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Tag: Gala

  • Private doctors connect to old colleagues at gala

    Private doctors connect to old colleagues at gala

    Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) in Lagos has held its Gala and Awards at Protea Hotel Marriot Select, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event brought together old friends, and featured award presentations.

    Chairman, Dr Jonathan Esegine,  said he was blessed to head the new administration, assuring that he will not disappoint members’ trust.

    “We will work conscious of our aims and objectives, collaborating with government in promoting, maintaining, preserving health of the people and improving medical education even as we promote and defend our members’ welfare and dignity,” Dr Esegine said.

    Read Also: FEC approves €161m Siemens power project

    Highlighting his achievements in three months, Dr Esegine said that through support of members,  land given to the association by then government of Bola Tinubu, as governor of Lagos State, had been converted into a two storey structure; roofed and almost completed.

    “I am glad that with renewed interest of our elders, we will achieve that objective. We desire that you speak to government, high networth individuals and organisations so we can accomplish the task,” he added.

    Chair of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos Zone, Dr Babajide Saheed, urged the government to collaborate with private medical practitioners to make healthcare delivery accessible.

  • Brazil-Nigeria relation revisited at A Night of Culture gala

    Connections Brazil shares with Nigeria were revisited when Brazilian Consulate in Lagos held A Night of Culture, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

    It was a night of festivities marked by cultural trappings. There were drumming and singing of Brazilian and Nigerian songs.

    The night also witnessed dance of all sorts, acrobatics, art, African local drums and musical displays. But it was the rendition of Brazil’s national anthem in a Nigerian jazz-like manner that set the mood for the night.

    “Brazil and Nigeria have a lot in common, but sometimes we don’t realise how much we have in common,” Brazil’s Head of Missions in Nigeria Helges Samuel Bandeira began as he welcomed guests to the event.

    “Look at our music, listen to our Samba. Do you honestly think that we learnt to play the drums with the Europeans? Of course not! We learnt that from the Africans. And that is part of our heritage as Brazilians too. So, in some ways, being Brazilian is also being Nigerian. It is important to put it on the table,” Bandeira, who became the Head of Missions in Nigeria last month, said.

    From the Brazilian anthem to some medleys by Fritots Jazz band, performers took guests to Brazil and back and paid a special music tribute to the late singer Joao Giberto at “A Night of Culture”, organised by the Consulate-General of Brazil in conjunction with Fritos Global Communication (PTY) Limited.

    The event, Bandeira stated, was meant to bring Nigerians and Brazilians together. “We have always been having these events in the consulate. The idea here is to bring us together. And I intend to continue organising such for our Brazilian expatriates and for Nigerians so that we can enjoy our common cultures.

    “I think it is exciting to see Nigerians watch Brazilians enjoying Nigerian music and the other way round too – seeing Nigerians enjoying Brazilian music. And that is why I’m here, to bring our people together and not just to stamp visas,” he said.

    Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage also came alive as diverse cultural groups rendered energetic displays even as Olumidan Bata group thrilled guests. Other acts included famed musician Buga, Dami, C Steppers and MickyPee.

    Another highlight of the event, which drew guests from Brazilian and foreign missions and expatriates as well as dignitaries, especially from the Nigerian culture sector, was the screening of a documentary on the recent visit by the Consulate-Generals of Brazil and Spain to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

    Appreciating Nigerians for their hospitality, especially to tourists from Brazil to Osun-Osogbo festival, Bandeira said: “I would love to tell Nigerian people “thank you for being so welcoming to me, to the Brazilian people that come visit Nigeria. Thank you for being yourselves”.

    In attendance were Spain Consul-General, Juan Moreda; United Arab Emirates Deputy Consul-General, Mohammed Alyammahi; Commercial Consul, the Consulate-General of China in Lagos, Li ke; UAE Public Relations Officer, Joanna Mendora; Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission (organiser of Carnival Calabar), Gabe Onah; Nigerian actor, Wale Ojo; founding member, Ikechi Uko and Isaac and Nneka of Goge Africa TV.

    Other guests Brazilian and American visitors who came from Osun-Oshogbo festival; representatives of Nike Art Gallery; Nigerian women artists (Omovo Ayoola, Mayen Goodluck, Aisha Idirisu and this reporter) and Jennifer Zerano of the Unity Project Nigeria.

    For the founder of Fritots Global Communication (PTY) Limited, Omooba Adesoji Talabi JP, promoting African culture and heritage was what inspired its partnership with the Consulate-General of Brazil in organising the event. “The onus is on us to do all to ensure that our culture and traditions do not die. We no longer appreciate our culture anymore as we should. We are saying this must change and are bent on promoting it so that people all over the world would know the wealth of culture that we have. And we have taken our culture to South Africa, Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Tanzania.”

  • Gala Sausage Roll and competitors: Brand Vs price

    Produced by UAC Foods, Gala Sausage is an on-the-go snack, taken by many as a lunch-meal when with a chilled drink. However, the market experienced new entrants some years back, as it is evidenced that the product category has the demand and volume that drives millions of naira in revenue daily.

    The product category gets value from millions of Nigerians who budget N100 for a mid-day snack-meal: N50 for sausage roll and N50 for bottle water. This market is about wallet share and thrives on low price and big sizes.

    For some of the target consumers, what matters is for the sausage roll to fill their stomachs while they are on their way home from work or to serve as in-between-work meal. Thus, price matters and not the brand.

    Biggy, produced by Rite Foods, is actually big in size, its proposition would be the satisfaction of the hungry man. Super Bite, produced by Chi is very tasty and spicy.

    Meaty fills the gap for those consumers who are missing the original size of the beef inside of Gala. Biggy, Super Bite and Meaty sell for N50 each. Gala sausage rolls come in two packages, Gala Mini and Gala Mega; and they sell for N50 and N100 respectively. Thus the target of Gala Mega would be the consumers who are willing to spend N200 on a snack meal: N100 for the sausage roll and N100 for a bottle of soft drink.

    Gala chose to reinforce its brand essence, rather than engaging competitors in a price war. This seems to have kept Gala shielded from competition.

  • AFRIFF WOWS GUESTS AT AWARDS GALA

    AFTER a week of screening over 150 movies and documentaries, including workshops and industry sessions, the sixth African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) came to an end with a star-studded Globe Award which held at the Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotel and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Hosted by the talented Nollywood actress, Kemi Lala Akindoju and TV presenter, Uti Nwachukwu, the event, which was attended by top dignitaries from the business and political terrains also had filmmakers from Africa and beyond, whose films screened at the week-long event.

    Tagged The Broadway Show, the closing ceremony thrilled guests to breath-taking shows, including duets and a mind-blowing tribute to the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, led by actor Gideon Okeke.

    It was also a moment of celebrations for winners, as the festival’s Closing Night Movie, ’76, a movie about events that heralded and succeeded the Military coup d’état which led to the demise of General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, and directed by Izu Ojukwu, won four awards including – Best Screenplay, Best Feature Film, Best Actor, Best Director.

    Renowned Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola, won Best Lead Actress for her role in the movie, 93 Days. ‘Green White Green’ by Abba Makama won the Oronto Douglas Award for Best Nigerian film, while Ghanaian filmmaker and animator, Agorkoli Francis Brown, won Best Animation with a price tag of N200,000.

    Other recipients include the beneficiaries of AFRIFF/Ford Foundation scholarship to the University of Montana, United States, for further training in different aspects of filmmaking.

    Speaking at the glamorous event, Founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF, Ms. Chioma Ude, noted that the crucial component of the festival is the training it provides to the young minds of Africa. “We’ve trained over 1,300 of those minds in our free workshops, as we continue to emphasize that AFRIFF should, and must educate as much as it entertains. AFRIFF has cultivated a space in which entertainment and education can cohesively co-exist and I’m proud to say that we have watched several members of the AFRIFF family go on to develop in the industry with the skills they have acquired from their training,” she said.

    According to Ude, AFRIFF, in its 6th year continues to be at the forefront in showcasing African cinema. “Over the past six years, we covered three cities and we have had over 20,000 visitors of which 30% have been foreign. Each year, our global invitation to the world fixates on exhibiting the large diversity of ethnicities, cultures and languages on our continent and combatting the absence of authentic African subjects in film.”

    She thanked the Ministry of Information and Culture as well as sponsors such as Access Bank and Air France for what she described as their incessant support.

    “With AFRIFF, we will continue to infiltrate the minds of both the young and the old, illustrating the significance of the film industry as a profession in Africa, and we will remind our global audience that WE ARE HERE and as long as we live we have a story to tell,” she concluded.

    For the Festival Coordinator Mrs. Afie Braimoh, who gave a summary of the entire festival activities at the closing event, AFRIFF decided to engage Secondary School pupils in Lagos to an IMAX education in line with the festival’s goal to build capacity. “We had over 250 kids who have not stopped expressing their gratitude to the wonderful unique experience. In Line with educating our young, 150 students were also trained by the best in the industry at the Afrinolly Studios. Tonight, some of those lucky students will be selected to attend a month of film making in the U.S.”

  • UAC Foods unveils Gala Mega

    Leading manufacturer and marketer of tasty and nourishing convenience foods, UAC Foods Limited, yesterday unveiled Gala Mega – a brand new addition to its rich basketful of snacks offerings.

    In a statement, the firm explained that Gala Mega, as the name implied, is a larger sized Sausage Roll with the same trusted and satisfying Gala taste, but in a bigger, meatier and more filing size to meet the yearnings of consumers, who want to be easily filled up on a friendly budget.

    Its General Manager, Marketing, Mrs. Joan Ihekwaba who unveiled the Gala Mega at a ceremony  in its Ojota, Lagos office, said it is a product of direct response to the yearnings and desires of Gala consumers for a more filling snack to keep them going as they achieve their daily goals.

    She said having pioneered the sausage roll market way back in 1962, Gala Sausage Roll has kept faith with Nigerians by holding the N50 price point for 10 years and with the new offering, which will in no way hamper the availability of the regular Gala Sausage Roll at N50 retail price, UAC Foods is once again setting the pace in the industry with a new pack size.

    “For over five decades, the Gala brand has believed in and identified with the Nigerian story, a story of perseverance, strong will, and a passion that never gives up. Today the launch of Gala Mega is the reassurance of our commitment to Keep You Going. A stronger devotion to walk you through your success story.

    “The new brand is an addition to existing variants of the Gala Brand, which include regular Gala Sausage Roll, Mini Gala, Gala Chicken and Gala Cocktail.  The regular Gala Sausage Roll is still available at N50,” she said.

  • UAC introduces gala mega

    UAC introduces gala mega

    UAC Foods Limited (UFL), has assured loyal consumers of its commitment to sustain its lasting legacy of superior quality. The assurance is the latest demonstration of the iconic brand’s desire to maintain its enviable culture of top quality that has lasted for over 50 years.
    Speaking during a factory tour held recently in Lagos, General Manager, Marketing UAC Foods Limited, Ms Joan Ihekwaba assured that Gala has and will continue to identify with the aspirations of Nigerians and their appetites for success. “Gala Sausage Roll is a household name which has been servicing Nigerians since 1962. UAC Foods over the years has fed Nigerians with the best of quality fast food across all stables. We have a heritage of quality behind our name and we are working hard to sustain and consistently live up to that name” she said.
    The factory tour provided Journalists with the opportunity to have a firsthand assessment of the company’s facilities used in the production of Gala Sausage roll. Commenting on the superior value offering of the brand, Ihekwaba added that “the brand is the first Sausage Roll in Nigeria to include micronutrients for the health and nutrition of its consumers. The product is enriched with vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, folic acid and iodine, as well as Vitamin B1 and B2. It is prepared from pure beef filling and rich pastry that are sourced in Nigeria.”
    Assuring loyal consumers of the brand’s commitment to top quality in producing safe, healthy and convenience food products, Ihekwaba disclosed that “as a socially responsible corporate body, UFL maintains continuous certification and endorsement from the appropriate industry regulators such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) because we are committed to sustaining the quality of our products to keep our consumers going”.
    It would be recalled that the manufacturer and marketer of tasty and satisfying convenience foods, recently launched “Gala Mega” in direct response to consumers’ demand for a more filling and satisfying snack that replicates the superior quality that the Gala Sausage roll has maintained over the years.

  • 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.

  • UAC deepens market with new mini Gala

    UAC deepens market with new mini Gala

    As competition deepens against UAC Gala brand in the sausage roll market category, UAC Nigeria has introduced a mini Gala to stay ahead of other brands.

    UAC had as part of its strategic thrust for brand building and extension, entered into partnership with world-renown Tiger Brands Limited, a South Africa leading food giant to have a competitive advantage in the Nigeria market.

    According to a statement, UAC said it introduced Mini Gala Sausage Roll to capture the children market as an extension to the Gala brand.

    Unveiled to a cross section of students at the Gbagada Senior Secondary School, Gbagada, Lagos, the Managing Director, UAC Foods Limited, Dr. Tawanda Mushuku, explained that the introduction of the new Mini Gala Sausage Roll is in response to the yearnings of the teeming Gala consumers obtained through constant consumer research and feedback mechanism.

    “As a consumer focused company with an obsession for identifying and meeting the needs of its teeming consumers, UAC Foods Limited has identified the need to introduce your delicious yummy Gala Sausage roll in a pack size that is just right for you and very friendly to your pocket,” he said.

  • Lingor: I’ll never forget the Gala

    Lingor: I’ll never forget the Gala

    A certain elegance and grace filled each and every stadium around the world where Renate Lingor worked her magic with the ball. The former Germany international sticks in the memory as the last true playmaker in global women’s football. A FIFA Women’s World Cup winner in 2003 and 2007, Lingor finished on 149 appearances for her country, and earned a glowing reputation based on creativity and killer final passes. However, her down-to-earth personality and refreshing honesty off the field made her one of the most appealing characters of her generation.

    The Karlsruhe native is now 37 and hung up her boots in 2008, before joining the German FA (DFB) staff. She sat down with FIFA.com for an absorbing and comprehensive chat about the latest developments in the women’s game, her assessment of the current German generation, and what she expects from the eagerly-awaited FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2012, to be held on 7 January 2013 at Zürich’s Congress House.

     

    Renate, we’ve enjoyed another host of highlights in women’s football over recent months. What are your fondest memories?

    Renate Lingor: Obviously, the absolute highlight was the Olympic Football Tournament, with the glorious conclusion of a rerun of the 2011 World Cup Final. Having Japan face USA in the final watched by an 80,000 crowd at Wembley in London was sensational. And the fact that USA prevailed this time simply proves there’s absolutely nothing to choose between the world elite these days. It’s a question of form on the day, and that’s superb! On top of that, the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan was a terrific experience for me personally. I was there as Germany team manager. The atmosphere was magnificent, especially as we went into the last few matches. I really enjoyed it.

    Germany missed out on the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament this year. Was that a major setback?

    Obviously, it was agonising. But I still think we’re on a par with the top nations at the moment, namely USA and Japan. Let’s not forget we were knocked out in the quarter-finals on home soil in 2011 by the eventual winners. We’ve just played USA twice in friendlies, and both games finished as draws. That proves we’re operating at the very highest level. However, it’s a young team with a lot of potential still to be exploited. We’re heading in the right direction, but the likes of Sweden and France will be exceptionally strong at the EURO.

    What was the biggest surprise of 2012 for you?

    [After thinking long and hard] Perhaps it was Canada winning bronze at the Olympics. On the other hand, the Canadians were never true underdogs, and from time to time, they’ve always shown they’re rightly considered one of the big names. They have a great team at the moment, and it’s come together at just the right time, because what they achieved in London will give them a real boost for what will definitely be a magnificent Women’s World Cup when they host it in 2015.

    It’s not long now until the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala. You were there yourself on one occasion, when you finished third in the Women’s Player of the Year vote for 2006.

    Oh yes, I have fantastic memories of that! I was already an experienced player by then and I’d seen and done quite a few things, but I was still nervous and excited on the day. The Gala includes unforgettable moments. For those who take part, it’s something you’re very happy to look back on after you finish playing. It’s also a great chance to meet up with other players and coaches, and our male counterparts too. Naturally, you’re extremely proud, even if I always say football is a team sport. Without Birgit Prinz, who converted my passes into goals, I’d never have looked so good, because my passes would probably have trickled off into no-man’s land otherwise. But you’re still bursting with pride. Let’s not forget you’ve been recognised by the captains and coaches, another reason it’s so special.

    Who do you think deserves to be named FIFA Women’s Player of the Year 2012?

    To be honest I’m thinking of Abby Wambach! She’s been there or thereabouts often enough, and a true member of the elite for years. Abby is one of those players you think has disappeared for 85 minutes, but suddenly pops up and scores. And her goals are usually crucial, especially in big matches, in finals.

    And who do you think could be the Women’s Coach of the Year?

    Obviously the first name up is Pia Sundhage, who’s led USA to another Olympic gold medal. And what about John Herdman, taking Canada to third place. But I reckon you’ve got to include Norio Sasaki as well. He’s shaped and guided Japan for years and formed them into a world-class team. That’s a remarkable achievement, I think.

    Do you think the latest German generation includes any players who could yet go on to become FIFA World Player of the Year?

    First of all, I’d mention our goalkeeper, who isn’t part of the new generation. Nadine Angerer has been on consistently peak form for years. I have her as one of the best keepers in the world, and she would certainly deserve the award in my opinion. Otherwise, we have Dzsenifer Marozsan coming through. Just a short time ago, she proved her quality by winning the adidas Golden Ball for best player at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012. However, we should give her the time she needs and not put her under too much pressure. Celia [Okoyino da Mbabi] definitely has the potential. She’s come on fantastically well and is one of the German team’s true leaders now.

    Who do you think deserves to be named winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or in the men’s game?

    Obviously, all the talk is about Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi… but if you’re forcing me to answer, I’m a fan of the little guy. Not exactly a huge physical presence, but what skill on the ball, so it’s obvious why he’d be my favourite. It’s the way I tried to play too, because I’m not exactly tall myself.

    You were one of that rare but prized breed, a genuine playmaker. So our final question is this: do we still have the classic ‘No10’ any more?

    Let me correct you here! I was only a playmaker at the start of my career. The position disappeared soon afterwards. Later on, I moved back to what you might call a ‘number six’, a holding midfielder. I recall it very well: our coach Tina Theune approached me one day and said: ‘If you don’t want to end up as an unfulfilled talent, you’ll have to learn about hard work in football.’ Fortunately, I worked that one out a little while later. We basically don’t have these old-fashioned playmakers nowadays, but there are a few central midfielders who incorporate the skills and the quality – Homare Sawa more than anyone else, of course.