GUINNESS NIGERIA MD PROMISES CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP

L:R: Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema and Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria, John O’Keeffe  receiving the Nigerian Stock Exchange plaque  at the  Guinness Nigeria Plc. close of business Bell Ringing Ceremony  held yesterday-24^th March, 2015.

Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, the nation’s leading brewer, Mr. John O’Keeffe, during his first official outing since resuming office paid a courtesy visit to the management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and was given the honour of ringing the closing gong to bring trading activities to a close for the day.

Mr O’Keeffe who made the visit with members of his Executive leadership team said that the visit was appropriate because of the long standing partnership that the two institutions have shared. “Guinness has a long and rich history in Nigeria and with the NSE having first listed here in 1965 and today being one of the top listed companies on the platform. I am aware of this great partnership and I and my executive team are committed to doing all that we can to continue this partnership to our mutual benefit.”

During the visit, Mr O’Keeffe used the opportunity to share his strategic plans towards enhancing operational efficiencies and maximising shareholder value for Guinness Nigeria. He discussed the depth of investment that Guinness Nigeria and its parent company, Diageo Plc have made in the Nigerian economy, including a N52b investment into increasing capacity launched in 2011 and recently completed at two of the organisations plants in Lagos and Benin. He went on to add that this level of investment was testament to the belief of the organisation in the potential of the Nigerian economy. “As well as extensive investments in the economy, we are investing behind our core brands like Guinness, Harp and Malta Guinness and are always looking for fresh new innovations to bring to market to meet the needs of our esteemed consumers.”

Mr. O’Keeffe also spoke about the company’s strength in innovation. Diageo is well known globally for its track record of successful innovation. “About 18 months ago, we launched Orijin, which is made using natural herbs and fruits. The brand only uses natural sugar and contains no artificial sweeteners, unlike some of its competitors in the market which have as part of their ingredients at least two artificial sweeteners. It is the original and biggest bitters brand in the market and I am not surprised that discerning Nigerian consumers have embraced it. I wish to assure our consumers that they can expect more of such innovation from our stable in the near future”.

While responding, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema, OON, said the exchange was committed to supporting corporate organisations. “Corporate organisations form one of the most critical stakeholders of the exchange, without which, we are just an ordinary market. We maintain a strong relationship with our corporate partners and also provide value for the companies that choose to list in the exchange.”

Following the discussions, Mr O’Keeffe was invited to conduct the closing ceremony, an event that is used to signify the end of the trading activities at Stock Exchanges across the globe.

ASCON OIL FIRE OUTBREAK: NO LIFE LOST, FIRE CONTAINED

The fire incident at Ascon Oil filling station at Lekki Phase 1 this afternoon has been contained. Contrary to earlier speculations, the main building and the reservoirs are unaffected. The incident emanated from a discharge at the point of offloading product from a tanker, engulfing two tankers and some vehicles parked by the road side. Ascon Oil has always taken safety of lives and property seriously that was why they took the measure of building their discharge point away from the station's main activity. 

It was an accident compounded by the current fuel scarcity in the country with ASCON OIL being one of the few stations with a reliable steady supply even in times of scarcity. No life was lost to the incident, the pumps are intact and emergency fire service officers were already on site containing the flames as at the time of this report.

ASCON OIL wishes to reaffirm its commitment to serving its customers even in the face of accidents of this nature for which a company of its pedigree is always prepared. Residents and passers-by showed solidarity with the company as they contributed in no small way to contain the flames.

Nigerian girls who escaped Boko Haram risk lives to go to learn

They have become an emblem of resistance – twenty-one girls who escaped when Boko Haram abducted hundreds of schoolgirls from Chibok last April are back in class at the American University of Nigeria in the north-eastern Adamawa State.

Among their number, is a teenage girl who spoke to CNN correspondent Nima Elbagir in Chibok in the aftermath of the kidnapping. She told CNN at the time that she wasn't sure she would ever finish her education. Today she is dreaming of a better life, hoping to become a teacher herself so that she may help other young girls in her embattled community to learn.

“My people need my support ... and me going to school will make that change,” she told Elbagir.

The young students are enrolled on scholarships at the university, something which was organised by the school’s vice-chancellor Dr. Margee Ensign, who – with the permission of their parents - travelled with her security director to the outskirts of Chibok to collect the girls, in spite of the danger.

The decision of these girls to continue in their schooling puts them and their families puts them once again in the firing line – the name of the Islamist group Boko Haram literally translates as ‘Western education is forbidden’ – but they remain defiant, brave and determined. 

culled From CNN

Omo detergent embarks on the Ultimate Showdown Challenge

Omo, Nigeria’s top detergent brand for over fifty years, is embarking on the ultimate showdown challenge on streets across major cities in the country to prove that it in fact removes the toughest stains in just one wash.

At these “Wash Demos”, members of the public will be invited to participate in the challenge and also express their observations as Omo Fast Action detergent goes head to head with competition to settle once and for all which brand is the fastest tough stain remover.

Sarah Adoki, Unilever Nigeria’s Brand Manager for Omo said that the challenge will provide a firsthand experience for the public and help obtain vital and immediate feedback on the cleaning power of Omo Fast Action: “Anyone can come out with a product and make all sorts of claims about its capabilities. At Omo, we know and believe in the product we have and by staging these Challenges, we present the evidence of Omo Fast Action’s cleaning power to the public and let them pass their verdict.”

To add pizazz to these Washes, Omo’s celebrity ambassadors and Nollywood stars – Funke Akindele, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha and Ali Nuhu are billed to act as emcees and help feel the pulse of the people at select locations. Beyond the thrill factor, these celebrities literally lay their reputation on the line when they tell their admiring public what products can best meet their needs. Omo is doing a similar thing by staking our reputation of being tested and trusted for over fifty years: when we come to them saying, ‘Let us show you what Omo can do, no tricks, no effects’, we had better be certain of our claims – and we are.”

The Ultimate Showdown Challenge is already running and will cover many major Nigerian cities. Details are available in Posters, Flyers and Newspapers & on www.facebook.com/myomonigeria

Jonathan, Buhari Divide Yoruba Leaders

As Nigeria prepares for the general elections slated for March 28 and April 11, Yoruba leaders are now divided over who to support for the presidential race.

The leaders held parallel meetings in Ibadan and Lagos on Thursday March 19 to make their stands known on the forth coming elections.

The group in Lagos, who were in support of President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed the need for continuity while those in Ibadan, who felt the Yorubas were being marginalized by the present administration and called for change through General Muhammad Buhari.  

Those at the meeting in Ibadan: Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana; General Alani Akinrinade (retd), Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

In Lagos were Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Dr Frederick Fasehun, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Chief Olabode George among others.

Microsoft introduces Lumia 430: The most affordable Lumia smartphone

Microsoft Corp. on Thursday unlocked the promise of smartphone ownership for many more people with the introduction of Lumia 430 Dual SIM, the latest addition to its affordable range of Lumia smartphones. Built with the latest Windows Phone 8.1 software, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor featuring a dual-core CPU running at 1.2GHz, and with Microsoft Office, Skype and OneDrive pre-loaded, the Lumia 430 Dual SIM was designed to help people achieve more at work, at play and on the go.

Microsoft continues to expand its affordable smartphone portfolio, which now spans a diverse range of price points and capabilities, from the super-affordable Lumia 435 with Lumia Camera to the recently announced Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, which come with a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal. People can have their choice of Lumia device to suit their everyday needs and budget. Windows Phone 8.1 devices like the Lumia 430 Dual SIM will benefit from further innovation, with the ability to upgrade them to Windows 10 when the service debuts later this year.

The Lumia 430 Dual SIM features a compact, durable and colorful design with a vivid 4-inch WVGA display that brings all the latest apps, games and videos to life. With Lumia 430, people can instantly achieve more every day, and they can use Microsoft Office and Outlook for work and personal productivity.

They can access up to 30 GB of free cloud storage on OneDrive for safekeeping important content. People can experience the fun of video calls with Skype-integrated calling and a front-facing camera. Smart Dual SIM allows people to assign unique profiles to their SIM cards, such as “work” or “family,” to help them better manage daily communication. Favorite apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Candy Crush Saga and Instagram are available, with more apps and entertainment just a click away on the Windows Phone Store.

Speaking on this, Corporate Vice President for Phones at Microsoft, Jo Harlow, says “People around the world have responded enthusiastically to our affordable Lumia range. We continue to invest in this segment to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy signature Microsoft experiences, regardless of budget. “The Lumia 430 Dual SIM continues our commitment to combining the right hardware, software, services and apps with the right price to give people a smartphone they can afford and be proud to use.”

The Lumia 430 Dual SIM will begin rolling out in select markets in the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus starting in April 2015, and in India toward the end of April 2015. It will be available in two colors: bright orange and black.

Photo: CBN workshop on Micro, Small and medium EnterpriseDevelopment

L-R Assistant Director, MSMEDF, Central  Bank of Nigeria, Tobin Jonathan, Project Manager, International Finance Corporation, Ubong Awah, Special Assistant to the CBN Governor on Development Finance, Olatunde Akande, Senior manager, Development Finance, CBN, Tin Onyenankeya and Executive Principal/Heads Banks Financial Institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, Oloruntimilehin George at the workshop on Micro, Small and medium Enterprise Development Fund organized by Bankers Committee’s Sub Committee on Economic Development Sustainability & Gender in collaboration with the Development Finance department of Central bank of Nigeria on Wednesday March 18, 2015

Ford Showcases 2015 Mustang at Maiden Eko Atlantic Polo Tournament

The Ford Motor Company, through its dealer, Coscharis Motors, is showcasing its iconic Mustang at the 2015 Round Robin Polo Tournament holding at Eko Atlantic, Lagos that kicked off on Thursday, March 19th, and will run till Sunday, March 22^nd.

The all-new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models promise exceptional performance and refinement while embracing the Mustang’s half-century of heritage and status as a global icon. It is also the most modern Mustang to date, boasting independent rear suspension, a first for the vehicle that will transform the way it handles.

“Our customers and attendees at the event will have an opportunity to see and experience the Mustang”, said Felix Mahan, brand manager, Coscharis Motors. “The iconic Mustang boasts of an advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies. We believe the Mustang is a must have among all lovers of premium automobile in Nigeria”, he added.

On the co-sponsorship of the Polo Tournament, Mahan expressed the company’s excitement saying, “Ford identifies with laudable projects geared towards the development of sports in Lagos State. We are establishing an emotional connection with our customers by tapping into their passion for the game of polo”, he concluded.

With this sponsorship, Ford will display a range of products and consumers will have the platform to interact with the products beginning with the Iconic Mustang, Flex, Explorer, Fusion, to the incredible versatile Escape.

With a projected attendance of 1000 guests per day, the over three day event will attract a pool of the crème de la crème in the Nigerian community as the new city is showcased to current land owners and prospects including: High net worth individuals, Business Tycoons, Company Directors and sixty percent of Lagos Polo Club members.

Guinness’ MD’s first official outing to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), conducts closing gong ceremony

The recently appointed Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc., a prime player in the brewery industry in Nigeria, Mr. John O’Keeffe, will on Tuesday 24^th March 2015 lead his Executive Team and other officials of the company to the prestigious Nigerian Stock Exchange, where he is expected to conduct the closing gong ceremony.

The gong closing ceremony is an event that is used to signify the end of the day’s trading activities at Stock Exchanges across the globe and an invitation to beat the gong is considered by many to be an honour and an acknowledgement of a corporate’s market standing and achievement.

Mr. O’ Keeffe has remarked on the import of the occasion, “Guinness Nigeria has been invited to beat the gong to signify the close of the day’s trade and we are pleased that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has deemed it fit to honour us in such a manner”.

“Guinness Nigeria has been listed of the Nigerian stock Exchange since 1965 and we are the 7^th largest company by market capitalization on the exchange. We are aware of the history that we have in this country and we are committed to implementing our strategic plans to grow within the market as signaled by major investments that we have made in areas of capacity expansion amongst others,” he added.

Guinness Nigeria was established in 1950 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1965 and has such popular brands like Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Guinness Extra Smooth, Harp Lager, Malta Guinness and Malta Guinness Low Sugar, Smirnoff Ice, Snapp, Dubic lager and Orijin under its belt.

The NSE, a registered company limited by guarantee, was founded in 1960 and it is licensed under the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Nigerian Stock Exchange is committed to adopting and encouraging the highest levels of international standards

Nordica Marks 10 Years of Endometriosis Advocacy

L-R: Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, The compere at the lecture, Kehinde, On-air-personality, Dr. Julz Offia, Clinic Manager, Nordica Fertility Centre, Mrs Tola Ajayi and Chief Operating Officer, Cosse Limited, Onuara Molokwu at the Nordica Fertility Centre’s EndoMarch 2015, which took place over the weekend in Lagos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 10^th year celebration of endometriosis advocacy in Nigeria declared open by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, saw thousands of women and men storm the streets of Lagos to offer solidarity to the cause and organisers, Nordica Fertility Centre and Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN). The minister was represented by Dr. Olusegun Oyeniyi.

At a breakfast forum held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos on Thursday March 12, 2015, the minister said “I commend the humanitarian insight behind the advocacy against endometriosis being carried on for a decade by Nordica Fertility Centre. A decade is a long time to carry on a fight, this shows determinations and passion.”

President Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Professor Brian Adinma, said “this event is held every year to create awareness and support for this highly nagging problem that has affected our women. SOGON will like to encourage the organisers and also join in solidarity in this fight.”

As early as 8:30am on Saturday March 14 people from all walks of life thronged the streets wearing yellow and black T-shirts to participate in the EndoMarch 2015 to keep fit at the same time create awareness about the scourge called endometriosis.

After the march which started from City Mall Onikan and ended at Lagoon Restaurant, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Managing Director of Nordica Fertility Centre and Coordinator of ESGN, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi made some explanation about the disease. “Some call Endometriosis the “invisible disease” because it is found within the body but the symptoms of Endometriosis can be broken down into three: pain, irregular bleeding and infertility.”

Continuing Dr. Ajayi said “there are some who have Endometriosis but it doesn’t progress and others have it and it regresses. The problem is that you don’t know which course it will run but the most definitive diagnosis for Endometriosis is through a Laparoscopy, any other way is suspicion and in some cases many might have a baby or two and can’t have anymore.”

On Saturday 21st of March 2015 an interactive workshop on endometriosis will take place at 12noon in Nordica Fertility Centres in Asokoro, FCT, Abuja, Asaba, Delta State and Ikoyi, Lagos.

While the Endometriosis Worldwide March will take place in Washington DC, United States of America on Saturday 28th of March 2015, this includes a walk in the morning and an evening ball where supporters from all over the globe and members of the US government congregate to network and chart the way forward in giving a better life to endo sufferers.

Organised annually to unite women/families globally by taking a stand against endometriosis, the EndoMarch program seeks to educate, empower, find curative measures and effect change. It also helps to improve the living standard for females both young and old and the society at large.

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus. It is trapped in the pelvic area and lower tummy (abdomen), not often in other areas of the body and cause pain and discomfort to sufferers.

Songeziwe Mahlangu Wins Etisalat Prize for Literature 2014

(L-R) Iyaoge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson; Judge, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Jamal Mahjoub; Chair of Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Sarah Ladipo Manyika; Winner, 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Songeziwe Mahlangu; and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher at the award ceremony of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island on Sunday, March 15th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South African writer, Songeziwe Mahlangu emerged winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature at a grand event held at Lagos Intercontinental Hotel on Sunday, the 15^th of March 2015. This marks the 2^nd year of Africa’s most prestigious literary prize.

The 29-year-old, who was presented with a cash prize of £15,000, clinched the number one slot for his book Penumbra, ahead of his contemporaries, Nigerian Chinelo Okparanta, author of Happiness, Like Water and South African, Nadia Davids, author of An Imperfect Blessing.

Songeziwe Mahlangu will also embark on the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia under the mentorship of multiple- award winning author, Professor Giles Foden, which affords him the opportunity to network with other writers and publishers and provides him the time and resources to work on his next book.