The Nation Newspaper

Category: Brand week

  • Justrite Superstores to unveil online shop

    The management of Justrite Superstores has said the indigenous superstore will introduce its online arm before the end of the year.

    The Managing Director, Justrite Superstores, Mrs. Tosin Aderinwale, said in view of the growing popularity of the indigenous retail superstore in its decade of existence, there are plans to increase the number of outlets from two to four within the next seven months. Similarly, its online store will be launched within the next few months to cater for its growing clientele.

    Mrs. Aderinwale noted that access to finance, cost of finance, infrastructural challenges, power, multiple taxation and human capital challenges are some of the problems that businesses contend with in the country and urged the authorities to intervene in the proper sense of the word.

    “Cost of generating alternative source of power, double taxation, billing demand notices by governments – local, state and federal agencies increase the overhead cost of doing business, reduces profit and hampers growth. Therefore, the authorities need to intervene,” she added.

  • Journalists, firm partner on summit

    The Brand Journalists’Association of Nigeria (BJAN) is partnering The Exp Nigeria for the African Experiential Marketing Summit (AEMS) billed for next month in Lagos.

    The summit is taking place in Lagos for the first time since it was inaugurated in 2000, after it had been previously held in South Africa and Kenya.

    The Chairman of BJAN, Mr Goddie Ofose, said the collaboration is expected to help the organisers get the needed media coverage.

    The event will be hosted by Exp Nigeria – thought leaders in the experiential marketing category across the continent – to give marketers from the West African region insight into how to better their campaigns.

    The summit, which has as theme, Re-invent your experiences, will feature some of the world’s leading experts, such as Dan Hanover, the Editor and Founder of Event Marketer Magazine, United States – the world’s leading provider of experiential marketing content – and Kim Skildum-Reid, Sponsorship Author and Consultant (Australia).

    Exp Group Chief Marketing Officer, David Boon, explained that AEMS is part of Exp’s vision of making it easier for marketers from across the continent to experience the experiential marketing revolution that is heating up in Africa and around the world.

     ”The AEMS is a three-country event that will be happening in Johannesburg (South Africa), Nairobi (Kenya).”

  • Etisalat boosts African literature with new fiction prize

    Nigeria’s telecom giant Etisalat has launched an ambitious and value driven writing prize christened “The Etisalat Prize for Literature” which was launched recently at The Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, Lagos.
    According to Ebi Atawodi, Etisalat’s Head of High Value Events & Sponsorships, the prize is being set up because “African writing is going through an era of great impetus, with new writers emerging each year and the popularity of African literature clearly on display at international awards such as the Caine Prize, the Man Booker Prize and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. The best in African fiction may yet be ahead. It is now time to create a pan-African homegrown platform that promotes and celebrates emerging talent, especially in fiction.”
    Conceived as a pan-African prize, the prize will be awarded to the first published novel by an author of African descent.
    The prize winner will get a £15,000 cash prize, an Etisalat sponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia, a four nation book tour and Etisalat will purchase and distribute 1,000 copies of the authors book to select schools.
    Speaking at an exclusive dinner party for patrons, judges and a select group of writers at the Lagos Yacht Club on Tuesday, Ebi said: “we are de-emphasising the money and focusing more on value for the writer and his craft.”
    She also added that the winner will be mentored by the award-winning author of The Last King of Scotland, Giles Foden, whom Ebi said is “very excited about the prize”.
    Steven Evans, MD/CEO of Etisalat in his short comment at the dinner party, said Etisalat is committed to the prize “which he believes that people in Nigeria will be proud of” while hailing the amazing literary talent coming out of Africa.
    The launch and press conference played host to a number of internationally known personalities and intellectuals including the Patrons and Judges Billy Kahora, Dele Olojede, Ellah Wakatama Allfrey (OBE), Kole Omotoso, Margaret Busby (OBE) and Pumla Gqola.

  • Indomie: When children become heroes

    hey have three things in common. They are young, impressionable and kind-hearted. They are the heroes of our time. With their heroic feats in different parts of the country where they reside, they have shown that all hope is not lost for Nigeria. Yes, the adults or the grown up amongst Nigerians involved in shady, wicked and unsavoury deeds may be giving Nigeria a bad name they are hell-bent on redeeming the battered name of Nigeria with their positive acts. They are indeed the heroes of the Nigeria of the present and of the future.

    In recognition and celebration of their heroic feats, Indomie, the fastest selling noodles brand in Nigeria has been celebrating these young achievers for the past five years through an annual reward programme. The event is known as the Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes. The 2012 edition of the award was held last Saturday. And surprisingly, leading the pack of heroes at the event this was an orphan. Olufunmilayo Bello, an orphan based in Benin, Edo State saved the life of an abandoned baby boy, whom she later named Zaccheaus. Zaccheaus was dumped by an unknown wicked mother in the Benin moths. But he found a savior in Olufunmilayo who rescued him. For her heroic feat, Olufunmilayo emerged the overall winner at the 2012 edition of the Indomie Independence Day award for Heroes of Nigeria.

    When she was named the winner, the atmosphere was emotionally charged with encomium galore as 15 years old Olufunmilayo, currently living in an orphanage home in Benin became an instant star by emerging first prize winner of one million naira for her brave act of heroism at the fifthth edition of the Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on Saturday October 13, 2012

    The ceremony was witnessed by crème de la crème of the society including the First Lady of Lagos, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, Senators, top government functionaries, captain of Industries and members of the diplomatic corps.

    Besides Olufunmilayo, other winners are George Sadoh (Second Prize Winner) who is also 15 years old and 10 years old Princess Esan (third prize winner) received a distinctive crystal plaque and cash N750,000 and N500,000 respectively for their bravery and acts of heroism.

    Olufunmilayo, was adjudged first by the Panel of Judges for her selfless act of heroism for picking up and saving the life of a deformed abandoned baby whom she named Zacheaus despite all discouragement. She later prevailed on the Proprietor of her orphanage to take in the poor boy for proper care.

    George Sadoh from Warri, Delta State came second for his brave and courageous act of saving a man who was being robbed by scaring away his attackers with ‘knockouts’ and later taking the victim to the hospital. Princess Esan was awarded third position for saving the life of her brother first when fire gutted their home at great risk to herself.

    In his welcome address at the event, the Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Deepak Singhal noted that the Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria is a reflection of the importance and belief of the company in the extraordinary qualities of the Nigerian child which must never be ignored but must be celebrated.

    While congratulating the winners of the Fifth edition of the Award for their courage to live a life of a hero through selflessness and acts of bravery, Mr Deepak Singhal then urged other Nigerian children to emulate them by aspiring to be heroes by exhibiting even greater acts of heroism.

    Delivering the keynote address titled ‘52 Years Post Independence-The Future of the Nigerian Child’, the Special Guest of honour at the event, former Speaker of Lagos Assembly, Senator Olorunibe Mamora decried the present situation of the Nigerian child as all stakeholders including the Family, the School, the religious organisations and the government have failed to give the deserved attention to their well-being and grooming for the future.

    Senator Mamora then urged all stakeholders to pay more attention to proper upbringing and moulding of the children as the future of the country depends on them. “We cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect a different result. Therefore, it is high time we realised that the task of ensuring better future of the Nigerian child is a collective responsibility and we must play our individual role either as a parent, school, religious body and the government,” he said.

    He then praised Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, for rekindling the hope of the Nigerian child with this enviable initiative by rewarding acts of bravery and heroism in our children and thereby inspiring them to aspire for greater heights.

    Presenting the Award to the first prize winner, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola lauded Dufil Prima Foods Plc for inspiring the spirit of heroism and patriotism in the children who are the future leaders of the nation. She admonished other Nigerian children to strive to be heroes.

    Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria is a Social Responsibility Initiative from Dufil Prima Foods Plc (makers of Indomie Instant Noodles). The award is geared towards the recognition of children who have against all odds exhibited extraordinary acts of heroism in the face of danger/societal challenges which have sometimes brought them injury.

    The award eulogizes the exemplary accomplishments of children who are young but yet matured, and have shown extraordinary courage and determination in situations that ordinarily would bring fear, discouragement and self pity.

    There is no doubt that Nigeria is indeed fortunate and blessed to have young people with this nature of service and milk of human kindness flowing in them. The future of this great country is secured with them as citizens, which is why Dufil Pima believes they need to be recognised and celebrated publicly to encourage their acts of heroism and patriotism. The impact of their heroism stands as an irrefutable endorsement of the exceptional human ability.

     

     

  • Etisalat introduces Easyflex

    Etisalat Nigeria has introduced a new Easyflex television commercial that features Nigerian-born Hollywood actor, Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
    The one-minute commercial opens up with the actor, who has starred in various Hollywood blockbuster movies including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean III’, ‘X-men Origins: Wolverine’ and the Oscar nominated film ‘Hotel Rwanda’, describing the all new Etisalat Easyflex bundle in an engaging monologue complete with special sound effects and high quality imagery.
    Easyflex is one bundle plan that allows customers to call more, browse more and text more to any network without restrictions. The plan comes in four variants: Flex N1000, Flex N700, Flex N500 and Flex N300.
    Director, Brands and Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Enitan Denloye, said this was informed by the firm’s drive to be ‘uniquely different’ in all ramifications whether in the products and services it offers or the way it communicates.
    “We consider ourselves as innovators in the telecommunications industry, a description that has reflected in many of our value-added propositions and world class communication materials since inception in 2008,” he said.

  • … Going green in Africa

    Green Afrique Network, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and The Rock Foundation is organising an African Action Summit in honour of World Environment Day to exploit Africa’s natural resources for sustainable economic development; adoption of best practices for human hygiene and waste management; identify and protect endangered species of African Flora and Fauna and to develop a platform for the promotion of clear and impactful projects throughout Africa.
    The summit, which is billed to take place June 28, in Lagos, Nigeria will feature a Green Lecture, a high -level lunch, and an Elite Gala dinner.  Some of the speakers expected at the summit include Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gbenga Ashiru, The Guardian Newspapers, Mrs Maiden Ibru, Nigeria’s foremost Green Activists – Dr Newton Jibunoh; Senator Remi Tinubu and Prof Wole Soyinka among others.
    In a statement by Green Afrique Network, with the clear understanding that the future belongs to the youth, the summit will allow for youths participation via the iRave Nigeria- TAN Ultra Violet RAVE!  Featuring Nigeria’s ‘hottest Dj’s’ and selected artists.
    The summit will also engage vibrant use of popular social media platforms to popularise the message: “Green Nigeria, Green Africa, Green World”.
    It has also provided a platform through its website www.greenafrique.com to RSVP for the event and also interact through Twitter #greenafrique and Green Afrique on facebook.
    According to the convener, “The earth has suffered unprecedented abuse. Sometimes, this abuse goes undocumented and some of the effects may remain unknown for generations to come. Humans have exploited the land for its mineral resources, dumped toxic waste in the seas and oceans, and hunted some of the fauna and flora to near or complete extinction. They have not cared enough to consider that Mother Earth is dying and in dire need of advocates. Like a maiden in distress, the land is in search of true heroes.”
    “The expectation is that participants will begin to carry a torch for the environment and protect it dearly. they will understand creative ways to manage trash; earn additional ‘green’ income from tree planting and agriculture; and green efficiency even in the home, will ring out loud and proud. Caring for the environment is critical! The time for AFRICAN Environmental ACTION is Now!”

  • How to tackle out-of-home advertising challenges

    How to tackle out-of-home advertising challenges

    State of out-of-home advertising In out-of-home advertising  there exists, most often, an agreement between the advertiser, the site owner, and the media owner who has media rights to the site. This arrangement is called Third Party Advertising and it covers all manner of billboards, outdoor hoardings, out-of-home and ambient media opportunities. In Third Party Advertising, the advertiser pays for the right to place advertising on the site to promote his brands to the public.
    The advertising of anything which is not produced, procured, sold, delivered, performed or provided from the premises which, or within five metres of which, the advertisement is displayed is known as third party advertisement. There is a concise and accurate types of third party advertisement due to modernisation, innovativeness, creativity and advancement in technological growth in the advertisement industry. Next are some very conversant and common types of ads that we see around. It should be noted that the advertising medium improves daily.

    Experience in private and public sectors Having been on the two sides of both private and public sectors, I make bold to say that there is need for a thorough sanitisation of our environment in to bring sanity to our landscape.
    This declaration is coming from the background that it is in our collective interest to improve our environment either as individual, professional groups and government. We should be reminded that it is only when the outdoor space is safe, sane and conducive for business that both Government and Stakeholders would continue to thrive.
    As individuals, the state of our environment speaks volume about who we are. Indeed, it affects our quality of life and it is a measuring rod for the civility of our society. Hence we must combat disorder and chaos of unplanned and haphazardly erected outdoor advertising structures.

    Roles of professionals
    As professionals, there is the need to discharge our corporate responsibilities diligently and whole hearhedly. One of these responsibilities is the need to pay our taxes, levies and other relevant bills promptly while the other essential factor is to ensure that our practice is well regulated within the ambience of all regulations thus ensuring and encouraging environmental aesthetics
    For Government, the task of making the environment safe, investors friendly and aesthetically appealing should be its topmost priority which must not be compromised.

    Torn and dilapidated posters and billboards
    A critical look at the use of out-of-home platforms in public and corporate communication in some of our major cities is nothing to write home about. Outdoor advertising structure of various types, shapes and sizes are erected haphazardly with many in deplorable conditions. Some with sub-standard materials,  some already dilapidated, some not properly positioned, some wearing faded and badly torn posters while some are  broken.
    If this is the outdoor scene that  pervades our environment, what effectiveness are we talking about? Rather than talk about environmental protection we should be discussing Environmental pollution which in anyway does not help public and corporate communications.
    Chaotic situations like these will not only cast aspersion on this very important medium of communication, its practitioners but also the users (advertisers), government and the general public which we must collectively combat.

    Resistance to change
    Another serious challenge is our inability to adapt or adopt necessary and useful change as it were. Except in very few instances, what we see on some of our major city roads are traditional or conventional boards.
    We should have adorned our streets, like other developed parts of the world, with cutting edge technology driven media solutions commensurate with international standards and best practices via the introduction of LED Electronic Display Technology not minding our limitations which arises from epileptic power supply.

    Playing by the rules
    How do you divorce payment or settlement of bills from efficient service delivery? For our public and corporate communicatios to be effective, stakeholders need to discharge their corporate responsibilities diligently. No responsible government will tolerate flagrant abuse of social/financial responsibilities on the part of its citizens, especially when the same government is putting resources together to ensure an enabling environment for all.

    The way forward
    My submission here is to re-emphasise the need for stakeholders to start a new process of re-engineering, re-energising, re-creating and re-shaping the business of out of home in Nigeria.
    It is important that the outdoor advertising industry is restructured while a global sanitisation  is carried out to enhance the environment and bring about desired effectiveness in public and corporate communications. This in will only be achieved where and when autonomous signage and advertisement agencies are established by government and qualified professionals are engaged towards effective planning and implementation of set strategies.
    A critical look at today’s outdoor life in some of our model states, such as Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Enugu, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abuja etc. will confirm saner, safer and more beautiful environment with world-class out of home platforms such as mega boards, spectacular unipoles, scrolling boards, wall drapes, street furniture, LED gantries and Iconic LED Board, which is considered the hottest medium of outdoor advertisement in the third millennium.

    The LED models
    LED screens have some special features that make advertisements beautiful, attractive and also have capacity to transmit live events and other public communications. It represents a more attractive medium of outdoor exposure causing the environment to be economically and aesthetically improved. With the setting up of autonomous agencies by the government, there is strong political will and support for planning.

    Benefits of reform
    The serious challenge of multiple taxation and miscreants is erased as the government has the wherewithal to combat these disturbing and perennial problems. The government is in a position to spend huge amount of money on landscaping, general beautification of the environment and other infrastructural facilities as provision of such facilities are excellent social service delivery to the people it governs.
    Where it cannot cope with the huge spending, it is in a position to adopt a Public-Private Participation (PPP) initiative, which is key to the development of any state.
    There are so many benefits to be derived from a reform of this nature hence  stake holders must come together and support proper regulation and control, not self-regulation of out of home platforms for the benefits of all. In doing so,  professionals must be assigned to carry out this great task.

  • Water filter makes debut

    An American company, Water Technologies has introduced its potable water filter into the market to help people get safe drinking water in a consistent and affordable manner.
    It was launched by the Nigerian franchise owners, Revelations Water Technologies Nigeria Limited in Lagos.
    Speaking at the event, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ron Moser emphasised that there is nothing more important than the business of life, adding that water is about the most crucial component of life. “There isn’t much anyone can do without water, yet millions of people all over the world do not have access to safe drinking water. Some who do have access do not consistently enjoy safe drinking water,” he said, adding that the various issues associated with drinking water inspired the design and  production of the water filter.

  • ‘Quality vital to production’

    Fumman Agricultural Ltd, manufacturers of Fumman brands of fruit juice, has reaffirmed its commitment to top class quality for its product range.

    The company, according to the Managing Director, Mr Layi Adeyemi, is poised to sustain its pedigree as a strong and focused firm which produces quality products.

    “We have reinvented the rules in the industry and this endear our brands to the target consumers.

    “Our brands create a unique experience for our consumers and the touchpoints have further deepened our brand equity in the marketplace,” he added.

    Adeyemi also said: “We want our consumers to know us for the quality we offer.”

    He said from the onset, Fumman brands are produced on the strong pillars of quality, which can not be compromised in any form.

    “Quality has been built into the Fumman brand since inception and our competitors have started to follow the path we charted,” he added.

  • Interior decor firm opens office

    The Chief Executive Officer of Simply Gifts & Interiors, Lagos, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwuke, has stated the determination of her company to redefine the industry as well as ensure that homes and offices are well furnish to international standard.
    She spoke at the opening of the company’s new office in Victoria Island, Lagos.
    Mrs. Nwuke, who took guests and customers around the duplex, stocked with new sample gifts items, said the relocation from Lekki to Victoria Island was due to the need to get varieties of products, thereby providing customers with good products.
    On how she started, she said: “I started doing this for friends and family at no cost. But a friend told me that this thing am doing that I can charge a fee for it and I explored the idea and little by little, people were happy to pay for it.
    “We started as Simply Gifts. The place was getting smaller by the day as we were doing bigger things. So, there was a need for a bigger location. It is more like a dream come through. We hope to grow bigger and extend our shops.”

    She also said that despite the challenges, she had kept to the field because she loves collecting and beautiful spaces. “I like coming to a hall and feeling relax.”
    Commenting on what services the company can provide, she said, “We box anything as we can transform anything into a special gift. We started small but as we provided better services clients keep coming.”