Expectations are high as a good number of established auto brands, automotive firms and outstanding personalities in Nigeria’s automotive sector will be attending this year’s Auto Awards organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA).
The event will be holding Wednesday, December 1, at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Eventual winners in each of the categories are expected to be declared on that date.
With Micheal Ade.Ojo, chairman/founder of Elizade group and brain behind of Toyota Nigeria Limited expected to be honoured as the ‘Pillar of Nigeria’ Auto industry’ because of his contributions in the country’s automotive industry in the past 50 years, special guests of the day are Jelani Aliyu, Director-General of the National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC), and Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
New entrants for this year’s all important awards are Jet Systems lisred in the Electric bus promoter of the year category; OMAA mentioned in the Gas-powered vehicle promoter of the year category, among others.
Both buses are suitable for commercial operations as well as other applications. The two brands are coming at a time when Nigeria is focusing and encouraging the shift from fossil fuel to electric and gas respectively to prospective vehicle buyers.
Geely Coolray, marketed by Mikano International Limited is also in contention.
According to the organisers of the event headed by chairman of the award committee; Theodore Opara, Car-of-The-Year (COTY) will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio.
The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand category, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year.
Nigeria’s indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company is captured in auto manufacturer of the year ( local content) because of its immense contribution in the development of the local auto industry and other ancillary allied automotive component makers.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association, Mike Ochonma said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs.
Hypo has been declared the Brand of the Year at the 2021 Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Award for Marketing Excellence held on Sunday 21st of November, 2021 at the Muson Centre, Lagos.
Hypo beat Haier Thermocool and MTN to second and third place respectively.
In the Campaign of the Year Category, MTN-We Move was declared the winner while Coke and Colgate got the second and third positions.
Haier Thermocool won the Innovation Campaign of the Year Category while Star Live won the Experiential Campaign of the Year.
Bigi was crowned winner in the Indigenous Brand Category as Nirvana Water won the Public Relations Campaign of the Year.
In her welcome address, the president, ADVAN, Mrs. Bunmi Adeniba said the Awards for Marketing Excellence which is in its 10th year is to collectively promote brands and individuals who are contributing to the growth of the Nigerian marketing industry and to redefine the baseline.
Also speaking, Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, said technology has redefined how brands do business and relate with the consumers because consumers now have direct interaction with brand and businesses, bypassing channels through technology and there is a need for business to tap into technology as communication is no longer centralized but decentralized.
‘’Technology is here to work for us, not against us. Decision-making is no longer centralized but decentralized. Your brand now belongs to users, they talk about your brand than you. It is no longer the sole property of the organisation alone.’’
She added that brands need to be data-driven and evidence-led so as to stay relevant in business.
Also speaking, Lagos state governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, represented by Lagos state commissioner for environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, commended the players in the marketing communication industry for their contributions to the positive perception of the country. According to him, ‘ the reward for hard work is more work especially when it comes to branding. There are positive and negative perceptions of the country but it is the duty of advertisers to promote the goodwill of the country. We are brand ambassadors of Nigeria, so whatever we say or do will go a long way in shaping the country’. He said.
The ADVAN Awards also saw leaders in the marketing communication industry awarded the Icon of Marketing Award.
Those awarded are Mr. Niyi Babatunde, Aare Fatai Odusile, Kola Oyeyemi, Idonrenyen Enang, David Ukeme and Folake Ani-Mumuni.
As Nigerians continue to mourn the sudden demise of the late chairman of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, Princewill Oziomachukwu Ekwujuru, members of the association have concluded plans to hold a candle light procession and Night of Tributes in his honour.
The event, which holds on Friday, September 24, 2021, is expected to attract friends, family and stakeholders in the integrated marketing communications industry, as his death has left people across different divides devastated.
According to a notice by the chairman, Funeral Committee for BJAN, Goddie Ofose, the event would hold at the Archbishop Vinning Ground Oba Akinjobi Ikeja GRA Ikeja opposite Police College, Lagos at 5pm.
Attendees to the event are urged to don all-white attire as all Covid-19 protocols would be duly observed.
However, many have testified to the late Vanguard’s Brands and Marketing reporter’s humility, simplicity and affinity with his roots.
Born Princewill Oziomachukwu Ekwujuru on June 24, 1965, the late Brand Journalist veteran was a Mass Communications graduate of the Abia State University.
Ekwujuru is survived by his wife and children.
It would be recalled that Ekwujuru suffered a fatal injuries as a result of bike accident on July 6th, which left him in coma for over two weeks but eventually, lost the battle on July 23rd at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, Lagos.
The late BJAN chairman’s remains will be interred in his native home, Njaba, Imo State on September 30th, 2021.
The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has concluded arrangements to hold the 16th edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards.
The event which will feature a live audience and virtual streaming is scheduled to hold on Saturday 27 November, 2021.
Themed ‘We Made It’, the 2021 edition is a double entendre which speaks on the effects of Covid 19, how the industry has survived, and also celebrating the creative outputs and ideas of creatives across the spectrum including movies, music, art, as well as those that have broken new grounds with their ideas and creativity.
According to AAAN: “If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that it’s the things that people make that get us through the tough times. This year, LAIF 2021 celebrates makers across the spectrum. From those who crafted creative campaigns that wowed us to those who made viral challenges that engaged us – we’re here to say stand up and be recognised. Welcome to LAIF 2021. You Made It!”
Additionally, the marketing communications industry respected award has also introduced a new special Award— The Authentic African Story Award. This special category was endowed by Mr. Lanre Awokoya, Chairman, TBWA/ Concept in recognition of creative works that have portrayed indigenous stories in the most relatable way, as well as identify and celebrate authentic African stories that break the mould in brand building. The Award also comes with a cash reward.
Speaking at a press conference held at the AAAN Secretariat, Chairman, LAIF Management Board, Mr. Lanre Adisa who announced the theme said: “This year, we will be celebrating ideas and creativity that not only gave us great marketing outcomes, but also changed and transformed how we engage and are entertained. LAIF Awards will extend its recognition to other creative sectors that have trail blazed through content creation and also transformed lives in our society”.
L-R: Jenkins Alumona, Vice President, Association of Advertising Agencies Of Nigeria; Kemi Fabusoro, Director, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria; Lanre Adisa, Chairman, LAIF Management Board and Temitope Jemerigbe, Publicity Secretary, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria. At the press conference unveiling the 16th edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas festival (LAIF) Awards in Lagos recently
Adisa also thanked the media for always projecting the activities of the association in such a way that many stakeholders have started noticing and appreciating the impact of AAAN in the country.
“As we are seated here, you (media) are the most important stakeholders that we are having here today. Part of what you have done and you’ve been for us is the recognition that we got from the Lagos State government recently,” he submitted.
Recall that the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had during the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Awards of Excellence held recently pledged the support of his administration for the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards.
The governor said the state has fully identified with the marketing communications industry as he reiterated his reliance on the expertise of brand creators and communications consultants to achieve his goals of drawing the world’s attention to ‘Destination Lagos’.
Sanwo-Olu said, “Let me assure you of our administration’s readiness to support the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards. Since our name is involved, we will provide the support to make it greater than ever before. Let us begin to use the platform of LAIF and similar initiatives to draw the attention of the world to Destination Lagos.”
In his remarks, the President of the Association, Mr. Steve Babaeko, represented by the Vice President, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, further emphasized the commitment of the Association to ensuring the highest standards in the entire process as well fulfilling a mission to drive inclusion of other creative sectors to grow and solidify our contribution to the economy in Nigeria and West Africa at large.
According to the organisers, there will be over 30 jurors to judge the different categories which include the Film LAIF, Press LAIF, Digital and Mobile LAIF, Outdoor LAIF, Radio LAIF, Media LAIF, LAIF Effectiveness Category, Campaign Category, Promo and Direct Category, and LAIF Impact.
All entries for the LAIF Awards 2021 must have been run between June 2020 and July 2021.
Similar to the last edition, activities of the awards will be carried out on the online portal.
Advertising agencies are to submit entries through this portal and jurors will be working remotely to judge each category through their profiles.
The members of the jury will be representatives of the industry that will create a fair and balanced atmosphere for judging the LAIF entries.
As part of the LAIF Awards activities, the LAIF Management Board will be organising a virtual seminar to share and discuss interesting topics in two sessions. The webinar will hold on Friday 18 November, 2021.
This year, participation in the LAIF Awards will also be extended to agencies in Ghana with the hope of including other West African countries in the nearest future.
All is now set for the historic launch of the compendium of landmark speeches and presentations of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.
In a statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, the epoch-making launch of the book scheduled to hold at the Communications & Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, on September 7, 2021 by 10:00 a.m. prompt, will also feature the unveiling of two other strategic initiatives of the Commission.
Titled: “Catalysing Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Transformation through Broadband Infrastructure,” the book is a compilation of carefully-selected, seminal speeches and presentations of Prof. Danbatta, touching on all strategic areas of the nation’s telecoms industry development and the entire digital economy ecosystem, since his assumption of office as the EVC/CEO of NCC in August, 2015.
Danbatta, a Professor of telecommunications engineering, accomplished academic, and seasoned administrator has made extensive speeches and presentations on a wide-range of subjects in telecoms and ICT at important national, regional and international events since leaving the ivory tower to become the EVC of NCC in 2015.
His landmark speeches and presentations from 2015 till date have, thus, been codified in a concise collection, as a compendium, providing useful information that will significantly add value to the existing body of knowledge in the telecoms sector, and by extension, the entire Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry.
The foreword to the book has been painstakingly written by the late former Chairman, Board of Commissioners of NCC, Alh. Ahmed Joda of blessed memory.
The book will serve as a useful reference material not only for existing and prospective investors in the sector but also for researchers in the academia as well as policy analysts and others interested in any aspects of the telecom industry and regulation. The book which also chronicles important milestones attained by the Commission under Danbatta’s leadership is a compelling read.
Other strategic projects to be unveiled by the Commission alongside the compendium are the NCC’s new five year Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) 2021-2025 and the Commission’s new social media channel, the NCC’s Global Connect Podcast.
The new SVP will enable cross-functional infrastructure, ubiquitous services and deepen consumer engagement to consolidate the growth of the telecoms sector and expand the possibilities of the digital economy.
The need to develop another SVP, as a five-year implementation roadmap for the Commission, followed the expiration, in 2020, of the first SVP unveiled by Danbatta in 2016.
It has been widely acknowledged that the diligent execution of the first SVP initiative, under Danbatta, has helped to consistently lift broadband penetration, increase telephone access, boost the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), enhance healthy competition in the industry, improve quality of service (QoS), as well as put the sector’s overall investment profile on an impressive growth trajectory, among others.
The ‘NCC Global Connect,” podcast is the third initiative enlisted for unveiling during the launch. The latest addition to the NCC social media spectrum will help in enhancing the Commission’s corporate communication activities within the online space. The podcast initiative was conceived in keeping with NCC’s core values of innovation and excellence;. It adds to the existing media channels, providing an inclusive medium to broaden our media platforms to educate external stakeholders on its regulatory activities irrespective of their circumstances, through audio contents.
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, will be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.
Senior government officials, industry leaders and stakeholders as well as dignitaries from across the country are billed to attend the landmark event.
The Lagos State Government has strongly debunked speculation making the rounds that it has scrapped the collection of wharf landing fees on imported vehicles at the ports operating in the state.
It said all categories of vehicles including containerized cargoes are still required to continue paying the wharf landing fee.
A statement by the Public Affairs Officer of the Lagos State Wharf Landing Authority (LSWLA), Mr Michael Oputeh, said the news making the round that the state government has scrapped the wharf landing fees is false.
He urged all ports operators particularly freight forwarders, and clearing agents not to be misled by what was clearly a false report, that was a figment of the imaginations of those who concocted it.
According to the statement: “The attention of the Lagos State Wharf Landing Collection Authority has been drawn to misleading news that has gone viral on social media that the state government had scrapped the wharf landing fee. This is not true and must be a figment of imagination of its authors.”
Oputeh urged all operators to disregard the misleading information which claimed the fees was scrapped following series of complaints from importers and clearing agents about multiple taxation on imported vehicles.
He said the letter purported by the government was merely mandating the streamlining of fees between the LSWLA and the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) on imported cars.
“This to the best of our knowledge does not represent a scrapping of the landing fees as being erroneously speculated, We urge all operators not to run afoul of the law of the state, but do well to pay appropriate fees as there was no truth in the unfounded reports that hinted otherwise.”
He urged anyone who is still in doubt to get across to officials of the wharf landing agency for the true position of things and have all their grievances or complaints sorted out.
The news report falsely claiming the landing fees have been scrapped quoted a letter purportedly signed by one Ogunlenu Muslim A. on behalf of the Lagos State Government, which was said to have been conveyed to the ANLCA National Secretariat that both agencies are now collaborating for seamless operation.
“I am directed to inform you that Lagos State Wharf Landing Fees Collecting Authority and Motor Vehicle Administration Agency have decided to collaborate to enable us have a seamless operation in the joint sales of Wharf Landing tickets and Temporary Vehicle Tag (TVT) at various points prescribed by Government”
“This Agreement was reached for government to have a singular point of payment for the fees,” the letter reads in part.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced his administration’s readiness to support the Marketing Communications industry in Nigeria through the provision of improved infrastructure to give the scenic settings required for great television commercials and creative contents that meet global standards.
The Governor, who was the Star Awardee and recipient of Marketing Edge Outstanding Political Brand Icon of The Year Award, made this disclosure while giving his speech at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Awards of Excellence held recently in Ikeja, Lagos.
In his words: “I am not unaware that there was a time many of you needed to fly to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg before you could shoot a good TV commercial for your clients. Today, the story has changed. Let me assure you, it can only get better from here. The infrastructures we are creating are gradually giving you the scenic settings you require for great television commercials that can earn more prestigious laurels from across the world.”
In March, the Federal Government had announced a fine of N100, 000 on local brand adverts broadcast on CNN and other foreign stations broadcasting in Nigeria, and on adverts of local brands that are created abroad. Due to lack of adequate infrastructure, the announcement came as a shock to both advertisers and practitioners in the Integrated Marketing industry as the NBC moved to also implement a regulation mandating exclusive licensees and broadcasters to share exclusive rights with other broadcasters.
However, Governor Sanwo-Olu in his speech noted that the government was fully developed to lend its resources to the imaginations of ‘creative rebels’ like Lanre Adisa, Steve Babeeko, Kelechi Nwosu and Israel Jaiye Opayemi, who lead a generation of fertile minds to create exciting campaigns that have put Nigeria on the global map.
He submitted: “You are the group of professionals who need to send files and folders in terabytes and gigabytes from one part of the world to another. With the laying of 6000 km of Fibre Metro Network across Lagos, our government is surely giving your operations the needed leg to show up at the appropriate places at the right time.”
“When we were crafting the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, the Creative Industry where you play and the Technology sector were some of the sectors we had in mind at the conception of our Fibre Optic Project. Our readiness to support marketing-related initiatives is not limited to the Advertising sub-sector of the industry. It is open to various specialist areas that make up marketing. At the center of what we do as marketing professionals is creativity. And that is what our government is committed to promoting and encouraging.”
The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has concluded plans to hold its 48th Annual General Meeting/Congress.
The President of the Association, Mr Steve Babaeko announced this during a press conference held at the AAAN secretariat in Lagos.
The Association’s AGM is always a major event in the nation’s marketing communications calendar as it always attracts overwhelming local and foreign coverage.
With the theme “Boom, Gloom and Doom! Where do we sit?”, the AGM/Congress is scheduled to hold at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th July, 2021.
Mr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, will be among prominent dignitaries at the 48th Annual General Meeting/Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria.
The Governor is expected to declare open the AGM while the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed will also be in attendance as the Special Guest of Honour.
L-R: Chairman of the Events Planning Committee, Mr. Doyin Adewumi, Director, AAAN, Mrs Kemi Famusoro, AAAN President, Mr. Steve Babaeko and AAAN Vice President, Mr. Jenkins Alumona during the Press Conference held at the AAAN Secretariat in Lagos recently. Photo: Adejuwon Osunnuyi
According to Babaeko, the association’s AGM is a platform to actively engage in intellectual and critical discourse on the challenges facing the business and practice of Advertising in Nigeria and advocate unconventional solutions in rebuilding and rebranding the industry.
Speaking on the AGM, the Chairman of the Events Planning Committee, Mr. Doyin Adewumi stated that this year’s conference would different as many interesting activities have been lined up.
He noted that the association has come to a decision to invite leading experts in their fields to lead the discourse on the theme.
According to Adewumi, the impact of the discourse will be beneficial to delegates and members of the Association.
L-R: Vice Chairman, Events Planning Committee, Mr. Taiwo Agboola, Chairman of the Events Planning Committee, Mr. Doyin Adewumi, Director, AAAN, Mrs Kemi Famusoro, AAAN President, Mr. Steve Babaeko, AAAN Vice President, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, Publicity Secretary, AAAN, Mrs.Tope Jemerigbe during the Press Conference held at the AAAN Secretariat in Lagos recently. Photo: Adejuwon Osunnuyi
To emphasize the importance of the AGM, the Association has invited Mr. Abubakar Suleiman (MD, Sterling Bank Plc), Mitchell Elegbe (MD/CEO, Interswitch) and Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Founder, Future Africa) as speakers. The panelists include, Mrs. Cherry Eromosele, Group Chief Marketing & Corporate Communications Officer, Interswitch, Mrs. Bukola Akingbade, CEO, Image and Time, Mr. Lanre Adisa, CEO, Noah’s Ark, Mr. Tunde Dosekun, Managing Director, DDB Lagos, Miss Nnenna Onyewuchi, Co-Founder/Director of Strategy, Yellow Brick Road, Mr. Dipo Adesida, Chief Operating Officer of Verdant Zeal Group.
Adewumi added that in recognition of meritorious service, some senior members will be honoured and given special recognition awards.
Also, according to him, young practitioners who have shown exceptional leadership will also be recognised at the AGM/Congress.
This year’s AGM, he emphasized, promises to be engaging, memorable and will clearly impact positively on the delegates and the industry at large.
Adewumi said; “We are not just going there to sit and discuss among ourselves. We are going to the city of Ibadan and make sure that Ibadan notices us.
“The first thing you will notice is that we are already patronizing the Federal Government because we are going to transport our members to Ibadan by train. I am excited that we are going to enjoy all the facilities that the government has put in place.”.
Speaking further, he said the AGM is also going to witness career talk with students of the University of Ibadan being in attendance.
However, the highpoint of the event was the introduction of the AAAN new Director, Mrs Kemi Famusoro to members of the press by the AAAN President, Steve Babaeko.
Famusoro is the first woman to occupy the seat of the AAAN Director.
Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed the new chief of the World Trade Organization, becoming the first woman to ever lead the Switzerland-based institution and the first African citizen to take on the role.
However, this is not the first time that Okonjo-Iweala makes history.
Born in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala graduated from Harvard University in 1976 and then earned a PhD from MIT.
She then became the first woman to take on the Nigerian finance ministry and the foreign ministry too. She was also the first female to run for the World Bank presidency, where she spent 25 years.
In October, her WTO candidacy was supported by all geographic regions at the trade body apart from the United States, where the then-Trump administration said it would continue backing the Korean candidate.
However, Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment was cleared when President Joe Biden announced a few days ago his support for the 66-year old.
Her vision for the WTO
The WTO is at a crossroads after many countries seemed to take a step back from long-standing norms governing international trade. In addition, its appellate body has been paralyzed for months after the U.S. — again, under the Trump administration — prevented the appointment of new judges therefore rendering it unable to rule on any trade disputes.
“My vision is also of a rejuvenated and strengthened WTO that will be confident to tackle effectively ongoing issues,” Okonjo-Iweala told WTO members during a hearing in July.
“It is clear that a rules-based system without a forum in which a breach of the rules can be effectively arbitrated loses credibility over time,” she said at the same hearing.
Officials in the European Union and the United States have previously said the WTO needs to be reformed and its rules updated, but there is no consensus on how to do it.
“The WTO appears paralyzed at a time when its rule book would greatly benefit from an update to 21st century issues such as ecommerce and the digital economy, the green and circular economies,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
She is also likely to support female participation in global trade, having said that “greater efforts should be made to include women-owned enterprises in the formal sector.”
Sleeping on the floor
Okonjo-Iweala has said she can take hardship, having experienced Nigeria’s brutal civil war during her teenage years, during which her family reportedly lost all their savings.
“I can take hardship. I can sleep on the cold floor anytime,” she told the BBC in an interview in 2012.
When serving as Nigeria’s finance minister, kidnappers demanded Okonjo-Iweala resign after taking her mother hostage. She refused to comply and they ended up releasing her mother a few days later, the BBC reported.
She has also been involved in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, being the African Union’s special envoy on the matter. Okonjo-Iweala has been a board member of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance — a public-private health partnership immunizing people in poorer countries.
Emirates Airlines has suspended flights from Nigeria to Dubai for two weeks, until February 28 2021.
It said travellers from both Abuja and Lagos would not be accepted for travel prior to the date, according to a statement issued by the airline on Wednesday.
Also, the carrier warned that passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days would not be allowed entry into the United Arab Emirates (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai).
The statement read, “In line with government directives, passenger services from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai are temporarily suspended until February 28 2021. Customers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date.
“Passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai).”
Emirates noted that flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja would continue at the normal schedule as it urged travellers to contact the airline’s customer centre or their booking agent in terms of rescheduling.
