Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group Strike Three-Year Deal to Supercharge Global Live Events Pipeline

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Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group Strike Three-Year Deal to Supercharge Global Live Events Pipeline

Strategic alliance to drive headline concerts, sports events and premium travel experiences for international audiences, accelerating Macau’s push to become a global “City of Performing Arts.”

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury integrated resort, has entered into a landmark three-year strategic partnership with Trip.com Group, the global leading one-stop travel services platform, spanning 2026 to 2029. Anchored in the fast-growing convergence of live entertainment, sports the alliance signals an ambitious push to reshape Asia’s high-value events landscape.

Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group formulate a three-year strategic partnership that focuses on scaling live events and unlocking value through integrated membership ecosystems. Pictured at the Galaxy Auditorium (from right) Mr Jeffrey Jiang, Executive Vice President of Entertainment Services of Galaxy Entertainment Group, and Ms Echo He, Vice President of Trip.com Group, marking the collaboration.

At the core of the collaboration lies a shared commitment to scale world-class live experiences, leveraging Trip.com Group’s expansive global membership ecosystem alongside Galaxy Macau’s proven expertise in venue operations and large-scale event execution. This includes the flagship Galaxy Arena, a premier destination for international concerts, sporting spectacles and marquee entertainment programming.

Celebrating 15th Anniversary in 2026, Galaxy Macau cements its position as Asia's market-leading leisure and entertainment hub.
Celebrating 15th Anniversary in 2026, Galaxy Macau cements its position as Asia’s market-leading leisure and entertainment hub.

Through this partnership, both parties will deepen integration across event curation, execution and distribution, while unlocking new layers of value through show-viewing privileges over cross-platform membership. The result is designed to deliver a more seamless, diversified and elevated experience for audiences on-ground entertainment delivery.

The agreement marks a pivotal step forward in advancing the integration of culture and tourism, a priority theme shaping the next phase of regional show experiencedevelopment.

As the collaboration evolves, Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group will jointly shape emerging trends at the intersection of luxury tourism and cultural entertainment, injecting fresh momentum into Macau’s ambition to strengthen its standing as a world centre of tourism and leisure.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit and

Nigerians Paid ₦2.23 Trillion In Ransom To Kidnappers In One Year – NBS Data Reveals Alarming Trend

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Nigerians Paid ₦2.23 Trillion In Ransom To Kidnappers In One Year – NBS Data Reveals Alarming Trend

The National Bureau of Statistics has disclosed that Nigerian households and businesses paid an estimated ₦2.23 trillion in ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024, a figure that underscores the escalating security crisis gripping the nation.

According to the latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey released by the NBS, the staggering amount represents both direct financial losses and the broader economic toll of widespread abductions across the country. The survey, which sampled over 50,000 households, revealed that kidnapping for ransom has become a systemic drain on national productivity and household savings.

Further analysis shows that the average ransom payment per incident varied significantly by region. In the North-West zone, where banditry remains entrenched, victims reported average payments exceeding ₦4.8 million per abduction. The South-East and South-South regions recorded averages between ₦2.1 million and ₦3.5 million, while the North-Central zone, including the Federal Capital Territory, saw averages near ₦3.9 million.

The NBS data also indicated that only a fraction of kidnapping cases were reported to security agencies due to widespread distrust of law enforcement and fear of reprisals. An estimated 67 percent of households that experienced kidnapping did not formally report the incident, suggesting the true ransom economy may be significantly larger than official figures capture.

Comparative research from SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based consultancy, places Nigeria as one of the highest ransom-payout nations globally. Between 2019 and 2024, SBM documented over 15,000 kidnap-for-ransom victims, with total demanded amounts exceeding ₦10 trillion across that five-year span. The consultancy noted that kidnappers have increasingly shifted from rural banditry to targeting highways, schools, and even government officials.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/03/nigerian-investors-eye-ai-crypto-tokens-as-bitcoin-dips-below-70000-in-todays-market-shift/

Economic analysts argue that the ₦2.23 trillion figure represents more than just criminal extraction. It is capital drained from productive sectors – small businesses liquidating assets to free employees, farmers selling livestock, families depleting educational savings. The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association estimated that ransom payments and associated security costs reduced small business profit margins by an average of 18 percent in affected states.

Security experts point to several drivers sustaining the ransom economy. The proliferation of automatic weapons, weak border controls, limited police-to-citizen ratios (approximately 1 to 650 nationally versus international benchmarks of 1 to 450), and inadequate prosecution of kidnapping cases have created an environment where criminals operate with near impunity.

The NBS survey also captured psychological costs. Over 41 percent of former captives reported symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, while 28 percent said they or family members had relocated permanently from their communities. School attendance in high-risk local government areas dropped by an estimated 23 percent during the survey period.

State governments have responded with varying degrees of success. Zamfara and Katsina introduced ransom payment bans with limited enforcement, while Lagos and Rivers states deployed technology-based surveillance that reduced highway kidnappings by roughly 15 percent year-on-year. However, the NBS data indicates no sustained national decline in incidents.

The Nigerian government has consistently denied negotiating with or paying ransoms, though victims frequently contradict this. A 2024 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime found that 82 percent of released kidnap victims interviewed confirmed that ransoms were paid, often facilitated by community intermediaries or family networks.

As the NBS prepares its next quarterly crime survey, the ₦2.23 trillion figure stands as both a financial record and a humanitarian marker – representing livelihoods lost, communities fractured, and a nation grappling with a security burden that now rivals its entire education budget.

Nigerian Investors Eye AI Crypto Tokens As Bitcoin Dips Below $70,000 In Today’s Market Shift

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Nigerian Investors Eye AI Crypto Tokens As Bitcoin Dips Below $70,000 In Today’s Market Shift

Bitcoin has dropped beneath the $70,000 threshold, recording a 12 percent decline over the past fortnight, while three artificial intelligence-focused digital assets have posted double-digit percentage gains during the same period, signalling a notable capital shift away from traditional cryptocurrency market leaders.

NEAR Protocol led the upward movement with a roughly 16 percent surge to trade near $2.69, pushing its market valuation to approximately $3.48 billion and securing the 32nd position globally among all cryptocurrencies. Internet Computer followed with a 10.4 percent rise to $3.09, achieving a market capitalisation near $1.66 billion and ranking 52nd. Render gained approximately 10 percent to trade at $2.22, with its market value approaching $1.14 billion in 66th place.

Other AI-linked tokens showing resilience include Fetch.ai, which has benefited from growing interest in autonomous agent technology, and SingularityNET, which continues to attract attention for its decentralised AI marketplace. These assets share a common focus on building infrastructure for artificial intelligence rather than speculative trading mechanisms.

An AI crypto token represents a digital asset tied to blockchain projects developing decentralised infrastructure for artificial intelligence applications, including computational power, data storage, autonomous software agents, and machine learning workloads. Unlike conventional cryptocurrencies that function primarily as stores of value or payment vehicles, these tokens grant holders access to AI-focused networks, services, or governance rights within their respective ecosystems.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/03/first-banks-%e2%82%a640bn-insider-fraud-exposes-critical-gaps-in-banking-controls/

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence across industries worldwide has accelerated demand for decentralised alternatives to dominant tech platforms. As major technology corporations centralise AI development, blockchain-based projects offering open access to computing resources and transparent algorithmic execution have gained traction among developers and investors seeking greater autonomy.

The cost implications for Nigerian investors entering these positions vary significantly. NEAR currently trades at $2.69, ICP at $3.09, and Render at $2.22, making individual token acquisition accessible compared to Bitcoin’s $70,000 price point. However, market capitalisation differences indicate varying liquidity levels, with smaller-cap tokens like Render presenting higher volatility risk. Transaction fees on respective networks also differ, with NEAR’s sharded architecture offering lower costs than some competitors.

On-chain data supporting the rally shows approximately 97,000 ICP tokens burned over the past 30 days, representing the highest monthly total since 2025, while the platform processed 7.2 billion transactions in May. Technical analysis indicates Render completed a secondary breakout above $2.40 and maintained bullish structural integrity despite broader market weakness.

The downside remains significant. These tokens trade with substantially lower liquidity than Bitcoin, making them susceptible to sharper price swings during market turbulence. Regulatory uncertainty surrounding AI-blockchain convergence persists, with no clear framework established in major jurisdictions including Nigeria. Additionally, the narrative-driven nature of this rotation means capital could exit just as rapidly if broader cryptocurrency markets experience further deterioration. Investors should also note that technological complexity surrounding quantum-resistant cryptography and decentralised GPU networks creates execution risks that could undermine projected utility.

First Bank’s ₦40bn Insider Fraud Exposes Critical Gaps In Banking Controls

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First Bank’s ₦40bn Insider Fraud Exposes Critical Gaps In Banking Controls

A major fraud incident at First Bank of Nigeria has renewed scrutiny of internal banking controls after an operations manager allegedly diverted about ₦40 billion over a two-year period using authorised system access, triggering a large-scale internal review, staff dismissals and recovery efforts. Investigations revealed that the suspected fraud was carried out through transaction reversals and chargeback approvals that appeared legitimate within the bank’s operational framework.

The case has drawn attention to one of the most difficult risks facing financial institutions: insider fraud executed by employees with elevated access privileges. Unlike external cyberattacks, such schemes often blend into normal transaction activity, making them significantly harder to detect through conventional fraud-monitoring systems. Reports indicate that the employee at the centre of the case allegedly used his authorisation powers to approve chargebacks to accounts linked to him, allowing the transactions to pass through routine operational channels without immediate detection.

Industry experts note that insider fraud schemes frequently exploit weaknesses in segregation of duties, supervisory oversight and delayed reconciliation processes. In many cases, transactions remain unnoticed when they fall within expected operational patterns or originate from users with legitimate credentials. Brandspur Banking News Desk understands that the First Bank incident has become a reference point within the financial sector for assessing the effectiveness of access controls and transaction-monitoring frameworks.

Public reports indicate that the fraud was discovered in March 2024, after which the bank initiated legal and recovery actions, obtained court orders to freeze multiple accounts and reported the matter to law enforcement authorities. Initial estimates reportedly placed the amount involved at around ₦12 billion before investigations expanded the figure to approximately ₦40 billion.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/03/gbfoods-appoints-adedunmola-ezichi-as-category-manager-effective-june-1-2026/

The fallout from the incident extended beyond the alleged perpetrator. First Bank reportedly terminated more than 100 employees, including senior operations personnel, after internal reviews concluded that supervisory failures contributed to the prolonged duration of the scheme. Management reportedly determined that a fraud of such scale could not have persisted for two years without significant lapses in monitoring and oversight.

The episode has also highlighted broader concerns across Nigeria’s banking industry regarding the management of privileged access. Financial institutions increasingly rely on automated fraud-detection systems, but specialists warn that these controls can be less effective when suspicious transactions originate from authorised users who understand internal processes and approval structures.

As banks continue to invest heavily in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, the First Bank case serves as a reminder that internal governance remains just as critical as external security. The incident has reinforced calls for stronger real-time monitoring, tighter access controls, enhanced audit procedures and more frequent reconciliation processes to reduce the risk of insider-enabled financial crime.

GBfoods Appoints Adedunmola Ezichi As Category Manager Effective June 1, 2026

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GBfoods Appoints Adedunmola Ezichi As Category Manager Effective June 1, 2026

GBfoods has named Adedunmola Ezichi as its new Category Manager in a leadership move set to take effect on June 1, 2026, reinforcing the company’s focus on brand strategy and consumer-driven growth across its product portfolio.

Ezichi, widely recognised for expertise in brand-building, will lead efforts to accelerate category expansion, sharpen brand market positions, and deploy innovative consumer engagement frameworks aimed at lifting business performance. The appointment places her at the centre of GBfoods’ marketing and category leadership team, underscoring the firm’s commitment to strengthening its competitive edge in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods space.

According to the Brandspur Brand News, the new Category Manager is expected to drive strategies that directly connect with evolving consumer preferences while enhancing operational results across key segments. Her role comes as GBfoods continues to navigate a dynamic market where brand relevance and category agility increasingly determine success.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/03/gerety-vip-diamond-bbq-returns-to-cannes-as-2026-jury-sessions-begin-worldwide/

Industry observers note that the appointment signals a deliberate push to deepen local brand-building talent within multinational food operations. Ezichi’s track record in delivering high-impact campaigns and her understanding of Nigeria’s retail and consumer landscape are seen as critical assets for the role.

The company has not disclosed further details on immediate category priorities, but the timing of the appointment suggests a strategic build-up toward mid-2026 execution plans. GBfoods operates across multiple food categories, including culinary products and savoury solutions, with a strong presence in West African markets.

Gerety VIP Diamond BBQ Returns To Cannes As 2026 Jury Sessions Begin Worldwide

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Gerety VIP Diamond BBQ Returns To Cannes As 2026 Jury Sessions Begin Worldwide

As Gerety Awards jury sessions begin across 15 cities worldwide, the
global creative industry turns its attention to the 2026 shortlist
announcement and the return of the acclaimed Gerety VIP Diamond BBQ in
Cannes with Tantor Films.

This year, more than 260 judges from over 50 countries will take part in
the Gerety Awards, bringing together some of the most respected creative
leaders from different fields of advertising, marketing, production,
design, and media.

The executive jury sessions, held across 15 international locations,
will define the shortlist before the Grand Jury comes together online to
select the final winners.

The 2026 judging locations are: London, Auckland, Toronto, New York,
Paris, Stockholm, Hong Kong, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, Mexico City, Bangkok,
Los Angeles, Berlin, and São Paulo.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/03/brand-africa-and-african-union-honour-the-100-most-influential-africa-cmos-in-addis-ababa/

Following the sessions, Gerety’s global Jury Insights Panels will
bring together jury members alongside leading trade press titles to
discuss the campaigns, creative trends, and standout work shaping this
year’s shortlist.

Alongside the panels, Gerety will once again share its Shortlist Reel
— a curated showcase of the highest-scoring shortlisted work from the
executive jury sessions — distributed to agencies, production
companies, brands, and industry leaders around the world during
shortlist week.

The Gerety VIP Diamond BBQ in Cannes remains one of the most anticipated
gatherings during the week. The exclusive guest list is limited to
invited entrants, judges, past judges, partners, and friends of Gerety.

With special thanks to our partners Tantor Films, Mastercard, SheSays
and Insider Latam for their support in helping make this year’s
celebration possible.

The Gerety Awards shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, June 16.

To RSVP and follow the 2026 jury conversations:

Gerety VIP Diamond BBQ Party in Cannes — HERE [7]

Jury Insights Panels — HERE [8]

Brand Africa And African Union Honour The 100 Most Influential Africa CMOs In Addis Ababa

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Brand Africa And African Union Honour The 100 Most Influential Africa CMOs In Addis Ababa

A two-day programme of celebration and collective action, from the Hyatt Regency rooftop to Africa Hall, marks a defining moment for African brand leadership

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ –
Against the skyline of Africa’s diplomatic capital, with the sun setting
over the Ethiopian highlands, the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100)
celebration brought together marketing and brand leaders from across the
continent and diaspora on the rooftop terrace of the Hyatt Regency Addis
Ababa. The evening, presented by ABSA, was hosted by Brand Africa in
partnership with the African Union Commission and Opportunity Africa,
and marked the first formal recognition of the 100 Most Influential
African and Diaspora CMOs.

Collectively the honourees hail from 21 African nations that together
generate more than US$2.3 trillion, over 80% of Africa’s GDP. The brands
and companies they lead generate, on latest reported full-year figures,
combined revenues approaching US$750 to 800 billion globally. The
African-headquartered brands on the list – the telcos, banks, retailers
and industrials that report mostly African revenue – account for roughly
US$140 billion on their own. It’s a formidable list of the most
influential list.

The two-day programme in Addis Ababa, part of Brand Africa Week 2026,
opened with the ACMO100 celebration on 23 May and continued on 24 May at
Africa Hall, the historic home of the Economic Commission for Africa and
founding site of the Organisation of African Unity, the predecessor to
the African Union, where the honourees convened under the patronage of
the African Union Commission, Brand Africa, Opportunity Africa and ABSA
to develop a blueprint for driving a made-in-Africa and buy-Africa
agenda.

A Historic Evening in the Heart of Africa

Welcomed to the rooftop terrace as the Addis Ababa skyline turned to
gold, guests were addressed by Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of
Brand Africa; Fana Abay, President of the Ethiopian Marketing
Professionals Association (EMPA); and a representation from ABSA
delivered by Mwihaki Wachira, CMO of ABSA Kenya. The African Union
Commission was represented by Faith Ochieng Odhiambo, delivering a
message on behalf of Mrs. Leslie Richer, Director of Information and
Communication, and Biniam Taye Endeshaw, the Deputy Commissioner for the
Addis Ababa City Tourism Commission.

“Tonight is more than a celebration of individuals. It is a celebration
of the unseen influence behind the brands that shape how Africa sees
itself and how the world sees Africa,” Thebe Ikalafeng – Founder and
Chairman, Brand Africa and Convenor, ACMO.

“Africa does not have a talent problem. What became abundantly clear
through this process is that Africa possesses world-class marketing
leadership . . . leaders capable of building globally competitive brands
while understanding perhaps better than anyone what it takes to win the
African consumer,” he concluded.

The African Union: Brands as Instruments of Integration

Delivering a message on behalf of the Director of Information and
Communication of the African Union Commission, Faith Ochieng Odhiambo
underscored the strategic alignment between Africa’s top marketing
leaders and the continent’s ambitions under Agenda 2063 and the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“CMOs are not simply marketing products or services, they are shaping
perceptions, and influencing consumer behaviour, cultural confidence,
and how Africa positions itself in the global economy,” Faith Ochieng
Odhiambo, on behalf of Mrs. Leslie Richer, Director of Information and
Communication, African Union Commission.

ABSA: The Story as Africa’s Greatest Technology

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Sydney Nhlanhla Mbhele,
ACMO100 honouree and Group Chief Marketing Officer of ABSA, Mwihaki
Wachira, CMO of ABSA Kenya reflected on African storytelling as the
original and most enduring instrument of marketing. Her address, ‘The
Heartbeat of a Continent: The Power of African Storytelling’, drew on
philosophy, tradition and the demands of modern brand leadership.

“For too long, the ‘African Story’ was a commodity sold by outsiders.
But look around you. The mirror is shattered, and the lion has found his
voice. The campfire is no longer just in the village; it is on every
smartphone, in every boardroom, and on every streaming platform. The
world is hungry for the soul of Africa,” Mwihaki Wachira, CMO – ABSA
Kenya on behalf of Sydney Mbhele, Group CMO – ABSA Group. “Our
stories matter,” she concluded.

The ACMO100: Independent, Pan-African, Comprehensive

The ACMO100 is produced by Brand Africa in association with African
Business magazine, MIPAD and African Media Agency (AMA). The selection
process, drawing on nominations by former CMOs, clients, creative and
strategy advisors and leaders and thought leaders; editorial research;
peer review, and validation covered all six economic regions of Africa
and extended into the diaspora, affirming the breadth and depth of
African marketing excellence. The list is unpaid, unsponsored and not
self-nominated, underscoring its independence and integrity.

The honourees attended alongside over 80 senior agency, government and
local CMOs. Honourees who were represented at the celebration among the
exclusive invite-only cocktail for marketing, business and media guests,
included Africa’s leading CMO’s covering every economic region in
Africa:

Abdulkadir Hussein

CMO

BGI Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Bienvenu Mayamonuswa

Marketing Director

Airtel DRC

Democratic Republic of Congo

Catherine Ndungu

Marketing and Innovations Director

Uganda Breweries

Kenya

Dagmawi Zeleke

Chief Communications Director

Ethiopian Investment Holdings

Ethiopia

El Hadi Mohamed Hamma

Marketing Director

Henkel

Algeria

Frans Mashao

CEO

Wise Media Agency

South Africa

Gugu Mthembu

CMO

Telkom

South Africa

Henok Tsegaye

Marketing Director

Clean Material PLC

Ethiopia

Joseph Kanyamunyu

CEO

Publics Africa

Uganda

Kwame Senou

CEO

THOP

Ivory Coast

Larry Nyenty

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/03/rite-foods-lights-up-ojude-oba-2026-refreshes-thousands-with-award-winning-brands/

CMO

Ecobank

Cameroon

Matilda Nyathi

CMO

CBZ Holdings

Zimbabwe

Maureen Ifada

CMO

Friesland Campina

Nigeria

Mmaphuti Rankapole-Tshifularo

CMO

Brand South Africa

South Africa

Moky Makura

Executive Director

Africa No Filter

United Kingdom

Mounir Jazouli

Chief Communication & Institutional Relations Officer

Bank of Africa

Morocco

Mwihaki Wachira

CMO

ABSA Kenya

Kenya

Oluyomi Moses

Country Marketing Officer

LafargeHolcim

Nigeria

Pat Mahlangu

CEO

Lerato Agency and Youth Owned

Brands Awards (YOBA)

South Africa

Raquel Capitão

Director of Marketing & Communications

Africell Angola

Angola

Sechaba Motsieloa

Former CMO

McDonald’s

South Africa

Sobhuza Ngwenya

Marketing Director

TNM

Malawi

Tim Ekandjo

CMO

MTC

Namibia

Wangechi Gitahi

Head of Marketing

Nile Breweries

Kenya

Zelalem Wondemariam

Founder

Craft Addis

Ethiopia

Day Two: Africa Hall and the CMO Blueprint

On 24 May 2026, the ACMO100 honourees reconvened at Africa Hall, the
landmark United Nations Economic Commission for Africa venue where the
Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963, for a closed working
session that moved from celebration to collective action. Under the
patronage of the African Union, Brand Africa and Opportunity Africa, the
continent’s most influential marketing leaders spent the day sharing
insights and lived experience to develop a draft blueprint for the AU
and Brand Africa on three interlocking priorities: driving a
made-in-Africa and buy-Africa agenda; leveraging intra-African trade to
build continental brands and industries; and shaping a bold,
self-authored African narrative for the world.

The convening of Africa’s top CMOs inside Africa Hall, a space that
carries the full weight of the continent’s political and institutional
history, was itself a deliberate signal: that brand leadership,
narrative power and economic integration are inseparable instruments of
the Africa that Agenda 2063 envisions.

Opportunity Africa: #NotWaiting

The day closed with the pre-launch of the Opportunity Africa global
campaign, #NotWaiting — presented by Moky Makura, Executive Director
of Africa No Filter. Focused on African youth, the campaign is designed
to fundamentally reshape the global African narrative: replacing deficit
framing with defiance, and aid-dependency tropes with the confidence of
a continent that is not waiting for permission to define itself.

Opportunity Africa (www.opportunityafrica.africa) is a pan-African
movement co-led by Africa No Filter and Brand Africa. The #NotWaiting
campaign marks its first major global activation, channelling the energy
of Africa’s youth as the primary storytellers and protagonists of a new
African identity.

“#NotWaiting is about making our stories more visible to Africans
first. Because if we begin to look at ourselves differently, the world
will see us differently too,” Moky Makura – Executive Director,
Africa No Filter.

Rite Foods Lights Up Ojude Oba 2026, Refreshes Thousands With Award-Winning Brands

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Rite Foods Lights Up Ojude Oba 2026, Refreshes Thousands With Award-Winning Brands

Rite Foods Limited, Nigeria’s leading food and beverage company, brought
excitement, refreshment, and memorable experiences to this year’s Ojude
Oba Festival, reaffirming its commitment to preserving and promoting the
rich cultural heritage of Ijebu-land.

As one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural gatherings, the Ojude Oba
Festival continues to unite generations of Ijebu sons and daughters,
friends, and admirers of the culture from across Nigeria and beyond.
With a history spanning more than a century, the festival remains a
powerful expression of identity, tradition, unity, and communal pride.

Adding colour and vibrancy to the 2026 edition, Rite Foods delighted
participants and visitors with its portfolio of award-winning brands,
drawing large crowds to its pavilion throughout the celebration. Guests
enjoyed refreshing moments with their favourite beverages and snacks
while soaking in the rich cultural displays that define the festival.

Speaking on the company’s continued support for the festival, the
Managing Director of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, said the
sponsorship reflects the company’s enduring commitment to celebrating
and preserving the cultural values of the Ijebu people.

“The Ojude Oba Festival represents unity, heritage, and community
spirit. As a proudly Nigerian company with deep roots in Ijebu-land
through our operations in Ososa, we remain committed to supporting
initiatives that preserve our culture and strengthen the bonds that
connect our people,” he said.

Themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Kayode
Adetona,” this year’s festival honoured the late Awujale of Ijebu-land,
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (GCON), whose remarkable leadership and
transformative contributions left an enduring legacy in Ijebu-land and
across Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Brand Manager, Fearless Energy Drink, Olaniyi
Aderuku, noted that Rite Foods’ relationship with the people of
Ijebu-land extends beyond business.

“Our connection with Ijebu-land is built on shared values and mutual
growth. We believe in celebrating the identity of the people and
contributing meaningfully to the preservation of their cultural
heritage,” he said.

Aderuku added that Fearless Energy Drink’s brand values of courage,
ambition, self-expression, and confidence resonate strongly with the
spirit of the Ojude Oba Festival.

“Ojude Oba embodies fearlessness in many forms—from its spectacular
fashion and horsemanship displays to the creativity, confidence, and
pride of a people who continue to honour their heritage while embracing
the future,” he stated.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/02/union-banks-endless-possibilities-campaign-wins-bronze-at-the-2026-pitcher-awards/

According to him, Rite Foods has consistently partnered with the
festival over the years, creating memorable consumer experiences through
engaging activations and quality products that have become household
favourites across Nigeria.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebration was the electrifying
performance by the Rite Foods activation team, whose vibrant dance
presentation captivated guests and added further excitement to the
festivities. The performance drew admiration from dignitaries and guests
alike, contributing to the energetic atmosphere that makes Ojude Oba a
unique cultural spectacle.

At the Rite Foods pavilion, guests were treated to the company’s
extensive range of products, including the 13 flavours of Bigi
Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Premium Drinking Water, Sosa Fruit Drink,
Fearless Energy Drink, and its nutritious sausage offerings—Bigi Beef
Sausage, Rite Spicy Sausage, and Bigi Flex Sausage—all produced in its
world-class manufacturing facility using state-of-the-art technology.

In his address, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun,
reaffirmed his administration’s support for the festival and commended
the various Regberegbe groups and the families of the renowned warlords
whose participation continues to define the uniqueness of the
celebration.

The governor also applauded corporate sponsors for their contributions
to the success of the festival and acknowledged the efforts of the
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister
Hannatu Musa Musawa, in advancing tourism development in Nigeria.

Describing Ojude Oba as a powerful symbol of religious harmony, peaceful
coexistence, and communal unity, Governor Abiodun noted that the
festival has evolved into a major platform for tourism, economic growth,
cultural pride, and social inclusion.

He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing
policies and initiatives that will create greater economic opportunities
for the people of Ijebu-land.

“The people of Ijebu-land deserve commendation for their unity,
resilience, and commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage for
future generations,” the governor said.

Renowned for innovation and excellence in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer
goods industry, Rite Foods Limited continues to receive national
recognition for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social
impact, earning accolades from respected institutions, including the
SISA Awards, SERAS Awards, and the Edge Awards.

Union Bank’s Endless Possibilities Campaign Wins Bronze At The 2026 Pitcher Awards

Brand Spur
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Union Bank’s Endless Possibilities Campaign Wins Bronze At The 2026 Pitcher Awards

Union Bank of Nigeria’s Endless Possibilities campaign has won Bronze in the Heritage category at the 2026 Pitcher Awards, one of Africa’s foremost platforms for creative excellence.

The campaign was also shortlisted in the Craft category for Film Craft, a recognition of the artistry and technical quality behind the work. These recognitions were awarded following adjudication alongside qualifying entries from across the African continent.

The Heritage win carries a particular resonance. It recognises the bank’s ability to honour its rich heritage while maintaining relevance with contemporary audiences.

For more than a century, Union Bank has been woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s economic and social progress, and Endless Possibilities continues that story rather than departing from it.

Built to celebrate the ambition and resourcefulness of Nigerians who dream and create against the odds, the campaign mirrors the very qualities that have sustained the Bank across generations. To be honoured in a category defined by history, identity and cultural continuity, is to have that legacy recognised on a continental stage.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/02/garri-and-beans-prices-drop-sharply-in-nigeria-as-nbs-reports-major-food-cost-decline-in-2026/

Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank of Nigeria, said: “We are honoured to be recognised at the 2026 Pitcher Awards for Endless Possibilities. This achievement reflects our commitment to telling authentic stories that resonate with the Nigerian spirit and reinforce our promise to support the dreams and progress of the communities we serve. We are equally proud of the Film Craft shortlist, which speaks to the talent and collaboration behind the work.”

This recognition on the African stage, adds to Union Bank’s growing reputation for storytelling that is locally grounded and broadly resonant.

As the Bank deepens its connections with audiences across the country and continent, it remains committed to work that inspires confidence, possibility and progress.

About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc’s
Established in 1917, Union Bank is a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With a nationwide network and a strong focus on digital innovation, Union Bank continues to empower individuals, businesses, and the public sector to achieve lasting success.

The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.
More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com

Garri And Beans Prices Drop Sharply In Nigeria As NBS Reports Major Food Cost Decline In 2026

Brand Spur
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Garri And Beans Prices Drop Sharply In Nigeria As NBS Reports Major Food Cost Decline In 2026

Prices of key staple foods in Nigeria recorded significant year-on-year declines in April 2026, with garri and beans among the most affected commodities, offering some relief to consumers amid easing food inflation pressures across the country.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the average price of white garri sold in loose measure dropped by 39.86 percent compared to April 2025, while brown beans recorded an even steeper decline of 44.89 percent over the same period. The figures point to notable shifts in food market pricing dynamics despite ongoing cost fluctuations in monthly comparisons.

Brandspur Banking News Desk notes that the latest inflation-related food report highlights a mixed pricing environment, where broad annual declines coexist with short-term monthly increases across selected food items.

According to the report, white garri fell from N1,345.10 in April 2025 to N808.96 in April 2026, while brown beans declined from N2,429.39 to N1,338.93 within the same period. However, both commodities recorded slight month-on-month increases, indicating continued volatility in short-term market supply and demand conditions.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/02/x-introduces-video-reaction-feature-to-drive-creator-engagement-in-latest-platform-update-2026/

Other food items showed varied performance. Tomato prices averaged N1,177.92 per kilogram, reflecting a year-on-year decline but a moderate monthly increase. Onion bulbs also fell significantly over the year, while fresh ginger moved in the opposite direction, recording an increase compared to the previous year, underscoring uneven price movements across food categories.

The report also revealed wide disparities in food prices across Nigeria’s regions and states, driven by differences in transportation costs, supply chain efficiency, and local production conditions. Southern states generally recorded higher average prices for several commodities, while northern regions often posted lower averages for select food items.

Food inflation in Nigeria remains elevated but has shown signs of moderation compared to the previous year, easing from higher levels recorded in 2025. Despite this improvement, household purchasing power continues to face pressure due to persistent increases in selected food items and regional price variations.

The NBS attributed ongoing food price movements to a combination of supply factors and market conditions affecting major staples, even as broader inflation trends suggest gradual stabilization in the food sector.

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