Tag: creativity

  • Jameson Captivates Lagos with Five Days of Conviviality and Responsible Hosting

    Jameson Captivates Lagos with Five Days of Conviviality and Responsible Hosting

    Jameson Irish Whiskey, Nigeria’s leading whisky and a key brand in the Pernod Ricard portfolio, brought its signature spirit of conviviality to life with a five-day celebration through its Jameson Distillery on Tour (JDOT) initiative. From September 26th to October 1st, Lagos played host to a dynamic blend of cultural experiences, responsible hosting, and community connection — all hallmarks of the Jameson brand.

    The JDOT experience offered consumers a taste of Ireland infused with the vibrant energy of Lagos. Each day unfolded with a unique celebration of creativity and culture, from whiskey tastings and fashion markets to live music, skating, nostalgic games, and water park fun.

    The tour kicked off with WAF & Street Souk After Dark, a fusion of skating, fashion, and music that set the tone for JDOT’s adventurous spirit. The following day, MIA & Vogue Boys brought nostalgic games and standout performances wrapped in waterpark excitement. Afrovibes on Orange Island showcased street-style performances featuring Afro-soul, acoustic sets, jazz duos, and violinists. On September 30th, Afro Jam spotlighted women’s voices and creativity through an all-female music lineup in partnership with Deeds Magazine. The tour concluded with a grand Independence Day finale at the Mainland Block Party, uniting the city in a massive music concert.

    Speaking on the initiative, Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, noted: “Jameson Distillery on Tour has become more than an event; it’s a community. This year at Orange Island, we created a space where creativity, fashion, music, and culture come alive, connecting people in the true Jameson spirit of togetherness.”

    While many celebrations lean into indulgence, Pernod Ricard continues to advocate for a more mindful approach — one grounded in balance, care, and genuine connection.” At the heart of the Jameson Distillery on Tour (JDOT) was a clear message about moderation. This was brought to life through the ‘Drink More Water’ campaign— Pernod Ricard’s flagship Responsible Hosting initiative, which encourages guests to stay hydrated, drink mindfully, and embrace healthier habits. Drink More Water reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to responsible drinking and aligns with its global Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap.

    With JDOT 2025, Jameson reaffirmed its role not only as a brand of great taste and unforgettable experiences, but also as a responsible partner in shaping vibrant and sustainable communities.

  • Feature- The Entertainment Business in Nigeria: A Model For Export

    Feature- The Entertainment Business in Nigeria: A Model For Export

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    The Nigerian entertainment industry at its nascence in the 1990s was highly under-resourced, but has metamorphosed over the years into a multibillion-dollar global industry. Nollywood, the movie industry in Nigeria churns out over 2500 movies annually, attracting over 100 million viewers globally. Afrobeats, the popular music genre that was hitherto a local art, has become a global sensation and now dominates global charts, with notable artists headlining international events, performing on the biggest stages in the world and raking in huge revenue. Similarly, the comedy industry, which started as local stand-up performances in clubs in the 1990s has expanded through all the spaces in social media with comedians earning revenue through digital platforms and sold-out international shows, proving the global appeal of Nigerian humour.

    The digital age has introduced new monetization strategies for Nigerian artists through Streaming Royalties, Digital Sales, Internet Advertising, Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships. The hitherto traditional sources of revenue such as physical sale of tickets, CDs and cassettes, local live performances, and appearances, have been supplanted by modern business structures aided by the internet and mobile penetration that allow the artists to reach their audience in a wider space within a short time. This digital shift, made possible by private investments and partnerships, has become a cornerstone of the modern Nigerian entertainment business model.   

    Despite there being very minimal government incentives for the entertainment industry, it has continued to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), lifting millions of Nigerian youths out of poverty, and creating jobs for a wide spectrum of the population. The sector’s labour-intensive nature suggests that it offers employment for artists and performers and a wide spectrum of experts, including sound engineers, event managers, marketers, and technicians. Available data from 2024 shows that the entertainment industry contributed around N154bn to Nigeria’s GDP, and created about 4.2 million jobs, a 200% increase from 1.4 million people that were employed in the sector in 2023. The report further notes that the Nigerian music industry has become “a critical component of Nigeria’s economy, providing employment, attracting investments, and stimulating entrepreneurship.” Alone, it generated an estimated amount of 10.8 billion in U.S. Dollars to the economy in 2024.

    Suffice it to say that, in addition to the music, movie, comedy and digital content sectors becoming powerhouses for youth empowerment, creating large income and job opportunities across the value chain, it has also emerged as a powerful platform for internationalizing the nation’s rich culture and lifestyle. The entertainment industry has “established Nigeria as a global centre of creativity and culture,” redefining its global identity.

    “This cultural export is not merely a source of national pride; it also provides enormous economic value, increases Nigeria’s soft power, and opens prospects for commerce and tourism,” notes the report.

    The industry has remained dynamic and resilient despite numerous challenges, including minimal government support, poor infrastructure, piracy, limited investment, and regulatory bottlenecks. The report has recommended significant government involvement through subsidies for creative endeavours, tax breaks for content creators, and investments in digital infrastructure.

    It is noteworthy that the success of the Nigerian entertainment sector is largely due to the creative ingenuity of the individual artists and stakeholders. This has been demonstrated through collaboration, excellence, originality, market agility, and strategic marketing which other sectors, such as Agriculture and Oil, looking to increase their export can emulate.

    By embracing collaboration, excellence, originality, market agility, and strategic marketing, industries including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and fashion may strengthen their worldwide competitiveness. These concepts, founded in the entertainment sector’s triumphs, present a path for converting local industries into global powerhouses,” stated the report.

    It is therefore projected that the entertainment industry in Nigeria will experience exponential growth in the coming years. Afrobeats will continue to rule the world and will be one of the most-streamed genres worldwide by 2030. Nollywood is expected to create more than 3,000 films a year by 2030, with a greater focus on high-calibre projects and increased global partnerships and co-productions. AI-driven post-production and virtual production, which would improve Nigerian films’ quality and increase their competitiveness in international markets and novel digital monetisation techniques, will propel the industry’s revenue growth and contribution to GDP, among other factors.  

    “From the streets of Lagos to clubs in London and New York, Nigerian music is everywhere. But it doesn’t end with music. With its rich narrative and profound link to Nigerian customs, Nollywood has captivated millions throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. Nigerian culture is creating waves in more ways than one—food, fashion, and dance styles that originated at home are now being embraced internationally due to the reach of the entertainment industry,” added the report.

  • “Africa Film Finance Forum Unlocks Path to $20 Billion Film Economy”- Egbas

    “Africa Film Finance Forum Unlocks Path to $20 Billion Film Economy”- Egbas

    The Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF) returns with renewed urgency and clarity of purpose, committed to unlocking the full economic potential of Africa’s film industry. Scheduled to take place from September 16–18, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, AFFF is shaping the roadmap for a $20 billion Pan-African film economy, rooted in storytelling, powered by finance, and scaled through industry.

    With the theme “Pan-African Film Economy: Building a $20B Industry for 1.4 Billion People”, the forum brings together a cross-section of industry stakeholders, filmmakers, investors, policymakers, financiers, distributors, and tech innovators to design the systems that will transform creativity into structured capital growth.

    “Storytelling began in Africa. Our myths, oral histories, and traditions have always been foundational,” said Mary Ephraim-Egbas, Convener of AFFF.“But to compete globally, Africa must move beyond telling stories to monetizing them by industrializing the film sector and positioning African content as both heritage and high-value export.”

    For decades, African stories have shaped culture, inspired movements, and connected communities. Yet, the continent’s film economy remains largely informal and undercapitalized. AFFF is changing that narrative by building pipelines that link creative talent to financial tools, policies, and platforms.

    Key features of AFFF 2025 include:

    Investor’s Room & Deal Table: Curated spaces for pre-qualified film projects to meet financiers and pitch for funding.

    Certified Finance Training for Banks & Investors: Equipping financial institutions to understand film as a viable asset class.

    Policy Roundtables: Engaging government leaders on aligning film with national development strategies and GDP growth.

    CINETOUR: A campaign spotlighting Africa’s diverse film locations as engines for tourism and investment.

    FilmTech Track: Showcasing innovations driving efficiency, transparency, and scale in production and distribution.

    “Unlocking a $20B industry starts with recognizing film as infrastructure—creative, economic, and strategic,” said Bolaji Abimbola, Co-Chair of the AFFF PR and Strategic Communications Committee.

    “AFFF isn’t just about films; it’s about jobs, exports, digital platforms, and policy shifts that make growth inevitable.”

    “This is Africa’s creative century,” added Clarina De Freitas, fellow Co-Chair. “Our stories are our leverage, but only when matched with financing, distribution, and institutional credibility.”

    From informal markets to cinema screens, and from mobile streaming to cross-border co-productions, AFFF is focused on building a Pan-African film ecosystem—not one led by extractive interests, but by Africans who understand the value of their narratives and the necessity of owning their industries.

  • 3rd Nigerian Marketing Awards® Set for 23rd November

    3rd Nigerian Marketing Awards® Set for 23rd November

    The highly anticipated third edition of the Nigerian Marketing Awards® is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, at The Jewel Aeida, Lekki, Lagos. 

    Building on the tremendous success of the inaugural and second editions in 2022 and 2023, this year’s ceremony promises to be even more spectacular, celebrating excellence, creativity, and innovation within the marketing industry.

    The theme for this year’s awards is “Ignite.” This theme embodies the spirit of innovation and the spark of creativity that drives the marketing industry forward. It symbolizes the power of new ideas and bold strategies that can energize the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. “Ignite” encourages marketers to light up their creativity, inspire change, and fuel growth with passion and purpose. It is a call to action for all marketing professionals to ignite their potential and lead with visionary ideas that transform the marketplace.

    Nominations for the various award categories will open on 16th September 2024 and close on 18th October 2024, inviting marketing professionals and organizations from across Nigeria to showcase their achievements and gain recognition on a national platform.

    The Nigerian Marketing Awards® serves as a prestigious platform to recognize and honour outstanding achievements within the marketing industry. The awards spotlight the exceptional efforts of individuals, organizations, and brands that have implemented strategies, campaigns, and initiatives contributing significantly to the advancement of marketing in Nigeria.

    This year’s event is expected to attract a larger audience, including distinguished personalities, industry leaders, marketing professionals, and key stakeholders. It offers a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among the brightest minds in marketing.

    “We are excited to announce the third edition of the Nigerian Marketing Awards®,” said Mr. Anthony Agenmonmen, Founder of the Awards. “The overwhelming response and positive feedback from the previous editions have motivated us to elevate the experience even further this year. We are confident that the 2024 edition will continue to highlight the remarkable talent and innovation within the Nigerian marketing community.”

    The Jewel Aeida in Lekki, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and stunning ambiance, has been selected as the venue for this prestigious event, providing an ideal setting for an occasion of this magnitude.

  • 2024 Loeries Awards: AAAN President, Lanre Adisa, named Co- Jury President

    2024 Loeries Awards: AAAN President, Lanre Adisa, named Co- Jury President

    The President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and the CEO/Chief Creative Officer of Noah’s Ark Communications, Mr. Lanre Adisa, has been named as a Co- Jury President for the Print and Print Crafts category of the 2024 Loeries Awards..

    The Loeries Awards, now in its 46th edition, will be held from 7th to 11th October 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is Africa and the Middle East’s premier award ceremony, renowned as the biggest creative gathering in the region, bringing together the best and most innovative minds in the advertising and brand communications industry. 

    The Print s and Print Crafts category includes all aspects of print communication, from print advertising to tactical use of print and indoor posters.

    Speaking on the nomination, Adisa said, “I feel honoured to have been chosen by @loerieawards to serve as a Regional Jury President (Print & Print Craft) at this year’s Loeries Awards. It is always a pleasure to contribute my bit to advancing creativity in the Africa/ Middle East region. Can’t wait for the Creativity Week in Cape Town from 7th- 11th October.”

    Driven by a vision to put Nigeria on the world map of advertising, Lanre Adisa, part of the pioneer team that started the Lagos Advertising & Ideas Festival (LAIF) almost two decades ago and served on its Management Board as a member and later as chairman, has always been actively involved in the Nigerian creative community.

    In over fifteen years of its existence, Noah’s Ark has established itself as a leading new-generation agency, emerging as the most awarded agency within and outside the shores of Nigeria. Some notable awards include the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Agency of the Year Award for an unprecedented four times, Best Advertising Agency in Nigeria and second in Africa at the 2022 Pitcher Awards. Noah’s Ark was also named the Entertainment Agency of the Year. It also snagged a Bronze in the Print category at the Loeries Awards 2021 for ‘The StopCut Project,’ a campaign for Hacey, an NGO.

    This is not the first time Adisa will be serving on the panel of prestigious creative events. He was on the jury of the African Cristals Festival in 2016. In 2018, he became the first West African to serve on the Cannes Lions jury. He was the president of the Heritage jury of the debut Pitcher Awards.

  • Meta Unveils Llama 3.1 Impact Grants to Empower  AI-Driven Organisations Across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey

    Meta Unveils Llama 3.1 Impact Grants to Empower AI-Driven Organisations Across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey

    Meta is excited to announce the launch of the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, continuing its commitment to supporting innovative use cases of open-source AI to address critical global challenges. Building on the success of previous grant programs, the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants will provide up to $2 million USD in funding to organisations worldwide.

    The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program invites proposals from organisations with ideas for using Llama 3.1 to address social challenges in their communities. Applications in areas such as economic development, science and innovation, public service and more will be given special consideration. Selected recipients will receive up to $500,000 USD and winners will be announced early next year.

    Speaking about the grant, Kojo Boakye, Vice President, Public Policy, Africa, the Middle East, and Turkiye, Meta commented: “We’re inspired by the diverse projects we’ve seen developers undertake around the world to positively impact their communities by building with Llama. We believe AI has more potential than any other modern technology to increase human productivity, creativity, and quality of life—and to accelerate economic growth while unlocking progress in medical and scientific research. The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program presents an opportunity to further empower organisations to leverage AI for social good and to drive meaningful change.”

    To support prospective applicants, Meta will host a series of regional events, including virtual events, in-person hackathons, workshops, and training sessions in Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Korea, Latin America, North America, Pakistan, Singapore, Sub-Saharan Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. These events will provide technical guidance and mentorship, fostering the development of impactful applications of Llama 3.1 in local contexts. Organisations participating in these events will be eligible for additional specialised awards of up to $100,000 USD.

    The inaugural Llama Impact Grants, announced in October 2023, received over 800 applications from 90+ countries. The 20 finalists have submitted their final proposals, and the grant recipients will be announced in September, alongside the recipients of the Llama Impact Innovation Awards.

    The application window for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants is open from Monday, August 5, 2024, to Friday, November 22, 2024. Meta encourages eligible organisations to submit their proposals and take advantage of this opportunity to drive social impact through AI.  All proposals will be evaluated using the selection criteria here.

  • Tech, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Unite: The Omniverse Summit Takes the Digital Economy Center Stage in Lagos, expecting 20,000 leaders

    Tech, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Unite: The Omniverse Summit Takes the Digital Economy Center Stage in Lagos, expecting 20,000 leaders

    The Omniverse a dynamic convergence platform and summit for the brightest minds across African innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship is launching with its inaugural Summit in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The platform is co-created with the Innovation Support Network (ISN) as ecosystem partners ISN is a national network of 180 innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators and coworking spaces across Nigeria. The Omniverse is supported by the Digital Transformation Center Nigeria, DTC Nigeria is jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

    The Omniverse Summit will feature four (4) days of meaningful programming focused on actionable outcomes at Landmark Centre Lagos from February 27 – March 1, 2024. The summit is structured around overarching themes of narrative, innovation, collaboration, and monetization. Each day of The Summit will be devoted to a core but connected theme, allowing The Omniverse Summit to delve into its multiple dimensions.

    The Narrative Day (Day one) will explore narratives about Africa and Africans that shape our self-perception, global image and examine its impact on our economies, societies, and geopolitics but more importantly, how to rebuild, reframe and reclaim these narratives towards our common future in the light of presenting our markets and attracting investment.

    The Innovation Day (Day two) will explore layers of innovation beyond technology while highlighting innovative pioneers who are revolutionizing their fields to help participants understand the strategies for nurturing and inspiring innovation at all levels despite the challenges.

    The Collaboration Day (Day three) will dissect the DNA of successful collaborations by analyzing the mechanics of productive partnerships, purposeful alliances, and foster effective collaborations while aiming to help set up partnership deals and conversations.

    The Monetization Day (Grand Finale) will unpack the science of making money, exploring effective strategies and approaches for building resilient, profitable careers and businesses

    The summit beyond our main stage will happen across 4 stages/rooms: Development Room (for development partners to provide information and guidance to prospective implementation partners looking for project funding); the Deal Room (for potential collaborators to meet, negotiate, and potentially close deals. Lawyers, business analysts and other resources will be stationed in the room to provide guidance and support); Sage’s Lounge (for intimate conversations with icons. A rotating roster of visionaries, mavens, and originators in tech, business, government, development, and creative industries will offer wisdom and advice based on their long, storied careers); and the Career Center (where participants can find expert advice on career advancement, industry transitions, and job opportunities)

    “The Omniverse Summit stands as the tangible embodiment of our audacious vision—a dynamic convergence platform that unites the brightest minds shaping the kaleidoscope of African innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. It transcends physical boundaries, serving as a nexus where individuals and organizations synergize, exchanging knowledge, pooling resources, and collectively forging solutions to the intricate challenges confronting our continent and communities. In this interconnected space, technology acts as the unifying force, propelling us towards a future where innovation knows no limits.” Obi Asika, Convener of The Omniverse Summit

    “In co-spearheading The Omniverse, ISN is unwavering in our commitment to propel the global discourse on digital innovation. At the core of this summit lies a transformative agenda, where technology is not just a tool but the very essence that reshapes industries. ISN, as a founding partner, envisions the convergence of leading minds across finance, business, education, utilities, public sector, developmental sector, advertising, media, and the creative industries. Our objective is to obliterate silos, forging an interconnected future where collaboration is paramount. The Omniverse will be the crucible where ideas transmute into opportunities, fostering sustainable growth, profound impact, and unparalleled development.” Charles Emembolu, Chairman of the Board, Innovation Support Network

    Please join us at this important gathering.

  • Rite Sausages Brand Unleashes the Fun for 50 Lucky Consumers with Adventure-Packed Day at Omu Resort

    Rite Sausages Brand Unleashes the Fun for 50 Lucky Consumers with Adventure-Packed Day at Omu Resort

    The popular Rite Spicy Beef and Bigi Beef Sausage Rolls brand of Rite Foods Limited, recently treated 50 lucky consumers to an unforgettable “Unleash the Bull 3.0” adventure at Omu Resort. This exciting event combined creative expression, thrilling activities, and team-building challenges, solidifying the brand’s connection with its passionate consumer base.

    The journey began at Rite Foods’ headquarters in Opebi, Lagos, where the consumers went on a festive trip to Omu Resort. Prior to their adventure, they were tasked with transforming everyday Rite Spicy Beef and Bigi Beef sausage roll wrappers and cartons into unique works of art. To add a poetic touch, another set of participants also composed short poems ending with the powerful phrase “Unleash the bull,” capturing the essence of the brand’s spirit. These artistic creations were then shared on social media using the hashtags #RiteRecycle2 and #unleashthebull3 respectively.

    The “Rite Recycle” winners, along with the 40 winners of the “Unleash the Bull” poetry challenge, were then treated to a day packed with excitement at Omu Resort. They were divided into teams and engaged in a series of team-building games, fostering collaboration and camaraderie. The day culminated in a thrilling tug-of-war competition, sack-race and other fun activities that tested their strength and teamwork further.

    Olawale Odenusi, the Assistant Brand Manager for Rite Sausage Rolls brand stated that “unleash the bull is a fantastic way for the brand to show its appreciation for its loyal customers. It’s a chance for them to experience the brand in a new and exciting way, and feel truly valued.”

    “Unleash the Bull 3.0” proved to be an undeniable success, forging an even deeper connection between Rite and Bigi Sausage Rolls brand and its consumers. Participants expressed their immense enjoyment, with many stating it was a “first-time experience” they wouldn’t soon forget. Some even expressed their hope that Rite Foods would continue to organise such thrilling events, highlighting the brand’s commitment to engaging its audience in meaningful ways.

    Rite Sausage Rolls’ brand “Unleash the Bull 3.0” was a resounding success, proving that a combination of creativity, adventure, and teamwork can create a powerful brand experience that resonates with consumers. As the brand continues to innovate and engage its audience, we can expect even more exciting initiatives in the future.

  • AOT 5.0 – Governor Sanwo-Olu, Tijani and other Stakeholders Debate Policies For Lagos Creative Economy

    AOT 5.0 – Governor Sanwo-Olu, Tijani and other Stakeholders Debate Policies For Lagos Creative Economy

    The fifth edition of the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT) conference climaxed on Friday with relevant players from the public and private sectors engaging in 2-day insight-packed discussions to debate policies and initiatives that will pave the way for shaping Lagos’s creative and tech economy landscapes.  

    Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State who played host to the event lauded the Eko Innovation Center, curators of the conference for bringing together pioneers, professionals, students and enthusiasts to steer the tech and creative industries in Lagos State and Nigeria to greater heights.

    “This year, we convene under the theme Creative Economy and a Digital Lagos, as it reflects our dedication to a transformative journey where the fusion of technology and artistic expression will propel us into a global innovative hub in shaping Lagos’s creative and tech economy landscapes.  AOT 5.0 is a gathering that serves as a melting point of visionaries, innovators and leaders who are committed to propelling Lagos into the digital future, and I commend the Eko Innovation Center, Ministry of Science and Technology and other organisers for making this conference a reality”, Governor Sanwo Olu stated.

    Speaking at the conference, Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said that Lagos State is blessed with ingredients for the application of science, creativity and technology to drive the growth that we need to see as humans as the state is home to one of the most vibrant creative sectors in the world. The minister further challenged participants and stakeholders to see the fifth edition of the conference as a call to action and an opportunity to collaborate towards leveraging innovation, creativity and technology for the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

    Tubosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, and convener of the Art of Technology annual conference said that “data requires us to do more in the creative sector and with the right application of technology, we can harness the tech and creative ecosystem for growth in the State and Nigeria. 

    Digital art platforms allow artists and creatives to expand their creativity beyond traditional mediums with the use of technology. Creative industries like film, music, fashion, design, and advertising amongst others, use technology to amplify their art forms and solve problems in their various niche, thereby significantly impacting the economy; this is poised for further growth in the coming years.

    Highlights of the 2-day AOT 5.0 conference explored synergies between creativity and technology; a deal room where creative tech entrepreneurs pitched their solutions to judges and investors; collaborative networking and engagement with industry stakeholders and experts who unearthed strategies for steering the creative economy of the state to greater heights, as well as empowerment of creatives by equipping them with tools to navigate the evolving landscape.

    Art of Technology Lagos (AOT) is an annual tech conference curated by the Eko Innovation Centre, and sponsored by the Lagos State Government – the economic and technology epicentre of Nigeria. With the fifth edition of the conference, Eko Innovation Center has yet again demonstrated its commitment to solving the most pressing development and institutional challenges with technology and innovation.

  • Fearless Energy Drink Takes Center Stage at TOR’Q Autofest 2023

    Fearless Energy Drink Takes Center Stage at TOR’Q Autofest 2023

    …As Consumers Experienced Top-notch Excitement

    Fearless Energy Drink took the spotlight at the inaugural TOR’Q Autofest in Lagos, turning heads and revving up the energy of car drifters, super bikers, and enthusiasts from across Africa. The brand, known for its positive energy, showcased exceptional talent in auto sports through electrifying displays at the event themed ‘TOR’Q 23: The Fearless Showdown.’

    The event, which held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island on Sunday, November 26, 2023, drew thousands of sports lovers and fun-seekers, featuring acts by female car drifters and super-bikers. The city of Lagos came alive with motorsports and super-bikers drifting in grand style, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Attendees were rejuvenated with Fearless Energy Drink, now available in both polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and 50cl cans.

    Top-notch artistes, including popular artist 9ice, captivated the audience with performances. Winners of Bigi-powered Nigerian Idol Seasons 7 & 8, Progress Chukwuyem and Victory Gbakara, showcased their musical prowess.

    Kanyinsola Sangowawa, Assistant Brand Manager of Fearless Energy Drink, highlighted the brand’s recent recognition as the ‘Most Outstanding Energy Drink in Consumer Engagement.’ She mentioned that this recognition affirms the brand’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance talent, innovation, and the courageous spirit, aligning with the brand’s ‘I CAN, I AM’ mentality. She further mentioned that Fearless brand fostering positive energy for ingenuity, creativity, courageousness, distinctiveness, and ideapreneurship, resonated with the TOR’Q Autofest theme.

    Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi, expressed satisfaction in sponsoring an event that united diverse segments of the target audience, particularly focusing on fashion and entertainment. Since, the Bigi brand is big on entertainment evident in its sponsorship of three consecutive seasons (6, 7, & 8) of Nigerian Idol. She also highlighted the excitement of witnessing the brand’s effective engagement both offline and online. Aransiola mentioned the queues of consumers eager to interact with the Bigi Booth, showed the brand’s significant impact at the event.

    Adeniyi Bakare, Head of Strategy at Xhibit Ideas, the organisers of TOR’Q Autofest, commended Fearless Energy Drink for its outstanding contribution to the event’s success, highlighting support from the preparatory stages. The event captivated thousands of sports enthusiasts, with standout performances by drifters like the Alhaji Nagode team from Yobe and BMW Autos, drawing cheers from the crowd.

    Power bikers, including Ace bikers, Metallic bikers, Bikers Hangout, Alimosho bikers, Baby Ghost bikers, and Mavericks bikers, wowed the audience with their skills.

  • RedGecko PR wins 2023 Outstanding PR Agency at MOPA Awards

    RedGecko PR wins 2023 Outstanding PR Agency at MOPA Awards

    Red Gecko Limited, a leading public relations Consultancy Firm, won the 2023 Outstanding PR Agency at the Momentous Outstanding Personality Awards (MOPA).   

    The MOPA Awards is renowned for celebrating organizations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and made significant contributions across various sectors. Red Gecko Limited stood out among its peers, showcasing a commitment to excellence, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of success in public relations. 

    Speaking at the award ceremony, the CEO of Momentous Magazine, Pastor Sesan Awobiye, noted that “The event is organized to recognize excellence in organizations and individuals that has done exceptionally well in terms of improved service delivery in every facet of the society. Red Gecko has consistently delivered top-notch PR services and this award is a well-deserved recognition for the agency.” He stated. 

    Expressing his gratitude for the award recognition, Cornelius Onuoha, the Managing Director, RedGecko PR Limited noted that “This achievement reflects the hard work, passion, and creativity of our team. We appreciate the trust our clients place in us, and we are proud of the impactful campaigns we have executed.  

    Onuoha further noted that “this award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the field of public relations. We are incredibly honored to receive the Outstanding PR Agency of the Year award and we are grateful to the organizers for the recognition.” He stated.  

    “As Red Gecko Limited continues to push boundaries and redefine the PR landscape, this prestigious award serves as both a recognition of past achievements and an inspiration for future endeavors”, he added.  

    The maiden edition of the MOPA Awards ceremony attracted industry leaders, influencers, and professionals from diverse sectors to honor and celebrate dedication to the pursuit of excellence.  

  • Liquid C2 and Google Cloud Partner to Bring Google’s Cloud and Security Technologies to Africa Businesses

    Liquid C2 and Google Cloud Partner to Bring Google’s Cloud and Security Technologies to Africa Businesses

    It represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between Google Cloud and Liquid C2, as Google Cloud continues to invest in expanding its presence in Africa’s cloud and security solutions market

    Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a strategic partnership with Google Cloud in Africa. This collaboration aims to further enhance Liquid C2’s cloud and cyber security offerings, which can now be tailor-made to meet customer needs. 

    The MOU between Liquid C2 and Google Cloud was signed on November 10, 2023, marking the official commencement of this impactful strategic partnership. It represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between Google Cloud and Liquid C2, as Google Cloud continues to invest in expanding its presence in Africa’s cloud and security solutions market. Liquid C2’s rapid growth and strong regional presence position it as an ideal partner for Google Cloud.

    “Our partnership with Google will enable our enterprise, public and SME customers to harness the power of Google Cloud to enhance their data analytics and security postures and have access to the latest AI-driven tools. Our multi-cloud strategy compliments Cassava Technologies’ pan-African data centres and fibre broadband digital infrastructure all of which are key enablers of our vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind,” says Oswald Jumira, CEO of Liquid C2

    Umesh Vemuri, VP of Strategic Pursuits at Google Cloud, said: “Our partnership with Liquid C2 will build upon Google for Africa’s commitment to invest USD1 billion in the region. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the digital enablement of businesses and governments in Africa with Google Cloud’s leading data analytics and AI/ML solutions, communication and collaboration apps, generative AI, and security solutions.”

    The partnership between Google Cloud and Liquid C2 for digital transformation in Africa will focus on three primary solution areas, of which the first is to assist customers in integrating and leveraging their data effectively through analytics and AI. This includes breaking down data silos and harnessing the full potential of their data. The application of the latest AI technologies is a key component in driving innovation, underpinned by a robust technology infrastructure.

    Secondly, the partnership aims to ensure that customers will be provided with the cyber security expertise and solutions they need to protect their data and assets. This extends to wherever their operations are located and will enable customers to utilise the same security tools and practices that Google uses, including Chronicle and Mandiant solutions.

    The third priority centres on enhancing collaboration and creativity, by offering customers access to powerful collaboration tools, such as Google Workspace, enhanced by generative AI (Duet AI). The objective is to empower teams of all sizes to work creatively and productively from any location, with security integrated into the design.

  • GTCO Fashion Weekend Holds November 11th and 12th

    GTCO Fashion Weekend Holds November 11th and 12th

    The Fashion Industry is in for another exciting experience as the GTCO Fashion Weekend returns for its 6th edition in November. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to hold on November 11th and 12th, 2023, at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos.

    The GTCO Fashion Weekend is an annual consumer-focused fair designed to showcase the best of Africa’s Finest fashion to a global audience. Over the years, the event has firmly established its place as an incubator for diverse talent, creativity, and enterprise in fashion retail, bringing together some of Africa’s prominent fashion brands alongside relatively newer labels to interact with universally celebrated fashion icons and engaging style personalities. In keeping with tradition, this year’s event will feature insightful masterclasses and thrilling runway shows together with free stalls for over 120 fashion retailers. Colourful façades, lively music, and a delightful ambience are popular elements of GTCO fairs and work together to create a multisensory, thoroughly fulfilling experience for all attendees.

    Speaking on the 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said; “Fashion is not just about making items of clothing or style accessories, it is about exploring feelings and channelling creative expressions to create experiences that resonate with various buyers, across different markets. The GTCO Fashion Weekend is constantly evolving to reflect the rapid growth of the global fashion industry in terms of size and sophistication, as we continue to draw on the endless possibilities in fashion retail to create better outcomes for individuals, indigenous businesses, and our communities.” 

    He further said; “The landscape for fashion design is always shifting; so too consumer needs. The 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend provides a unique opportunity for local fashion retailers to seize on emerging trends and buyers’ preferences to reposition their businesses and thrive amidst the uncertainties and complexities of the future.”

    The GTCO Fashion weekend is one of the main platforms of Guaranty Trust Bank for ‘Promoting Enterprise’ primarily to benefit its growing retail and SME customer base as well as support the indigenous Creatives Industry. Guaranty Trust Bank is the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, a leading financial services company providing banking and non-banking services across eleven countries spanning West Africa, East Africa, and the United Kingdom. The Group operates a diversified, ‘Proudly African’ franchise and is renowned for its innovative approach to customer service and stakeholder engagement, especially through its non-profit, consumer-focused fairs and capacity building initiatives for small businesses, which has endeared the GTCO brand to millions of people across Africa and beyond.

    For more information on this event, please visit, https://fashionweekend.gtcoplc.com

    Attendance is FREE.

  • MultiChoice Bags Promax Awards for Fight Against Content Piracy

    MultiChoice Bags Promax Awards for Fight Against Content Piracy

    MultiChoice, Africa’s leading entertainment company, has been recognized as a leader in creativity and social responsibility for its pioneering campaign, Piracy Untells Our Stories, at the prestigious Promax Awards 2023.

    The campaign received multiple awards across various categories, including Best Directing, Best Music Composition, Best Sound Design, Best Animation Design, Best Visual FX and Compositing, and Best Public Service Announcement.

    The award-winning anti-piracy TV commercial features MultiChoice’s top-tier talent from local shows across its various countries. The collaborative effort has been instrumental in delivering a strong message to audiences about the damaging effects of piracy on the African creative industry.

    Commenting on the award, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, Dr. Busola Tejumola, emphasized the need for creatives to join hands in the fight against piracy.

    “We are delighted to have been recognised for our contribution to the fight against piracy in the entertainment industry. Piracy untells the stories that are being told by creatives, it kills the hard work creatives put in to bring the stories to life. We are gradually winning this war, but there are more grounds to cover. It’s time for not everyone to join hands to tackle piracy,” she said.

    In Africa, piracy’s presence is alarming, with millions of visits to piracy sites recorded over short periods, threatening the very foundation of the continent’s cultural narrative.

    MultiChoice, through Africa Magic, has invested over $85 million in local content in the last two decades. This includes commissioning, production and acquisition of content, which has created opportunities for young creators to earn a living from their work.

  • PHD Media Set to Launch Cutting-Edge Proprietary Media Tool, Ocular, 7th November

    PHD Media Set to Launch Cutting-Edge Proprietary Media Tool, Ocular, 7th November

    PHD Media, a part of Omnicom Media Group, a global leader in marketing Communications, has set the stage for the unveiling of its ground-breaking proprietary media data tool dubbed ‘Ocular’ on Tuesday, 7th November 2023, at the Lagos Marriot Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Expected at the launch where the Ocular potential impact demo will be done, are top business leaders, marketing communication industry eggheads, media owners, and other stakeholders.

    Ocular is powered by 2,800 daily respondents delivering real-time insights into consumer habits, and compliments the existing industry standard audience measurement tool, with a lot more on its offerings for optimum benefits, with unique features.

    An industry source reveals that Ocular is a game changer in the media investment and management sector. “It will benefit those who care about value and impact on their media investment.” The launch of Ocular is an answer to the age long question from our clients on data recency.

    PHD is known globally as an innovator in communications planning and buying across broadcast, print, digital, mobile, social, and emerging media.

    PHD’s performance at the 2023 Pitcher Awards is an evidence of the agency’s outstanding commitment for strategic planning and innovation, having secured an impressive tally of ten awards.

    PHD Nigeria Limited is built on a culture of thought leadership, innovation, and creativity, with a philosophy of “Make The Leap.”