Business News Archives — Page 3 of 32 — Business Bells

Category: Business News

Buhari Signs N17.126trn 2022 Budget Into Law, Laments ‘Worrisome Changes’

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the 2021 Finance Bill.

The President signed the documents in the Presidential Villa on Friday in the presence of Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other members of the Federal Executive Council.

Speaking at the event, the President said the 2022 Budget, just signed into law, provides for aggregate expenditures of N17.127 trillion, an increase of N735.85 billion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion.

The President explained that N186.53 billion of the increase however came from additional critical expenditures that he had authorised the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to forward to the National Assembly.

‘‘The Minister will provide the public with the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me,’’ he said.

‘President laments worrisome changes’

President Buhari also expressed strong reservations on the ‘‘worrisome changes’’ made by the National Assembly to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

He announced that he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects cardinal to this administration do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.

The President recounted that during the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, he had stated that the fiscal year 2022 would be very crucial in his administration’s efforts to complete and put to use critical agenda projects, as well as improve the general living conditions of our people.

‘‘It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

‘‘Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:

‘‘Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive:

‘‘Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;

‘‘Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively.

‘‘This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;

‘‘Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;

‘‘Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.’’

President Buhari also expressed concern in the reductions in provisions for some critical projects, including N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects; N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies.

31 December 2021
JUST IN: FG Extends NIN-SIM Verification to 31st March 2022 As NIN Enrolments Exceed 71 Million

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) said the Federal Government has again extended the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to the 31st of March, 2022.

The Minister made this known on Friday, December 31, in a statement jointly signed by the Director Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ike Adinde and the Head of Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission, Mr. Kayode Adegoke.

According to the statement, while the stakeholders have applauded the Federal Government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents across the country, as of 30th December 2021, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over seventy-one million (71m) NINs with over fourteen thousand (14,000) enrolment centres set up across the country.

To this end, the NIMC said it has set up enrolment centres in over thirty-one (31) countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

“The unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about 3 to 4 SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the Federal Government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents and this is truly commendable.

“Following the request by stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the diaspora, the Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to the 31st of March, 2022. This extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents.

The Minister has however implored Nigerians and legal residents to enrol for their NINs and link with their SIMs during this period of extension as more services will be requiring the NIN for identification.

He also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to support the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in ensuring that the objectives of the exercise are achieved.

The Honourable Minister, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria thanked all Nigerians and stakeholders for their commitment and support towards the success of the project.

They also applauded the efforts of the respective staff in ensuring a seamless NIN-SIM linkage and urge citizens and legal residents to complete the process of enrolment, verification, and SIM linkage on or before 31st March 2022.

31 December 2021
Sanwo-Olu Declares Free BRT Service On Christmas, New Year’s Day in Lagos

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved free rides on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors on Christmas and New Year days for all residents on Saturday, 25th December, 2021 and Saturday, 1st of January, 2022, in celebration of the festive season.

A statement signed by the Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, said the free commuter bus services are being offered to Lagosians in the spirit of joy, love and peace which the festive season signifies.

According to her, the Sanwo-Olu led administration is committed to ensuring the execution of the Strategic Transport Master Plan via the Multimodal Transport System currently taking shape through water transportation and the ongoing Blue and Red Lines rail projects.

“The Governor has given his promise for the commencement of passenger operations on the first two phases of the State’s rail lines – Blue and Red. He has demonstrated his commitment to the completion of both rail lines by sourcing funds for their completion and provision of rolling stock. What is therefore expected of Lagosians is to support him towards the realisation of the Greater Lagos vision”, Mrs. Akinajo stated.

The Managing Director expressed the Lagos State Government’s gratitude for the patience and perseverance the citizenry has shown in the face of the discomfort accompanied with the construction of transport infrastructure, assuring that consistent and spirited efforts are being made to improve public transport and traffic management.

While extending yuletide compliments to all Lagosians, Mrs. Akinajo enjoined everyone to observe all extant COVID-19 safety rules and travel safely during the festive period.

24 December 2021
Yuletide: FG Declares Free Train Rides For Nigerians From Dec 24 to Jan 4

The Federal Government has declared free train rides for citizens from Dec.24 to Jan 4, 2022.

Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

”The decision which was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation is to ease movement of citizens during the yuletide.

”This is to help ease the cost of transportation and enable citizens to move easily enjoy the festive period.

”Passengers are however advised to ensure they obtain their tickets from appropriate quarters at no cost, to enable them to gain access and enter the trains.

” All passengers are also enjoined to observe and obey COVID-19 rules by wearing of face mask, washing and sanitising of hands. “

He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensure the safety of passengers and trains during the period.

24 December 2021
Just In: Titan Trust Bank Takes Over Union Bank

Titan Trust Bank has announced a takeover of one of Nigeria’s oldest banks, Union Bank.

Titan Trust Bank Limited, one of Nigeria’s newest commercial banks, which commenced operations in October 2019, is buying 89.39 per cent of the issued capital of Union Bank, both companies announced Thursday.

“The Board of Directors of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (“Union Bank”) today announced that it has received a notification from Union Global Partners Ltd. (“UGPL”, the holder of majority shareholding in Union Bank) of the execution of a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement between UGPL, certain other existing shareholders of Union Bank (as Sellers) and Titan Trust Bank Limited (as Purchaser) for the sale of an aggregate 89.39% of the issued share capital of Union Bank held by the Sellers, to the Purchaser (“the Transaction”),” they announced.

The completion of the transaction is subject to obtaining applicable regulatory approvals and the “fulfilment of certain conditions precedent”.

Commenting on the transaction, the chairperson of Union Bank, Beatrice Bassey said: “On behalf of the Board, we congratulate all the parties involved in reaching this phase of the transaction and the Board looks forward to supporting the next steps to ensure a seamless completion of the process following regulatory approvals. We are grateful to our current investors whose significant and consequential investments over the past nine years facilitated the transformation of Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s oldest and storied institutions. Today, the Bank is well-positioned with an innovative product offering, a growing customer base of over six million and consistent year on year profitability. This is a solid foundation for our incoming investors to build on as we move into a new era for the Bank.”

The chairperson of Titan Trust Bank, Tunde Lemo, said: “The Board of Titan Trust Bank and our key stakeholders are delighted as this transaction marks a key step for Titan Trust in its strategic growth journey and propels the institution to the next level in the Nigerian banking sector. The deal represents a unique opportunity to combine Union Bank’s longstanding and leading banking franchise with TTB’s innovation-led model which promises to enhance the product and service offering for our combined valued customers.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, Emeka Okonkwo, said: “This transaction marks a significant milestone in the journey of our 104-year old Bank. Whilst thanking our current investors for their unwavering commitment to the Bank over the years, we welcome our new core investor, TTB. We recognize thestrategic fit between the two institutions and expect that this deal will deliver the best outcome for our employees, customers and stakeholders. We look forward to collectively writing the next exciting chapter for Union Bank.”

Also the Chief Executive Officer of Titan Trust Bank, Mudassir Amray, said: “After completing over two years of operations with aggressive organic growth, we are excited to have an opportunity for a significant leap forward in market share. UBN’s widespread presence, state of the art technology platform, quality staff and strong brand loyalty fits well with our synchronized modular strategy. We look forward to delivering superior results for the benefit of our staff, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders.”

Union Bank of Nigeria was established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971.

23 December 2021
Hope PSBank Reaffirms Partnership with FG on Job Creation

Nigeria’s premier digital-bank, Hope PSBank, a subsidiary of Unified Payment Services Limited, has restated its commitment to partner with the Federal Government on job creation to reduce unemployment and invariably alleviate poverty significantly in the country.

The Managing Director, Hope PSBank, Mr. Ayotunde Kuponiyi, disclosed this during the Flag off/Empowerment Ceremony of NDE Programes for the beneficiaries of Extended Special Public Works(ESPW) instituted by the Federal Government as well as the formal launch of Hope PSBank Agency POS terminal, which was held on Monday, December 13, 2021, in Warri, Delta.

Kuponiyi stated that the ESPW programme of the Federal Government is in total alignment with the social objective of the bank, saying that the bank has mapped out an exit strategy for participants such that beneficiaries can now render financial services to customers whilst also earning a living by so doing.

Beneficiaries, armed with vocational skills, are now being empowered as Agents of the Bank to deliver Digital Financial Services in their respective LGAs, which helps to drive Financial Inclusion and stimulate economic activities in these LGAs,” he added.

While expressing his profound appreciation to the Federal Government through the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, as well as the National Directorate for Employment for the support and commitment toward the success of the exit strategy for the participants, he disclosed that, through this initiative, the bank has so far successfully onboarded over 65,000 participants of the scheme as agents of the bank till date.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in his remarks, while flagging off the empowerment ceremony, explained that the programme is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategy to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within ten years.

“These empowerment programmes, entrepreneurship programmes and all that, were designed to get to the very bottom of the grassroots, assist more businesses, skill up Nigerians and to ensure that they are self-reliant and self-employed. This is the real employment we are talking about. And for all the beneficiaries here today, 684 of them here today, a new journey begins in their lives”, he added.

Keyamo tasked beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to pay adequate attention during the training and ensure that they take full advantage of the unique opportunities to create value for themselves and others.

In his welcome address, Director-General of National Directorate of Employment, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, disclosed that over 77,000 participants of the ESPW programme have so far been provided with the necessary skills and empowerment to render financial payment services to customers across the nation through the Hope Payment Services Bank.

Fikpo lauded President Buhari and the Minister for supporting and stabilizing the NDE towards discharging its statutory mandate.

16 December 2021
Daily Bells Publisher, Osunnuyi, Emerges BJAN General Secretary

Members of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, a body of writers that cover the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) space, have elected the publisher of Daily Bells and Business Bells, Mr Adejuwon Osunnuyi as the new General Secretary.

The publisher emerged victorious during the election which took place at the BJAN 9th Annual General Meeting/Conference with the theme “ Media Management in Difficult Time; Advertising, Impartiality and Regulation held at Presken Hotel, Opebi, Lagos, on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Osunnuyi, a seasoned journalist and experienced brand writer, was the immediate past Assistant General Secretary. He had earlier served as the Chief Information Officer, CIO and Editor of BJAN’s official magazine, the Mango.

Aside Osunnuyi, Clara Chinwe Okoro, a former Vice Chairman of the association was also unanimously elected as the new Chairman.

Clara, who is also a veteran broadcaster and experienced brand writer, is the Executive Producer, Brandworld Media.

She was the vice Chairman of BJAN under Mr. Goddie Ofose’s administration, between 2016 and 2019, where her experience helped in spurring the association to greater heights.

Other members elected into other various executive positions included Ayobami Lukman Ishau of Marketing Space, who emerged as the Vice Chairman. He was the immediate past General Secretary.

Others were Assistant General Secretary; Adedayo Odulaja of New Telegraph, Treasurer; Melvin Udosen of Brandessence, Financial Secretary; Olufemi Adeyemi Matthew of Brand Icon Image and Amechi Obiakpu of ESPI News as Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Speaking at the event, the outgoing Chairman, Mr Afolabi Idowu lauded the BJAN members for the unflinching support given to him especially since he took over the reigns of power about two months ago following the death of the former Chairman, Princewill Ekwujuru.

He also thanked all the stakeholders who stood with the association when Ekwujuru was involved in an auto accident as well as when he eventually died.

Idowu stated that the incoming chairman had been fully involved in the affairs of the association and would be supported to deliver on her programmes.

He also thanked the electoral committee members for organising a free and fair election.

The General Secretary-Elect, Adejuwon Osunnuyi, reiterated his commitment to enthrone an effective and functional E-governance structure at the secretariat.

“I am using this opportunity to show my gratitude to you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.

“Be rest assured that we would be having an IT-driven, innovative and professionalised BJAN Secretariat, that accords with all modern and international best practices,” he said.

Newly elected BJAN excos.

According to him, “As they say, the reward for hard work is more work. Therefore, I’m unafraid to take on a bigger responsibility.”

“Where I have opportunity to impact people, I do not shy away from it.

“As we are all aware, the office of the General Secretary of BJAN is the busiest office in the Association, and it is generally referred to as engine room. I give kudos to the outgoing General Secretary for performing wonderfully well practically as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the association.

“As a prospective occupier of the office of the General Secretary, I say it with boldness that I can match and hopefully surpass the successes recorded by my outgoing boss as I possess excellent leadership and administrative skills; I’m a multitasker, with an eye for detail. I am innovative, tech savvy, hardworking and committed to assignments.”

Speaking further, Osunnuyi said; “Manning the Secretariat of a multi-membered association like the BJAN in this post Covid-19 era, demands even more. It demands a strategic thinker who will be ready and eager to embrace prevailing new perspectives, and adapt quickly to new and better ways of doing things. I epitomise the foregoing attributes. My aspiration for the office, is borne out of my passion for positive and innovative change. I have the character, I have the capacity, I have the competence and experience. I am burning with ideas to innovate the Secretariat. I understand the workings of the Secretariat better as I served diligently as the outgoing Assistant General Secretary of the Association.”

Speaking on his plans for BJAN, the Daily Bells Publisher submitted; “My immediate priority is to create an IT-driven, Innovative and Professionalised Secretariat. Hence, in conjunction with other members of the excos especially the Chairman, I promise to ensure that we have our own befitting and well-equipped physical Secretariat and stop the act of moving from one bar or the other to hold our meetings.”

“A Secretariat that will be accessible to all members, a responsive Secretariat, with a motivated Staff that will efficiently respond to the needs of our members, and a Secretariat that will support and enhance our practice as journalists.”

16 December 2021
BJAN Conference: Expert Advocates Dialogue On AISOP, Unconscionable Contracts

A veteran Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) lawyer and Managing Partner of Gee Law Firm, Mr. Nosakhare Uwadiae, has urged stakeholders displeased with the new Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP) document to embrace dialogue in the interest of bringing sanity to the industry.

He also warned IMC agencies to be careful with the document they sign with brands as most of those contracts fall within the regime of unconscionable contracts.

Nosakhare made this known at the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) 9th Annual General Meeting/Conference held at Presken Hotel, Opebi, Lagos recently where he spoke on the sub-theme, “Advertising, Impartiality and Regulation’’ based on the theme of the 2021 conference: “Media Management in Difficult Times”.

Nosakhare Uwadiae

Commenting on the contract signed between agencies and brands, he emphasised that most contracts are unfair and at times adapted from other countries which are not in line with the laws of the land, adding that most of the contracts have unfair contract terms and unequal bargaining powers.

“From experience, it is observed that most contracts between clients and agencies are bereft of equity. More often, the contracts are more to the advantage of clients (one-sided) and the agencies’ bargaining power is weak because of desperation to get business from the client. Most of the contracts clients sign with agencies falls within the regime of unconscionable contracts,” he stated.

Speaking on AISOP, Uwadiae stated: “I would recommend that Advertising Stakeholders in Nigeria should take another look at the AISOP and come up with balanced recommendations. A short, medium and long-term assessment of the recommendations should be candidly reviewed to make recommendations that will be far-reaching in the interest of all parties. There should also be an agreement amongst stakeholders for review of the AISOP every five years to plug gaps and adjust to current realities. This should be part of the AISOP. More engagement should be encouraged and all stakeholders should shun grandstanding. We must work together for the collective interests of the industry.”

Noteworthy, according to APCON, AISOP is a business framework that seeks to improve mutual respect, eradicate unfair advantage, unethical competition, and inequitable engagement terms between stakeholders in the Advertising and Marketing Communication sector of the Nigerian economy which took effect from the 6th of October 2021.

The AISOP code captures engagement policy, how stakeholders engage agencies, payment terms, and commission, remuneration, disengagement protocol, returns on advertising investment and measurement, peaceful resolution, and other related protocols. However, the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) rejected the AISOP code, stating that it infringes on the rights of private entities to determine their contractual terms.

Stating the benefit of self-regulations like AISOP, the IMC legal expert said: “Marketers benefit from self-regulation because responsible advertising helps build consumer trust in brands, which in turn builds brand loyalty and increases sale.”

On another note, Nosakhare said AISOP should have taken cognisance of the fact that some agencies do not live up to the service-level agreement (SLAs) and do not act as strategic business partners to clients and even when clients pay, some agencies and media independents do not pay third parties

“If not properly handled, it could worsen the present situation of payments. There is need to have more engagements with ADVAN so that realistic timelines can be agreed upon based on SLAs and KPIs,” he pointed.

Earlier in his welcome address, immediate past Chairman of BJAN, Afolabi Idowu said the association picked the theme and subtheme to address salient topical issues in the industry and help members get a firm grasp of the issues so as to be able to provide the sound analysis and reportage that Nigerians and other stakeholders need for better understanding of the subject matter.

“We believe that the knowledge shared at this event today would deepen the knowledge base of individuals, groups and the entire Nigerian ecosystem.

“We thank the brands and organisations that embraced the strategic marketing opportunities that this event provides to consolidate and deepen the visibility and presence of their product and services in the marketplace,” Idowu enthused.

Recall that the association held its maiden edition of the conference in 2013 in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, with the theme: “Repositioning Centenary Brands to Align with Modern Realities” while the 2020 edition held in Lagos had “Consolidating Nigeria’s Agricultural Revolution: Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons” as theme.

BJAN is repositioned to become a major thought leadership stakeholder group in advancing the objectives of the IMC industry in Nigeria and would be driving a lot of key topics affecting the industry to this effect.

At its AGM, it elected new executives that would pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.

They include Clara Chinwe Okoro of Brandworld Media as Chairman with Lukman Ishau of Marketing Space as Vice-Chairman.

Others are Adejuwon Osunnuyi of the Daily Bells Newspaper as General Secretary, Adedayo Odulaja of New Telegraph as Assistant General Secretary, Melvin Udosen of Brand Essence as Treasurer, Olufemi Adeyemi Matthew of Brand Icon Image as Financial Secretary and Amechi Obiakpu of ESPI News as Chief Information Officer (CIO).

14 December 2021
Anchoria Rebrands, Targets Youths, Increases Trading Possibilities

Nigeria’s foremost investment and securities company, Anchoria, has announced that it has rebranded and launched a new identity to cater to the needs of a younger generation of investors in Nigeria.

Managing Director, Anchoria Investment and Securities Limited, Nkechi Azubuike, made this known to industry stakeholders, clients and pressmen at the Anchora Rebirth event to officially re-launch the brand on Thursday, 9th December at HSE Gourmet in Lagos.

According to her, Anchoria has a wealth of experience managing financial assets and plans to create new products and services that will usher in endless possibilities for young Nigerians.

She stated that “As an institution, we have taken up this challenge to re-imagine our processes and uncover newer ways of operating and serving our clients. Therefore, we are re-launching – updating our brand, services & products to create depth and broader investment possibilities for our clients.

L-R: Executive Director, Securities Dealing, Anchoria, Emmanuel Oso; Executive Director, Specialised Products and Foreign Operations, Anchoria, Ayobami Jikiemi; Group Managing Director/CEO, VFD Group Plc., Nonso Okpala; Managing Director, Anchoria, Nkechi Azubike, at the Anchoria brand relaunch event at HSE Gourmet, Lekki on Thursday

Now more than ever, with the boom and explosion to basic access and knowledge of available investment options among our target groups, it has never been more critical for us to connect, engage and ultimately convert as both experts and trend spurrers and setters.

“We plan to leverage our superior knowledge of the market buoyed by the many other trading possibilities that abound to their advantage.”

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Anchoria Investment and Securities; Sam Chidoka, speaking on the re-launch, reiterated the responsibility of the brand to change the game,

“The launch of this new Anchoria signals a new era, the birth of a new generation of wealth creators and builders. Beyond repositioning the business for efficiency, we are here to flip the script and re-imagine the future for securities and trading businesses in Nigeria.”

L-R: Executive Director, Investment Management and Investor Relations, VFD Group Plc. , Niyi Adenubi; Executive Director, Securities Dealing, Anchoria, Emmanuel Oso; Managing Director, Anchoria, Nkechi Azubike; Chairman, Board of Directors, Anchoria, Sam Chidoka; Non- Executive Director Anchoria, Gbenga Omolokun; Executive Director, Specialised Products and Foreign Operations, Anchoria, Ayobami Jikiemi; Non- Executive Director Anchoria, Babatunde Dada; at the Anchoria brand relaunch event at HSE Gourmet, Lekki, Lagos

The rebrand, which comprises a new website, logo, a different colour palette and appealing typography, represents Anchoria’s commitment to providing financial freedom to a new generation.

Anchoria is a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange licensed to deal in shares and stocks on all exchange trading floors and the National Association of Securities Dealers, NASD. Immersed in culture and heritage since 1994, the brand aims to provide more investment opportunities specially designed for every Nigerian youth.

13 December 2021
Brand Journalists Elect New Chairman, Other Exco Members

The Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN), a body of writers that cover the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) space has elected Clara Chinwe Okoro as the new Chairman to pilot its affairs for the next three years.

Okoro emerged victorious during the election which took place at the BJAN 9th Annual General Meeting/Conference with the theme “ Media Management in Difficult Time; Advertising, Impartiality and Regulation held at Presken Hotel, Opebi, Lagos, on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Clara, who is a veteran broadcaster and experienced brand writer, is the Executive Producer, Brandworld Media.

She was the vice Chairman of BJAN under Mr. Goddie Ofose’s administration, between 2016 and 2019, where her experience helped in spurring the association to greater heights.

In 2018, her desire to assume the leadership of BJAN as the Chairman suffered a setback via a keenly contested election that brought in the late Princewill Ekwujuru.

Her defeat notwithstanding, Okoro’s loyalty to the association was not in doubt as she constantly contributed to the progress of the association.

Other members elected into other various executive positions included Ayobami Lukman Ishau of Marketing Space, who emerged as the Vice Chairman. He was the immediate past General Secretary.

Others were the former assistant Secretary, Adejuwon Osunnuyi of the Daily Bells Newspaper, emerging as the new General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary; Adedayo Odulaja of New Telegraph, Treasurer; Melvin Udosen of Brandessence, Financial Secretary; Olufemi Adeyemi Matthew of Brand Icon Image and Amechi Obiakpu of ESPI News as Chief Information Officer (CIO).

The outgoing Chairman, Mr Afolabi Idowu lauded the BJAN members for their unflinching support given to him especially since he took over the reigns of power about two months ago following the death of the former Chairman, Princewill Ekwujuru.

The outgoing Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, Mr Afolabi Idowu with the Chairman-elect, Clara Okoro

He also thanked all the stakeholders who stood with the association when Ekwujuru was involved in the auto accident as well as when he eventually died.

Idowu stated that the incoming chairman had been fully involved in the affairs of the association and would be supported to deliver on her programmes.

He also thanked the electoral committee members for organising a credible free and fair election.

In her acceptance speech, the Chairman-elect, Okoro thanked members of the association for unanimously giving her the mandate to guide BJAN’s course and chart ground breaking deliverables for members.

She promised to run an inclusive government as she noted that none would be left behind.

“Three years is not a long time, so we will hit the ground running and with all your support we will triumph over every single obstacles and deliver the BJAN of our dreams,” she submitted.

Noting that the future looks exceedingly bright for the association, Okoro said her administration would do everything within its capacity to make BJAN a globally recognised IMC organisation.

The Brandworld Media executive producer, charging members to form a formidable cohesive front to achieve the results in no distant future, said; “This can only be achieved with the quality of the output of BJANs content in the right spaces and the repository of our collective talents through our writeups and electronic contents and how it is shaping thoughts and narratives in the industry both in Nigeria.

“This is no time to play small anymore you have worked hard to build successes for companies and by extension lives of individuals in those organisations. You and your families can and will benefit from that success as you deserve it.

“We will create a strategy document which would be a road map guiding us in the short medium and long term to achieve these goals.”

While assuring that all her manifesto promises would be followed through, the new Chairman extended her appreciation to Raheem Akingbolu, Peter Jones Ailuorio, Dayo Odulaja, Goddie Ofose, Afolabi Idowu, Lukman Ishau, Adejuwon Osunnuyi and Patrick Onuoha for the roles they played behind the scene to ensure she competes and eventually emerged winner in the election.

12 December 2021