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  • ‘Why Appetite For Arbitration As Prominent Method of Dispute Resolution Among Businesses Is On The Rise’

    ‘Why Appetite For Arbitration As Prominent Method of Dispute Resolution Among Businesses Is On The Rise’

     

    Considering the cost implications to businesses,  experts and practitioners in  ADRs have advocated arbitration as a prominent method of dispute resolution.

     

    According to them, while recourse to arbitration is on the rise as a prominent method of dispute resolution, the right ethical conduct is becoming even more important than ever in ensuring fair and effective outcome as this will maintain the integrity of the system as well as confidence of the public in the process.

     

    The experts made the submission at the 2021 Annual Conference and Investiture Award Ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) held in Lagos recently.

     

    The conference, which was held for the first time in the history of the institute, as a hybrid conference, was themed: Disruption and The New Normal in Arbitration/ADR- A Way Forward.

     

    The conference focused on providing a forum for users, experts and practitioners in arbitration and other ADRs across sectors in the African Continent and beyond, to discuss, share knowledge and proffer solutions from the aftermath of COVID 19 disruptions.

     

    While the impact of COVID-19 is felt differently among nations, the experts submitted that the consequential effect on arbitration and other forms of ADR remains a thing of great concern.

     

    The presentations therefore showed that practitioners must continue to evolve ways of surmounting them and move the arbitration practice forward, despite the limitations.

     

    The disruption has created a new narrative and a new normal and the expectation is for a the more pragmatic approach of fashioning a way forward in order to adapt to the disruption and harness the benefits of the resultant changes.

     

    With the future of Arbitration and the future of the world being remote, decentralised and digital, the experts said there is a fusion for in person and virtual experience referred to as a hybrid as that is the future of Arbitration proceedings.

     

    The conference had over 200 delegates physically and over 100 delegates online with about 50 speakers from all over the world who participated in the annual conference.

     

    The conference commenced with the welcome remarks by Sir Oladipo Opeseyi, SAN, FCArb, Chairman, 2021 Annual Conference Planning Committee, while the welcome address was delivered by Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, incoming President and Chairman of Governing Council of the institute.

     

    The conference concluded that while the Covid 19 social distancing world has brought virtual meetings to the fore for many businesses and government organs including courts, the arbitration community and the ADR community in general is better equipped to take the stage and lead in the resolution of issues between disputing parties who are confined to their rooms because of the ban on international travels.

     

    Also, the conference alluded to the fact that  the arbitration community and the ADR community in general is also better equipped to  lead in the resolution of commercial issues with its more efficient procedures and ease with which its procedures can be adopted to the virtual environment limited only by the consent of the parties.

     

    According to the experts, while some advantages of virtual arbitration/ADR includes fast, flexible and cost effective, as many countries and business grapple with the harsh economic realities occasioned by the devastating effect of covid 19 on the economy, virtual arbitration/ADR provides a versatile solution in the resolution of disputes.

     

    To them, the NICArb’s global network and indeed that of other African countries means that it can develop and implement localised strategies for meeting these goals.

     

     “Working collectively, these countries can accomplish each of these strategies, aims and continue its rightful place as the world class certification and professional body for dispute avoidance and management,” they submitted.

     

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government said it has intensified efforts to make the state a hub for arbitration processes both internationally and domestic .

     

    According to the state government, this will assist to guarantee investors that their investments are safe and guided by the rule of law and by so doing,  boost investment and investor’s confidence.

     

     Unlike litigation, arbitration presents a new frontier in today’s evolving world and this represents the future which Lagos State said it has embraced and as theme of the Conference shows, we are in the new normal which shows that potential technology is not destructive to the rule of law but an enabler to increase access to justice.

  • Innoson Chairman: I’m Waiting to Take Over GTBank, I’ll Run It Better, Customers Shouldn’t Panic

    Innoson Chairman: I’m Waiting to Take Over GTBank, I’ll Run It Better, Customers Shouldn’t Panic

     

    Innocent Chukwuma, chairman, Innoson Group, says he is waiting to take over the assets of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) due to “non-payment of his N32 billion”.

     

    Chukwuma, in an interview with journalists recently, said the money owed him by the bank would soon surpass their capacity.

     

    Innoson and GTB have had a business dispute leading to a prolonged legal battle.

     

    Innoson had secured judgment debt against the bank in suit FHC/L/Cs/603/2006 and FHC/Cs/139/2012 respectively, which rose to over N32 billion due to accumulated interest.

     

    In July, Innoson had asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to set aside an order permitting GTB to restructure to a holding company.

     

    But the bank completed the restructuring — GTB is now known as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc).

     

    The billionaire businessman, at the media briefing, recounted that his relationship with the bank had been extremely cordial during the tenure of Olutayo Aderinokun, late MD of GTB.

     

    “I was GTBANK’s best customer in the south-east when Tayo, the former MD, was alive. Because of this, they opened a branch in Nnewi. After Tayo, the new MD took over. I don’t even know him. I saw him for the first time last year,” Chukuma said.

     

    “They started fighting about tribe. I am not certain about this but I think the reason he (GTB) is fighting is because of tribe. I don’t know exactly what his problem is.

     

    “But finally, I have proved him wrong in everything. I have defeated him in all the courts we went to. The only thing left is for him to pay me what he owes me.

     

    “He was going to my account and taking money anyhow. I discovered it, took him to court and won. Up till now, he hasn’t paid and we have gone up to supreme court. Maybe he hasn’t paid because he wants Nigeria to change their law because of him.”

     

    The CEO explained that he would no longer “disturb” the bank to pay the debt.

     

    According to him, he would take over the bank when it gets to the point that the bank cannot pay the principal amount plus 22 percent accrued interest.

     

    “The beauty of the whole thing is that the money is attracting the interest of 22 percent. So, I am waiting for the interest to be above their capacity so I can take over the bank,” Chukuma said.

     

    “That’s what I am waiting for. I am not disturbing them anymore. I am assuring all the customers of GTB that if I take over, I would still run it well. They shouldn’t fear. I haven’t done any business that fails.

     

    “I will run it better than them. If they cannot pay me, I have no choice but to take over the management.”

    © Business Bells

  • Communication Expert, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan Unveils 3-in-1 Corporate Brands

    Communication Expert, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan Unveils 3-in-1 Corporate Brands

     

    … To Offer Integrated Marketing Communications, Visual Productions & Modeling Services

     

     In its commitment to the process of brands engagement and detailed brand storytelling, McEnies Global Communications has officially launched as a 360-degree marketing communications powerhouse with cross-solution services delivered by two new other businesses – Perfect Clicks Signature, a creative visual production firm and modelling services agency, Ruby Models.

     

    The three-in-one businesses were unveiled on Friday, November 19th, 2021 at a grand event held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

     

    While delivering her keynote speech during the three-in-one opening, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, Group CEO of McEnies Global Communications said the three businesses are poised to integrate to offer extra value, provide solutions, re-define quality service delivery, and drive brand visibility for all its clients.

     

    “Our goal is to create total marketing communications effects that leave a lasting memory of professional fulfilment, superlative business result and personal endearing experience. We have not come to this space to claim we know better, but we are bringing a collection of innovative ideas and youthful touches, using technology-driven processes to bring to fore your personality, organization and brands for a remarkable experience.

    Communication Expert, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan Unveils 3-in-1 Corporate Brands
    L-R- Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), McEnies Global Communications, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Charles Ajibade, Commissioner for Information, culture and tourism, Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun and Representative of the Commissioner for trade, investment and Commerce, Oyo State, Engr. Tajudeen Raji at the official launch of the 3in1 Marketing Communications integrated businesses held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, 19th November 2021

    “The three corporate brands offer what your companies, products, services, personal life need to stay on the competitive edge whilst you keep a great feel of your decision to come along with us”, she said.

     

    McEnies Communications, which has been in existence for almost a decade, is an upwardly wholly company with vast expertise and competency in integrated marketing communications services providing top-notch solutions to big and medium firms across all sectors and industry.

     

     McEnies takes a holistic approach to marketing communications services and digital engagements.  Its in-house expertise and services allow the company to offer agile, flexible and value-driven solutions for its clients.

     

    Narrating how the three companies were established, Olaosebikan stated that “McEnies Communications discovered the undisputed importance of visual representation and maximally deploying technology to bear creativity within the industry for effective brand engagement. That led to the birth of Perfect Clicks Signature, a new definition of photography and video production.

     

    “Perfect Clicks Signature is a game-changing brand, passionate about creating delightful experiences for customers.  It is a brand that renders premium photography, videography and cinematography, equipped with cutting edge technology and highly experienced experts.

    Communication Expert, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan Unveils 3-in-1 Corporate Brands
    L-R- Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), McEnies Global Communications, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, Commissioner for Information, culture and tourism, Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun Chairman of the occasion, Chief Charles Ajibade and Representative of the Commissioner for trade, investment and Commerce, Oyo State, Engr. Tajudeen Raji at the official launch of the 3in1 Marketing Communications integrated businesses held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, 19th November 2021

    Under Ruby Models, we build children’s confidence and nurture their talents. We believe that’s one of the greatest gifts you could give a child. We do this through our talent coaching, technology and photographic skills. Ruby Models agency is a trusted modelling hub for kids. We work through various diverse needs for kids to be deployed for advertising, promotional and media needs for all forms of businesses and engagements”, she disclosed.

     

    Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Charles Ajibade, in his remark, applauded the vision of the consummate communication expert, Olaosebikan for her passion and tenacity to help her clients meet their personal and business goals.

     

    “The focus on marketing in the future is going to be one-on-one customer relationships instead of a one-to-many mass-market approach. This is why businesses like McEnies Global Communications, Perfect Clicks Signature and The Ruby Models Company are primed for the future. Leveraging on these services will keep many smart companies at a competitive advantage.”, he urged.

     

    In the same vein, the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stated that the launch of McEnies Global Communications, Perfect Clicks Signature and The Ruby Models Company in Oyo State is a welcome development that would greatly help both individuals and businesses in the state.

     

    “In this age of technology, the world has become a global village where people can now communicate in real-time and to a large heterogeneous audience, hence the need to consult professionals for public relations, advertising, digital marketing, photo and video production etc. These cross-solutions are what three companies are offering so it’s a one-stop-shop for smart business in need of these services in Nigeria”, he said.

     

    Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Investment & Commerce, Barr. Olasunkanmi Aremu Olaleye also commended the Group CEO of the company, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, for the launch of the three businesses in Oyo State.

    Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), McEnies Global Communications, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, and representative of the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Commerce, Oyo State, Engr. Tajudeen Raji at the official launch of the 3in1 Marketing Communications integrated businesses held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, 19th November 2021

    According to him, “It would no doubt create jobs for the youths, contribute to the socio-economic development of the state and deliver premium services for residents”.

     

    Other dignitaries present at the grand opening include Jibola Ogunkeyede, MD/CEO, Ufitfly Worldwide; Hakeem Akintoye, Partner at Synergy Law Partnership; Charles Ajibade, Chairman of the occasion; Hon. (Mrs.) Folashade Ajala, Board Member of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Chief Abimbola Davis, Chairman/CEO Capital 3 Limited and SI Salami, Senior Partner, SI Salami and Co amongst other guests.

     

  • Mabutho, Ekwujuru To Receive Posthumous Honours At 2021 Brandcom Awards

    Mabutho, Ekwujuru To Receive Posthumous Honours At 2021 Brandcom Awards

     

    The organizers of Brandcom Awards, Brand Communicator, has concluded plans to honour two illustrious brand personalities that passed away this year.

     

    Former Chief Customer Officer of Pay-TV giant, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho would be honoured with Marketing Icon Of The Year, while the former Chairman of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN and head, Brands & marketing desk of Vanguard Newspaper, Princewill Ekwujuru will receive the Brand Journalist of the Year Award.

     

    Mabutho died at 47 in the early hours of Tuesday, August 24, 2021, a month to his 48th birthday, while Ekwujuru died after battling for more than two weeks in a coma, trying to overcome serious brain damages he sustained in a ghastly road accident. He subsequently died on July 23rd, 2021.

     

    From 1999 when his professional journey started at MultiChoice, Mabutho rose through the corporate ladder to become Brand Manager at MNet Africa in South Africa from 2003 to 2007; DStv Mobile’s Sales and Marketing Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa and Head, Marketing and Sales. He later become MultiChoice Nigeria’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing and Chief Customer Officer in October 2018, five years after moving to Nigeria.

     

    As MultiChoice Nigeria’s CCO, Mabutho was responsible for driving the customer group strategy, which covers customer value management, sales, marketing, customer experience and care.

     

    He was part of the team that launched Africa Magic in 2003, the Big Brother Africa show, Big Brother Naija, Idol West Africa, and several other shows on DStv.

     

    Princewill Ekwujuru worked with great passion and commitment with Vanguard Newspaper for 20 years. He headed the Brands & marketing unit of the Business Desk of Vanguard Media Limited till his death on July 23rd, 2021.

     

    Due to his dedication, he was elected the National Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN). He won several awards including ADVAN Journalist of the year in 2017. Ekwujuru hails from Njaba, Imo state, and is married with children.

     

    This year’s Brandcom Awards holds on Friday, November 19, 2021, at D’Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos. The event will equally recognize some brands, agencies, and marketing communications professionals that have made outstanding contributions in the last one year.

     

    According to the organisers, this year’s awards night promises to be an unforgettable experience as the stage is set to celebrate and honour achievers in the brands and marketing industry, especially those who have gone the extra mile to make great impact in the industry.

     

  • Buhari Moves To Reduce Food Prices

    Buhari Moves To Reduce Food Prices

     

    The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, has said the President Mohammadu Buhari-led government is doing everything possible to bring up stimulus that will cause a reduction in food prices.

     

    The minister made this known on Monday during a familiarization tour of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in Abuja.

     

    In the past months, there has been a steady rise in the prices of foodstuff in the country.

     

    “We are doing everything possible to bring up some kind of stimulus that will cause a reduction in food prices, naturally nobody will just sit and watch.

     

    “We are doing what we can to see that the agricultural sector is improved and the food that we expect for the teeming population of Nigeria is being produced, the same thing with the livestock.

     

    “The government is doing everything possible. This President, Muhammadu Buhari, is very passionate about agriculture, about seeing that people have food every single day to eat without struggles on their tables,” the minister said.

     

    The minister said he would support the agricultural research council and the research institutes in the country to work together to develop better crops that can yield more and resist disease and drought.

     

    Dr Mohammed also said the President specifically directed him to make sure that the research institutes in the country were being well taken care of, adding that it was his priority to see improved capacity to conduct research so that crops can be improved upon.

     

    The minister reiterated that the government was set to reintroduce the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) after the scheme was scrapped a few years ago, adding that it has found a way that would make it work better.

     

    “My own concern is to make sure that the input gets directly to the farmers, not being withheld by middlemen.

     

    “We will do all it takes to make sure that the system that will be rolled out gets the input to the grassroots farmers,” he said.

     

  • Energy Drink Brand War: Court Rules On Contempt Between NBC, Rite Foods Dec 1

    Energy Drink Brand War: Court Rules On Contempt Between NBC, Rite Foods Dec 1

     

    A Federal High Court, Lagos on Monday fixed December 1, 2021 to deliver its ruling on a contempt proceedings filed by Rite Foods against the Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company(NBC), Mathieu Seguin over alleged trademark infringement.

     

    Earlier, NBC had filed an application before the court seeking to dismiss the contempt application against Seguin.

     

    The trial judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa fixed December 1, 2021 for ruling on the application after listening to the argument and submissions of counsel to parties in the suit.

     

    At the resumed proceedings, counsel to NBC’s MD, Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN),  informed the court that he filed motion on notice dated October 18 supported with seven paragraph affidavit together with one exhibit.

     

    Opesanya said that he brought a motion to strike out the suit on a number of reasons.

     

    Earlier, counsel to the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Ngo Matins Okonma told court that he filed an application dated October 15, 2021 and a motion on notice in respect of the application to regularise the application dated November 11.

     

    In his motion on notice, he prayed for the order of court to set aside the committal proceeding in its entirety including all processes used by plaintiff in the proceedings

     

    Opesanya and Okonma argued that the contempt  order has been discharged.

     

    “The order upon which committal proceedings was premised on has been discharged, set aside by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on  September 27, 2021.

     

    NBC prayed the court to dismiss contempt suit and award punitive costs against Rite Foods if it finds no basis for the contempt proceedings. The senior lawyer therefore urged the court to grant their application and dismiss the case.

     

    However, in his response, the plaintiff counsel, Mr. Muyiwa  Ogungbenro told court that he filed counter affidavit sworn to by Francis Omoniyi, dated October 21,2021 and a written address to support their case.

     

    He prayed the court to dismiss all application filed to set aside the contempt proceedings.

     

    After listening to the argument and submissions of the parties, Justice Lweis-Allagoa adjourned ruling to Dec 1, 2021.

     

    It would be recalled that on September 27, 2021  Justice Aneke upheld the objection filed by NBC’s counsel, suspending further hearing of Rite Foods’ case and discharged the ex-parte order granted Rite Foods against NBC and its privies.

     

    The court also refused Rite Foods’ motion for interlocutory injunction seeking to prevent NBC from marketing or distributing Predator Energy drink in Nigeria.

    Energy Drink Brand War: Court Rules On Contempt Between NBC, Rite Foods Dec 1

    Although the court agreed with the plaintiff that the instant suit is not an abuse of court process, but held that “to avoid confusion, this court will cease from further hearing of this suit to allow other suits go on. I, therefore, discharge the order made by me to allow the instant suit go on.”

     

    When the matter came up for hearing before Justice Lewis-Allagoa, Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN) and Mr. Mark Mordi, counsel to NBC and its Managing Director informed the court that since Rite Foods’ counsel had failed to withdraw the contempt suit, they had no option than to file a formal motion to have the contempt suit dismissed with substantial costs against Rite Foods.

     

    Opasanya told the court that he has an application dated October 18 and filed on October 21, 2021, seeking to quash the contempt against his client. He reiterated that Justice Aneke had discharged the exparte order made against his client on September 17, 2021.

     

    Opasanya (SAN), prayed the court to set aside or dismiss the entire suit.

     

    The NBC said that there has been no trademark violation or passing off with its Predator Energy drink and maintains that the  Predator brand logo had been in existence and in use in many markets even prior to the launch of Fearless by Rite Foods in the Nigerian market.

     

     

  • Media Intelligence Agency Spearheads AMEC Measurement Month in Nigeria

    Media Intelligence Agency Spearheads AMEC Measurement Month in Nigeria

     

    As the year is coming to a close and organizations are continuously having conversations around thriving in a post-pandemic era, the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC), an international association for communications measurement and evaluation practitioners is organizing its annual AMEC Measurement Month (AMECMM) 2021 this November.

     

    This year’s edition will bring together more than 160 members of the association in 86 different countries around the world and P+ Measurement Services, the foremost media intelligence agency and a member of AMEC is spearheading the 6th edition of the event in Nigeria with the theme: “How to Effectively Demonstrate the Value of PR Measurement.”

     

    The event which is slated to hold on the 19th of November 2021, between 12pm and 1:30pm (WAT), will take place virtually and will feature professionals from the communications, public, measurement and evaluation industry discussing and sharing insights, ideas and solutions from their wealth highlighting the many challenges currently being faced by the industry.

     

    The event will feature Nicole Moreo, the EVP, Head of US Analytics, Ketchum; Henry Okorafor, a Senior Associate with Stephanie John & Associates; Kemi Olawoye who is the Chief Communications Officer, Bora Communications and Ben Levine, the Director and Partner of FH TRUE Global Intelligence.

     

    The AMEC Measurement Month is a free-to-attend event, which consists of webinars, executive discussions, workshops, and much more. It focuses on helping PR and communications professionals understand the value and importance of Communications/PR measurement, evaluation and media performance audit.

     

    To attend the event, you can register using the link below:

    https://bit.ly/3bks2S0

  • Auto Brands Finalists Unveiled As Momentum Gathers For Motoring Journalists’ Awards Next Month

    Auto Brands Finalists Unveiled As Momentum Gathers For Motoring Journalists’ Awards Next Month

     

    Automotive brands and their franchisees in the country are getting set for honours come December 1, as organisers of the 2021 Nigerian Auto Awards, Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) announced finalists in each of the awards categories.

     

    Eventual winners in each of the categories are expected to be declared on December 1, 2021 at the glamorous Nigerian Auto Awards scheduled for Eko Hotels and Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.

     

    According to the chairman of the award committee, Theodore Opara, Car-of-The-Year (COTY) will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio.

     

    Weststar’s Associates Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Coscharis Motors’ BMW 7-series will compete  in the Luxury car of the year segment.

     

    In the compact SUV segment, Toyota RAV4 is coming back again to compete with Hyundai Tuscan and Ford Escape for the coveted crown in this ever-growing sector of the Nigerian auto market.

     

    In the Pickup of the year segment, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Hardbody NP300 are set for another showdown as the contenders are on solid ground in the Nigerian auto market.

     

    Hilux has won the awards on several occasions in the past, likewise the Ford Ranger; but this time again, the die is cast as anything can happen within the competitors and those that are yet to win the award in the category for the first time.

     

    Geely Coolray, being marketed by Mikano international limited, is going head to head with Jaguar F-Pace from the Coscharis Motors’ stable in the outstanding design and technology of the year category.

     

    Elizade Nigeria Ltd will be competing in the auto workshop of the year with Dana Motors and Mandilas Enterprise (Motor Division). In the assembly plant of the year, Dana Motors, Stallion Motors’ VON assembly plant will slug it out in this category.

     

    The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand award, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year. Nigeria’s indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co is captured in auto assembler 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.

     

    Also giving some insights into some special recognition award, Opara disclosed that the executive governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma will be honoured for his massive patronage of locally assembled vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

     

    “His gesture has immensely helped to develop the local auto industry and secure jobs for several thousands of Nigerians, and this he has been nominated for the Governor of the Year: Automotive Industry Support,” he added.

     

    In his own remark, the incumbent Chairman of the Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association, Mike Ochonma said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs.

     

    Speaking of the awards, Ochonma stated that one thing has remained true to the contest; it celebrates and rewards automotive excellence in the country.

     

    “The NAJA awards which holds every year is part of our contribution towards the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry,” the NAJA chairman concluded.

     

  • Ramon, Uwaediea To Speak On Media, Advertising Regulations At Brand Journalists Conference

    Ramon, Uwaediea To Speak On Media, Advertising Regulations At Brand Journalists Conference

     

    Discourse on media management and advertising regulations will take the centre stage at the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (BJAN) 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Conference billed to take place on December 11, 2021 at the Presken Hotel and Suites, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

     

    The theme of the conference is, ‘’Media Management In Difficult Times’’ while the keynote speaker is Mr. Ramon Nasir Olanrewaju, Group Head, External Affairs & Media, UBA Plc.

     

    Also speaking at the event is Mr. Nosakhare Uwadiae, Esq, Managing Partner, Gee Law Firm, who would be speaking on ‘’Advertising, Impartiality And Regulation’’.

     

    Speaking on the event, Mr. Afolabi Idowu, Chairman, BJAN said the conference promises to generate germane ideas that will help to consolidate the growth of the Nigerian media environment.

     

    He noted, ‘’BJAN AGM/Conference is our flagship event that seasoned analysts and informed stakeholders gathered to dissect key issues facing the marketing industry and Nigeria at large.’’

     

    ‘’Our plan at this year is to brainstorm on the imperatives in developing our very vibrant media sector. It is our belief that at the end of the conference, we will generate germane thoughts that will help to strengthen the growth of Media practice in Nigeria.

     

    “Experts in media and advertising law profession with verifiable records have been lined up for the event, we believe that the knowledge shared at the event would deepen the knowledge base of individuals, groups and entire Nigerian ecosystem’’, he added.

     

    Idowu urged brands and organizations to embrace the strategic marketing opportunities that the event provides to consolidate and deepen visibility and presence of their product and services in the marketplace.

     

    BJAN had the Maiden edition of the conference in 2013 in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital with the theme “Repositioning Centenary Brands to Align with Modern Realities.” 

     

    The 2020 edition held in Lagos, had its theme as “Consolidating Nigeria’s Agricultural Revolution: Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons.“

     

    Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (BJAN) is the umbrella body of practicing journalists covering Brands, Public Relations, Marketing and advertising beat in Nigeria.

     

  • Pat Utomi, APCON Boss, Others To Speak At Brandcomfest 2021

    Pat Utomi, APCON Boss, Others To Speak At Brandcomfest 2021

     

    Popular political economist and Professor of Entrepreneurship, Prof Pat Utomi will be the Keynote Speaker at the 2021 Brandcomfest scheduled for Thursday, 18th November at the D’Podium Event Center, Ikeja, Lagos.

     

    In a statement made available to BUSINESS BELLS by the organisers, Utomi is billed to speak on “Dissecting the Prism of brand building in a volatile economy”, which is also the main theme of this year’s event.

     

    The event is free to attend, but interested participants are required to register at  https://www.brandcom.ng/brandcomfest/

     

    The erudite Professor is a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria and founding Senior Faculty of the Lagos Business School-Pan Atlantic University, and Chairman and Chief Executive of the Integrated Produce City (IPC). He is also the Executive Vice Chairman of SmartCity Lagos, a joint holding with Dubai Holdings by SmartCity Dubai.

     

    He has served on the Africa Board of a leading global professional service firm, Deloitte, and was Director of The Centre for Applied Economics at the Lagos Business School.

     

    Utomi has served in senior positions in government, as an Adviser to the President of Nigeria; the Private Sector, as Chief Operating Officer for Volkswagen of Nigeria, and in academia. He is the author of many business and public policy books including the award-winning “Managing Uncertainty: Competition and Strategy in Emerging Economies, 1998 and the 2006 book “Why Nations are Poor”, “The Art of Leading”, 2016, as well as “WHY NOT”, 2019.

     

    He is the Chairman of PAFTRAC the Pan African Private Sector Trade and Investment Committee sponsored by AU and Afrexim Bank. He is also the Founder and CEO of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL). He was a candidate for President of Nigeria in 2007 and 2011.

     

    Other key speakers at the event include Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, Registrar/ CEO, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Emmanuel Agu, Group Marketing Director, Jotna Nig Ltd; Amaka Onyemelukwe, Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, The Coca Cola Company; Titilope Oguntuga, Head, Sustainable Development/ Corp. Brand, Lafarge Africa; Israel Opeyemi, Chief Strategist, Chain Reaction; Femi Adelusi, President MIPAN, and many others.

     

    Some will also be speaking on various sub-themes under the following segments; Fintech, Sustainability, Insurance Marketing, SME Brand Masterclass, FMCG, Industry Standard of Practice, PR among others.

     

    Brandcomfest is designed to be the largest gathering of stakeholders in the brand and marketing communications landscape. The annual event caters to the most contemporary and topical issues in the industry, as the foremost thought-leadership platform for stakeholders within the brands and marketing communications value chain.

     

    According to Joshua Ajayi, convener of Brandcomfest and publisher of Brand Communicator, “Last year, because of COVID we could not hold the event but this year we are back, to do bigger and better than what we did at our maiden edition in 2019 which was one of the biggest events of that year. Brandcomfest is more essential at this time which is the reason for the choice of our theme.

     

     “The essence of Brandcomfest remains the same post-COVID and it is to serve as our way of linking the future, in line with the vision which we have religiously kept faith with since we hit the newsstands over a decade ago”.

     

    Brand Communicator is Nigeria’s most consistent brand and marketing communications magazine. It is also the organiser of the Women in Marketing and Communications Conference/Awards (WIMCA), the largest gathering of female marketing and communications professionals in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. It is also a partner to the two biggest creative advertising shows on the continent, Loeries Africa Middle East and African Cristal Festival.