Friday, October 19, 2012

CHIDO NWAKANMA BECOMES PRCAN PRESIDENT
Chief Executive Officer of Blueflower communications, Chido Nwakanma has emerged as the new president of Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN). The election was held amidst suspense and anticipation on October 19th 2012 against October 31st that was previous slated for the election. Chido Nwakanma, who was the former deputy president of the association contested unopposed to emerge as the new president. Other positions that were contested and filled include: Vice President, John Ehiguese of Mediacraft, Honourable Secretary – General, Muyiwa Akintunde, lead consultant at Leap Communications to be assisted by Tola Odusote, Publicity Secretary, Jaiye Opayemi, chief strategist of Chain Reactions Limited. The position of Ex-Officio members on the council was automatically filled by past Presidents of the Association in accordance with Article 38 of the PRCAN Memorandum and Articles of Association. Until the election, the Dr. Phil Osagie led executive council of the association presided from June 18, 2010 for a two-year tenure. Chido Nwakanma’s Blueflower communications started business in 2007 with a robust experience in corporate communication, brand management and in the entire gamut of public relations practice. He is expected to drive the association to greater height till June 2014.
2 WEEKS AFTER, MISSING GLADYS YET TO BE FOUND Whereabouts of 58-year –old Gladys Nwosa, who was declared missing in Abuja is yet to be ascertained two weeks after she left home. Journalist was briefed of the development by Florence, daughter of the missing trader who said on Thursday, that all efforts to locate her mother had not yielded any fruit. According to her, the tall, dark woman, who resided in Karu, left home at about 9.oo.a.m. on September 27 for her shop located at No.3, City Centre plaza, opposite Noble Heights Academy. Karu site, Abuja and had since not returned. Florence added that the incident had, on Saturday 29, been reported at the Karu police station and an extract issued by the Divisional police Officer, J.D. Bakyu. Describing her mother as a kind and loving woman, who worked tirelessly to raise her children in the fear of God, Florence noted that the family members went as far as checking hospitals and morgue to know whether she was involved in an accident, but all was to no avail. Florence said her mother speaks Yoruba, Delta Igbo and English languages fluently and never had squabbles with people. She added that her family members were already traumatized by the development ‘We have done all we could to find my mother, but up till now, we have not found her. From that fateful day, we had been trying her phone number but it had always been switched off. No day passed with my mother not home by 6.00.p.m. except days there were programmes in church. Initially, we thought she went to church, but with passage of time and her not returning home made us restless” Florence revealed She concluded “we therefore, urge Nigerians who may have any information regarding whereabouts of my mother, to kindly contact any police station;

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Brandxchange Launches Website For Consumer Protection BrandXchange Limited, a Lagos-based company that samples consumer opinion on products & services and aims to reward customer-friendly brands yearly, has launched a website tagged www.brandxchangeonline.com to bridge the gap between brands and consumers. The highly interactive web portal, which features brand/consumer news, incisive articles, blogs and opinion polls, gives the public a unique opportunity to share their brand experiences in Aviation, Bank & Insurance, Food & Beverage, Telecoms, Media & TV, Electronics, among others. The objective is to make brands conscious of consumer opinion regarding their products and services so they can modify same to suit customers’ needs. “Every day, every second, there are exchanges between the consumers and manufacturers of products and services. However, the consumer is always at the mercy of the sellers and we think this should not be the situation” said the BrandXchange team. “In this part of the world where the issues of standardisation, quality, sincerity and honesty of brands have been challenged over the years, the time has come for true brand owners, the kings in the marketplace, to have a voice and the voice is BrandXchange.” The BrandXchange website has links to Facebook and Twitter, so consumers and brands on the social networks can also be brought on board. Meanwhile, BrandXchange , not resting on its oars will in few month time launch its weekly radio programme that will examine brand/consumer issues and give the public an opportunity to participate through calls or SMS. “BrandXchange is both an online news platform and a radio programme that will deal with issues that concern consumers and bring them in direct contact with the brand owners. With the vision to be the true representative of consumers’ mind, BrandXchange’s goals include to lead the quest for consumer recognition and respect in the marketplace, encourage and appreciate brands while celebrating both parties on the premise of excellence” the BrandXchange team explained

Monday, October 15, 2012

Keystone Bank: As Oti Ikomi Bows Out, Dr. Shehu K. Muhammad Name MD/CEO
Mr. Oti Ikomi, the Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank Limited has resigned his appointment. He has led businesses to exceptional results with revenue, market share and overall business growth. He has a leading expertise in Banking Executive Management, Corporate, Commercial and Transactional Banking. He has a vast geographical business and working knowledge in Africa covering over 30 African countries from West, East, Southern and North Africa. He had previously held senior leadership positions in various institutions including Director of Sales at Standard Bank South Africa, Executive Director Corporate Banking Group Oceanic Bank International Bank Plc and recently Senior Vice President Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Johannesburg overseeing over 30 countries. His banking career commenced in Citibank where he worked for 15 years and had international postings responsible for East Africa and later West Africa for Global Transaction Services. He holds a B.Sc. degree in Industrial Engineering (State University of New York, 1979 Buffalo, NY, USA) and a Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering, Operational Research Specialization from the same University in 1981. A key advocate of banking best practice with industry recognition leading to his appointment as Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Bankers Technical Committee in 2008 with membership from Executive Directors of leading Banks. He was formerly a member of the Payment Systems Committee of Kenya, and a Co – Chair of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEPFI) Africa Task Force to drive sustainable Finance and Environmental issues in African Banking system. Following the sudden resignation of Mr Oti Ikomi as the MD/CEO of Keystone Bank, the bank’s Board today appointed Dr. Shehu K. Muhammad as the acting Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer. Muhammad was until his appointment the Executive Director, Corporate Banking at the bank. His appointment was announced in a statement by the bank’s Head of Corporate Communications. Muhammed’s appointment is coming barely 24 hours after Mr. Oti Ikomi resigned his appointment as the Managing Director/ CEO of the bank, citing personal reasons. Dr. Muhammad, an astute and experienced banker, holds a Ph.D in Development Economics from Universite de Granoble II, France (1989) an MBA and a B.Sc. degree in Business Administration both from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria (1983 and 1979 respectively). Dr. Muhammad brings to Keystone Bank an extensive commercial banking experience acquired over 18 years of engagement at ICON Limited (Merchant Bankers) Bank of the North Limited and Unity Bank Plc, with hands-on competences in strategy development, corporate planning, corporate banking, treasury marketing, and product development.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

McDowell’s, Coca-Cola Supports Creativity at Inception 2012 McDowell’s and Coca-Cola Nigeria, major sponsors of Inception 2012, strengthened their continuous support for youth creativity and development with the summer beach party. The event recently organisers by YDx, a youth marketing company, was a show stopper which attracted the cream-de-la-cream of the society to the popular Elegushi private beach in Lagos. The entire beach-line was branded with Coca-Cola flying banners and back-drops admit music and funfair. With a combination of Jimmie of Beat FM and DJ Mekzy on the wheels of steel, thrilling fans with jokes and classic tunes from mid-day late into the night with old skool jams and hip-hop hit tracks. The event also provided a cool and serene atmosphere for networking among top business professional from the corporate circle as they eased off while enjoying the afternoon sun-rays. While a branded VIP area had tents with a mix of top celebrities, fashion icons, entertainment moguls and artists like Vector, Black Magic, SDC, Phenom, Jimmie and DJ Caise of Beat FM, QPA’s and SoundCity VJ’s who took turns playing games, horse ridding, taking pictures and a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Chief Operating Officer, YDx, Mr. Tunde Alabi, the Inception 2012 is a novel concept in this part of the world and it brings out the creativity and true artistic nature in the younger generation. The Summer Beach Party also serves as a support platform for the tourism industry which is growing at a very fast pace. It avails the youths a chance to mix and interact with their environment while having fun with their loved ones. In the words of the Regional Trade Marketing Manager, United Spirits, Mr. Abiodun Awoyale, “McDowell’s is the stunning new No.1 reserve whisky which is blended with scotch and select Indian malts creating an outstanding feeling and taste even with drink mixtures”. This is evident in the support to create unforgettable experiences with a fun filled afternoon all the way into the UV party later in the evening with go-in-d-dark body paints, cups and lots of fun on the beach, he said. Furthermore, the summer beach rave is a fusion of entertainment, creativity and pleasure on the beach-line, which creates unique opportunities for young and talented individuals to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment. Several university students from UNILAG, UI, LASU, BABCORK, LEEDS, CONVENANT, OOU and the famous OAU, Ile-Ife participated in events like the beach football, beach volley ball, beach hunting and dancing competitions. The team YDx beat the Coca-Cola team 3-2 to come tops during the beach football competition where some luck winners carted away gift prizes like T-shirts, umbrellas, bags and mobile phones. This year’s event is the 2nd edition of an interactive initiative designed with the goal of making Lagos State the preferred summer break destination for African students because of its legendary Nightlife and fantastic beaches. It also create opportunities annually, where students from all over the continent can enjoy discounts in luxury hotels, holiday parties and exotic moments with beach excursions in the centre of excellence. And interested individuals can join the network by visiting and liking the company’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ydxNigeria YDx is Africa’s leading youth marketing company which specialises in providing relevant and innovative marketing solutions to clients specifically targeting the youth market from 0-34 years as well as the family market. The company provides various services which includes school campaigns, character marketing, road shows, events, competitions, shopping centre promotions, In-store promotions, trade exchanges and partnerships while working closely with clients to ensure all elements are 100% aligned to brand and target market.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Steve Evans To Chair 2012 LAIF Awards The Executive Board of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has concluded plans to hold the 2012 edition of LAIF Awards. Mr. Steve Evans, the multiple awards winning and respected CEO of ETISALAT Nigeria will chair the grand finale and Award Dinner scheduled to hold on November 3, 2012 at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme of this year’s awards is ‘The best of LAIF’. The LAIF Awards was instituted in year 2006 by the AAAN with the aim of recognizing, rewarding and fostering creative excellence in all areas of marketing communications. An international status award, LAIF Awards has continuously promoted Nigeria’s creative potentials in the international circle as well as recognized outstanding creativity and created an avenue for the celebration of world class ideas. One of the newly introduced categories is the Young LAIFERS Award. This category is aim at promoting excellence in brand strategy developments as well as encourages craftsmanship in young practitioners. Participants of this category are young practitioners less than 30 years of age, working within a recognized advertising organization. The President of the Association and the outgoing Chairman of LAIF Management Board, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, noted that the LAIF Awards is the most credible creative rating in the Nigerian creative industry. She also stated that the Awards will expand to West Africa by next edition and the African continent thereafter. Although some African countries have indicated interest in participating, she stated that the LAIF Management Board is considering the logistics and will open entries for a West African category for next year’s edition.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

RAYPOWER SET TO RIVAL WAZOBIA FM WITH FAAJI FM ...KEKE OGUNGBE, AMBROSE SOMIDE BECOMES TOP EXECUTIVES Its no doubt that Wazobia FM is one of the choice radio stations in the country due to its down to earth language of presentation, Pidgin. To rival this leading radio station, the Dokpesi led Daar communication any moment from now will officially unveil its new project, Faaji FM. The Board of Directors of Daar Communications-owners of Raypower, Nigeria’s premiere FM radio station, has unanimously returned and appointed prolific broadcasters, Kenny Ogungbe and Ambrose Somide to be at the helm affairs of the company. Kenny Ogungbe, a member of the Board of Director may has been appointed as the Managing Director of the flyaway first independent radio station in Nigeria while Ambrose Somide, popular co-anchor on flyaway Yoruba programme, Minijojo, will direct the affairs of new grassroots radio station, FAAJI, dedicated to broadcast in Yoruba and Pidgin English. The new appointments came with some reshuffling and re-posting which invariably has affected some key posts and personnel in the organization. Prior to his appointment, Ogungbe is a Board Member of Daar Communications with High Chief Raymond Dokpesi as the Chairman.. With his new appointment by High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Ogungbe, according to reliable sources will have oversight functions over 34 stations of RayPower FM located around the country. Currently, operations have commenced in Lagos, Bayelsa and Port Harcourt with preference for local contents. Ambrose Somide, has been involved in the then RayPower2, which has now been resuscitated and christened Faaji FM 106.5 FM
UNILEVER TARGETS 2M CHILDREN WITH HANDWASHING CAMPAIGN Unilever, foremost manufacturer of food, home and personal care products, has declared it will save the lives of 2million Nigerian children with this year’s Lifebuoy Handwashing campaign. Last year, the company created a platform for 37, 809 children to inculcate the habit of washing their hands before and after meals, a feat which earned it a place in the annals of the renowned Guinness Book of World Records. Annually, over 2.1 million children die of diarrhea and pneumonia before the age of five, especially in Africa and Asia. But the figures can be drastically reduced if they are educated on the benefits of hygiene. The Global HandWashing Day is celebrated on October 15 in over 100 countries worldwide, and aims to put the global spotlight on handwashing with soap as a lifesaving habit. Speaking at the event which held Thursday at the Temple Secondary School, Ilupeju, Lagos, Mr Thabo Mabe, managing director, said the initiative was the strategic intent of Unilever to create a better life for all Nigerians health-wise. “On the 15th of October this year, Global Handwashing will be five years old. As we all know, we are working towards the reduction of diarrhea and pneumonia incidence in children under 5 by promoting the washing of hands at 5 key occasions. As part of our goals this year, Unilever will be celebrating children who reach the age of five around the country. We will continue from our milestones last year with which we plan to achieve over 7 million pledges this year and deploy hand-washing points to the various schools selected.” Unilever, he quipped, will not rest on its oars regarding the project, and between 10-15 months, will visit 1000 schools in Lagos on a sensitisation campaign, while its staff will donate 300 hours of their time to the exercise. “We are asking Nigerians to pledge to defeat diarrhea. They should visit our website www.facebook.com/lifebuoysoap to make pledges. For every pledge, Lifebuoy will help more children reach five through hygiene education,” he added. In her keynote address, Dr. Christina Campbell, national president, Medical Women’s Association, remarked that the initiative was targeted at shoring up the health of children and getting them to imbibe the habit so their lives could be prolonged. Campbell, who noted that the initiative was timely, added that it was given more teeth through the reliable assistance provided by Unilever. “For five years, the Handwashing Day has been celebrated all over the world because we know children, especially in the developed world, don’t have the opportunity to live up to the age of five to become brilliant leaders of tomorrow. That is why we are here today to mark the event through the simple habit of washing their hands,” she said. As the well-attended event, which was anchored by ace comedian Kofi Idowu and featured musical and dance presentations from the Temple School Choir, David Okeme, marketing director, Unilever, said the team would visit schools around Lagos and provide them buckets and water for the exercise. “We are going to provide handwashing tools to schools, starting from now onwards. The plan is to reach about 2 million Nigerian children with the habits they need for survival. That is the extent of our commitment to the project,” he remarked.
OBI OF ONITSHA CONGRATULATES ADENUGA AS OFALA FESTIVAL KICKS OFF The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe CFR, has described the National Award of Grand Commander of the Niger, GCON, conferred on the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. as an honour well deserved. The Obi who made this remark in Onitsha on Friday while receiving the cheque for the sponsorship of the 2012 Ofala Festival from Globacom officials led by the company's Divisional Director, South East, Mr. Michael Ehumadu, said that Dr. Adenuga Jnr. GCON, had done a lot for the nation and deserved to be honoured. The traditional ruler, while commending Globacom for taking the ancient Ofala Festival to the next level through its sponsorship last year, noted that the giant telecommunication outfit will be remembered for the transformational history of Onitsha and its environs. "I want to formally congratulate Dr. Mike Adenuga on the National Award of GCON conferred on him by the president. Dr. Adenuga has done quite a lot for this country and the honour is well deserved, he said, adding that "it is good that the private sector is being recognized and honoured by the nation". The monarch added that the 2012 Ofala Festival would be bigger as it would mark his 10th coronation anniversary as the Obi of Onitsha, pointing out that Globacom had contributed to making the Ofala festival witness great transformation. “We are happy that Globacom is partnering with us. Our intention is to anchor Onitsha on the map of culture in Nigeria. Onitsha is transforming and Globacom is part of that transformation", he eulogized. Presenting the cheque to the traditional ruler on behalf of Globacom, Mr. Ehumadu said that the company would make the 2012 edition of the festival "more colourful and exceptional to celebrate the Obi on the 10th year on the throne of his forefathers and to appreciate the Obi and the people of Onitsha for their support and faith in Globacom". He noted that Globacom will introduce some innovation in this year's festival. The 2012 Ofala festival kicks off formally with the Iwaji, New Yam Festival, on September 23 and would be rounded off on October 8 with the commissioning by Governor Peter Obi, the block of classrooms built by Globacom at the Metropolitan Secondary School, Onitsha. Other activities lined up for the festival include youth rally, seminars, health awareness campaigns, novelty football match and a royal banquet in honour of the Obi by the telecommunication company. Globacom, it would be recalled in 2011, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha to sponsor the Ofala Festival for a period of three years.