The Nation Newspaper

Category: Brand week

  • LG Nexus 4 testimony

    “Before buying the Nexus 4, I needed a good phone. But to me it is an investment. I don’t believe in buying a phone every now and then for the fun of it. It is better than nearly every phone in the market. It is a superior handset In more ways than one. This is a real Nexus.

    ”I have been using the LG Nexus 4 for close to two months now- it is super. Regarding capacity, I was concerned about it before buying, but now I see I don’t need much. All movies and audio I can get through DLNA from my external drives, with Windows Media Player and ArkMC installed on Nexus 4. Overall, the device is very convenient.

    “From my observation, the LG Nexus 4 is also very popular with the younger generation; the phone is more like a status symbol for them. It comes complete with specifications and applications to brag about. When compared to other phones in its league, the Nexus 4 has better resolution, faster processor, newer operating system as well as an ergonomic body. “

    That was how Rosemary Osunde a 35 year old woman detailed her thoughts and experience after two months of using the Nexus 4 phone recently introduced by LG Mobile. The computer analyst could not help but say more about the mobile device and all the amazing impact it is having on her performance and productivity level at work and at home.

    “This new smartphone from LG comes complete with my favorite Google Apps, an amasing Photo Sphere camera, cutting edge hardware, and access to my favorite entertainment on Google Play – Nexus 4 puts the best of Google in the palm of my hand,” she added.

    For Mr Ebere Bieni, a business executive who resides in Lagos, the LG Nexus 4 phone has empowered him in a great amount of ways so much that he depends on his phone to carry out most of his office tasks, as he can easily access files and documents on his phone even when he is not at his work desk. His old phone which also happened to be a Smartphone was grossly ineffective and inept which made him seek to get a new Smartphone that can perform on many levels. When he heard of the new LG Nexus 4 smartphone, he decided to give it a try. And ever since he purchased the LG Nexus 4, he found that he has become more productive and successful at what he does.

    His words: “Prior to acquiring the LG Nexus 4 Phone, the smartphone I was using was underwhelming and boring; it had Wi-Fi connectivity issues which made connecting to the internet extremely difficult. The screen was also too small which made deciphering and reading from the phone a herculean task; the battery was also an outstanding issue because it does not last long enough; as a result I had to charge it again and again. Microphone malfunction was another low point of the device.

    My wife had requested that I get a new Smartphone, but I declined due to my experiences with most of the smartphones that were available in the market because in my assessment those phones’ ‘highlights’ are mere enhancements of old features or just plain gimmicks.

    “Out of annoyance and frustration, I returned to using a feature phone that I have long neglected, but discovered my performance level at work was dropping as I was unable to access my mails as well as social media. All that continued till a friend intimated me on the amazing capabilities of the LG Nexus 4 smartphone. I was a bit apprehensive, but decided to give it a try. But having used it for two months now, I am hooked.

    “In terms of price, this phone is simply amazing; I am impressed with Nexus 4’s affordable price and impressive specifications; it is precisely priced to niggle away at the overpriced market; with a flagship phone that leads the way in both hardware and software it is indeed a breath of fresh air to an overpriced consumer market.

    “I will also like to point out that it has got the latest processor, amazing performance, 2GB of RAM and internal memory of 16GB. The nexus 4 also works great for games as well as TV. The fast processor makes for buttery smooth running. On the whole, I am highly impressed with what this mobile phone can do.”

    The LG Nexus 4 E960 phone was introduced into the Nigerian market in mid-February and it has been enjoying rave reviews with many users finding it to be a refreshing new way to interface with a smartphone.

    With the Nexus 4, navigation is a breeze, as users are able to get to the places they care about quickly and easily with Google Maps. With turn-by-turn GPS navigation, live traffic info, and integrated driving, walking and public transit directions, getting from one place to the other has never been easier.

    Users can search for nearby restaurants, businesses and more; recommendations from people in their circles and from experts, as well as full place reviews and summaries from Zagat editors are also easily accessible.

    3D Maps and rich satellite imagery is another massive feature on this phone as it gives one a more realistic sense of what’s around while features like Street View and Indoor Maps make sure you always know what’s in front of you.

    Weighing a mere 139g, the LG Nexus 4  also known as the E960  comes with exciting features such as the Android Jelly Bean Operating System (OS), an 8 Mega Pixel camera, 16 GB internal Memory capacity, 2GB of RAM as well as a 2,100 mAh Li-polymer battery.

    The mobile device in a massive way solidifies LG’s position as a brand to be reckoned with in the global smartphone market. Since its introduction it has been highly rated by phone pundits.

    LG Nexus 4 is a powerful unlocked Smartphone with a beautiful minimalist design and fast performance. It wins on internal performance and user experience. The Korean giant, LG Electronics strategically designed and manufactured the E960 in partnership with Google. The introduction of this high-end phone is informed by the company’s quest to achieve its primal objective of meeting the needs of its esteemed consumers.

     

  • Unilever storms Oke-Arin market

    Unilever, producers of Knorr and Royco seasoning, has stormed Oke-Arin market to reward loyal retailers.

    Shouts of victory rent the air as retailers were given their prizes ranging from deep freezers, refrigerators, and the grand prize of a car which was presented that same day in the market.

    The visibility challenge ran in 42 markets across regions Nigeria for four weeks. To participate in the competition, retailers had to have a minimum of 10 cases of any Unilever seasoning product, and they were awarded points for the creative display of these products within their shops.

    One of the winners couldn’t contain her joy as she kept running around the market in joy. Known as Mama Aliya, she said: “I didn’t really believe in the contest initially because lots of companies come with the same offer and afterall they don’t redeem their promises so I wasn’t so interested, but on the other hand, I saw it as a win-win game for me because I constantly buy and display Knorr and Royco seasoning so I decided to put-in for it. As you can see now that am a proud owner of a brand new deep freezer thanks to unilever”.

    Similar testimony was shared as the presentation continued. The last gift to be given was the grand prize of a car, which was presented to Mrs. Kehinde Ganiyat Abari of Kenny Stores. The market agreed that she deserved the prize.

    Speaking at the event, Mr Kwaku Boateng, the Sales Director for Unilever, said: “This contest was organised to appreciate and reward loyal retailers who over the years has stayed true to the brand. We would continue to support and say thank you to them”

    The winner of the grand prize also expressed her gratitude amid tears and laughter, she was obviously beyond herself as she recount her story. She said: “For me, it is not a matter of contest rather habit, because come rain come shine, you would find me displaying these products in my shop. So ordinarily, I beat even the expected duration and finally, this is the reward. I wasn’t expecting a car, I would have been contented with any other prize though, so I must tell you am more than happy and more than grateful.”

  • Brands sans borders

    It cools you. It refreshes you. It energizes you. It leaves you with that feeling that is quite hard to place a finger on, a taste that is distinctly different, different in a way other brands in its genre can only watch in awe. It is not the colour. It is not the contour. It is the bottle. It is the cola. It is the cola inside the contour bottle.

    Guess, that is why it is loved by children and adults alike. Its dark, chilled flowing river must have soothed your throat at a time in school, after a hard job, at a party. Haa, deeply satisfying taste… Unlike the Chairman, you do not need to close your eyes before you drink it. In Nigeria, every family has a member who is an ardent fan of this brand.

    It has transcends borders, breaking traditions, pulling down walls and expanding its marketing frontiers. It is dreaming of the day when a Chinese would up the consumption of this brand from average of six bottles a year to an average of 376 bottles a year like his American counterpart. Or has it changed?

    However, Coca Cola’s homegrown offering has diversified into bottled water, juices and iced tea, and there is still space for more offerings. The company has for many years marketed canned tea drinks in Japan, in response to a clear local market need. In Nigeria it has ventured into bottled water and contested with a local brand, La Casera, for a share of space in the Lagos traffic. That is because multinational branded owners have massive spending power and highly developed management structures. No wonder they seem invincible?But in Nigeria the war is not over yet, or is it?

    McDonald’s is another brand that is broadening its tentacles. It has cornered some local brands that are strategic to its growth and take them under its wings. It has purchased different restaurant brands. In UK, it is in love with Aroma’s aroma that it could not let go. It won Aroma’s heart over. It has also sandwiched UK’s sandwich chain, Prêt à Manger. In its home country, McDonald’s has turned Chipotle Mexican Grill, Donatos Pizza and Boston Market into bigger burgers and ate them.

    Don’t look on with pitying concern. After all, this is not a tragedy. It is a strategy. It is also about home-made value and a big corporate machine at work. Now look at this. Suddenly, Prêt has spread its branches across the UK. Like all successful brands, it is now preaching the sermon from McDonald’s quality and consistency Bible. Do you know the difference? Prêt sells a different product.

    However, some local brands have ambitions to be global brands. They have started small. They are nimble. They are quicker on their feet. They also have their sights on international expansion. Zinox, Omatek, Brian and Beta computers are like that. In 2006, International Data Corporation (IDC) rated Zinox as the second best selling computer in Nigeria, within the four years of operation. HP was the first.

    Aside, local original equipment manufacturers (OEM) like Zinox et al have proved their mettle in the local IT sector. They have delivered when it mattered most. They have performed when you least expected. Perhaps because of this, and to encourage patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products, the Federal Government has imposed sweeping ban on foreign computers and technology products in public institutions and schools. This would foster growth in the local ICT industry. Several PC schemes put up by the government to ensure PC penetration in Nigeria are weaved around these brands. The influx of fairly-used PC, especially with duty waiver, has helped many homes to own the computer; but it has not deterred the OEMs. Now, this may become a thing of the past with the federal government pronouncement.

    However, the main threats to the local brands are the global brands. The global brands are brands sans borders. These are brands that would most likely compete ferociously with the local brands. Who says, therefore that an HP, a Dell or IBM cannot swallow Zinox? Who says Omatek cannot become an appendage of HP through some boardroom maneuverings? Who can tell if Omatek and Brian would not merge to confront their common enemy? Like they say in local parlance, anything can happen.

    Globally, massive brands are coming together. Large corporations are been swallowed up by even larger corporations. Brick-and-mortal walls are coming down. Digital curtains are coming up. The world is now a global community. Who can vouch if such cannot happen here? In Nigeria, in Africa? Who can tell? You can? If such happens, the local brands would totally eclipse. In their stead would emerge a stronger ‘glocal’ brand. For some, that would be very, very sad indeed. For, it would mean the loss of local cultures, identities and traditions. But, mind you, it would also usher in a new culture, new identity, and new philosophy.

    Glocal is the marriage of global and local brands. The two needs each other, don’t they? A local brand comes with cheap labour. Foreign brand brings expertise. The two meets at the production floor. The market is better for it. The shareholders’ fund would not be depleted. It would soar. Local brand wins. Foreign brand wins.

    Everybody wins. In the end, consumers want both global and local brands – brands that make them feel part of wider international community and brands that root them in their home culture. Therefore, local consumers of PC would be able to afford a Dell with the price of Zinox or Omatek. IBM or HP would produce at a cheaper rate and sell more to the emerging markets. Sorry, production may not happen here as power generation in Nigeria has not been too encouraging or has it improved?

    Anyway, if such happens here, together, the new brand will become a stronger brand, a brand sans borders, without frontiers, without shackles. Like Coca-Cola, such a brand would break traditions. It would collapse its marketing walls. Nigeria needs such brands so that PC penetration can increase astronomically. When that happens, it would be refreshingly cool.

  • NB unveils Gulder campaign

    Nigerian Breweries Plc’s, Gulder Lager, has unveiled a new television commercial tagged: The Ultimate Arrival. The commercial spans over four minutes.

    Gulder’s new TVC was unveiled to a selected pool of reporters; for the first time. Later, it was unveiled on select television stations for the first time. A 360 degree teaser campaign’ involving social media, radio and print adverts – preceded the formal unveiling of the TVC; and it kept Nigerians guessing for several weeks as to what The Ultimate Arrival entailed.

    Mr Yusuf Ageni, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc., represented by Mr Edem Vindah, Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, praised the novelty of The Ultimate Arrival TVC. He described the commercial as: “The first of its kind television commercial, a different kind of advertising which highlights a different way of doing beer advertising in Nigeria.” He added that it would be the main component of the Gulder brand campaign for the rest of the year.

    Ageni pointed out that Gulder was not in the process of re-branding. He said: “Please note that this is not rebranding but a continuation of a brand story built on the values of Gulder as reflected in our current Out-Of-Home advertising. The new campaign has the theme: “The Ultimate Arrival” which reinforces the brand’s proposition. The advertising is designed to reflect the brand positioning while pinpointing the credential attributes of the brand.”

    The campaign script of the TVC was written by Insight Communications and produced by RedDot while the music sound track ‘Fever’ was performed by Elvis Presley. Landmark shots, such as the National Arts Theatre and the Sea Port, both in Lagos, were showcased; while the Lagos traffic also depicted that the Gulder Man is an inhabitant of the earth.

    The Corporate Affairs Adviser also highlighted the aspiration of the Gulder brand. He noted: “Let me re-emphasise that the ambition of the Gulder brand is to remain the number one national premium beer, driving top line growth through innovation and playing a significant role in the life of its consumers. We constantly conduct research on the Gulder brand, consumer perception and the expectation of our current and potential consumers and we are delighted that we have done and are always doing the right things.”

    Fielding the question on whether there was a deviation from the brand values of Gulder adventure, confidence, valour and bravery, in the new TVC, Mr Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager, Gulder, Legend and Life, Nigerian Breweries Plc., asserted that the view was incorrect.

    He explained that The Ultimate Arrival TVC showcases of the Gulder Man’s lifestyle and relationship does not take away the brand essence and values of Gulder.

    Mr Agu added that Gulder is being repositioned as a national premium brand to meet the needs of male and female consumers that yearn and aspire for success and achievements.

    Mr Onyeka Okoli, the Senior Brand Manager, Gulder Nigerian Breweries Plc., also shed more light on the assertion that the commercial was elitist and lengthy, given its four-minute length.

    He explained that The Ultimate Arrival would still be broken into minute-long commercials with different themes; but the full length would be aired only once. The Senior Brand Manager also added: “The Ultimate Arrival commercial showcases achievement and success, and our goal as brand handlers is to position Gulder as a national premium brand that can be enjoyed by all that aspire to attain great feats and record accomplishments.”

    Mr Sam Osunoko, Account Management Director, Insight Communications Ltd., described Gulder as a mature brand that appeals to young adults who aspire for greatness.

  • Sensodyne for Rapid Action

    The oral cavity(mouth) is a medium for activities of different micro-organisms which interact with food. The end product of these interactions between the microbes and food is offensive odour. In order to combat or at least manage this odour effectively, there are a wide range of toothpastes in the market. Most of these brands of toothpastes are even strengthened with supplementary elements.

    But then, mouth odour is just one of the problems confronting most people. Another nagging problem facing the average toothpaste user is hypersensitivity of teeth. For those with sensitive teeth, daily tooth-brushing is like going to war. And this is because a mere brush on their teeth leads to bleeding, with blood gushing out of their mouth as if they are in a boxing ring.

    This kind of condition, according to dentists is known as ‘Dentine hypersensitivity.’ According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one out of three people have hypersensitive teeth. To most of these people especially in Nigeria, living with hypersensitive teeth is nature’s burden, a cross they have to bear throughout their lifetime.

    This need not be so. As a leading healthcare and beverage manufacturing firm has offered succour to them with the introduction of a new toothpaste product for hypersensitive teeth into the Nigerian market.

    GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc., a world class research driven organization, has launched a new variant of its Sensodyne Toothpaste – Sensodyne Rapid Action. The fast-acting 60 seconds Sensodyne Rapid Action was unveiled to dentists at an expert launch held in Lagos recently.

    Sensodyne Rapid Action is formulated to offer relief within 60 seconds to consumers who are experiencing sensitive teeth. With more fluoride, more mint and less abrasion, the new variant provides rapid relief from the discomfort of sensitive teeth.

    For individuals with dentine sensitivity who desire quick and easy solution, the new Sensodyne Rapid Action offers relief when massage directly onto the exposed sensitive dentine. It also provides the benefits of ordinary daily toothpaste including all-round protection, cleaning and freshness.

    Speaking at the unveiling, the Managing Director, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc., Mr Chidi Okoro said: “So many people are not aware of the available treatment options and are also under the perception that treating sensitive teeth can be a time consuming process.

    “However, with this Sensodyne rapid action variant’, many will immediately experience quick and effective teeth sensitivity relief in the most practical way.”

    Dentine hypersensitivity is a common problem affecting one out of three people, yet many do not actively address it. People develop sensitive teeth when the soft, inner core of the teeth, becomes exposed. This can happen due to factors such as abrasion from tooth-brushing, acid erosion which dissolves the enamel or tooth grinding that causes the enamel to worn away leading to sensitivity.

    On the authenticity of the claim, Global Clinical Director for Sensitivity and Acid Erosion, GSK, Dr. Steve Mason said “Sensodyne toothpaste has been clinically proven to relief the pain of teeth sensitivity with continuous use. Sensodyne should be used as regular daily toothpaste for people with dentine sensitivity. It also contains fluoride which protects against cavity formation.”

    Expatiating on symptoms associated with dentine sensitivity, Mason explained that “sensitive teeth may be experienced by people for the ages of 20 and above and if left untreated, it can infringe the enjoyment of certain food and drinks. That is why people adopt all sorts of methods to avoid the pain of sensitivity, but the simplest solution is to use a brand of toothpaste such as Sensodyne Rapid Action that is specially designed for sensitive teeth.”

    Sensodyne was first marketed in 1961 as the first desensitising toothpaste based on a strontium chloride formulation. In addition to being a global brand, with over 52 years of proven pain relief heritage, Sensodyne is the first brand with its core equity built on dentist’s recommendation and it is the most frequently recommended in the desensitizing toothpaste category.

    Presently other variants of Sensodyne toothpaste available in Nigeria includes: Sensodyne Extra Fresh, Sensodyne Total Care F and Sensodyne Gentle Whitening.

    GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc. is one of the world’s leading research-based consumer healthcare companies committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

     

  • LG stirs smart phones segment

    LG stirs smart phones segment

    The global demand for smartphones, which boast web connectivity, high resolution touch-screen displays and access to application stores is at an all time high.

    In Nigeria the case is not different as it is highly sought after by individuals ranging from corporate executives to housewives who feel the need to be at the top of their game. This is what informed the introduction of the L series II smartphones by LG Electronics, a global leader in mobile communications.

    The L series II consists of the L7 II, L5 II and the L3 II. These uniquely designed mobile devices redefine elegance and performance in an amazing number of ways. All aimed at the budget-conscious consumer, the new Android Jelly Bean phones offer significant improvements on the previous models, including new, rounded and friendly design aesthetics. Overall, they are irresistibly beautiful as well as undeniably brilliant.

    Speaking on this landmark achievement, General Manager, Mobile Communications, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. JS Yoo, said: “LG has a history of pushing the envelope when it comes to style and L Series II builds on this heritage of design innovation. By evolving the sophisticated style and premium features of the original L Series, its sequel is expected to continue the popularity of the L Series around the world.”

    Key features that are present in the L series II phones include the Quickmemo which allows users to use their fingertips to take down and then share handwritten ideas on their phone; Quick Button enable users customize the quick launch of apps like the camera, browser or music player, using a hot key. Safety Care lets users programme 3 options- emergency call forwarding, phone non-usage notice, and my location notice- in the event of an emergency; and the Dual SIM function will benefit those that use their phones for both business and personal reasons, in order to ensure both worlds are kept separate.

    The True IPS (In-Plane Switching) display reveals colors that are true to nature. This occurs because the pixels are aligned so densely, images remain crisp and clear, even when zoomed in. Without over-saturation or eyestrain, you can enjoy accurate colors, sharp text, and dazzling images.

    All three L Series phones are designed in ways that make users feel as incredible as they look. The striking layouts are progressive, timeless, and inlaid with life-enriching innovations.

    The most-classy in the line-up – the L7 II has a 1GHz dual-core processor, 4.3-inch touch screen, 8 Mega Pixel (MP) cameras on the rear with an LED flash; and a 2,460mAh battery which is one of its major strengths, as it is expected to last at least two days without needing a recharge. A sharp improvement from the 5-megapixel camera and 1700mAh battery that existed in the previous version from last year

    The L5 II which comes with a refined designed is a bit bigger, with a 4-inch 800 x 480 display and 1,700mAh battery. It has the same 1GHz dual-core processor as the L7 II, but is still compact and bijou.

    L5II’s 4.0″ display provides superior readability and a spacious viewing experience. It transforms typing and operating the user interface into an easy and enjoyable process with a larger keyboard and expansive screen. In terms of style it is opulently styled with a smart lighting with home button LED and an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) display for optimal viewing; it has a strong resolution that guarantees reproduction of true to nature colours.

    The L5 II contains a battery capacity of 1,700mAh with SIO+ technology, which makes it a high-density battery, maximizing consumer usage time while contributing no additional bulk.

    The smallest of the pack is the LG L3 II. It has a 3.2-inch 320 x 240 display, 1GHz Single-core; HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink packet Access) 7.2. Regarding camera, it has a 3.MP FF 0 and a 1,540mAh battery, and is pretty per functionary to be fair. It has a screen resolution of 800 x 480 pixel.

    With the introduction of the LG L series II phones, LG Mobile has once more indicated its readiness to maintain its proven reputation for producing innovative mobile devices with ultimate speed and functionality that will empower consumers in ways they have never thought possible.

     

  • Heineken sponsors five Nigerians to Wembley

    As the much anticipated UEFA Champions League Final holds on May 25 HEINEKEN®, worlds’ most international premium lager beer, will be sponsoring five Nigerians, Diana Nwajiaku-Smart, Isaac Onochie Ijeh, George Mayowa Opeyemi, Franklin Chukwu Ijeh and Nwafor Felix Amobichukwu who through their inventiveness, ingenuity and resourcefulness were able to win an all-expense paid trip to watch the final live at the Wembley stadium in London.

    The lucky winners proved to be exceptionally intelligent using their mental as well as the physical ability to outsmart 350 other participants that registered through the HEINEKEN® website and participated in the challenge. They were able to solve complex and interesting puzzles through the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology where they have to clock-in to receive and solve clues in order to continue the journey.

    With the RFID technology, contestant’s clues are posted on their Facebook wall for their friends to help them when they are stuck; they were strategically stationed in locations around Lagos. This is a departure from the former raffle draw that was used this time every consumer’s destiny is in his own hand.

    The exciting “Road to the Final” challenge which broke early this month kicked off from the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu which was a beehive of activities as early as 8.00am where the contestants registered and hit the road to be among the last five standing. The contestants were expected to cleverly solve some clues to decode the five locations and head to the final road to emerge as winners. The exciting road to the final took the participants to Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, Sailors Lounge Lekki, Ikeja City Mall and terminated at the Heineken Champions Planet Victoria Island, Lagos. They were expected to locate these locations which were not made known, register their presence and hit the road to the next destination and the first five that arrive at the Heineken Champions Planet automatically win tickets to Wembley.

    The mechanics of the challenge was designed not only to choose winners, but to bring out the “Man of the World” in every participant in relation to the premium brand. It was also to display that Nigerians can equally play in the man of the world league by bringing out the can-do spirit in them by displaying sportsmanship character.

    The Race to the Final in Lagos is tied to this TV commercial: Nigerian Man of the World have to proof their inventiveness to crack riddles, find secret locations and be between the first five contestants to finish. The ad features one lucky fan, who receives a ticket to the UEFA Champions League Final.

    The only problem is that he is on the other side of the world and faces a race against the clock to get to the match. Through a combination of resourcefulness, imagination and inventiveness he manages to overcome every obstacle put in his way – to be rewarded with the ultimate football experience – a pitch side seat at Wembley, arriving just before kick-off.

  • SKG Pharma unveils products

    SKG Pharma Limited has unveiled three new products to cater for the populace. The new products are Novalyn Cough Linctus, Novalyn for children both designed to take care of both adults and infants cough problems and Biophage for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

    Managing Director of SKG Pharma Mr. Okey Akpa, noted that the company used natural products like honey in the preparation of Novalyn Cough Linctus for the effective treatment of cough.

    “The new products are in line with this year’s conference theme; Accelerating Business Growth, which in essence means that the new products will join other existing products to fast track the market share of SKG Pharma Limited.”

    Special guest of honour and president of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr Olumide Akintayo, urged the Federal and other levels of government to encourage local drug manufacturing companies like SKG Pharma by patronising them instead of importing from India and other countries. “It is a tragedy if these companies are coming up with essential medicines and you are spending billions of Naira to import the same thing from other climes. We will continue to interact with the government to see a need to do more than it is doing to patronise local pharmaceutical industries.”

    According to him the business philosophy of SKG Pharma is in tandem with the spirit of the national drug policy because SKG Pharma is one of the top manufacturers of quality products in the country

    Making a presentation on the efficacy of the new products, Mr Osita Ezigbo, Product Brand Manager, SKG Pharma, explained that the selling point of Novalyn Cough Linctus, dwells on the richness of purified honey which he said is the first of its kind in Nigeria market. According to him, it is a non drowsy cough syrup for soothing of relief in adults and children.

    Biophage on the other hand “is a brand of metformin, an oral anti-diabetic drug. It comes in tablet form and the strength is 500mg used to manage diabetes mellitus. The brain behind this particular product is as a result of the high incidence of diabetes mellitus among both the aged and young ones. At SKG Pharma, we are constantly researching and innovative with our products to add value to the health Nigerians.”

    Meanwhile, SKG Pharma Limited rewarded their trade partners with different prizes at the zonal, regional and national levels according to their level of performance.

  • Mouka initiative goes Pan-Nigeria

    Mouka Limited, market leader in the household and industrial foam market in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region has announced the extension of its Mattress Swap Initiative introduced within Lagos metropolis to other parts of the country.

    The scheme, which allows numerous customers to replace their old mattresses with new ones at discounted rate, has now been extended to Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers states

    Mattress Swap, which was introduced on March 8, as part of activities to mark the 2013 World Sleep Day 2013 is the first of its kind in the foam manufacturing industry in Nigeria. With this extension, residents in major cities in Nigeria now have reasons to experience comfort in their sleep with this initiative.

    Explaining the rationale for going Pan Nigeria, Managing Director, Mouka Limited, Mrs. Peju Adebajo, said the feedback from the pilot scheme was what prompted the company to extend it to other states.

    According to Adebajo, “Nigerians resident in other parts of the country want to experience the Mattress Swap scheme so we had to expand the collection points across Nigeria so as to enable more people swap their old mattresses with new ones and experience restorative sleep”.

    Adebajo stated that the initiative gives consumers an opportunity to experience comfort without a significant disruption to cash flow simple. Customers are expected to bring their old mattresses to the nearest designated outlets across the country, the mattress will be weighed to determine the value of the returned mattress, and the consumer is then issued with a discount  which will be redeemed instantly to purchase a new mattress at a reduced cost.

    On the benefits of the scheme, Adebajo stated that customers have the opportunity to own brand new mattresses at a discounted prize. It is also an environmentally friendly way to dispose of old mattresses as well as enjoy the comfort provided by Mouka mattresses for first time users, she said.

    Head of Commercial, Mouka Limited, Jude Abonu said the mattress swap is not limited to Mouka products alone as customers can bring other brands of mattresses for the scheme. ‘The discount will be equivalent of the amount that the old mattress is worth and the customer will then add the balance of the price of the particular Mouka product that he or she wants, be it Mouka Royal, Mouka Regal, Mouka Legend, Mouka Flora or Mouka Regina.

  • APRA commences campaign

    As the date for the maiden All Africa Public Relations and Strategic Communication Summit draws closer, the organisers of the event, African Public Relations Association (APRA) has announced that the publicity campaign for the International Summit has commenced on the Cable News Network (CNN), Sky News and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Channels as well as the Africa Magic/Africa Magic Entertainment bouquet, courtesy of M-Net Africa.

    This was contained in a press statement released by the APRA Summit Co-ordinator, Mr Kayode Yeku.

    According to him, the   maiden edition of the summit has attracted the top echelon of the African Union Commission (AUC), PR professionals, communication brand experts, &top government functionaries as delegates, speakers and participants from all parts of African, Europe, France and Asia.

    The summit with theme: Rising Africa: The Imperative of Communication, is also expected to bring together about a thousand professionals in broadcasting, print journalism, filmmaking, advertising, brandib V, publishing, new media and communication generally from within and outside the African continent.

    To this end, Yeku stated that APRA seeks further partnership with public relation practioners as well as corporate organisations who may want to take advantage of this summit to further boost their presence in the continent of African

    It will be recalled that APRA recently announced its collaboration with the African Union Commission which culminated in the official recognition of the maiden summit as part of the activities marking the AU @ 50 celebrations.