The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fun

  • Independence Day: Fun,excitement at The Ventura

    IT was excitement and fun galore in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday as people converged on the new fast- growing family entertainment mall, The Ventura, to mark the nation’s independence day.

    The beautification of the place with a torch of green white green made the venue, which berthed in May this year, the cynosure of all eyes.

    An excited mother, Mrs. Serah Johnson, who brought her kids to have fun at the mall, said: “I am happy that Ibadan is fast developing and what we are seeing at The Ventura today proves that Ibadan has come of age.

    Speaking with newsmen at the venue, the Ventura’s spokesperson and consultant, Phizzle, said: ” The Ventura is an exciting, all- encapsulating hub of entertainment. It gives you a new mix of entertainment that has never being so combined because of the unique freshness, the daring environment and the serene airspace that it seeks to create.”

    The highlight of the fun-filled day was the raffle draw,  as many went home with exciting rewards.

  • Catching fun on the pitch

    Catching fun on the pitch

    Students of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) displayed their soccer skills during the weeklong contest for the Dean’s Cup. The football fiesta was organised by the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA). SUNNY IBEH (200-Level History) reports.

    All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. This saying aptly describes the action of Arts students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who suspended their studies penultimate week for soccer. It was the 2014 Dean’s Cup and students displayed their soccer skills.

    The fiesta featured male and female teams in the faculty’s 10 departments. The grand finale of the tournament was held on last week Tuesday, after the teams scaled through the group and knock-out stages.

    The final match, which was billed to start at noon, began a few hours behind schedule because of the weather. The event began with the female final match. It was the second time female students were allowed to participate in the tournament.

    The fixture was between the Indomitable Amazons of History Department and the Lions of International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD). There was a buzz when History Department’s skipper Natasha Nwanze scored the first goal.

    Ten minutes later, Zazi Idodo of the ISD scored the equalising goal to balance the game. The first half ended in a tie. The second half started amid chanting and cheers by the spectators.

    At 65 minutes, Sylvia Eneoguru of the History Department scored another goal, killing the morale of the opponents.

    At the 89th minute, Indomitable Amazons’ Juliet Chinwuba netted another goal, which finally weaken the ISD team. The match ended 3:1.

    History Department made history as the only department in the faculty that has won the trophy back-to-back.

    The final match of the male category kicked off immediately after the female game ended at 4pm. The match was between ISD and Theatre Arts Department. The game ended in favour of ISD, which had two goals in the first 20 minutes. The Theatre Arts had one goal.

    After winners emerged from both categories, the officials dressed the players and their coaches with gold and silver medals.

    To mark the feat, the ISD Department planned a victory party. Natasha told CAMPUSLIFE the goal was a dream comes true for her.

    “We are basking in the euphoria of our victory at the Dean’s Cup. For me, the goal I scored is a dream that has come true,” she said.

    The Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA) president, Jeffery Arinze, described the success of the event as a divine intervention despite hiccups encountered in the planning. He said: “It is just God. We planned as humans and through his powers, it becomes a success.”

    On his part, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Stanley Amasianya, hailed Director of Sport for his “unrelenting effort” towards the success of the events. He advised other faculties to emulate the association.

    “I am happy that the tournament went as planned. The Director of Sport must be commended for this feat, which is as a result of his commitment towards the reality of the event,” he said.

     

  • Asaba’s night of music, fun and girls

    Asaba’s night of music, fun and girls

    For many in most cities, nightlife provides opportunities to unwind after the day’s work, especially as the average Nigerian can ill afford the yearly luxury of vacations. OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE captures the essence of nightlife in Asaba, the Delta State capital and the residents’ insatiable appetite for fun

    Asaba, the Delta State capital, is a picturesque city overlooking the River Niger.

    Though it bears the appellation of a civil service town, there is more to the modest city than meets the eye.

    True, it lacks the mercantile verve of its more illustrious eastern neighbor, Onitsha or the ostentation of faraway oil-rich Warri, Asaba compensates with a vibrant social life that expresses the hedonistic credentials of the average local.

    For the first timer, nightlife is an enthralling kaleidoscope of experience, as fun spots abound ranging from an assortment of simple out-door drinking pubs and eateries to the exclusive and prestigious highbrow hotels that dot its landscape.

    Green House, located on the popular Nnebisi Road, is typical of such out-door entertainment spots. It is a cramped, haphazardly constructed corrugated zinc and wooden affair, built to serve a utilitarian purpose than any ambitious aestheticism.

    Littering the available space are plastic chairs and tables adorned with a variety of alcoholic beverages. Fun seekers sit in groups of varying sizes enjoying themselves.

    Perched on huge wooden supports, two giant loudspeakers blare music at elevated decibels to the delight of revelers.

    To the right, half a dozen habitués sway rhythmically to raunchy music, egged on by a bare-chested disc jockey. The attention of other guests is riveted on a huge screen showing English premiers-ship soccer. Yet others sit in darkened corners in compromising positions or simply watch the unfolding spectacle before them.

    Outdoor entertainment in the city, especially bars on Nnebisi Road has been boosted with the recently installed neon street lighting, thus creating a carnival atmosphere of some sort at nights.

    In the vicinity of Green House, as well as at other locations, outdoor bars have mushroomed with the resultant attraction to these spots of commercial sex workers from far and near.

    Determined to outdo each other, the biggest names in the brewing industry have cashed in on the thriving nightlife with promotional offerings that encourages drinking sprees amongst revelers.

    Linda Ekwy, a dazzling buxomly beauty, is the brain behind this pub. She explains that the idea of the pub was originally her mothers`. According to her; Green House started over two decades ago with only two plastic tables and eight chairs.

    Linda maintains that the biggest selling point of her business is the home-made fish and dried bush meat pepper-soup recipe on offer, adding that customers visits from far off Lagos and neighboring states to savor this delicacy.

    Pressed to reveal the recipe, she promptly reels out a list of items, but cautions that success depends on the technical expertise of the cook.

    She added that beyond the delicacies on offer, an unbroken bond of interpersonal relations with customers, such as a genuine interest in the welfare of customers has ensured a steady stream of clients to Green House.

    Asked to comment on the activities of commercial sex workers in the neighborhood, she notes that since her clientele includes responsible folks out for a night outing, prostitutes are denied admittance except accompanied by a male guest.

    “Call girls are not allowed in here, except they come here with a man. We do not allow then to sit here because they are usually the cause of fights,” she submits.

    Notwithstanding the spate of robbery incidents in the metropolis lately, business has not been negatively impacted.

    According to Linda, “we share a common fence with the “A” divisional police station. Asaba, so as long as you are at Green House security is not a problem”.

    Further down Nnebisi road and directly opposite the prestigious Grand Hotel is a cluster of outdoor joints. Although not so well organised, it still commands a hefty crowd due to its lenient rules on commercial sex workers.

    Emeka`s place, the most visible amongst the quartet of bars replicates the self-same services provided at Green House.

    It goes a notch further by engaging the services of a two-man dance act that could pass as contortionists due to their uncanny ability to twist their bodies into strange and unnatural positions.

    This duo, known as “two-star show”, though an aside, keeps the audience spellbound with their sheer energy and intricate dance routines.

    Because Emeka`s Place admits all-comers, it has the dubious image of the red light district on Nnebisi Road. Real business for commercial sex workers commences as form 8.00pm till the wee hours.

    Emeka, an affable chap, is proprietor of the bar. He confesses that his business has experienced a boom these past few years, due mainly to patronage from the ladies of easy virtue that throng his bar.

    He admits to have abandoned his cloth retailing business in Lagos many years back to stake a claim in the more lucrative entertainment business in Asaba, a decision he claims he does not regret.

    Ameachi, 28 years, is an artisan in aluminum roofing business, and claims to be a regular visitor to the bar. For him, he swears his interest is confined solely to booze and not in the unholy pastime of soliciting sex. But as if to give lie to his duplicitous comment, a coquettish cheeky tug by a young lady promptly sends him chasing after her, leaving this reporter nonplussed.

    In stark contrast to the boisterous and rowdy sessions at Green House and Emeka`s place is “De Grill,” “De Grill” is owned by Ann Okafor, an Anglo- Nigeria lady.

    The main attraction of the joint is its grilled fish menu. Guests are allowed to choose live fish from a pond within its premises and then grilled by a chef. “De Grill” comes across as an elitist joint with cool background music serenading guests in a relaxed atmosphere.

    Mr. Mike Nwabuzor, a regular visitor to the joint, surmises that a combination of healthy fishmeal coupled with soft music has therapeutic value.

    A further attraction to guests who visit “De Grill” must be its zero tolerance for commercial sex workers and the very young but often obstreperous customers.

    As a matter of deliberate policy, prices of alcoholic beverages are a bit steep and television is not allowed at “De Grill”, thus discouraging patronage from unwanted guests.

    Uptown, a group of outdoor bars have sprung up. These new bars are classier and purpose built with every bit of comfort for revelers.

    Since these upscale bars offer competitive pricing in alcoholic beverages and food, many low income earners throng them.

    Amongst these group includes Tunja Bar, Opera Lounge, Westpoint, Sun city,One Side, Y2K  and a host of others.

  • ‘Catch the fun while it lasts’

    The open space in front of Hall 2 at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) is supposed to be a car park, but students’ frequent visits to the spot at night has turned it into a rendezvous of sorts for lovebirds and fun seekers, writes EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine).

    The Hall 2 Car Park at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) is beautiful at night. Visitors throng the spot, which is popularly called “Heartbeat of UNIBEN” to catch fun at night.

    In the morning, it hosts few activities. The sound of passing vehicles can be heard from a distance. Photographers are seen taking shots of the few students around.

    At sunset, the park is crowded and throbbing with activities. It becomes the rendezvous for fun seekers and lovebirds.

    The park is also an event centre, hosting campus fellowship meetings, seminars, cultural day celebrations and academic tutorials.

    At a dark spot, which stretches to Hall 3, students, usually in twos, hang around. Boys and girls hold hands, whispering sweet nothing into each other’s ear. The occasional presence of snakes and other harmful creatures does not deter them from catching fun. “Catch the fun while it lasts” is the refrain among students.

    “We are catching fun,” a student, who simply gave his name as Joseph, said when this reporter sought to know what he was doing at the park at 11:32pm.

    At the park entrance is an array of almond trees, called Ebelebo in UNIBEN parlance. The trees give shade to lovers.

    A few metres away is June 12 building. The aroma of toast egg and bread called Mischai in UNIBEN oozes from every angle of the building. Pots are always steaming with Indomie noodles and fried eggs. Fun seekers stay on queue to buy the food.

    To some students, there is nothing wrong in unwinding at the Car Park, Ebelebo trees or the June 12 building at night. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” said Moses Edafe, a regular visitor.

    He added: “All we do here is to come and catch fun at night; we rekindle old flames and renew friendship. Even you, as a medical student (pointing to this reporter), know that it is good to catch fun and relax. The fun here opens up our brain for better assimilation when we go to read at night.”

    Moses’ girlfriend, who was with him when CAMPUSLIFE met him, said there was nothing wrong with visiting the lovers’ spot at night. According to her, all they do there is “networking” and to catch fun with friends.

    Etinosa Obazee, another student, frowned at erotic activities in the park at night, saying a serious student who has loads of academic task to accomplish would not spend a second at the lovers’ spot at night.

    “Why don’t you (pointing to this reporter) also go there with a lady at night?” he quizzed.

    Nelson Okonkwo, an Agriculture student, disagreed with Etinosa’s view, asking how many students attending classes daily doing well in their academics? “Visit the faculties notice boards and you will be amazed to discover that the so-called serious students are not doing well academically,” he said.

    He added: “Don’t mind the people castigating us. They are the poor students who don’t have money to spend and cannot survive the competition on campus. If given the opportunity to go and relax at lovers’ spot, they would grab it with both hands.”

    A graduate of UNIBEN, who gave his name as Momodu, said the notion that unserious students visit fun spots at night was biased and unjustifiable.

    Momodu said: “During my stay in UNIBEN, I visited many of those spots, especially the Ebelebo tree. Those moments keep playing in my mind. I have forgotten some of what my lecturers said in class but the moments at the spot are still fresh. It was under Ebelebo tree I meet my girlfriend whose father works in a big company in Lagos. I have been called to submit job application there. If I was not a visitor of fun spot, how could I have met her and got this kind of help through her father?”

    He said a friend of his, who graduated with a first class, was a visitor at the park on Saturday nights. “After we caught fun, we returned to our books,” Momodu added.

    A 300-Level Pure Physics student, who gave his name as Osagie, said it was not a bad idea to visit the park. “It depends on what one is going there to do,” he said.

    A fellowship president said: “Why will two unmarried students be holding hands in a park at night? The Bible frowns at it. Those students are deceiving themselves.”

    A medical doctor said relaxation is important if one must remain alive. He said: “Too much work and stress can result in mental health problems, memory failure and even heart disorders. People must create enough time relax to stay healthy.”

  • Wozniacki pokes fun at McIlroy’s height

    Caroline Wozniacki  is taking shots at ex- fiancé Rory McIlroy.

    The 24-year-old posted a picture to Instagram of her and fellow tennis player Marta Domachowska in Istanbul, where she’s currently competing in the Istanbul Cup.

    While the post may seem innocuous, Wozniacki’s decision to post a picture of herself wearing heels, and a caption highlighting the fact, were decidedly more pointed.

    “Out and about in Istanbul. It’s been three years since I have worn heels on a normal day out. #feelsgood #looksgood #shopping #highheels #sun,” she wrote.

    The caption is a clear dig at McIlroy, 25, who the Danish tennis star dated for three years. The golfer, who’s currently competing in the British Open, is listed as an inch shorter than his ex, who’s listed at 5’10.”

    Wozniacki and McIlroy’s relationship ended in May, when the golfer called off their engagement just days after the wedding invitations had been sent out.

  • Pupils have fun learning

    Pupils have fun learning

    About 1,219 pupils from 104 secondary schools in Lagos State have attended the 18th career counseling and industry awareness programme. The programme was organised by the Youth Empowerment Restoration Initiative of Lonadek Oil and Gas last week.

    The Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan was packed full with excited pupils, who listened   to the General Manager Supply, Addax Petroleum Mr Valentine Iwu lamenting that despite exploiting Nigeria’s oil wealth for over five decades, the country is still underdeveloped.

    The pupils learnt about capacity building, competence and capability in the oil and gas industry from experts in the sector. they were also taught the importance of local innovations from the Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr Umar Bindir and how to study better from Mrs C.O. Agwu of West African Examination Council (WAEC).

    They equally learnt the importance of good character and attitude from Mr Soji Oyawoye and how to excel in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from Mr Chima Akanno of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    Dr Bindir challenged them to be innovative for Nigeria to export her products to other countries. According to him, that is the only way the country can be among the top 20 economies of the world by year 2020.

    “I hope one day the new inventors and producers will make this Vision 2020 a reality, which will make irresponsibility evaporate in the Nigeria system,” he said.

    Mr Biyi Awotiku of Chevron advised the pupils to channel their energy into things that will enlighten them, while Mrs Seyi Afolabi, Executive Director, Mobil Nigeria Limited, told them they could be whoever they want if they are determined, prepared and ready to work hard.

    Speaking on how to prepare for examinations, Mrs Agwu advised the students to discover themselves, set goals, avoid distractions and develop good study skills.

    “It is true that intelligence genes are sometimes inherited, but real intelligence comes from putting extra work to your already stored knowledge. And academic excellence has a price that can only be paid only by those who understand it,” she said.

    On his part, Mr Oyawoye advised the pupils to have positive attitudes.

    “The foundation of success is attitude and without the right attitude, progress will not be forthcoming but with the right attitude, things will change positively,” he said.

    In her goodwill message via the video, initiator of the programme, Dr Ibilola Amao urged the pupils to take whatever they learnt seriously to make the country proud.

    Commenting on the programme, Chidera Agbasiere, an SS2 pupil of Satellite Senior Secondary School, Amuwo Odofin, said she learnt the importance of having the right attitude.

    “The right attitude is one of the key things needed to succeed because attitude keeps you going, but the right character sustains you in your journey,” she said.

    Another pupil, Dehinbo Ebenezer of Bellina College, Akoka, said he learnt to be a change agent.

    “I have learnt to be the change I want to see around me and I have learnt to be more focused,” he said.

    The workshop featured an exhibition of science and technological devices from the schools in attendance.  The Four-way Intruder Detector of the Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon, Badagry won with 75 per cent;  Laureates College, Mafoluku’s Ariel Surveillance Balloon came second with 70.1; while the  Sound-activated Audio Amplifier invented by the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, was adjudged the third best with 70 per cent.

  • Catching fun while teaching

    Catching fun while teaching

    It was celebrations all the way at the Faculty of Education of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State last week as 300-Level and 400-Level students rounded off their six-week teaching practice. The students returned to a warm reception by their junior colleagues.

    The exercise, which started in February, was part of the requirements for students to get the Bachelor’s degree in education. Perceived as a platform for breeding future teachers, Education students must participate in teaching practice twice before completing their programme.

    The teaching practice started with an orientation seminar before the participants were sent to some secondary schools in Osun State. At the orientation, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof P.O. Jegede and members of the Teaching Practice Committee dwelt on the ethics of teaching. After the programme, the students were posted to secondary schools in Osogbo, Ilesa, Ipetumodu, Origbo and Modakeke, among others.

    Those posted to remote villages saw their postings as punishment. The lucky ones thanked providence for being posted to schools within Ile-Ife environs. Ten participants each were sent to government-owned schools in the state.

    The students elected a leader to serve as an intermediary between them and the schools to which they were posted.

    Three weeks into the exercise, things took a dramatic turn when the management asked students to vacate their halls of residence on break.

    Most of those affected by development, were Education students in remote villages. The students were demoralised, with many saying the authorities did not care about their wellbeing.

    Despite that, the trainees waited to finish the teaching practice. Supervisors from various departments in the Education Faculty were dispatched to schools where students were doing the exercise.

    Some trainees had bitter experiences with their supervisors, who penalised them for not embracing the dress code of the teaching profession. Others were sanctioned for conduct against the ethics of the profession.

    During the last week of the exercise, the trainees held debate and quiz contests for pupils. Also, they played novelty football matches to mark their departure from their schools.

    A trainee, Damilola Tunji-Ajayi, 300-Level Social Studies Education, said: “Although, it is the first time I participated in teaching practice, it was all fun throughout. Seeing pupils everyday for six weeks and getting to stand before them to teach them were fun. I look forward to the next teaching practice.”

  • Fun and fury of trade fairs

    Fun and fury of trade fairs

    Trade Fairs are as old as history of business. Many see it as a platform where manufacturers, service providers, small/medium entrepreneurs and end users interact and discuss their products and services. Thus, it is a bargain ground for producers/products exhibitors and shoppers; and the economy stands to derive some benefits from it.

    The “trade shows” is not only to create an atmosphere for shoppers and buyers to interact; it is also to create room for variety of products among sellers, thus bringing about reduction in prices to shoppers’ delight.

    For the fact that shopping is like a stage play where every actor comes, exhibits and leaves, shoppers and vendors adequately maximise their presence at trade fairs.

    Nigerian fairs are primarily designed for enterprises seeking wider access to internal and international markets, and investors seeking joint-venture partners and markets for various goods.

    Nigeria, being a viable market for assorted goods/services from all continents of the world, makes provision for ample opportunities to market new innovations and bring exhibitors and shoppers together for trade activities.

    Trade exhibition poses a lot of competition, especially among those who sell the same products, thus causing pleasant confusion for the shopper who is expected to be prudent and patient on product choice. But shoppers get good bargains, as many products are on promotion with attractive discounts.

    In addition, companies provide casual jobs to unemployed youths who help them market their products. This helps shoppers purchase items at cheaper rates in a relaxed atmosphere spiced with music and other side attractions.

    Trade fairs are significant in the realisation of a nation’s collective aspirations of rapid economic transformation as businesses are enhanced and promoted in the process.

    The representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Alayande Olarewaju said at the Lagos Mega Trade Fair presently going on at Tafa Balewa Square that it is through trade that domestic companies can take advantage of bigger markets at regional, continental and global levels.

    He said: “Trade fairs offer excellent platforms for the promotion of domestic and international trade. However, for us to benefit from trade, local companies must be competitive. Therefore, the creation of an enabling environment to enhance competition is crucial.

    “Putting up trade fair expositions and promotions is the only way the organised private sector can reposition itself to face the emerging challenges of global competition. The importance of trade fairs and exhibitions in the expansion of trade and promotion of economic diversification cannot be over-emphasized as it creates opportunities for buyers and sellers to meet and forge partnerships that can last for a long time. Nigeria like many other developing countries is prepared to streamline trade in its development strategies. The consensus amongst policy makers and the private sector is that in the current economic climate where most economies are battling to reduce budget deficits, reduce unemployment and tackle their sovereign debt crises, the most potent tool for sustainable and inclusive economic growth is trade and investment.”

    Mr Wole Osunkunle, Managing Director, Osworld Associates Limited, the organisers of the ongoing Mega Lagos Fair with the theme Consolidating global economic and political gains through trade promotions said that a fair is an opportunity for people to make contact with manufacturers, create network for new businesses, make contact as distributors/agents, show-case new products and services as well as other benefits. The essence of the trade fair is not only for buying and selling,” he said.

    In a bid to ensure that members of the chamber make maximum use of the yearly fair, he also said, “We encourage participants to give flyers and business cards to those they come in contact with. So, the participants can easily be located for more business deals after the fair,”

    “Trade fairs contribute meaningfully to the expansion of trade for the sustainable economic growth of a nation thereby leaving a positive impression on the minds of participants.”

    The Nation Shopping spoke with some shoppers to find out what their attractions to trade fairs are and how they have gained one way or the other.

    Mrs Adesuwa Ehiadolor said her attraction is the free package that goes with visiting the fairs. “There are free this and that everywhere. Sometimes, when you don’t buy anything, you are given something for spending time at the fair. For instance, drink industries like Nutri-C, Milo and the likes give out free drinks to shoppers whether you patronise them or not. Pens and souvenirs of all sorts are commonly given out at fairs. Some of us patronise fairs because of these consolation gifts we get, regardless of any other thing.

    For Mr Nurudeen Komolafe, the attraction is the promotion and discounts, where shoppers are sure of getting products at cheap rates. ”If trade fairs continue the way they are today, people like me will not miss one for anything. I look forward to fairs, it is favourable to me”.

    Yet for Mr Sanya Akinkunmi, the attraction is also the discounts attached to products. “At the last Lagos International Trade Fair, I was given a 10 per cent discount when I bought a bed, I was to buy it for N40,000, but I was given 10 per cent discount and I got it for N36,000,” he said.

    An exhibitor, Mrs Olushola Ajireru who sells Mouka foam, said ‘trade fair is an avenue for creating awareness for products, though customers benefit more from fairs,” she said.

    Another exhibitor, Mrs. Praise Shopeju who sold Ghana wears at the last Lagos International Trade Fair said it is a good thing, especially in an international fair likes this where you have exhibitors and manufacturers from other countries. It is an opportunity for us to know how receptive Nigerians are and how they value our own products.”

    Osunkunle also noted that whenever there is a kind of bilateral activity, the government would be involved. “That is why, in the course of preparing for a fair, we make sure that we make relevant contacts within and outside the country and with all the government agencies, particularly, our mission outside the country and the mission of foreign countries inside Nigeria. We have to work with them closely because if company “A” is interested in coming from China and the Chinese embassy in Nigeria says Nigeria is not safe; that Nigeria is not a viable place to come, such a company would not come.

    “We also need cooperation to make those agencies understand us and understand the situation and then we need to understand them so that we would be able to market whatever we have in mind. That is how it works; the government is grossly involved because we cannot do it alone, especially if it is an international trade fair and even if it is a local government trade fair, these agencies and the government must be involved because they have to provide the security, the land and some other things. So, you cannot do it on your own. No matter how rich or how big the chamber is, it still needs to work with the government closely because there are things that are beyond the chambers; there are things that only the government can provide,” he said.

    The benefits and the main purpose of trade fairs is exchange of technology and ideas, so that when you invite people, they come and showcase what they have and they try to pick what you have also. The real gain from trade fair is the exchange of ideas, exchange of technology and exchange of bigger business. The actual benefits are in billions and those come from the discussions and exchange of ideas.

     

  • Excitement, fun, as the ‘Star TV Game Show’ 2012 winds to a close

    Excitement, fun, as the ‘Star TV Game Show’ 2012 winds to a close

    WITH one minute to go and N3m at stake, this may well be the most crucial moment in Mathew Ugwu’s life. The 21 year-old old native of Imo State should be in his home base in Enugu State, eking out a living as a bricklayer. Today he is in Lagos, participating in the Star TV Game Show.

    The game is down to the wire. A razor sharp tension permeates the ambience. The fate of Ugwu’s team lies in his hands. Should they win, they will walk away with one million naira each. But the odds are against them as they are trail with 10 points. The game is the Star Dunk, an adaptation from the basketball game. The contestants are required to aim balls into a series of improvised basketball hoops. The game might well be considered easy but for the presence of a wooden screen obstructing the view of contestants. Thus Mathew Ugwu and other must aim for the basketball even with the wooden screen obstructing their view. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, opens them again and aims. The rest is history. Mathew Ugwu, along with the other members of the team, Chika Ikere, a native of Edo State and a Lagos based trader as well as Nwoke Jideofor, a youth corps member serving in Abuja were also winners of N1m, walk away with one million naira each in the Star TV Game Show. The excitement ripples through the live audience as they join the three winners in frenzied celebrations. ”Welcome to the millionaires club,” Gbenga Adeyinka, ace comedian and anchor of the Game Show says to the three men. As Mathew Ugwu wipes the sweat from his brow, a voice rings out from the audience, ”wipe that poverty away from your face. You are now a millionaire!!” The remark is greeted with laughter.

    That was just one of the indelible moments in the recently concluded Star TV Game Show. Indeed, it has been an exciting journey in the nation’s most popular and longest running game show. In all, 21 individuals from all walks of life won for themselves N1m each. For winners like Mathew Ugwu, the N1m represents a new lease of life for them. For Mathew, who was among the fifth batch of millionaires to emerge, his dreams of going back to school will finally come to reality. The native of Enugu State was on the verge of forfeiting his admission to the Enugu State University because he could not afford the fees. But with the N1m, his quest for education will not be truncated. “I can’t believe this. This is God’s way of sending me to school. I was going to lose my admission because my parents couldn’t come up with N120, 000. But thank God that I will go to school at last,” he stated.

    If Mathew Ugwu’s story is touching then the story of Chinedu Agoh is even more gripping. Agoh wept like a baby after he was announced as one of the winners in the third batch of the game show. The reason for his tears is understable. The Enugu State based driver spends his nights in the pavement of the underground floor in a hotel. With a monthly salary of N25, 000, Agoh could barely afford a decent apartment for himself. Rather he sends his most of his meager salary to his wife and two year old son in neighbouring Imo State. Now with the largesse, the 32-year-old man will finally be able to reunite his family. “: “I have been staying apart from my wife and son for the past six months due to lack of money to get a befitting accommodation. I currently sleep on the pavement of the underground floor of the hotel in Enugu where I currently work as a driver. The place stinks, but I have no choice but to lay my head there every night. With this one million naira; I will pay for an accommodation for us to come back together as a family and open a bank account for my son.”

    The testimony continues: Twenty-eight-year-old Olalekan Olorunsogo became a millionaire on the third anniversary of his father’s burial. “I don’t really know what to say. Today marks the day that I lost my father. And I am smiling home with N1m thanks to Star,” he said.

    However, the Star TV Game Show is not only about doling out money to winners. The game show also generates ample fun and excitement not only for the participants in the games but also the live audience. Much of this is owed to the show anchor, Gbenga Adeyinka. The ace comedian’s uncanny ability to connect with the audience and the participants certainly gives Star TV Game an edge over others. With his humour and witty refrains, there is hardly a dull minute in the Star TV Game Show. The humour merchant, it was, that coined several hilarious phases to depict points won during every game. While Etwetwe means 5 points, Igbagba is for 10 points while Ofilingi is for twenty points. As ridiculous as they may sound, it became a hit with the audience and participants of the game show.

    As for the show audience and participants, selected from bars in cities across the country the experience goes beyond winning the prize money. All the Participants brought to Lagos and are lodged in the posh Mainland hotels for a night before they are taken for the game show proper. Joseph Adikpo, a Kaduna based teacher was opportune to attend the third edition of the game show. ”He says: For me, I haven’t been to Lagos before. This is a wonderful experience for me. I am so happy that Nigerian Breweries will bring me all the way from Kaduna to Lagos for the Game Show,” he says. Henry Olalekan is a retiree based in Jos, Plateau State. He talks about his experience of coming all the way from Jos to Lagos for the game show, “It has been a wonderful experience for me. It feels like a holiday for me because I have always craved for a trip to Lagos.” Jude Nwehu, who is a business man also based in Jos is happy with the reprieve that the trip to Lagos for the Star TV Game Show afforded him. ”I am just glad to be here. There are so much killings and bombings in Jos when I stay so I am thankful for this opportunity to be away from the violence,” he said. As for Francis Omamogie, a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, he can’t help but recollect his very first flight experience, which he attributes to the Star TV Game Show. “Ýou won’t believe that before coming for this event I had never boarded a plane before. The Star TV Game Show gave me the first opportunity of entering a plane in my life.” This surely will not be the last time as Omamogie won one million naira in the TV Game Show.

    In addition to the experience, the audiences have the opportunity of meeting top entertainers during the event. A host of Stars including Tiwa Savage, Sound Sultan, KC and M.I were present to handover the cheque prizes to the winners.

  • Shoppers love fun, too

    Yes, shoppers may be looking for bargains, but they also value a fun and entertaining shopping experience. If you provide that, the customers will keep coming.

    Since it costs five times as much to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one; and dissatisfied customers vote with their feet, smart retailers pay very close attention to customer relations.

    This means that every employee needs to treat every customer like the precious resource they are, since they are the future of your store. Be proactive about making changes to merchandise, prices and customer service programmes. Staying in-tune with your customer is the key to staying on top.

    Once you have set up your store based on the above, it’s time to get the customers in. The Los Angeles Times recently had an article listing some examples of in-store promotions being used by retailers. These will give you some ideas on how to create your own in-store promotions. These include holding parties, offering loyalty discounts, providing classes and career counseling to get catch the interest of customers.

    Some stores team up with local medical practitioners to offer free blood pressure and breast cancer screenings and conduct free nutrition workshops.

    Some even host a cocktail party and initiate a reward programme that gives customers a certain discount every time they spend up to a particular amount. This is the kind of thing MTN is doing with its five* bonus. It gives its customers a target of spending N200 air time and winning N1,000 airtime, which expires 12 midnight same day. Other networks have also taken to similar promos.

    Some give free gifts at the purchase of a particular item. For instance, Samsung is currently running a promo whereby if you buy its new refrigerator, you get a smart camera or galaxy pocket for free.

    Some shops offer sewing and craft workshops. This is common among sugar craft artists. While holding exhibitions, they also engage in workshops and training for interested shoppers.

    They enlist a career coach who offers guidance to customers on home making and do-it-yourself activities.

    Many shopping malls offer leisure and entertainment options. Many provide children’s court where the kids could catch fun while their parents shop. Even smaller stores which do not have so much space to spare also make provision of sort to enable shoppers catch fun. It could be in the provision of cable TV for shoppers who walk in to watch the Premiership and great movies.

    Keep in mind that once the customer is in the store, your focus should be on merchandising. Avoid filling racks with discounted products and minimal staff. Merchandisers should move appealing products to the front and promote by using eye-catching displays.

    Maintain the value of your retail brand with a clean and well-presented store front. Regardless of the economy, consumers want to enjoy their shopping experience. Make sure your store front is warm and inviting get-away from the daily economic downturn.

    Perhaps this was what inspired the revamp of Popular retail brand, Marks & Spencer. It is wheeling out an array of props including mopeds and pasta machines as part of a £600million revamp of its shop floors, which will see stores within stores created for its clothing ranges and the return of delicatessen counters. Its chief executive, Marc Bolland, ordered the believing that, despite £2bn spent by his predecessor Sir Stuart Rose on modernising the estate, the shops remain stubbornly difficult to navigate and less than inspiring. The new design is already being tried in 16 stores around the United Kingdom, including the new outlet at Westfield Stratford City in east London. Bolland chose to show off the new concept not in Stratford, but with a tour of the M&S branch in High Street Kensington. He believes that the revamp revamp will boost sales by £1billion to £1.5billion over three years. The same has also been done for the grocery section. Taking inspiration from organic farmers’ markets, the food hall shelves have been clad in wood and galvanised steel, and the bakery produces sourdough bread as well as the usual croissants. The flowers are in zinc rather than plastic buckets, mounted on wooden crates.

    This is what distinguishes famous brands all over the world. They have maintained their reputation over the years by bringing creativity and innovation into their acts and making changes where necessary.

    Keep in touch with your retail results. Use your store technology to know what promotions are effective and where consumer experiences are lacking.

    Use your POS system to assess customer purchase and return history that verifies customer satisfaction, allowing you to offer new items at preferential pricing that a valued customer might want.

    Using information on your customers, their demand and some market intelligence, leverage that knowledge to build a strategic, targeted approach to pricing, promotion, assortment and other crucial merchandising functions.

    Take a look at whether the category roles and image items you identify are really perceived that way by your customers. For example, do your traffic drivers actually yield profitable traffic or do they encourage cherry-pickers? The technology you have in your store can help you determine the answer.