The Nation Newspaper

Category: Brand week

  • Livespot Quenches Taste for Creativity, Innovation in Advertising

    Marketing communications as an industry really needs to be revamped in Africa to fully maximise the expertise and resourcefulness which are abound in innovation and creativity in the continent.

    Originality and awesome creative has continued to give Nigeria the edge in the ecosystem as evident by deliveries of global competitive solutions and this as distinguish key Nigerian players in the sector

    According to Deola Art Alade, CEO, Livespot who spoke with the media at the tour of the Livespot facility, the world should wait and see what Nigeria has to offer and that is why we retooled spot to meet global markets at Livespot. We are setting this space for other private and public investor to follow.

    “At Livespot we define and grow exceptional brands through a carefully refined system of ideation and creative development, then leverage our extensive resource network to communicate the brand and its personality across physical and digital platforms for the growth of the sector.”

    She continued, “The creative revolution Livespot brings to the marketing industry is based on years of commendable work and a track record of excellence. We thrive in applying our immense creativity to providing real, exciting marketing solutions for all our clients. We are a 360 creative collective of the digital era, unified by a passion for developing disruptive ideas that convert consumers into fans.”

    Deola Art Alade studied Graphics at Obafemi Awolowo University. She is a member of Interior Designers Association of Nigeria while her husband-partner Darey Art Alade studied Music at the University of Lagos.

     For many years, Nigeria’s marketing communications industry has been highly competitive and segmented; run by a proliferation of companies playing in advertising, public relations, digital marketing, experiential marketing, media buying and other sub sectors.
    With advertising alone recordingabove-the-line spend of N97.9 billion in 2015, and digital marketing’sestimated revenue at $2 billion in 2015, it is safe to say the industry is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s top service industries.
    With shifting client-consumer preferences, consistent changes in technology, and disappearance of big budgets, Marcoms in Nigeria faces major challenges like storytelling and extreme segmentation with template solutions being offered on a day-to-day basis.
    Few companies such as Livespot Group, owned by Deola and Dare Art Alade, are able to apply empathetic storytelling, futuristic strategies, and offer holistic services under one body. The company, from inception in 2013, has been treading disruptive paths to building a world-class 360 marketing communications company by executing industry redefining projects and talk-of-the-town concepts.

    Based in Lagos, with offices in Abuja, and consultants working from different cities around the world, Livespot is a member of the advertising agencies association of Nigeria (AAAN).

    American marketing author and professor, Philip Kotler once said, “integrated marketing communications is a way of looking at the whole marketing process from the viewpoint of the consumer.” Being able to tell one story across different user touchpoints as Livespot has done for its brands is important and is what would define the growth of agencies in Nigeria’s highly competitive marketing communications sphere.

    According to Femi Osinubi, a Technology, Information, Communications and Entertainment (CITE) Industry Leader at PwC Nigeria, a user’s experience is what bridges the gap between brands and their users. In aPwC report, he noted that the way to achieve this was to capitalize on emerging technologies to delight users in new ways and provide superior user experiences.

    By following this approach, Livespot has been able to turn consumers into fans and advocates by merging entertainment and marketing and also aiming for the heart rather than the head. The company has put together some of Nigeria’s most remarkable experiential and digital marketing campaigns and concerts in recent times.

    Between 2014 and 2016, Livespot was responsible for Darey Art Alade’s Love Like a Movie which saw in attendance of some of the world’s top celebrities – Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, and Ciara. Love Like a Movie has been voted one of Nigeria’s best music concerts of all time.

    In December 2017, Livespot handled production, experiential marketing and digital engagement of Falz’s debut concert tagged The Falz Experience which was later described by Nigerians as “The Best Music Concert of 2017”. Being the most successful and highest ranked music showcase of 2017, the concert generated renewed attention and investment which will result in a second edition.

  • 2018: Samsung okays QLED television for Nigerian homes

    Samsung has revealed that its newest and smartest television, the Samsung QLED Television 2018, is  build with an  Ambient Mode feature that will seamlessly resonate with lifestyle and Nigerian homes.

    Key Account Manager, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Olumide Olakotan, said in Lagos that the new device would not only serve as an entertainment tool, but also add to the glamour that Samsung products brings to the home.

    He added that the new features in Samsung 2018 QLED television included a new ‘Invisible Connection’ or a single super-thin cable that will be hard to spot.

    “The main cable and nest of HDMI cables will go into the standard, separate connection box, and then a single, barely noticeable cable connects them to the television, leaving the area clutter free and tidy.

    This is the first time such a thin cable has handled both data and power duties, said the Samsung official.

    “At Samsung, we are focused on leaving a legacy of perfection for our consumers and that is why all our products are carefully crafted to meet the very specific needs of our growing dynamic and stylish customers,” he said.

    The manager said that the QLED could double as a piece of art in the living room or blend into the wall.

    “The QLED when wall-mounted and on Ambient Mode can mimic the pattern on the wall behind the television, to create an astonishing visual effect in which the TV blends seamlessly into the wall.

    “QLED television can hide in plain sight. If you are not watching, you will not see a TV,” Olakotan added.

    Olakotan said users could now experience the truly connected life through the SmartThings app which connects the television to a broad range of smart devices and appliances, from the fridge to your smartphone, among others.

    He stressed that with the OneRemote feature, users could do without juggling remotes to control the different connected devices as it automatically detects, identifies and controls connected devices and content.

    “Users never have to take their eyes off the television to operate any internet connected device in their homes – hence the slogan, See Nothing Else.

    “The QLED 2018 is voice operated and can be easily synched with any device in the home powered by internet connectivity.

    “With this feature, users can dim the light, turn off the washing machine and regulate the air conditioner all from the comfort of their couch.

    “The television comes in 55, 65 and 75 inches with a curved screen option and is now available at Samsung outlets throughout Nigeria,’’ he said

  • INTBREW Appoints Scott Murray as Non-Executive Director

    The Board of International Breweries Plc has appointed Mr. Andrew Scott Murray as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

    Murray; has been the Vice-President, Finance for ABInBev Africa, leading the finance function across the AB Inbev Africa operations, with his base in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    He was the Global Director AB Inbev M&A based in New York with exceptional track record of handling transactions and corporate disposals of different description and magnitude.

    He was also part of the ABInbev’s focused group on Budgeting and Business Performance Optimization.

    Prior to joining ABInBev in 2013, Andrew worked at Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm for approximately 7 years. He holds a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Williams College and an MBA from The Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University).

    “The Board is pleased to have Mr. Murray’s experience come to bear on the company”, said Muyiwa Ayojimi, company secretary and General Counsel, IB Plc.

  • Ugbe: MultiChoice Nigeria is gender friendly

    MultiChoice Nigeria is committed to empowering women, and this has rubbed off in the growth of the firm.

    Chief Executive Officer, Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe made this known at the maiden edition of Women in Advertising Cocktail in Lagos.

    ‘‘From having a senior management team of an almost equal gender split, to actively putting in place programs which celebrate gender equality, MultiChoice Nigeria has been extremely progressive in numerous ways,” he said.

    He continued, “Some of our most important operations are headed by very brilliant, hardworking women who, I must say, give the men a run for their money.”

    According to the United Nations Women in every part of the world have been marginalized, often as a result of discriminatory laws, practices, attitudes and gender stereotypes and low levels of education…

    Individual women have overcome these obstacles with great acclaim, and often to the benefit of society at large. But for women as a whole, the playing field needs to be level, opening opportunities for all.

    Speaking on the theme, ‘Growing Female Chief Executives’ Ugbe believe more successful female executives can emerge in Nigeria but not without “taking ownership of your success and toot your horn where necessary,”he said.

    “Get a mentor, be a mentor, the WIMBIZ and their “Big Sister” project is a good example of women mentoring the next generation.”

    “To strive for balance in every area of your life, you have to delegate where possible, collaborate more, ask for help and receive it graciously where necessary.”

    According to Ugbe, “the rise of young professional successful females who have become strong personal brands due to social media and inspiring a new generation of female leaders are Arese Ugwu, InspiredbyGlory, Stephanie Obi, Folusho Gbadamosi and many more. Successful professional females must get an education both in school and in life – you will need it.”

    Speaking on MultiChoice Nigeria’s female to male ratio in the senior management team, Ugbe acknowledged that this ratio is not a common feature emphasing that women on the management team have been extremely beneficial to the company.

    ‘‘Women are finishers, more detail-oriented and often more emotionally intelligent than their male colleagues; this is why MultiChoice is constantly looking for female talent that add value and contribute meaningfully.’’

    Mrs. Tope Jemerigbe, CEO, DKK Nigeria and Mrs. Angela Emuwa, Chairman Punch Newspapers, were present at the forum. They lend their voice on the need for mentorship, networking, capacity building and work-life balance for women in Nigeria.

  • CSR: Lager Beer to Empower Consumers in Asaba

    Life Continental lager beer will be taking its flagship CSR initiative, Life Progress Booster, to the capital city of Delta State.

    To be part of the initiative, interested participants are required to submit their business proposals at designated drop points or visit Life Continental Beer website – life-nigeria.com to send in their entries.

    Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to pitch their existing businesses to a team of business experts and judges including Chief Technologist, Enugu State University, Dr Ferdinand Ozoani, a member of Customary Court Enugu, Mr Michael Ndubuisi, and amongst others in the panel of judges. Successful candidates across the catchment zones get to receive grants to enliven their businesses.

    Under this scheme, the brand plan to toke up those core attributes of enterprise, hard work and ingenuity of the Igbo man and still make life fun, the brand has said.

    Life Continental Lager Beer is a beer from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc made from the choicest grains, hop extract and the purest of waters.  It is brewed to give that rich, crisp distinctive taste and well-rounded aroma in true quality fashion of the master brewers.

    In this fourth edition of the initiative, the brand will be reaching out to the Igbo community in the seven states of Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Delta and Rivers where Life Continental lager beer is the beer of choice and market leader in the mainstream lager beers.

    In Asaba, a city strategically located on a hill at the western edge of the Niger Bridge, the Life Progress team will visit Ogbegonogo market to boost the awareness for the programme which produced Godwin Nkechinyere, a barber and Okoye Amarachukwu, a spare part dealer, as beneficiaries of N300,000 each at the last live show in Ekwulobia, Anambra state.

  • Android OS Nokia 6.1 Plus in Nigeria, says HMG Global Chief

    HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has announced the availabilit of the Nokia 6.1 Plus in Nigeria.

     It is a stunning, contemporary smartphone with an immersive, all-screen design, a statement from HMD Globl said.

    The premium device has smart storytelling features and a display that’s perfect for watching videos, messaging friends and catching up on your social feeds, the Nokia 6.1 Plus will help you to stand out from the crowd and tell your story. The Nokia 6.1 Plus joins the Android One family of Nokia smartphones.

    Olumide Balogun, Head of Marketing, HMD Global, said:

    “Early this year, we introduced some devices and our fans around the world made it very clear that they wanted to see more of the same from us. This excitement for cutting-edge smartphones with contemporary designs prompted us to introduce a device using the same formula. We are launching the Nokia 6.1 Plus because you asked for it and we’re excited to continue delivering the first-class experiences and quality expected from a Nokia smartphone.”

    Stand out all-screen design and performance

    Built with the reassuring quality you expect of a Nokia smartphone, the Nokia 6.1 Plus gives you a bigger screen experience without a bigger smartphone design thanks to its notched 19:9 screen ratio. Its 5.8-inch Full HD+ 19:9 screen ratio with 96% colour gamut allows for a vivid viewing experience, making the Nokia 6.1 Plus a perfect smartphone for enjoying immersive content experiences. Beautifully crafted to the exacting standards expected from a Nokia phone, the Nokia 6.1 Plus is encased in Corning® Gorilla® Glass on the front of the phone’s luxuriously curved surface for the ultimate feel in your hand.

    Behind the elegant looks, the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 636 Mobile Platform is 40% faster than the previous iteration making it great for streaming and gaming. The platform delivers first-class graphics and gaming performance alongside battery efficiency enhancements, so you can enjoy your audio and video for even longer. Together with optimised hardware and USB type-C fast charging, you can create, edit and multitask effortlessly, without having to worry about whether your battery will last through the day.

     

    Powerful storytelling

    The Nokia 6.1 Plus puts advanced imaging features in the palm of your hand. Powered by a 16MP/5MP dual sensor rear camera that delivers excellent sharpness and detail, you can also bring your photos to life with HDR which delivers even better vibrancy and contrast, creating a feeling of greater depth. With its rear depth sensing imaging you can capture professional style images using selectable bokeh blur, which can also be edited after the picture is taken.

     

    Capture highly detailed, mirror-like selfies with the perfectly balanced 16MP front camera and elevate your #Bothie game with AI enhancements on both cameras simultaneously, another first made available on a Nokia smartphone. Use the innovative Dual-Sight feature to live-stream your #Bothies directly to social media to share both sides of your story in real time. The Nokia 6.1 Plus has AI enhancements that bring your stories to life with fun filters, masks and our 3D personas, as well as the portrait lighting that adds captivating lighting effects to your images.

     

    Pure, secure and up-to-date, reinforced with Android One commitment

    The Nokia 6.1 Plus joins the Android One family of Nokia smartphones, offering an experience designed by Google that is smart, secure and simply amazing. The Nokia 6.1 Plus will stay fresh over time with three years of monthly security patches and two years of guaranteed OS updates after launch. As with all Nokia smartphones in the Android One programme, you’ll get more battery and storage space out of the box thanks to a carefully curated set of pre-loaded apps. And you will stay ahead of the game with the latest Google services like the Google Assistant and Google Photos with free unlimited high-quality photo storage.

     

    By shipping with Android Oreo™ out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest features, including Google Lens, picture-in-picture for multitasking, Google Play Instant to discover and run apps with minimal friction, and battery-saving features like limiting background app use. It is also ready for Android Pie.

     

    Availability

    The Nokia 6.1 Plus comes in three colour options – Gloss Black, Gloss White and Gloss Midnight Blue – and is available in Nigeria from 26th September, 2018 at an estimated retail price of N95, 000

  • Regulator Approves Ekojara as Online Raffle Draw Game Platform

    The Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) has approved the operations of Koborise App Technologies Ltd., on online raffle draw gaming services in Nigeria.

    The technology company have on Monday officially unveiled the digital gaming platform with the name Ekojara at a media meet in Lagos.

    Speaking at the media launch the Co-Founder/CEO of Ekojara, Mr. Hillary Nwaukor, an auctioneer, explained that the gaming operands is uniquely design to seamlessly add value to the lives of millions of Nigerians.

    According to Nwaukor, Ekojara platform gives users opportunity to win big value items and cash with minimum risk of 0.20% of the published value; this is a predetermined amount of money that user pays for each ticket they buy.

    “For instance, if we publish a cash game of N10,000, each user that want to bid to win the prize will be required to play with 0.20% of N10,000 which is equal to N20 Naira per chance”, he said.

    “After downloading app, the user is required to sign-up, then top-up their wallets with minimum of N500 naira before taking a chance to play the advertised games”, he explained.

    The game categories ranges from Household Electronics, Smartphones, Recharge Cards, Data Plan, Automobiles and Cash.

    And, Ekojara Co-Founder, Olayemi Agbe-Davies, further explained that “You may notice that we have real estate and automobile listed among the categories. Yes, we are a forward thinking organisation and believe that very soon ‘players’ can win houses as rewards likewise automobiles”.

    “Players enter their dream numbers and submit within the odds of 01-99 into 5 unique boxes provided for a given Dream-bid category. Each submitted set of lucky numbers, generate a unique ticket entry. Numbers played can be generated by the players or by the system depending on the option the player wants.

    “When the bid time elapses on a game, a draw will be carried out by the randomiser system and one ticket out of the lots of entry will emerge a winner for the advertised item. The draw system is transparent and void of human manipulation. The system is designed to entrench probity and accountability”, he explained.

    As gathered the Company is equally positioned to outsource the application to Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) Companies in Nigeria and Online Brand Influencers – for general bonanza, giveaways and promotions driven by our innovative lottery application.

    “Our Trademarks and unique gaming application is fully Copyrighted and registered with the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry, Commercial Law Department, Federal Ministry Of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abuja,” Agbe-Davies confirmed.

    General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of LSLB, Mr. Seun Anibaba, who witnessed a live draw to exhibit the credibility and transparency of the platform that was done at the press meet confirmed that Koborise has been authorised to commence the online game after passing the rigorous accreditation stages subject for approved.

    Mr. Anibaba represented by the Head, Legal (Board Secretary/Legal Adviser), Mrs. Adebanke Ogunode, said that the Board maintains strict processes before such platforms are approved as means to ensure transparency and customer satisfaction.

    “LSLB holds its licensees to high operational standards in the interest of stakeholders. Before Ekojoara was approved, it was subject to different tests.

    “LSLB is notable for adopting a stakeholder inclusive approach in carrying out its regulatory functions. We promote a conducive operating environment for licensees and integrity of games for stakers. Thus, Koborise App Technologies Ltd have now been approved to carry out lottery games online”, the GM/CEO said.

    Highlight of the event was a live demo where Ajise Samuel, from Lagos, emerged winner of N20,000 for October 1, 2018; he played with N40.

  • Spectranet Offers Blue Freedom Mifi for Nigerian’s Independence Anniversary

    Spectranet is celebrating Nigeria’s Independence with Blue Freedom MiFi offer.

    The Premier Internet Service Provider, said It introduces the new Blue Freedom MiFi with 25GB free data for N16,000 to improve internet service experience on independence day.

    According to the service provider the entry of the Blue Freedom MiFi is premised on the celebration of Nigeria’s 58th independence anniversary just as it aims to deepen internet penetration in the country.

    Blue Freedom MiFi offers consumers the opportunity to enjoy seamless internet connectivity for business, personal and allied purposes, the internet operator said.

    When checked the new MiFi can connect up to 10 users at a time – help connecting several devices or users at a time

    It has child lock facility as users can block unwanted websites which is a very important feature for families where children are exposed to internet.

    Mike Ogor, Head of Marketing, who spoke on the brand aspiration said, “The Blue Freedom MiFi is uniquely beautiful, pocket-friendly and trendy, fitting into everyday life of consumers who appreciates elegance and quality services.

    “The battery life can stay up to 8 hours without power source. It has a front display screen that shows your data usage and the balance. It is very easy to carry in your bag or pocket.

    “In a nutshell, the Blue Freedom MiFi upgrades the customer to the next level of internet connection and makes him stay ahead of others in style while enjoying additional benefit of fast, reliable and value-for-money internet connectivity. The cost of the Blue Freedom MiFi is N16, 000 only with free 25GB data and free night browsing,” he said.

    Spectranet Limited was the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria. The brand is known for providing an affordable, faster and more reliable internet broadband to Nigerian homes and offices.

    Its internet service is currently available across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. Its state of the art network ensures high speed internet connectivity for the customers.

    Spectranet 4G LTE is a recipient of multiple awards for Best 4G LTE Internet Service Provider in Nigeria in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  • The Real Deal Experience moves to Jos with Five Attractions

    Below is a list of five things we are sure of as the train of Friendship party dubbed The Real Deal Experience move to Jos this September.

     

    Here we go.

     

    The Eulogies

    The Audience will be thrilled with various eulogies in English, different local languages and pidgin for the premier Stout brand. These eulogies would make use of humorous literary devices and figures of speech all to the amusement of the audience. Let’s laugh over a bottle of legend, so much for paying its dues, yeah, Legend extra stout deserves some accolades.

     

    Music.

    Everything goes well with good music. Whether it is jamming the best of Nigeria’s afro-pop or being lulled by bluesy ballads and instrumentals that get your eyes watering, music is the ultimate mood magic.

    With the Real Deal Experience, you can also guarantee that the best music fitted for the right audience is stewing, ready to be served in a steaming bowl of awesomeness.

     

    However, that’s not even the best part.

    You get to see the musicians IN PERSON, performing the songs you have come to know and love, and interacting with the fans beyond the radios and screens. If you’re as enthusiastic as me, you probably get to take a selfie too, or do a live video to ‘pepper’ all your followers on social media. How amazing is that!

    The headliner for this edition is none other than the Incredible Mister himself, MI Abaga, spitting fire bars for days. The talented rapper/songwriter will grace the stages of the Jos show and get fans jumping on their feet and stomping the house down.

    We hear his latest album is fire. Come hear it directly from the source.

    And I must warn you: come heavy because you bear a great risk of being blown away completely. This is not a drill.

     

    Taste-Tell-Win

    You didn’t think the Real Deal Experience will come all this way without gifts and goodies now, did you?

     

    To enable everyone get a chance to go home with extra big smiles, the Taste, Tell and Win game will be one of the highlights of the evening. It is a blind taste test wherein consumers identify Legend Extra Stout as the Real Stout from a lineup of unidentified drinks and winners get to go home with exciting prizes such as flat screen television sets, generators and refrigerators, among other items. This is for those who know their beer.

     

    Don and Ennada.

    I can tell you read that as ‘Done and another’, and that may just be apt, as there is always one new reason to not miss the show.

     

    If you have followed the Real Deal Experience so far, you can tell listening to the hosts of the shows is one of the apogees. That’s because some of the country’s best comperes get to anchor the event, and in this edition, comedian De Don and Big Brother Naija Ex-housemate, Ifu Ennada will be the hosts, creating great chemistry, laughs and engaging the audience throughout the brilliant experience.

     

    Apart from the headlining musician and anchors, there will also be electrifying live performances by up and coming acts and comedians from all around J-town.

    Connect! Laugh! Dance!

    What is the point of a night this fun if you don’t get to strut your stuff on the dance floor?

     

    The event is set up in such a way as to allow for movement around, meeting amazing people, making new friends, and dancing like no one is watching.

     

    The event is slated to hold on the 23rd of September at the Polo field, Jos City.

  • Over 36,000 Consumers Win Star Lager Promo

    Star Lager Beer has rewarded over 36,000 consumers through its national consumer promo tagged Star ‘United We Shine Millionaires Promo’ which ran for 3 months and ended on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

    The Special limited edition bottles were issued by Nigerian Breweries for the promo. The bottles were capped with special crown corks bearing unique winning codes which consumers were able to redeem via a USSD dial of *566*20#. During the promo, consumers were rewarded with over 300 million Naira worth of prizes including instant airtime, cash prizes of various levels ranging up to N10 million plus millions of free drinks and other consolation prizes. Weekly winners were awarded at Star gala events in various cities and presented with their winnings by the brand representatives.

    Speaking on the concluded promo, the Portfolio Manager National Premium, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Olayinka Bakare stated that Star Lager Beer keeps fulfilling its long standing promise to continue rewarding consumers in various regions and zones in Nigeria. “One of the distinguishing feature of the promo is Nigerian Breweries commitment to celebrating Nigeria and its loyal consumers. We can proudly say we achieved our aim and we will continue to reward loyal consumers in the days to come.”

    The ‘United We Shine’ promo lived up to its billing as being one of the biggest ever consumer promotions in Nigeria producing over 250 millionaires rewarded in different regions/ zones in Nigeria. The Star ‘United We Shine Millionaires Promo’ reinstates the beer’s commitment as a consumer-focused brand.