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Tag: Guinness

  • Guinness Nigeria records N4.8b dividends

    Shareholders of Guinness Nigeria Plc have approved the payment of N4.8 billion, representing a dividend per share of N3.20.

    At the 64th Annual General Meeting of the company in Calabar, Cross River, chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage, thanked the shareholders of the company for their unstinting support even as the brewing giant went through a challenging few years.

    He said the fundamentals of the company has not changed and the directors are confident that the growth it has witnessed in the early part of the 2015 financial year will mark a return to growth in spite of the headwinds of the economic and political environment which affected performance in recent years.

    During the meeting, shareholders said they were grateful that the company paid out dividends in spite of the tough operating environment.

    National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Sir Sunny Nwosu said shareholders were glad Guinness Nigeria was giving dividends to shareholders.

    “Dividends are due to us shareholders and we are glad. Admittedly it has dropped from what it has been in other years but we also have companies paying out five kobo dividends so we are happy to receive this dividend payout from Guinness Nigeria Plc,” Nwosu said.

    Explaining the decision to pay out N3.20k dividends, Mr. Savage said the company wished to re-invest its profits to ensure long term profitability. “We want to reduce the cost of borrowing and financial charges and instead use our funds to grow the company. We feel this is the best decision to take for our long term growth and I trust that I can rely on our loyal shareholders to continue to support us as they have done all these years.”

  • A peep into Guinness campaigns

    A peep into Guinness campaigns

    Despite the poor performance that dogged its sales, Guinness Nigeria shook the marketing communication landscape with one of the most intimidating marketing campaigns since May, 2012, when the outgoing Managing director of Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Seni Adetu, took over, ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI reviews some of the activities.

    By next January, Seni Adetu will vacate the hot seat at the Guinness Nigeria headquarters in Ogba, Lagos. This was announced by Diageo’s Guinness Nigeria division early in the week. He will be replaced by John O’Keeffe, who has been with Diageo for about 20 years.

    O’Keeffe is the global head of Innovation and of Beer & Baileys.

    The announcement came amid recent report that Guinness is not doing well.

    Adetu said the revenue decline was due to pricing disadvantage, growth in the value segment, investment in capacity expansion , competitor’s aggressive trade practices and increased finance costs among others.

    Despite this, his tenure is known for remarkable and innovative marketing campaigns which delivered on marketing objectives as paer of effort to sustain the global positioning of the Guinness corporate brands .

    With his aggressive drive to build Guinness marketing share in the beer market, he also brought to Nigeria new products such as SNARP, Dubic and Origin whose current market penetration within the little period of introduction shocked competitors.

    “Under Seni’s leadership, the quality and diversity of our portfolio have been enriched with the renovation of Guinness FES and Harp, the repositioning of Dubic and Satzenbrau, the expansion into mainstream spirits and soft drinks categories, the introduction of new brands like Snapp and Orijin. In the period, we have won the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) award for best beverage innovation in Nigeria in 2014 with Orijin and sustained Guinness Nigeria’s long-standing position as one of the most reputable companies in Nigeria,” Guinness stated in a release obtained by The Nation.

    “During his time in role, Seni has creditably led the business, successfully completed the capacity expansion project and commenced a major transfromation in the company’s Route-to-Consumer,” the statement conclude..

    Beyond that The Nation looks at some of the marketing campaigns under Adetu:

     

    2012: Drink IQ campaign

     

    In 2012, in attempt to promote responsible drinking, Guinness Nigeria Plc organised the second series of the DrinkIQ Media workshop to reinstate the need for consumers to make informed decisions on alcohol consumption. Speaking at the workshop held at the corporate head office in Lagos, Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, stated that the reason for organising the second series of the DrinkIQ Workshop was to further promote responsible drinking and create awareness on the proper consumption of alcohol. He added that it is part of the company’s ‘Plan Ahead’ Responsible Drinking campaign.

     

    2012: Fly with the Eagles

    At the time when all big brands tactically failed to made budget available to support the national team, the Super Eagles for the 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa, Guinness Nigeria Plc under Adetu unveiled the “Fly with the Eagles” campaign to identifies with the love and passion Nigerians share for football and the team’s aspiration to make Nigerians proud at the 2013 AFCON games. The campaign, however, paid off when the team won the trophy and other big brands embarked on ambush marketing thereafter.

    As the official sponsor of the team,  Adetu, said Guinness is proud to associate with the Super Eagles over the years.   He noted that the company is at the centre of galvanising support from millions of Nigerian fans. “Guinness Nigeria is keeping faith with the Super Eagles. We believed that the team is not just made up of the eleven players on the pitch but also includes the 170 million people cheering their team on. As a company and a football-loving brand, we are convinced that we have what it takes to succeed at this year’s outing.”

    The brand sponsored about 200 consumers to support the team.

    The secretary general of the Nigerian Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari applauded Guinness’ efforts in supporting the national team.

     

    2013: Largest Jersey unveiled

    As part of the preparation to boost the morale of the team and enhance support from Nigerians Guinness Nigeria also unveiled the Largest Football Jersey in the World at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.  It was quite an amazing experience for many who visited the  Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere to sign on the jersey.

    “Going from one engagement point to another was a total and complete experience for me… from 5-aside football match to the live match screenings and finally putting my signature on the jersey, it really was one of those rare experiences that are to be treasured. Trust me, this is something you want to check out,” a signatory said.

    2013: Guinness #Colourfulworldofmore Concert  Guinness During the year, Guinness Nigeria also unveiled a new label at the #Colourfulworldofmore Concert on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The star studded event which was one of the biggest shows of the year, featured performances by D’banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Chidinma, Burna Boy, Phyno and Olamide, Flavour, Wizkid and Davido.  It was a night of non stop fun and excitement, which will linger in the minds of all attendees for a long time. From the ambience of the concert area, the sterling performances, the lightning effect, the sound, it was an event that lived up to the expectations of the Guinness brand. The highlight of the night was the 3D unveiling of the new Guinness Foreign Extra Stout bottle label.

     

    2014: Made of Black

    Few months ago, Guinness showed a strong determination to connect with its teeming consumers through the latest campaign, Made of Black. The campaign according to Adetu is meant to provide the platform for Nigerians to explore their innate potentials. The event, which was held recently at Beer Hugz, Ikeja Mall, Alausa, Lagos, created sparks of exciting artistic appreciation of the stout’s extra ‘Blackness.’   The Made of Black campaign was designed to promote and celebrate the universal human capacity to rise above seemingly daunting life’s challenges towards greatness.  “Our vision is to be the most trusted beer brand in Nigeria by creating exciting experience for our consumers. The Made of Black campaign cuts across colour, race and creed. It is designed to inspire a positive attitude in the rise of new age consumers. This campaign represents the movement of Nigerians that are determined to carve their own unique path in life. Hence, the brand is providing the platform for them to express their natural attitude,” Adetu said.

    He also explained the Made of More campaign, which has been the iconic campaign of Guinness. “The Made of Black as well as Colorful World of More are subsets of Made of More. Guinness Nigeria will continue to explore various consumer touch points that would make the beer brand the consumers preferred choice. Through this initiative, we are redefining what black means. It is meant to increase the attitude of individuals whose inspiration cannot be contained. The attitude is not peculiar to any race but with a universal appeal as an endearment for greatness,” he said.

    During the event, the company also announced three Nigerian musical artists, Olamide, Eva and Phyno, as the ambassadors of the Made of Black campaign, noting that they were “carefully selected because they epitomise the truest ideals of the human character to achieve greatness, in spite of the glaring odds.”

     

    I’m proud to be part of this

    “We had some big campaigns in the last couple of years that I took charge. I am proud to be part of it. We supported Super Eagles with Fly With The Eagles campaign as a way of supporting the team when they had been written off. In 2012 November, we had a big event at Eko Hotel for the team and after that they went to the Nations Cup in South Africa to bring back the trophy. We also sent about 200 consumers to support the team in SA. We did the Made of Black and we also repackaged the Guinness bottle. In terms of impact, these campaigns are still holding sway The Guinness stout in terms of brand strenght has the highest brand strenght as revealed by consumers research that test brands strenght. We also spent heavilty on media to drive these campaigns. I am proud to be part of this,” he told The Nation.

    Prior to taking up this assignment, Seni was the Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Ltd., based in Accra, Ghana and East African Breweries Ltd., based in Nairobi, Kenya where he achieved great success. Having completed his assignment Adetu will report to Nick Blazquez, President, Diageo Africa and Asia, starting January 2015. The details of Seni’s next role will be subject to a further announcement says Guinness Nigeria.

     

  • Shareholders’ positive take on Guinness playbook

    Shareholders’ positive take on Guinness playbook

    Share price of Nigeria’s second largest brewer traced an upward trajectory despite eroding bottom line to underscore investor confidence in the 64-year-old brewer revered for the signature brand Guinness Stout.

    On a day the local unit of London based Diageo announced missing profit expectations with net income falling to N9.57 billion ($48.3 million) in the nine months through March, compared with N11.86 billion a year earlier, its share price stayed rooted on N180 at 12:03 p.m. in Lagos trading. The stock made further gains the day after, opening at N180.50.

    Thus despite missing profit target for the year, investors are rallying behind the company conscious of the company’s ability to wring long term value for shareholders.

    A leading shareholder organisation’s leader says the reason are not farfetched as they are looking at the company’s trajectory in the long run while noting that the fourth quarter performance is better than previous quarters.

    He highlighted the Brewers consistency in dividend pay-out as a strong reason for their clinging on the stock despite the company halving payouts to N3.2 from N7.

    “Shareholders are pleased,” says Boniface Okezie who is President of the Progressive Shareholders Association.

    This is “because it (dividend payment) ranks GN among the companies with consistent dividend payout,” growth rate analysts put at 3.13 per cent in the last five years.

    “There is also renewed optimism amongst shareholders as they notice that the strongest showing of the company came in the last quarter of the year under review.” This Okezie attributes to ‘the company’s aggressive marketing strategies that have seen it introduce new brands and rev up advertisement spend in the bid to win more market share.

    “We must commend the efforts of the management of the company for turning around the financial fortunes of the company under very difficult economic conditions,” he said.

    The payout, analyst Exotix Frontier Equities, says “is positive for the business as it can reserve cash and reduce the need for additional debt financing”.

    Although the analyst projected that “the market will likely respond negatively due to the sensitivity of shareholders to the annual dividend”, the overwhelming shareholder optimism indicates the contrary.

     

    Technical Analysis

    With a beta of 0.5863 (according to the Financial Times),which indicates that the stock is less likely to swing with market vagaries; and a solid historical performance, the stock remains a darling of Portfolio managers and Brokers who cling to it in their managed portfolios.

    The stock has experienced significant pullback since last July when the stock had a Relative Stock Index (RSI) of over 70 (when the stock was overvalued) ebbing now (September 5) at 35.48 indicating that it is a candidate for a ‘hold’ recommendation. It is also a short hand way of saying ‘don’t sell!’

    After last year’s results were unfolded on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), an analyst was quoted as saying, “For those seeking to invest now, the stock represents a hedging opportunity in a market that has witnessed volatility amidst feeble fundamentals”.

    This prognosis remains relevant into the foreseeable future.

     

    Fundamentals

    In the year under review gross revenue took a few steps backward from N122.46 billion to N109.202 billion on the back of eroding consumer demand and value corroding inflation. The effect was a less than impressive showing in the consumer sector of the economy. The Brewing industry was badly hit in the inevitable descent down the plateau of sagging profits.

    Analyst say, the southward ride is “is systematic to the brewing industry this financial year as consumers suffer a contraction in disposable income.” Much of the contraction was also traceable to increased competition within the industry as new entrants gnawed at the available but inelastic pie.

    Despite the manufacturers of Malta Guinness effectively taming cost of sales Gross Profit slipped in the period. Cost of sales or the amount spent to sell the company’s products was controlled to N51.33 billion from N56 billion, a 12 percent improvement. This helped minimise the fall of Gross profit by only 8.7 percent to N51.33 billion from N56.08 billion.

    Operating costs proved a little too hot to handle in the period doing a disservice to operating profit which ebbed 23 per cent from N20.93 billion to N16.12 billion.

    Bottom line figures of pre-tax and net profits inevitable travelled in the wrong direction with the heavy weight of cascading operating returns and the haemorrhage occasioned by unwieldy financial costs though the costs remained near constant for 2014 as in 2013.

    Debts incurred in previous years conspired to erode profits as their effects emerged in servicing costs of roughly N4billion every year in interest cost (capitalized or not). This will have a deleterious effect on earnings per share.

    Pre-tax profits swooned 31 percent to N11.68 billion from N17 billion while net profit followed with a 59 percent slump from N11.86 billion to N9.57 billion.

    All trading margins besides the gross profit margins show a company managing efficiency.

    Gross profit margin at 47 per cent was two steps better than the 45 percent achieved earlier but operating profit margin, a strong indicator of effective cost management shrank to 14.7 percent from 17.1 percent.

    For gross returns, it means for every naira earned, gross profits make up 47 kobo compared to the earlier year when 45 kobo was made from every naira.

    The figures also suggests that for every naira in revenue, operating profit makes up 14.7 kobo compared to 17.1 kobo achieved in the previous year.

    Pre-tax margin was 10.7 percent which is lower than the previous year’s showing of 13.9 percent.

    Net profit margin didn’t veer too far from the previous year’s performance ending at 8.8 percent compared to 9.7 percent made in the 2013 financial year.

    Despite its challenges and not very savoury results of the company, analysts tip the Brewer for ratcheted profits in the near future provided it would take advantage of its formidable assets across the country and scale up marketing strategies.

     

    Management’s take

    Management of Guinness Nigeria plc is optimistic of the prospect of the company despite the performance in the last financial year.

    Much of the optimism is coming from the fact that analysts estimate the Nigerian beer market to be worth over $2.7 billion with projected average annual growth of 23.45 per cent between 2011 and this year.

    In a release on the floor of the Nigerian Bourse, Guinness management reiterated its confidence in the maker of the drink bearing the signature of Sir Arthur Guinness describing the business as ‘resilient’.

    “We are confident that our strategy which is focused on improving our route to consumer, maximising value creation from our core brands and innovation and finance cost reduction will improve both top and bottom line performance in the current financial year.

    “The Board is confident that we have the right brands, people and structure to win in Nigeria.”

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Seni Adetu believes that winning the future boils down to “the various innovations we have launched in recent times especially Orijin Bitters and Orijin Ready to Drink (RTD) have been quite successful, and we expect to further dial up our play in the value segment with Satzenbrau and Dubic Lager.”

    He notes that the company’s nascent products including Orijin Bitters, Snapp, Satzenbrau, Dubic and Orijin RTD were still growing, heralding a big boost for Guinness Nigeria’s future performance.

    Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage capsuled the company’s future on its people and capabilities.  “The Board of Guinness Nigeria is confident that we have the right people and capability to guarantee the delivery of our strategic priorities of driving out cost to invest in growth, turning the business around by strengthening and accelerating our premium core brands, innovating at scale to meet new consumer needs, and extension of our route-to-consumer advantage,” he said.

    How all of this play out would be the exciting drama that would animate the Brewery industry in 2015, especially with the competition posed by imported wine and spirits.

     

  • Guinness Nigeria declares N5b dividends on N109b sales

    The Board of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s brewing giant, met recently to consider the results for the year ended June 30 , this year, and approved the company’s audited results which revealed a total revenue of N109 billion and profit after tax of approximately N10 billion.

    Addressing shareholders on the outcome of the results, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage,  said: “Despite the challenges faced, we progressed in the key areas of cost containment achieving improved cost efficiencies, and the upgrade our route-to-consumer which is directly linked to volume growth recorded by  brand Guinness in the second half of the financial year.

    The Board of Guinness Nigeria is confident that we have the right people and capability to guarantee the delivery of our strategic priorities of driving out cost to invest in growth, turning the business around by strengthening and accelerating our premium core brands, innovating at scale to meet new consumer needs, and extension of our route-to-consumer advantage.”

    Echoing similar sentiments, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Seni Adetu,  said revenue and profit declined due to pricing disadvantage, growth in the value segment where the company is a relatively small player, competitor’s aggressive trade practices and increased finance costs.

    “On the positive side, the various innovations we have launched in recent times especially Orijin Bitters and Orijin Ready to Drink (RTD) have been quite successful, and we expect to further dial up our play in the value segment with Satzenbrau and Dubic Lager,” he said.

    In the period under review, Guinness Nigeria launched several innovation including Orijin Bitters, Orijin RTD and Alvaro. The company confirmed that sale of its innovation brands like Orijin Bitters, Snapp, Satzenbrau, Dubic and Orijin RTD were still growing; heralding a big boost for Guinness Nigeria’s future performance.

    Following the release of the results, the Board of Directors of the company has recommended, subject to approval at the next Annual General Meeting, slated to hold on November 213, this year, for the declaration of dividends of approximately N5 billion in respect of the year ended 30 June 2014,, which is 320 kobo per 50 kobo ordinary share.

    Guinness Nigeria was established in 1950 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1965. The company is the custodian of household brands like Guinness Foreign Extra Stout; Guinness Extra Smooth; Harp Lager; Malta Guinness and Malta Guinness Low Sugar; Smirnoff Ice; Snapp; Dubic Lager and the Orijin brands, amongst others.

  • Olamide, Phyno, others wow at Guinness ‘Made of Black’ campaign launch

    Olamide, Phyno, others wow at Guinness ‘Made of Black’ campaign launch

    IT was another moment of exciting performances last week at Bheer Hug, Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, when rap and Hip hop sensations, Olamide, Phyno and Eva, thrilled guests at the launch of Guinness’ Made of Black campaign.

    According to the organisers, the Made of Black campaign celebrates Nigerians who are not afraid to express themselves progressively, while also providing a stage for them to showcase their skills and imaginations.

    In his address, Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Guinness Nigeria Plc, explained the idea behind the campaign, saying:

    “The Made of Black is part of the global Guinness’ Made of More campaign. Guinness embodies the mindset of Nigerians who are not afraid to express themselves and who are carving their own path in life. It is an iconic beer that has the darkest liquid, but the brightest flavour. It is a beer that has lived in the hearts and minds of millions in Africa and across the world for over 250 years. Guinness has always had the authenticity, boldness and vision to do things differently.”

    In the new commercial, Phyno, joined by other prominent Nigerian acts like Olamide & Eva, expressed why black is more than just a colour. The cast told their stories in short ‘Selfie’ videos available online. In the video, consumers are encouraged to tell their own stories about what they are made of and what makes them ‘special’ as individuals.

    Phyno expressed his delight at working with Guinness on the Made of Black campaign with other Nigerian stars, while encouraging Nigerians to come out and inspire their peers by demonstrating the best qualities that Africans are known to express.

    “Guinness is celebrating individuals across Nigeria. We are asking real people who have a boldness that cannot be contained to join the movement and tell us what they are made of at www.madeofblack.com.”

    Also, Ms. Tayo Salami, Head, Consumer Planning and Research, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said: “The Made of Black campaign will showcase a cross section of real people and the true stories behind them. The creative ones, the entrepreneurs, the dancers, the singers, the artistes, the dreamers and the doers; people united by their shared attitude.”

    As the campaign goes on, Nigerians are encouraged to get involved and share their ‘selfies’ at www.madeofblack.com. Consumers are also encouraged to drop their comments on www.facebook.com/GuinnessVIP with #madeofblack or keep up with all the latest made of black news on twitter on #madeofblack.

  • Guinness launches Orijin with fanfare

    Guinness launches Orijin with fanfare

    Guinness Nigeria Plc officially launched its soar away brand, Orijin penultimate Sunday with pomp and pageantry in Lagos, an event, keen observers described as a showstopper of sorts.

    The event which held at Elegushi Beach, Lekki, Victoria Island, Lagos, was graced by top management staff of Nigerian Breweries, members of the press and a coterie of other guests from brand loyalists, members of the diplomatic corps, to mention just a few.

    Orijin, earlier launched in Ibadan and Port Harcourt, became the toast of consumers at the Elegushi Beach as they had a nice time out with lots of music and entertainment.

    Guinness Nigeria launched Orijin in its quest to continuously satisfy its numerous consumers across the Nigerian market. Orijin is an alcoholic blend with the flavours of African herbs and fruits, combined to give a refreshing bitter-sweet taste.

    Speaking at the launch, Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said Orijin is a drink that appeals to the modern African who wants to enjoy the best while still holding on to their African roots.

    Justifying the need for the latest brand, Adetu said: “In line with Guinness Nigeria’s tradition of continuously delivering great brands to meet our consumers’ varying tastes, Orijin is a quality brand that will not only bring excitement to consumers but also give them the opportunity to connect with their heritage. It is a vibrant yet rooted drink – a celebration of modern African culture which embodies all that is alive and exciting in Africa today. With a refreshingly unique taste, Orijin is the flavoured alcoholic drink our consumers deserve.”

    Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Austin Ufomba, Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said as expected from Guinness Nigeria, Orijin has come with a difference and is here to stay in the Nigerian alcoholic beverage market.

    “Following its earlier launch in Port Harcourt and Ibadan, the drink has gained wide acceptance across our markets. Our consumers in Lagos today are also having a feel of what this iconic drink offers its esteemed consumers. As a company with world acclaimed brands, we are constantly seeking out new ways to connect with our consumers while providing them unforgettable experiences,” Ufomba stressed.

    Ufomba further assured that “we have a wide network of distributions and partners who will ensure that every of our discerning consumers are able to enjoy this drink anytime they want to. In the last two years, Guinness Nigeria Plc has launched quality brands which include Dubic Extra Lager, SNAPP Apple flavoured drink and Alvaro. Our consistency testifies to the fact that innovation is part of our DNA.”

    The highpoint of the occasion was command performance by A-list artistes across the genres who invited to the podium to append their signature and take bows before hundreds of fans. At the roll-call was Burna Boy, Seyi Shay and Afro Hip Hop star Oritsefemi.

    Ace comedian Bovi also ensured there were no dull moments, as he reeled out rib-cracking jokes all through the event lasted.

    Guinness Nigeria Plc is also the brewer of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Harp Lager and Malta Guinness. The company was established in 1950, making it one of the oldest companies in Nigeria.

  • Guinness to provide 5m Africans with water

    Guinness to provide 5m Africans with water

    Mr Seni Adetu, the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, at the weekend said that the company aimed at providing about five million Africans with water in the next few years.

    Adetu, represented by Mr Sesan Sobowale, the company’s Director Corporate Relations, made the remark during the World Water Day celebration in Abuja.

    He said the company would achieve the feat through collaboration with Coca Cola company, adding that the company’s interest in water was not limited to commercial use, but provision of water across Africa.

    Adetu said the company’s collaboration with Coca cola in the last 10 years had provided water for two million people in 14 states.

    He pledged the commitment and support of the company in ensuring access to water for the Nigerian populace.

    Speaking on the theme of the celebration: ‘Water and Energy,’ Adetu said that the company recognised that water was the medium through which energy was being transferred in industries.

    “A research has showed that over seventy percent of the energy within an industrial site is done by water.

    ”It takes a lot of water to produce electricity energy both for cooking and steaming.

    ”A significant amount of energy is needed to transfer, to treat, to convert and to discharge water during production cycle in any industry,” he said.

    Kanan Nadar, Chief Water Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) Specialist, said the poorest were disproportionately being affected.

    He said the poorest households were two and a half times less likely to have improved water sources than their rich counterparts.

  • Guinness inaugurates water project

    Guinness inaugurates water project

    Guinness Nigeria Plc has inaugurated its Safe Water for Africa (SWA) project at Sabo, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    At the event, its Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, noted that access to potable water would go a long way in combating the prevalence of water borne diseases among the citizenry adding that the project is aimed at creating a positive impact in the community.

    He said: “This is the kind of project that Guinness Nigeria is pleased to be a part of because it resonates with our ‘Water of Life’ programme which is part of our contribution to solving this global menace in line with the UN Millennium Development Goals to halve the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation by 2015.”

    Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government Area, Hon. Sheriff Anipole, applauded Guinness Nigeria for selecting his constituency as a beneficiary of the project.

    He lamented that the members of the community have suffered long from lack of access to potable water. “The Ikorodu community and many other parts of our local government area were suffering from shortage of potable drinking water. Many people here relied on sources of water which quality cannot be guaranteed. We can therefore assure you that this water you are providing for us is a blessing for our people, indeed, this project reinforces a saying among our people that water is life.”

  • Guinness, Arik back Glo’s Evergreen Series

    Guinness, Arik back Glo’s Evergreen Series

    Endorsement for the second edition of Globacom’s ‘Old School’concert, called the Evergreen Series, is rising.

    Guinness and Arik Air, among others, are hinging their support for the concert on the need to revitalise Nigerian music.

    This year’s event, according to the telecoms operator, features master guitarist and one of Africa’s finest, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, as headline act.

    Other indigenous contemporary artistes will complement the show.

    KSA, as he is fondly called, is to be supported by Koko Master D’banj and one of Africa’s best saxophonists, Yemi Sax, at the February 28 event at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos.

    Organisers say they are encouraged to stage the second edition, following the success of last year’s show, featuring Evangelist Ebenezer Obey.

    Arik’s stand stems from a similar passion it shares with the organisers of the show as an indigenous Nigerian company: “Globacom is a truly Nigerian telecommunications company, so is Arik, a truly Nigerian airline. We are excited to be part of the project from the inception. We share the commitment to promote the best of Nigerian music and this is evident in Arik Air’s support for the Glo Evergreen Series, which debuted last September with ‘An Evening with the Great Commander, Chief Ebenezer Obey’. In this series, we are celebrating yet another great Nigerian legend, the King of World Beats, Juju Maestro and Master Guitarist, King Sunny Ade (KSA),” an Arik said.

    On its part, Guinness expressed its commitment to enriching the communities in which it operates, adding that it plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of its host communities.

    Meanwhile, support act D’ banj has promised to excite fans in a unique way at the show. He described the coming show as one that will be a night of fun, glamour and endless entertainment, going by the synergy between KSA and younger artistes.

  • Seni Adetu loses mum

    Seni Adetu loses mum

    THE Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Seni Adetu, is bereaved. The dynamic chief executive lost his mother, Chief Mrs. Felicia Olawunmi Adetu, to the cold hands of death on Wednesday at the age of 88.

    Adetu, a real home boy, is not known to do things in half measure. Many will not forget in a hurry the dedication of his country home in Sagamu in December 2012.

    Since he returned to the country in 2012 to take the mantle of leadership at the brewery company, Adetu has continued to exhibit sterling leadership qualities.