Hearts Out For Etisalat’s Nwugo Nwoke

The marketing, communication and sponsorship department and, indeed, the entire staff of ETISALAT were thrown into a mournful mood on the loss of Nwugo Nwoke [42] a staff of the marketing, communication and sponsorship department.

She passed on after a corrective surgery on January, 8, 2009. Nwoke in her life time was described as an effective and intelligent professional with an infectious bubbly spirit.

Endless encomiums were poured on her at Daystar Christian Center where she was a leading member of the Healing Streams Choir.

Many could not resist the tears at the shock of her unfortunate and sudden demise. She was laid to rest on Friday, January, 30, 2009.at her home town.

KOLA AYANWALE NOW CENTRESPREAD FCB GROUP CEO …DOYIN ADEWUNMI, AKONTE EKINE BECOME MDs

Excitement and celebration best describe the mood at Centrespread FCB and its subsidiaries with the strategic elevation of virtually all the key officers.

Kola Ayanwale who until recently was the Managing Director is now the Group CEO, while Doyin Adewunmi former Chief Operating Officer is now the Managing Director, Shola Adegborioye former Executive Director, Account Planning and Management now becomes the Deputy Managing Director. Wale Akintunde, Group Head, Finance is now Executive Director, Finance and a member of the Agency’s Board of Directors.

At FCBRedline, the P.R subsidiary of Centrespread FCB, the good news continues as Akonte Ekine, Managing Consultant, has now been elevated to manage the agency in the office of the Managing Director. Industry’s side talks indicate that Akonte may have been so elevated because of his obvious achievements since he revived the company where he resumed less than two years period. He had won and maintained highbrow accounts that include Skye Bank, Multilinks, Unilever Plc, Transcorp Plc, among others.

Lanre Kuponiyi and Olufeyisola Olukoya were also promoted as Managing Consultants of FCBImpact and Mediamore respectively (FCBImpact was run by Austin Okojie until recently).

Ayanwale states that the elevations across the agency are to rejuvenate the agency as a brand in its bid to live up to its 2009 mantra; “fighting client’s battle.”

Jimoh Ibrahim barred from meeting Yar’Adua

Despite the seeming success of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, the Group Managing Director of NICON Insurance Plc, he seem to be having challenges breaking the barrier of easy access to relate with the President, Alhaji Umar Yar’Adua.

This became evident during the inauguration of the new Ghanaian President in Accra, Ghana.

Ibrahim was not privileged like Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote who were part of the presidential entourage aboard the presidential jet. He arrived Ghana via a commercial flight.

While Yar’Adua was meeting with Musiliu Obanikoro and another diplomat in the Presidential lounge at the airport, Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim made frantic efforts to meet with him but the President’s aides would not permit the unscheduled meeting.

While Ibrahim was trying to persuade the aide, President Yar’Adua and his team decided to move. Ibrahim and others were courteously shoved to pave way for the President.

It is believed that Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim made the Ghana trip after efforts to connect the President in Abuja failed.

Guinness Drink IQ campaign commended

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Guiness Plc has embarked on a campaign to help alcohol consumers to drink responsibly to avoid situations induced by over consumption as well as guide to avoid health hazards. This move got the commendation of some communication experts who also consume alcohol.

The campaign is designed to reduce the misuse of alcohol and to make responsible drinking a valued, enjoyable part of life.

Drink IQ is an interactive session on the enjoyment of drinking, to also generate wider discussion and encourage employees to be best brand ambassadors for responsible drinking. About 1,200 employees of Guinness are targeted for the Drink IQ sessions, after which certificates will be awarded.

Here are some tips as highlighted by the Drink IQ team; i. Alternate your drinks with water to stay refreshed. ii. Eating before or whilst drinking slows alcohol absorption. iii. Think about how you’re to get home before you leave home. Grab a cab or designate driver to avoid a crash. iv. Avoid top-ups so you can keep track of your alcohol intake.

CRISP FUN AT SKYEBANK END OF THE YEAR PARTY

Work hard, play hard, clear all worries form the fulcrum of the marketing theme of Skye Bank’s Hakuna Matata!

Staff of the bank lived it up big time at the bank’s year end party that had top of the range artistes including 9ice and D’banj perform live on stage!

It was merry making all the way with plenty to eat, drink and even take away souvenirs.

The well organized and well attended event was held at the Eko Tourist and Beach Resort.

Shock Treatment At Oceanic Bank ATM

It was not a palatable experience for customers of Oceanic Bank, Toyin Street, Ikeja branch, in December when the bank’s automated teller machine (ATM) decided to give customers the ‘shock treatment’ as yuletide gift.

Of course, many customers had to stylishly and sensibly retrieve their cards to avoid possible electrocution.

However, we are glad to inform all concerned that the technical fault that led to that shocking experience has since been rectified.

But really, what could cause such? It then advisable to wait for the green light from the security-person before attempting using one.

MIXED FEELINGS OVER JIMOH IBRAHIM’s NATIONAL HONOUR

The intention of the Federal Government to honour controversial lawyer cum businessman, has come under heavy criticism by Nigerians.

It is being echoed that Ibrahim’s lifestyle and his debt ridden business status alongside other controversial and unresolved issues, do not present him as the best worthy to be honoured.

The belief is rife that Ibrahim is nominated for this award because he was a ready catalyst to discredit the Obasanjo administration as well as be positioned as ‘government friendly business ally.’

A few, however, consider him most suitable for this honour, as one from humble background who shook off the mud to be considered relevant for courting by banks, who have strongly backed virtually all his initiatives financially.

Another vital factor is the age advantage. In his early 40’s, he has embarked on gargantuan projects in the nine figure range.

His investments span hospitality, insurance, oil and gas, human capital development, real estate, etc.

…ACQUIRES 500POUNDS HOTEL IN LONDON

Words filtering in as at press time reveal that Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim is on a spending spree once again. He is said to be on the verge of acquiring Cumberland Hotel, Central London, in the United Kingdom. Details are still sketchy, but his business history shows his flair for hospitality business.

Prior to this Cumberland Hotel purchase, he has in his kitty Nicon Hotel, Ajuba, Hilton Hotel, Lagos, among others.

It is yet to be clarified which financial institutions provided the back up for the acquisition of the said hotel.

SKYE BANK DROPS ‘HAKUNA MATATA’ CAMPAIGN?

Viewers and indeed observers are wondering what necessitated the stoppage of ‘Hakuna Matata’ (Don’t worry), the new campaign launched within the year.

It has been replaced with “Say Yes’, a very successful campaign (that became an anthem in virtually every home and ring-tone of several phones) that was adopted by the bank post capitalization.

‘Hakuna Matata’ was obviously enjoying wide acceptance until the interruption, that saw the re-emergence of the very old ‘Say Yes’ television commercial.

‘Say Yes’ naturally does not have the steam that it had until it was replaced. No official position has been taken to explain the strategic change or how long the ‘impasse’ to precede a new campaign will last.

Dangote telecoms outfit eyes 2009

Businessman extraordinaire, Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s telecommunication outfit, Alheri, may eventually take off in 2009.

Heard from the grapevine that Dangote is already dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s to ensure a successful operation when eventually it takes off next year.

Industry pundits are, however, pointing out that he may be facing challenges in accesing loan from banks who are skeptical on the success of such a venture in view of the existing competition in the industry.

Considering the huge capital demand of the venture, it may not be a worthy risk that will be profitable.

The not too successful outing of a telecom outfit, under a popular bank, is a ready case-study.

As published in Issue 48 and uploaded on http://www.fnc0486.wordpress.com