The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • AfDB, IITA to assist farmers in flooded states

    The African Development Bank (AfDB) agricultural-assisted programme is to partner with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to support farmers with early yields varieties in flood-affected states.

    The national Co-ordinator of AfDB Community-based agricultural and rural development programme, Dr Ibrahim Arabi gave this assurance in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

    Arabi, who spoke after a meeting with some government officials and affected farmers, said the measure was to curtail imminent food crisis because of the floods. He said the effort was to intervene in the imminent food crisis in some flood affected states in the zone.

    “The bank has concluded arrangement with the management of IITA to urgently provide and release early yield varieties of maize, cowpea, rice among others to farmers in flood affected states to curtail the imminent food crisis,” Arabi said.

    He said that the short-time varieties to be provided were to replace the already submerged crops whenever the flood subsidised and was expected to be harvested within 60 days to 80 days this year.“Anytime from now, when the flood begin to subsidise, farmers should start planting the seeds because we still have two months or more of rain season in some parts of the country and that period would enable them grow the crops,” he said.

    Arabi, who is the Zonal Director, North-East, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that among the beneficiary states were Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara and Kaduna. He also said there was arrangement to extend the provision of the seeds to other affected states.The director expressed shock on the level of devastation caused by the flood, especially on farms and urged the federal and state governments to sit and find a lasting solution to the disaster.

  • Shopping for toys, teddy bears

    Shopping for toys, teddy bears

    Teddy bears and toys have always been a hit with kids. Almost everyone owned a teddy bear at some point in their childhood; some adults even buy for themselves and not for their kids alone, because of the comfort it brings to the owner. An array of toys and teddy bears dominate the child care market as part of child development. ESTHER MOHAMMED writes.

    Toys are associated with children and pets because they love to play and a toy is a good object to play with.

    As parents, you can make out time to shop for toys and teddy bears for your kids. They come in a number of cute designs and styles, sizes and shapes so you can buy your child’s taste.

    Many children clothiers stock exotic toys and teddy bears in their stores just to entice the kids to spend time in their stores. The plan is to have them play with the toys while their parents shop for them but they also end up buying both toys and clothes. They are displayed in very attractive packages that the kids cannot resist. Fortunately, the toys available today are modeled to meet the educational, entertainment and developmental needs of children.

    So, the next time you think of buying a gift for your daughter, son, sister, or wife, make sure you keep these cute cuddly toys in mind.

    The teddy bear is a stuffed toy bear. They are usually stuffed with soft, white cotton and have smooth and soft fur. It is an enduring form of a stuffed animal in many countries. Playing with toys and teddy bears is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society and often serving the purpose of entertaining kids.

    In recent times, some teddy bears have become collector’s items. Now teddy bears come in various styles and people can dress them up in many different articles of clothing. Teddy bears are also among the most popular gifts to buy for children and significant others on Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Christmas and other holidays.

    Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old. Many items are designed to serve as toys, but goods produced for other purposes can also be used. For instance, a small child may pick up a household item and “fly” it through the air as to pretend that it is an airplane.

    What do kids and teddy bears have in common? They are great lovers of teddy bears. Kids love teddy bears because they are sweet, soft, tender and easy to hug. People treat teddies as if they are alive and have feelings. It is the same as being attached to people they love.

    Give a teddy bear to a sick child in the hospital, and you will see what the expression on the child’s face will look like. Teddy bears help bring smiles and a little comfort to a hospitalised child. Teddy bears are often portrayed as cuddly, sweet, and non-scary, but the main thing is it is a stuffed toy, and gives comfort to the child. They feel like the bear will protect them, and so they go to bed with their teddies beside them. Teddy bears are quite adorable.

    There are many kids and adults who go to bed with teddy bears and dolls. It seems they need those toys to go off to dreamland.

    A dealer on toys, Mrs Jummy Okebola said: “I personally feel that toys are important for kids and are essential to help with their learning and growing process. But for some reasons, kids have always found their teddy bears to be the most loving. They care for these toys and think of them as one of their own. Children often tend to treat these toys as brothers and sisters. They think of these toys as their buddies in their lives and take them along where ever they go”.

    Some kids even go as far as buying clothes and accessories for their teddy bears and also give them pet names. When parents throw parties for their children, toys are the items most bought. For many kids, the toys are instruments of celebration. In this way, they become part of the child’s life and upbringing.

    Most children would not consider these toys as just something to play with. They cherish the company of their teddy bear and share love, sometimes tears, happiness and even fight with them sometimes. These toys give children a chance to unwind and speak to someone when they are alone.

    Children tend to relate to them and bond with them when they are not with their friends and parents. Kids tend to spend a lot of time with these toys. They would eat, play and even sleep with them.

    However, more people prefer toys to teddy bears. While some parents may not buy teddy bears for their children, they wouldn’t trade developmental toys for anything in the world.

  • ‘Investment, research key to more food production’

    Improving national food production will depend on massive investment in research and extension, an expert, Prof Abel Ogunwale has said.

    Extension is a service or system, which assists farmers through educational procedures in improving farming methods and techniques, production efficiency and income, which enhances level of living. All these have positive impact in lifting social and educational standards of the country.

    Ogunwale, who is of Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, spoke while addressing the institution’s eight inaugural lecture series 2012.

    Speaking on the theme, Repositioning Agricultural Extension: The umbilical cord of sustainable local food production, Ogunwale said the purpose of extension services is to transfer global agric information into localised knowledge that would be useful for the local farmer conditions. He said there was need for the nation to translate its huge agricultural potential into reality by encouraging local production and strengthening the value addition process.

    A professor of agricultural extension, Ogunwale said national and local government staff and extension should be trained in food production so that they become familiar with approaches to improvement and knowledge of food production methods. Stressing the role of extension service, the expert said it is a key to achieving successful local capacity building by assisting farmers to choose the appropriate farming system, which will yield results within a locality.

    Ogunwale said increase in agricultural productivity benefit the poor and dwellers through reduction in food prices. He said the government can improve production for small farmers by providing them better access to information and farming techniques generated by the extension service.

    According to him, adopting and localising technology that fits local conditions need huge human and institutional capacity, and rural extension service offers the best pathway for localising technology.

    The don stressed that investment in extension services can improve agricultural productivity, increase farmers’ income and will induce a conductive technological progress environment, which is critical in the process of agriculture productivity.

  • IFAD community programme reaches 1.3m people

    The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported Community Based Agricultural and Rural Development programme (CBARDP) has reached 1.3 million rural dwellers in Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states, an official said.

    The IFAD country representative, Ms Atsuko Toda, made the statement in Birnin Kebbi while addressing the wrap-up programme of the FGN/IFAD supervision mission to the states.

    She said 550,580 women, representing 41.5 per cent, benefitted from the programme in the states. She said 1,815 rural community groups also benefitted from the programme while 543 community infrastructure were provided. “The reconstruction of hand pumps, boreholes, water supply, pipe extension and community wells were the highest number of infrastructure provided benefiting communities, while 1,509 jobs were provided in 2012. “The programme recorded increase of income from between 50 per cent and 60 per cent through vocational skills induced by the programme,” she added. Toda said there was 200 per cent increase in rice production, sorghum, recorded 94 per cent, while millet rose by 279 per cent.

    She said maize production attained 67 per cent; cowpea,192 per cent; groundnut,100 per cent, and soya beans, 52 per cent.

    Toda said the programme experienced capacity gaps, such as the lack of standardisation of agricultural enterprise activities and infrastructure scheme, business-oriented management training for agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises.

    She also said the capacity gaps included the lack of engagement with partners and private service provider, and the lack of financial management for state programme supervision officers, local government and community development associations. The programme being implemented in seven states covered the period between 2005 to 2012. The process of wrap-up was expected to be concluded between March and September 2013.

  • Badagry, home of all trades

    The Agbalata International Market, Badagry, is one of the major markets in Lagos. From the town’s highly revered mat, succulent coconut, to affordable foodstuffs, it is a place where you can get just about everything you want. OLAJUMOKE AZZAN was there.

    Just like every other market, it is always busy. The difference is that it is busier than most. The Badagry Market is majorly occupied by the Egun whose traditional occupations are farming and animal husbandry. Some of the major crops cultivated are maize, cassava, beans, oil palm, coconut and royal palms. Also, trading activities feature prominently in the area. Some of the major markets in Badagry are the Agbalata International Market, Hunto, Verekete and Ajara. Indeed, Agbalata has continued to play a leading role in the economic development of Badagry and its environs.

    The market is a beehive; all kinds of trading are done there. Since it is very close to the port and the boundary, it makes it easy for people from far and near to access the market. It is very large and accommodates people who come from far and near to buy and sell. It is spacious enough and one can find every single thing you want to buy at a reasonable price.

    All the traders have their various sections. For instance, shoe sellers are at the extreme of the market, pepper and food stuff sellers are the ones you would first see when you enter the market. The market is well organised in such a way that people selling the same product can stay in same place.

    Food stuffs are very cheap at Agbalata. One can get rice, beans, garri, yam flour and pepper, among others, at very cheap and affordable prices, which makes life easy for the inhabitants of Badagry. Where you will find clothes, shoes, bags and jewelleries are in two sections.

    There is a section where the new ones are sold and another where the fairly-used ones are sold. Good clothes, shoes and bags can be gotten from both sections but the difference is that prices differ. Various types of electronics are also sold with full guaranty and at a cheaper rate. There are also various shops where wine and soft drinks are sold.

    A very popular item sold at the market is the mat which has become very well known over the years and it is now popularly called Agbada mats. The mat is produced in various sizes. Other items are coconuts, fish, shoes, bags, rice, and groundnut oil, as well as smuggled goods.

    Mrs Funmilayo Jaweshola, a wholesaler of drinks at the market said: “Sales have been great, we get customers from various places, sometimes sales are dull but nevertheless we still sell. We all know the way things are now, so we can’t really predict sales. But here at the market, things are really moving. The Badagry market is a great place to trade because the atmosphere is conducive for trading and any other activity”.

    Mr Aliu Ajao, a watch seller and repairer said: “I am involved in a small business but still I have come to see that this market is a great place for buying and selling of any item. But the thing is the fact that Badagry is far and towards the outskirt of Lagos is another problem we have. We don’t find out about the things in vogue quickly.”

  • Again, global acclaim for DDB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • BrandiQ: Digging deep in marketing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • How to buy artworks

    How to buy artworks

    To find modern art that suits your taste, you must adhere to simple guidelines before making your purchase, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN

    Whether for the home or office, artworks are not merely for decoration. They are an investment too.

    To buy an artwork you must understand major modern art movements so as to determine what type of artwork to buy.

    Recently Art House Contemporary Limited auctioned some major artworks, in Lagos.

    They are:-

    The hunt by Jacob Jari, which was sold for N650,000; Turbaned by Sam Ebhohon, N450,000; Mysteryman by Kolade Oshinowo, N2million; The lost coin by Sangotoye Olayinka, N100,000.

    An art administrator, Princess Tessy Iyase-Odozi is the CEO of Green House Art Gallery. She said the art work has gone beyond artistic heritage and aesthetics; they should touch life.

    “Art, she said is a spirit and spiritual, after some time it becomes innate and that is why we talk of inspiration and expression. Artworks reflect the artist and the buyer therefore a work of art in your home is the first and last thing you would see and I fell such a thing should be able to bring joy and enact beauty.”

    The major movements are Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Art, Pop Art and Op Art.

    Make up your mind on the movements you like best. Each modern art movement includes many well-known artists. For example, Impressionism includes Monet, Fauvism includes Matisse, Art Nouveau has Picasso and Surrealism includes Dali.

    The ability to decide on which movement most interests you will help narrow down your choices of artwork to buy. You could also check a local art gallery in your neighbourhood .

    Do not forget to choose well-known modern artists’ work. Original pieces from artists such as Matisse or Dali will only come up at auction, occasionally, for a huge amount.

    Save some money by buying lesser-known modern artists’ work. It is less expensive and easier to find than the masters, such as Monet or Picasso.

    Buy the art that you like; when buying modern art, choose based on your personal tastes and not by the popularity of the artist. This helps ensure that you will continue to love the piece for years to come.

    Deal with only reputable art dealers. If you are planning to spend a lot of money, make sure the art dealer has a good reputation. Doing so will ensure that you are not ripped-off.

  • A fair to mark Independence

    A fair to mark Independence

    Prior to the Independence Day, a  fair titled ‘Shopaholic Sunday’ was held at Banilux event centre, Yaba, Lagos to provide a platform for workaholics who do not have the time to go shopping during the week and  Saturdays when most prefer to rest after a busy week. TONIA’DIYAN reports.

    It was a lively atmosphere with people, music, different kinds of costumes and a platform for communication, friendship, good relationship and more. Shoppers are assumed to be more relaxed and as such have more time for the outdoor on Sundays

    The event was scheduled last Sunday to make it convenient for workers to shop, celebrate on Independence Day and still have time to prepare for the week ahead. The exhibition was properly organised with enough awareness. It was colourful and accommodated all kinds of items sold at discounted rates.

    Most of the exhibitors do not own shops where they stay and sell but they have their contact addresses where they can be met. Some of them are mobile and always ready to meet you at your door step.

    The organiser of the exhibition, Mr Ometan Patrick Efetobore, told the Nation Shopping that most of the items on display were handmade to depict the creativity of individuals or a group of persons.

    “Items displayed here are unique in their different styles and cannot be commonly found anywhere because they are mainly handmade. They are ideas of individuals in different forms. We have the fashion designers, perfume makers, cake bakers, accessories makers, the barbeque sellers, nkwobi sellers, hand craft of all kinds.

    “There is something for every pocket, every shopper is sure to go home with their choices of items because of the affordability. By next month, we will be organising another exhibition but in a different venue thus people who do not leave around here or who couldn’t make it here would find time to be there. We promise it is going to be better than what you have seen here today. Going back to our drawing board, we would make amendments and welcome suggestions come November”, he said.

    An exhibitor, Miss Deborah Faleyimu, who is the creative director of Cake Treat at Ikeja, displayed a variety of cakes costing from N200 to N3,500. The flavours available were strawberry, vanilla, banana and lemon.

    “Virtually every one that has been here today has tasted my cake. That is why I made small ones of N200 for affordability. I enjoyed sales here; I have sold all the cakes I came with. Shoppers eat something while walking round to buy other things. It keeps them on the move. It is, indeed, a successful fair and I am glad I am a part of it.”

    Chicks and Co, an indoor boutique in Surulere, was at the event to showcase their latest clothes, bags and shoes. They also left fulfilled. The owner of the boutique, Mrs Morenike Olawale, said: “I have made lots of contacts more than I imagined. I have also sold a couple of my items. It’s been a wonderful fair and I am happy I didn’t refuse the offer to be here.”

    Kayn Photography is a mobile outfit that does baby pictures, school year book portraits, family and pet portraits, individual partraits, models’ portfolio\glamour shots, wedding album, video shoot and production. They can be anywhere to render their services. Its manager, Mr Kelvin Monye said he got some customers at the exhibition who want him to be at their ceremonies at one time or the other. “I am fulfilled and happy. It is not a time wasted after all. I have achieved more than enough for one day.”

    A shopper, Mrs Helen Odolor, said: “the fair is an opportunity for shoppers’ and exhibitors to meet and cement a relationship.

    “I have been able to cement some relationships with some item owners here and I will be doing business with them soon. I have also picked few items I love. But most importantly, the organisers have succeeded in putting smiles on our faces as shoppers’ and on the faces of the exhibitors.”

    A parent, Mrs Aina Shoyele, who was at the exhibition with her kids, said she also found some school items, which she bought at more affordable prices. “These items are cheaper here compared to the stores. I decided to buy my kids school bags, shoes and lunch packs instead of buying other things for myself, it is better and more economical, I love the exhibition and I am fulfilled.”

  • Nigerians mark Guinness Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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