction in ATC&C losses, introduction of e-billing system and improved sustainable power through its bilateral agreements.

The Board of the African Development Bank on Wednesday approved a $22 million Senior Loan to help Egypt’s Corporate Leasing Company (Corplease) expand its operations in the North African country.

As the Middle East and Africa region races towards commercial 5G services, Ericsson achieved significant milestones with leading service providers on the road to making 5G a reality.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, is set to host the third edition of its Youth Leadership Series. The Youth Leadership Series is an annual event which is fashioned after the Business Leadership Series, also organized annually by Stanbic IBTC. It is a platform designed to engage young Nigerians, thus empowering them to become the future business leaders.

Rugby Union returns to Nigerian National Sports Festival

Rugby Union is set to return to the National Sports Festival 2020 after a ten year absence having missed out in the last three editions held in Lagos, Rivers and Abuja.

OVH Energy, licensee of Oando retail brand, has announced the appointment of Mumuni Dagazau as Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2020 Artist Showcase gave industry insiders front row seats to intimate performances by UMG’s hottest established and breaking talent. The Showcase featured performances by NastyC, Tiwa Savage, Lewis Capaldi, Karol G, Anthony Ramos, Gregory Porter, Maggie Rogers, DaBaby, and Billie Eilish. The event drew notable attendees including Lana Del Rey, Mandy Moore, Howie Mandel, Jessie Reyez, Adam Horovitz, Lulu Kennedy-Cairns, Lang Lang, Lele Pons and more.

Today, Africa is seen as one of the most promising regions for hotel developers. Aside from small chains and independents, four global hotel groups dominate signings and openings on the continent.

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim have lauded Airtel Nigeria for its exceptional CSR efforts at the telco’s season 5 premiere of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, ‘Airtel Touching Lives’.

Enyo partners Cars45 to unveil Premium Auto Centre

…provides customers with automobile sales and servicing

Enyo Retail and Supply, a leading fuel retailing company has strengthened its partnership with Nigeria’s largest digital vehicle trading platform, Cars45, to launch a world-class auto centre. The site, which is located at Ogolonto, Ikorodu was unveiled on Saturday 25th January, 2020 to provide consumers with superior automobile services and improve the auto service industry in Nigeria.

NIPR FELLOWS PAYS TRIBUTE TO CHIEF ALEX AKINYELE

...Plans to Immortalize his legacy

Professionals in the Marketing Communications Industry on Thursday, 23rd of January 2020, paid their last respect to the late Chief Alexander Opeyemi Akinyele, at the Night of Tributes organized by the Body of Fellows of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Ikeja.

The US-Nigeria Trade Council, a body that specializes in facilitating trade and investments between the United States and Nigeria, on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora (United States) have endorsed the Flag’It App, a mobile technology Application Portal recently launched by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation for reporting corruption.

Lagos State Ministry of Health in partnership with Sisterhood of Successful Women in Nigeria (SOSWIN), a non-governmental organization that is focused on borderline Personality Disorder (Mental Health) enlightenment and advocacy is set to host the second edition of the bi-annual Mental Health Fair.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the list of 10 players – two guards and three frontcourt players from each conference – selected by fans, current National Basketball Association (NBA) players and a media panel to start in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

The former Vice Chancellor of Osun State University and Provost of the ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy, Professor Sola Akinrinade, has joined the Board of Trustees of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation.

National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver has describe the passing of Kobe Bryant as "devastating" and a loss of a "remarkable talent".

Facebook Top Management Staff Visit NCC

Top Management staff of Facebook, a leading global digital services provider, paid a visit to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) this evening to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership for infrastructure deployment to strengthen connectivity, enhance businesses and bolster citizens' embrace of digital culture.

Twitter has announced the launch of its new Reactions-like option in direct messages, which enables users to allocate a quick emoji response to any message within a thread.

Jumia, Africa’s largest e-commerce company, has announced the appointment of Massimiliano Spalazzi as the Chief Executive Officer, Jumia Nigeria as former boss, Juliet Anammah becomes Chairwoman, Jumia Nigeria and Head of Institutional Affairs across Africa.

Airtel Africa and Western Union have entered into a partnership to facilitate mobile remittance service.

Budweiser’s Kings of Football lifestyle show on SuperSport recently hit the 20 episodes milestone. The magazine-styled football show on TV has improved pop culture with its interconnection of football, music, fashion and lifestyle. Here we take a look at some of the top celebrity guests to have been on the show rated the coolest show on TV by adoring fans.

NIPR Fellows To Host Night Of Tributes For Alex Akinyele

The Body of Fellows of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR), will on Thursday 23rd January 2020 host a Night of Tributes in honour of the late High Chief (Sir) Alex Akinyele, who died on Thursday, 14th November 2019, after a brief illness, aged 81years.

Divine Oduduru joins Team Visa program for Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Visa announced that Nigerian Athlete Divine Oduduru has been signed on to their global Team Visa program for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

YouTube has announced the hire of Alex Okosi as managing director of emerging markets for YouTube in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Okosi will be responsible for running YouTube's business and partnership teams across emerging markets in EMEA, including Russia, the Middle East, North and sub-Saharan Africa.

In developing economies, the key to socio-economic growth is access to finance, but the challenge is to increase loans to individuals and SMEs without suffering the fall-out of bad debt.

United Nations Launches 75th Anniversary Dialogues

...The Biggest Global Conversation On The World's Future Starts Now

January 1, 2020 saw the launch of the UN75 initiative - the largest, most inclusive conversation on the role of global cooperation in building a better future for all. The initiative will see the UN spark dialogues throughout 2020 in diverse settings across the world.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank delivered the keynote speech at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, themed “Sustainable Infrastructure Forum”.

Below is the full keynote speech:

Nigeria presents a USD114 billion opportunity for the private sector

...To invest in sustainable development, says Standard Chartered

The Standard Chartered SDG Investment Map reveals an almost USD10 trillion (USD9.668 trillion) opportunity for private-sector investors across all emerging markets to help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Nigeria representing USD114.2 billion of that total.

Mobile marketing analytics startup, AppsFlyer has secured $210 million in a Series D funding round led by General Atlantic with participation from its existing investors.

Nexcel Marketing Partners Veative Labs To Deliver Experiential Learning

Nexcel Marketing and Communications Limited has partnered with Veative Labs, a global provider of interactive Virtual Reality Education Content, with a view to boosting the learning and teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts.

The Marley family, Island Records, UME, and Primary Wave Music Publishing will honor the legacy of Bob Marley commemorating his 75th birthday milestone and his importance in the history of global music with a year-long celebration.

Stanbic IBTC Zero Balance Account Gives Savers an Edge

If you are like the average Nigerian youth who is just starting out and needs an account that allows you to start from scratch and grow your savings while giving you access to your money 24/7, then the Stanbic IBTC Blue Edge Savings Account is perfect for you.

On the eve of its participation to the 50th World Economic Forum, Janngo pledges 60€ million to back technology startups with a double bottom line approach through its dedicated investment vehicle Janngo Capital Startup Fund. The fund is a first of its kind Venture Capital & Impact vehicle investing from seed through growth stage across Africa and targeting at least 50% of startups founded, co-founded or benefiting women.

Reverend Funke Felix- Adejumo Foundation today celebrated womanhood at the 4th edition of Women on the Winning Edge at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Lagos Nigeria.

Instagram is taking off the IGTV shortcut button from the top right corner of the app’s home screen due to low usage by Instagramers.

Samsung Electronics has appointed Roh Tae-moon as the new head of its smartphone unit. He will take over from co-ceo Dj Koh who will continue to coordinate the chaebol’s IT and mobile communications division.

Mouka Re-strategizes in War against Malaria

...Rewards Customers with Insecticide-treated Net on Purchase of Comfy Mattress

In a renewed effort to fight malaria, Mouka, the leading mattress manufacturing company in Nigeria is set to give insecticide-treated nets to customers on every single purchase of selected sizes of its Comfy mattresses.

E-commerce platform Jumia Kenya has appointed Kenneth Oyolla as its chief commercial officer (CCO), following the appointment of Diana Owusu-Kyereko as the new CEO for Jumia Ghana.

Emirates Ushers in 2020 with Positive Outlook

...Looks ahead to Expo 2020 in Dubai and continued strengthening of its business

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will conclude 2019 with a successful string of product, network, and customer experience highlights. The airline will usher in 2020 with a continued focus on strengthening its business across operational, commercial and customer experience metrics, and excitement for Expo2020 – the world’s greatest show - which will open its doors to global visitors from October.

Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have joined forces with Last Mile Health and Living Goods to increase access to community-based primary healthcare for nearly 1.7 million people in up to six African countries, as part of their shared commitment to accelerate universal health coverage. The Health Worker Training Initiative is a three-year investment, generously matched by The Audacious Project, and totals USD $18 million.

The GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will take place at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 12:30–3:30 p.m. PT, and will be streamed live internationally via GRAMMY.com. Preceding the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, the Premiere Ceremony will be hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Imogen Heap and feature a number of performances by current GRAMMY nominees.

Friday, 31 January 2020

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