The Nation Newspaper

Category: Brand week

  • Volkswagen opens Rwanda’s first car plant

    Rwanda’s first domestically built car rolled off the assembly line at Volkswagen’s new factory in Kigali on Wednesday as Europe’s biggest carmaker taps into demand for ride-sharing to expand in the region.

    Volkswagen’s South Africa boss Thomas Schaefer said on Wednesday at the launch in Kigali that the company would increase production as demand rose.

    “Deliveries come in and we put them into production as materials come in and as the demand comes in.

    “So if there is a customer who wants a few hundred Passats, we will put them in and build them,” Schaefer said.

    He said that the assembly plant used components shipped from South Africa to Rwanda via Kenya.

    Despite low levels of car ownership in Rwanda, Volkswagen hopes to both sell vehicles and use them in an Uber-like car-sharing system that would allow people to book rides using their smartphones. Some would also be sold into neighbouring nations.

    Volkswagen has started a community car-sharing service mainly aimed at companies in Kigali and plans to launch a ride-hailing offering later in the year.

    The Polo is the first model being made at the site and the German automaker plans to reach annual production of 5,000 cars in the first phase, by also building its Passat, Tiguan, Amarok and Teramont models.

    READ ALSO: Things Nigerian business will find attractive in Rwanda – Radisson Blu GM

    The 20 million dollars investment, which will create up to 1,000 jobs, is as an example of much needed spending by overseas firms in the nation, which receives one billion dollars in foreign aid and development assistance but is making business-friendly reforms.

    President Paul Kagame, who attended the event, said it was an important step for the country.

    “The facility undoubtedly represents a new chapter in Rwanda’s journey of economic transformation.

    “I know some might have found it hard to believe that ‘German cars’, as we are used to call them, could really be built in Rwanda.”

    Car ownership remains low in the nation of 12 million people with just over 200,000 private cars registered since 1997, according to the country’s tax collection body.

    But VW, which already builds in nearby Kenya, is expanding in Sub-Saharan Africa where it hopes it can tap into worldwide growth in demand for using apps to make journeys rather than buying vehicles.

    Global ride-sharing companies such as Uber have not yet moved into Rwanda meaning that Volkswagen will get ahead of the game by launching its service there ahead of major rivals.

    Most of the cars presently on the road are second-hand imports from countries such as Japan.

  • Heineken Innovates Interactive Brand Bottle

    Heineken has aimed to engage its Nigeria market more than ever before with the introduction of new a brand marketing campaign around its content bottle and label.

    The brand introduced limited edition world label which features the various countries where Heineken is present.

    The brand went further to engage Shazam app image recognition technology to create a consumer engagement experience for the world edition bottles.

    We are excited to launch this campaign here in Nigeria. We are extremely proud of our international achievements and this is our little way of celebrating this landmark achievement with all our customers. Those were the remarks of   Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Franco Maria Maggi.

    Consumers can scan the bottle labels with the Shazam app to get a sneak peek video experience of that particular country. Consumers are then rewarded with points for every country unlocked on the Heineken bottle with the Shazam app.

    Consumers will also stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the birthplace of Heineken – Amsterdam, Netherlands as well as other amazing European cities.

    The remarkable brand marketing initiative is aimed at engaging with consumers at multiple touch-points as the campaign focuses on the internationality of Heineken with the introduction of an innovative and interactive limited edition bottle.

    In partnership with Shazam – an application that identifies music, movies, advertising, and television shows, based on a short sample played and using the microphone on the device, the Heineken special edition bottle breaks convention by giving consumers the opportunity to experience the brilliance and diverse culture of countries Heineken is present in just by a tap of Shazam button .

    “Heineken has a heritage in providing revolutionary new digital experiences and next generation products for consumers”, said Obabiyi Fagade, Senior Brand Manager, Heineken. “We worked collaboratively with Shazam to develop interactive and creative solutions that not only support our products from a technical perspective, but also deepen our connections with customers and consumers.”

    To reinforce the modern spirit of the Heineken bottle, Shazam and Heineken reached beyond the usual confines of beer bottles design to create a limited edition bottle which complements Heineken’s great taste and presence in 192 countries all over the world.

    As always, the Heineken Limited Edition bottle will still retain the premium quality of the beer which has been enjoyed for over 150 years. The Heineken limited edition bottle is currently available at all stores nationwide, and will  be sold at ₦350 for 600ml bottle.

  • Be bold, dare the ultimate, says Gulder in new label

    A new label and the brand proposition has been revealed for Gulder Ultimate Beer.

    The Portfolio Manager, National Premium Lager, Nigerian Breweries, Olayinka Bakare explained the new design, revealing elegance and pleasant surprises appeal to the bold and strong Nigerians

    “We are all about inspiring our customers to live the ultimate life and be all they can be. We are a true, driven and daring brand and we wanted a new look that encapsulates all these our values. We are convinced this new look Label communicates our brand ideals better and are proud to be unveiling it.”

    “Gulder has always been big on transformation and consumer satisfaction, and with the launch of a new label for its bottle, Gulder is set to retake market leadership with its beautifully designed Label essentially redesigned to delight consumers and encourage them to be the best version of themselves – the ultimate life!” he said.

    Gulder was established since 1970, and the brand has retained its heritage and youthful satisfaction.

    Bakare added that unfolds a new phase of the brand will give Nigerians a true taste of  ultimate uniqueness.

    “For the bold, the daring, the relentless, Gulder Ultimate Beer helps to create ultimate fulfillment for those who dare the taste. With its helmet of courage and the striking redness of the valour it exudes, the great brown bottle has left blissful legendary prints on those that have dared to drink from the famous bottle,” he said.

    ‘To double its already profound feeling of self-fulfillment, the great taste we have all come to love and respect, is back in bold new look,” he added.

    He therefore encourage to strive for the ultimate in all their endeavour and replicate this with a beer for the ultimate to unwind.

  • APCON partners BRANDSCOM for strategy, design workshops

    Professionals from various industries are warming up for the take-off of an extremely practical workshop organized by the collaboration of Brandscom International with Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) led by proven industry trainers.

    The special workshop which is open to all professionals as well as leaders of organisations ,including faith-based organisations according to the organisers has been designed for people who seek to understand the core principles that guide Strategic Brand Management and how to practically use them to build strong brands and solve nagging organisational problems.

    Aside branding, two other highly lucrative courses – 3D Modeling and Web Design/Web Graphics are also to be taught in this workshop.

    According to the Workshop Coordinator, Mr Niyi Ladipo of Brandscom International, to be relevant in these ever-dynamic times, when brands are craving for new ways to winning brand wars; it is necessary to up one’s game by taking advantage of this Strategic Brand Management/Therapy and Design workshops. A specialized session of the training will focus on “New Winning Strategies for Brands in Turbulent Economies and Keen Competition”.

    Trainers at the training includes:

    Joshua Akinbanjo (Facilitator, APCON, Orange Academy & Chief Executive- Numuv Quest Africa, Lagos)

    Albert G. Udoh mpsn, fnimn (Former, Head of Marketing & Strategy Emzor Pharmaceutical Ltd., now CEO and Lead Consultant of Entafrique Consulting, Abuja- an Enterprise Development company)

    Abdulmalik Musa (Pioneer Lead, Online Design, Jumia….now Team Lead, Application Development, ARM Pensions)

    Bolaji Liadi (Lead Illustrator, SO&U Nigeria, Lagos).

    Feibo Babasola (Team Lead -PXC Digital)

    Dates & Venue:

    1st Session: 23rd of May to 25th of May, 2018.(For Strategic Brand Management and Effective Online Marketing class only)

    2nd Session: 26th of May, 2nd of June, 9th of June and 16th of June, 2018.(For 3D Modeling class)

    3rd Session: 26th of May, 2nd of June, 9th of June and 16th of June, 2018.(For Web Design and Web Graphics class)

    Venue: LCCI Conference & Exhibition Centre (Bola Tinubu Way, beside Marwa/MKO garden, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Interested participants can register and find more details by visiting; www.brandscomint.com/training/

  • Top E-commerce firms, Konga, Yudala merge

    Largest Nigerian Online mall, Konga and Yudala, have officially announced a merger of their operations to significantly alter Nigeria’s online retailing space in terms of size of operations and customers base.

    From May 1, both companies will now operate as ‘Konga.’

    The strategic decision will see both companies leverage the combined strengths of their platforms and further broaden the scope of organized retail and e-commerce in Nigeria, as well as deliver more value to customers and merchants.

    In a official statement, Olusiji Ijogun, Konga chairman said:

    “Combining forces to power the new Konga will enable us effectively achieve our goals of platform expansion and accelerated growth, as we embark on an ambitious journey to redefine the retail ecosystem with the industry’s most advanced technology.

    “Effective from May 1st, Yudala will now operate under the name Konga, with dual CEOs in the persons of Nick Imudia who will be in charge of online among others and Prince Nnamdi Ekeh who will be responsible for offline. This merger will further strengthen our position in the Nigerian retail market as we creatively position Konga as the first profitable e-commerce company in Africa.”

    Also Read: Why we acquired Konga, by Zinox

    “The efficiency of Konga’s cutting-edge online platform, access to thousands of merchants and Yudala’s expansive network of fully stocked offline stores is poised to give our customers the best shopping experience imaginable. We will be working closely with all our combined clients, customers, merchants and employees to make the integration process as seamless as possible and thereafter make public our road map to sustain our leadership on the continent,” Ijogun stated.

    One of the exciting benefits of this merger is the possibility it offers prospective shoppers to order online, pay and pick-up the product(s) at the nearest Konga offline store. There are also increasing business opportunities for merchants nationwide.

    The  ‘re-born’ Konga will bring services closer to consumers and widen depth of options with which merchants may engage the eCommerce company across Nigeria.

    “We are very excited about the operational merger between Yudala and Konga into the new Konga,” noted Prince Ekeh.

    “A merger of this magnitude has never been experienced in Africa. We will be leveraging on Konga’s strong technology backbone and online experience as well as Yudala’s offline experience, network of retail stores and operational efficiency. In the near future, we plan to have a Konga store in every local government area in Nigeria. While this is ambitious, we believe that every Nigerian deserves the right to have access to the full range of genuine products offered by Konga,” Prince Ekeh declared.

    Plans are also underway to showcase the full power of the merger with expanded access to thousands of products in Konga online and offline stores for all categories of shoppers.

    According to Imudia, “We believe this operational merger between Konga and Yudala will bring immense opportunities for consumers in the e-commerce space. We urge all shoppers, consumers, merchants and clients to stay tuned as we unveil the massive ambitious contents we have to offer.”

    Widely applauded by industry watchers as a masterstroke, the merger will broaden the range of products and solutions on offer within the Konga/Yudala stable, while giving the customers and merchants more options and access to an expanded variety of guaranteed quality offerings and payment methods.

    The Konga Business platform will now include two distinct but fully integrated aspects including Konga Online, the e-commerce/marketplace platform and Konga Retail, the offline arm of the business.

    Both will be supported by Konga Pay, a CBN-licensed mobile money platform and Konga Express, a world-class logistics company with advanced delivery capabilities for internal and external customers.

     

  • How Facebook and social media can foster digital engagement

    How Facebook and social media can foster digital engagement

    The conversation on how social media can foster political attachments through digital engagement has begun.
    Stakeholders from Government Agencies, the private sector and the civil society alike have continued to hold talks and lively debates on issues affecting internet freedom and digital engagement by government agencies in Nigeria.
    A round-table held in Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, last week, and several issues were discussed on the matter bordering on: data privacy and protection, law enforcement, libel, fake news, and digital engagement by the government. The round-table followed the first edition held in Abuja last year.
    Effective digital engagement by government agencies remains a big priority for the Federal Government because of its immense potential, this was the position of Tolu Ogunlesi, the Head of Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE). Ogunlesi was speaking at a stakeholder meeting on digital rights and digital engagement organised by Paradigm Initiative, Facebook and PODE.
    Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan emphasized the need for continuous conversation between stakeholders in the private sector, civil society and the government on digital rights issues in Nigeria.
    “Digital right issues are far too important to our democracy and it is crucial that we engage in conversations with security agencies and public servants on how we can ensure freedom of people online while keeping the nation and citizens safe.”
    In her remarks, Public Policy Manager, Africa of Facebook, Akua Gyeke said:
     “Facebook is an important platform for political conversation in Nigeria, and we are happy to be a part of this. Facebook is dedicated to keeping people safe online, foster civility and responsible behaviour whilst promoting free expression and sharing.”

    Read Here: Facebook’s Nigerian tech hub coming

    Tolu Ogunlesi, who led the conversation on a proposed Digital Engagement Policy for the Federal Government admitted that the Government had no current workable social media policies on ground.
    He however assured all stakeholders in attendance that his office was working hard on creating digital engagement standards that would guide all government offices in their use of digital tools to ensure effective communication with the public.
    “There is currently no social media policies for the Federal Government. This is understandable as social media use is relatively new in government circle. But this situation has led to inconsistency in the way government offices use digital media.
    “We are currently working on creating a digital engagement policy for the federal government. It will provide guidelines on platforms to use, accounts administration, logo and naming standard, editorial policies, archival system, content process and management, among other things.”

  • Fed Govt urged to review rebranding campaign

    The Lead Consultant, Above Media, has advised the Federal Government to review its rebranding campaign.

    Yusuf, author of Appraisal of the Rebranding campaign of the Federal Government of Nigeria stated this ahead of the launch of his book.

    The book examines the image crisis in Nigeria and the attempts at branding and rebranding the nation. Also analysed are the kind of reactions that the rebranding elicited and a prognosis on what could be done.

    According to Yusuf, a doctoral student of Public Affairs and Administration, Walden University, the image crisis between 1993 and 1999 was attributed to the country’s lack of democratic progress.

    While arguing that the rebranding campaign seemed to be more of a cosmetic remedy, the author recommends, among other panaceas, that beyond sloganeering, the government should address the issues that led to the image crisis.

    In the 123-page book,  Yusuf, traces back the crisis of the country to after independence.

    The book will be launched in Lagos next January.

  • Does your business improve lives of the poor?

    A father gave his little boy 50 cents and told him he could use it any way he wanted. Later, when the father asked the boy what he had decided to do with the money, the boy told him he had lent it to someone. Who did you lend it to? His father asked. I gave it to a poor man on the street corner because he looked hungry. The boy responded.

    Oh, that was foolish. You will never get it back. The father chastised his son. But, daddy, the Bible says that people who give to the poor lend to the Lord. The boy fired back. His father was so pleased with his son’s reply that he gave the boy another 50 cents. “You see,” the son retorted, “I told you I would get it back. Only I did not think it would be so soon”.

    Giving in itself can seem foolish at first whenever it is done. But the dividends usually outweigh the investment. However, not only is the act noble, it can be done in a variety of ways. For instance, you can give your time, talent and treasures. Whenever and whatever you have chosen to give does not matter. What matters is your intent.

    That boy gave what he had. But it was invested, and such investment usually reaps bountiful harvest. However, giving transcends personal level. Organisations get involve too. As a company does your business gives to the poor or takes from them? Let us examine two companies that have taken giving back to another height recently.

    In Nigeria, the level of unemployment is more than 60 per cent as over 1.8 million graduates are joining the labour market yearly. The National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) data showed that the unemployment rate was at 14.2 per cent in the last quarter of last year, up from 13.9 per cent in the preceding quarter.

    It’s the ninth consecutive quarter that the unemployment rate in Nigeria has increased. The government agency reported that the rate rose from 13.9 per cent in the third quarter to 14.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year.  So, what is the way out of this logjam?

    Inlaks, a specialist organisation that deploys dynamic and highly scalable IT infrastructure, established ATM Academy to train youths. It focuses on giving the youths the right skillsets and capacity to become self-reliant and thus curb the rising unemployment rate. Located in the belly of Ikeja, Lagos, ATM Academy trains several Nigerian youths on how to build, repair and service ATM, power solutions, printed circuit board and software installation.

    To encourage the youth recruited from different parts of Nigeria, Inlaks chose to pay the trainees monthly stipend to attend classes for six months. After graduation, Inlaks absolved the youth into its workforce where they continue their learning and development. One of the standout students told me he had earlier thought the programme was a scam.

    Now, this graduate is one of the ambassadors propagating the good works of Inlaks ATM Academy. As a leader of his class, he and his course-mates are now proficient, and can conveniently install, repair and service an ATM, even when blindfolded.  Inlaks ATM Academy is a multi-million naira, multi-class project that has become an avenue for removing restive, unemployed youths off the streets. Another class is in session. Ring my bell if you are interested.

    As if that is not enough, Airtel Nigeria is also into the act of uplifting the downtrodden and the less privileged Nigerians through its corpoprate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Airtel Touching Lives, aimed at promoting the culture of giving among Nigerians.

    Airtel Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Segun Ogunsanya, said the company is committed to helping the poor in line with its vision of creating empowerment opportunities and making life better for Nigerians. To demonstrate this, it has touched the lives of Olusegun Aina’s family.

    The family lost three children and their belongings in an inferno. They were homeless. Through Airtel’s platform, the family now owns a multi-million naira, ultra-modern two-bedroom apartment. Airtel paid outstanding medical bills incurred by the surviving family members.

    Your business can improve the lives of the poor by training or drying the tears of bereaved Nigerians. As Ogunsanya said: “We can make our society a better place if we join hands and collaborate to uplift the downtrodden around us.” Like the boy, you would get it back.

  • Fusion of real estate, interior, arts

    Fusion of real estate, interior, arts

    It was all about luxury when Luxury Villas Group (LVG)  gathered stakeholders at the Civic Centre Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos for its exhibition.

    The three-part event featured an exhibition, conference and a magazine launch. Tagged: Fusion of real estate, interior and arts had a gallery of Nigerian art masterpieces, by the renowned curator, Oliver Enwonwu, Director, Omenka Gallery.

    Other artists whose works were on display included accomplished portraitist Kolade Oshinowo, expressive sculptor Francis Uduh, mythology-driven Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ben Enwonwu and folkloric narrative painter Tola Wewe.

    Why a fusion of the three  luxurious things? “It’s a novel idea I conceived after closely observing the real estate industry,”said Tommy Odama J.Z., the founder/Chief Executive Officer of Luxury Villas Group.

    He added: “As a luxury realtor, I realised that masterful and luxurious homes are never complete without art. I, therefore, set out to explore the dynamic and beautiful relationship between these two.”

    Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, (SAN), who opened the exhibition tagged it “colourful”. He said: “It is critical in our nation’s history as it signifies the revival of the arts. Today, we see all parts of the arts fused here: literature, fine arts and design.’’

    Mr. Solomon Ikhioda, the Chief Creative Strategist of R Insight Redefini, said the event is a turning point for the real estate sector and “it will inspire more innovations”. Emmanuel Omoniyi Taiwo, the Art Advisor  to Nayajo Gallery, said the event came at a good time and that he was getting to know about the LVG brands for the first time through the event.

    The exhibition was followed by a conference, which keynote address was delivered by Mr. Mustafa Chike Obi, the former CEO/MD of AMCOM Inc. He spoke on the theme: “Next frontiers: Building tomorrow’s masterpieces”.

    Other speakers were Mrs. Agatha Eric-Udorie, CEO, Agatha Interior Designs and Mr. Azu Nwagbogu, founder, African Artists’ Foundation.

    The highlight of the event was the gala night, where the Luxury Villas Group launched its Villas & Leisure, a real estate, luxury and lifestyle magazine, reviewed by Mrs Titi Ogunfere, president, Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) and Creative Director of Essential Interiors.

    “The Villas & Leisure magazine is full of beautifully written contents cutting across architecture, interior decor, real estate and luxury. They did a fantastic job putting it together. I was part of it,”she said.

    The event ended with a cocktail and networking. Nigerian OAP and TV presenter, Stephanie Coker, compered the event with air of class and style, impressing guests with, not only her sense of humour, but also her Lisa-Folawiyo-designed dress.

    A lady violinist got guests giggling to her sonorous sonatas.

  • Ruzu Bitters sales hit one million bottles

    The Ruzu Bitters has sold one million bottles of the herbal health mixture.

    In an interview with The Nation, Adeolu Akinyemi, the Director of A2W, Avenue to Wealth, a distributor to the company, said in addition to its other brands – Ruzu Herbal Bitters and Ruzu Herbal Tea, the company has launched Ruzu Black for Men.

    Explaining the competitive advantage of the Ruzu products, Adeolu Akin-yemi said: “Product quality and efficacy; a committed marketing network that continues to drive its sales and manage its customers – without which the product will cease to enjoy its Brand Positioning”.

    A2W did not deny that Ruzu has supplements but insists that they cannot be tagged “mere supplements”. The company argued that “what they supply to the body is major”.

    Ruzu bitters has sold across the country, Akinyemi explained, because it “also has components that make it solve health challenges and its strength in combating oxidative stress stands out”.

    The A2W is a network marketing platform with members ranging from professionals to entrepreneurs who drive sales leveraging their  social networks.