The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Easter

  • Easter: Retailers woo shoppers

    With Easter kicking off next weekend, the atmosphere around shopping places is getting busier daily with retail outlets rolling out promotional offers and pushing out affordable items for shoppers. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports

    Easter is in the air. With a week to go for the yearly celebration, shoppers are set to get as much deals from the season as possible ffrom traders.

    To retailers, it is just about making profit, but also about quality service delivery to ensure that their customers get real value for their money.

    At Shoprite, retailers are hoping to cash in on the season across all sectors, with groceries and Do it yourself (DIY) goods topping the charts.

    In areport, Shoprite stated that this year‘s retailers are capitalising on the “Mega sales promo” flagged off by major retail outlets across the state online and in-store, since the beginning of the month, causing an influx in retail sales.

    Last year, the grocery category increased by 16 percent, while DIY had a 10 percent uplift.  Last May saw a 60 percent jump in searches for clothes alongside a 40 percent increase in searches for furniture. Artificial plants were also high on search engines.

    Whether this year’s sales will follow 2017‘s trends is yet to be determined. However, last year, consumers made the most of a warm start to dry season, with Easter Sunday providing one of the sunniest Easters to date. The weather allowed  customers to do their shopping outdoor.

    Nonetheless,  experts said retailers must make the most of the holiday. The Easter Mega Sales promo signals the start of a lucrative time for brands, as shoppers look forward to having extra days to revamp their homes, spaces and gardens and spend time with their families.

    While shoppers look to spending this weekend buying one item or the other,  Easter item prices are dropping, leaving extra cash in the pockets of shoppers. The average price of items this Easter has dropped by 9.7percent, no doubt connected to the battle of Big supermarkets. Shoprite was the first to cut its prices by 7.3percent with SPAR and Supersaver soon following suit.

    Shoppers are spending in more organised, ‘healthy‘ ways. Gluten-free products have seen a surge of 80 percent since last year.

    “Regardless of which sector they belong, all retailers should be focusing on their advertising strategies this Easter,’’ Shoprite’s spokesperson Ini Archibong, said.

    Archibong, who had added his  firm’s Easter promo prices earlier on its online platform,  said: “One of the huge advantages of online advertising is its capacity to accurately segment audiences and this is a prime example of how precision targeting at scale can pay dividends for brands that have access to sophisticated insights. Whether they are organised and planning ahead, or rushing to purchase at the last minute, brands must be flexible enough to respond to the needs of all consumers if they are to gain share of wallet.”

    While small retail outlets are struggling to push sales for themselves, particularly those selling consumables, Shoprite is providing an in-store activity organised by suppliers in all its outlets. In it’s low price Easter promotion, shoppers should enjoy huge price drops on essential lines for the celebrations.

    Shoppers are also advise to check promotion leaflets in-store and on various retail websites. They are encourage to join stores social media pages for competitions and limited time specials.

    Businesses should not only concentrate on the ‘seven day shoppers‘ but on all season generally.  On the other hand, Gidimall.com.ng, an online grocery  platform has said from its Easter sales survey, searches on Android, iPhone and iPad platforms outstripped those on desktop.

    The outfit owner, Osamede said, there should not be “one size fits all” approach to engaging consumers during this period. Instead, he advise that brands must leverage the observed insight that online advertising can offer to serve shoppers with the right message at the right time on whichever device they choose to shop on, urging brands to “grab share of wallet” and to  be prepared for business.

    Shoppers have the opportunity to buy at affordable prices as retail operators are seen at shopping places putting out campaigns to ensure patronage.

    Some retailers are putting together trade shows/fairs to promote products and services saying they want people to have a place to shop for items everytime there is festivity.

    These retailers have decided not to wait for the government, to provide conducive environment and infrastructure for them, they are seen outside shopping malls, complex and plazas with their umbrellas  shielding them from the scotching sun, they continuously beckon on consumers saying; “ we are here because of you. You don’t have to go into the mall, ours are cheaper”.

     

     

  • Glo treats Awka to exciting Easter show

    Glo treats Awka to exciting Easter show

    It was a fun Easter for Awka residents as telecommunications giant, Globacom, had its debut edition of its Mega Music Nationwide held in Awka, Anambra State last Saturday.

    The show which held at the Marble Arch Event Centre was compered by Nollywood actresses, Mercy Johnson Okojie and Ebube Nwagbo.

    Opening the show was Di’ja, who, during her performance, introduced  Thelma, an Igbo ethno-rapper, who also impressed the audience. Omawumi came next with the full ensemble of her band and  performed her hit tracks including kokoma, What a Bang Bang, Bonsue, Somori and As I Dey.

    Next was Runtown who took the tempo of the show higher as he performed his songs including Fijo Gbowo, Emergency, Bend Down Pause, Walahitalahi, Superwoma n and Mad Over You. He was followed by Yemi Alade, whose electrifying performances of her songs – No do me, Kom Kom, Kissing, Ferrari, Taking over me, Charlie, Tangerine and Pose caused much excitement. Timaya came on her heels immediately with his  Dem Papa signature tune  which dazzled the crowd further following  with  I concur, Overdose, Money no dey, closing with Won fe pami.

    Closing the show was Olamide, who, for over 40 minutes, dished out some of his hit songs like Jeje lomo eko, Introduction, How are you, Oh baba, Alowo majaye, Don’t stop, Skekelobose shoki, Eledami and Omo abule sowo.

    Nollywood legends such as Patience Ozokwor, aka Mama G, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), and the lead character in the TV Series, Professor Johnbull, Kanayo O. Kanayo, also made celebrity appearances. RMD who stepped on stage to tell the crowd about Glo Café application also mimed Phyno’s ttrack, Fada Fada, simulating some dancing steps which sent the crowd into a frenzy.

    The Secretary to Anambra State Government, SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu; Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), Hon. Kenneth Okonkwo, and the MD/CEO of Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS), Nze Uche Nworah also graced the event.

    Local artistes in Awka like Emiboizy, Titilaptop, Emkizzy, Tonero, Videch and Zyryes, also got a chance to showcase their talents to the delight of their fans. Two Glo subscribers, who previously competed in the online engagement activity vide hash tagged #glosings60seconds, Endless Pella Iyke and Chief Priest, employed the platform to demonstrate their talents.

    The Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour will berth in Owerri, Imo State, at the International Conference Centre on Saturday, April 22.

    To  attend the Owerri show or any other of the remaining 26 shows, organisers say subscribers are expected to recharge up to  N2,000 within one month and text MUSIC and preferred location to short code 207, for example, “MUSIC Owerri’ to 207.

  • Aba Easter attack: Rescued victim dies in hospital

    One of the rescued victims of Easter Monday’s kidnap in Aba, Abia State has been reported dead in a yet-to-be disclosed private hospital in the commercial city where he was said to be receiving treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during the shootout.

    Gunmen on Monday evening abducted two men they had trailed from Azikiwe Road to a spot between Pound Road and St. Michael’s Road/Adazi and shot sporadically to scare people as they made for escape with their victims.

    However, on getting to the Good Morning Market area of the city, the hoodlums were engaged in a shootout by security men which led to the arrest of one of the criminals and recovery of vehicles and some other items including AK 47 raffle.

    A security source said that during the gunbattle, one of the kidnap victims who was still seated instead of the SUV they were abducted in, was hit by a bullet and after the operation, was rushed to a private hospital on Azikiwe Road where doctors on duty battled to save his life.

    The source said the man whose identity could not easily be known, died Tuesday evening, less than 24 hours after he was rushed to the hospital, as a result of the injuries he sustained.

    However, the other victim said to be the major target of the kidnappers, reportedly went home unhurt and is said to have reunited with the family members.

    When contacted, Abia command police public relations officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna said he was not aware of the man’s death.

  • 13 feared killed in fresh Southern Kaduna attack

    13 feared killed in fresh Southern Kaduna attack

  • Easter: Fun-seekers troop to Badagry beach, resort

    Fun-seekers yesterday trooped to the Suntan Beach and the Whispering Palms Resort, both in Badagry, to celebrate Easter with their loved ones.

    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the Suntan Beach reports that it was a bee-hive of activities, as people from various parts of the country came around with their friends and family members.

    Mr Olaitan Akinsanya told NAN at the beach that the Easter break was a time to spend quality time with his family.

    “I have been looking forward to this period for me spend time with my family.

    “This is my first time of coming to the beach and I must confess, it is a serene and cool place,” he said.

    Mr Joshua Akande, a student, said the Easter period was a time for him to take a break and relax.

    “I looked forward to the break to get a deserved rest from all the stress of school.

    “The beach is a perfect place for me to relax, chill and have fun all at the same time,” he said.

    Mrs Senami Asham, a soft drink seller, said her business had been profitable since the beginning of the day.

    “So far, I have made a lot of money through patronage by customers and I’m sure I will still make more money because more people will still come,” she told NAN on Sunday afternoon.

    NAN reports that many people were also seen at the Whispering Palm Resort, Iworo, Badagry, having fun.

    Mr Deji Femi-Pearce, chairman of the resort attributed the large turnout to the various activities the resort had to offer.

    “We have different packages for the different people that come here for Easter and the prices are cheaper compared to what you have in Lagos and other states.

    “The serene environment of this place and its safety makes people to always come here despite the distance,” he said.

  • Show love to all, Osinbajo urges Nigerians

    Show love to all, Osinbajo urges Nigerians

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday urged Nigerians to emulate the sacrificial love that Jesus Christ showed to all generations by preaching and showing love to all.

    Osinbajo gave the advice while speaking to newsmen shortly after the Easter Service at the Aso Villa Chapel.

    The VP had at the service preached on love to one another and said it was the foundation of the nation’s development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo’s sermon is entitled: `Revelations on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.’

    “It is a message for love for all; there is no tribe, no religion; regardless of faith, Jesus loves us. This is how we should relate with ourselves.

    “It is a pure love and I think that it is what everyone should bear in mind at this time,” he said.

    He reminded Nigerians to serve God faithfully to earn forgiveness and salvation in the hereafter.

    Osinbajo noted that spiritually, Jesus stood between hell and heaven, and serves as an intercessor for mankind.

    “All that is required is to believe in Him by acceptance of the commitment he made on the cross,” he said.

    The service had in attendance, Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity and Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters. (NAN)

  • Photo: Lagos Easter Sunday Service

    Photo: Lagos Easter Sunday Service

    The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd. Dr. E. Adebola Ademowo,(2nd right), Former Deputy Governor of Lagos and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, (2nd left), Chancellor, Lagos Diocese, Justice George Oguntade, rtd. (left) and Deputy Chancellor, Diocese of Asaba, Justice Sybi Nwaka after the Easter Sunday Service held at Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria
    Anglican Communion at Marina Lagos.
    PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.
  • Easter, another opportunity for Nigeria’s redemption, says Sen. Tinubu

    Easter, another opportunity for Nigeria’s redemption, says Sen. Tinubu

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, on Sunday felicitated with Christians at Easter, saying it was another opportunity to redeem the nation from the throes of challenges that had plagued her.

    Tinubu in her Easter message entitled – ‘A Second Chance’, said that it was another chance to set in motion the change that each person would like to see, and build the nation.

    ”We must lovingly accept one another, extending a helping hand to those around us, regardless of religious affiliations and belief. In this moment, more than ever, we must strive to be more like Jesus.

    ”For us as a nation, it is also a second chance to redeem our nation from the throes of the challenges which have plagued her.

    ”A second chance to set in motion the change we would each like to see, and to build the Nigeria of our dreams, ”she said.

    Tinubu urged Nigerians to strive to be more like Jesus who died to redeem mankind.

    ” The death of Jesus to pay a debt he did not owe, for the salvation of you and I, is the ultimate story of a second chance at redemption. This is the crux of our faith, the proof of God’s love for mankind and the centre of Christianity.

    ”This second chance is our hope of freedom. We must not live in fear, depression or like those who do not know that Christ is risen.
    ”We must proclaim the resurrection of Christ in our daily lives, actions and conduct,” she said. (NAN)

  • Ambode preaches love, sacrifice at Easter

    Ambode preaches love, sacrifice at Easter

    As Christians in the country join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Easter, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called on Nigerians to collectively imbibe the spirit of love, sacrifice and peaceful co-existence, saying that it is only when such virtues exist that the nation can make meaningful progress.
    Ambode, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to all of the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.
    Noting that this season calls to mind the selflessness, love and tolerance which were the hallmark of Jesus Christ during His earthly life, Governor Ambode said, “It is a season when we should pause and reflect on our individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love, peace and harmony in our society.”
    “Therefore, we must see this period as a time that affords us to think about how we can each help to steer our nation back on the road to prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness.”
    He said there was no better time for the country to unite together and eschew resentment along ethnic and religious lines, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where there is unity of purpose.

  • Okon and Baba Lekki in rowdy Easter celebrations

    There are more matters for an April morning—— to misappropriate the great bard of Stratford Upon Avon. William Shakespeare himself was no stranger to poaching, having been once famously accused of poaching deer from a government Reservation. There were rumours that the supreme deity of dramatic literature poached other things as well. But that is not before the board, as they say in the arcane lingo of bureaucratic mischief.

    With Okon, it is one trouble per day. A  week to Easter, snooper stumbled on the mad boy with Baba Lekki in festive mood surrounded by several kegs of fresh palm wine. The duo were already the worse for drunken wear. Snooper tiptoed away to avoid unnecessary commotion, but the mad boy was having none of that.

    “Oga come join us now. Man no be wood, even Tiger Wood sef no be wood”, the mad boy hollered and winked at his accomplice.

    “Okon, what is all this nonsense”, snooper charged.

    “Oga no be nonsense. Na pammy now and you know say na Palm Sunday”, the wicked boy sneered.

    “So, where did you get all this palm wine from when you are not a tapper?”

    “Ha oga dat one easy. As dem militant dey chase police for Majidun bush, gbuam, gbuam na him palm wine man come pick race na him I come take wine for protected custody”, the mad boy snorted. Sensing that the Okon may also take his master into protective custody, snooper held rapid conversation with his legs.

    A week later on Easter day, the mad boy had dramatically raised the stakes. As he was approaching the kitchen, snooper saw Okon and Baba Lekki scrambling away with Okon’s mouth swollen in gluttony.

    “Okon, what is that in your mouth?” snooper called out.

    “The boy him get menu-gitis”, Baba Lekki crowed.

    “I am not talking to you stupid old man”, snooper screamed. By this time snooper had reached the kitchen only to find the place littered with egg shells. By which time, Okon had also recovered the initiative.

    “Oga na poached egg for Easter. Abi no be so dem dey do for England?” the crazy boy snorted.

    “I hope this is not from my kitchen” snooper shouted.

    “If he be poached egg where him go come from?” Okon demanded.

    “Poached egg is poached egg, abi you no go school?” Baba Lekki sniggered as he dragged Okon out into the street singing and dancing. Happy Easter to you all.