HOW BAYO LIGALI, CEO ZAIN NIGERIA WAS BOOTED OUT OF OFFICE
The Board of Directors of Zain Nigeria penultimate week showed its Chief Executive Office, Mr. Bayo Ligali the door after he was alleged to have committedmany atrocities that could not be condoled any longer by the management of the telecommunication company.
Mr. Bayo Ligali, who assumed the post of the C.E.O of the company about 3 years ago, was alleged to have been involved in many unwholesome practices that included misappropriation of funds, poor management among others.
Impeccable sources divulged that when Zain Nigeria was offered for sale due to inadequacy of Bayo Ligali led management team, he teamed up with top executives, who were his loyalist to ask for 15% of the shares of the company.
Those who should know added that this action did not go down well with Vivendi, who have moved in new equipments to standardize the operation of the telecommunications provider.
Our source alleged that Bayo Ligali has been running the telecommunication company as a family affair, as he used to pick anybody from nowhere to serve in the top echelon of the organization.
The source gave the examples as Tobi Biobaku, who was made Head of Media Relations in change of corporate communications. He used to be a supervisor in Zain outlet at Sanusi Fafunwa in Victoria Island, Lagos. Those who should know revealed that the latest of Bayo Ligali’s misdemeanour is the ongoing ‘don’t forget the lyrics’ show which he claimed to have spent many millions of naira on, but when the auditors visited the company, they discovered Bayo used fake documents to cover his misappropriation of funds.
For his shame to be covered, the management decided to retire him compulsorily and covered it up that he resigned to pursue personal businesses.
Sainte-Marie, who was the Managing Director of Zain Garbon has been appointed as Zain Nigeria Chief Executive Officer to oversee the company’s continuing market expansion and quest for industry leadership.
Our source confirmed that none of the top management staff could replace Bayo Ligali because most of them were his loyalists, who have taken after him in deeds.
So, to save the company from untimely death, Zain International quickly appointed Sainte-Marie, who has over 24 years working experience in Information Technology business.

‘WE HAVE ALL WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE BEST IN AFRICA’
-TOLA BADEMOSI, MD/CEO BD CONSULT LIMITED

BD Consult is a professional marketing communication consultancy firm founded in 2006 by a team of young, innovative and dynamic individuals to provide strategic public relations and events management solution to a spectrum of organizations. In an interview with A&B, the MD/CEO of the company, Tola Bademosi revealed the secret behind the success of the organization and why the organization wont pick the public relations account of competing brands on its shelves.

What is the strategy put in place to make BD Consult one of the leading PR outfits
First and foremost, we’ve remained focus and we have come up with sometime different from what is obtainable in the industry. Our strategy has really made our clients not to even consider other agency as an outfit to work with. We shot our clients to the top in their respective industries. We always considered two things to ensure successful operations and these things are our clients and the consumers. The satisfactions of our clients will also be the consumer satisfaction in most cases, so we put things out straight to achieve these, which means we create platform, where the clients meet the consumers. Most times, we exploit the connection with the client and consumer and these have been working for us overtime and are still working for us.

What are the brands on your PR shelves
We have quite a number of them. We have Indomie from Dufil, UAC Foods, PZ, Lucky Fibres, Panabiz and quite a few I can’t remember now.

All these brands, most especially Indomie has become a genre name, what is the secret
It’s the first noodle manufacturer in Nigeria and the good quality speaks for the product. The unique services Indomie offers to consumers through BD consult cannot be found anywhere. Despite the fact that many other noodles now flood the market, people only try them for once and go back to what they are used to because the unique taste of Indomie cannot be replicated.

If a competing noodle brand now wants the service of BD Consult, what would you do
We’ve had that offer several times, but we turned it down. The truth is that the ethic of BD Consult does not allow us to work on two competing brands. No matter how good one wants to manage it, there will be compromise at a particular point.

Let’s meet you
My name is Tola Bademosi, ‘am a graduate of Management and Economics from the University of Ibadan and I hold an MBA in Marketing from Lagos State University. I am also am an alumnus of Lagos Business School and University of Cape Town in South Africa. After a wide range of experience in sales, marketing, advertising, event management and public relations, working with Equity Life Insurance, The Quadrant Company, Insight Grey and LTC/JWT Advertising, I established BD Consult.

What motivated you into starting BD Consult
There are a few numbers of things you can’t achieve while working under people, but with you and people who understand the ethics of the industry, you will achieve success in a twinkle of an eye.
Here I have young, innovative set of staff, who believe in my dream. My staffers are ready to make BD Consult one of the leading PR companies in Africa in few years to come.

HOW SIMON AKINTEYE RUINED INTEGRATED MICROFINANCE BANK
The emergence of microfinance banks in Nigeria should have been a solution to the problem of small scale businesses looking at the laws that established it, but unfortunately MFB is now a torn in the flesh to their staffers and customers.
Investigations revealed that the Simon Akinteye-led IMFB is currently enmeshed in a financial crisis alleged to have been caused by misappropriation of customers’ money. Simon, who is a founding director and has been the Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Microfinance Bank since inception, our source revealed, lives a flamboyant life, which includes incessant traveling abroad, visits night club frequently, where he always indulge in alcoholic drinks and serve whoever is around and sometimes buys off all the drinks available in club.
Impeccable source alleged that the crisis started with non payment of staff salaries, and 30% splash in salaries which made some of the staffers resolved to divert money collected from the customers who make daily contribution with the aim of obtaining loans to add to their businesses after a period of time.
The staffers, we learnt, allegedly collected money from customers and converted it to their salaries that were not paid. Sources close to the bank added that the directors who are not in support of Akinteye’s manner resigned en-mass, leaving some vital positions vacant.
Instead of having a change of heart, our source disclosed that immediately those directors left, Akinteye acquired new sets of Toyota Prado Jeeps, which he gave to other directors who are his loyalists and girlfriends. The issues were later exposed to the customers when their request for loans promised by the bank could not be granted, and they found it difficult to withdraw their savings.
Those who should know disclosed that when the rumpus became unbearable, customers invaded some branches of the bank and attacked the staffers, some of whom were wounded in the process.
In Ogba, Lagos branch of the bank, the manager was picked alongside other staffers by policemen, while the directors were reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Our source revealed that Akinteye told the commission that the bank could not meet the demands of its customers due to non-repayment of loans by some artisans and traders in Oshodi Market, who were displaced by the Lagos State Government and whose whereabouts is still unknown.
Most branches of the bank in Lagos are now closed and few staffers who still report to the head office are always in mufti instead of the usual white and blue uniform, which had become the bank’s logo.
It was gathered that Akinteye held meetings with some top managers of the bank, where he was alleged to have threatened that any director who revealed the crisis in the bank to the press would be dealt with both physically and spiritually by him.
A source close to the bank disclosed that Akinteye is notorious for mismanagement. The source said Akinteye had worked with the defunct National Bank Limited but was relieved of his duty over his outrageous lifestyle. He was also said to have worked with First City Monument Bank Plc as an assistant Vice President, but he was accused of fund misappropriation, which caused him to leave in annoyance.
Integrated Micro Finance Bank was incorporated as a wholly indigenous limited liability company on June 16, 2006 following the grant of an approval-in-principle by the Central Bank of Nigeria

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, WHO LEADS?
The contest or rivalry among brands has become glaring from the various designs of the products to the products’ functions and durability. Gone are the days, when he who pays the pipers dictates the tune among brands. The fact that some brands name have become synonymous with its products type does not interpret the success of the brand in terms of shelves presence to consumer patronage. The 21st century technology has made new brands compete with existing ones or pushed the existing ones into the background. Even among consumable products, consumers choices now differ from the regular and what is responsible for such include failure of the manufacturer to rebrand to consumer taste, the brand failure to develop identity with which to connect to customers in terms of quality service amongst others. The following are brands that were once products type names, but the story now is survival of the fittest among other players in the industry.

GALA VS RITE SAUSAGE ROLL
At a point, every sausage rolls in the market was referred to as Gala. But the emergence of other sausage roll brands reduced the sales of Gala drastically. Rite Sausage rolls now climbs the ladder of success easily, giving UAC, the manufacturers of Gala a sleepless nights.

MAGI AND KNORR CUBES
All foods seasoning in the industry are referred to as Magi, the level of intellect of the consumer notwithstanding. The failure of Magi brand to go into variants gave loopholes to Knorr food seasoning that came with varieties like chicken cubes, beef cubes among others to occupy the upper and visible part of the market shelves. While trying to struggle out of the kick, many other food seasoning jumped into the market to send Magi to a state of unconsciousness in the minds of the consumers. The manufacturers have now resorted to direct sales as the only option to sell the dying brand.

CLOSE UP AND MACLEAN TOOTHPASTE
Young and old people refer to almost all toothpastes as Maclean few years back. At a point, the product died due to unknown reasons, even when it was the only major player in the industry. A wide gate was thrown open to Close Up Toothpaste, which, since inception, has not relented in its effort to be conspicuous in the media and in the hearts of consumers. Close-Up is not relying on the media alone as it came up with different forms like herbal and multiple colour paste. Though Maclean was rebranded few years ago into the memory of its popular signature tone, the brand keeps trying to win its once loyal consumer back, but this seems to be a difficult task.

STAR AND HARP LAGER BEER
The once accepted ‘shine-shine bobo’ lager beer that once littered the table of consumers at bars has now become a second choice and is only demanded whenever Harp Larger Beer is not available. The promise of the brand to deliver a distinct service got sunk in the dungeon with the rebranding of Harp Larger Beer. The 60th anniversary and introduction of old television commercials to ginger consumers’ interest has really done nothing positive to get the beer on the right track again, but it has left Harp in a vantage position to take the lead.

MOTOROLA AND NOKIA MOBILE PHONES
Back to the days before the introduction of GSM in Nigeria, there existed mobile phones from Motorola, which could only be found among the extremely rich. Even telephone box in most homes were products of Motorola. As GSM flooded the country, many mobile phones manufacturers gate-crashed into the country, and took over from Motorola. The failure of Motorola phones can be traced to its bad battery life, unattractive shape among others. Nokia has now become the favourite of most people, as the phone comes with different models that has good shape, long battery life, easy-to-use package and many more.

SHARP AND L.G ELECTRONICS
Sharp is among the first set of electronic manufacturers in the country. The brand has in its collections TV sets, radio set and many more, but all these electronics need high voltage of electricity to power on, which means any house without a high voltage might not be able to use the product. L G Electronics, Asian products, was introduced into Nigeria considering our constant low voltage electricity and this among others made it a sought after. L G, which is into all sorts of electronics, even introduced what is common in the Western world to the African customers which is years of warranty, on product once its purchased from an accredited dealer and the gesture made Africans to patronize the Asian product leaving Sharp behind despite its recent rebranding.

BRANDS IN EXTINCTION
The changing faces of Nigerian products and market has left some notable brands behind and sent them to extinction. Though these and many other products were patronized by the people many years back, they are no longer seen on the shelve, not to talk of finding their ways into the homes of consumers due to reasons that cut across poor media publicity, failed re-branding, consumer rejection amongst others.

BONGO TEA: This cocoa tea was the best in its days with an inviting aroma and superb taste. This tea was popular in Nigeria and even beyond. But it could not stand the test of time as many cocoa and herbal tea flooded the market. Probably re-branding could have revived it, but the importation of the tea was stopped due to what the importers refered to as excessive import duties by the Nigerian government.

PLANTA: It was the best among margarine and the choice of both kids and adults. The creamy butter was from the stable of Lever Brothers Nigeria Plc, but was swept off its feet with the acceptance of Blue Band Margarine by consumers. The high level of its acceptance was visible among kids as any child without Planta Margarine on his/her bread would not find the school interesting.

TREEBOR: From the stable of Cadbury, Treebor was a brand of mentor sweet/candy rolled in packs. Before the existence of sugar coated sweet/candy in market today, Treebor was the choice of consumers and it was even used as cough expellant, either to be consumed directly or dissolved in water. This product went away many years back and was re-branded few years ago, but could not get to the heart of consumers again.

SHELTOX: An imported insecticide, Sheltox was the talk of the town in its days. Very active insecticide, Sheltox had a repulsive smell that kills mosquitoes and other insects within a blink of an eye, but with a friendly after smell. No other insecticides was able to rival Sheltox then, but its extinction could not be traced to any particular reason since consumers still clamour for its return to the market.

GULDERMAX: From the stable of Nigeria Breweries Plc, one of the leading breweries in Nigeria with many brands to its credit, Guldermax was a product that never had an impact in the market. The product was not just acceptable to the consumers. With massive media publicity and many promotions to ginger the interest of consumers, Guldermax was unaccepted due to poor taste, uninviting packaging and bad customer relations from its brand managers. Though consumers alleged that it was brought into the market when Harp was almost dying, the re-branding of Harp into the market became a torn in the flesh even to the major larger beer from the stable of Nigeria Breweries.

SONA BREWERY REBRANDS
-LAUNCHES GOLDBERG AND MALTA GOLD
Sona Breweries Plc, a brewery owned by Indians, has just re-branded. This re-branding involves the collapse of some major brands like; Maltonic, Kronebourg, Tusk amongst others to concentrate on the new brands; Goldberg Lager Beer, and Malta Gold.
According to an insider in the brewery, Sona Group will soon launch an-in-bar promotions on Goldberg, where consumers will stand the chance of winning fabulous prizes and even some notable restaurants will be used as Goldberg-view-centre for the forthcoming U-17 World Cup. Consumers of Malta Gold will also be treated to a consumer-based promotions soon. These plans were revealed during the official launching of the two products form the company, which are set to give contemporaries tough times

SOSACO FLOODS MARKET WITH EXPIRED “JAGO FRESH MILK”
Sosaco Nigeria Limited, the manufacturer of Gino, Jago and Pomo range of products stoop so low as one of the leading beverage manufacturers, when the organization, penultimate week, engaged in the sales of its new product that has enjoyed low patronage from consumers.
Jago Fresh Milk, a product that was imported and launched into Nigeria early this year, could not win the hearts of Nigerians and was kept in the warehouse by Sosaco. In a bid to clear its warehouse of the product, Sosaco employed the services of below the line agencies, which engaged in direct sales and flooded the major markets and streets with the expired ‘fresh’ milk. Jago Fresh Milk, which has a life span of about 8-months, has been stored in the warehouse for close to the expire date which, was 25th of May 2009. In a bid to clear the product from the warehouse, the expiry date was smartly cleared off and the product was sold at ridiculous prices with an incentive of buy-two-get-one-free to the consumers, not minding the health implications of such products.
Though most products have about 6 months on shelve life span, its obvious that products with preservatives do not enjoy such life span, most especially when they are not refrigerated.
This medium is warning consumers to stay clear of products, which have no visible expiry date and products that come with unbelievable offers.

WHY REDBULL GOT NAFDAC APPROVAL DESPITE HEALTH HAZARDS
- Dora Akunyili Fingered In Conspiracy

That the chemical content of one of the known energy drinks, Redbull could cause heart attack, hypertension and sudden death is no longer news, but what was recently uncovered is the conspiracy over the registration of the product in Nigeria during the reign of Professor Dora Akunyili as the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Impeccable sources revealed that Redbull contains certain percentage deadly chemicals that could lead to sudden death or heart attack. The source listed the chemicals as taurine (0.4%), Glucuronolactine (0.24%) and Caffine (0.3%), and 0.4% microgrammes of cocaine per litre each.
Our source divulged that one of the consultants of NAFDAC had queried the composition of the product when the importer, Arizone Trading Limited applied for registration with the agency.
It was alleged that the panel, which examined the product never submitted their reports to NAFDAC director before a registration certificate, which lasts from March 31, 2006 to March 30, 2011 was issued to the importers.
Those who should know added that the panel acted on the directives of the then NAFDAC Director, Dr. Dora Akunyili who was alleged to have gotten a monetary reward from the Director of Arizone, who happens to have come from the same state and local government with her.
Another source, who is a nutritionist, said that the chemicals involved are part of those NAFDAC does not approve for food products.
The nutritionist added that taurine is a derivative of Bull’s testicles or semen, which is well known injurious to humans.
The source revealed that the product has been banned in countries like Germany, France, and Denmark because of its health hazard, but it was approved in Nigeria.
An insider in NAFDAC added that there are many conspiracy about the registration of product, adding that it is only those that did not dance to the tune of the directors that get exposed to the public.
The source revealed that the new Director of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii uncovered so many secrets, but decided to keep quiet looking at the former director position in government.
He added that NAFDAC sat on the fence over the issue by releasing a public alert notice that the findings on the product indicated that women, children, diabetes patients and those with high blood pressure should not take Redbull, but cannot outrightly tell the public that it’s not good for consumption due to the relationship between the importer and the former NAFDAC director.
The insider alleged that Arizone Trading Limited does not have a traceable office address, but a post address which is against the criteria for registration of any product with NAFDAC.
“There are so many powers from above on the registration of that product. Consumers should just be careful of what they eat or drink even when it has NAFDAC approved number,” the source quizzed.
Redbull Energy Drink is manufactured in Australia by Redbull GMBTT and has high presence only in Britain, but with a warning that pregnant women should not take it because of its high concentration of caffeine, which can cause miscarriage.

IMFB LATEST
STAFFERS SWINDLE CUSTOMERS ON LOAN PAYMENT
Following the permission of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to temporarily shut Integrated Microfinance Bank, IMFB doors due to a lack of short-term liquidity, staffers have been allegedly involved in all manners of swindling customers who are either owning the bank or those who does not know that the bank has seized to operate in all its branches in Nigeria.
The staffers, who go on parade daily seeking for money from customers, are allegedly said to be threatening some customers with police that they should pay the loan borrowed from the bank to them.
Some were alleged to have seized properties from the lender who has not paid before the bank was closed. Some staffers were said to have arrested some customers, who have not finished the payment of their loans with police who they are alleged to have made agreement with that whatever they realized from the customer will be shared between them.
An affected customer, who operates his business in Agege, Lagos was arrested by a staffer of the defunct bank with the claim that he has to pay all what he owns the bank since he was the one who helped him to negotiate the release of the loan from the bank. The staff arrested the customer with the aid of a police officer, who locked him up in police cell at Oke-Koto Police Station in Agege.
It was the intervention of the customer’s relative, who happens to be a police officer that revealed the deal between the police officer and the staff of the bank to get money from the customer without the approval of the bank and share it accordingly. Some staffers were alleged to have been making calls to customers who still have outstanding loans to offset, that the bank management direct them to collect the balance on their behalf.
Another development is that of staff who claimed that the bank has only been closed in Lagos, that customers who have accounts with the bank can still service their accounts by saving a particular amount with the bank branch outside Lagos and enjoy the privilege to borrow a huge amount and pay back with a convenience formula.
Those who fall victims of this scheme include market women and men who have little or no information about the closure of the bank. The staffers, who are now in the markets, still wear the company’s uniform and convince people to save in branches outside Lagos that are not experiencing crisis like its Lagos office.
Once they are able to collect reasonable amount of money from a particular market, they change market and move to where their trick has not been noticed.
The bank’s management is presently shopping for fresh funds of about N1 billion from both institutional and private investors in order to reinvigorate the bank
Meanwhile, the bank is undergoing restructuring and has already approved the appointment of Danjuma Ibrahim, former Regional Director, Northern Operations, as the Acting Director/Chief Operating Officer.

GUINNESS TACKLES LEGEND WITH ARMSTRONG DARK ALE
Internationally acclaimed brewing house, Guinness has launched a new product, Armstrong Dark Ale to tackle the market share being enjoyed by the likes of Legend Extra Stout.
The product, which was launched penultimate week, was said to be rich with unique taste and will be available in the Nigerian market before the end of the first quarter of this year.
An insider in Guinness Nigeria Plc revealed that the introduction of Armstrong Dark Ale came about because of the massive media hype and patronage being enjoyed by Legend Extra Stout from the stables of Nigeria breweries which has been repackaged severally before getting to the limelight.
The source added that the failure of Guinness Extra Smooth in the market created loopholes for Legend Extra Stout, which has been re-branded three different times, first in 2004, then 2007 and more recently 2009 before it was recognized.
The source, who prefers anonymity, said in Guinness’ bid to occupy the space once occupied by the defunct Guinness Extra Smooth, most especially in the Nigerian market, the company launched Armstrong Dark Ale. He said “the death of Guinness Extra Smooth created space for consumers to choose another stout, which is not as strong as Guinness Extra Stout, which is still the leading stout in the world. The space made the competitor to re-brand Legend Extra Stout, which consumers now see as an alternative when Guinness Extra Stout is either not available or affordable.”
“For us to still remain the leading brewery in Nigeria market, the management went back to the drawing board to come up with something of high class to rival Legend Extra Stout. Armstrong has been launched only in Nigerian market in Africa which shows that Nigerian market is one of the leading markets in the world where brewers cannot afford to ignore,” the source revealed.
A distributor of Legend Extra Stout agreed to the fact the Legend Extra Stout is selling fast and the price and taste really attract consumers, but said she will wait to see if the new Armstrong Dark Ale will be able to rival Legend Extra Stout in the market. She added, “though Nigerian consumed high percent of alcohol, they know when a stout is good or bad for their consumption. I don’t know how the new Armstrong Dark Ale looks or taste, but I tell you, if its not appealing to Nigerians, it will die in a twinkle of an eye.”
Another insider revealed that Armstrong Dark Ale, which comes in a distinctive cork and label, has 6.5% alcohol content, will go for N160 per bottle in the market and will engage in a first of its kind consumer based promotions to launch the product into the Nigerian market very soon.

TOP ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCIES MDS TO WATCH IN 2010
In the advertising and public relations industry, some agencies have created niche for themselves by standing the test of time and by offering cutting edge services to clients. What is mostly responsible for the growth in the organizations include the experiences and simplicity of their egg-heads, which are leading the agencies to the promised land
Below are some top advertising and public relations managing directors who will shake 2010 in terms of winning more blue chip brands

JIMI AWOSIKA, INSIGHT COMMUNICATIONS
Insight Communications Limited is Nigeria’s leading integrated marketing communication agency and it’s wholly owned by the Troyka Group, one of Nigeria’s most respected and successful private holdings. Started in 1980, Insight Communications pioneered the integrated marketing approach in Nigeria, which is simply a management concept that is designed for all aspects of marketing communications such as advertising, sales promotions, public relations, and direct marketing.
Jimi Awosika, who is the MD/CEO of Insight Communications, has over 27 years of experience in advertising. He joined Grant Advertising in 1977 and co-founded the Clients Service Department of Insight. A scholar and a teacher of advertising marketing communications to several organizations in the country, his company handles juicy accounts like Central Bank of Nigeria, E-Tranzact, Honeywell, Total, Bank PHB, UACN, amongst other blue chip accounts

UDEME UFOT, S O & U SAATCHI & SAATCHI
With the symbol of ampersand in a heart that reflects passion, team-spirit and total commitment to filling the world with love, SO&U Saatchi & Saatchi is a full-service marketing communications company with passion for world-changing ideas. Partners of the agency are Lucid-a multimedia production, Maximedia, independent planning arm, Hibiscus, a print and digital production and Soulcom Publicis, an events and public relations company.
Udeme Ufot, a bachelor degree holder in industrial design, specialising in graphics and illustration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has 24 years experience in marketing communication from Desmark Advertising, Insight Communications for five years and Complete Advertising Services. First class brands in his collections in his stable include Access Bank, Guinness Nigeria, Hp Hewlet Packard, Oando, Exxon Mobil and others.

LERE AWOKOYA OF TBWA CONCEPT
TBWA CONCEPT, a Private Limited Liability company, established in July 1984 as a provider of advertising services for marketers of products and services in Nigeria, commenced operation in January1985. The company was founded by 'Lere Awokoya and Kayode Idowu. It became a full corporate member of the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria, AAPN, in July 1987.
Mr. 'Lere Awokoya, a copywriter, has worked in the advertising industry on a wide range of products and services for over 20 years. He was a Copy Group Head for many years at OBM before taking charge of copywriting at Insight Communications, currently a Greys International Advertising affiliate. Messrs Awokoya was fired up by an ambition to achieve creative leadership in the Nigerian advertising industry, which is why he has continued to perform better. TBWA Concept has been unique, and has maintained this competitive advantage to this day as a dynamic, client responsive and result oriented advertising agency founded and managed by creative personnel.

TOLA BADEMOSI, BD CONSULT LIMITED
BD Consult is a professional marketing communication consultancy firm founded in 2006 by a team of young, innovative and dynamic individuals to provide strategic PR and events management solution to spectrum of organizations. BD Consult Limited PR Services include media relations, crisis management, Corporate Social Responsibility Relations (CSR), and government relations.
The MD, Tola Bademosi is a graduate of management and economics from the University of Ibadan and holds an MBA in marketing from the Lagos State University. He’s a seasoned communication expert who is passionate about service delivery and result which made him win accounts like Dufil Prima foods, PZ industries, Lucky Fibers, Panabiz International among others.
His experience took him to agencies like Quadrant Company/ Insight Grey, LTC/ JWT

ESAN SUNDAY, FCB REDLINE
FCB Redline is passionate about what they do and believes in communication as the heart of business performance and a key contribution to organizational success. It was established in 2002 and is now one of the leading stakeholders in communication companies in Nigeria and is proud to be ranked amongst the industry’s top players. The PR agent specializes on content and analysis, strategic and business development, corporate communications among other cutting edge services.
The Managing Director, Esan Sunday who moved from Oceanic Bank Plc as the Head of Media to join other perfect hands like Bola Osotule, has first class accounts like Skye Bank, Ecobank, Moneygram International, National Sports Lottery, Multilinks, Tantalizer among others. FCB Redline is affiliated to Redline South Africa and is a member of DraftFCB Group through the parent company, CentrespreadFCB

KUNLE ONIME, MARKETING CONCEPT PROMOTIONS
MPC, an experiential marketing agency with class, was the first to delve into this area of marketing after the exit of the South Africans who are forerunners in the business. After 10 years in existence, the agency has become a force to reckon with, servicing many blue chip brands in terms of experiential marketing. The agency has handled and nurtured brands from grass to grace making it a household name in a twinkle of an eye.
The Managing Director of MPC, Kunle Onime, has travelled all over the world acquiring more knowledge in the experiential marketing to better his services and further promote the first class brands under his management.

TUNJI AJIBOYE, ROSABEL
Rosabel is one of the leading advertising agencies in the country combining the act of above-the-line and below-the-line advertising in its quest to satisfy its clients. Established more than 20 years ago, Rosabel has been home to blue chip brands like Close-Up, Zain, among others.
Under the management of Tunji Ajiboye, Rosabel has continued to rise to every challenge of advertising, winning several awards both at home and abroad to assure intending brands on where to come.

RUFAI LADIPO, STB MCCANN
STB Mccann is the leading marketing communication agency in Nigeria, which manages some of the most important brands in the country.
Rufai Ladipo, MD of STB Mccann has acquired experience in advertising, and has worked in almost all the top agencies in Nigeria as a top management staff.

TOKUNBO MODUPE, TPT
The Prefer Team (TPT) is a public relations outfit that houses a giant telecommunications brand, and some brands in the brewing industry among others. The excellent services of TPT make clients to demand for the event outfit which will be under the supervision of a guru, Tokunbo Modupe. This demand berths the event house named, 001. The rising profile of 001 within few years of operations cannot be over-emphasized.
Tokunbo Modupe and his preferred team are ready to set the pace both in the public relations and event angle of advertising

CRISIS IN CENTAGE MFB OVER FAILED PROJECT

Centage MFB is now a haven to angry upcoming musicians who had parted with about N5,000 for the application forms in a bid to become a music star. According to those who should know, Queen Ure, who happens to be one of the big shots in the micro finance bank, called the duo of Keke and DI to be part of a project called, Centage Superstar. The project, which kick-started in a grand style, got the maximum support of all the Prime Time crew, which made it have regular slots on both the radio and television programmes. It was further revealed that the music talent hunt project scattered like a badly arranged card after thousands of upcoming artistes had bought the application forms from both the bank and Prime Time office.

Insiders alleged that the genesis of the crisis started when record started to conflict on the sales of application forms from both the bank and Prime Time. It was alleged that some top management of Centage MFB went on spending spree immediately they found that huge amount of money has been realized from the project. The crisis led to the pull out of Queen Ure, who was said to have accused both the bank’s management and the Prime Time crew, most especially Keke and DI, for not being straight forward in remitting the precise amount of forms sold.

Immediately Queen Ure pulled out, according to impeccable source, Keke and DI wasted no time to hand off the project that has been contracted to them and these led to the crumbling of the project.

According to the saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers, as soon as the crisis started to rock the decision makers, the media hype for the project was discontinued by Prime Time and people were kept in the dark about when the next auditioning will take place.

After about a month that nothing was heard from Keke and DI on the programme, which was the reason most upcoming artistes patronized the project, some artistes stormed Centage MFB branch in Ikeja, Lagos and demanded for details of the project or better still a refund their money if the project has hit the rock. In a chat with one of the affected artistes with the stage name B-Swagger, he lamented that its very sad that the likes of Keke and DI could be involved in a project that was never planned well. His words, “I am disappointed and DI. Yes, MFBs are known now in Nigeria for being fraudulent in their financial transactions, so why should Keke and DI be part of it? I personally applied because I saw the advert on the programme on television, something should be done quick because Ikeja boys are dangerous and can do anything to get their money back since they are so much that purchased its forms.”

Centage MFB in Ikeja was alleged to have been attacked penultimate week and the branch has been under lock since then. An insider of the bank who claimed anonymity said the cause of the crisis is both Queen Ure and that of Keke and DI. He added that they are the ones who first displayed insincerity by not remitting cash even after they declared forms sold. Efforts to get the duo of Keke and DI to react to the issue proved abortive as at press time.

GLO LAUNCHES BID2WIN PROMO

Appreciating its subscribers once more, Globacom, one of the leading telecommunication providers, which recently won the award of the Most Rewarding Company in Nigeria, has launched another consumer-based promotions called, BID2WIN. The promotions, BID2WIN, is an avenue for subscribers to bid via SMS by sending BID and amount to be bidded to 300 with the cost of N100 and stand the chance to win Kia Rio cars for the first 18days of the promotions that will last for 90days.

Speaking at the event, Globacom Director for Sales, Mr. Ken Haul, said its another kind gesture from the telecommunications provider to its teeming subscribers. “BID2WIN is another way for us to appreciate our subscribers’ loyalty. This promotions is unique and it’s first of its kind in this country,” he said. He further added that the promotion is simply ‘Bid Low and Win Big,’ idea.

Mr. Ken Haul revealed that the promotions will avail subscribers the opportunity to win cars and about N180millions worth Glo to Glo airtime. “All hands are on deck to make these promotions a success. Our cutting edge facilities has been made ready to accommodate any conjection in terms of SMS for the promotions to be successful,” he quizzed.

The launching which took place at Mike Adenuga Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos had in attendance some Glo Ambassadors like Monalisa Chinda, Uche Jombo, Ego among others. Subscribers were implored to watch out for its television commercial, which will hit the air soon.

FCBREDLINE ACQUIRES NEW ACCOUNT

The Esan Sunday-led FCBRedline has recently won another account to its collections barely few months after assuming the post of an MD. Esan Sunday has shown that he is a force to reckon with in the public relations industry. The Nigerian Labour Co-operative Society (NLLS) account which was bidded for by about 5 notable PR outfits, was eventually secured by FCBRedline.

The signing of Memorandum Of Understanding between NLCS and FCBRedline was done in Abuja penultimate week and the project is to commence immediately. Giving considerations to accounts that are being handled by FCBRedline, handling NLCS won’t be a challenge, especially with the experience hands that are available for Mr. Esan to work with.

It will be recalled that FCBRedline still remains the PR home to notable accounts like Skye Bank, Moneygram, UNILEVER among others. Speaking after the signing of the M.O.U, Mr. Esan said that FCBRedline is set to give a good face to NCLS and make it a force to reckon with. “We won’t rest on our oars on this account, we are going to show the world that this is what we know how to do best and we will make NLCS what everyone will appreciate,” he concluded.

TELECOMMS WAR

GLO CLASHES WITH MTN OVER INTERCONNECTIVITY DEAL

The rivalry in the telecommunication industry is taking a new twist. Gone were the days where operators jostle for prominence through consumer based promotions promising whooping amount of cash. The latest in the industry is the clash between the Nigeria second national carrier, Globacom and MTN. The clash, which has now being taken to court, is about the inter-connectivity deal that was signed in 2003 by both operators. The agreement under 6.5 clauses says “no party shall invoice for a call later than 60 days after the actual call date” which simply means that a particular amount of money must be paid by both provider to each other as far as calls are connecting without the two networks.

Meanwhile, penultimate week, Globacom raised an alarm that MTN has deliberately reneged on the agreement of raising an invoice for calls that connect with its network, thereby allegedly claiming over N1billion being unpaid supplementary invoices issued. It was further gathered that Globacom took the case to the communications regulatory body, which is the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) but was disappointed with the NCC reactions towards the issue. The Ernest Ndukwe led Commission instituted a panel to fund solution to the dispute and the panel resolved that Globacom should pay MTN the sum of N856million as supplementary invoices for calls terminated on MTN’s network by Globacom. The panel also directed that Globacom must pay the sum with 30days failure to do will accrue interest until liquidation.

According to industry watchers, what really angered the Globacom’s chairman is the fact that within that period there was standardization going on, with Globacom network and invoice was not raised to MTN to pay for its connection. “The fact that MTN raised an invoice and expected Glo to do the same, as at the time when Glo subscribers found it hard even to make calls to the same network, let alone making it to another network is what really made Dr. Mike Adenuga to go to the NCC” an observer who claimed anonymity reacted.

The case which is now in court, if not urgently addressed might affect connections with the two network providers and ultimately businesses of subscribers on both network. An insider from MTN said the provider is ready for a showdown on the dispute and want the matter to be taken to the chief judge of the federal high court in Abuja. Meanwhile, NCC too has also filed it own preliminary objection against Glo, that the provider did not respect them as the Commission that has the right to dictate in the telecommunication industry knowing that they are the federal government representative.

A source close to Globacom management alleged that Glo is expecting the court among other things to quash the outcome and the submission of NCC panel, claiming that the ruling was a grave miscarriage of injustice and that the panel had failed to make specific findings on controversial issues between both providers. With the inter connection deal going sour with the two network providers, sadly it’s the subscribers who will be at the receiving end and it has start to come evidence with calls from both network to get the other has become cumbersome

MIC MFB’S FEMALE BANKER STOLE OVER N4M CUSTOMER DEPOSIT

Hell was let loose penultimate week at the Agege branch of MIC microfinance bank when a customer stormed the bank location to humiliate his account officer for stealing his money. The female account officers that is simply addressed Kemi, happened to be the account officer to a business woman who operates within the Alade Market in Ikeja. The account officer, Kemi who was harassed by the woman within the banking hall revealed that at several occasions she will call the lady to come and collect money from her shop and the next day she will come with the payment teller which made her to be convinced of all transactions. The woman who her money was stolen confirmed that whenever she ask her of her account balance she usually said it as an SMS to her which tally with what she calculated.

But the truth, according to the woman blew open when she stormed the bank without giving Kemi a prior notice and she asked another cashier of her account balance only to find out that over N4million had been withdrew from her account at different occasions without her notice. The woman confirmed that the withdrawal slip that the money was withdrawn with had her signature but she never signed such. According to an eye witness, at this junction the woman put across a call to the police, using her connections, to come and arrest the bank MD, because of fraud. With the arrival of the police, atop management staff who attended to the police asked who her account officer was and the woman mentioned Kemi who at that point was trying to console the woman that she should take things easy, that she will sort the whole issue out. The top management staff of MIC, according to an eye witness printed out the woman transactions and found out that not all the money the woman had given to Kemi had been saved and she had at several times withdrawn money without the woman’s concert. The bank, top manager how handle Kemi to the police, who are now making frantic effort to recover the stolen money while other accounts handle by the lady are also being investigated.

A source close to the bank, revealed that since the incident other account holder mostly market women have been paying improtu visit to the bank demanding their statement of accounts while others have been withdrawing their money, even closing the accounts totally. When A & B visited the bank, no members of staffs is ready to say anything about the issue but confirmed the incident

WHY I DECIDED TO OPEN “SOCIETE GAMSA” MFB IN NIGERIA

– Dr. Lawal Mohammed Ali

Societe Gamsa Microfinance bank started in Benin republic more than five years ago with excellent services, which include money transfer, especially for Nigerian business men/women in and outside Benin Republic. After many years of operation in Europe and other African countries, Societe Gamsa MFB, under the leadership of Dr. Lawal Mohammed Ali is set to storm the Nigerian financial market and contribute its quota to the development of the sector.

In a chat with A&B, Ali, who is the bank managing director of the organisation, revealed what it takes to acquire licenses in Nigeria, why he has decided to set up the bank.

With the challenges facing MFBs in the country now, do you think this is the right time to extend your business to Nigeria

Well, I am not seeing all these challenges, but ‘am set to make a difference with the experience we’ve acquired in other countries. It’s unfortunate that in Nigeria, loans are being giving out on relationship basis and those who don’t have are made to look for huge collateral before such can be granted. Unlike Nigeria, where Microfinance Banks give money to artisans or market women to establish businesses and start paying back with outrageous interests, Microfinance Banks in Cotonou, Benin Republic give money out to civil servants mostly. We give money to them to establish their relatives in businesses, and the borrower will start paying from his/her salary even before the money gets to him. The reason for this is to secure the person after leaving the job.

I heard that microfinance banks are closing down in Nigeria due to miss-management of funds by the banks’ executives. This is the real time MFB operators should tell Nigerians why they should bank with them as commercial banks are facing crisis. When I started in Benin Republic, the first challenge I faced was the fact that I am a Nigerian. We have had bad image in Benin Republic. What helped my speedy registration is the fact that I had worked for 10 years with the Presidency of Benin Republic as a protocol officer during the time of President Matthew Kereku. Immediately I found out that banks in Benin Republic were having issues with Nigerians in terms of money transactions, I quickly set up my own and Nigerians doing business here feel comfortable with me who is their brother. My brother, this is the right time for businessmen in the banking industry to get the hearts of customers by differentiating himself from people who collect customers money and run away or those who find it difficult to give customers their money when they need it.

Why did you choose Benin Republic and not Nigeria then and what is it like getting a licence in Nigeria

Yeah, I chose Benin Republic after a survey about Nigerians who move to Benin Republic daily. There are many cases of Nigerians who are attacked by armed robbers, and they are sometimes killed on their way to this country to transact businesses or buy cars. I decided to establish a medium for Nigerians to transfer money from Nigeria to Benin Republic, which was what led to the birth of ‘Societe Gamsa.’ in Benin Republic. I have branches in places like Madrid, Valencia and United Kingdom. Acquiring license to operate MFB here is not too hard based on the fact that I operate in other countries. What really became an issue is the money the Central Bank requested for which is on the high side compared to other developed African countries. According to them, this was for security reason, which is good, but if Nigerian microfinance banks had deposited such amount with them before operating, I think we won’t be experiencing this closure everywhere even if there are, customers’ money can be returned by CBN without delay.

What do customers stand to gain now that you are in Nigeria

Customers will experience something different from what they are used to in the microfinance banking sector. We are going to concentrate on giving support to small scale businesses and empower the less privileged without discriminating. We are going to encourage our small scale business people to learn how to save, even if it’s small. At the end of a particular period, we will give triple of what the person had saved and monitor it as he/she will invest it on his/her business. We won’t just give without monitoring. paying back will be convenient to borrowers and it won’t be with high interest rate. In giving support to the less privileged, we are set to establish whoever has a profession and educate those who don’t have about what they are ready to learn. Microfinance banking will be a very different ball game with Societe Gamsa. We are stating from Kwara State and then extend to Lagos State.

Why Kwara State instead of Lagos, where businesses are thriving

There is a secret behind that, just wait and see.(laugh). Lagos may be congested with different microfinance bank, but that won’t be an issue with us whenever we are set to establish ours. Really, why I chose Kwara State first is because I want people who are outside Lagos to benefit from what we have to offer first.

Where do you want to see ‘Societe Gamsa” in few years to come

Well, in America, I mean in every part of the world, doing trustworthy business as usual. Moreover, we want more Nigerians to know that we are the only accredited MFB operating by a Nigerian in Benin Republic and we are accredited in Nigeria too. I promise you that within a twinkle of an eye, we will get to Lagos to do good business. We have people who have practised the banking profession both in Nigeria and outside as part of our team.

HOW FUNKE OSIBODU WAS FINGERED IN CITI-SERVE MFB FINANCIAL CRISIS

Citiserve Microfinance Bank that was once under the management of Funke Osibodu, now the Managing Director of Union Bank, is allegedly involved in financial crisis.

According to a customer, who claimed anonymity, the bank has not been able to pay customers who have saved their money since 3 months ago. The customers alleged that the crisis started when Funke Osibodu left for Union Bank. The customers said immediately she left, it became difficult to withdraw money from the bank. The Customer said, “there was a period I requested for N50, 000 with my cheque, and the cashier told me silently that they can’t pay up to that with a reason that they have limited amount of money with them and they would like to give everybody around something.”

An insider alleged that Funke demanded for a particular percentage from whatever the bank made every year, and still wanted to be part of the management.

He alleged that this condition was not too favourable to the management, but that they did not let her (Funke) know their stand, and subsequently appointed a new MD, Mr. Deji Popoola and excluded her name from the new management team.

This exercise, according to those who should know, made Funke withdraw her initial investment that she gave to the bank when they experienced crisis two years ago. Sources divulged that the withdrawal paralysed the operation of the bank and since then it has become difficult for customers to withdraw their money.

During a visit to the bank, A&B saw angry customers who complained bitterly about inability to retrieve their money and that there has not been any official statement from the bank management, which is why things are falling apart.

Efforts made to speak with the MD, Mr Deji Popoola proved abortive as at press time as he was said to be out of the country.

But a customer, who gave his name as Victor Saul, said he noticed the crisis since they started an account package called, Gold Account. He said that as soon as you open the Gold Account, you would be given a customized cheque book without details of how the account will operate.

“They told us it’s a savings account and you can issue cheques to people, but what marvels me is that customers charged hugely for every cheque issued, even when you’re collecting the money directly,” he said, adding that he was coming back to collect his money with all the powers he has.

WHY CONSUMERS DESERTED 2009 LAGOS INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

2009 edition of Lagos International Trade Fair has come and gone, but the question on the lips of most consumers and manufacturers is; “why was the trade fair deserted.”

The exhibition, which was moved from Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) because of its size and the number of people who patronize it yearly to Trade Fair Complex along Badagry expressway, seems to have become the shadow of its old self.

According to some exhibitors at the international fair, this year’s edition was deserted due to low media publicity, high cost of space acquisition, economic global meltdown among others. A manufacturer who was at the trade fair said that a space of 100 square metre, which was N400 and N500 last year was given out at N6,000 this year.

He said that this development made him acquire a smaller space and that some traders were not at the fair because of the high rate.

An electronic distributor, who was at the trade fair said that there were the Lagos State government came up with some policies, which was not in the form sold to them. He cited the issue of LASAA officials, who stormed the venue, insisting that advertisers at the fair should pay a particular rate for all signposts, which was not in the agreement.

He further mentioned insecurity, which he said was at its peak in this edition and concluded that most advertisers might stop attending the trade fair if the state government refuses to give attention to many problems in this year’s edition.

GLO LAUNCHES BROADACCESS PACKAGE

Adding more to its feathers of achievements, Globacom, one of the fast rising telecommunication Network producers in Nigeria, has launched another customer friendly package called the Glo Broad Access.

According to the Group Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Mohammed Jameel, Broadaccess is a revival of the dead fixed wired telephone from NITEL. “Achored on our state of the art optical fibre network and powered by the very latest DINDM (Dense Inavelength Division Multiplexing) technology, Glo Broadaccess is further reinforced with the next generation IP/MPLS digital technology.” Mohammed Jameel said

Broadacess enables subscribers to harness the power of instant connectivity with a high tech digital connection that guarantees excellent service quality, unbeatable browning speed and access to a banquet of other amazing features even as calls are very made crystal clear on the landline simultaneously. Broadacess is a technology that combines the excitement of landline telephone, broadband internet and video on a single digital wire in the event which was staged at the banquet hall of Edo hold and suites had in attendance minister of state for communication, who was the guest of honour, chairman senate commuter on communication, Sen Anyanwu, Chairman, House Committee on Communication from the House of Representatives, Honourable Salako amongst other dignitaries, who endorsed Globacom as the fastest network provider with over 20million subscribers with five years of operations. Speaking at the event, the honourable minister said the launch of broadaccess in another laudable development in the telecommunication history in Nigeria and Africa at large.

“We’re proud to be part of Globacom’s achievements. This is a conformation that what is available in the developed society can be readily provided to us in this part of the world,” the minister added.

Mr. Sangowawa, who gave the vote of thanks, said the tariff for this limitless possibilities package will be considerably low compared to what GSM package offered.

ZAIN EMBARKS ON STAFF DOWNSIZE

With the Myriads of challenges facing Zain Nigeria, these are indications that the company may be heading for the worse situation as several crisis, ranging from intractable legacy problems, such as brand name metamorphosis, management problem among others ravage then network provider. These problems have resulted in the retrench of about 500 workforces who were given peanuts as exist packages. Confirmed source revealed that as the global economic heat is pinching all telecom operators in Nigeria, just as in every sector of the economy; it seemed that Zain is profoundly feeling it. Another source said the crisis brewed as a result of change in leadership of Bayo ligali who was booted out and replaced with Alain sainte-marie.

The source added that some staffers of the telecom house are not really down with the replacement of Bayo Ligali with a foreigner and this made them to grumble and neglect most issues that needed quick attention which made the zain management to send them away without condoning negligence at work from any staffers irrespective of his/her post.

Zain corporate affairs manager, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhini was said to have reacted in a newspaper that the competition in telecom industry has been going on for long. “We are operating like others and the marketing strategies being deployed by operations are nothing new. Our down sizing is to standardize the workforce not as a result of any crisis,” Mr. Emmanuel reiterated.

An insider alleged that the global economic crisis, unfavourable foreign currency fluctuations, particularly in Africa, coupled with reduced interest income and investment income plus higher financing cost have had significant impacts on the company in all ramifications. And these had led to many crisis of Zain Nigeria.

MTN SACKS TOP MANAGEMENT STAFFERS

The global economic meltdown is hitting hard on some organizations across the world if information made available is anything to go by. One of the leading telecommunication providers in Africa; Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) is experiencing hard times. The hard times has made MTN Africa to embark on top management staff downsizing.

Those who should know revealed that the giant network provider laid off about 403 top management staff across Africa penultimate week. According to an insider, MTN Nigeria has embarked on an aggressive plan to refocus its customer service operations towards the next generation customer care and in time with this strategy, 65 top management staffers have been disengaged sequel to series of internal reviews to better position the organization to serve its customers for the future. Those who should know divulged that out of the 65 top management staffers that were laid off, only 20 where paid their adequate entitlement, while the rest were asked to keep checking since the company is experiencing cash crunch. It was gathered that among the 20 that were paid was one female top executive, who used to be in customer relations department. An insider scooped that she was paid first because she has the media at her beck and call, and can use them against the network provider anytime. It was even gathered that most of the staffers of MTN are not certain of job security, and that a day in office is an added advantage to them since it’s not certain when what would happen next. Efforts made to reach Akin Braithwaite, the customer relations executive for comment on the development proved before we went to press.

ERICSSON SACKS NIGERIANS IN TOP MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

LM Ericsson in Nigeria has sacked its Nigerian top managers in its bid to provide places for its foreign consultants, according to information made available. Impeccable source revealed that LM Ericsson in Nigeria sacked its Nigerian managers in a secretly due to the labour union set up in the organization by the Nigerian managers.

It was even gathered that the workers protested against the move when it was brought to their notice only to resume the next day with the list of sacked managers pasted conspicuously on the notice board. Immediately the workers saw this notice at the Walter Carrington Crescent head office of the company, they swung into action by blocking the gate leading to the offices of the white managers. An insider revealed that in South Africa, LM Ericsson ran into a big loss in 2008, but was unable to retrench workers as a cost cutting measure due to the strong labour laws in the country, ‘but in Nigeria where they made so much money, they send workers away because there are no good laws guiding our labour.’

PANIC IN INTERCONTINENTAL BANK OVER ROBBERY SCARE

Hell was let loose at the Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos branch of Intercontinental Bank penultimate week when the security doors malfunctioned. According to an eye witness, customers in the banking hall were scared, thinking it was robbery attack and they started running from pillar to post for safety. Eye witnesses revealed that when PHCN seized electricity and the bank changed over to generator, the security door stopped working and trapped two customers who started screaming for help. The cry of help by those trapped inside the doors made the people assumed it was a robbery attack and they started running for safety. It was gathered that even the bank staffers ran into the offices all for safety. Sources revealed that the incident was the second in few weeks and most branches of Intercontinental Bank have been having the same experience. Maybe the bank’s management should service their security doors or employ the services of professionals to avoid embarrassment in the future.

MIDAS FOOTBALL ACADEMY SET FOR ANOTHER EUROPEAN TOUR AND TRIAL GAMES 2010

Midas Football Academy, Lagos Nigeria and defending champions of Lions Gold Cup and Football Festival in Denmark 2009 have again registered for the 2010 edition from July 6^th to 24^th 2010 and Football trial camp from May 21^st to June 6^th 2010 at Pohjola Stadion Vantaa Finland.

Speaking on the upcoming projects of the academy in 2010, the founder of the academy, Ahmed Bayonle Arashi says young players in Nigeria will have an opportunity to showcase their talents to football clubs, coaches and scouts that will be present during the event as they will be contesting with more than 150 participating teams from all over the world hence creating an enabling opportunity to engage in a progressive football career. He also said that part of the organisation’s activity is to arrange trial games, training camps as well as friendship games for football teams either in the Nigerian premier league, football academies due to his more than two years experience in the business of delivering excellent service to the public.

Interested players coaches and parents should visit the academy website at www.midasfootballacademy.com

He concluded with a promise to take the development of grassroots football in Nigeria to a very high level and also promise to showcase some of the players in Nigeria national team at different age grade competitions