Friday, 30 March 2012

d. light company, makers of solar lantern in conjunction with its trade partner Primlaks limited has rewarded its esteemed dealers in Nigeria. The dealers were presented with valuable gifts worth millions of naira at the yearly dealer forum in Lagos.

The forum was attended by the Business Development Manager for West Africa, Mr. Emeka Nkpa, Head of Marketing Primlaks, Mrs. Funke Akinloye, Head of Sales Primlaks, Mr Gbenga Johnson as well as brand activators and top dealers from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Owerri, Aba, Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Delta and Enugu.

Speaking at the forum, Business Development Manager, West Africa, Mr Emeka Nkpa said that, “as a business we have deep insight into the importance of bonding and appreciating our dealers as they form the bedrock of our business expansion and sustainability.”

He added that, “we are here today to dialogue and reward everybody that has contributed to the business in last one year. It is also our wish to get feedback on how we can promote the business in the new financial year”.

Mr. Gbenga Johnson, Head of Sales, Primlaks Limited, while reviewing the trade performance for last year disclosed that, reward for performance and excellence is the front lines of encouraging stake holding which will push for growth and development for both the company and its trade partners.

He said that, in this new year the company is committed to the provision of adequate capacity building, trade intervention, appointment of more distributors, grant credit facilities, develop robust brand activation scheme, training of distributor and actively participate in trade fairs to promote the business.

Responding on behalf of the dealers, Mr. Moses Onuoha, Managing Director, MOLON Agro Enugu, expressed the appreciation of the dealers to the company for always encouraging and rewarding them as he pledged their continuous support for expanding the d.light brand in Nigeria.

d.light solar lantern comes in various sizes and shapes to provide long lasting lighting for the home, school and offices.

In an attempt to meet the demand of its teeming customers in the country, Top tea, a premium tea brand from the stable of Promasidor Nigeria Limited has unveil two new flavours, lemon and lime and ginger to the delight of many who witnessed its debut yesterday at Civil Centre, Lagos.

The flavour tea is the first of its kind in its category in the country, giving tea lovers and prospects an option to choose from. The two additional flavours: Lemon-lime and ginger flavoured tea to provide an opportunity for health to meet taste. They are expected to add fun and excitement to tea drinking in the country

Mr. Onyekachi Onubogu, Marketing Director of the company said in Lagos yesterday that the company is launching its regular tea (Top Tea) in square tea bags, one option with tags only and the other with tags and envelopes. He added that the tags are essentially to provide more convenience.

He said the company was offering consumer choice, in term of what they are currently used to, that is the black tea in terms of format and presentation, as well as adding two additional new flavours.

Top Tea was launched in 1998, with four key sku, x26bp, x26pp, x100pp and, x500pp. The company offered at that time, round bags, with the added advantage of better infusion. Since it was launched, it has recorded a number of milestones, the last being the packaging redesign and communication redirection in 2009, all geared towards better satisfying our consumers.

Onubogu said the primary key benefits of tea generally are health, alertness and rejuvenation, adding that, “we want to show the fun way of drinking tea and also show, that tea consumption can transcend the rational morning/breakfast usage occasion.”

Chief Keith Richards, Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited remarked that “following in the tradition of what Promasidor is known for, being innovative and exciting the market, we are here today to unveil to the consumers and all our stakeholders, some of the things we have been doing around the Top Tea brand since the re-launch in 2009.”

He listed other brands from the stable of the company to include: Cowbell (powder and liquid flavoured milk), Cowbell Chocolate, Miksi milk and Miksi chocolate, Amila flavoured drink, Onga Seasoning Powder and recently, Cowbell Strawberry and Cowbell Coffee.

He said the company has achieved tremendous growth since 1993, and presently have over 1,000 staff across the country therefore reducing the pressure of unemployment in Nigeria.

He said he was proud of what they have achieved with their brands in Nigeria, giving consumers quality food products at affordable prices. He added that the launch of new variants of Top Tea is in continuation of listening to our consumers and providing them with product solutions that meet their needs.

Since the company was established in the country in 1993, it has continued to be one of the leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in the country.

In a bid to revamp the dearth in the country’s educational sector, MANEMI Nigeria Limited, an Educational Services organization, is partnering with top rated universities in the world to provide an opportunity for young Nigerians who wish to study abroad and gain post graduate degrees in selected disciplines, in top rated Universities across Europe and North America.

Professor John Moyibi Amoda, the Chairman, MANEMI Nigeria Limited, said, “The primary objective of the Scholar Sponsor programme is to invest in talented Nigerians who will in turn be an asset to the country.”

In 1960 the Nigerian Government and the United States Government in partnership with participating American Universities coordinated by African American Institute offered all expense paid scholarships for undergraduate studies in the United States to selected Nigerian students who had obtained their Cambridge school leaving certificate or Higher School Certificate.

The brilliant record set by the 24 Nigerian students in such highly regarded Ivy League Universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Columbia, persuaded the sponsors of the Nigerian-American Scholarship Programme to transform it into the African Scholarship programme to American Universities (ASPAU).

According to Professor Amoda, the Scholar Sponsor Scheme is a corporate social responsibility initiative of MANEMI Nigeria Limited and Sterling Asset Management and Trust Limited, a subsidiary of Sterling Bank Plc.

He revealed that the selection process for the scholarship opportunity is based on performance and applicant’s record. “Our scholarship opportunities are open to a wide range of Nigerians as our selection criteria extend beyond academic qualifications. Leadership initiatives and enterprises originated by our applicants are taken into account in computing scores in the merit only selection process. The process reflects our simplicity and transparency,” he said.

Other requirements for the application include the fact that applicants should show evidence of passion for value-added capacity building and have no records that will deny them entry into the UK. The interested candidate must also be a first degree holder; with a grade not lower than 2:2 (second class lower) and must not be older than 40 years of age. The candidate must be commited to putting their enhanced education to the service of Nigeria upon completion of their studies and must also be a citizen of Nigeria, resident in the country.

The scholarship opportunity from MANEMI covers: students’ tuition fees, travel arrangements from Nigeria to their place of study and back, accommodation at their host institutions, monthly stipend during the course of their programmes, medical insurance, among others.

MANEMI Nigeria LTD was established as an Education-For-Service ICT organization with a primary objective to institute the Scholars Sponsored Programme as corporate social responsibility.

Nigerian edition of Goal.com is set to be formally unveiled at a launch event in Lagos, today Friday March 30 2012.

According to the sporting company, the Nigerian edition of the website is to help to further grow the types of mobile services we are able to offer in the market. Already we have started receiving commendation on this innovation. Nigerians form the second largest audience of Goal.Com in the world.

The Nigerian edition will be the first in Africa and will provide a local and global perspective on football through the coverage of the local Nigerian professional league, Nigerian players who play abroad and extensive coverage of the Super Eagles. The event will be graced by Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, Nigerian Football Federation among other dignitaries.

The face of football reporting and coverage in Nigeria will never be the same again after this launch Already, Nigerian subscribers in the two leading mobile networks Etisalat and Airtel have been enjoying the rich bouquet of Goal.Com mobile content services. The local content will supplement Goal’s already strong international football coverage to provide a unique and relevant content offering for Nigerian football fans. Goal.com is already a leading football website in Nigeria reaching millions of fans every month.

Already some of Nigeria’s leading brands have signified their intentions to be part of the launch party. The event would bring together some of the leading football personalities, members of the diplomatic corps, sports journalists, former national team players etc. Goal.com provides brands with a fantastic opportunity to reach and engage with millions of Nigerian football fans and provides distribution partners with great content that really enhances their service offering.

Goal.Com is owned by the PERFOM Media Group UK. It currently has 23 editions across the globe.

According to its official site: "Goal.comNigeria will strive to maintain and surpass the high standards set by the other 26 editions around the world. Few people on the planet love football quite like those in Nigeria, and Goal.com takes the responsibility of providing its usual news, features, interviews, match reports and editorials to Nigerians around the world very seriously."

One of the leading FMCG company in the country, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, has once again taken a giant stride in sport development in Nigeria by donating a volleyball court to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Lagos camp last Friday.

The volleyball court, which was premiered with a grand finale of the batch ‘A’ inter-platoon women volleyball competition, had platoons 5 and 7 playing host to invited guests and other corps members.

Besides the volleyball court, the company also rewarded the winners of the volleyball inter-platoon competition with N30, 000, N20, 000 and N10, 000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively, amidst several other consolation prizes resulting from raffle draws.

Speaking on the kind gesture of the company, the Lagos camp director, Mrs. Oye Bamgbose admitted that Promasidor has always been supporting the Lagos camp volleyball competition.

“I use this opportunity to thank Promasidor because it has always been our sponsor and for providing this wonderful volleyball court. In any of our volleyball competition, it has always been our sponsor,” she said.

Dr. Obinna Anyalebechi, Dairy Category Manager of the company said for more than six years, the company has been committed to NYSC Lagos camp volleyball competition.

“We have been committed to NYSC volleyball for more than six years. We hope that the incumbent batch A corps members and the successive batches would enjoy playing in the court,” Anyalebechi said.

Mr. Abiodun Ajiborode, Brand Manager (Cowbell Chocolate) who presented the cash prizes to the captains of the winning teams, commended them for their efforts, describing the grand finale as a heated competition.

The Orange Family Initiative, non-governmental, non-profit and independent organization put together by Ondo State indigenes in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, to propagate and encourage socio-political and economic development as well as good governance was launched Friday last week at the Sunview Hotel Hall, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The event was attended by well-meaning Ondo State indigenes who share in the vision of building a State that will be a model to other States in the nation.

Our mandate is to protect the core values of the State and sustain the unprecedented trend of development in the Sunshine State.

Since the Orange Family Initiative made an appearance in the public space, precisely in the media last month, the political climate has not been the same. The avalanche of calls and e-mails from well-meaning citizens and friends of Ondo State within and outside the country, the heavy traffic of people struggling to download membership forms on our website and the multitude of personal visits and requests by well-meaning citizens to join the OFI have made it clear that we have taken the right step in the direction of genuine progress and development.

These multitude of responses is a testament not only to the desire of the people to have a sustainable developmental progress, it is also proof that the Ondo State people are yearning for continuous rise to the enviable position in the comity of states. It also underscores the fact that OFI is an organization whose time has come, and whose orientation approach is issue driven.

But in a polity ravaged by poverty and ignorance, there is no doubt that naysayers could easily sway public opinion with bogus claims and promises they can never fulfill, just to take over the resources of Ondo State. With this, they can go to any length to supplant the will of the people and we must be vigilant as stakeholders to educate our people on our core values as a people.

This is the void that the OFI has come to fill, by enlightening the people, to stoutly defend the power that rightly belongs to them; to let them see that as far as Sunshine State Politics is concerned, power belongs to We the People of Ondo State; to let them see the need to protect their common till and chase the hawks away.

As the Director-General of the Orange Family Initiative, Dr. Lanre Adeleye, rightly observes, “We live in a polity in which people who are comfortable with old ways of doing things sell stereotypes to unsuspecting members of the public. These naysayers easily sway public opinion. And we are resolved as a group to let the people know that the grass is greener on the other side.

“Our duty as a progress-minded group is to stand in the gap, show the people the light and rescue the people from the claws of political hyenas.”

We have watched the pendulum of governance in the last three years swing in the direction of sustainable people-oriented development, and we are resolved to drum massive support for the achievement of a second term for the incumbent Governor of the State so that the good work he started can continue.

What Ondo State is witnessing now is a watershed in the history of governance in the country. For the first time in this nation, the people are not only provided with basic needs, they are also involved in the determination of such needs. This is a novel development flowing from the Sunshine State, the cradle of progressive politics, and other states are already taking cue from it.

There is a need to guard this novel initiative jealously and rescue the state from the selfish tendencies of elements who are collaborating with external forces that will only benefit them and their cronies at the expense of the good people of Ondo State.

To achieve this novel initiative, OFI will be at the state’s local government and ward levels to drum support for the achievement of a sustainable, people-oriented governance. We have the capacity and we owe it a duty to determine our leaders. We therefore enjoin all well meaning indigene of Ondo State within and outside the country to stand up and be counted in the struggle against the external forces who are bent on destabilizing our stable polity and progress recorded in the past few years.

If other states are borrowing from us already, it is evident that we are getting it right. We therefore cannot afford to change a winning team.

Renowned public relations practitioner, Adetokunbo Modupe, also known as ‘Toks’ has lost his father, Mr Samuel Modupe Mondongho. He was aged 86.

Mr Mondongho, popularly called ‘Baba Owo’, died on March 16, 2012 after a brief illness in his hometown Owo, Ondo State.

He was survived by wife, children, and grand children.

According to Toks, “the news of my father’s demise came to me as a shock since that day was my own birthday, and I intended to celebrate it with my immediate family”.

“Though, I wasn’t preparing for anything special that day regarding my birthday, I just wanted to be with my family and loved ones when I received the call that morning that he had passed on. Immediately, my plans changed and I had to go down to Owo, to be sure it was true”.

Toks described his father as a very humble person, acknowledging that he was a very diligent, hardworking person that would put his best into anything he did. “That’s one thing that struck me about him. Even before he retired, he worked for others as though he worked for himself”.

When asked what he will remember most about his father, Toks said, “I will remember growing up days when we had this box TV and whoever wants to watch it will have to sit close to him (his father) to watch because when he is done he will switch it off and nobody then was bold enough to turn it on again”.

Baba Owo was a retired electrical engineer. He had worked under notable personalities such as the famous Laurence Omole of Ilesha, and the industrialist, late Ajanaku of Owo. He bagged his nickname ‘Baba Owo’ as a result of his industriousness and popularity at his place of work.

Preparations are in top gear towards giving Baba Owo a befitting burial.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, the company behind household names such as Pampers, Always, Ariel and Safeguard, has announced its partnership with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC).

P&G's collaboration with the NOC is part of its worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the next ten years. Under the partnership, P&G Nigeria will support the Nigerian Olympic Committee for the London 2012 Olympic Games but will also be contributing to the development of Nigeria's next generation of champions by supporting youth sports development.

Manoj Kumar, P&G's Managing Director for West Africa said: "Procter & Gamble is proud to support the Nigerian Olympic Committee. This collaboration is about bringing together our purpose of touching and improving lives and the Olympic Games purpose of building a better world through sports. It is also about supporting athletes and serving moms and families as a company through our brands."

P&G also committed to unveil a major program in support of youth development through sports in collaboration with the NOC.

“The company recognises that behind every amazing athlete - elite or beginner - is an even more amazing mom. Being in the business of helping moms, with brands that make everyday life a little easier, P&G is the Proud Sponsor of Moms," adds Mr Kumar.

"As a supporter of mothers of Olympians, P&G is helping athletes to compete and win on the world stage," said NOC Secretary General Tunde Popoola. "Moreover, by supporting youth sports development, the company is supporting families and helping to develop future athletes."

"Sponsorship and partnerships are the very lifeblood of sport," continued Mr Popoola. "Whether it is for our elite athletes or at grassroots development level, all help is gratefully appreciated by the sports fraternity."

"By partnering with the Olympic movement, we hope to further increase awareness of the Olympic Games, allowing moms and families everywhere to gather, connect and celebrate." concluded Mr Kumar.

Saturday, 24 March 2012

MTN has again emerged as Africa’s most valuable brand for two years ruinning, after moving up 12 places to 188th position in the world’s rankings. MTN was Africa’s only company in the Brand Finance Global 500 grading, and this is the second year running.

Section of the media in South Africa, where MTN is headquartered, quoted MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer Christian de Faria as saying “being recognized as the only African brand in the top 500 Global Brands for two consecutive years is an inspiration – we are very pleased with our global ranking accolade.”

He said the ranking shone the spotlight on MTN’s efforts to grow its brand through differentiated offerings that went beyond merely enabling its subscribers to make a voice call, but to empower them to become active global economic citizens through access to world-class telecommunications services, including data.

“We have invested a lot in ensuring that MTN is reflective of our customers, our markets and what makes them so unique and special,” de Faria said.

Group Executive for Marketing Jennifer Roberti was also quoted as saying “from our sponsorship of the 2012 FIFA World Cup to our involvement in community projects in each of our markets, we are proud to connect with our customers in a meaningful way and to be recognized on a global stage.”

News of MTN’s global brand rankings comes on the heels of the release of the company’s group full year results for the period ended 31 December 2011, which showed group revenue increased by 9.7% to US$16.089 billion and their subscribers by 16,2% to 164 million from 2010.

The improvement indicates MTN’s growing prominence and continued presence in the lives of its 164 million subscribers across 22 markets in Africa and the Middle East.

De Faria asserted: “MTN’s impressive growth numbers, together with our recognition as being among the most valued brands in the world, are a result of the hard work and resourcefulness of the MTN people whose passion for the mobile business and superior customer experience continues to inspire MTN to new global heights every year.”

The eighth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert will honor Alice In Chains co-founder Jerry Cantrell and certified interventionist and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Senior Consultant Neil Lasher at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 31, 2012. Cantrell will be honored with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction and recovery process.

Lasher will be the recipient of MusiCares' From the Heart Award for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization. All proceeds will benefit the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

Hosted by television personality Steve-O, the evening will feature a special performance by eight-time GRAMMYnominees Alice In Chains featuring guitarist/vocalist Cantrell, guitarist/vocalist William DuVall, bassist Mike Inez, and drummer Sean Kinney. GRAMMY-nominated musician Moby will DJ live during dinner. Additional artists will be announced shortly.

"Jerry's role in shaping the world of rock music is profound and ongoing," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and MusiCares. "His artistry as a guitarist is inspiring, and his contributions as a songwriter have earned Alice In Chains millions of fans around the world. And Neil has built an extraordinary career spanning more than 30 years in the music industry, and a parallel career in the field of substance abuse where his name has become synonymous with recovery and survival. But what unites Jerry and Neil are their unwavering support of MusiCares and our recovery programs, and their unselfish capacity to be of service to music people struggling with addiction."

"I've been very fortunate to have two rewarding careers — one in the music industry and one in the field of addiction recovery," said Lasher. "I've made countless friends in both, and have wonderful memories spanning many years. And because I've seen the ravages of addiction take their toll on artists, crew members, myself, and others who work in the music business, I've been a supporter of the MusiCares MAP Fund from the very beginning. Their programs give people their dignity and their lives back."

This special dinner and concert offers Living Room Sets that seat 10 for $12,500, Individual Floor Seats for $1,250 per person, and VIP Balcony Seats for $100 per person; contact Wynnie Wynn for ticket information at 310.392.3777 or wynniew@grammy.com. General Admission Balcony Seats for $55 per person are available only through Ticketmaster beginning at 10 a.m. PT on March 23 at www.ticketmaster.com. Out of respect for the clients the MusiCares MAP Fund serves, the event will be alcohol-free.

Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk, will soon launch new variants of Top Tea into the tea bag market as experts have listed the benefit of tea drinking.

Over the years, experts have discovered that drinking at least three cups of tea may protect against heart attacks and type 2diabetes. A review showed that regular drinking of black tea, with or without milk could reduce the risk of heart problems by cutting levels of bad cholesterol and blood sugar.

The experts said the benefits of tea are largely due to the flavonoid content- antioxidant ingredients that counteract cardiovascular disease. One cup of tea provides 150-200mg of flavonoids and it is the best source of antioxidant in the nation’s diet.

In terms of delivery of antioxidants, two cups of tea is equivalent to five portions of vegetables. These flavonoids found in tea are thought to control inflammation, reduce excess blood clotting promote blood vessel function and limit furring up of the arteries.

Mr. Kachi Onubogu, marketing director of the company said the new variants were being introduced to offer consumers different choices and also add fun, excitement and refreshment to tea consumption.

“Our target consumers are becoming as health conscious as ever and rightly so. The new options are expected to provide the secondary need state requirement of fun, excitement and refreshment. Further to that, with our new offerings we are treating the consumers to a thrilling world of choices,” Onubogu added.

The new variants will offer consumers quick infusion and high quality brew for their ideal brand of tea.Other key attributes are convenience, good taste and flavor and aroma.

Top Tea was launched in April 1998 to satisfy consumers’ demand for high quality and high infusion rate tea. In 2009, Promasidor Nigeria took a strategic decision to reposition it as a more contemporary and trendier brand.

Monday, 19 March 2012

In honour of the Games, British Airways is putting particular emphasis on ingredients from London. This includes locally sourced salmon, and sugar from East London. In keeping with the drinks list from 1948, Gin from London is also available on-board.

Frank van der Post, British Airways managing director of brands and customer experience, said: “We are very proud to be quite literally bringing a taste of the London 2012 Games to our customers! We have a very proud heritage with our in-flight menus, which Simon and Heston have tapped into in a credible and exciting way.”

Michelin-star chef Heston Blumenthal has unveiled the Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired menus created by rising star Simon Hulstone, which cabin crew will serve to three million British Airways customers during the Games.

Simon spent the past year being mentored by Heston Blumenthal as part of the BA Great Britons programme, which supports British talent in the run up to the London 2012 Games.

With a nod to Heston’s creative approach, Simon’s dishes take inspiration from the airline’s menus dating back to 1948 – the last time the Games were held in London. Popular ingredients from the time have been incorporated into his menu, with some dishes reinvented for a modern day audience – rich in umami and using local produce. To complement the menu there is a specially commissioned on-board soundtrack which customers can listen to – featuring uplifting music and commentary from iconic British moments from previous Games.

British Airways mentor Heston Blumenthal, said: “Simon has created an exciting, delicious and well-balanced menu that pays homage to the Games in a clever and subtle way. The dishes celebrate our rich history and British talent at its best. As a mentor, chef and friend I’m very proud of what he has achieved.

Heston spent the past year mentoring the 37-year old from Torquay, as part of the BA Great Britons Programme, which offers a global platform for up and coming British talent in food, art and film in the run up to the Games.

Michelin-star chef Simon Hulstone, said: “It’s an honour to have created a menu that millions of people will experience during the Games – I can’t think of a better platform to showcase British cuisine.”

Simon has created four menus, which will be available on long-haul flights from London Heathrow from July in; First, Club, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins.

To celebrate the launch of the Great Britons projects, the airline is launching an exclusive airline themed pop-up venue – ‘Flight BA2012’, celebrating the best in British talent in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tickets are available from March 20 at www.facebook.com/britishairways

Lagosians home and abroad will converge at the waterfront pier on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos on Easter Sunday for the 2012 edition of the Lagos Water Regatta; a fun filled water-based cultural sporting and recreational activity put togetherto showcase the aquatic splendour of the state.

This year’s theme: Lagos: Splash the Excitement, in the celebration of the Lagos aquatic splendour, is a cultural festival of indigenous communities for the sustainable development of the tourism potentials of the State.

These details were revealed on Friday, March 8, 2012 by Engr. Olusegun Jawando, Chairman, Lagos Water Regatta Working Committee at a media ceremony to unfold activities lined up for this year edition, at the Civic Centre.

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Nokia plans to launch an iPad competitor based on Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system next year, the company’s French division manager let slip in an interview with newspaper Les Echos. The tablet would launch next summer and would be the first such product from the Finnish phone maker.

"In June 2012, we will have a tablet that runs on Windows 8," Paul Amsellem told the Parisian daily. The potential launch date of the tablet also gives an indication to when Windows 8 would actually ship to consumers, as Microsoft is yet to give details on the launch schedule for its upcoming OS, besides a fall 2012 teaser.

Amsellem also confirmed Nokia is preparing another high-end Windows Phone 7 device, set to follow-up the Nokia Lumia 800, the first phone born out of the company’s partnership with Microsoft. The Lumia 800 launches today in Europe and is set to arrive in the US in early 2012. Using a car analogy, Amsellem said the Lumia 800 was a BMW Series 5, and that Nokia has in the pipeline a Series 7 equivalent, with better specs.

￼To get an idea of what the higher-end ‘Series 7’ Nokia phone would bring, you can look at some of the shortcomings of the Lumia 800: the phone does not have a front camera, no 4G, 512MB of RAM and just a single-core processor. The flagship model has been tipped as the Nokia Ace or 900, as Nokia dropped some hints and displayed what is believed to be a rendering of it at the London Design Museum.

Samsung is also planning to release a Windows 8 tablet in the second half of 2012, the company announced last week. Samsung’s Windows 8 tablet will be a modified version of the company’s Series 7 slate, which runs Windows 7. An earlier version of a Samsung Windows 8 tablet, given out to press and developers at the BUILD conference in September, had a 11.6-inch 1366-by-768 pixel display, an Intel second-generation Core i5 processor and 4 GB of RAM. The first to get their hands on the early Windows 8 tablet remarked it was bulkier than the iPad and most Android tablets, and pointed out the noisy fan inside.

Thursday, 15 March 2012

The African Movie Academy Awards founded in 2005 is celebrating it's 8th event on the 22nd of April, 2012. Held annually in Nigeria, the AMAAs is without doubt becoming the most prestigious and glamorous African entertainment industry event of its kind on the Continent.

Evolving from a one-day event, televised live, to a diarized annual African event it is now an established engagement platform for filmmakers, industry professionals and all creative industry stakeholders.

The primary aim of the African Movie Academy Awards (popularly known as the AMAA Awards) is to facilitate the development and showcase the social relevance of African Film and Cinema.

Presented to recognize excellence in professionals in the Africa film industry, including directors, Actors, & writers, the awards are aimed at honoring and promoting such excellence - in the African movie industry - as well as uniting the African continent through arts and culture.

Over the years numerous international media representatives, Hollywood celebrities, Nigerian politicians, other African politicians, journalists, film industry professionals, actresses & actors have attended the award presentation from all across Africa and beyond.

The 8th Edition of the AMAAs will be held in April 2012 and televised globally.

Wednesday, 14 March 2012

Enten Media Group Ltd, a leading media and marketing solutions company based in Victoria Island Lagos that aims to reach millions of people through the digital, mobile, broadcast and print media platforms today announced a partnership with Rapid Blue Format South Africa. The purpose of this Partnership is to produce a Nigerian version of the hit TV show series “Come Dine With Me”

“Come Dine With Me is one of the world’s most successful formats which continues to build its international presence and ever growing influence on dining culture around the globe. Now produced in 34 territories, this highly original, hit factual entertainment show has proven its popularity both as a stripped series and primetime as a weekly instalment and we are so excited to be a part of this global success story” Said Fola Olufemi, CEO Enten Media Group Ltd

The show is a daily stripped, location-based show in which four people who have never previously met look round each other’s homes, sample each other’s cooking, and pass judgment on each other’s entertaining skills.

Each night for a week they take it in turns to cook up their idea of the perfect evening. And there’s an incentive to be the week’s hottest chef – because this is a competition. As the guests travel home they give their final verdict on the evening, and crucially, a mark out of ten. It’s a neat round off to each show, and a very tangible judgment.

The contestant with the most points at the end of the week wins a cash prize. Come Dine With Me has been locally produced in a range of countries, including South Africa, UK and the US.

Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk, has launched media excellence awards for journalists in the country. The awards will be known as Promasidor Quill Awards.

Chief keith Richards, managing director of the company who launched the award in Lagos at the weekend said the awards were created as platforms to recognise and reward journalists who have excelled in reportage of the Promasidor corporate and product brands as well as the FMCG sector.

He said the awards which would be held yearly would recognise and celebrate journalists from different beats and categories.

He explained that the objectives of the awards were to encourage and motivate journalists in the areas of brands/ marketing, nutrition (health), corporate social responsibility, education as well as photography.

The awards category includes the BrandAdvocateof the Year, In-depth Report (on Nutrition) of the Year, Best CSR Report of the Year, Education In-depth Report of the Year and Photo Story of the Year.

A panel of judges comprising seasoned practitioners will be inaugurated to adjudged winners of the awards.
Richards enjoined journalists to continue the good work they were doing for the Nigerian economy and to also participate in the awards when they call for entries.

Commenting on the awards, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay newspaper described the event as wonderful, remarking that Promasidor is a great company with great brands.

He said the awards were “indication of the company’s support for the media.”
Aigbogun also noted that he “appreciates the work Keith and his colleagues are doing given the fact that they are competing with bigger brands in the industry.”

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Young and dynamic ad agency, ZK Advertising, has announced it has rebranded to Yellow Brick Road. This happens six years after the agency opened its doors in Nigeria when it launched the Celtel, and subsequently, Zain brands.

The rebranding is set to bring a new lease of life to the agency with a new ownership structure and additional resources. The agency disclosed that the management structure of the company will remain the same, and that the three major shareholders are : Kaliko Olowole, Nnenna Onyewuchi and Carol Kathurima.

Kaliko Olowole, who set up ZK Advertising in 2006, was previously the Regional Director of FCB Africa, one of South Africa’s foremost Pan-African advertising networks. Nnenna Onyewuchi has over 10 years’ experience in marketing communications and served as Vice President of Strategic Planning, McCann New York, a position which she held until she returned to Nigeria in 2005 to work with some of the country’s top marketing communications consultancies.

Carol Kathurima has local and international experience as a Producer and Production Manager on documentaries, corporate videos, feature films, TV Commercials and producing news and current affairs for international broadcasters.

Why the quirky name?

According to Managing Director, Kaliko Olowole, “The name Yellow Brick Road was coined from the film, the Wizard of Oz which starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The movie chronicles the story of four characters searching for answers which they find on the Yellow Brick Road. The answers: adventure, courage, passion and intelligence also speak to the core values of our Agency.”

Mr Olowole adds, “Some new appointments have also been made which include the appointment of a creative director who brings a blend of international experience and local understanding. We are also in talks with a foreign equity partner who will offer strategic value to the Yellow Brick Road’s operations.”

With the rebranding, Yellow Brick Road, based in Parkview, Ikoyi, intends to further reassert its position as a leader in the marketing communications industry.

”We want to rewrite the script in an industry where advertising agencies are seen as service providers rather than communication partners,” says Carol Kathurima. Nnenna Onyewuchi adds, “We want to shift from the traditional cliché of ‘thinking global and acting local’ and establish a convention where we think local and act global”.

Kaliko Olowole concludes: “We currently have clients and a lot of experience covering the financial services, telecommunications, FMCG and oil & gas sectors, and are seriously looking to consolidate on and broaden this client base. What we offer is strategy driven, energetic creativity and passion mixed with the utmost professionalism.”

Saturday, 10 March 2012

The wait is finally over and OK! Magazine, the world’s biggest celebrity lifestyle publication with more than 50 million readers worldwide has finally launched in Nigeria. The magazine was unveiled on the 9th of March at a glamorous black tie event sponsored by telecoms giant MTN at the picturesque Harbour Point.

Alexander Amosu, famed entrepreneur behind the magazine, said, “I’m delighted and proud that OK! Magazine has finally launched in Nigeria. OK! Magazine already reaches over 25 countries around the world and our Nigerian edition is really exciting in its own right. This is also OK’s first entry into the African continent and to one of the potentially largest readerships in the world.”

The launch saw the unveiling of the first issue with high profile celebrities invited from music, fashion, sport, film and politics. There were performances by renowned artistes MI, Brymo, Davido, Goldie and Naeto C amongst others followed by an exclusive after party at Likwid after what was an exciting evening.

So the magazine finally hits the stands but readers can also look forward to checking OK! Magazine out on their mobile phones as platinum sponsor MTN will have content of OK! Nigeria available exclusively to its 40 million plus subscribers, (the largest subscriber base in the country), for a year.

It will be available onIPads, IPhones, Blackberry, Samsung galaxy and many other devices with access to it free for 2 months globally and in Nigeria only on MTN from 1st of April.

Kola Oyeyemi, MTN’s General Manager Consumer Marketing, said,"As a company of firsts in Nigeria, we felt it was only fitting to be involved in launching OK! Magazine in Nigeria, the first African country to launch this world famous, well read publication. We look forward to bringing people entertainment news, heart-warming stories, everywhere they go. The mobile version of the magazine will be accessible to smart phone users on our network for a year.”

Thursday, 8 March 2012

The first stage examination of Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) billed for March 17, 2012 will hold in 200 centres across Nigeria.

Mr. Kachi Onubogu, marketing director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk, disclosed this in Lagos; remarking that about 50,000 students are expected to write the first stage examination.

About 34,000 students participated in the 2011 edition of NASSMAC.

The competition is open to all students between 10 – 18 years of age in JSS3 and SSS2 attending full time secondary education in government approved schools in Nigeria. The examination will be supervised by officials of the States Ministries of Education and Promasidor personnel in all the centres nationwide.

Students with the highest scores in both the junior and the senior categories from each state will be invited for the second and final stage examination from where the national prize winners shall emerge.

“The best three students in each category at the state level will receive the following cash prizes for their outstanding performance at the first stage examination: first prize N25, 000, second prize N20, 000 and third prize N15, 000,” he added.

The Cowbell NASSMAC started in 1998 with the aim of helping students to demystify mathematics. The competition creates a credible platform for identification and celebration of outstanding students and recognition of exceptional ability.

Already, stakeholders in the education sector had recently endorsed the Cowbell NASSMAC.

Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye who commended Promasidor for the initiative also enjoined Mathematics teachers across the country to encourage their students to develop interest in the study of the subject rather than being afraid of it.

Oladunjoye who was represented by Mr. Semasa Sutton, a director in the Lagos State Ministry of Education also advised students not to be afraid of Mathematics, because it is like any other subjects.

In her contribution, Mrs. O.O.Ajibade, a deputy registrar with the West African Examination Council (WAEC) commended Promasidor for the bold initiative of promoting the study of Mathematics in the country and asked other companies to take a cue from it.

She noted that Promasidor was by extension encouraging the study of science courses through the NASSMAC because Mathematics is one of the gateway subjects students need to move forward educationally.

The Manufacturer Associations of Nigeria (MAN) and the Public Relations Consultants Associations of Nigeria (PRCAN) are forming a strategic knowledge alliance to improve the human resource capabilities of their members.

PRCAN the umbrella body of Public Relations consultants has offered to support MAN in upgrading the skills of its members in the areas of public relations and corporate communications.

Speaking at a recent business visit to MAN headquarters, the PRCAN President, Dr. Phil Osagie and the Secretary General, Mr. John Ehiguese, noted “that no institution or even a nation can rise above its intellectual base. Given the new knowledge economy we are now dealing with, the need for capacity development is a key success factor in a nation’s transformation process”.

The new Director General of MAN, Mr. Yinka Akande also noted that the empires of the future are the empires of the mind. MAN is therefore determined to raise the intellectual profile and deepen the skill of its members so they can be global players. We must realise that we are now competing against the best from the rest of the world.

Mr. Yinka Akande expressed his concern at the relatively low contribution of the Manufacturing sector to Nation overall employment and National GDP. Unless the situation is reversed, Nigeria will not attain the top 20 most developed economy status, that has been much trumpeted.

PRCAN outlined three areas of strategic partnership with MAN. In addition to the capacity development, the other two areas are policy formulation in agenda setting and corporate relationships management.

In the implementation of the plan, PRCAN is to draw up a training program in PR and corporate communication tailored to the need of the MAN members. PRCAN aims at raising the level of professionalism, in the practice of Public relations in Nigeria at all level.

Apple yesterday introduced the new iPad — the third generation of its category-defining mobile device — featuring a stunning new Retina display, Apple’s new A5X chip with quad-core graphics, and a 5-megapixel iSight camera with advanced optics for capturing incredible photos and 1080p HD video.

iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G connects to fast networks worldwide, including AT&T’s and Verizon’s 4G LTE networks, and still delivers the same all-day 10-hour battery life while remaining amazingly thin and light.

The new iPad will be available in black or white through the Apple Online Store and in Apple Retail stores on Friday, March 16, beginning at $499 (US). Customers can begin pre-ordering their new iPad today on the Apple Online Store. Also beginning today, iPad 2 will be offered at an even more affordable price, starting at just $399 (US).

Apple also unveiled iPhoto for iPad and iPhone and major updates to iMovie and GarageBand, completing its suite of iLife apps for iOS. iPhoto includes breakthrough Multi-Touch features so you can use simple gestures to sort through hundreds of photos and find your best shots, enhance and retouch your images using fingertip brushes, and share stunning photo journals with iCloud.

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Sequel to the successful completion of its full product circle with the launch in November 2011 of Legend extra stout in Can, the brand has gone a step further in its reward process for 2012 with the unveiling of “Real Deal Nite”, a monthly in-bar brand activation that reward consumers for being loyal to the brand. The reward process which was held at the popular Niteshift Coliseum drew two popular artistes, J. Martins, Mike Okri and brand loyalists who carted home various prizes.

Funso Ayeni, Brand Manager, Legend Extra Stout, 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.” Ayeni stressed 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.” He added that the “Real Deal Nite” which started in March 2011, would also be spreading its tentacles to Benin, Port-Harcourt and Abuja in the coming months.

One of the winners in the raffle draw promo, Mr. Harrison Okolie, who was attending the event for the first time, was filled with joy when he was announced winner of a brand new generating set. According to Okolie, who resides in Apapa area of Lagos state, “I am really excited to be here today. I have never won anything of this magnitude. I am so happy because I have won this generator at a time when power supply is epileptic and when one must own at least two generators to enjoy stable electric supply in Nigeria. This would definitely complement the one I have at home.”

Okolie, who is also a devoted brand loyalist, commended the brand not just for the unique bitter taste of the Legend stout, but also for giving consumers the opportunity to share in the fun and excitement of “Legend Real Deal Nite”.

Another winner, Mr. Jones Omonuwa, a Lagos based lawyer, who is also a gold-carrying member of the Niteshift Coliseum, carted home a brand new refrigerator. He acknowledged that his experience at the event was great and exciting since he started attending the event from the inception.

“It is a great feeling today having won a refrigerator knowing that this gesture by Nigerian Breweries is aimed at rewarding consumers like me. If you look at my table and judging by the number of Legend Extra stout bottles, you will confirm that I am loyal to Legend Extra Stout. My advice to consumers is that they should taste either the Legend in a Can or bottle to have a feel of the rich taste of Legend Extra stout and I promise that they will be devoted to the brand much the same way as I am now”. He added.

The ambience at the event was electrifying as some of Nigeria's best entertainers thrilled the audience to ample fun and excitement. The event which holds every last Friday of the month, gives brand loyalists an opportunity to win fantastic prizes in a raffle draw promo while they have fun and feel the spirit and uniqueness of the Legend brand.

The in-house live band set the tone for what turned out an exciting night as they treated guests to series of melodious sounds.

The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) will be holding the first in a series of Roundtables this year today, Wednesday March 7, 2012, at 9.30am at the new Adna Hotel, 28, Ladipo Bateye Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The objective of the PRCAN Roundtable is to continuously engage members and boost PR practice in Nigeria. At this particular session, members will focus on knowledge sharing, pitching fees and capacity development.

According to John Ehiguese, the Secretary General of PRCAN, ‘’we need regular interventions of this nature to discuss PR practice in Nigeria. In addition, it will be an opportunity for members to discuss strategies on how to meaningfully engage key stakeholders and appraise business opportunities in the industry for the overall growth of the profession."

The forum will also give members the opportunity to speak on the value chain process, relationship between PRCAN and consumers of PR services, knowledge sharing with clients and promoting a culture of excellence.

PRCAN remains committed to raising and maintaining the standards of public relations consultancy practice in Nigeria. The body will continue with its Mastering PR Training Series which it started last year and has been well received by members and the entire industry.

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

MasterCard, a proud Official Sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, is running a spectacular competition that will bring all the action and excitement of the UEFA Champions League right into the heart of Nigeria.

According to a release by the brand, its teeming customers that uses either Debit MasterCard or MasterCard Verve could win tickets to watch the UEFA Champions League 2012 Final, live in Munich, Germany.

There are also 800 second prizes for tickets to watch the final in our exclusive VIP UEFA Fan Park in Lagos where its customers can catch the Final and soak up all the Champions League action.

This Competition commences on 1 March 2012 and closes on the 14 May 2012.

Entry to this Competition is open to all persons over the age of 18, being resident in Nigeria, and holding a valid Participating Bank-issued MasterCard card.

Entry to the Competition is made via MasterCard card usage - the more customers use thier MasterCard card, including MasterCard Debit or Verve cards, the more chances they have of winning.

By entering the Competition, participants agree to receive additional communications via SMS from MasterCard and the Participating Banks.

Participants are automatically entered in the Competition upon purchasing or making ATM cash withdrawals (in Nigeria or abroad) during the Competition Period, but only if such transactions or withdrawals utilise or pass through the MasterCard system and a MasterCard card was used to facilitate the transactions or withdrawals.

The first three cardholders who record the highest value of transactions or withdrawals during the Competition Period, will each be awarded a 'Grand Prize' being a single ticket to attend the UEFA Champions League Final 2011/2012, a travel package for two people including return business class flights between Nigeria and Germany, accommodation for three nights at a three or four star hotel in Munich and return airport and stadium transfers.

Grand Prizes are subject to change at MasterCard's sole discretion. All other expenses will be paid by the Grand Prize winners. All winners must have a valid visa for travel to Germany. MasterCard will not offer compensation in the event that a winner is not granted a visa to travel. MasterCard reserves the right to transfer the Grand Prize in the event that a winner is unable to travel.

The next 797 MasterCard cardholders who record the highest value of transactions or withdrawals during the Competition Period, will be awarded a 'Prize' (being a ticket for two people, the winner and a guest, to attend a restricted access event at the Eko Hotel and Conference Centre on 19 May 2012 to watch the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final.

Prize winners will be notified via SMS (to the mobile number in the Participating Bank's records) before 19 May 2012. The SMS will constitute the invitation the Event and must be retained by the Prize winner. The SMS will ask each Prize winner to reply "YES" to accept the invitation. Guests will be verified on the door on the evening of the Event.