Global Recycling Day: Coca-Cola Awards N303m In Grants To Eight Nigerian NGOs

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Global Recycling Day: Coca-Cola Awards N303m In Grants To Eight Nigerian NGOs

As part of Coca-Cola’s commitment to leading sustainability efforts across the world, The Company through its philanthropic arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has awarded a total of N303million in grants to eight local non-governmental organizations in Nigeria to support community-based projects.

The grants will support efforts to strengthen communities, empowering women and youth, promote well-being, protect our environment and educate scholars. As a company we are fully committed to act in ways that create a more sustainable and better shared future. To make a difference in people’s lives, communities, and our planet by doing business the right way.

These eight laudable projects funded by TCCF in Nigeria include: Waste in the City by Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Foundation, Waste to Strap by Platform for Society Support Initiative, Mission Zero Plastic by Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative, Waste to Wealth by Do Good Social Impact Foundation, Tech-Relevant Teacher Programme by Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, Climate Smart Shea Processing Project by Initiative for Gender Empowerment and Creativity, Project DORI by RecyclePoints Foundation and Youth Information Communication and Technology Skills Acquisition Project (YISAP) by Baywood Foundation.

Five of these projects, Waste in the City, Waste to Strap, Mission Zero Plastic, Waste to Wealth, and Project DORI are focused on combating the plastic waste challenge and creating a second life for these plastic bottles clogging our gutters and waterways.

These community-based sustainability projects are set to be deployed across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, Delta, Enugu, Oyo, Kwara, Kano, Kaduna, & Bauchi States, and will aid job creation for thousands of women and youth while engendering relevant behavioural changes. The projects seek to recover over 3,000 tons of plastic waste and economically empower over 10,000 women and youths over a 12-month period.

The other projects include the Climate Smart Shea Processing Facility to be set up in Oyo state and focused on the economic recovery of 1,500 rural women who are shea nut farmers, pickers and processors largely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also noteworthy is the Tech-Relevant Teacher Programme that offers digital teacher training support and technologies for virtual learning across 200 low and middle-cost schools in a bid to improve the learning experience in primary schools, especially in neighborhoods with an increased number of out-of-school children due to the effects of COVID-19.

No fewer than 30 schools will receive hardware and content production suites to aid virtual learning. In Enugu, the Youth Information Communication and Technology Skills Acquisition Project (YISAP) is set to impact the lives of over 600 youths, including persons living with disabilities, through the provision of vocational and entrepreneurial training.

Speaking on the awarded grants, the Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe remarked, “Coca-Cola remains committed to continuing our decades-long legacy of supporting local communities, through our business and through The Coca-Cola Foundation.

We hope to create a better-shared future that makes a difference in people’s lives, communities and our planet”.

Apart from supporting sustainable community initiatives, The Coca-Cola Company is a leading total beverage company in the global fight against plastic waste with its innovative solutions and recycling partnership projects. Despite the growing public awareness around plastic waste, only 9% of plastic created are recycled.

It is against this backdrop that Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its bottling partner, Nigerian Bottling Company, are empowering NGOs and social ventures to strengthen recycling efforts at a local level, creating income opportunities for people and boosting the circular economy while making a difference towards a better-shared future for all.

Since its inception in 1984, TCCF has awarded over $1 billion in grants to support diverse sustainable community initiatives around the world.

MTN Nigeria Launches Robust Customer Engagement Platform

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MTN Nigeria Launches Robust Customer Engagement Platform

MTN Nigeria has launched a new unified customer engagement platform, EnGauge, designed to enable small-to-medium enterprise business owners to seamlessly administer transactions with customers, potentially increasing their productivity significantly.

Developed in partnership with Ajua™, a leading African start-up, MTN EnGauge is an agile application that offers innovative customer management solutions, including digital payments using a unique USSD code, CRM tools, customer feedback channels, debt management and tracking, business, and product promotions through mobile and social media channels.

The solution is downloadable on the Google Play store and only available on the MTN network (for now) with a monthly subscription of N500 and a yearly subscription of N5,500. Following installation and registration, businesses are automatically provided with a unique USSD code that allows their customers to interact, transact and communicate with them in real-time.

With MTN Engauge, entrepreneurs can securely receive payment, track transactions with each of their customers, and glean valuable insights to serve them better based on their preferences and buying behavior.

“MTN EnGauge is the ideal platform for business owners and entrepreneurs to thrive in the ‘new normal.’ Entrepreneurs have had to re-organize their core business models through backward and forward integration to maintain relevance. The EnGauge mobile application helps make this possible and seamless,” said Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria.

To showcase the platform, MTN held a live demonstration session via Zoom, where business owners were presented with the benefits of adopting the solution.

“The fundamental engine of business growth is customers. By design, MTN EnGauge solves most of the challenges SMEs experience, from digitally engaging their customers to cash management,” said Kenfield Griffith, the Founder and CEO of Ajua.

“With MTN as a partner and their reach across the continent, we believe MTN EnGauge will have a positive and impactful trajectory, driving transformational business growth for SMEs,” he added.

MTN EnGauge was launched to the Y’ello 200 in February, beneficiaries of MTN’s Revv Programme, thus fulfilling the telco giant’s promise that the SMEs will be first to enjoy solutions from her stable.

Nigerians Paid More for Cooking Gas, Diesel, Kerosene and Petrol in February – NBS

Esan Bolaji
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Nigerians Paid More for Cooking Gas, Diesel, Kerosene and Petrol in February – NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that the average price paid by consumers across major fuel types (Cooking Gas, Diesel, Kerosene and Petrol) increased month-on-month and year-on-year February 2021.

However, only Kerosene decreased by -0.76% year-on-year to N1,214.24 in February 2021 from N1,191.13 in January 2021.

The bureau announced this in its “National Price Watch for Cooking Gas, Diesel, Kerosene and Petrol’’ released on Friday in Abuja.

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (COOKING GAS) – 5KG CYLINDER

According to the report made available to Brand Spur Nigeria, the average price for the refilling of a 5kg cylinder for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) increased by 3.59% month-on-month and by 1.18% year-on-year to N2,018.91 in February 2021 from N1,949.02 in January 2021.

Also, states with the highest average price for the refilling of a 5kg cylinder for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) were:

  • Bauchi – N2,487.46
  • Adamawa – N2,396.99
  • Borno – N2,396.22

cooking gas nbs brandspur nigeria

In the same vein, states with the lowest average price for the refilling of a 5kg cylinder for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) were:

  • Ebonyi – N1,756.25
  • Kogi – N1,775.00 and
  • Jigawa – N1,795.00

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (COOKING GAS) – 12.5KG CYLINDER

Similarly, the average price for the refilling of a 12.5kg cylinder for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) increased by 4.45% month-on-month and by 4.38% year-on-year to N4,363.51 in February 2021 from N4,177.55 in January 2021.

The report stated the states with the highest average price for the refilling of a 12.5kg cylinder for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) were:

  • Sokoto – N4,884.04
  • Cross River – N4,853.57
  • Bauchi – N4,682.50

States with the lowest average price for the refilling of a 12.5kg cylinder for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) were:

  • Zamfara – N3,754.25
  • Kaduna – N3,858.33
  • Katsina – N3,988.99

PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT (PETROL)

The average price paid by consumers for premium motor spirit (petrol) increased by 14.32% year-on-year and month-on-month by 1.31% to N166.24 in February 2021 from N164.09 in January 2021.

DPR Approves New Liquefied Petroleum Gas Guidelines for Investors, Operators
DPR Approves New Liquefied Petroleum Gas Guidelines for Investors, Operators – www.wordpress-1516176-5827464.cloudwaysapps.com

According to the report, states with the highest average price of premium motor spirit (petrol) were

  • Abia – N180.00
  • Kogi – N175.82
  • Kebbi – N173.07

States with the lowest average price of premium motor spirit (petrol) were:

  • Osun -N162.91
  • Nassarawa – N163.08
  • Katsina – N163.25 

AUTOMOTIVE GAS OIL (DIESEL)

The average price paid by consumers for Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) increased by 1.29% month-on-month and by 0.67% year-on-year to N227.76 in February 2021 from N224.86 in January 2021.

Here are the average Prices of Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene and Cooking Gas for October 2020

States with the highest average price of diesel were:

  • Zamfara – N268.78
  • Adamawa – N263.33
  • Kebbi – N257.50

States with the lowest average price of diesel were:

  • Osun – N206.50
  • Ekiti – N207.86
  • Plateau – N208.57    

The average price per litre paid by consumers for National Household Kerosene increased by 1.50% month-on-month and by 8.83% year-on-year to N355.80 in February 2021 from N350.55 in January 2021.

States with the highest average price per litre of kerosene were:

  • Taraba – N448.33
  • Benue – N447.50
  • Ebonyi – N435.00

States with the lowest average price per litre of kerosene were:

  • Bayelsa – N206.94
  • Yobe – N297.28
  • Zamfara – N305.13.

NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD KEROSENE

Similarly, the average price per gallon paid by consumers for National Household Kerosene increased by 1.94% month-on-month and decreased by -0.76% year-on-year to N1,214.24 in February 2021 from N1,191.13 in January 2021.

Nigerians paid more for Kerosene in September 2020 – NBS Brandspurng
Photo by Joshua Bartell

States with the highest average price per gallon of kerosene were:

  • Kebbi – N1,660.00
  • Katsina – N1,561.38
  • Nassarawa – N1,428.57

States with the lowest average price per gallon of kerosene were:

  • Bayelsa – N792.22
  • Adamawa – N968.00
  • Delta – N1,016.79

Insider Dealing: Vitafoam’s Company Secretary Acquires 200,000 Shares Worth ₦1.47M

Esan Bolaji
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Insider Dealing: Vitafoam’s Company Secretary Acquires 200,000 Shares Worth ₦1.47M

Sanni Olalekan Akeem, the Company Secretary/Legal adviser, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, purchased 200,000 ordinary shares of the company.

Insider dealings give clues on insiders’ sentiment and director unlike before the new transparent policy where shareholders do not know what executives that formulates policy that impacts their desire stocks are doing.

In a statement released and made available to Brand Spur, the company secretary/legal adviser bought 200,000 shares at N7.35 per unit on March 18, 2021, at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos, Nigeria.

Transaction details

Insider Dealing: Vitafoam's Company Secretary Acquires 200,000 Shares Worth ₦1.47M

Vitafoam Q4 2020 Financials

Vitafoam Nigeria Plc announced 5.2% revenue growth in Q4 2020 Result to N23bn from N22bn in the previous quarter. The firm also increased its profit before tax by 62% to N5.6bn as well as its profit after tax grew by 72% to N4.1bn. Also, tet Assets grew by 51% from N6bn to N9bn.

Vitafoam Nigeria Plc is Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of flexible, reconstituted and rigid foam products.

Incorporated on 4th August 1962 and listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1978, Vitafoam’s brands remain household names in the Country.

LBS Dean, Professor Ogbechie speaks on driving growth with Social Entrepreneurship at Global Forum

Esan Bolaji
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LBS Dean, Professor Ogbechie speaks on driving growth with Social Entrepreneurship at Global Forum

On Thursday, 18th of March, LBS Dean and Professor of Strategic Management, Chris Ogbechie ​delivered a speech at the third session of the CLADEA 2021 Global forum. The global forum organised in cooperation with Montpellier Business School (MBS), Montpellier, France caters to professors and researchers representing top business schools and universities in Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

The CLADEA Global forum comprises a cycle of 8 sessions from December 2020 to October 2022, all structured around the theme “Management between Universality and Diversity.”

LBS Dean, Professor Ogbechie speaks on driving growth with Social Entrepreneurship at Global Forum Brandspurng
LBS Dean and Professor of Strategic Management, Chris Ogbechie | www.wordpress-1516176-5827464.cloudwaysapps.com

The forum aims at highlighting the importance of International Partner Associations such as the Association of African Business School (AABS), Association of Asia-Pacific Business Schools (AAPBS), Central and East European Management Development Association (CEEMAN), and Global Business School Network (GBSN) in the development of international cooperation.

Professor Chris Ogbechie spoke on the topic – Social Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Growth in Africa: the Role of Business Schools. In his presentation, he highlighted how business schools can adapt to this much-needed change in their approach to teaching for impact and business success.

Ogbechie discussed how business schools can play a critical role in promoting social entrepreneurship ranging from curriculum development to engagement activities and research.

According to him, “Social entrepreneurship is the catalyst to drive growth in Africa. It has created a significant number of jobs across sub-Saharan Africa and the jobs created are typically for people from underserved communities. They don’t just exist to support poorer or marginalised groups; they employ them as well.”

He concluded by stating the intrinsic interdependence of social and economic development in Africa makes a strong case for social entrepreneurship.

The forum brought together new perspectives on ways business schools can foster a better relationship with the community to accelerate growth and unlock innovation in the current new world reality.

This initiative aligns with the schools’ sustainability centre to enable constructive dialogue and collaboration between various stakeholders to find solutions to sustainable development challenges in Africa. The final two sessions will hold on May 6, 2021, and September 9, 2021.

NBC DG Commends StarTimes Readiness As Lagos Exits Analogue Broadcasting April 29

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NBC DG Commends StarTimes Readiness As Lagos Exits Analogue Broadcasting April 29

In preparation to fully transit Lagos from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting on April 29, the Acting Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba has commended ITS Ltd and their partners, StarTimes, for putting in place the required transmitters.

Speaking after an inspection tour of digital transmitters at NTA Station, Channel 10, Tejuosho, Lagos on Friday, Idachaba said that the country hopes to have completed the digital rollout by 2022.

He said, “Nigeria has taken a decision that we are continuing with the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. The journey practically began in 2016 with the pilot rollout in Jos. And a few years after, we have gone into phase two. Under phase two, Lagos, Port Harcourt and other cities will be switched on to digital TV. We are going to many other cities and following the rollout time table, we hope that by the end of 2022, we would have completed the digital rollout in Nigeria.

“This visit to the NTA premises in Tejuosho is in furtherance of this objective. We are glad that ITS Ltd has already installed DVB2 technology. We have seen that the installed capacity for DTT transmission is very high. I acknowledge the role of their partners, StarTimes and I think that between NTA and StarTimes, there is a great combined effort to ensure that the rollout happens in Lagos and other cities in Nigeria quickly.

“This inspection is reassuring. It means that we have the technical and infrastructural capabilities, and are ready to kick off in Lagos on April 29.

On the availability of set-up boxes, the DG said that thirteen indigenous companies have been licensed to produce set-top boxes “because we believe that that is also another strategy to transfer technology and create opportunities for manufacturing within the Nigerian market.”

“Digital Switch Over is a revolution and it is also capital-intensive. All over the world, from America to the UK and many developed and emerging economies, the cost is massive. The federal government has also decided that the project itself, seeing how viable it is can also be self-sustained. So we are hoping that some of the component players will be able to go forward to generate their own funds to sustain the rollout but one must also acknowledge that the government has assisted greatly. Recently, the federal government approved N9.4billion for NBC to facilitate the DSO drive.

Also speaking, Alex Jian, Acting CEO, NTA-Star TV Network, said the company’s technical team is ready to support the nation in transiting fully to digital TV.

“The NBC DG has a big strategy for DSO and NTA-StarTimes will cooperate very well with ITS Ltd to support this project. Our technical team is ready. We have already prepared ourselves for this switch over all over the country.”

On StarTimes’ plan to make digital-TV more accessible to Nigerians, Alex said.

“Our mission is to provide affordable digital service nationwide. So we are providing affordable decoders and our bouquets are much more affordable. On our coverage, we have more than 60 base stations nationwide. In some base stations, we are losing money because there are a small population and few customers but we are still holding our position there. Our goal is to make everyone enjoy digital life.

“To make pay-TV more accessible, we have also created a pay-per-day module and we have implemented this for more than three years. People can pay per day to watch what they like; they don’t need to pay for the whole month because if they are not watching TV, it’s a waste of money. Therefore, our service is more affordable,” Alex said.

Wema Bank Appoints Chukwuemeka Obiagwu As Executive Director

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Wema Bank Appoints Chukwuemeka Obiagwu As Executive Director

Wema Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Chukwuemeka Obiagwu as an Executive Director of the Bank effective from 1st of April 2021.

Emeka is a multi-disciplinary professional with a background in Accounting, Insurance, Corporate Finance, Stockbroking, and Public Finance. He has over three (3) decades of experience in banking, financial services, and public service.

Early in his career at Fidelity Bank Plc, Emeka successfully repositioned and grew a
subsidiary which he eventually led as the Group Managing Director & CEO. At different times, he creditably led the Human Resources, Corporate Services,

Transaction Support Services, Corporate Finance, Regional Banking as well as the
Retail and Commercial Banking arms of the bank. He was a Non-Executive Director
of Fidelity Pension Managers where he also served as Chairman of the Board, Audit
Committee.

He left Fidelity Bank Plc. in 2015 after 20 years of meritorious service and in January
2016, joined the Federal Inland Revenue Service as a Director with responsibility for
Enforcement. He was also a Member of the Technical Committee of the Board and
Chairman of the Budget Committee of FIRS, among many other roles.

Emeka is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School (SMP 16) as well as Harvard
Kennedy School of Government Boston, Massachusetts USA, where he obtained an
Executive Certificate in Economic Development. He has had the privilege of studying
at some of the world’s leading institutions for Executive Business Education, such as,
INSEAD Business School, Fontainebleau, France; Kellogg School of Management to
mention a few.

Mr. Obiagwu is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN);
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers; Honorary Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation; and Associate, Chartered Insurance Institute (London).

COVID-19 and President’s Death Dampen Consumer Confidence In Tanzania

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COVID-19 and President’s Death Dampen Consumer Confidence In Tanzania

Consumer confidence in Tanzania dropped sharply in February as the reality of COVID-19 sets in the country and people are bracing with new cases and deaths.

Kasi Tanzania CCI came in at +5 down 26 points from the previous month and reached its lowest level since September 2020. Consumer confidence in Tanzania had largely been immune to the COVID-19 given the government stand and denial of the coronavirus.

The country’s president Magufuli’s who had downplayed the threat from COVID-19 died on March 17 from a “heart condition” at a hospital in Dar-Es-Salaam, an illness he had been battling for the last 10 years according to the country’s vice president Samia Suluhu Hassan.

COVID-19 and President's Death Dampen Consumer Confidence In Tanzania

The authorities’ refusal to lock down the country may have contributed to many cases and unknown deaths. According to the Africa CDC, as of 19th March 2021, the number of Covid-19 infections in the country stood at 308 with 21 deaths and 180 recoveries.

One year ago, when COVID-19 hit the continent, the index fell to -17.

“It is not clear how the regime’s actions will change, but a new leader is an opportunity to wash away the sins of the past, in words even if not in deeds. I expect at least a feigning of reform, perhaps a change of course on COVID-19, and token liberalizations.

Whether or not Tanzania changes its course on authoritarianism or anything else depends on to what extent there is a changing of the guard,” said Dan Paget, a lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

All seven measures that make up the consumer-confidence index dropped sharply from the previous month in February.

Economic expectations for the coming six months dropped 28 points, its lowest level since September 2020.

The major purchase index, which gauges demand among shoppers, dropped by six points.

2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition: IS 500 Performance With A Touch Of Distinction

Esan Bolaji
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2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition: IS 500 Performance With A Touch Of Distinction

March 19, 2021 – Hot on the heels of last month’s IS 500 F SPORT Performance world premiere, Lexus is proud to unveil the 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition. Only 500 serialized vehicles will be produced, and they will be sold exclusively in North America.

brandspurng 2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition IS 500 Performance With A Touch Of Distinction1

The IS 500 Launch Edition will be powered by the same naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine introduced in the standard IS 500. Generating 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft of peak torque at 4,800 rpm, this engine offers the linear acceleration and V8 muscle that driving enthusiasts crave. However, buyers that desire additional distinction will find numerous interior and exterior enhancements in the IS 500 Launch Edition.

brandspurng 2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition IS 500 Performance With A Touch Of Distinction1

Standing apart from the standard IS 500, 2022 IS 500 Launch Edition interior builds upon Takumi craftsmanship with elevated interior materials, including sporty two-tone Black & Gray Ultrasuede® trimmed front and rear seats, door accents, and centre console.

Additionally, the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel receives a unique silver ash wood treatment with black F SPORT Performance badging, and the interior will be appointed with a serialized Launch Edition badge to further highlight the vehicle’s exclusivity. Moreover, the F SPORT combination instrumentation meter has been updated with an exclusive Launch Edition startup animation to further set this model apart from the standard IS 500.

brandspurng 2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition IS 500 Performance With A Touch Of Distinction1

Outside, the IS 500 Launch Edition is sure to turn heads with standard 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy Matte Black BBS® wheels from the IS F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package. Not only are they impressive looking, but the 19-inch BBS® wheels are also approximately 4 pounds lighter per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch IS F SPORT wheel. The vehicle will be sold exclusively in Incognito, an all-new colour for the Lexus lineup.

brandspurng 2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition IS 500 Performance With A Touch Of Distinction1

More information regarding MSRP and available options will be made available closer to launch. 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance and IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition are expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.

NBC in Lawsuit over its Predator Energy Drink Trademark Infringement Allegation

Esan Bolaji
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NBC in Lawsuit over its Predator Energy Drink Trademark Infringement Allegation

The Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) has been dragged to court for alleged trademark infringement on its energy drink, Predator, with a mark similar to the well-liked market leader, a product of Rite Foods Limited.

As contained in the ThisDay and Guardian newspapers editions of Friday, 19th of March, 2021, contempt proceedings have been commenced against the managing director of NBC by Rite Foods Limited at Federal High Court, in lkoyi, Lagos.

 

In suit No: FHC/L/CS/92/2021, the plaintiff, Rite Food Limited, filed a motion ex parte of an interim injunction against the defendant, NBC, restraining it from further promoting or using any sales promotion material for its Predator energy drink in a manner that infringes or passes off or that is capable of infringing or passing off the plaintiff’s Fearless energy drink until the interlocutory application for an injunction is determined.

The infringement is against the holder’s right of Rite Foods Limited, as the exclusive owner of the mark for identification of its products within the country.

Investigation reveals that the Rite Foods’ Fearless energy drinks, which consist of the Red Berry and Classic brands, were launched into the Nigerian market on June 15 and 16, 2017, respectively, and has gained a wider market share before NBC’s Predator, which made entrant in June 2020.

Rite Foods pointed out that with the infringement by NBC, consumers are likely to assume (mistakenly) that the aforementioned energy drinks in the case are from one source.

According to it, the degree of similarity between the lion symbol on its Fearless brands and NBC’s Predator energy drink is high, and that since both compete in the same market spectrum, the mark is likely to cause confusion in the minds of consumers, about the source or sponsorship of the brands offered under the defendant’s mark.

Further proceedings for the case at the Federal High Court are slated for March 24, 2021.

However, while the Predator brand is struggling to gain acceptance among consumers, Rite Foods’ Fearless energy brands have attained a very high market share of the lucrative beverage market, cutting across the different demographics, mainly the youth segment.

The Fearless brands provide consumers with limitless benefits and contain high-quality ingredients.

The energy drinks contain Vitamin B6, a water-soluble nutrient that is part of the vitamin B family, which supports adrenal function, helps calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, and are necessary for key metabolic processes.  Also, included is Vitamin B12 which is essential for building blood cells and maintaining healthy nerve cells in the body.

Few cases of trademark infringements in the country were those of Nabisco Inc., v Allied Biscuits Company Limited in 1998, where the trademark RITZ was the issue before the court.

Allied Biscuits first registered the mark eight months before Nabisco, and the court held against the appellant, Nabisco, on the premise that it has not used the mark sufficiently to acquire a reputation for the mark in Nigeria, that its intention is to destabilise the Nigerian market and her economy.

Also on October 18, 1993, Pfizer dragged Iyke Merchandise to Court for infringing on its trademark, Combantrin Plus, with the mark Combatinrein, which was likely to confuse consumers.

The plaintiff’s (Pfizer) action for injunction, the order of delivery up for the destruction of the infringing product (Combatinrein) and general damages succeeded.

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