The Nation Newspaper

Category: Brand week

  • LG Optimus 4X HD excites consumers

    LG Optimus 4X HD excites consumers

    Makers of smartphones are continuously upping the ante. When one thinks that one has seen the best in smartphones, another smartphone emerges and makes others look as if they were made a century ago. Using a smartphone makes life easy and more exciting and one can easily get engrossed with a smartphone because of its multiple features and applications.

    Global smartphone penetration is recorded to be at an all-time high, with many buying smartphones for reasons ranging from entertainment to productivity purposes. In Nigeria , smartphones are increasingly becoming commonplace devices for everyone from professionals to students.

    The recent introduction of theLG Optimus 4X HD P880 phone to the Nigerian market by LG Electronics, a global brand in mobile communications seems to given a shot in the arm to the smartphone market.

    The Optimus 4X HD phone, the flagship of LG’s new lineup, is a mobile device expected to set the pace among the international phone brands in its category. It comes with high expectations and a specification list to match – Ice cream sandwich Operating System (OS), 1.5GHz Tegra 3 quad-core, 4.7″ 720p display with an IPS LCD panel, an 8MP camera with 1080p video recording, and a massive 2150mAh battery. The LG 4X HD Smartphone which is an improvement on previous Smartphone introductions from the brand sets an unbeatable standard in Smartphone technology.

    Commenting on this milestone achievement, LG Marketing Manager Mobile Communications, Mrs. Bukola Arabome, said: “The LG Optimus 4X HD P880 which utilizes the Quad-Core technology is expected to infiltrate the market in grandeur. There is no denying the fact that this phone redefines what a mobile phone is and can do; we will however not rest on our oars but will continue to introduce to consumers innovative smart phones that address their peculiar needs.”

    With the introduction of the LG Optimus 4X HD, LG has once again packed the latest technology into a handset for a further push in the Android market. This is a product that excites the upwardly mobile smartphone.

    At the base is a centrally placed Micro-USB which means that the Optimus 4X HD will easily fit android docks; the Mobile High-Definition link (MHL) supporting USB ensures that with the right cable users can hook up to a large display.

    Measuring 132.4 x 68.1 x 8.9mm, the Optimus 4X HD is 4.7 inch thick and weighs a mere 141g; which complements its slim sleek design, which is another enthralling aspect of the phone.

    Regarding core hardware spec, the presence of the Quad-Core NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset clocked at 1.5 GHZ and 1GB of LPDDR2 RAM, 16GB of NAND storage (expandable via microSD) in the Optimus 4X HD is where the tyre touches the tar as it places it in a pedestal above rival Smart phones.

    As regards display, the 4X HD is at the top of the Android Smartphone pile; it offers 1280 x 720 pixels which is 312ppi which guarantees detailed and sharp images. It is an in-plane switching (IPS) display which translates that viewing angles are excellent with images displayed in vibrant colours, offering the most authentic of colour production.

    The camera consists of a primary camera of 8MP with a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels and an LED flash feature. It is perfect for capturing beautiful moments as videos and pictures to cherish for ever. Using the camera, users can record videos of 1080p resolution and at the speed of 30 frames per second (fps).

    Battery life is another great feature of the LG Optimus 4X HD P880, as it has a standard Li-Ion 2150 mAh battery. This powerful battery gives the phone a pretty long battery life; on account of this, the phone has a talk time of up to 10 h 50 min while stand by time is up to 29 days. This is made possible by the power saving Eco Mode feature meaning that users will not have the problem of recharging their phones again and again.

    Going head-to-head with other high-end phones in its ilk, the LG Optimus 4X HD stands tall.

    LG has a history of designing sleek and trendy phone models. The LG Chocolate was a memorable platform through which LG showcased its readiness to stay ahead of the pack; the phone was by many miles ahead of phones which were in use at the time. Today, LG continues to expand its high-end offerings.

    With the introduction of the LG Optimus 4X HD P880, LG has once more confirmed its willingness to continue its proven track record for producing powerful mobile devices with ultimate speed that will enable consumers live their dreams and achieve their set objectives.

  • MTN launches Iphone 5 Nano-SIME card

    MTN Nigeria has launched Nano-sim card for iPhone 5 to explore stakes in expected subscriber uptake of the iPhone 5 introduced recently into the handset and device market by US technology company, Apple.

    Nano-SIM is the fourth generation of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that has been used since the introduction of GSM phones in the early 1990s. The first three are the 1FF, Micro SIM or 2FF, and the Mini SIM or the 3FF.

    The Nano-SIM, which is the only SIM compatible with the newly released Apple iPhone 5 and other new generation and future phones, has no different functions with the Micro and Mini SIM cards except the size.

    Unveiling the new SIM, MTN Nigeria said: “The Nano-SIM is 40% smaller than micro SIM and about 0.67mm thicker than Micro SIM made for the new iPhone 5 and other new generation phones.” It added that the Nano-SIM is available at MTN Walk-in Centres nationwide.

    According to PC Advisor, “This new nano-SIM card measures just 12.3 x 8.8mm, and its thickness has also been reduced fractionally, from 0.76mm of the 1FF, 2FF and 3FF cards, to 0.67mm.”

    The release of the new Nano-SIM by MTN will enable Nigerians purchase and use the newly released iPhone 5 in Nigeria.

  • Etisalat begins N1b monthly promo

    Etisalat has unveiled the biggest airtime promo to celebrate the country’s 52 independence and reward its over 14 million subscribers with free airtime worth over N1 billion monthly to call all networks. The promotion, which gives new and existing subscribers 50 per cent and 20per cent of their recharges for 30 days, began on October 2. It will run till the end of the year.

    Speaking at the briefing to announce the offer, Director, Products and Services, Lucas Dada, said the revamped 9ja free credit promo is the company’s way of offering freedom to its customers to celebrate the country’s 52nd independence anniversary.

    “We pride ourselves as being a network that gives its subscribers the freedom to talk without any limitations and this was marked by our launch into the Nigerian market in 2008 with our famous 0809uchoose campaign, offering our customers the freedom to choose their unique set of phone numbers and since then we have kept to our promise of delivering innovative and world class products and services, promotions and events which continue to change the lives of all our customers,” he said.

    Director, Marketing Segments and Strategy, Oluwole Rawa, said having spent about four years in Nigeria, the support and encouragement Nigerians have given the company has been nothing short of inspiring. He said: “Within a span of almost four years, Etisalat has grown an impressive subscriber base of over 14 million which is remarkable in terms of growth compared to any networks in Nigeria.”

    He added that as a result of the achievements of the past four years, Etisalat seeks to reward its subscribers with the biggest airtime offer in the country.

  • Airtel has the best human resources practice, says CIPM

    Airtel has the best human resources practice, says CIPM

    The regulatory body of Human Resources practice in Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), has honoured Airtel Nigeria with the Best Human Resources Practices Award in the telecommunications sector.

    The prestigious award came on the heels of a comprehensive, independent audit conducted by CIPM among major GSM operators in the country.

    The award was presented to an Airtel team, comprising Human Resources Director Jubril Saba; Head: Shared Services, Tunde Oginni and Head: HR Operations & Analysis, Otu Umoren at the opening of the 44th annual conference of CIPM, yesterday, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

    At the event, Airtel was praised for complying with global HR standards and for following best practices in its employee relations.

    The company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Rajan Swaroop, dedicated the award to the members of staff of, saying the recognition was an eloquent testimony of the dedication and good work of employees.

    “As an employer of choice in Nigeria, our highly motivated employees are always happy to follow best practices in delighting both internal and external stakeholders. We desire to be the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians and we will continue to push ourselves very hard in actualising this optimistic vision,” he said.

    CIPM was established in 1968 to regulate the practice of human resource management and promote excellence in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills by practitioners, thereby contributing to sustainable national development.

  • Behold, the CSR compliant brands

    Globally, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a tool used to grow brands in an ever-expanding competitive market. The Nigeria Social Enterprise Report and CSR Awards for 2012 were recently unveiled in Lagos. WALE ALABI, reviews the awards and the report.

    Guaranty Trust Bank won the coveted SERA crown as the most socially responsible company in the country this year at the sixth season of the Nigeria CSR Awards. The event, which drew a large audience, witnessed the presentation of awards to companies (and individuals) who have contributed significantly to the socio economic development of Nigeria through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    The event which took place at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, at 5: 30pm, with a red-carpet and cocktail segment. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Nigeria Social Enterprise Report 2012—the premier journal on CSR and Sustainability in Nigeria by the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Mr Mike Aniah, who was joined by Ken Egbas, Managing Partner, TruContact and Steve Akonni, Senior Pastor, First Assembly Ministries.

    A project of TruContact in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the SERAs — Nigeria CSR Awards, is the biggest and most credible corporate awards for unveiling Nigeria’s finest corporate citizens. It presents a very unique and strategic platform for corporations who participate to demonstrate to stakeholders that they care about people (community) and the environment even as they rake in the profits. It is designed to promote growth, sustainable development and livelihoods in Nigeria by rewarding Corporate Organisations as well as individuals who have contributed to social giving and social transformation of Nigeria.

    While welcoming guests to the event, Egbas traced the history of the SERAs this way: “it’s been six years now since we began the race… today, of the leading 100 companies,92 of them have documented policies on CSR or sustainability and (or) stakeholder engagement”.

    “We at TruContact”, he continued, “are pleased to establish that we have provided the required technical capacity building and training to about three quarters of the stated number”.

    Like the 2011 edition, organisations and individuals who emerged winners in all 20 categories of Awards on the day were assessed in line with the ISO 26000 set of standards which provides guidance on how businesses and organizations can operate in a socially responsible way.

    “We can confirm that the awards that will be handed out tonight represent our views on all the companies who will be receiving The SERA statuettes and plaques. The winners were reached after due deliberations and in accordance with the ISO 26000,” enthused Jide Ologun a member of the SERA jury.

    He went on to declare that the judges struck out the Human Rights and Gender category because organisations had not done enough in this regard, and added that more work needed to be done by corporate Nigeria. In conclusion, he revealed that “the decision to choose winners in different categories, was closely allied with the theme: Creating Shared Value in a New Economy: Pushing Back The Frontiers”, which examines ways that business can create and share in what it terms a “New Economy” which thrives on doing business with minimal harm to the economy, the people and the environment.

    Guests were treated to enthralling entertainment. The soulful music of talented Sewa was on display to serenade the audience intermittently, as she performed the SERA theme song and a host of delightful melodies. This was followed by the encompassing and masterful performance from the ensemble of Nitche entertainment group; who masterfully wove the tapestry of dance, drama and music into a rich blend as they creatively interpreted the concept of creating shared value. The act wouldn’t have been so enjoyable without the lighting and set design adding to the ambience.

    The atmosphere was thus set for the awards, as the first set of awards was in recognition of individuals who are contributing positively to society based on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Senator Liyel Imoke, Executive Governor, Cross River State was recognised for strides achieved in the development of Cross River State in the areas of Education (MDG 2); Health (MDGs 4 & 5); and Infrastructural / Community Development.

    Otto Orondaam was recognised for the”SLUM-2-School project”, which is helping to bridge the gap in the health and educational sector, while Access Bank and its Group Managing Director/CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede were recognised, for Institutional Leadership Role in the Strategic Sustainability Working Group (SSWG) and the Development of Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles. Attention quickly riveted on the organisations as the winners began to emerge thick and fast to the resounding applause of the audience.

    Aside carting home the most lucrative prize of all— the most Socially Responsible Company, GTBank also won two more statuettes as the best company in Corporate Governance and the Environment due to its entrenchment and functionality in its system and the consistency in the sustainability journey and prevention of pollution Sustainable resource use (Innovative solar-powered ATMs) respectively.

    Guinness won the Labor Practices category because of the conditions of its work place in addition to the social protection, health and safety it afforded its staff. Access Bank ran home with the Fair Operating Practices prize for promoting social responsibility in its sphere of influence (strong institutional standard and partnership to build capacity).

    FirstBank brushed off other contenders to cart home the statuette for the best company in consumer Issues because of its strong consumer data protection and privacy which has witnessed consistent improvements over the years. Promasidor brushed off stiff competition in its category to emerge the best company in Child Focused CSR due to its strong commitment spanning a decade in which it has promoted the love of the sciences and allied disciplines in young people through its National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC).

    Fidelity Bank were deserved winners in Youth-Focused CSR after half a decade of promoting the International Creative Writing Workshops which have built the capacity of Nigerian youth in an area of cultural and social development that is often neglected.

    Telecommunications giant, MTN scooped two awards: Community Infrastructure for its consistency in strategic and critical interventions in sectors important to the Nigerian economy – health, education, environment and community infrastructural development, nationwide. It also walked away with the award for Partnerships for Development for fostering a unique partnership between a telecommunication operator and a recognised environment-focused NGO (FADE) to create awareness on an important environmental concern to Nigeria – Desert encroachment. It also emerged as the first runner up for the ‘most socially responsible company’.

    Oil major Chevron, won in the Health category for bringing healthcare and critical health personnel closer to the riverine communities through the use of speedboats and other innovative tools. Etisalat won the prize as the best company in education for its CSR Centre which was found to have Unique and long term Impact in raising awareness on social, economic and environmental impact of business on lives; and consistent interventions in Nigeria’s education. Its CSR Manager, Ismail Omamegbe emerged as CSR Practitioner for 2012 due to the ground breaking and unique strategic partnership with the Lagos Business School – The Etisalat CSR Centre.

    Debutants, Nestle and Total Nigeria made a strong showing as they took home the coveted SERA statuettes. In what could be called the icing on the cake, Nestle won the creating shared value category which was the theme of the 2012 Nigeria CSR Awards for its investment in research work that has led to better yielding and resistant strains of cassava; building capacity and supporting farming communities to produce more and improve own livelihoods. It also emerged as second runner up in the most socially responsible company category.

    Total Nigeria won the Sustainability Reporting category. Its 2011 Report was specific to Nigeria covering key areas of Total’s environmental and other impact on Nigeria and includes transportation safety, economic and community contributions. Moreover, it was found to enjoy buy-in from the highest level of its organizational structure, by the SERA Jury.

    BATN continued its winning streak by grabbing the sustainable agricultural development category. It has been providing improved farming techniques for Nigerian farmers especially in the northern part of the country and for sustained and innovative agricultural interventions for many years.

    Nigerian Breweries clinched best company in supply chain value creation, as it enhanced the volume of sorghum production in the country throughout its supply chain, thereby empowering and aiding local farmers with new techniques and improved species. It is also improving livelihoods of the farming communities.

    Multinational, Shell, was not left out, as it won the wealth and income generation category for providing support to community vendors to grow their business. Due to its easy-to-use recycling equipment for paper, cans and plastics, used car tyres, batteries, bottles amongst others, it also bagged awards for Most Innovative CSR.

    Ella Olamiju, the business correspondent of National Mirror grabbed the Tunmise Adekunle Award for CSR Reporting which was sponsored by Fidelity Bank. She won as a result of consistently writing stories with refreshing angles that interrogate the engagement of Nigerian businesses with stakeholders and that challenge businesses to step-up to the challenge of building sustainable businesses.

  • Again, global acclaim for DDB

    DDB Lagos – home to some of the most creative and best minds in the mar-keting communications industry in Nigeria has yet again affirmed its position as one of the leading agencies in the country.

    The firm recently had one of its creative works named ‘Luerzer’s Archive print ad of the week.’

    Luerzer’s Archive, one of the foremost advertising magazines in the world, after a painstaking process selected DDB Lagos’ ad over hundreds of other print advert materials collated from around the globe.

    The “Speechless” ad was done for one of DDB’s numerous clients, Girl Hub. A non-governmental organisation, Girl Hub, strongly believes that the typical girl child in Northern Nigeria faces series of social vices namely: poverty, disrespect and abuse. As such, the key purpose for their campaign was to create a clear advocacy that seeks to give a voice to the impoverished female child.

    DDB Lagos management, speaking on the achievement, said though they were excited they expected nothing less. The reason is clear; the creative organisation prides itself as a responsible and realistic company that first empowers its esteemed employees before demanding extraordinary results.

    The employees, however, could not mask their happiness and fulfillment at the arrival of the news. To them, this is a clear indication that DDB Lagos’ creative, fun and unhindered culture makes great things happen. They were happy, optimistic and hope to get more and more international recognition for their creative endeavours.

    DDB Lagos, enemies of the ordinary, are also responsible for most of the creative materials we see day to day across media. Their clientele includes industry leaders across Banking, Telecoms, FMCG, Insurance, manufacturing and Government.

    Commenting on the global achievement, the Managing Director of DDB Lagos Ikechi Odigbo noted that apart from leveraging on the rich creative heritage of DDB worldwide as the second most awarded global network, the Lagos Agency has continued to make significant investments in people development. He noted for the past four years, the Agency had made it a tradition to sponsor a minimum of two of its young promising creatives to advertising’s MECCA, the Cannes Lions Festival in Paris.

    Also over the course of six months, DDB Creative talent benefitted from a meeting of minds with tutors from Miami Ad School (Germany). They were engaged in three areas, offering six courses in Concepting/Advanced Concepting, Copywriting/Advanced Story Telling and Integrated Concepting. All six courses were deftly handled by the seasoned tutors, many of whom are award winners and graduates of Miami Ad School themselves. The results from the training have been impressive and impact on work felt by existing as well as prospective clients.

    It should also be noted that DDB Lagos remains the most awarded advertising agency at LAIF awards (an annual advertising festival held in Lagos).

    The DDB Lagos team, which is in fact the flagship of a much larger group CASERS (A complete marketing services group), deserves hearty congratulations for their continuous dedication to the pursuit of creative and marketing excellence in Nigeria.

  • BrandiQ: Digging deep in marketing

    With the dearth of quality and authoritative journals in integrated marketing communications, the entry of BrandiQ (pronounced Brand iQ) Magazine into the Nigerian market, is an obvious welcome development. Flipping through the pages of the maiden edition of BrandiQ magazine indicates that, it is one of the most exhaustive journalistic explorations ever undertaken in Nigeria’s Marketing Communications space. This sprawling magazine, which is an interdisciplinary store house of market knowledge, is a must-read not just for industry players but equally for students of Advertising, Branding, Public Relations and other areas of Marketing Communications.

    An effective army of writers and some highly resourceful scholars, led by BrandiQ’s editor, Usukuma Ntia, have pulled together a bumper 84 page magazine covering: Guest Editor’s report, Industry news, PR Dimension, Personality Interview, Industry Feature, Dialogue, Cover Interview, Traffic Brand, Marcomm Tutorials, BIQ Journal, Special Focus, Special Interview, Ghana Brand Scope, Destination Branding, Brand in Focus, Nollywood Digest, Industry Amazon, Auto Market and Sports Marketing.

    The magazine features major industry players like Prof. Kwaku Atuahene-Giwa whose picture graces the front page, PRCAN president, Dr. Phil Osagie, AAAN President, Bunmi Oke, Jide Ologun, Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nicolaas Vervelde, MD/CEO Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ottah Kalu, Executive Director, Client Services, Lowe Lintas and ace Nollywood actor and director, Desmond Elliot.

    This magazine is a stand out from the arrays of Brand magazines for its incisive research work on stories like Toyota’s dominance in the auto market in Nigeria, MTN’s consistency in the telecommunications industry and the impact of traffic brand in Lagos. The Marcomm Tutorial segment is definitely a valuable tool that would be very beneficial to students in tertiary institutions in fields like Branding, Public Relations, Advertising, Media Marketing and their adjuncts.

    A team of respected and distinguished Nigerian scholars and professionals have been assembled to constitute the faculty members of the Tutorial center. They include: Dr. Phil Osagie, CEO (Global Strategist), JSP Cooperate Communications and PRCAN. Dr. Josef Bel-Molokwu, former APCON Registrar and Senior Associate, Pan African University (Advertising), Dr. Casmir Onukogu, Senior Lecturer, ESUT Business school (Marketing), Mr. Idorenyen Enang, former commercial director, Cadbury and now Managing Director, Samsung Nigeria/West Africa (Marketing), Prof. E. Biakolo, Dean, Media and Mass Communications, Pan African University, (Media).

    Brand analysts and writers have also had their say since the heralding of BrandiQ. Most commentators, considering the depth of differentiation exhibited by the magazine believe that prior to the emergence of this publication, several surveys with a wide range of research must have been conducted to really identify and understand what it is that brand builders and consumers need, and how best to address those needs. It is most probably one of the identified lacunas that the Marcomm Tutorial segment is poised to fill by providing mentoring experiences for millions of industry trainees in various universities and polytechnics within Nigeria and across the west African sub-region.

    BrandiQ is designed to cover areas in marketing communications such as Marketing, Advertising, Branding, Media, Public Relations and their adjuncts. The magazine is also a monthly publication that will be very beneficial for market driven individuals who are keen to maximise their inherent potentials in world economy.

    The publication intends to blaze the trail in the reportage of burning issues within the ambits of marketing communications industry while also seeking to connect with its vast readers across the globe. In the words of the editor, Mr Usukuma Ntia “In the not too distant future, we will extend our involvement and coverage to interactive events and innovative initiatives to expand our readers sphere of experience. We know some readers will have strong opinions after reading this maiden edition. If you will like to draw from your depth of professional experience to contribute to our subsequent editions, please take the liberty to contact us. It is indeed our goal to provide a solid platform where the best brand analysts and handlers can share their wealth of experience.”

    Desmond Ekeh, CEO of Synthesis Communications, the group publishing the Journal reveals that “BrandiQ will be fashioned after the intellectual heritage of Harvard Business Review with the reportorial typology of the Economist and the content patterned after Ad Age, brand channel, bizcommunity.com, Ad week etc. Marcomm Tutorial will however be designed as a specific tutorial package aimed to appeal and meet the research and academic needs of the teeming population of students who really have the desire and need to understand the marketing communications world beyond the theories they are taught in school”. He added that this one is a preview edition which will find full expression in the next edition of the magazine.

    Apart from its comprehensive treatments of topical issues in the industry, BrandiQ attempts to bridge the information gap which alienates undergraduates and post-graduate students in Nigerian and foreign tertiary institutions from the ever engaging and ever challenging realities of the global business community, Marcomm Tutorial is strategically positioned to provide the veritable platform to empower and furnish them with fact oriented, sure proof methodologies in the marketing communications industry. It is most definitely a must-read for professionals, students and discerning general interest readers.

  • Nigerians mark Guinness Day

    As weeklong celebrations kick-off in many parts of the world this week, nowhere is there more reason to mark this celebration than in Africa where the popularity of Guinness has substantially increased across the African continent with some of the top selling markets coming from the continent.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria, Seni Adetu said the man and the drink are to be celebrated, especially in the African continent.

    “The man Arthur Guinness was a visionary. In his time, he single-handedly revolutionised the brewing and drinking culture of millions in his home country of Ireland and subsequently across the world with his brewing techniques and dedication to community service. The ideals he stood for – integrity, resilience and achievement are embodied in the black stuff he created – Guinness Foreign Extra Stout.”

    The first shipment of Guinness officially arrived on the African continent in 1827 in Sierra Leone. Since then the importance of this continent has continued to grow, with the first Guinness brewery outside the British Isles reaching Nigeria in 1963, followed soon afterwards with breweries in Ghana and Cameroon etc.

    Marketing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc Austin Ufomba, in a statement said: “Every day at Guinness, we celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Arthur Guinness – a man that believed in his vision and boldly stepped forward to revolutionise the brewing and drinking culture of millions across the world since 1759 with the Guinness brand, a premium quality beer that is truly without equal.”

    Today, Nigeria leads the world by net sales of Guinness and is now the biggest Guinness market globally with four of the world’s biggest markets for Guinness coming from the continent. Each year African consumers drink the equivalent of 3.7 billion 330ml bottles of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout.

    Over a number of years the popularity of the black stuff has gone from strength to strength across the continent as the desire for premium quality beer continues to grow. The influence of Guinness does not stop with those enjoying the drink. Guinness is a substantial employer across the continent with over 40 per cent of Guinness employees globally living, working and coming from Africa.

  • … And DDB Lagos goes to Miami

    As the popular saying goes, the advertising world stage waits for no one, and certainly no agency. It’s constantly evolving with new players, new media and new ideas that turn yesterday’s brilliant campaigns into today’s clichés. Take for example the use of flash mobs in generating attention for a brand. Although original when first introduced, its novelty and intended desire of wowing the general public has worn off considerably. It therefore takes dynamic and perceptive minds, as well as taut leadership to stay ahead in the competitive landscape, be it local or global.

    DDB Lagos, one of Nigeria’s foremost advertising agencies for the last 25 years continues to demonstrate that they are up to this task. With a backdrop of several pitch wins which include GTAssur (now Mansard), UBA, FCMB, Girlhub (The Nike Foundation), Mainstreet Bank as well as launching several milestone campaigns for brands such as MTN Nigeria and Mouka Foam, DDB Lagos is now taking unprecedented steps to benchmark its creative talent with global standards.

    Enter Miami Ad School, one of the world’s best advertising schools. Renowned globally for the quality of its graduates, Miami Ad School continues to break barriers in every advertising field and churn out fresh creative minds. It is noteworthy that Miami Ad School graduates have received more creative awards – the Clios, Andys, One show and many more, than graduates from any of the other top advertising school in the world.

    Over a period of six months, the DDB Lagos creative team received intensive training courses from tutors from Miami Ad School (Germany). According to DDB Lagos management, participants were engaged in three areas, offering six courses in Concepting/Advanced Concepting, Copywriting/Advanced Story Telling and Integrated Concepting. All six courses were handled by the seasoned tutors, many of whom are award winners and graduates of Miami Ad School themselves. Though a rigorous and demanding learning experience, the results proved satisfying as all participants completed the courses successfully.

    Speaking on the impact of the training, participant, Babatunde Sule, Creative Director at DDB Lagos, stated that the training offered a fresh way to look at advertising in terms of best practices and a global approach to conceptualisation.

    He further described the course as a brilliant initiative on the part of the Agency to spur creativity in the staff as it was an eye opening experience, exposing everyone involved to advertising practices outside the country. Sule closed by saying that he looked forward to applying this new knowledge on brands in the Nigerian space and acknowledged DDB Lagos for the opportunity.

    This therefore marks a new era not just for DDB Lagos as an agency but also for the Nigerian advertising industry, as DDB Lagos now boasts a new breed of practitioners who are not only ready to take on the world, but have also been aptly equipped to continue conquering the Advertising world stage.

  • Firm unveils marketing analytics product

    Cogniko, a New York-based marketing analytics and dig-ital intelligence firm, has announced the introduction of its groundbreaking analytics solutions to meet the increasing demands of Nigerian marketers seeking to understand and maximise the return on their marketing investments. Cogniko is a market leader in the delivery of marketing analytics, research, and strategic advisory to leading institutions in developed markets and in Africa. Global leaders including Chase, Pfizer, Diageo, Verizon, AT&T, Dell and General Mills have used Cogniko services.

    Cogniko’s core offerings span across three specialty areas: Marketing Analytics Services, Research and Digital Intelligence, and Consulting and Advisory Services in specialised areas such as digital, mobile, social media, and relationship marketing.

    According to the Country Director, Mr. Yemi Ibironke (animn, arpa), Cogniko Marketing Analytics Services helps marketers establish accurate performance targets based on their investment outlay, define performance indicators aligned to objectives – measure what matters, understand drivers of in-market campaign performance, and how to best align these drivers for optimal marketing effectiveness.

    “These are exciting times for Nigerian marketers. They now have the same tools at their fingertips that their counterparts in leading global organisations in developed markets leverage to drive continued marketing excellence, accountability and profitability. By combining proven evaluation methods with our expertise and integrated view of consumer intentions, attitudes and behaviour, we can now deliver objective measurement and analysis to drive meaningful improvement in campaign strategy and return on investment.” he said.

    Ibironke further explained that Cogniko Research, Data and Digital Intelligence Services is key for marketers seeking better and more accurate insights into consumer trends, attitudes and behaviors to drive profitable growth. Cogniko offers a wealth of specialised digital intelligence solutions with best-in-breed methodologies and technology to ensure marketers have access to REAL, ACTIONABLE and TIMELY customer insights. Besides the ability to conduct custom research using our proprietary online panel of consumers who have opted into Cogniko’s research community, which includes a large and representative sample of 18 to 24 years old, marketers can subscribe and get direct access to specialty research data whenever they want.

    Also speaking on the company’s unique service offerings, Managing Partner and Principal, Barbara Olona said Cogniko Consulting and advisory services provide marketers with practical consultation and education in the areas of digital (including social), multi-channel marketing relationship marketing.

    She stressed that Cogniko’s differentiation lies in dogged reliance on data, analytics, and research to drive formulations of marketing strategy, digital strategy, communications planning and go-to-market plans.