Sampson Unamka

Malta Guinness, Africa’s No. 1 Premium Non-alcoholic Malt drink, has celebrated its 30 years of providing Nigerians with nourishing goodness.

Malta Guinness recently put together exciting activations to showcase core brand values by spreading goodness, energy, and fuelling the CAN-Do spirit of Nigerians.

These specially packed activations will run from November to December, with an anniversary theme, ’30 years of Bustling with Goodness”.

According to the Senior Brand Manager, Adult Premium Non-alcoholic Drinks, Guinness Nigeria, Ifeoma Agu, she said “For three decades, Malta Guinness has celebrated Nigerian culture and tradition and this campaign tagged ‘Bustling with Goodness’ is our token of gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our incredible journey.

READ ALSO: Malta Guinness lifts Muslim communities

With these activations, we hope to renew our commitment to celebrating Nigerians and sharing goodness with our consumers.”

The highlight for the anniversary celebrations is the Malta Guinness Goodness Plan, an initiative to surprise unsuspecting shoppers, bystanders, consumers, and communities with exciting gifts and branded merchandise.

This rich and extensive celebration will be thoroughly refreshed with the great taste and vitality of Malta Guinness.

Our Reporter

In the realm of excellence and health, there is a tremendous developing revenue in products and services that praise the embodiment of Africa’s unique natural resources and ingredients, while simultaneously saddling conventional aptitudes and most recent information in the magnificence and wellbeing industry.

Top beauty entrepreneur, Juliet Goodman, is a young passionate cosmetologist who has turned the skincare business into a profitable venture. She is the founder of the premium beauty brand 1303 Organic Therapy, which has quickly become a preferred brand for Nigerian women home and abroad.

Juliet explains that her interest in the beauty and wellness industry was born out of the desire to put a smile on the faces of every beauty enthusiast, bringing back their confidence and creating room for self-love. She believes that all skin tones are beautifully made and can be properly nurtured with her amazing range of skincare products.

“I started way back in school,” she explained. “After school, I got married and needed to establish my own business. In my quest to fulfill my passion for making people happy, I decided to go into skincare formulations, because through skincare products the needs and beauty goals of people are met and they are happy once they’re getting value for their money. Also, I was dark-skinned and I needed something to make my skin pop, so I kept trying a range of products which resulted negatively in skin discoloration. So I resorted to finding something that would enhance my skin whilst at the same time maintain my skin tone. This was what motivated me to go into the formulation of skin care products that work for all types of skin – dark skin, light skin, etc.

“I am the first skincare therapist to bring about the idea that skincare products should be natural and almost edible because I make my products with so much love, and giving them body milk like whitening, lightening, and chocolate body milk,” she narrated.

Juliet also shared insights about some of the major skin problems faced by almost everyone, citing Acne, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation. She also explains how these skin problems affect individuals and how her brand is helping people manage their skincare needs.

“For acne, it can be caused by several factors ranging from hormonal imbalance, hereditary, dirty environment, oily skin and not using the right products. I would say my brand has been able to help every person win their confidence and fight against acne issues. We formulate good skincare products ranging from cleansing, toning, rejuvenating and moisturizing products. We know the exact formulation to help tackle your acne problems and we keep enhancing our products and services to make sure we give the best. We have so many reviews from clients who have used our acne product and are well pleased with the results.

“Stretch marks: Stretch mark happens as a result of skin stretch, stress level on the skin, and even the cortisone level of the skin. A cortisone level is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which weaken the elastic fibers of the skin resulting in stretches. Stretch marks can also be caused by using Cortiosteriod medication for skin itching and blisters. Losing and adding weight can also cause stretch marks, especially being over-weighted or obsessed. After extensive research on the causes of stretch marks, we came up with a good formulation that helps in clearing off stretch marks.

READ ALSO: Pregnancy beauty tips, by Founder Lashi skincare

“Hyperpigmentation: This is a tensed topic but I can tell you for sure that we have produced the best product for skin hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is caused by excess production of melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment of the skin but some factors can excessively increase its production, like hormonal imbalance. This is a major worry for most people because of the environment and oxidative stress around us. We have also created a good formulation for hyperpigmentation which will help balance your melanin production and guarantee an even-toned skin. I can literally tell you I work very hard to make these products for the love of good skincare products and the love of good skin.”

Juliet has so many achievements to show for her hard work and commitment to providing quality products. Her beauty brand, 1303 Organic Therapy boasts of a complete line of lifestyle and skincare products that enhance confidence and inner peace for Nigerian and by extension, African women. Her brand is also recognised for practicable help tips that educate people on how to get the best out of their beauty products.

Juliet is a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). She hails from Anambra State but grew up in Lagos where she attended Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School and Jubril Martins Grammar School. She is happily married and blessed with two kids.

Our Reporter

Sheri Hamilton is the woman many women want to be. She is a strong, focused, result driven and business oriented woman who started out her now successful career as the COO of the Grant Cardone Enterprises as a young lady who just had a dream to become a great business woman.

Her father owned his own business and she watched him create magic. It was such a beautiful experience for her that she decided to go into the world of business. To her, she had learnt a lot from her father about business and she wanted to go out there and just do great.
She started working with JP Morgan Chase and for over 9 years, she committed herself to growing his company from its inception to having over 114 employees as at when she left with a net worth huge enough to never remember the days of the business’ humble beginning.

She met Grant Cardone when he was running his business from his pool house which he turned into an office. With 30 years of experience and much more knowledge about business than a lot of people he had come across, Grant offered her a job in his company. It wasn’t easy to get her to accept the offer as she felt he was too “Grant Cardone “and she was too “JP Morgan Chase”.
However, soon enough, Grant gave her an offer that she couldn’t refuse and she began working for him as the Chief Operations Officer for the Grant Cardone Enterprises in 2011.

As COO, she has made the growth and success of the company her life’s work and every day, she does something to keep up with her desire to see the business expand and succeed.

When asked her definition of success she says, “Many define success differently. But, I think of it as achieving goals and beating the odds along the way. That brings a sense of accomplishmen

Agency Reporter

CWG Plc, the leading provider of Information and Communication Technology solutions and services across West, Central, and Eastern Africa, has released its unaudited Q3, 2020 results with a strong performance despite the damaging impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the global economy. Profit after Tax at N464million grew by 1950% when compared to Q3 2019

The Q3 financial performance of CWG shows growth in all the financial metrics with revenue achievement of N8.9billion, and this represents a 35% growth compared to Q3 2019.

The group reported a Profit before Tax (PBT) of N508million, and this represents a 2148% increase from Q3 2019 PBT of N22million. Operating expenses declined by 5.89% in comparison with Q3 2019.

EBITDA and EBIT stood at N703million and N536million, representing a growth of 124% and 605% respectively over the same period in 2019.

READ ALSO: CWG set to deploy 100,000 smart meters for IBEDC

This exceptional performance was primarily driven by the platform business’s advancement, customized and consulting services, efficient management of operating costs, and superior technological offering.

Commenting on the latest financials posted by the company, the CEO of CWG Plc, Adewale Adeyipo said, “The appreciable financial performance this year, despite the negative impact of the global pandemic was borne out of the strategic business focus to diversify its revenue base, hence, creating a sustainable path for the company to thrive in challenging times. In recent times, we have intentionally focused on upscaling our digital solutions to meet the customer’s needs. We have consistently introduced new and innovative products and solutions, ranging from utility products to payment solutions. This year, we committed much time optimizing our existing platforms, responding to the market demands while creating sustainable business processes and investing in our human capital asset.”

By Charles Okonji

As the bank’s policy in upholding integrity in discharging services to customers and all stakeholders, the Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo has reaffirmed the commitment to the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct in its operations.

Okonkwo gave the assurance on Monday as part of activities marking the 2020 Corporate Compliance & Ethics Week.

Stating that the week-long celebration provided a great opportunity to beam the spotlight on compliance and ethics, he said it was important to institutionalise the culture of compliance, adding that ethics was imperative for building a strong and enduring financial institution.

He said, “Let us all be reminded in all our dealings that we need to coexist and prosper together with all stakeholders including customers, suppliers, partners, local communities, and employees who are integral to our survival as a business. “‘Doing the right things, the right way’, is the best approach to building a sustainable business. ”

READ ALSO: Fidelity Bank appoints Obih, Opara as directors

Okonkwo pointed out that Fidelity Bank has kept ethics and professional integrity at the forefront of its business in the over 3 decades of existence, emphasising that the bank would continue to utilise digital technologies to deliver innovative financial services that meet the needs of customers.

Commencing on November 2, 2020, and running up until Friday, November 6, 2020, the bank has organised a series of employee engagement initiatives as part of the annual activities to celebrate the week.

Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week is organised annually by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) provides organisations and employees with the opportunity to educate and drum attention to the twin issues.

Eagleserve Consultants Limited, an Abuja based leading brand building and marketing communications firm, has emerged winner of the Young Creative Agency of the Year Category at the just concluded 2020 Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Award in Lagos.

The event was organised by Marketing Edge Magazine, a prominent marketing and advertising publication to celebrate the best innovative minds in the Nigeria Integrated Marketing Communications industry.

Publisher/Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Edge, Mr. John Ajayi described the award as unique with special attractions that was organically planned and designed to reboot, restart and re-energise the social, intellectual and entrepreneurial landscape of the Nigeria IMC industry.

‘’We have watched and monitored these individuals and agencies very closely in the last few years and can confidently attest to their market leadership, resilience, excellence and above all landmark achievements in their various sectors,’’ he said.

He added: ‘’Our resolve to recognise these players and gladiators as well as iconic leaders in the business of brand management and management of brand business was equally informed by the fact that these are the people that have made the industry tick over the years.’’

Read Also: MTN trains 10,000 SMEs on smart marketing

 

Speaking while receiving the award, the Managing Director of Eagleserve Consultants Limited, Prince Shola Rotimi, expressed the company’s profound appreciation to the organisers.

He said the honour has affirmed hard work of the agency making significant impact on the business of its clients.

‘’We feel very great and honoured to have been recognised by Marketing Edge for our contributions to the growth of the Marketing Communication industry.

“We thank Almighty God for His grace, my team at Eagleserve, you are all wonderful, our clients, we are always indebted to you because you are the reason for our existence, AAAN and APCON, we say a big thank you,’’ he said.

He added: ‘’This award bears testimony to the fact that our works are now making huge impacts on the businesses we handle for our clients. As an agency, we strive to make creativity our driving force because we realize that the industry is changing and the way to go now is digital, proactive agency should learn how to deploy creativity towards digital.

‘’As a company, we would continue to deliver exceptional services and value to our clients’ businesses, and I charged the team to continue delivering on its promise to clients and proffer initiatives that would help establish the agency as a big force in Africa.’’

Our Reporter

Access Bank has received Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Approval-in-Principle to restructure to a Holdco.

The bank has also received regulatory approvals to commence operations in Mozambique under the name Access Bank Mozambique, S.A. (Access Bank Mozambique) and plans to acquire a majority holding in South Africa’s Grobank Limited.

The bank revealed in a notification, which was filed at the Nigerian Stock Exchange and signed by Sunday Ekwochi, Company Secretary, its desire to operate as a Holding Company would enable the bank to further accelerate its objectives around business diversification, improved operational efficiency, talent retention as robust governance.

With its vision of being Africa’s gateway to the world, Access announced that its subsidiary, Access Bank Mozambique, has entered into a definitive agreement with ABC Holdings Limited(ABC Holdings), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas Mara Limited (Atlas Mara) to acquire African Banking Corporation (Moҫambique), S.A., (BancABC Mozambique) for cash, in a combination of definitive and contingent considerations.

Read Also: Access Bank expands to Mozambique, South Africa

Access Bank has also entered into a definitive agreement with GroCapital Holdings (GroCapital) to invest in Grobank Limited over two tranches.

The first is an initial cash consideration for a 49 percent shareholding and subsequently increased to a majority stake in the second tranche.

Both tranches are subject to various regulatory approvals and the overall transaction is also subject to Grobank’s shareholder approvals.

GroCapital, whose shareholders include the Public Investment Corporation – which doubles as Africa’s largest investment manager and Fairfax Africa Holdings – a leading global investor, will retain an existing but diluted shareholding in Grobank as part of the outlined transaction terms.

Speaking on these developments, Herbert Wigwe, GMD/CEO Access Bank said: “We have consistently said that we are focused on building the scale needed to become a leading African bank; one that leverages our experienced and growing talent base and key stakeholder partnerships towards driving sustainable impact and profitability.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates further commitment to delivering our strategic aspirations of becoming Africa’s Gateway to the world in line with our vision to be the World’s Most Respected African bank.

“These transactions will significantly strengthen our presence in Southern Africa and further our footprint for growth in the SADC region. With a broader presence across the continent, Access Bank will be better placed to support our customers who are increasingly looking towards intra Africa growth.

“The proposed transactions will accelerate the Bank’s momentum towards delivering world-class banking services to an expanded customer base across Africa. Our goal remains to reach and impact 100 million unique customers across the continent by 2022.“

Over the years, Access Bank has evolved both in innovativeness, prestige, and strength. The bank currently holds the position of the number one retail bank in Africa with a customer base of over 40 million. They’ve relentlessly upheld their ‘more than banking’ promise which has inarguably given them an advantage over their competitors. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Nigeria and has subsidiaries in Sub- Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom (with a branch in Dubai, UAE) and representative offices in China, Lebanon, and India.

Our Reporter

The consistent rise of international students in a country with the “warmest of welcomes” establishes the fact that Ireland offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a novel mix of the highest education standards and work opportunities, combined with an exciting cultural experience for Nigerian students.

The vibrant and modern socio-cultural landscape coupled with her historical and traditional appeal makes Ireland a home away from home for Nigerians. Ireland’s rich heritage, reasonable tuition fees, long-established universities, and well-earned reputation for being friendly makes it a popular choice for international students.

Ireland may be small, but the breadth and expertise of the Irish higher education system make it an excellent option for both undergraduate and postgraduate study in all subject areas.

As a Nigerian trying to get international exposure and study experience, here are reasons to choose Ireland as your destination.

1. Language

Ireland is an English-speaking country, and as such, makes it a comfortable study location for Nigerians. Nigerian Students coming to Ireland will find the classroom experience painless and undemanding as they don’t need to learn a second language.

Work Opportunities during and after Study

Ireland offers international students up to two years post-study rights stay-back visa and also work/internship opportunities during and after studies. Nigerian students will have a chance to add global work experience to their CV after the higher education study in Ireland.

2. Highly Ranked International Institutions

Ireland’s institutions of higher education are high up in the world university rankings. Moreover, they offer many professional and innovative courses/programs. There are over 5000 courses in a variety of areas (Big Data, medicine, science, technology, engineering, business, law, advertising, languages, literature, history, philosophy, psychology, etc.) and available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

3. Innovative Educational System

Ireland ranked 7th of the 63 countries benchmarked for its higher education system in the 2019 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. This makes the Irish Educational system one of the most innovative globally. Nigerian students can adapt easily to it and leverage on this to become competitive in the global job market. The Irish educational model is built on the understanding that technology applications need a solid theoretical foundation based on purposeful, systemic research, and sound pedagogy. Graduates are therefore highly employable.

4. Safe, friendly Community

Irish people are best known for their warm welcome and accommodating culture as regards to foreign students, which greatly contribute to the ease with which foreign students adapt to student life in Ireland., Nigerian students have no cause to have anxiety as regards their adaptability and integration. In fact, as you commence your study experience, you will realize that Ireland is a home away from home. It’s also one of Europe’s safest countries and consistently ranks high in the best tourist destinations.

5. Proximity to Great European Cities

The advantage of studying in Europe is that it’s relatively easy to go from one country to the next when on holiday. You can take advantage and go on a weekend adventure to see some of the beautiful European cities that you’ve been daydreaming about as a Nigerian. E.g. London is just an hour away.

6. Home to Top Multinationals

Over 1,000 FDI giants in ICT, Social media, pharmaceuticals, and finance have made Ireland the hub of their European operations. Companies with names such as Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK, and Genzyme are based in Ireland and often collaborate with higher education institutions.

Nigerian students, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, pursuing a study experience overseas should consider Ireland and make it their first choice. The points above clearly show why!
Education In Ireland, a governmental agency in Ireland, is responsible for promoting Irish Higher Education institutions overseas.

The Education in Ireland Nigeria fair, coming up this 31st of October, will give Nigerian students a chance to meet, connect, and speak privately with representatives of top Irish Universities and colleges. Nigerian students can also attend detailed seminars and informative sessions on studying in Ireland and technicalities that might come with the application. All participants at the Study in Ireland Fair will be able to explore studying options from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees and PhDs and speak directly with representatives from the government and leading Irish universities and colleges.

“Register for the fair now https://africa.educationinireland.live/”

Our Reporter

Ireland, a renowned centre of educational excellence with her universities and colleges ranked in the top five percent globally, has become a top choice for Nigerian students in recent times.

Nigerian students who are willing to study abroad to gain global experience and opportunities should consider Ireland -let’s tell you why.

Located on the western coast of Europe, Ireland has a well-earned reputation for extending the “warmest of welcomes” to its foreign students. No wonder that there are about 35,000 international students from over 170 countries. It’s known as a safe and friendly country -and since it’s English speaking, there are no language barriers for Nigerian students.

Ireland offers 2 year post-study stayback visa, but also allows students to work part time during study. This is a chance to not just hone your academic skills, but also gain work experience that will help you for the rest of your career. Despite being a relatively small country, Ireland is also home to over 1000 multinational companies (Pharma, ICT, medicine, and Fintech). Five of the top 10 companies on Forbes’ list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies have Irish operations.

Education in Ireland, the Irish government agency responsible for promoting Irish Higher Education Institutions overseas, will organize the “Study in Ireland – Nigeria fair” on 31 October 2020.

This unique event will give Nigerian students a chance to meet, connect, and speak privately with representatives of top Irish universities and colleges. Nigerian students can also attend detailed seminars and informative sessions on studying in Ireland and technicalities that might come with the application. All Study in Ireland Fair participants will be able to explore studying options from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees and PhDs.

Nigerian students who wish to participate in the “Study in Ireland-Nigeria Fair” can book their slot and register via https://africa.educationinireland.live/

Top Irish universities and colleges, including University College Dublin, Griffith College, the University of Limerick, Dublin Business School, Cork Institute of Technology, National College of Ireland, Athlone Institute of Technology, Trinity College Dublin, National University of Ireland Galway, University College Cork and many others will be fully represented in the Study in Ireland fair

These top education institutions offer premium courses that give international students a chance to build flexible career paths with a world-class education in a research-centred environment. There are over 5000 courses in areas such as, marketing/advertising, animation & gaming, biotechnology, computer science, it, data science, analytics, finance, accounting, law, film making, engineering, nursing, medicine, law, architecture and agri-tech.

The Study in Ireland fair will also provide answers to the frequently asked questions on tuition, scholarship, funding, and living costs in Ireland.

Ireland is the ideal choice for Nigerians seeking to study abroad and acquire international exposure. Learn more during the upcoming fair. Registration for the event, holding on the 31st of October 2020, is free. Register now to reserve your seat at the event https://africa.educationinireland.live/

Our Reporter

With its mission to provide Nigerians and by extension, Africa with durable and yet affordable hair extensions, and beauty services, Kachi Beauty brands has continued to empower several distributors, and entrepreneurs with several of its empowerment schemes in the content.

In a recent media briefing by its Founder, Mrs. Ngozijachi Onyeulo, she disclosed that, the beauty brand is “currently running a ‘Distributorship Scheme’ with over 1,000 distributors. The mission is to take over Africa and beyond with our durable and yet affordable hair extensions.

“The Kachi Beauty brand has been empowering people in a number of ways; from offering employment to a training platform for wiggers, hair stylists and young administrators. We have close to 50 persons in our direct employment scheme.

“Also, we have been able to create business opportunities for small scale retailers with our wholesale and sales promotions.

“We are also carrying out our corporate social responsibility by providing in cash and kind to less opportuned but business driven youth within the African continent.

READ ALSO: Rotary empowers 500 women

“This has been going on effectively in accordance with the growth of the business. Kachi Beauty brand is empowerment oriented and has been able to provide very high quality hair at prices that encourage resellers.

“The number of people that have benefited from our empowerment are in the thousands. Many people have participated in our affordable sales galore and are doing so fine today in their various businesses. Our products and empowerment schemes have helped them stabilise and they are also replicating same favour to other entrepreneurs,” she said.