Thursday, June 25, 2015

R&B Picks Havas Worldwide Chicago As Creative Agency

R&B Foods, Inc., makers of Ragu® and Bertolli® Italian sauces, has named Havas Worldwide Chicago Creative as their digital creative agency. In a statement released by the company, Havas Worldwide Chicago’s successful track record of modernizing iconic American brands has seen the agency chosen by Ragu and Bertolli Italian sauces to tell the brands’ stories. This includes amplifying their heritage of quality and authenticity in order to win back consumers’ hearts and minds and grow the brands’ share of millennial and Hispanic customers. “Since acquiring Ragu and Bertollilast year, we at R&B Foods have been very excited about the untapped potential of these iconic Italian sauce brands,” said Dan O’Leary, VP of Marketing, R&B Foods. “We’re excited to partner with Havas Worldwide to reinvigorate these beloved sauces by creating engaging connections to the brands for new generations of consumers.” Havas Worldwide will assume creative stewardship responsibilities for the brand, developing 360-degree integrated campaigns across TV, radio, print, digital, packaging and in-store promotion. The win follows a competitive creative review run by the R&B Foods’ Marketing Team in conjunction with Joanne Davis Consulting, New York. Speaking on the agency’s new assignment, Chief Executive Officer, Havas Worldwide Chicago Group, Paul Marobella said, “Our team couldn’t be more excited and grateful to do what we love and help reinvigorate these iconic heritage sauce brands. There are so many amazing stories waiting to be told about the quality of these delicious sauces and their rich heritage that we are anxious to co-create with the Ragu and Bertolli teams.” Havas Worldwide Chicago, a subsidiary of leading integrated marketing company, Havas Worldwide have a repertoire of clients including Citi, Craftsman, Cracker Barrel, DISH, Hefty, Reynolds and Sears. The agency specializes in partnering with brands that maintain a place in American culture and are struggling to connect with emerging consumers (millennia’s and centennials), or create relevance with the multicultural buyer. http://perfectbrandsng.com/rb-picks-havas-worldwide-chicago-as-creative-agency/

XLR8 Becomes Guinness Nigeria Corporate Brand Handler

Leading communications management consultancy, XLR8 has been appointed by Guinness Nigeria to handle its corporate brand. The appointment follows an extensive selection process that included an open pitch for credentials presentations followed by panel discussions. According to the Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, “Throughout the selection process, we were impressed by XLR8’s industry and market knowledge and we feel confident that the organisation possesses the wherewithal to add value and provide support as we partner to achieve our business objectives.” Chief Executive Officer of XLR8, Calixthus Okoruwa enthused that XLR8 is both delighted and honoured to have Guinness Nigeria join its impressive roster of blue-chip brands. “Any organisation that has been able to build a brand and sustain its iconic status for more than 250 years deserves all the respect and adulation it gets,” said Okoruwa. “We are indeed, humbled by this opportunity to be of service to this formidable organization and will continue to seek to justify the confidence which it has reposed in XLR8.” With a solid track-record of market performance, Guinness Nigeria has been in Nigeria since 1960 and is a member of the Diageo Plc, the world’s foremost premium alcoholic drinks company. Its robust portfolio of products includes a wide range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including Guinness, Foreign Extra Stout, Harp, Malta Guinness and Orijin. XLR8 has since its founding in 2004, consulted for some of the world’s best-known and most respected brands across different industry sectors that include technology, banking and financial services, broadcast and entertainment, fast moving consumer goods, among others. “Guinness Nigeria is the latest addition to the very distinguished clientele for which we are eminently proud to be of service, and as always, we shall strive to ensure that our work speaks for us in the value that we deliver,” said Okoruwa. http://perfectbrandsng.com/xlr8-becomes-guinness-nigeria-corporate-brand-handler/

Airtel’s Advertising Account Finally Clinched

News flirting has it that the creative and media business of Airtel have been clinched. The creative splits between CentreSpread and Noah’s Ark, while the media business also splits between mediaReach and Brand Eye. The highly competitive business involves strategic, profile and financial pitches eventual converged and agreed; a mixture of experience and vibrancy informs Airtel’s decision both for the creative and media business. Chairman, Centrespread, Mr. Ayanwale thirty five years’ experience in the industry and the vibrancy of the less than five year old Noah’s Ark will be tasked to upscale the telecom top notch brand to excel in the new paradigm. Mr. Lanre Adisa, a visionary is vibrant, but certainly not exuberant compliments the tag teams. http://perfectbrandsng.com/airtels-advertising-account-finally-clinched/

Tecno Launches New WinPad 10, 2 in1 PC with Intel and Microsoft

According to Tecno Management, WinPad 10 is a 10.1 inch HD screen device and it is expected to offer consumers an entirely unique watching video and browsing experience. The device comes with a 5.0 MP Back Camera and 2.0 MP Front Camera that give a captivating interface, virtual quality and a smooth operating experience on its preloaded Windows 8.1, while running on Intel Atom Processor Z3735F, Quad Core 1.83 Ghz, a 32GB ROM and 2GB RAM. The broader ROM and RAM also offer space to users to store and run apps at the same time. The Tecno WinPad is more mobile than a laptop, more productive than a tablet and more affordable than an Ultrabook. It has dual “Boom” speakers with amazing surround stereo sound which offers high quality sound and brings a new experience of sound perception to its users, thus offering more than a triple package. Speaking at the launch of the device, the Vice General Manager of Tecno Mobile Nigeria, Chidi Okonkwo said the new WinPad will help to expand the company’s market and provide new opportunities to those who desire to work on the Windows Operating System. According to him, “We are indeed excited to bring this product to the market along with new Windows Operating System and Intel’s very fast Atom Processor. We are offering those whose lives are mobile a smart bouquet of efficiency. With a full charge, the user can surf the web, run different applications, watch movies and even play games at the same time. The Tecno WinPad offer users six hours of video playback time and 150hours of standby time.’’ Speaking in the same vein, the Consumer Manager, Intel Corporation Nigeria, Womiloju Olabanji described WinPad as an efficient device, adding that its Intel processor offer users a brilliant and faster experience. Olabanji noted, ‘’The Atom Processor Z3735F, Quad Core 1.83GHz is a fast and an efficient quad-core. Actually, the 4 cores it operates on, is why the WinPad would be very efficient for multi-tasking in comparison to dual core processors. The Pad, with these processors would be highly-beneficial to those whose businesses involve multitasking.” In addition, the Consumer Channel Group Director of Microsoft Nigeria, Mark Ihimoyan said that, “For full PC power and total tablet fun, there’s nothing like a Windows 2 in 1. Touch, click or type – you choose what fits your style and activity. All the great apps you need are in the Windows Store, plus you can play Xbox games, music and videos. Use Skype to video chat, take notes with Office, and get your photos and files from anywhere with OneDrive.” Tecno has in the past successfully launched smartphones into the Nigerian Market, releasing its first tablet running on the android Operating System into the market in 2013. The new WinPad 10 is expected to provide users with more options. http://perfectbrandsng.com/tecno-launches-new-winpad-10-2-in1-pc-with-intel-and-microsoft/

Sanofi Nigeria Reinforces Its Commitment To Hypertension Management Through New Treatment

With the introduction of APROVASC® , a fixed-dose combination treatment for the management of hypertension, Sanofi reinforces its sustained commitment to healthcare through the provision of affordable medicines that are tailored to the needs of patients. With APROVASC® , Sanofi now offers a wide range of treatment options for patients with hypertension. To better support the patients in the management of their disease, Sanofi continues with its access to healthcare ambition in the opening of diabetes and hypertension clinics in partnership with health authorities. The first clinic was inaugurated at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on 29th January 2015. In Nigeria, about 28.9% of the population has raised blood pressure while about 82% are not aware of this disease condition. By 2030, up to 39.1 million people aged at least 20 years may live with hypertension1 if nothing is done to reverse the trend. People with uncontrolled hypertension are exposed to many complications including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and problems with vision, which can be controlled by adopting healthy diets, lifestyle changes and, in many cases, treatment with medications. With over 90 years’ experience in development and manufacturing, Sanofi is a world leader in delivering quality, innovative solutions to meet the needs of patients. The APROVASC® range offers dosage flexibility that allows for individualized treatment. “By introducing a new antihypertensive treatment, Sanofi demonstrates its commitment to patients through improving access to high quality solutions in the field of hypertension management in Nigeria. APROVASC® introduction is another example of Sanofi’s engagement to always provide advanced and innovative treatments in response to patients’ specific needs with the highest efficacy and comfort. This unique combination is the result of years of development, clinical studies and safety proofing” said Abderrahmane Chakibi, General Manager, Sanofi Nigeria-Ghana. “Delivering innovative treatments and a full portfolio adapted to the needs of patients locally is at the core of what we, at Sanofi, have done for nearly a century. But medications alone are not enough. For many years, we have been supporting healthcare professionals in their daily practice through training and other tailored services. Through leveraging APROVASC® availability in Nigeria, Sanofi will continue to contribute to making the lives of Nigerian hypertensive patients healthier” Mr. Chakibi added. The introduction of new APROVASC® range, and the continual support of establishing clinics for the better management of the disease, is in direct response to the healthcare needs of patients with hypertension in Nigeria http://perfectbrandsng.com/sanofi-nigeria-reinforces-its-commitment-to-hypertension-management-through-new-treatment/

Award Winning Poet, Titilope Sonuga is Intel “She Will Connect” Spokesperson 2015

Research findings show that there are 25 per cent fewer women than men online in emerging markets. This is a clear indication of the gender gap that exists in the technology arena. To bridge this gap, Intel Corporation through its “She Will Connect Programme”, has continued to educate young girls and women on how technology can maximally contribute toward economic and social development across the world. This year, Titilope Sonuga has been appointed the official spokesperson of its 2015 “She Will Connect” program in Nigeria. Sonuga will use the platform to share her inspiring story of success and influence the lives of other women across the country in the pan-Nigerian initiative which starts this month and ends May, 2016. Titilope Sonuga is an award winning poet, writer, actor and civil engineer whose work has graced stages and pages across Nigeria and internationally. She has featured on stages across Canada and internationally, and was invited alongside world renowned poets Sonia Sanchez, Jayne Cortez, Yusef Komunyakaa, to perform at the 2011 Achebe Colloquium on Africa at Brown University. Titilope is the creator of Rouge Poetry and a founding member of the Breath in Poetry Collective. Titilope was the winner of the 2013 RISE (Recognizing Immigrant Success in Edmonton) Award for achievement in the arts and the NBCC (National Black Coalition of Canada) Fil Fraser Award for Outstanding achievement in the arts. Titilope performed a stirring inauguration poem at the swearing-in of President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2015; a historic moment for the country and the first time a poet had ever been invited to perform at a Nigerian inauguration ceremony. As the spokesperson, Titilope will visit states across the country. She will appear as a guest in some notable Radio programs and also interact with girls and women online. Working closely with enlisted Non-Governmental Organizations, Titi will participate in training girls and women across Nigeria during the one year campaign. Speaking on her role, Titi said she is glad to have been brought on board to use her talents to communicate the message of technology to girls and women in Nigeria. Expressing her delight on the new role Titilope said: “I am extremely excited to collaborate with Intel to give a voice to the She Will Connect program. I believe giving girls and women access by connecting them to technology creates a world of possibility for them and their communities. Through my personal journey, I have learned that having access gives you options and with those options almost anything is possible” Commenting on the initiative, Country Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Intel West Africa, Mr. Adim Isiakpona expressed Intel’s commitment to bringing positive change in the African Girl Child. Adim added that it was important to educate the girl child, affirming, “We at Intel believe that smart females are the equivalent of a smart world. We want to present Titilope as an icon of the endless capabilities in a woman when she is given the platform to express herself. We want a world where women’s lives are inspiring enough for a change.” The “She Will Connect” initiative has a goal to reach and train 5 million young women in Africa on Information Communication Technology by 2020 and it has successfully hosted several programs to introduce women to technology in Nigeria, through workshops and trainings. The program which works closely with NGOs, government agencies, and other local business partners features three key program elements designed to help girls and women take advantage of the many opportunities provided through technology and Internet access: digital literacy; online peer network; and content and resources. http://perfectbrandsng.com/award-winning-poet-titilope-sonuga-is-intel-she-will-connect-spokesperson-2015/

Etisalat Partners with Federal Ministry of Environment on 2015 World Environment Day Lecture … Reinstates Commitment to Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Nigeria fastest growing and most innovative telecommunications company in the country, Etisalat has reinforced its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability by sponsoring the World Environment Day (WED) Lecture which held recently at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. Themed: ‘’Seven Billion Dreams, One Planet. Consume With Care’’, the event which was organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), is designed to encourage people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and become change agents to protect and preserve the earth. Speaking on the significance of the World Environment Day, Ibrahim Dikko, Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at Etisalat Nigeria explained that ‘’it helps us to identify solutions for re-engineering our culture in order to create a sustainable society in which everyone has an opportunity to live a healthy life. It is time to look seriously at what our appetite-for-more is costing the planet, our health, the future and the future of our children.” Dikko who was represented by Oluseyi Osunsedo, Head, Environment Compliance & Public Relations noted that since inception, Etisalat has been committed to the promotion and support of a sustainable environment through its Community Support Programs and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives which are hinged on three platforms: Education, Health and the Environment. He noted, “We work in harmony with communities by supporting projects that promote healthy living and we have adopted some schemes which include, the progression from using 50 percent less plastic to produce SIM cards to 0 percent use of plastic and also the electronic recharge which helps to reduce waste generation.” World Environment Day (WED) is the biggest and most celebrated global day for positive environmental action. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, WED is celebrated every year on June 5 and it is the principal vehicle through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action. WED gives a human perspective to environmental issues, empowers people to become active agents of sustainable development and advocates multi-stakeholder partnerships in support of the environment. http://perfectbrandsng.com/etisalat-partners-with-federal-ministry-of-environment-on-2015-world-environment-day-lecture-reinstates-commitment-to-environmental-protection-and-sustainability/

Intel’s Effort To Bridge Gender Gap On The Internet

When compared to men, women still have lower access to the internet. A report commissioned by Intel on the access to, and use of the Internet in low and middle income countries indicated women are at a disadvantage. The report shows 25percent fewer women than men are online in developing countries. Intel has emphasized its commitment to bridging this gap with its Intel She Will Connect Programme. The Intel She Will Connect Programme, in recent time, has been in the forefront of educating young girls and women on maximum contributions toward economic and social development across the world. At the recently concluded capacity building workshop on ICT for women journalists in Lagos, Nigeria, the country Managing Director, Intel West Africa, Mr. Olubunmi Ekundare stated Intel’s dedication to bring about positive change in the African Girl Child. Stressing the importance of educating the girl child, he said, “Here at Intel, we believe, and I’m sure we all agree, that smart girls are the equivalent of a smart world. What we seek to do, more than encouraging you all, is to do your best in school and seize the opportunity to build a world where youth are inspired to be advocates for change.” The Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Babatunde Akinola, explained that She Will Connect programme aims to close the gap for girls in terms of access to the internet and digital literacy. He restated that the company will provide technical resources and expertise to deliver digital literacy training, online peer networks and gender relevant content to empower young girls and women in Nigeria. Technology and access to the internet is essential to women’s empowerment across the continent, and it is key to overcoming barriers such as poverty, illiteracy, and discrimination. She Will Connect hopes to have reached five million women and girls across Africa by 2020, empowering them to get and stay online and help others like them, thereby reducing the gender gap by 50%. http://perfectbrandsng.com/intels-effort-to-bridge-gender-gap-on-the-internet/

Valmont Premium Water Enters Nigerian Market With Trailblazing Sport Cap

Giant Beverages Limited, a Lagos based state of the art beverage outfit has introduced Valmont, a super-premium water brand, unique in both content and packaging into the Nigerian market. The new product is coming with a new trailblazing Sport cap offering which is the first of its kind in the industry. With this unique offering, the company, a wholly owned Nigerian company is bent on ensuring Nigerian brands join the league of internationally renowned brands. This innovation, according to the General Manager, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, is to ensure that this mark of quality – which comes in a blazing red colour -is stamped on the product from the onset to differentiate it from the pack and ensure it sets the pace in quality and packaging. “What we are doing is making a statement that Nigerians can produce quality product with packaging that can conform to the highest international standards. This is why our Sport cap will make the difference.” To this end, the new product, Valmont is positioned as a super-premium water produced to the best of international standards. “The water goes through our ultra-purification processes without being exposed to air until it enters our unique bottles, thus preserving its freshness and purity. It is called ‘Valmont’ for its strong, rich, luxurious and sophisticated background.” He added that Valmont is natural and produced to accompany fine food and luxurious lifestyle. Its transparent and minimalistic labeling further gives it an extra touch of class which is expected to appeal to discerning consumers who will stop at nothing to enjoy the best that life offers. In order to make maximum market impact to meet consumers’ varying needs, the product comes in, 600ml, 750ml (Sport cap) and 1.5L 100% recyclable plastic bottles. At a later point, it will also be available in750ml glass bottles sold only through high-end restaurants, hotels, international airlines and event outfits Apart from its product quality and packaging, Valmont boasts of widest range of sizes in the Nigerian market: thus providing water to suit different consumer needs. Giving additional information on the brand, Marketing Manager, Mrs. Bose Ogunyemi reinforced the earlier statement that Valmont’s Sport cap (750ml) “is the first in Nigeria and it is suited for on-the-go consumers because it is convenient and would not distract consumers’ from other activities such as driving, walking, etc. Our glass bottle – which will also be the first in Nigeria when it hits the market – provides gourmet water to accompany gourmet food in high profile hotels.” She stressed that Valmont “is a lifestyle brand that delivers much more than hydration to the consumer. Valmont has the red cap which signifies prestige in Nigeria; it also makes the brand striking and outstanding. That is the fundamental reason the brand promises prestigious quality and purity.” Appropriately positioned as a lifestyle brand, it is buoyed by symbolic attributes like sophistication, class, appeal and uniqueness. This wholly Nigerian owned brand with the historic Zuma Rock as its brand iconic symbolism promises to be a market leader as it hits the market. On why the Abuja situated rock formation was chosen as its brand icon, Mrs. Ogunyemi noted that “The intrigue of the rock is that it bears a ‘human face’ on its surface, and this for every Nigerian is an ultimate symbol of purity of nature. The freshness and natural purity of this cultural landmark is relatable to our Valmont. This is because our water is fresh and pure from start to finish. More importantly, it signifies that Valmont is a proud Nigerian brand.” With the tagline “Live Pure,” the brand, which is bottled to the highest standards, provides the refreshing essence that matches discerning consumers’ lifestyle wherever they are found. Whether at a luxury or quick service restaurant, home, work or on the go, Valmont delivers rejuvenation in the most convenient form. Giant Beverages Limited was set-up to focus primarily on the manufacturing of quality healthy alternatives to the traditional sugar sweetened carbonated beverages. With this mandate, it will fill a huge gap in the beverage sector, a gap for healthy and natural beverages. This gap is a result of the increasing awareness of the Nigerian populace about lifestyle and nutritional issues as it affect their health. It is bent on ensuring that Nigerians live healthy lives despite a life expectancy of 51 years for men and 53 years for women. http://perfectbrandsng.com/valmont-premium-water-enters-nigerian-market-with-trailblazing-sport-cap/

Ecobank To Roll Out Mastercard Payment Solutions

Towards increasing the acceptance and adoption of electronic payments in Africa, Ecobank Group has signed a landmark multi-country agreement with global payments technology company MasterCard to bring MasterCard’s payment solutions to more than 32 sub-Saharan African markets. According to a release by both companies, the initiative will see Ecobank issue MasterCard debit, prepaid, and credit cards to millions of its customers over the next 10 years. Ecobank will roll out innovative MasterCard acceptance solutions designed to expand the number of merchant locations that accept MasterCard payment cards on the continent. Commenting on the partnership, Albert Essien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank, says: “This collaboration with MasterCard will enable us to achieve our vision of contributing to the economic and financial integration and development of the African continent by rolling out convenient, accessible and reliable financial products and services to our customers. Specifically, the initiative enables us to extend our MasterCard acquiring capabilities at thousands of merchants across Africa, grow our e-commerce acquiring business, and expand our service offerings to retail and commercial customers in Africa.” Michael Miebach, President, Middle East and Africa at MasterCard, adds: “Bringing the benefits of electronic payments to markets across Africa and creating a world beyond cash is a primary focus for MasterCard. By collaborating with a leading pan-African financial institution such as the Ecobank Group with its extensive regional reach and established infrastructure, another successful step has been taken in ensuring access to safe, secure and convenient payments via MasterCard payment solutions.” The agreement will also see Ecobank roll out thousands of mobile point of sale devices to retailers in selected African countries, further boosting Ecobank’s current pan-African network. Mobile point of sale devices allow merchants to process MasterCard payment card transactions by connecting their smartphone or tablet to a secure card reader, enabling them to overcome infrastructure and communication challenges that may arise when using traditional POS devices. http://perfectbrandsng.com/ecobank-to-roll-out-mastercard-payment-solutions/

Mediareach OMD, Google Partner On Brand Marketing

The West and Central Africa’s number one independent media specialist, mediaReach OMD has aligned forces with Google Global Services Nigeria Limited over taking brand marketing in Nigeria to a new level. The alignment saw the two companies exchanging ideas on the survival strategies for different brands now that the players are faced with stiff competition not only in Nigeria but across the world. The agency, mediaReach OMD, and Google traded ideas on Thursday at an event christened “Google Day”, organised at the mediaReach office in Lagos. Addressing members of staff of the two companies, Juliet Chiazor, the Country Manager of Google, said it is imperative for any organisation that will survive to develop a strategic marketing campaign that can stand out in the competitive market. She noted that customers are faced with a minimum of 2,000 marketing messages streamed on different communication platforms every day. Chiazor therefore said for any player to excel, its communication must be appropriate and target the right audience. Meanwhile, she said innovation is at the heart of everything Google does as the company is aware of dynamism of different markets the world over. As a result, Chiazor said Google has different solutions that corporations anywhere in the world could use to achieve their goals in the target markets. Some of those solutions, according to her, are: Google Voice Search; Google Maps; Google Now; and Google Photo Sphere. She declared that television viewership is slowly declining as audiences are shifting online. Specifically, she stated that there is an increase of 60 percent of online video streaming that customers are faced with. “Brand building elements still entail awareness and emotional engagement just as the case with traditional marketing platforms”, she said. Based on this, she advised that video should be seen as an integral part of brand building and should be used more in brand communication. Corroborating her view, Tolu Ogunkoya, the Chief Executive Officer of mediaReach OMD noted that there are still many players who are undecided about the relevance of digital brand marketing despite its importance in today’s marketing communication. His words: “It is high time we decided to take active steps in the interest of our corporations”. Meanwhile, Patrick Gomes, the Chief Digital Officer of mediaReach OMD acknowledged that social media has a very important role to play in placing corporations ahead of competition in the market. His words: “At mediaReach OMD, we are aware of the new trend towards digital marketing as the future of brand communication. We already have channeled our process towards the development and our clients have started benefiting from the initiative.” http://perfectbrandsng.com/mediareach-omd-google-partner-on-brand-marketing/

Fraudsters Storm GTbank Branch, Rob Innocent depositors

At a stage in the financial institutions world where all hands are on desk to curb fraudsters and their gimmicks, one of Nigeria banks, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), fall short with its security operatives as fraudsters took advantage of innocent depositors’ right inside the banking hall. Information at our disposal revealed that at Gtbank Allen avenue branch in Ikeja on Friday 19, June 2015, fraudsters utilized the loopholes from Gtbank to defraud some customers. It was gathered that while depositors were on queue to make their transactions, a man who paraded himself as a staff of the GTbank approached some customers and requested for their bank Verification Number, BVN and also their cash with the pretense to ease the long queue. After collecting the money, eye witnesses disclosed that the man walked into one of the bank offices but never return. After waiting endlessly, the customers cried out only to receive the attention of hefty security operatives who led them out of the banking premises. One of the affected customers, who simply identified herself as Rukayat relates her experience. Her words “he claimed to be an official of GTB and demanded if I had a bank verification number, to which I answered no. he collected the money for ease of the transaction and gave me and others verification form to fill. When I was filling it, the man went to the counter to talk to a teller and walked into an office in the bank. That was how we are defrauded inside the bank and no one came to our aid but we’re all driven out”. “The money belongs to my boss. I have just been employed two weeks ago and I don’t know where to get a refund for her. Rukayat cried. This incident is a case of negligence with the Segun Agbaje led GTbank and height of insecurity to customers and their hard earned money. SMS was sent to Jide Sipe of Cooperate communication department of the bank and Cornell of Redgecko, one of PR agencies in charge of GTBank but none responded as at the time of filling this report. http://perfectbrandsng.com/fraudsters-storm-gtbank-branch-rob-innocent-depositors/

Friday, June 19, 2015

Intel, Others Partner to Deliver Affordable Technological Solutions to Small and Medium Businesses

Towards delivering affordable technological solutions and growing small and medium businesses in Nigeria, Intel Nigeria has joined hands with MTN, Microsoft, HP and Diamond Bank to drive an SMB targeted initiative. The SMB targeted initiative was announced Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in Lagos at a Technology Tour event to kick-start the initiative which would offer Nigerian SMB’s the best bundle of PC, Printer and Office for their day-to-day operations and also feature capacity building seminars, conferences and workshops to address other issues confronting them. Speaking at the Technology Tour event, the Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Intel West Africa, Mr. Adim Isiakpona described the initiative as an all-encompassing approach at solving reoccurring issues confronting small and medium businesses in Nigeria. Mr. Isiakpona said, ‘’Technology has done a lot at transforming businesses in advanced countries of the world and we believe we can replicate same in Nigeria SMBs which constitute over 70 percent of the country’s GDP.” Amongst several other benefits, the strategic partnership would afford SMB’s free listing on MTN Y’ello directory, free trial of MTN cloud services, free biz plus and MTN SME messaging with which they can connect with their consumers, while Diamond bank would make different financing options available to participating SMBs. The HP, on its part will make affordable laptops and printers available to SMB’s, all of which are powered by Intel and Microsoft chip set. http://perfectbrandsng.com/intel-others-partner-to-deliver-affordable-technological-solutions-to-small-and-medium-businesses/

Enyi Odigbo’s Casers Group Acquires Mawal Group

Casers Group and Mawal Group have announced a definitive merger agreement under which Casers Group acquires Mawal, the leading marketing communications network in French West and Central Africa. Enyi Odigbo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Casers Group, explained that “the acquisition of Mawal demonstrates our commitment to prudently deploy resources that will deliver unassailable value to existing and prospective local and multinational clients”. Casers Group is now an unmatched solution for any multinational brand looking for worldclass service delivery throughout West and Central Africa – to either launch or extend within the region. “This strategic combination eliminates the need for businesses who require a regional marketing communications solution to seek partners on a country by country basis, which often results in disparate service levels, in terms of quality and resource deployment” said Odigbo. This merger has developed out of the successful DDB led partnership of Casers Group, Mawal Group and Innova DDB in partnering MTN, the largest mobile telecoms operator in the Middle East and Africa. DDB currently manages MTN in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Cameroun, Cote d’Ivoire, Republic of Benin, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau and Congo Brazzaville. Joel Nettey, MD of INNOVA DDB and President of the Advertising Association of Ghana said “The opportunity to partner on MTN for the past 4 years throughout the region provided the learning curve needed to drastically reduce the teething problems associated with deals of this nature”. Reacting to this development, Bayo Adekanbi, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria said that “This is a commendable feat in Casers’ quest to deliver solutions to the increasing market opportunities, in West and Central Africa. Casers’ experience with MTN will be an added advantage and significant leverage in leap-frogging the challenges of the region, with speed, precision and effectiveness” With the acquisition completed and integration process well underway, the Founder and Executive Chairperson of Mawal Group, Mrs. Mareme Malong will retire but will continue to serve as adviser to the board. She said that she and her team members “are excited at this development because it is the coming together of like-minded Africans to form a more formidable entity that will outperform our individual operations. I cannot wish for a better retirement confident that I have left Mawal in the hands of partners I have come to trust”. http://perfectbrandsng.com/enyi-odigbos-casers-group-acquires-mawal-group/

Life Beer Doles Out N3m To 12 Budding Entrepreneurs In South-East

Life Continental Beer under the stable of Nigeria Breweries on Wednesday doled out N3m cash grant to 12 young entrepreneurs to boost their business ideas submitted as a proposal to the company.
It would be recalled that Life Beer under its current “Life Continental Beer Progress Booster Radio Project’’ had earmarked N12.5 million grant to boost 50 young entrepreneurs, who hails and are residents within South-East States. The states included: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. Presenting the cash grant of N250,000 to each of the 12 winners in Nigeria Breweries, Ama, Enugu, the Brewery Manager, Mrs Ethel Emma-Uche, urged the winners, who are among the beneficiaries of the N12.5 million, to utilize the funds wisely. “As you receive these cash grants today, we expect you to succeed in the business line you have chosen. “Make judicious investment of the money given to you and ensure that your investment is yielding returns and your business capable of making you an employer of labour as you trudge on in your business journey. “If you succeed in taking your business idea to the next desirable level, you stand a chance of winning more money (additional N250,000 to be won each by eight prosperous recipients of the initial cash grant). “Let me assure you that we will not be leaving you all to yourself on this journey. “The panel of experts that assessed and judged your business proposals will be monitoring your progress. “They will be there to mentor and provide valuable advice when necessary as we follow up on your progress,’’ Emma-Uche said. She noted that the project was aimed to empower 50 budding entrepreneurs, who have sound and workable business ideas; adding that these entrepreneurs from the South-East extract must be residing in the zone as well as attained 18 years. “Once again, I congratulate all our winners today and wish you success in your propose business endeavour. Life for Progress,’’ the manager added. http://perfectbrandsng.com/life-beer-doles-out-n3m-to-12-budding-entrepreneurs-in-south-east/

Thursday, June 18, 2015

History as Apple Buys a Nigerian’s ICT Firm for $1Bn

Apple has bought Chinedu Echeruo’s HopStop.com, The Wall Street Journal’s publication, AllThingsDigital reports. Founded in 2005, HopStop.com makes mobile applications for both iOS and Android that covers over 300 cities and that helps people get directions or find nearby subway stations and bus stops. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed as at the time of this report but HopStop has been compared to Israel’s Waze which was recently acquired by Google for $1 billion. Chinedu Echeruo, formerly an analyst at investment banks and hedge funds, founded HopStop in 2005. Echeruo is now chairman of the Board for HopStop. The move is seen as Apple’s plan to bolster its map offering especially given Google’s recent acquisition of Waze. A serial entrepreneur, Chinedu Echeruo grew up in Eastern Nigeria and attended Kings College, Lagos. He attended Syracuse University and the Harvard Business School in the United States and founded HopStop.com after working for several years in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Leveraged Finance groups of J.P Morgan Chase where he was involved in a broad range of M&A, Financing and Private Equity transactions. He also worked at AM Investment Partners, a $500 million volatility-driven convertible bond arbitrage hedge fund. He founded and raised nearly $8 million for his two U.S based internet companies: Hopstop.com andTripology.com. Tripology.com was acquired in 2010 by American travel and navigation information company, Rand McNally. True to form, Echeruo is working on yet another venture but this time, focused on small businesses in Africa. According to him, “there is no reason why every entrepreneur should have to reinvent the wheel every single time in all the countries in Africa. My idea is to essentially have one place where a budding entrepreneur can access a template for starting a business, and then customize it to suit their own situation; essentially, a business-in-a-box.” http://perfectbrandsng.com/history-as-apple-buys-a-nigerians-ict-firm-for-1bn/

Monday, June 15, 2015

PR Guru, Alima Attah Dies Of Cancer

PR Guru, educationist, MD of Sesema PR and host of TalkBiz on Smooth 98.1fm, Alima Atta has died. Alima, recently named one of Nigeria’s ‎100 most influential women died on Saturday June 6th after a battle with cancer. Alima Atta studied French and Marketing and had a successful career in Public Relations and Marketing for over 20 years and worked at MMD Marketing Communications and Anderson Soames in the UK before establishing her own PR agency in 2002. She was an inspiring woman who worked hard to get to the top Beautiful and charming Alima also worked in Gtbank corporate communications some years ago. Alima Atta has over eighteen years of experience in the fields of marketing and public relations. http://perfectbrandsng.com/pr-guru-alima-attah-dies-of-cancer/

UBA BOILS OVER N2 BILLION NAIRA ONDO STATE FRAUD UNDER AGAGU +Why EFCC Should Probe The Bank

As the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari begins transformation of troubled Nigeria’s economy, it is also pertinent that he looks deeply into the incessant fraud happening in one of Nigeria’s most fraudulent financial institutions, UBA. READ DETAILS OF PHILLIPS ODUOZA’S ROMANCE WITH GENEVIEVE NNAJI The current nefarious activity hanging on the neck of the Phillips Oduoza’s led-troubled financial institution is the multi billion naira money fraud perpetrated in Ondo State by late former Governor of the State, Olusegun Agagu. The report is messy, but we bring it to you here unedited as reported by the original writers…See below… One of the top staff at the Phillip Oduoza-led mega financial institution, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Lawrence Ehindero has been answering questions from detectives attached to the Ondo State Police Command, Akure to explain what he knows about some fraudulent dealings and illegal withdrawals from a fixed deposit account of N2billion belonging to the Ondo State Government According to sources, Mr. Ehindero who’s UBA’s Regional Manager, Ondo/Ekiti States has been questioned severally over the mega fraud and we gathered the police are closing in on the culprits and might be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded. We gathered reliably that, some of the bank’s top staff have been operating an account belonging to the Ondo State government without prior knowledge of the State executive to the extent that, millions of Naira were withdrawn before bubble burst recently. READ ABOUT HOW ADULTERY WRECKED PHILLIPS ODUOZA’S HOME CLICK HERE Tracing the genesis of the monumental fraud that’s presently rocking UBA, almost to its very root, we gathered the money, about N2billion (Two Billion Naira Only) was lodged in two separate accounts with the bank’s Alagbaka quarters, Akure branch, in form of fixed deposit investment, by the immediate past governor of the State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu but because the transition between Dr. Agagu and Mimiko was not smooth and official, the incoming governor then, Mimiko didn’t really get wind of the investment thereby giving a leeway for the alleged fraud by the set of “smart bankers’ It would be recalled however that, the immediate past governor of the State, Dr. Agagu had to flee the State hurriedly owing to circumstances surrounding Mimiko’s emergence, and this did not permit the official hand-over, so many properties such as cars and other assets, belonging to the State were said to have been converted to personal use by the former governor and some of his aides. This office was told that, the bank’s management led by one Deolu Olugbenga (formerly the Regional Head), Kemi Johnson (former Business Manager, Akure) and co were said to have kept mum on the status of the investment when the new administration assumed office, and to the chagrin of the State governor, the bank was said to have bailed out the State by giving it a loan of N500m with heavy interest charges sometime ago before the bubble eventually burst. http://perfectbrandsng.com/uba-boils-over-n2-billion-naira-ondo-state-fraud-under-agagu-why-efcc-should-probe-the-bank/