The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • Jumia rewards customers with rams at Eid-El –Fitri

    Jumia rewards customers with rams at Eid-El –Fitri

    To celebrate Eid-El –Fitri with its muslim customers, Nigeria’s largest online store Jumia gave out a ram in a promo.

    The promo was on all through the fast period and was built around buying ‘anytime item’ from the Jumia Ramadan store. The competition ended a few days to the end of Ramadan and Jumia announced the winner as Abdulazeez Akanni.

    To enter for the draw, the winner bought a tablet and tablet accessory, he emerge the winner and a ram was delivered to his house before the Eid-El –Fitri celebration.

    In excitement, Abdulazeez Akanni said: “When I got the call that I had won a Ram from shopping on Jumia, I was really surprised because I shopped from the Ramadan store without knowing there was a ram to be won. This is one of the blessings I have received this Ramadan and I say a big Thank you to Jumia for this great Ramadan Gift“

  • Traders,shoppers upbeat over Eid-El –Fitri celebrations

    Traders,shoppers upbeat over Eid-El –Fitri celebrations

    As the Muslim fasting draws to a close tomorrow or Sunday, signalling the end of Ramadan and heralding the beginning of Eid-El–Fitri celebrations, traders in major markets and operators of shopping centres across the Lagos metropolis are upbeat over prospects of increased patronage, reports TONIA ‘DIYAN.

    For the supervisor of a footwear store in one of the upscale shopping malls in Lagos, who identified himself simply as Peter, better days are here.

    Having experienced reduced sales because of a lull in customer patronage occasioned by the Ramadan fast, Peter is hopeful of a turnaround in the fortunes of his business following the increased tempo of activities in preparation for Eid-El –Fitri celebrations, which comes at the end of the Muslim fast.

    “People generally come to shop on days when they are more relaxed and this period, Eid-El –Fitri is the best time to stock our shops with varieties, so that people  would come and patronise us. We are ready to host our customers,” Peter, whose shop specialises in casuals and fashionable foot wears, said.

    Apart from dangling cheaper prices for his wears to attract prospective customers, Peter says the car park of the mall where his shop is located, has also been expanded to accommodate more vehicles. Similarly, Femi, a manager at a restaurant located in Palmgrove area of Lagos, says he cannot wait for the Eid-El –Fitri celebrations to give his business a boost, especially after the low sales that hit him while the Muslim fast lasted. According to him, food sales have been cut below half since the Ramadan fasting began; he couldn’t cook the quantity of the food he used to since he does not want any waste.

    “In the past three weeks, we have been counting our losses daily,” he lamented, saying that most of his customers eat once a day and they do that at home.

    However, like Peter, Femi is optimistic that the end of the Muslim fast, which heralds the Eid-El –Fitri, would breathe fresh air to his business, which is why he has since stocked his restaurant with assorted food stuff to cater for the needs of his customers who would be needing the restaurant to chill out. He is counting on the usual human traffic that builds up in and around his shop during such celebrations to increase sales and make more profit.

    Traders in major markets across the metropolis are also hopeful. For instance, Nkechi who sells soup ingredients at Mile 12 Market told The Nation Shopping that she wants to make up for the low sales she recorded during the Ramadan fast. “I have waited long enough for this period when the Muslims will be celebrating. I have realised that I make more sales when they are celebrating one event or the other.  I sell a fast moving item, but since they began their fast a month ago, I haven’t been making sales. This is my breakthrough period, I want to utilise it well and make money,” she declared.

    Nkechi expressed optimism that as the Muslim fast comes to an end, with Muslim fateful gearing up to celebrate few days from today, the Eid-El –Fitri celebration would push up sales for her and her colleagues who sell staple food items because such items are most needed for the season. Olufunke, who operates a local canteen, popularly called ‘MamaPut’, also said she hopes to smile again in a few days after a lull induced by the Ramadan fast. “Most of my customers are Hausa people and since the fasting began, they only eat once and that is in the evening. They always break with their family so my business has been greatly affected,” she said, adding that she has made adequate arrangements to take advantage of the Eid-El –Fitri celebration to increase sales.

    Indeed, across the metropolis, the usual upsurge in human traffic in major markets and shopping places when the yearly Muslim fast ends, can hardly go unnoticed. Such increased tempo of activities resurface to prepare Muslims for their yearly Eid-El –Fitri celebration,which comes upin three days time. Major markets are becoming busier and traders at these markets say patronage are increasing by the day as the end of fasting draws near. The Nation Shopping also observed that sales are picking up with more crowds and more items on display.

    At these markets, traders are pleased with what they call “the Eid-El –Fitri rush” as they get helping hands from their children and relatives so as to cope with the rush. A trader, Mutiat said her daughter helps with packing the items she sells while she bargains and collects money from customers. In some of the malls and markets visited, Muslim kids dressed in their smart mufti wears were seen catching fun and moving around and pointing at what they need; their parents were granting some offers and turning down others.

    The mall being a multipurpose place, accommodates people for different motives. While some go there to shop for their personal items, others usually go there to purchase gift items , they hope to offer to their loved ones. Others visit such malls to unwind. And there are various sections to chose from: the food section, the clothing section, the shoes section, and the bicycle section, among others.

    During Eid-El –Fitri, Muslims are expected to distribute gift items to the needy in line with the Islamic injunction on Zakat ul-fitri, that is  gift to the less privileged. This is why major shopping malls and markets are stocking up food and related items in preparation for the celebration. Findings also show that some traders hoard non-perishable food items for the last week of Ramadan so as to sell at high prices and maximize profit.

    According to a market leader in Badagry, Fatai Akojenu, farmers in the North ensure that these non-perishable items are made available in all major markets, bearing in mind that many of them are Muslims and may have low supplies now because of their involvement in the Ramadan fast. An Islamic cleric, Mallam Abubakar Saliu said it is so because Muslims cook a lot after the Ramadan so that they could distribute food to the less privileged, friends and neighbours in line with Muslim injunction.

    Saliu said: “This is the time to sell in large quantity as we haven’t sold well in the last three weeks.” He added that at this time, Muslims buy more than they did to prepare for the fast when it was going to start because most of them loose appetite for food after fasting the whole day. He said he hopes to make huge sales from the non-perishable food items he has been keeping all through the fasting period.

    Rukayat Eruobodo, a Muslim, who couldn’t stock perishable items before the fast began, said she decided to wait for this last week to buy food items for Eid- El- fitri celebration despite the hike in the prices of these items.

  • ‘Why we are enforcing expiry date on product labels’

    ‘Why we are enforcing expiry date on product labels’

    Mr. Tam Tamunokonbia, a lawyer and head of the Lagos Office of the Consumer Protection Council, in this interview with TONIA ‘DIYAN, speaks on the importance of the on-going ‘Check the BB Date’ Campaign.

    We understand that your office is running a campaign. What is it about?

    You are correct. The Council has launched a campaign that we call “Check the BB Date” Campaign. It was first launched by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Dr. Olusegun Aganga on Monday, June 30, 2014. “BB” means “Best Before”. What this implies is that consumers should check the labels of the goods or products they buy to see if the product has expired or is close to its expiry date. Once the “BB” or Expiry Date on a product label has expired, consumers are advised by the Consumer Protection Council to avoid the product.

     

    But is it all products and services that consumers should check for the “BB” date?

    Well, the mandate of the CPC covers all products and services, but as you well know services do not carry labels in the first place. So in most cases, consumers cannot find “BB” dates on services, because they are, to a large extent, intangible. Having said that, it is important to answer your question by saying that by the standard requirements of this country, it is expected that all food products, chemical products, tyres, beverages, foams and most consumables should carry on their labels a “BB” date. It is not only for food, water and drinks that are edible.

     

    Why the campaign?

    The campaign is meant to bring the standard of “BB” date into the consciousness of Nigerians on the different categories and the supply and demand chain of product distribution. First, the consumer should beware so that he does not throw his hard earned money away to unscrupulous and heartless manufacturers and sellers of substandard products. With that consciousness, he gets value for money.

    He also exercises his inalienable right to information, choice and satisfaction of basic needs. These rights are not just national rights but international rights. Secondly, the campaign also admonishes the manufacturer, producer and importer of products that he owes the consumer an obligation to inform him of the status of the product he is manufacturing, producing or importing. That way, he creates an impeccable confidence in the consumer over his products. What this further implies is that there will be a conscious compliance with the international best practice of supply and distribution policy of “First In-First Out” (FIFO). Finally, the distributor, the retailer, the seller and the petty trader are put on notice by this campaign that they cannot continue to accept from the manufacturer, producer or importer any product that does not conform to the “BB” requirement or sell same to the consumer.

    Again, by the campaign, this category of the supply chain must henceforth be conscious about their storage procedure. A situation where products are stored in unhygienic and unconducive atmosphere can no longer be tolerated. In most cases, certain products are expected to be stored under particular temperatures and conditions. Products not meant to be kept under the sun or heat will certainly reduce the potency of that product, if it is so stored. At the end of the day, the campaign benefits the consumer, the producer, the wholesale distributor, retailer, the petty trader and the government.

    Our citizens will become healthier. Our workforce will be more productive. Our economy will be more robust while investors can easily be attracted to the country. In fact, there is no end to the benefits derivable from a total compliance with this “BB” policy. So you can understand why the Council and its Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki are dead serious with the campaign.

     

    So, how do you intend to enforce this “BB” standard knowing that business men will want business as usual?

    We are aware that the change will not come overnight. The campaign calls for change of habits and you know that old habits do not die fast. It is with this understanding that the Director-General of the Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki has given six months with effect from Tuesday July 1, 2014 to manufacturers and producers of products to comply with the standards or face sanctions.

    The Council will enforce the standards to the letter after that date. Our surveillance and enforcement officers will be in our markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, factories, warehouses and storage facilities to ensure that there is compliance. Where we discover massive non-compliance and where our corrective measures are not adhered to, we shall not hesitate to bring the full brunt of the law to bear on such situations, including resorting to prosecution.

    Of course non-compliant products will be removed from the shelves, stores and factories and destroyed. Having said so, the Council, through its Lagos Office, will seize every opportunity to enlighten manufacturers and consumers on the need to comply with “BB” standards. To that effect, we are pushing for our “BB” banners to be hoisted in most supermarkets, major eateries, distribution outlets, pharmacies and places where there is huge consumer and human traffic. We are convinced that Nigerians will buy into the campaign.

    Already, the Lagos Office launched the campaign with a colourful road show on Thursday, July 10, 2014. Our train kicked off from Alausa, Ikeja and gradually made its way through Allen Avenue, into Opebi and unto Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way through the Opebi Link Road. We, then, went through Maryland, into Anthony and, thereafter, connected to the Third Mainland Bridge.

    On the Island, we went through Ikoyi, Falomo, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island and finally, into Lekki. We made brief stops at a number of major supermarkets and stores on our route – where we embarked on consumer education and sharing of our awareness materials to customers we met doing their shopping. Presently, our “BB” banners are hoisted in about thirteen major supermarkets spread over Lagos State. This effort will be a continuous one.

  • Dubai to host largest ‘Mall of the World’

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled Mall of the World, an awe-inspiring project that will position Dubai right on top of international destinations in terms of mega developments and a global leader in terms of retail- and tourism-related mega-projects.

    “We announced recently that we plan to transform Dubai into a cultural, tourist and economic hub for the two billion people living in the region around us; and we are determined to achieve our vision,” said Sheikh Mohammed, while unveiling the mega development.

    Located along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the world’s first temperature-controlled pedestrian city, The Mall of the World, will bundle together a number of world records – it will include the world’s largest mall, largest indoor park, cultural theatres and wellness resorts with a capacity to host more than 180 million visitors every year.

    Demonstrating the strength of human creativity and reinforcing Dubai’s belief that impossible is nothing, this extraordinary project will neutralize the effects of the harsh desert climate through its inspired, inventive and ingenious design.

     

    Mall of the World project location

    “The growth in family and retail tourism underpins the need to enhance Dubai’s tourism infrastructure as soon as possible. This project complements our plans to transform Dubai into a cultural, tourist and economic hub for the two billion people living in the region around us; and we are determined to achieve our vision,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

    In the presence of Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai Holding; Ahmad bin Byat, CEO of Dubai Holding; and Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General of Protocol Department, Sheikh Mohammed confirmed the need to work towards achieving Dubai’s ambitious tourism vision.

    “The project will be developed in phases in alignment with the gradual growth of family tourism in Dubai,” Al Gergawi said.

    Unlike the numerous indoor malls of today, the Mall of the World will be a huge open-air street mall during the winter months, when its glass dome will open for visitors to enjoy the weather in an extended retail street network, strikingly different to the typical shopping mall concept currently available in Dubai or anywhere else in the region.

    The emirate already has a disproportionately large number of world records to its name, including the world’s tallest tower, the highest restaurant, the world’s tallest hotel, the tallest residential building, the largest shopping mall, the longest driverless Metro network, most simultaneous fireworks, the most expensive property sold through an e-auction, the biggest and heaviest gold ring, the world’s largest automated car park, the biggest billboard, and many more.

    Now, His Highness has launched another game-changer that will further raise Dubai’s profile as a global leader in terms of retail- and tourism-related mega-projects.

    Occupying a total area of 48 million sqft, the project will comprise the largest indoor theme park in the world and also house the largest shopping mall in the world with an area of 8 million sqft.

    Additional districts within the project will include a wellness dedicated zone catering to medical tourists, a cultural celebration district as well as a wide range of hospitality options comprising 20,000 hotel rooms catering to all types of tourists.

    This will be Dubai’s largest celebration centre, accommodating 15,000 revellers in one go.

     

    View from Sheikh Zayed Road

    Once completed, the city is projected to become a year-round destination, welcoming around 180 million visitors annually.

    “Our ambitions are higher than having seasonal tourism. Tourism is key driver of our economy and we aim to make the UAE an attractive destination all year long.

    “This is why we will start working on providing pleasant temperature-controlled environments during the summer months. We are confident of our economy’s strength, optimistic about our country’s future and we continue to broaden our vision,” added Sheikh Mohammed.

     

    Integrated Pedestrian City

    The new project, developed by Dubai Holding, will introduce an innovative concept of an integrated pedestrian city connected to the mall and offering a wide range of leisure, retail, cultural, wellness, recreation and hospitality options under one roof.

    Trams within the 7km temperature-controlled retail street network

    Tourists will be able to enjoy a week-long stay without the need to leave the city or use a car.

    The 7km long promenades connecting all facilities will be covered during the summer and open during the winter, ensuring pleasant temperatures throughout the year.

     

    Hospitality District

    Indoor parks

    The project will see the world’s largest mall connected to 100 hotels and serviced apartments buildings with 20,000 hotel rooms. This will be a huge addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector, which is expanding rapidly to cope with the surging demand.

     

    World’s largest indoor theme park

    The project will include designated parking areas with a capacity to host up to 50,000 cars on the ground level.

     

    Dubai Cultural District

    Dubai Cultural District will be the hub for national and multinational cultural festivities and events in the UAE, and will combine experiences built around New York’s Broadway, The Celebration Walk, similar to the Ramblas Street in Barcelona and shopping streets based on London’s Oxford Street.

    A dedicated theatre district with host of venues similar to some of the world’s most renowned landmarks such as London’s West End and New York’s Broadway.

     

    Dubai Cultural District theatres

    The Celebration Walk, similar to the Ramblas Street in Barcelona will connect the cultural district to the rest of the Mall.

    Dubai Cultural District will include a range of conference, wedding and celebration halls with a capacity to host thousands of revellers, befitting the multicultural social fabric of Dubai.

     

    Wellness District

    Another component of Mall of the World is the Wellness District, which will cover a total area of 3 million sqft dedicated to providing wellness and rejuvenation services. It will offer a holistic experience to medical tourists and their families, ensuring access to quality healthcare, specialised surgical procedures and cosmetic treatments, wellness facilities and high-end hospitality options.

  • Shop KONGA on Palmchat

    Shop KONGA on Palmchat

    Ladies, information they say is all that makes the difference; one minute behind the info is one minute too late and you could be losing out on that 50% discount designer handbag, platform, makeup kit …body magic (Haa…like we don’t know) or that new arrival you can’t  wait to lay hold on.

    Voila girls! Palmchat in partnership with KONGA.COM is bringing you all the shopping discounts, new arrivals, promos…you name it, on your favorite mobile social platform. Just join the ‘KONGA group’ on Palmchat and all the breaking news on your world of retail shopping will be at your finger tips. Just a click and you get to know what is new on Konga.com.

     

    Palmchat look around FOR KONGA

    The best part? All new followers get an instant discount code to shop with! Yes it’s true. Are you worried about getting unnecessary notifications from Konga? That won’t happen. Anytime you need the latest on discounts, promos and sales, simply enter the Konga.com group conversation and you will be informed.

    Join the thriving community of super-smart Konga.com shoppers on Palmchat and make your lifestyle more fashion-forward. Follow KONGA on Palmchat today.

     

  • Efficient delivery system key to SME growth’

    Efficient delivery system key to SME growth’

    Electronic commerce (e-commerce) has become a significant tool in unlocking job creation and innovation for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the Deputy Managing Director of Kaymu.com.ng, Nigeria’s online marketplace, Evangeline Wiles, has said. Wiles, in a statement, saide-commerce and mobile commerce have dramatically changed the way small businesses reach customers, making it faster and easier for consumers to make purchases on the go while avoiding the hassles of going to the store.

    Wiles said the online marketplace provides a springboard for SMEs, transcending local and regional boundaries to attain a global reach. She said many SMEs are already taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by e-commerce to tap into a bigger clientele, new market and increase their revenue.“We’re now living in a time when competition is driving brands to innovate, giving their customers better products, customisable options, efficient delivery and more purchasing channels to choose from,” she said.

    She noted that large retailers have set the bar high for SMEs who are just looking to break into the e-commerce market, and that for small retailers one of the most pressing challenges is poor delivery and tracking system. According to her, the proliferation of SMEs into e-commerce present new challenges for the sector that do not have the capacity to overcome them unassisted.

    According to Wiles, “One of the major challenges faced by SMEs remains inefficient delivery system. For an online marketplace such as Kaymu that provides a platform for buyers and sellers to conduct business, we have seen cases whereby the seller has a good product offering, great image quality and the most competitive price, but does not have the capacity to deliver.”

    To address the challenges, she said e-commerce platforms have to provide technical assistance to sellers on their platforms by providing SMEs market intelligence, spotting opportunities and developing specific delivery solutions for SMEs to effectively work in the online marketplace.

    “This is a call for delivery companies and systems to operate a functional delivery process that facilitates prompt and efficient delivery and tracking system as this is pertinent to SME growth”, Wiles concluded.

  • Jumia empowers SME’s

    Jumia empowers SME’s

    As part of its innovative approach towards transforming the Nigerian retail space, Jumia has introduced an online marketplace platform to serve as a veritable model that will shape the future of retail in Nigeria. The Jumia marketplace offers Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) opportunities to showcase their products online thereby reaching a larger and more targeted audience.

    The platform is not limited to businesses; it also brings on board individuals who run small businesses on the side and are looking to increase visibility. “I run a home-based business and I must say joining the Jumia marketplace has really been helpful especially with increasing my sales. Jumia has offered my business more visibility,” said Kenneth Ubogu, a Jumia Market place seller.

    Some of Jumia’s marketplace sellers include home-based business owners and mobile sellers. “Jumia helped my business a lot with the marketplace platform. It is the best thing that has happened to my business. I have tripled my revenue in six months since I started selling on the marketplace,” stated Ayodeji of Odej, a home-based seller.

    Another seller from the marketplace, Eileen Gold mentioned that she was amongst the first people to join the marketplace and she is glad to have the opportunity to be on Jumia’s marketplace because she has more access to people and it has helped to increase her sales.

  • e-Payment summit ends

    The third edition of e-payment for Government Summit 2014 held at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, has ended. The event, organised by the e-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria, held from July 8th-9th. It was an annual gathering of different stakeholders from the federal government, state governments and other government agencies, which came together to design a roadmap for the e-payments sector in Nigeria.

    This years’ event was themed ’Increasing Government Revenue Generation Using E—Payment Services’ and issues discussed ranged from ways to drive the adoption of mobile money, enabling e-payments for the National Housing Fund, to the payments side to the national identity card scheme, the role of government in payments, etc.

    In attendance to contribute to the conversation and showcase some of its numerous products specially created to cater to the needs of the government, was eTranzact International Plc, Nigeria’s first award winning multi-application and multi-channel electronic transaction switching and payment processing system,. Also in attendance were other e-payment providers like Interswitch, Citiserve, Unified payments, Nibbs, NimC, etc.

    Giving a keynote at the event, Mr Sullivan Akala, Executive Director (Business development) of eTranzact, who represented Mr Valentine Obi, CEO of eTranzact International PLC said; “This is a summit we particularly look forward to every year. Since its inception, it has provided an avenue for key stakeholders to come together and set agenda that would truly move e-payment in Nigeria to the next level.

    “Every year at this summit, eTranzact has had several things to celebrate and even more this year as we have been working hard on different projects that will truly help achieve the different e- payment goals we have as a nation”.

    eTranzact International PLC provides e-payment services for the Nigerian Police Force, PHCN and several other government agencies, and also powers e-payment for the National Housing Fund.

    Other keynotes and presentations were given by Chris Oyemenam, DG/CEO,National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Macauley Atasie, MD/CEO of Nextzon, Mr. I. Kemabonta, Director Standards, Guidelines and Regulations, NITDA and other top dignitaries.

  • Mouka unveils ‘Instant Win’ promo

    In line with its objective of promoting wellness, a healthy sleep life, and appreciating its loyal consumers, Mouka Limited, a foam and bedding manufacturing company, has announced the commencement of its Mouka ‘Instant Win’ promo where consumers will win instant prizes inserted in the mattress.

    The promo, which kicked off yesterday, will run for weeks and consumers who purchase the Mouka Flora, Legend, Mondeo, Fantasia, Regal, Regina and Royal brand of products within the promo period, will be rewarded.

    The National Business Manager, Mouka Limited, Mr. Olufemi Asa said that the promo is in line with the company’s objective of delivering on its brand promise, which is to add comfort to the lives of Nigerians.

    Asa further stated “at Mouka, we are dedicated to providing quality mattresses that help our consumers have a good night rest after a hard day’s work. It is only fair that we reward our devoted consumers and also people who are interested in purchasing our top range of mattresses to enhance their sleep experience.”

    Explaining the modalities of the promo, Marketing Manager, Mouka Limited, Mr. Olusegun Ajala stated that mattress sizes of 6X4.5 and above in the comfort or luxury range has a  free gift inside He added that choice of mattress purchased will determine the instant prize, which ranges from neck rest, mosquito nets, towels, to shopping bags.

    Ajala stated that prizes will be redeemed immediately at the purchase centres. Customers are advised to visit http://www.mouka.com for more information on participation.

    Mouka is majority owned by an international private equity firm ActisLLP. Actis acquired a majority stake from the founders, the Moukarim Family in 2007.

    Mouka Limited is Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of polyurethane-based products. Mouka has a leading market share in the household and industrial foam market in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.

  • Winners emerge in Viju consumer promo

    Winners have emerged in this year’s annual Viju Milk promo. The raffle draw was computerised last Saturday and winners were contacted via telephone to be informed of their victory.

    The draw, which was witnessed by students of about seven primary schools, journalists and staff of Viju had 10 people bagging the mega price of 32 inches flat screen TVs. Among the star winners are Anoke Christiana. Okorie Chidiebere, Vincent Obioma and 98 others who got Startime decoders. 300 others won bags of rice.

    Managing Director of Viju, Mr Tom Hod said because everyone likes Viju, the promo serves as a way of compensating and appreciating its loyal customers. “Viju is the best milk drink in Nigeria, with the best quality of drinks consumers can utilise,” he said. Hod also mentioned that work is underway for the company’s water and biscuit brand, which will be out in the coming month.

    Marketing Manager of the company, Mr Aliyu Sulieman added that the promo is a deviation from the old style of giving scholarships to celebrate those who have been with them over the years. “We will go bigger and higher in the next edition, because we are the first and second to none in the milk drink category in Nigeria. We have been here in the last 10 years for a reason and we have come to stay,” he said.

    The manager said the company’s factory is among the top ultra modern companies in the country that can be compared with the top brands like Nestle, Unilever, PZ   and others in the category. He was optimistic that if the brand stays longer in the country, it will surpass the record of other industries.

    Mr Ozobia Olisa of the Lagos Zonal office of the National Lottery Commission described the draw as transparent and as good as any draw should be. He also added that Viju has been partners with the Commission and one of the few companies that have been meeting up with standards during its promotional draws.

    “This is where we come in to avoid apathy and professionalise the draws. We are here to put credibility in the promo and assure consumers that it is real and also to ensure that prizes won are genuinely given to the winners,” Olisa said.