₦airaland Forum

Bearing in mind the potential mileage on its brand equity, Nigeria’s market leader in fruit juice, Chivita 100%, has expressed delight with the recent naming of Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) as the world's most valuable football brand for 2015. It would be recalled that the management of Chi Limited and MUFC signed a multi-year partnership deal at the prestigious Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester UK last year
For consumers of Chivita 100% fruit juice across Nigeria, the news is a cheering one as the efforts by Chivita 100% to publicize the club in Nigeria has been immense. From huge and effective publicity on Television, Radio, Outdoor advertising, print publication, activations and online presence, the management of Chi Limited has ensured brand visibility for the partnership and value for the club across Nigeria
According to a report from consultancy Brand Finance, Manchester United's brand value has increased by 63 per cent since 2014. The club is estimated to be worth $1.2 billion ahead of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona football clubs which placed second, third and fourth respectively.
The Brand Finance report said: "United retains legions of followers in India, South East Asia and China, contributing to a total of over half a billion individuals." They added that "the huge windfalls that Man Utd can expect, will see both revenues and brand value continue to increase in the coming years."
For Chi Limited’s Head of Marketing, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya “It is truly heartwarming to observe that numerous consumers of Chivita 100% have built an affinity with Manchester United in Nigeria since we signed the partnership deal with the club in October last year. Since then, we have kept abreast with the club’s activities and even hosted consumers to live matches of the club in Lagos. They have also kept faith with us as reflected in the market performance of Chivita 100% which continues to witness improved sales every month”
“We are also delighted that despite the inability of the club to win trophies last season, it was able to outshine other football clubs to emerge as the world's most valuable football brand for 2015. It is only fitting that as Nigeria’s most loved fruit juice brand, our partnership with Manchester United continues our tradition of excellence in offering only products of the highest quality to our consumers” Mr. Bhattacharya added
Chivita 100% fruit juice is the preferred soft drink of Manchester United in Nigeria. It is a rare blend of the best of Nigerian and imported fruit juices and contains no added sugar, no preservative and no added colours.

How would the average Nigerian respond to a question like: are you getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet? For the majority, the answer will most likely be: No! In fact, according to reports, roughly 90 per cent of Nigerians are not meeting the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. According to the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report for 2005, "Fruit juices provide substantial contributions of several vitamins and minerals in higher amounts than some individual fruits offer’
In an increasingly health-conscious world, many brands have risen to the challenge of meeting consumer needs with innovative solutions. Today, it is gratifying to note that beverage manufacturers like Chi Limited, makers of Chivita 100%, have made it easier for everyone to keep fit, by creating beverages that are simply healthy and affordable. In spite of stiff competition and uncertainties in the marketplace, Chi Limited has endured to build a formidable brand that is a huge delight to fruit juice consumers.
According to a renowned nutritionist, Dr Adeleke Adelakun, “nutrition is a key enabler to meet almost every development goal for human beings, and we cannot over-emphasize the role that natural foods without artificial preservatives and refined sugars can play in achieving this” He further stated that “Chivita 100% fruit juices are naturally nutritious and are usually fortified with nutrients like vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D. They are considered a "nutrient dense" beverage because they contain far more nutritional value than other beverage choices per calorie”
For Angela Maduka, a health and lifestyle expert, regular consumption of “Chivita 100% orange flavour has helped me maintain a healthy mucus membrane, skin and good vision. This is because oranges contain very good levels of vitamin A and other flavonoid antioxidants such which are known to have antioxidant properties. It has also been established that oranges are a good source of B-complex vitamins which are essential because the body requires them from external sources to replenish itself”

For a brand analyst, Emeka Nwobi, “In Nigeria traditional consumption patterns are rapidly changing as more consumers are embracing fruit juices with innovative forms and flavours. Many of the products achieving the highest growth rates are those riding on the seeming impact of taste for health obsessed juice consumers. Consumer trends also show a concern for high sugar content in many fruit drinks available. In this regard, Chivita 100% fruit juice stands outs with no added sugar and preservative contents. This has endeared the brand to millions of fruit juice lovers across the country “

Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director of Chi Limited, stated “for us at Chi limited, we place premium on our consumers by ensuring that they get optimum nutritional value from Chivita 100%. We employ the most advanced technology in the production of fruit juice and ensure that it is packaged in the most hygienic and convenient form available anywhere. Our technological process ensures that the juice retains its natural fruity composition and is of the highest quality. We are confident that Chivita 100% would continue to delight and nourish our numerous consumers across Nigeria”

Chivita 100% fruit juice is available in five variants of real pineapple, real apple, real orange, orange pineapple and orange mango. It also comes in three sizes of 1Litre (10 packs in a tray), 500ml (10 packs in a tray) and 250ml (24 packs in a tray)

Entries have continued to pour in from excited consumers eager to participate and emerge winners in the Hollandia Yoghurt Selfie Contest recently unveiled by Chi Limited as part of efforts to engage with consumers and increase interest in the Hollandia Yoghurt brand on the digital landscape.
The Hollandia Yoghurt Selfie Contest which started on the 1st of May, 2015 will be on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Participants who emerge winners at the end of the contest will go away with lots of amazing prizes like iPhone 6, a Samsung Galaxy Tab and cartons of Hollandia Yoghurt.
To participate in the contest, consumers should take creative pictures or selfies with two or more individuals while enjoying and posing with packs of Hollandia Yoghurt drinks. The individuals may be family, friends, colleagues, classmates or loved ones.
The photographs can then be posted on Hollandia Yoghurt Social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #ShareUnlimitedGoodness. Winners would be selected based on originality, content and creativity.
Consumers have used the contest to share their thoughts on Hollandia Yoghurt with all of them expressing great satisfaction in this refreshing drink.
For instance, an entry from Fadeyi Olayinka on Twitter featuring two young men holding packs of the brand says, “There's fun in sharing Goodness, I make my brother happy,” while another entry from Olubunmi Hannah featuring an obviously refreshed child with milk on his lips and sitting on the lap of a woman holding a pack of Hollandia Yoghurt says, “My baby can't get enough of Hollandia's unlimited goodness.”
Other entries include short takes like, “Hollandia Yogurt just the best for this hot afternoon” and “Fun times are better with Hollandia yoghurt.” For consumers who are eager to feel the goodness of Hollandia Yoghurt within and also flaunt the brand’s goodness without, the Hollandia Yoghurt Share Unlimited Goodness Contest provides the best opportunity. According to Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr Deepanjan Roy, “the contest is designed to give Nigeria’s young community an opportunity to show their ingenuinity and creativity”.
Hollandia Yoghurt is available in the market in variants of Strawberry, Plain Sweetened, Pineapple Orange, Pure N Plain & Green Apple. The variants come in 1 litre, 500ml and 250ml tetra paks.

Trade partners of Chivita 100% has applauded the brand’s ongoing partnership with one of the most famous sport brand in the world, Manchester United Football Club “saying the agreement has helped to boost their sales of Chivita 100% in their respective outlets”.
Among the trade partners who spoke on the partnership were Madam Gloria Taiwo of Glendora Stores in Lagos and Mr. Albert Chilaka of Modus Enterprises in Enugu. They commended Chivita 100% for thinking out of the box by signing the agreement with the football club.
Speaking on the agreement, Mrs. Taiwo noted that “since I started receiving packs of Chivita 100% after the partnership, my sales has spiked considerably and I now place orders for new supplies in a matter of days. Certainly, the choice of Manchester United for the sponsorship deal is a masterstroke because many of our customers have expressed satisfaction over the deal and this has made them buy the brand more than they used to.”
Mr. Chilaka, on his part said he is delighted to be a trade partner of Chivita 100% especially at this time that CHI Limited, maker of the brand, decided to enter into a fruitful agreement with a massively popular football club like Manchester United. “The excitement of consumers of Chivita 100% over the agreement has translated into massive sales, and I make sure that I never run out of stock to satisfy the increased demand for the brand.”
Other trade partners also lauded CHI Limited for taking steps to show that the company cares for its trade partners by signing the agreement which has helped to boost sales in their outlets.
Commenting, CHI Limited’s Head of Marketing, Probal Bhattacharya said “We partner Manchester United in this journey because Chivita 100% and MAN U share a philosophy that lays emphasis on values like honesty, team building and passion for excellence in the quest for perfection and success”.
This partnership is the first of such deal to be struck by a Nigerian soft drink company with a football team outside Nigeria. Children and adults enjoy the fruit juice and always ask for more because it contains no added sugar, no preservative and no added colours. Chivita 100% is a rare blend of the best of Nigerian and imported fruit juice.

Trade partners of Chivita 100% has applauded the brand’s ongoing partnership with one of the most famous sport brand in the world, Manchester United Football Club “saying the agreement has helped to boost their sales of Chivita 100% in their respective outlets”.
Among the trade partners who spoke on the partnership were Madam Gloria Taiwo of Glendora Stores in Lagos and Mr. Albert Chilaka of Modus Enterprises in Enugu. They commended Chivita 100% for thinking out of the box by signing the agreement with the football club.
Speaking on the agreement, Mrs. Taiwo noted that “since I started receiving packs of Chivita 100% after the partnership, my sales has spiked considerably and I now place orders for new supplies in a matter of days. Certainly, the choice of Manchester United for the sponsorship deal is a masterstroke because many of our customers have expressed satisfaction over the deal and this has made them buy the brand more than they used to.”
Mr. Chilaka, on his part said he is delighted to be a trade partner of Chivita 100% especially at this time that CHI Limited, maker of the brand, decided to enter into a fruitful agreement with a massively popular football club like Manchester United. “The excitement of consumers of Chivita 100% over the agreement has translated into massive sales, and I make sure that I never run out of stock to satisfy the increased demand for the brand.”
Other trade partners also lauded CHI Limited for taking steps to show that the company cares for its trade partners by signing the agreement which has helped to boost sales in their outlets.
Commenting, CHI Limited’s Head of Marketing, Probal Bhattacharya said “We partner Manchester United in this journey because Chivita 100% and MAN U share a philosophy that lays emphasis on values like honesty, team building and passion for excellence in the quest for perfection and success”.
This partnership is the first of such deal to be struck by a Nigerian soft drink company with a football team outside Nigeria. Children and adults enjoy the fruit juice and always ask for more because it contains no added sugar, no preservative and no added colours. Chivita 100% is a rare blend of the best of Nigerian and imported fruit juice.

In today’s busy world of brand marketing, utilizing the strength of partnership brand marketing to gain incremental marketing exposure is not only smart, but an essential tool for brands to remain more competitive in today’s constantly changing marketplace. Brand partnerships such as the one between Nigeria’s fruit juice flagship brand Chivita 100% and English Premiership side Manchester United FC has continued to generate massive interest within the sporting community and consumers of the brand.

According to Adewale Okoya, a marketing communication consultant and former Editor with Marketing Edge Magazine in Lagos, “seven months after the partnership was signed, the management of Chi Limited seems to be doing an excellent job of projecting the partnership and the benefits to its numerous consumers. The communication tactics deployed to create awareness for the Chivita 100% fruit juice and Manchester United partnership has been so effective that both brands have become synonymous with each other in the consciousness of Nigerian consumers”

For Kanayo Nwosu, a sport marketing consultant, the partnership between Chivita 100% and Manchester United was unique because it was the first time a Nigerian fruit juice brand is partnering with an English Premiership side. “For every pack of Chivita 100% fruit juice I purchase, I am reminded of how this effective partnership has further endeared the brands to millions of soccer fans and consumers across Nigeria” he said.

According to Chi Limited’s Head of Marketing, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya, the journey has so far been rewarding for both brands. He stresses “we appreciate the feedback we are receiving from our numerous consumers and soccer fans. We are also excited that efforts to publicize this partnership are paying off from the huge awareness it has created. Our consumers should rest assured that they will continue to enjoy the best of refreshment from Chivita 100% side by side with quality football from Manchester United; a unique offering that this partnership promotes”

hi Limited has introduced its latest Chi Exotic Nectar campaign, tagged “Taste of Paradise.”
The television commercial which is currently running on all leading television channels has already received wide acclaim for its succinct depiction of the Chi Exotic brand with premium and persuasive imagery.
The Managing Director, Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan, who noted that in addition to the quality of any product, said that it was never an easy task to produce a clear and effective brand message that would instantly resonate with consumers, especially when the brand promise was emotional and subject to imagination.
The TVC depicts an apt experience of the Chi Exotic Nectar which resonates with the feeling of uniquely savory taste typical of natural fruits.
“There is no gainsaying that the TVC which opened with a lady who paused to take a drink of Chi Exotic Nectar while working on her laptop successfully communicated the exotic nature of the refreshing drink. As she savoured the fresh, natural and rich taste of the drink, she closed her eyes in sheer pleasure and was briefly transported to an exotic beach on a fantasy island.
“Dressed in a light chiffon gown, she floated along the beach before sauntering into the orchard nearby to revel in heady pleasure of exotic fruits – coconut, pineapple, mango, orange and berries – that abound,” the managing director said.
He added: “In an effort to enhance preference for the brand, the TV story effectively matched the brand message with each and every component of the Chi Exotic Nectar brand. As the lady opened her eyes and realized she was in fantasy land, she took another sip and returned back to ‘paradise.”
Commenting on the product, a Physical and Health education teacher at a Secondary School in Maryland, Lagos, Mrs. Jumoke Ayomide, said that she was attracted to the drink because of its natural, rich and unique taste.
“It is a drink that is worthy of indulgence,” she said. She noted that Chi Exotic Nectar Juice always satisfies her longing for its distinctive refreshment,” she said.
Meanwhile, the managing director has said that the objective of the TVC was to assure consumers that whether they were in the comfort of their homes or going about their daily activities, Chi Exotic Nectar, would always be at hand with a promise of great taste to appeal to their senses with sheer pleasure.
“Produced from the finest collection of tropical fruits and squeezed into affordable handy packs, Chi Exotic
comes in a range of ‘Taste of Paradise’ which includes: Pineapple-coconut, Multifruita, Mango, Banana, Guava, Orange-pulp, Orange Peach, Pineapple papaya, Tropical fruits & Coconut, & Orange & Coconut,” the managing director said.

The multi-year partnership deal between Chi Limited and Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) has continued to receive accolades as three major players of the club recently expressed optimism about the deal brings.

Commenting on the significance of the club’s decision to name Chivita 100% as MUFC’s official soft drinks partner in Nigeria, Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria chorused that the team is now refreshed to claim its rightful place at the top of the Premier League after enduring a torrid 2013/14 season last year.

Speaking on the upsurge in performance by MUFC which has seen the club surging from the middle of the table to third position and with only 10 points behind the leader, Rooney said the team has returned to its winning ways, adding that as athletes who must be in peak condition for optimum performance at all times, consumption of healthy drinks is essential for the players at all times.
Manchester United players easily identify with Chivita 100% because it is a natural fruit juice that contains no added sugar, no added preservative and no artificial colours and flavours. They are also assured that the board of MUFC must have been satisfied with the high quality of Chivita 100% before accepting the drink as the club’s official soft drinks partner.

On his part, Angel Di Maria was full of praises for the refreshing taste of Chivita 100%. The Argentine superstar and midfielder for United, who stressed that he received mouth-watering offers from several clubs at the time but made up his mind to leave Spain to pitch his tent with MUFC because of its pedigree. He added that investment in the sponsorship is money well spent by Chi Limited.
Van Persie who is easily best-known for his nerves of steel and scoring ability said he is impressed by Chi Limited’s commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians by producing high quality products. He added that based on the quality of Chivita 100%, it will continue to perform well in the market just as the United team is optimistic of winning the Premiership this season.

Chi Limited’s Head of Marketing, Probal Bhattacharya said “as a company that cherishes innovation and excellence, we will continue to do our best to position and validate our Chivita 100% fruit juice as the brand of choice for health and quality conscious consumers”.

In order to satisfy consumers’ demand beyond the existing offerings, Chi Limited has introduced three new variants of Chi Happy Hour into the marketplace. The new variants are Apple Peach Pear, Guava and Kiwi Mint Lime. According to the company, the new variants, just like the existing ones (Tropical, Peach, etc), are specially blended fruit drinks that are guaranteed to excite and offer choices to its consumers.

Unveiling the new variants at their head office in Lagos recently, Chi Limited assured consumers that each pack of Chi Happy Hour is full of tasty fruitiness that is guaranteed to keep the consumer refreshed and satisfied. The new variants are sure to offer consumers more choice for refreshment from an engaging brand. Several studies conducted have revealed consumer’s preference for a healthy and refreshing alternative to carbonated soft drinks and the introduction of these new variants is clearly based on understanding of this current reality.

Speaking on the new variants, Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan said “We recognize that consumers in the juice category prefer to explore exciting taste and different fruit mix options. We therefore arrived at these variants after several consumer studies, and we are quite confident that the taste will be liked by one and all.”

As one of the fastest growing brands in the Fruit Juice category, Chi Happy Hour is available in 1Lit, 500ml & 250ml packs and has become a regular feature at social occasions. By rolling out new variants, it is certain that Chi Happy Hour’s control over shelf space will increase and with it, share of the market and the consumer’s mind space.

Chivita Active, a refreshing and nourishing fruit juice from the stable of Chi Limited, now wears a new look following a strategic makeover to reposition and convey tangible and intangible attributes of the brand to the consumer.
According to the Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, the new pack is a fresh and entirely new design that is aimed at effectively communicating the core value of Chivita Active as an “active healthy lifestyle” brand to consumers.
He added that the new pack parades a bold new logo that is refreshingly modern while exuding the core essence of active health. “With rounded contemporary edges and the forward pointing red triangle, the logo emphasizes on advancement, achievement and success,” he said.
Roy continued: “The design is cutting edge. The rich fruit and juice visuals combine perfectly with the simplistic design and colour pallet to reveal a truly sophisticated pack. It is a pack that exudes confidence and fitness and will resonate with those who lead an active lifestyle and are primed to achieve more.”
The pack also features a nutritional information panel on the six citrus fruits mixed together to form the juice while “Fortified with Vitamin C” is strategically positioned on the pack to further identify with the health conscious consumer. Further examination of the pack reveals active images on the side panels that urge consumers to embrace the active lifestyle and an inviting motif of fruits and juice splash.
Chivita Active fruit juice contains six citric fruit juices and added vitamin C. The citric fruit juices are Orange, Grapefruit, Lime, Tangerine, Lemon and Mandarine.

As we all know, “a clear brand message is worth a thousand words.” And since brand messaging is about capturing the right language that embodies a brand so that it stands out from the pack, it must be simple, short and, above all, memorable. For effectiveness, it must also parade instantly attractive packaging.
Nonetheless, the challenge of communicating a clear and effective brand message that will instantly resonate with consumers has always been an intimidating task for brand managers. This is because very few brands are able to effectively match the message with each and every component of their brand or product.
One brand which has successfully matched the message with each and every component of the brand is Chivita 100% from the stable of Chi Limited, makers of fruit juices. Previously known as Chivita Premium, the new name, Chivita 100%, along with the new trendy, modern and elegant packaging delivers a supreme lesson in brand messaging.
Operating in a challenging economy like Nigeria where marketing a brand is a complex and highly competitive task, finding a clear message that works with the consumer may be the most difficult part of building a brand identity. But by renaming Chivita to reflect the most crucial idea at the heart of the brand which is the 100% pure fruit juice that contains no added sugar, no preservative and no added colours, Chivita has solidified its market leadership.
Truly, in an increasingly health conscious society, consumers are most likely to choose a brand that lays emphasis on natural ingredients instead of products containing synthetic or genetically modified components. The visual architecture of the brand is even more endearing. Boldly written along the length of the pack is ‘100% Fruit Juice’ while ‘No Added Sugar’ is placed at the heart of the design and written in clear language to give the information greater prominence than before.
Indeed, behind the Chivita’s title, behind the package design and behind the ad campaigns, is a strong, simple message that effectively communicates the core value of Chivita fruit juice as a pure and natural drink.
To further drive the consumer’s attraction to Chivita 100%, the variant name now appears as ‘Real Orange’ or ‘Real Apple’ on the pack as opposed to simply writing Orange or Apple. The interactive design features visual elements such as the “shake well” symbol as well as a “variant wheel” that reflects all other variants of the brand.
Speaking on the new design in Lagos recently, Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan said the packaging changeover is the company’s way of injecting fresh energy into the brand so that it can take its pride of place on market shelves and in households, from living rooms to event halls and in the lives of consumers who cherish healthy living.
In an effort to avail Chivita 100% with more levels of engagement with the consumer, the website address, Facebook page, Twitter handle and LinkedIn contact addresses are featured on the pack.
Chivita 100% which can be enjoyed by consumers who desire pure, healthy and natural refreshment is available in five variants of real pineapple, real apple, real orange, orange pineapple and orange mango.

The business landscape in Nigeria is undoubtedly attractive to investors because of the size of the population. Consequently, the array of brands on shelves in supermarkets and in the mass market may be sometimes confusing to consumers. Nowhere is this dilemma more evident than in the foods and beverages category of the fast moving consumer goods sector. Understandably, competition for patronage by operators in the sector is fierce. But in an increasingly health conscious world, consumers will only choose to buy the best. The brands that will ultimately survive the contest for consumer loyalty will be ones with quality products manufactured locally using world-class technology.

In marketing of products consumed by children, there is the added burden of ensuring that the product is exciting and appealing not just to the children but also to their health conscious parents and guardians. And if brand owners are to agree with the position of Jack Trout and Al Ries in their landmark book entitled "The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing," then marketing is not truly a battle of products but a battle of perceptions. The implication of this is that even if a product is of the highest quality imaginable, brand owners must still work on the perception of consumers.

In today’s world where genetically modified or synthetic consumers goods are being widely promoted despite the protests against their use in consumable goods, natural products will surely have an edge in the minds of parents who want the best for their children. In the fruit juice drink market, several brands targeted at children compete for leadership through various offerings. Drinks such as Bobo, Viju Milk, Ribena, Happy-Hour, Lucozade Boost and Capri-Sonne lead the pack in the race to capture the hearts of children and their parents. Also, Maltina from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc recently joined the fray. Besides, several cottage businesses churn out various offerings that chip away at the edges.

Nonetheless, there are significant differences in their offerings which define the competition and their respective performance in the marketplace. While many of the brands mentioned are a mixture of synthetic materials and natural ingredients, Capri-Sonne stands out because it contains 100% fruit ingredients that adds to vitality and healthy growth of the child. This quality has naturally endeared the brand to discerning mothers.
In today’s world, healthy living is uppermost in the minds of the people.

Mothers, in particular, tend to be extra careful with what they feed to their children. It is obvious that many people, including children, do not drink enough. They tend to eat too much but not drink enough! This is why parents use simple tricks like buying fruit juice drinks to encourage their children to drink enough. But in the long run, the children are only going to drink more if they like and enjoy the taste of the beverage. When children turn fussy about eating, parents turn to buying healthy and nourishing products that suit the taste buds of the child and in almost all cases, the child takes the drink with a smile. This is where the universally recognizable Capri-Sonne, a brand of fruit juice drink that is perhaps most well known for its silver, stand-up pouch packaging beats other beverages on offer.

Mrs. Deola Ojelabi, a housewife who like every mother wants the best for her children, says her children’s school bags are never complete without their daily intake of Capri-Sonne because “my children know what they want. If they want the best, they know what the best is and I cannot give them what is close to the best. Nobody can fool them. So, they always ask for Capri-Sonne.” The excitement of Tunji, Mrs. Bandele’s four-year old son, at the sight of her mother picking Capri-Sonne from the shelf in a supermarket recently was a joy to behold. Mrs. Bandele confessed that the boy will give her no rest if she failed to include the fruit drink among her purchases. “He loves the drink and I enjoy buying it for him because of its natural taste and as a supplement to him for his healthy development.”

Capri-Sonne is the number one kids' drink worldwide and controls more than 80 percent of the fruit drink market for kids in Nigeria because it contains 100% natural ingredients. It is estimated that 5 billion pouches are sold every year in approximately 100 countries around the world. The juice is made with the best juice of sun ripened fruits available and contains no artificial flavours and colours or preservative.

The silver pouch has also made the drink popular, especially among parents and children, as the design makes it easily portable. No doubt, Capri-Sonne makes drinking lots of fun! The pouch is sturdy, hermetically sealed and tamper proof. It can withstand many a tumble - and it even passes the hardness test in a freezer without bursting. This means that Capri-Sonne can also be enjoyed as a tasty ice treat.

Keen examination of the trend in marketing initiatives will easily reveal that social media is developing as an important avenue for companies to build brands. The ascendance of social media rests on three fundamental human relationship values namely the self-expression it engenders through product education, its ability to share information with friends and the attention it generates through word of mouth. More importantly, social media enables brands to connect with customers in a way never before possible with scale.

For instance, Chi Limited, makers of Chivita Premium fruit juice, entered the Nigerian market nearly three decades ago. During the period, the company worked hard to earn consumers' loyalty and respect through its many flavours, promotions and campaigns. Along the way, Chivita became a household name. Nonetheless, the brand is set to grow bigger with its adoption of social media for brand building. Chivita Premium has a Facebook page that is growing daily and is full of action. The overwhelming response to the daily tips on Healthy & Natural Living by visitors to the page has resulted in over 70,000 clicks on the Like button within the short period of its introduction.
In addition, thousands of visitors to the site engage in lively discussions on their daily experience with the brand.

A brand’s equity depends on two things: the level of awareness it commands among consumers in its category and how positive the consumer is about what they know about the brand as perceived by its image.
With comments like “Chivita Premium is the best and original juice in Nigeria” and “I love Chivita, my day is incomplete without a taste of the orange flavour” by some visitors to the page, it becomes easier to appreciate the premium value of the Chivita brand.

Stanley Omeokwe, a follower of the Chivita Premium Page had this to say about the brand: “I have tasted all the flavours in Chivita. The flavours are incomparable with the flavours in other juices. Thumbs up!!!” another follower of the page, Promise Ozioma, said “I cherish Chivita so much because it is so nourishing.” The page parades several one liners like “nice,” “I feel good drinking Chivita,” “my best juice,” or “I love my Chivita,” in addition to clicks on Like button on comments that cumulatively run into thousands.

All the way through the Chivita Premium Facebook Page timeline, Chi Limited, educates consumers through the ‘Chivita's go and do’ tips.
Examples of such tips include: “Try to get as much physical activity as you can. Skip the elevator and take the stairs, walk to the supermarket instead of hunting for parking space” or “Exercise at least four days a week for 20 to 30 minutes each day. If it’s all not possible at a go, break your workouts into smaller sessions.”
Visitors to the page will also learn the health benefits of oranges from Chivita where it is disclosed that “oranges, like other citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C (provides 53.2 mg per 100 g, about 90% of DRI); Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant.
Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood.” Another Chivita's go and do lesson says “Limit sugary and caffeinated beverages.”
What makes apples so great is a question that is regularly asked because of the saying that ‘one apple a day keeps the doctor away.

One of the entries on Chivita's fruit facts provides the answer to the riddle. “The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.”
Chivita Premium contains no added sugar, no preservative and no added colours. Made of 100% pure juice, Chivita premium comes with the goodness of health and natural taste. It is available in three sizes of 1Litre (10 packs in a tray), 500ml (10 packs in a tray) and 250ml (24 packs in a tray). Chivita Premium Fruit Juices are a rare blend of the best of Nigerian and imported fruit juices.

Interestingly, Chivita Premium Facebook Page also rewards visitors to the page through a game known as Chivita Friendometer. A follower of the page who decides to play the game automatically gets a discount on up to 5 Chivita Premium cartons. The more friends that a player has who also like the page and the more correct answers to questions about the friends, the more the chances of the players winning prizes like iPad 2 or Samsung chat phones.

According to Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan, “The need to educate consumers on the benefits of consuming 100 percent fruit juice as well as providing useful and life enhancing health tips necessitated our facebook page opening. We want to nurture long-term relationships with our consumers through the Chivita Premium Facebook Page in an engaging and mutually beneficial way”

The Nigerian consumer market is growing on all fronts and this is a pointer that it cannot continue to be business as usual. Brand handlers who understand this are thinking outside the box to create strategies for a deepened consumer affinity that will guarantee market share, profitability and brand loyalty.

In the past, some brands had dwelt on the old proverb of building mousetrap and allowing the world to beat a path to their door. This was true then. But today’s mousetrap requires intensified communication. In any competing market, the brand shandlers have to package and promote the mousetrap and the world will definitely come en mass if other variables are in tandem.

The objective of every marketer in the fast growing market like Nigeria is to allow the world to continuously beat a path to its door. For this to happen, it requires certain factors which include the completion of production process of allowing the goods to reach the final consumer. This is a marketing strategy employed by brands like Chivita Premium fruit juice in its marketing mix to create sales and achieve consumer satisfaction. Analysts agree that the perpetual unavailability of any product in some regions cannot effectively enhance sales as would have been expected.

The handlers of Chivita have leveraged on an efficient distribution system which comprises pf retailers, wholesalers, multilevel marketers and sales representatives to bring the product nearer to the people with the underlying objective of creating more market share. This effective distribution strategy has ensured that millions of people across the country readily have access to it. A quick check at various retail shops in Ibadan, Abeokuta and Lagos reveal the availability of the product. For Atinuke Jegede, who operates Choice Stores in Ibadan, ‘’Chivita’ premium fruit juice is always readily available at shops and its 100 percent pure juice content has really endeared to its consumers who are increasingly becoming conscious of realness and quality”

The brand has been able to achieve market- appealing product availability with economical price and exciting marketing promotion strategy especially in Nigeria’s competitive juice market which has created a positive effect on the return on investment. To achieve this, according to analysts requires consumers insight. An analyst said that “Brand loyalty cannot happen without a thorough understanding of the consumer and a deliberate decision to satisfy and exceed the customer’s expectations via both core and surprise values”

Unlike the captain of the sunk Titanic ship that looked at the tip of the iceberg, the handlers of Chivita have deviated from focusing on the “pieces of information about the customers but probed “deeper into the world of the consumer to understand their motivations, needs, aspirations, belief systems and other deeper values they hold dear and which hold the key to the levers that open the door to customer satisfaction and loyalty”

The handlers of Chivita fruit juice which is a 100 percent fruit juice with no preservatives prides itself as creating a compelling and unique brand experience by incorporating other marketing mix such as price and promotion to ensure it keeps its eye on the ball. It was this effort as well as the adoption of a functional campaign strategy to communicate the reality of the 100 per cent fruit juice content that won the brand the preferred fruit juice drink in a preference study among 15,000 youths across Nigeria at the Next Generation Survey Award recently. The Generation Next survey awards, in its maiden edition and organized recently in Lagos by HDI Youth Marketers and Businessday, a leading business daily in Nigeria is a consumer choice driven brand award.

The brand handlers of Chivita have also “successfully positioned Chivita Premium Juice as a food product with local roots through its “Be Nigerian, Buy Nigerian” campaign. Because the fruit juice market is a peculiar market that is driven more by volume sales, availability at every point of purchase is critical to market leadership. The distribution network, built over 30 years, is able to match and even surpass that of competition in certain locations”.

The Nigerian consumer market is growing on all fronts and this is a pointer that it cannot continue to be business as usual. Brand handlers who understand this are thinking outside the box to create strategies for a deepened consumer affinity that will guarantee market share, profitability and brand loyalty.

In the past, some brands had dwelt on the old proverb of building mousetrap and allowing the world to beat a path to their door. This was true then. But today’s mousetrap requires intensified communication. In any competing market, the brand shandlers have to package and promote the mousetrap and the world will definitely come en mass if other variables are in tandem.

The objective of every marketer in the fast growing market like Nigeria is to allow the world to continuously beat a path to its door. For this to happen, it requires certain factors which include the completion of production process of allowing the goods to reach the final consumer. This is a marketing strategy employed by brands like Chivita Premium fruit juice in its marketing mix to create sales and achieve consumer satisfaction. Analysts agree that the perpetual unavailability of any product in some regions cannot effectively enhance sales as would have been expected.

The handlers of Chivita have leveraged on an efficient distribution system which comprises pf retailers, wholesalers, multilevel marketers and sales representatives to bring the product nearer to the people with the underlying objective of creating more market share. This effective distribution strategy has ensured that millions of people across the country readily have access to it. A quick check at various retail shops in Ibadan, Abeokuta and Lagos reveal the availability of the product. For Atinuke Jegede, who operates Choice Stores in Ibadan, ‘’Chivita’ premium fruit juice is always readily available at shops and its 100 percent pure juice content has really endeared to its consumers who are increasingly becoming conscious of realness and quality”

The brand has been able to achieve market- appealing product availability with economical price and exciting marketing promotion strategy especially in Nigeria’s competitive juice market which has created a positive effect on the return on investment. To achieve this, according to analysts requires consumers insight. An analyst said that “Brand loyalty cannot happen without a thorough understanding of the consumer and a deliberate decision to satisfy and exceed the customer’s expectations via both core and surprise values”

Unlike the captain of the sunk Titanic ship that looked at the tip of the iceberg, the handlers of Chivita have deviated from focusing on the “pieces of information about the customers but probed “deeper into the world of the consumer to understand their motivations, needs, aspirations, belief systems and other deeper values they hold dear and which hold the key to the levers that open the door to customer satisfaction and loyalty”

The handlers of Chivita fruit juice which is a 100 percent fruit juice with no preservatives prides itself as creating a compelling and unique brand experience by incorporating other marketing mix such as price and promotion to ensure it keeps its eye on the ball. It was this effort as well as the adoption of a functional campaign strategy to communicate the reality of the 100 per cent fruit juice content that won the brand the preferred fruit juice drink in a preference study among 15,000 youths across Nigeria at the Next Generation Survey Award recently. The Generation Next survey awards, in its maiden edition and organized recently in Lagos by HDI Youth Marketers and Businessday, a leading business daily in Nigeria is a consumer choice driven brand award.

The brand handlers of Chivita have also “successfully positioned Chivita Premium Juice as a food product with local roots through its “Be Nigerian, Buy Nigerian” campaign. Because the fruit juice market is a peculiar market that is driven more by volume sales, availability at every point of purchase is critical to market leadership. The distribution network, built over 30 years, is able to match and even surpass that of competition in certain locations”.

Years of consistent high quality, good marketing support, an understanding of the market and consumer trends has paid off as CHI Limited recently won some awards in the just concluded Generation Next Awards, 2013. The award whose maiden edition was recently held in Lagos is a consumer choice driven brand award and is being brought to Nigeria for the first time by HDI Youth Marketers, in conjunction with Businessday, a leading financial daily in Nigeria.

The newly introduced Generation Next survey awards is the largest youth brand preference study exploring their taste and preferences. Nominated brands in each category are first selected and shortlisted by interviewing 1000 respondents; with winning brands in each category chosen through an independent survey of more than 15,000 youths across Nigeria.

Coming tops in the Juice drink category was Chivita Premium fruit juice, renowned for its 100 percent fruit juice content with no added sugar, preservatives and artificial colours or flavours. Like most sectors of the Nigerian economy, the fruit juice product category is highly competitive but Chivita Premium Fruit Juice has worked hard to earn consumers' loyalty and admiration through its many promotions and campaigns.
Hollandia yoghurt also came top in the Yoghurt/Milk drink category, while Hollandia evaporated Milk took second place in the Milk category.

Reacting to the awards, CHI Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Roy Deepanjan stresses “we are excited about these awards. No doubt, we have aptly demonstrated that the best way to the consumers’ heart is to offer a variety of good choices at affordable prices. CHI Limited will continue to do its best to satisfy consumers of its various brands”

The Generation Next Awards is reputed to be South Africa’s pre-eminent brand survey based award for the last nine years and works there in partnership with The Sunday Times.

Except in a monopoly, market leadership in any category of business is never attained as a birthright. Indeed, it is never an accidental occurrence or happenstance. Instead, market leadership is a strategic decision that must be planned for and excellently executed. To be sure, any brand can desire to be the market leader in its category but unless the wish is translated into sound actionable strategies, it will simply remain a wish.

Chi Limited, makers of Chivita Premium Fruit Juice, recently embarked on a campaign to reinforce its “100 per cent fruit juice content” as part of a carefully designed strategy to maintain and increase the top-of-the-mind awareness which the tagline has won for the brand among fruit juice lovers in the country. A careful examination of the campaign will reveal that it is a conscious strategic choice by Chi Limited on how it intends to compete in the market with its flagship brand - Chivita Premium Fruit Juice.

Keen industry observers of competition in the fruit juice category of the drinks market will remember that Chivita Premium Fruit Juice was introduced into the Nigerian market in 1985. But there is no doubt that the Chivita brand has attained market leadership in the fruit juice category of the fast moving goods sector following the introduction of100% juice content in 2003.

Placed in its proper context, the unassailable leadership of Chivita Premium Fruit Juice in the market today is a result of better understanding of consumer needs over competitors and opportunity meeting preparation. Obviously, managers of the Chivita Premium Fruit Juice brand are better visionaries than the competition. Managing for market leadership demands courage and boldness to tread where others are afraid to venture. Chi Limited was daring enough to chart new courses and risk operation in a developing economy like Nigeria where uncertainty is the only certainty.

Chivita’s success stands on three strategic pillars. The first pillar is the fruit juice itself. As thousands of customers have attested to, even in blind taste tests, Chivita Premium Fruit Juice is truly 100% fruit juice in content and contains no added sugar, no added preservative and no artificial colours and flavours. Chi Limited was able to deliver the product through massive investment in latest technology that helps to address the needs of a growing health-consciousness among Nigerian fruit juice consumers. Chivita Premium Fruit Juices are a rare blend of the best of Nigerian and imported fruit juices. It is a 100% Premium Fruit Juice product that has attained the status of market leader and has been awarded Super-brand status second year consecutively.

Secondly, in its quest to enrich the quality of its flagship brand with premium taste and quality, the new Chivita Premium Fruit Juice comes with a newer, more attractive pack designed to give more impact and to focus more on brand elements. Relying on consumer insights, the fruit juice is packaged in Tetra Pak elongated rectangular and easy-to-open formats that are a huge delight to consumers. The packs also enhance the taste of the fruit juice which comes in five variants of orange, pineapple, apple, orange-mango and duets of orange-pineapple. Consumers continue to choose Chivita Premium Fruit Juice because of its constituent and natural fruit taste. Chivita is thick and is readily available.

The third strategy adopted by Chi Limited was to have a functional campaign strategy to communicate the reality of the 100 per cent fruit juice content of its flagship brand to consumers. That way, the brand has been able to sustain its quality image and is more accessible to the generality of Nigerian consumers.

The company has also successfully positioned Chivita Premium Juice as a food product with local roots through its “Be Nigerian, Buy Nigerian” campaign. Because the fruit juice market is a peculiar market that is driven more by volume sales than price differentiation, availability at every point of purchase is critical to market leadership. The distribution network, built over 30 years, is able to match and even surpass that of competition in certain locations.

Only recently the brand came out tops ahead of rival brands like 5Alive in the maiden Generation Next survey awards, which is the largest brand preference study exploring the taste and preferences of at 15,000 youths accross the country.

Truly, Chivita Premium Fruit Juice’s success story is the result of a number of factors, namely: consistent high quality, good marketing support and a good understanding of the market and consumers, and of course, an enviable consumer loyalty. The story can only get more interesting in the years ahead for a brand that loves to do things in a big way.

How would the average Nigerian respond to a question like: are you getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet? For the majority, the answer will most likely be: no. In fact, according to available estimates, roughly 90 per cent of Nigerians are not meeting the daily recommendations. Nevertheless, 100% fruit juices are a convenient way for adults and children to help meet recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. According to the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report for 2005, "Fruit juices provide substantial contributions of several vitamins and minerals in higher amounts than do whole fruits."
In an increasingly health-conscious world, avant-garde brands have risen to the challenge of meeting consumer needs with innovative solutions that have begun to affect the longevity of people in a significant way. By making conscious efforts to meet the emerging needs of consumers, life-giving products which were once exclusive to the wealthy have now become available to all consumers. Hitherto, only the rich had access to packaged natural products that could repair damaged body cells and prolong life in tangible ways.
Today, it is gratifying to note that beverage manufacturers like Chi Limited, makers of Chivita Premium Fruit Juice, have made it easier for everyone to drink more healthily by creating beverages that are simply healthy and affordable. In spite of stiff competition and uncertainties in the marketplace, Chivita has endured to build a formidable brand that is a huge delight to fruit juice consumers.
Again, by deploying technology in a beneficial manner, Chi Limited has introduced some amazing solutions to the health needs of consumers, especially with the introduction of Chivita Premium Fruit Juice. Manufactured from 100% pure juice, Chivita Premium Fruit Juice contains no added sugar, no preservative and no added colours. A 100% Fruit Juice product which comes in five variants, Chivita Premium Fruit Juice is a rare blend of the best of Nigerian and imported fruit juices. Its good natural taste has helped the brand to attain the status of a market leader which explains its high visibility at social gatherings across the country. Indeed, nowadays, no social gathering is complete without packs of Chivita Premium Fruit Juice adorning the tables. Besides, the brand which is targeted at all age groups has enjoyed high multimedia presence.
Like most sectors of the Nigerian economy, the fruit juice product category is highly competitive. But Chivita Premium Fruit Juice has worked hard to earn consumers' loyalty and admiration through its many flavours, promotions and campaigns. Although Chi Limited which started operations in Nigeria in 1981 is relatively young in comparison to its main competitor, Nigeria Bottling Company, its entertaining commercials and heavy reliance on outdoor advertising has helped it to gain top-of-mind awareness among consumers of fruit juice. No doubt, Chivita has amply demonstrated that the best way to consumers’ hearts is to offer a variety of good choices at affordable prices. The fruit juice is available in five variants of orange, pineapple, apple, orange-mango and duets of orange-pineapple.
Happily, a steady inroad into the market by beverage manufacturers has seen a steady increase in the life-expectancy figure for Nigerians to a respectable 58 years today. But this figure is still low by world standards. The figures for non-communicable diet-related diseases like diabetes, scurvy, kwashiorkor and hypertension, among others, show that there is still a gap in the nutritional intakes of Nigerians. Besides, experts have linked the high incidence of such diseases to increased consumption of refined sugar and synthetic fibres which damage the health of unsuspecting consumers.
Today, Chivita 100% fruit juice is the new ‘cool’ because there are no added sugars in 100% juice. What the consumer gets is the same as the natural sugars found in whole fruit. In addition, 100% juices are nutritious naturally or when fortified with nutrients like vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D. The 100% juice is considered a "nutrient dense" beverage because it packs more nutritional value than other beverage choices per calorie. Again, 100% juices contain naturally-occurring phytonutrients. Phytonutrients compounds found in fruits, vegetables and other plants that researchers believe have disease-preventative and disease fighting properties.
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consumption of several cups of fruits and vegetables per day, and acknowledge the role that 100% juice can play as part of the fruit allowance. According to the latest consumption data collected by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the majority of America's children and teens are drinking 100% fruit juices in amounts recommended by health professionals.
The distinction of being the first brand in Nigeria to refer to itself as a Proudly Nigerian brand through its ‘Be Nigerian, Buy Nigeria’ campaign has also helped to sustain Chivita’s growing brand equity. In terms of market share and turnover, Chivita is larger than 5Alive from the stable of Nigeria Bottling Company, Funman, Don Simon and other fringe players in the last decade. Its competitive edge has remained the absence of refined sugar and preservatives in the packaged juice.
According to the Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan, “Nutrition is a key enabler to meet almost every development goal, and we cannot over-emphasize the important role that natural foods without artificial preservatives and refined sugars can play in achieving this. 100% juice is considered a "nutrient dense" beverage and it addresses the nutritional needs of people at every stage in life.
“More significantly, as the leader in the Nigerian fruit juice category, we see it as our responsibility to promote the nutritional benefits of 100% fruit juice among all Nigerians.”

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has continued to consolidate its position as a foremost African brand through adherence to high corporate governance principles, strong financial performance and the introduction of innovative products and services to ensure its stakeholders are well satisfied each time they encounter the GT brand.

These efforts and the Bank’s numerous achievements in the last 12 months, recently led to its recognition as the top Nigerian Company in the Banking industry according to African Business’ Annual Rankings Magazine. The rankings which incorporates companies that are listed on African stock exchanges also includes those that are listed on other bourses elsewhere in the world and global giants listed on two or more of the Johannesburg, London, Sydney and New York exchanges.

Commenting on the recent recognition, Segun Agbaje Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc attributed this achievement to discipline, a defined operating strategy, hands on knowledge about the Nigerian market and the passion of GTBank employees, who constantly strive to give 100% above customer expectations every single time.

According to the Managing Director, ‘We are a Proudly African and Truly International Institution and are committed to the ideal that our stakeholders should be better off for partnering with us. This principle influences our operations, products, service style and company culture’.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc was adjudged the African Bank of the Year Award last Month in Morocco and in its bid to further consolidate its position as the most serviced focused and profitable bank in Nigeria, it recent upgrade internet banking platform to make it more secure and to serve customers better and also its innovation of the social banking platform on Facebook which allows customers to bank anywhere in the world.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc was established in 1990 and has within the last 22 years come to be recognized as one of the most innovative and service focused banks in the Nigerian financial market space. The Bank operates from 200 business locations in Nigeria and has banking subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

St. Georges Boys & Girls School experience 100% examination pass rate

Lagos, Nigeria – July, 2013.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc recognizes the contribution that an “employee volunteering scheme” can make to the wider community. Through a series of employee volunteer initiatives, GTBank employees have been able to give back to the community whilst at the same time enhancing their versatility and development opportunities. Guaranty Trust Bank’s employee volunteering scheme plays an active part in the local community in an impactful and beneficial way.

Currently, there are two initiatives being undertaken by GTBank staff to improve the quality of education delivered to the Nigerian child - The GTBank staff Orange Volunteer After-School initiative; a coaching, tutoring and mentoring programme for pupils in primary schools preparing to take entrance examinations into secondary schools and the GTBank Adopt-a-School project; a programme introduced by the Bank in 2004, to improve the learning conditions of students of public schools.

The management, staff and pupils of St. George’s Boys and Girls Primary Schools, Lagos recently commended staff of Guaranty Trust Bank plc for their outstanding employee volunteer program; the Orange Volunteer After-School initiative, which has helped improve the academic performance of the students of the school. In a letter of appreciation sent to the Bank, the school thanked Staff of GTBank plc for their level of responsibility and commitment to the development of its pupils through the coaching and tutoring weekend sessions.

The 8-week intensive coaching programme commenced in February, 2013 with members of staff from various units and departments taking pupils in subjects such as mathematics, English, Vocational Studies, Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Aptitude. In the 2013/2014 placement result released by Lagos State Government in June, 2013, pupils of St. George’s Boys’ and Girls’ Primary Schools recorded a 100% pass rate in the examination; an improvement over the 98% pass rate achieved by GTBank staff in the 1st year coaching of the students. A total of 74 pupils took the examination with 68% of the pupils scoring over 70%. Teachers, parents and pupils were pleased with the wonderful result and Staff of the Bank also promised their unflinching support to the development of pupils in schools around the country.

Expressing his view on the accolade, the MD/CEO of GTBank plc; Mr. Segun Agbaje could not hide his excitement about this feat, he said “We have a long standing commitment to the communities in which we operate. Beyond the benefits our core business brings to our host communities, we aim to contribute our quota to the development of the society. GTBank staff are highly committed to this goal and this shows how much we treasure the children around us”

Guaranty Trust Bank staff have always been at the forefront of Corporate Social Responsibility within the Nigerian financial services sector. The Bank staff also have an Orange Valentine Initiative; a contribution invested in developmental issues that affect local communities and the less privileged.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc was established in 1990 and has in the last 22 years been recognized as one of the most innovative and service focused Banks in the Nigerian financial sector. The Bank operates from 188 branches in Nigeria and has banking subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has once again raised the service bar for African Financial Institutions, by upgrading its Social Banking offering on Facebook to accommodate Instant GTBank Account Opening. With this upgrade, prospective customers of the foremost Bank can open accounts and immediately get their account numbers while on Facebook, without having to visit any GTBank branch.

Commenting on the new offering which went live recently, Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc; Mr. Segun Agbaje said the upgrade will make it more convenient for people to commence banking relationships with the Bank. Mr. Agbaje explained that all people have to do while on Facebook is fill the account opening form, upload their passport photograph and signature mandate and immediately get their account number.

GTBank Social Banking is a unique offering pioneered by the Bank earlier in the year that allows people open GTBank Accounts, make Account Balance Enquiries, perform Money Transfers and purchase Airtime on Facebook. The Bank remains the leading Nigerian financial services provider in the social media space with over 1.3 Million followers on Facebook alone, the largest following for any Nigerian company.

With Social Banking, Guaranty Trust Bank plc has successfully introduced a new and effective platform through which its customers can get real-time customer service and perform transactions quickly, safely and at their convenience. According to Mr. Agbaje the banking requirements of today’s customers necessitates a high degree of flexibility, which is why GTBank is instituting value adding channels on social and other platforms that allow people bank 24/7.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc was established in 1990 and has within the last 23 years come to be recognized as one of the most innovative and service focused banks in Nigeria. The Bank, which was recently conferred with the 2013 African Bank of the Year Award by African Banker Magazine, has banking subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom and has concluded the purchase of a 70% equity stake in Fina Bank that will see its operations spread to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda .

uaranty Trust Bank plc has continued to promote economic development and entrepreneurship by partnering with the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges to support the 2013 UK-Nigeria Investment Partnership Forum, which will take place on Thursday May 2, 2013 at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The programme which seeks to encourage bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, involves presentation of business enhancement models that facilitate trade between both countries, networking between captains of industries and exploration of business opportunities that exist in both markets. Mr. Alderman Roger Gifford, the Lord Mayor of London is leading the United Kingdom’s business delegation to the event, with Managing Directors/CEOs of major companies operating in different sectors of the UK’s economy in attendance.

Nigeria’s delegation to the event is being led by the CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema alongside Private Sector Industry Leaders and top Government officials. Commenting on the Bank’s involvement, Mrs. Cathy Echeozo, Deputy Managing Director of GTBank said the Bank was committed to the development of the Nigerian capital market and the promotion of access to global investment capital.

According to Mrs. Echeozo ‘UK and Nigeria are important business partners. If we are to actualize the plans of President Goodluck Jonathan and Prime Minister David Cameron to double trade and investment growth between both nations by 2016, then private companies must undertake forums like this to exchange ideas.”

Guaranty Trust Bank has always been a strong advocate for empowerment, economic growth and development. The Bank recently sponsored a similar initiative tagged GTBank’s Leadership Seminar, wherein select industry leaders had an interactive session with Mr. Robin Sharma; a globally celebrated author of international bestselling books on leadership.

Guaranty Trust Bank was established in 1990 and presently operates from over 200 offices in Nigeria and banking subsidiaries in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and the United Kingdom.

In recognition of it service standards, management quality and financial performance, the Bank has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years that most recently include the Best Bank in Nigeria Award for the fourth consecutive year from Euromoney Magazine and the Best Bank in Nigeria Award from EMEA Finance. Mr Segun Agbaje, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer was also lately recognized as 2012 African Banker of the Year.

LEE FOLLENDER TO TRAIN AT PPLD TRAINING

The Purpose Power and Lifestyle Design (PPLD) International would hold its first certified intensive training tagged “T3” from May 13 – 25 at its training centre in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. The training for potential trainers is specifically designed for success driven individuals who truly desire to distinguish themselves in their businesses, careers and lives. It would have renowned leadership and management training expert and CEO of Aware Consulting Services Texas, USA, Lee Follender as guest trainer.

As a powerful and dynamic coach, trainer, and business consultant, Follender has worked with thousands of individuals and organizations over the past 18 years. She has worked as a coach and curriculum writer for, and with, internet gurus like Joe Vitale, Bob Doyle, Marci Shimoff and others; coaching their clients and delivering coaching on the specifics of their principles and has trained leaders of organizations like Time Warner Cable and Dell Computer Corporation.

Her skills and abilities in the area of one-on-one and group coaching have made an extraordinary impact with entrepreneurs and corporate business executives alike. She has spent the last 18 years, working with people to create breakthrough performance results for themselves or their staff and with teams of professionals, looking to improve or transform their work environment.

According to PPLD”s founder and visioner in Nigeria, Mr.Tunde Makun, ‘’it is a pleasure and rare privilege to have Lee Follender at the training programme as she would bring her wealth of over 18 years experience in leadership and management training expertise to bear’’. He adds that the training is for a few discerning success driven individuals as part of the flagship POWER UP programme, powered by a world class curriculum and guaranteed to adequately provide knowledge, skills and tools to select group of participants who truly desires to live a life of significance.

Foremost Nigerian financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc has demonstrated the immense value it places on its shareholders by declaring a total dividend payment for the financial year of N45.62 billion. The outstanding profit figure of the Bank at N103bn at the end of December, 2012 is a reflection of the huge patronage of its customers based on exceptional service offerings.

The payment which was approved by shareholders at the Bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) translates into a dividend of N1.30 per 50 kobo share held and brings total shareholder receipts for the year to N1.55 per share, when added to the interim dividend payout of N0.25 per share the Bank made last year.

Key highlights of the AGM which took place in Lagos on Thursday, April 25, 2013 were the announcement of the retirement of the incumbent Chairman of the Bank, Mr. Oluwole Oduyemi in compliance with the Bank’s code of corporate governance which stipulates a retirement age of 70 years for Non-Executive Directors of the Bank and the presentation of Mr. Egbert Imomoh as the new Chairman of the Bank. The shareholders applauded the strong corporate governance of the Bank and expressed optimism over the ability of the management team to position GTBank as the ‘preferred bank’ within the country and continue to generate positive returns for shareholders in the future.

The Group’s financials for the 2012 financial year show Gross Earnings of N221.9 billion and a Profit Before Tax of N103 billion, the highest in the industry. In addition, the Bank’s Total Assets and Contingents increased by 6% to N2.26 trillion (2011: N2.14 trillion), and it closed the year with an On-Balance Sheet size of N1.73 trillion. Profit After Tax for the period was N87.3 billion (2011: N51.7 billion) representing a 69% improvement.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc said “we have declared the best results in the industry in the last few years and provided shareholders the best return on equity for any financial institution in Africa”. We intend to continuously reward our shareholders for the confidence they have in us and remain committed to teamwork, integrity and customer satisfaction as a bank.

He further stated that the Bank intends to consolidate its position in 2013 by pioneering service innovations, developing alternate banking channels, promoting excellence and creating role models for society.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc was established in 1990 and has within the last 22 years come to be recognized as one of the most innovative and service focused banks in the Nigerian financial market space. The Bank operates from over 200 business locations in Nigeria and has banking subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

In recognition of it service standards, management quality and financial performance, the Bank has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years that most recently include the Best Bank in Nigeria Award for the fourth consecutive year from Euromoney Magazine and the Best Bank in Nigeria Award from EMEA Finance. Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Bank Chief Executive Officer was also lately recognized as 2012 African Banker of the Year.

GTBank re-affirms commitment to secure banking,

Foremost Nigerian financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc has re-affirmed its commitment to the safety of stakeholder funds as it prepares for the 2013 financial year. Investigations show the Bank has installed several new technologies and introduced a number of internal procedures that enable it identify spurious transactions and prevent frauds on customer accounts.Speaking on the development, Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank; Mr. Segun Agbaje said the Bank was committed to ensure its customers are shielded from the escalating incidence of online and other forms of fraud being experienced within the industry.Mr. Agbaje said ‘we have introduced several new processes internally, which I cannot disclose that make it more difficult for fraudsters to have access to our customer accounts. Additionally we have a mutually beneficial relationship with law enforcement agencies, such as the Nigerian Police Force that enable us identify potential fraudsters and apprehend them before they act’.He concluded by saying the constant review of the Bank’s security infrastructure and processes were pivotal to its recent success in discovering frauds and foiling attempts, that could have translated to huge losses for the Bank. These include a recent attempt by some unscrupulous individuals to defraud a customer of a large amount of money. The situation has been contained and the individuals concerned are presently aiding the police with their investigations. Sources from the Bank confirmed the matter is being dealt with and the Bank is leaving no stone unturned in dealing with development.Guaranty Trust Bank has always been committed to the safety of stakeholders’ funds. A few years ago it installed a whistle blower platform to help mitigate against instances of fraud whilst resolving customer service related issues. The channel enables customers, staff and other stakeholders of the Bank report unethical or unprofessional conduct by its employees without revealing the complainant’s identity. The GTBank Whistle Blower is a very secure platform that is hosted on the Bank’s website for easy access.More recently, the Bank deployed a security software on its Internet Banking platform called Trusteer Rapport. The software protects customer accounts from fraudsters by securing online communications with the Bank’s website/internet banking portal.Guaranty Trust Bank plc has a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS) certification attesting to the safety of its card and online channels and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)’s International Standards Organisation (ISO) 9001:2000 certification in recognition of quality management systems and conformity with global best practiceAuthorities at the Bank have stated that it remains ardently committed to proper practices and preventive mechanisms that safeguard the accounts, lives and properties of its stakeholders. The Bank intends to continue strengthening its security processes at all touchpoints, whilst promoting its value system, which is hinged on international best practice, professionalism, ethics, integrity and superior customer service.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc recently launched its partnership with Selfridges, UK to project authentic designs by talented African fashion designers. The collaboration tagged “Guaranty Trust Bank presents Ndani” stems from the Bank’s commitment to the projection of African Art to global audiences as a Proudly African and Truly International financial institution.

Ndani represents the beauty of Africa and this is clearly demonstrated at a distinct pop-up shop in Selfridges’ departmental store on Oxford Street in the UK. The designs on display at the shop express the deep creativity, ingenuity and originality of African designers, attributes which the designers share with the GTBank brand.

The exhibition has already attracted several reviews and visits by fashionistas from all over the world and is set to be a high point at the store throughout December 2012 and January, 2013. Participating designers are from Nigeria and include: Agu, House of Silk, DOT Handbags, Odio Mimonet, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Jewel by Lisa, Eki Orleans, Ituen Basi and Tiffany Amber. These designers are showcasing their Christmas/Cruise collection exclusively at the Nigerian world pop-up store during the project.

Commenting on the GTBank – Selfridges project, the Managing Director and CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje said that supporting and promoting African art such as fashion internationally is one of GTBank’s major Corporate Social Responsibility thrust. He stated that “we will continue to forge strategic partnerships to create platforms for the contributions of Africans to the different genre of Art as an organization positioned to harness the hidden potentials in Africa”.

Guaranty Trust Bank’s other recent art projects include its ongoing partnership with Tate, UK where it has appointed an international curator of arts and provides funds for the acquisition of African art by the gallery in addition to sponsoring annual art projects around the world. Furthermore, Ndani TV powered by Guaranty Trust Bank is an online platform which seeks to promote the best of Africans in music, fashion, writing, technology and business. The platform tells their story from a uniquely African perspective and puts their works within the digital space.

Guaranty Trust Bank was established in 1990 and presently operates from over 200 offices in Nigeria and banking subsidiaries in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and the United Kingdom.

What does Ubah want?

By Lilian Onajide



The hearing that the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions scheduled for Thursday, December 6, could not hold. The absence of two very relevant parties in the petition that Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, chairman and chief executive officer of Capital Oil and Gas Limited filed, which necessitated the public hearing – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, minister of finance and Mr. Aig-Imokhuede, managing director of Access – forced the House committee to reschedule the hearing for Thursday, December 13.

From information that is available in the public domain, Ubah wants the National Assembly to determine if it is morally in order for the Access Bank chief executive to head the presidential panel on the oil subsidy probe, when his bank is an interested party in the exercise, considering the fact that the bank is involved in the payment of subsidy claims by fuel importers. Ubah says the bank is also an interested party because it funded the fuel importation business that his company and the Coscharis Group jointly executed, which has now become a subject of litigation in Nigerian and United Kingdom courts.

From what transpired at the botched public hearing last week, it was obvious that the House committee was not properly briefed on what the Capital Oil chairman wants. For, it was clear that the lawmakers were trying to discuss a matter that is already in court, a point that lawyers representing Mr. Cosmas Maduka, chairman and chief executive officer of Coscharis, made clear. They have asked for all the relevant papers on the tripartite transactions involving Capital Oil, Coscharis and Assess Bank, apparently to guide them in their deliberations on Thursday. The same papers are currently with the courts.

If indeed Ubah wants the legislative arm of government to determine the appropriateness or otherwise of having Aig-Imokhuede preside on a panel that handles and assignment in which he is an interested party, the question arises as to what business Maduka has with the House committee, as far as his petition is concerned, to warrant his appearance before it. The Coscharis chairman did not set up the presidential panel, nor did he appoint the Access Bank managing director into the panel. If Ubah has any issues with Aig-Imokhuede’s membership and headship of the panel, is it not proper he makes the cause of his grouse very clear?

At the hearing that did not hold proper, Ubah repeated his orchestrated allegation of a gang-up for the purpose of taking over his business. So, what is the House committee expected to deliberate on? Is it the inappropriateness of having Aig-Imokhuede on the panel? Is it the supposed attempt to take over his business? Is it the current freezing of his company’s assets, which was ordered by courts of competent jurisdiction? Is it the fuel shortages being experienced in the country, which he claims the continued closure of his company’s premises has engendered? Is it the payment of his subsidy claims?

What, really, is Maduka’s interest in all this? Or, put it the other way round, who is the aggrieved party in what has come to be known as the Maduka/Ubah feud, for which the latter wants the intervention of the law makers? I thought that if there was one person who should cry blue murder, that person is Maduka. He, it was, who took a loan to finance a fuel importation business that sailed into troubled waters. He, it is, who is currently fighting to extricate himself from a debt burden that sees him cough out almost 400 million naira as interest every month, with the debt profile now in the region of 21 billion naira. It is an issue that courts in two countries are trying to resolve. This makes one wonder how far the House committee can go in the task that Ubah has saddled it with.

It is interesting to note that Ubah has advanced so many reasons to explain his current travails. If it is not that competitors (including his kinsman?) are envious of his soar-away success, it is that he is being hunted because he has broken the barrier of ethnicity to succeed in a foreign and hostile environment, that is, besides the earlier mentioned allegation of attempt to take over his business.

The public hearing may not go beyond the propaganda that Ubah seeks, to draw public attention to the crisis. One only hopes that the courts would speedily resolve a matter that has inflicted pain on the three principal parties in the transaction.



Onajide lives in Abuja

(lilonajide@yahoo.com)

It was a huge setback this afternoon as the House of Representatives committee on fuel subsidy payments postponed his petition hearing to next Thursday as result of the fact that there were many cases pending in court on the matter. Mr Ubah who was present at the house sitting this afternoon with his lawyers wanted the committee to go ahead with the hearings despite the fact he was already in court on the matter. The committee members had to adjourn for close to thirty minutes to deliberate on the propriety of continued hearing of a matter before several courts. In the end it decided on a postponement to next week Thursday for further hearing. A visibly sad Ifeanyi Ubah with an army of supporters left the sitting dissatisfied with the position of the committee but hoped for a continued hearing next week Thursday.

cdz: I must say that your post, Sir, leaves one glarring question in the mind of your reader: who are you and what's your stake in the conflict you have so painstakingly outlined? Furthermore, what are we to make of this post, what's your intent? You clearly give no background information as to the genesis of the conflict neither do you furnish us with any facts with which to draw our own conclusions. Rather, you would have us accept that your stance on the matter at hand is justified and right even when you provide no basis for your position.

Since you know so much about this issue, do you mind telling us why you hold the views you have expressed here and why you think that this conflict is relevant to the Nigerian public.

My brother, as for who i am> i am a business executive living and working in Lagos. Over the years we have seen unscrupulous businessmen run down our banking institutions with loans they never intend to pay back. The issues may be one between two business partners but the implications are wider.when a man takes a loan and fails to pay back, it in turn affects the bank's ability to grant credit to young businesses like the one i run. Ifeanyi Ubah's attempt to put ethnic sentiments to what is purely greed and mismanagement on his part is the genesis of the crisis.

I have, over the last three weeks, become a keen watcher of the current feud between Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited and Dr. Cosmos Maduka, president of Coscharis Group, over a business deal that has not only turned sour, but has also become the subject of litigation in Nigerian and foreign courts. From the look of things, the war between the two kinsmen from the same community in the same state is not about to abate. Indeed, if Ubah takes his case to the National Assembly as he has threatened, then what we have witnessed so far may well be a dress rehearsal of a full-scale war whose end cannot be foreseen now. This is without prejudice to the fact that Access Bank and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) have effectively taken over the assets of Capital Oil worldwide and those in Nigeria, courtesy, respectively, of United Kingdom and Nigerian courts. This, without doubt, signals the commencement of a long-drawn legal battle.
On the surface, nothing seems strange about a business transaction going awry and ending up in court. It is what makes the business world go round. Indeed, without occasional hiccups in form of contract breaches, disappointments, litigations, etc, I doubt if there would be successful businessmen and women in the world. So, the current fall-out of a business deal between two successful businessmen, though quite negative, is, in the real sense of the word, normal.
What I consider abnormal is the resort to the media for the settlement of a matter that is already in court for proper settlement. It is worse when propaganda comes into play, thereby leaving the same public whose sympathy the effort seeks to attract, totally confused.
Maduka and Ubah have come to the village square to seek support, even if a moral one, each alleging that he has been shortchanged by the other. The Coscharis boss says he guaranteed a loan with which Ubah imported fuel in a business that both were to benefit from. He alleges that failure by his partner to account for a whole shipload of fuel has now put him in a situation in which he has to cough out about 380 million naira every month as interest on a loan that now stands at about 21 billion naira.
Ubah, on his part, says proceeds from the sale of the shipment in contention are lying in a vault somewhere in one of the strong rooms of Access Bank, the lender. He alleges that the entire hullabaloo about the missing shipment is a grand conspiracy involving a long list of participants in a concerted effort to run him out of business. The objective is to hang the dog; as a prelude, a convenient and suitable name must first of all be given the dog.
The Capital Oil boss names the participants in this game of intrigues as Maduka, Aig-Imokhuede, managing director of Access Bank, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, finance minister and AMCON, as well as Nigerian and British courts. And because he is unsure of protection by the courts, (he was the first to obtain a court injunction to stop the first two on the list from tampering with any of his assets), he has served notice to appear on the floor of the National Assembly, where he believes the Nigerian public will be part of the jury. However, not being too sure that the Nigerian public can give him the protection he needs, he has sought extra protection from Mohammed Abubakar, the inspector-general of police, since his life may also be at stake.
At the same time that Ubah is crying foul over attempts to snuff life out of his business, he is running television commercials on the strategic importance of Capital Oil to the Nigerian economy, perhaps an attempt to alert Nigerians on the danger that looms for 1,000 employees, as well as the downstream sector of the oil industry, of which it controls 35 per cent.
Now, this is why I am worried that propaganda may snatch attention from the real issues that have come up for consideration. Ubah has tried to portray himself as the oppressed in the saga. He has tried, in vain, though, to cut the picture of a young man whose uncommon success is about to be terminated by forces that are too powerful for him to contain, for the simple reasons of age and place of origin, the latter being the consequence of a hostile environment in which he operates. We are to believe that Maduka, Okonjo-Iweala and Chike Obi, managing director of AMCON, would be so envious of their kid brother’s success (all four are from Anambra State) that they would team up with Aig-Imokhuede, a ‘foreigner’ from Edo State, to kill his business. Lest I forget, Ubah has also fingered his governor, Peter Obi, as being part of the conspiracy. Isn’t this funny?
Ubah is hurting himself in the manner he is going about prosecuting his war with Maduka. He is alienating himself from the same public which he seeks sympathy, with his recourse to the use of foul language against Maduka in a public medium like television. His utterances and idiosyncrasies suggest youthful exuberance. I am not a lawyer. But even from my layman’s perspective, I doubt if public opinion has any role to play in the way in which a matter before a court of competent jurisdiction is decided. If it did, Bode George, former chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, would not have gone to jail. The judge would easily have been swayed by the theatricals of paid praise singers who stormed the Ikeja High Court each hearing day to ‘attest’ to the innocence of the former PDP strongman. Not even an unprecedented carnival that was staged to usher him out of prison, beamed live on television, has erased the fact that George is today an ex-convict.
The public will be more concerned about how the various court cases play out, especially now that Capital Oil’s assets worldwide have been frozen. If I were Ubah, I would channel my energy into getting the company off the hook, in the same courts that have put it in chains, rather than resort to the use of propaganda for the purpose of winning the war in the court of public opinion.
Let us even assume that propaganda works for him in the village square. Where would that lead him? How would it de-freeze his assets and get him back into business? I suggest he takes the job from his public relations men and hands it to his lawyers.