The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ambassador

  • From bread hawker to baker’s ambassador

    From bread hawker to baker’s ambassador

    The fairy tale continues apace. Former bread seller turned celebrity has been made the brand ambassador of Shirley’s Confectionery in Abuja. Olajumoke was presented with a certificate to that effect as well as the firm’s branded shirt at its office in Gwarimpa.

    According to Shirley’s Confectionery, its decision to adopt and unveil Olajumoke as their brand ambassador followed her unusual success story which has become a source of wonder and reference to many Nigerians.

    The story of the young lady is one that most Nigerians are familiar with, a Cinderella-like narrative of grass to grace, of sudden glitz and glamour.

    Amarachi Iwuanyanwu,  a director at Shirley’s Confectionery explained the decision to associate with Olajumoke.

    “We are delighted to inform you about our recent brand association with Olajumoke Orisaguna, a former bread seller who shot to stardom as a result of being at the wrong place at the right time. Now she has featured on CNN, Thisday Style magazine etc.

    “As a result of the unusual grass to grace story, Shirley has decided to make Olajumoke Orisaguna  as the brand ambassador to Shirley’s Confectionery.”

    The event  with took place in Shirley’s Gwarimpa, Abuja Offices had quite a number of media people as well as curious customers of the outfit who simply wanted to catch a glimpse of the sudden model.

    Wilfred, Marketing Consultant to Shirley’s said the purpose of the event was to celebrate something that is phenomenon and exceptional.

    He said Olajumoke’s story is inspirational and that Shirley’s believes in inspiration.

    Amarachi Iwuayanwu, who was at the event with Adaora Iwuayanwu, another director, denied exploiting Miss Orisaguna.

    “We’re not using this opportunity to exploit any situation, we are actually sympathetic and very happy with the grass to grace story of Jumoke. And why we thought it was necessary for Shirley’s to be part of it is that it traces back to what were actually selling.

    “We’re a confectionery shop and selling bread. We feel that out of every other brands that have adopted her as their brand ambassadors, we are more positioned to push her out to the world.

    “Now she is no longer selling Agege Bread, she’s dealing with Shirley’s Bread. The grass to grace story is also the Agege Bread to the Shirley’s Bread story.”

    The event which drew quite a number a crowd, featured photo sessions with the new model.

    Mrs. Orisaguna, who spoke in Yoruba expressed delight at the opportunity given her by the company. She said her story shows that whatever anyone is doing should be done with commitment as no one knows when his or her breakthrough would come.

    “I am happy with what God has done for me because where I am today is unexpected.”inister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Bello wants better houses for residents of the territory but he also desires affordable shelter.

    To achieve this, he called for a multi-disciplinary meeting of all professionals involved in the building industry.

    Bello made the call while receiving a delegation from the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) led by its President, Arc. Umaru Aliyu that paid him a courtesy visit.

    He reiterated that the call was necessary i order to enable professionals to brainstorm and ensure that sanity is brought to the sub-sector, thereby providing more housing delivery to the populace.

    Malam Bello noted that the industry is robust, with the capacity to provide ready employment to the teeming populace in the FCT, because of the diverse professionals and unskilled labourers involved from the conception to the completion stage.

    He expressed delight to meet professional bodies like ARCON that have contributed immensely to the development of the Federal Capital Territory, recalling that recently, he had a similar meeting with the Town Planners Association Nigeria.

    According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Sule, the minister said architects, engineers, town planners, surveyors and builders should all come together to find a better way to fast track the entire process from the drawings, building plan approvals, setting out and the entire building construction process in the territory.

    The Minister decried a situation where houses are built in estates without giving enough space for greening, planting of trees and at least a garden at the backyard as well as space for children play area.

     

     

     

  • Harrysong is Gala ambassador

    UAC Foods Limited has signed a brand ambassadorship deal for its flagship brand – Gala – with the 5 Star Music group.

    As part of the deal, Harrysong will be the new face of the brand while two other musicians under the record label of KCEE and Skiibii are expected to promote the brand.

    At a briefing on Wednesday at the company head office in Lagos, the General Manager-Marketing, UAC Foods Limited, Mrs. Joan Ihekwaba, explained that the signing on of the new brand ambassador was another way through which the company intends to engender a more robust brand affinity with the target consumers and to further reaffirm the leadership positioning of Gala in the market.

    Ihekwaba also noted that the deal was in line with the ‘Doing Good’ mantra of the UACN group.  ’’As a brand from a socially responsible corporate organisation, the ‘Naija Snack’ has chosen this endorsement deal as an opportunity to support the music industry, by promoting authentic Nigerian artistes. The numerous fans of Gala should gear up for exciting times as we go into  the year,’’ she said.

    She said for over 50 years, the brand Gala has come to occupy a special place in the hearts of the Nigerians, by supporting them on their journey to success.

    On the rationale for choosing the brand ambassador, Ihekwaba said Harrysong and the 5 Star Music Group represent the vibrant, entrepreneurial and indomitable spirit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    Ihekwaba noted that the brand ambassadors, especially Harrysong, portray the Gala character, speak the language of the brand’s target audience.

    She said communication channels to be explored include radio (with jingles), television (with music videos), online communication (with consumer engagement via social media platforms), as well as outdoor and print media

    In his response, Harrysong said he was excited to be the face of the brand.

  • Ambassador of unity

    Ambassador of unity

    • We commend Ooni’s historic visit to Alaafin  

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, not only made history when he dramatically paid a historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary on January 17. He also demonstrated that he is a new king with new ways.

    The two kings represent perhaps the most prominent and culturally significant Yoruba thrones, and it has not always been rosy between the occupants of the traditional positions.

    In particular, there was no love lost between Oba Adeyemi and Oba Ogunwusi’s predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed away last year. The long rivalry that existed between the two preeminent monarchs was a minus, and unhealthy for Yoruba unity.

    Indeed, the beauty of Ooni Ogunwusi’s visit to Alaafin Adeyemi is that it was a surprise visit. It is noteworthy that Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the objective of Yoruba unity at the thanksgiving service to mark the anniversary. He said: “I am here today, though not invited, but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity with any of them.”

    The Ooni added: “I am ready to damn any consequence or insinuation from anywhere. My mission here is to preach peace among nations of Yoruba, both home and abroad. And I am ready to work with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe existed since the days of our forefathers.”

    Interestingly, the historical background supplied by the Alaafin on the occasion sufficed to show the extent of the unity that existed and the extent of the disunity that has existed. He said: “This special visit was done last in March 1937. That was the first time kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town and today history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua and the Ooni of Ife. I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.”

    It is reassuring that the traditional rulers expressed their mutual readiness to pursue the path of peace and unity. There is no doubt that this is the path that should be pursued for the benefit of the Yoruba race.

    It is worth mentioning that, historically, Ife is the fount of the Yoruba and the Ooni is regarded as the spiritual head of the race. Also, historically, Oyo once enjoyed the status of an empire and the Alaafin is regarded as a political symbol.

    This backdrop notwithstanding, their different spheres of importance and influence need not be a source of conflict. The paramountcy of peace and progress should be more paramount to the occupants of these royal seats than any battle for supremacy.

    Ooni Ogunwusi particularly deserves kudos for his monumental move.  His example testifies not only to his cultural relevance but also to his leadership sense. He brought radiance to his throne by rising above royal ego and other petty considerations to connect with Alaafin Adeyemi.

    It is a measure of Ooni Ogunwusi’s sense of mission that he has also taken concrete steps to resolve the age-long antagonism between Ife and Modakeke.  He has set up the House of Oduduwa Development Trust Fund to reconstruct buildings damaged in communal clashes between the two communities. This is another plus for Yoruba unity.

    At bottom, as a custodian of the values of the Yoruba ethnic group, Ooni Ogunwusi has commendably projected its Omoluwabi ethos, which emphasises the importance of a positive character in the social environment. He has shown himself to be a true ambassador of unity.

  • Mercy Aigbe-Gentry is DubaiAfrika SickleCell Project ambassador

    Mercy Aigbe-Gentry is DubaiAfrika SickleCell Project ambassador

    Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, who was recently named Fashion Entrepreneur of the year 2015, is in double celebration as she was also unveiled on January 9, 2016, as the first ambassador of the DubaiAfrika SickleCell Project.

    Organisers say, “DubaiAfrika platform is to reach out to people affected by the disorder, create awareness and educate the public on how to break the sickle cell circle, how to manage the crisis associated with the SCD and the importance of knowing your genotype before saying ‘I do’.”

    Shedding light on the project, they recalled that in “April 3rd 2015, Moyo Adesanmi lost the battle to Sickle Cell after fighting the disorder for 28 years. There are lots of Sickle Cell warriors out there constantly fighting the Sickle cell disorder (SCD). Nigeria has the highest Number of people surviving from the Sickle Cell Anaemia disorder.

    “We vow to love and care for sickle cell warriors, provide them with basic needs during crisis and educate them on how to properly manage their health. They say love conquers all, but not in this case. We encourage you to know your genotype before saying ‘I do’. Save the future. If you truly love each other; don’t get married or make babies if genotypes don’t tally. Thank you Mercy Aigbe-Gentry for associating with this project, we are looking forward to working with you and your platform on the DubaiAfrikaSickleCellProject to impact, love and care for sickle cell warriors.”

    The organisers, in a statement revealed that the project is dedicated to the memory of Moyo Adesanmi and all sickle cell warriors, as a pet project of DubaiAfrika.com; Africa’s first online one destination travel portal.

  • Peter Okoye is Adidas ambassador

    Peter Okoye is Adidas ambassador

    BARELY a year after he was made brand ambassador of Olympic milk, Peter Okoye of the Psquare fame has just signed another deal as the ambassador for international designer, Adidas.

    The singer made the announcement Tuesday, via his Instagram page where he shared picture of the signing ceremony. He wrote:  “Signed and Sealed. Meet your latest Adidas ambassador moi… Love great stuffs and I roll with the Best. #Go2Rounds with me at adidas stores. Buy 1 get 1 free on adidas footwear.”

    It will be recalled that telecommunications operator, Globacom, in August announced its sponsorship of a new reality television competition, ‘Dance with Peter’, anchored by the singer whose group is also known for its dance expertise.

    Dance with Peter, which is currently running is intended by the organisers, to discover the best dancer in West Africa.

  • Stephanie Okereke becomes women’s anti violence ambassador

    Stephanie Okereke becomes women’s anti violence ambassador

    Star actress and producer, Stephanie Okereke-Linus was recently named ambassador for the Fight Against Violence on Women in Elections (VAWIE).

    The actresss, while accepting the honor at the Abuja venue of the event said, “I pledge my full support, my voice and everything within my capacity to make sure that these issues are brought to light and to help educate people about this violence and see ways we can put an end to it so that we can have a better society for ourselves, and future generation.”

    The award was given by the NDI, and USAID, in recognition of her interest in feminine gender issues, especially in her movies, some of which tackle a host of feminine problems like, domestic abuse, Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), and so on.

    Although the expectant thespian is heavy with her first child, this has not slowed the hard working lady one bit.

  • Nigeria Ambassador showers praises on NFF

    Nigeria Ambassador showers praises on NFF

    Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to Tanzania, Salisu Umaru has praised the arrangements made by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier away to Tanzania.

    Speaking when some NFF Management officials visited the High Commission of Nigeria in Dar es Salaam, Ambassador Umaru said the excellent arrangements for the players and officials to be comfortable for the game were worthy of praise.

    “I must say that the new NFF administration is focused, and looks determined to get it right. It is important to mention that the NFF sent some persons ahead to make adequate accommodation and transportation arrangements for the team, and also got in contact with the High Commission to help mobilise Nigerians in Tanzania to support the Super Eagles.

    “This is a good thing, and is worthy of emulation by other sports,” said Umaru.

    Ambassador Umaru and top officials of the Mission were also at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday to support the Super Eagles, alongside a large crowd of Nigerians based in the East African country.

    Shunning the hotel reserved for the players and officials by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the NFF lodged the Super Eagles at the five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel, The Kilimanjaro.

    The NFF also flew the team in a chartered aircraft, which landed in Dar es Salaam on Thursday night and waited to fly the team direct to Port Harcourt, arriving 2am on Sunday.

    The NFF also made transportation arrangements different from what the TFF had on ground, ensuring the team’s comfort all the way.

    Ambassador Umaru added: “The NFF has done well. I believe the team will get better as they play more matches together.”

    He also called on players of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles to emulate the charitable works of other African superstars, including Didier Drogba of Cote d’Ivoire, back home in their country.

  • Ambassador denies link with visa issuance to Lebanese terrorist

    Former Nigerian ambassador to Lebanon, Oluwole Idowu, has refuted reports linking him with the issuance of Nigerian visa to a wanted Lebanese terrorist, Ahmed Al Assir.

    In a statement in Lagos yesterday, Idowu described as malicious and defamatory such media reports which, he added, were deficient in facts and professionalism.

    He said he could not have been involved in the issuance of any Nigerian visa in Beirut in August 2015 when he completed his tour of duty in Lebanon on April 6 and ‘’meritoriously” retired from service after 35 years on August 14.

    The former envoy said  while his lawyers were already taking up the issue of false and libellous publications with the concerned media organisations, he considered these clarifications most expedient because “of the embarrassment which the publications have been causing me, family, friends and associates which I had cultivated locally and internationally in the past 35 years.”

    Idowu pledged his loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari, his government and the Foreign Affairs Ministry which, he said, he had committed his entire work life as a diplomat and career ambassador.

  • Air France unveils Kunle Afolayan as Ambassador

    Air France unveils Kunle Afolayan as Ambassador

    •To back filmmaker’s next movie

    Amidst cries that Corporate Businesses are not supporting the Nigerian motion picture industry otherwise called Nollywood, the art of notable actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan got a boost on Wednesday, when Air France inked a partnership with him and his next movie, The CEO.

    Excited, Afolayan shared the news on the social media shortly after the deal: “It’s all about hard work and God. I have just been appointed as the ambassador for Air France and the deal covers several projects of mutual benefits. Thank you to all family, friends and fans for your support so far. Ire lojo gbogbo.”

    The deal is coming on the eve of his new movie, The CEO; another work which pundits say will further stamp the filmmaker as a promoter of cross cultural stories and pedant for technical details.

    The new film, for which Afolayan said he will hit location next month, will be starring top stars from Anglophone and Francophone countries, including Nigeria, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Kenya and South Africa.

    Part of the deal will be for Air France to fly the cast and crew round these countries where the film will take its locations.IMG_20150729_121938

    The airline will also be showcasing previous works of the filmmaker on their in-flight entertainment.

    The ceremony at the Victoria Island office of Air France had friends and colleagues of the filmmaker in attendance. They include veteran filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, Chairman of the newly approved Audio-Visual Rights Society (AVRS), Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Founder and CEO of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Chioma Ude and Associate Producer/Communication Director of The CEO, Seun Soyinka among others.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Jean-Raoul Tauzin, General Manager, Air France/KLM said his company is proud to have Afolayan join the Air France family as a brand ambassador. “If you are familiar with the Air France environment, we have been in Nigeria since 1946, serving the country, serving its citizens, and we are very pleased that we have someone very famous and international to represent our brand. As you may know, Air France has been sponsoring the Cannes International Film Festival since 1980 and we are very proud to be a partner of the Festival de Cannes to develop the industry of entertainment and art in France. Therefore we are very convinced that with the help of Kunle Afolayan, we will be able also to develop as much as we can, a partnership between Air France and Nollywood in Nigeria,” said Tauzin.

    Signing the MOU with Afolayan, Commercial Director, Air France/KLM, Arthur Dieffenthaler recalled that he met Afolayan at the ‘Nollywood Paris Film Festival’ earlier in the year, and that he was wowed by the filmmaker’s attainment in the Nigerian film industry, and the international scene.

    “…And after discussing about his movie and possible business partnership, I could see that there was a connection” Dieffenthaler said, adding that, “as you know in Air France, connecting is what we do: we connect people throughout the world. We have also been connecting Nigeria for almost 70 years with the rest of the world. And that’s who we are.”

    For Kunle Afolayan, it was about his call as a filmmaker and someone who understands the importance of branding. He recalled that his Golden Effects company, which deals in audio-visual productions has, in the last 10 years, produced quality films that are rich in culture, while also bringing everybody together; including brand association with several companies.

    He however described his deal with Air France as something very new and unique. “I remember in 2009 when we wanted to shoot The Figurine, we approached quite a number of Airlines because there were parts to be shot in Germany and we tried to see how to make that happen but again we had to change the script because we couldn’t make it happen. This journey started in Paris and the very moment they engaged me, I just started talking my passion,” he said.

    “Air France did something quite overwhelming for me. I was meant to go to Los Angeles and those who invited me provided an Economic Class ticket. I tried everything possible to upgrade that ticket, but I couldn’t afford to, because it was quite expensive. And as I was making enquiries, I got a call from Air France that they were willing to upgrade me all the way to Los Angeles. That ticket was not a sponsorship ticket; they paid over one million Naira to get it for me without signing anything. That was before we had reached any agreement on our partnership. And I said to myself, this means that these people (Air France) actually have the interest of, not just me, but the Nigerian entertainment industry at heart.” Afolayan said.

  • Nigerians in Zambia to Buhari: probe ambassador

    •Envoy: I’m innocent of allegations

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to Zambia, Mrs Umaru Sifawu Momoh, has come under attack  from Nigerians living in the Southern Afican country. The Nigerians, under the aegis of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Zambia chapter, accused her of financial recklessness and abuse of office.

    The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Alaba Adetayo and Secretary, Mr Joseph Ibekwe, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the ambassador who they described as a ‘national embarrassment  to the country.

    They expressed readiness to provide facts and figures if an investigation panel was set up by the President.

    But, Mrs Momoh denied the allegations, claiming that it was pure blackmail.

    She said: “I believe the group is being used by some elements to destroy my image. You know when you are a politician, some will want to find excuses to remove you from office and put someone there.

    “The same Mr Adetayo, who is claiming to be the chairman of NIDO has been asked to resign by the Nigerian community in Zambia because he has been in this position for a long time. I can give you some numbers of Nigerians here to confirm.”

    NIDO’s statement reads: “It is on record that she collected fifty thousand dollars  from the accountant without accounting for it. She sank a bore hole with the sum of One hundred and eight thousand kwacha which is equivalent to $1650, something that cannot be more than $1500.

    “She collected money to buy new tires but ended up claiming she bought second hands, which she did not even buy but came up with prices that were far more higher than the new ones. This we consider as not being part of her duty. She claimed to have bought a car, while in reality she over inflated the price of one car to buy two, the other she did sell. She uses incompetent contractors who do shoddy jobs with exorbitant cost because she never cares about a good job.”

    The group also alleged that Mrs. Momoh used government money to fly more than 18 musicians to Nigeria for her daughter’s wedding.

    But Mrs. Momoh said: “I am on salary and my daughter can marry anywhere anytime.

    “How will I collect money from the accountant without making use of it judiciously? We have accountant and auditors at the commission to testify to these facts. The records are there. I did not sink any borehole and all these allegations are new. I can only approve capital projects. I do not carry out capital projects on my own.”

    NIDO accused her of banning its members from meeting at the embassy’s premises.

    NIDO said: “She grudgingly paid after several weeks and then threatened to ban us from having our meetings at the Chancery Hall of the embassy; we made it known to her that it is not possible, that we have been there for more than twenty years. She later wrote to Abuja on the flimsy excuse that we were fighting.”

    Mrs Momoh said she only stopped their meetings at the embassy due to security reasons.