WildFlower PR and Company Bags Award for Most Innovative and Resourceful Public Relations Company of the Year 2023!

WildFlower PR and Company recently won the award for the most innovative and resourceful public relations company of the year 2023 at the 7th Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture organized by Prestige Magazine.                                           

The event, was held on Sunday, 12th November, 2023, at the Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island Lagos. The Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture was organized to recognize and appreciate deserving individuals, corporate entities and professional institutions that have made remarkable impact in the society.

The theme of the lecture which was Governance and sustainable development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and solutions for a Developing Economy was aimed at addressing the state of the nation and objectively proffer and recommend solutions.

Guest Speakers at the event were Comrade Debo AdeniranChairman, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL; President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR and Aare Sooko Oladotun Hassan Esq, President, Yoruba Council Worldwide.

The award for the most innovative and resourceful public relations company of the year 2023 was presented to WildFlower PR and Company in honour of its efforts to uphold the values of hard work, diligence,  integrity and providing quality and innovative services to its highly esteemed clients.

 “We are thrilled and honored to receive the prestigious award for the most innovative and resourceful public relations company of the year, our 11-year-old agency stands as a testament to the dedication and creativity of our talented team. We are grateful to the organisers for this recognition, it fuels our commitment to pushing boundaries, crafting compelling narratives, and redefining the future of public relations and communications.’’ Communications Lead, WildFlower PR, Winifred Onyejekwe said.

The purpose of the Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture, according to the Executive Director, Wale Abiodun, was to critically assess the state of the country as well as suggest and proffer solutions while also honouring and praising worthy individuals, corporate entities and professional organisations that have had a significant positive impact in the society.

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About WildFlower PR and Company

WildFlower PR, Based out of Lagos, Nigeria, WildFlower PR is an award-winning brand communications agency with footprints across South, East and West Africa.

WildFlower PR & Company is led by Principal Consultant Ifeoma Jennifer Areh better known as ‘Oma Areh an award-winning Brand Communications and Marketing expert With over 10 years’ experience, she has a history of conceptualizing, refining and executing strategic branding, marketing and communication campaigns that grow businesses and deliver results for Not for Profits, multinationals, start-ups, e commerce brands and more.

With expertise in customized strategic campaigns in the areas of development communications, entertainment PR, new media PR, specialized corporate communications and reputation management, WildFlower PR is one of the pioneers of digital public relations and communications across Africa.

WildFlower PR is a fully integrated agency that prides itself in a blend of innovative solutions and proven result-oriented methods when addressing clients’ goals.

Our clients range from global corporations and government agencies, growing businesses to some of the biggest entertainment personalities on the African continent today. As a communications partner, WildFlower PR has been an effective brand builder for both new and established individuals and corporations.

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It’s Love on Steroids on Episode 7 of University of Cruise

Romance is in full bloom on Episode 7 of University of Cruise as our students are enjoying the feelings they have for each other.

Jacob and Soma have reunited, despite all the turmoil their relationship faced. Etim and Flo are building the background for a loving and supportive relationship, while Nikki remains in love with the soft life.

Episode 7 airs this Saturday, November 18, 2023 on ROK TV on DSTV at 9pm WAT/10pm CAT and ROK UK at 9:30pm WAT/10:30pm CAT!

Created by ‘Oma Areh and Executive produced by ‘Oma Areh, Mercy Johnson-Okojie. University of Cruise is directed by Adeoluwa Owu and stars Amanda Dara, Nancy Ameh, Esther Agunbiade, Vine Olugu, Chisom Onwuegbuzia, Scott Obilo and Solomon Mike.

You can catch the repeats on Monday mornings at 9am WAT/10am CAT, Wednesday afternoons at 4pm WAT/5pm CAT and Friday nights at 9:30pm WAT/10:30pm CAT!

Watch Episode Seven teaser here:

Kizz Daniel, Asake, Chike unveiled as Glo ambassadors

The three stars, described by Globacom as “role models who have gone through the grind to stand on the highest pedestal of their dreams”, signed agreement as Glo brand ambassadors at a colourful ceremony at the company’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

They include Ahmed Ololade, globally known by his brand name, Asake, is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, while Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, the Buga exponent, generally known as Kizz Daniel, has a degree in Water Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The third new Glo ambassador, Chike as he is called by his fans, was born as Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka. He is a graduate of Computer Engineering, from Covenant University, Ogun State.

The company, which marked its 20th anniversary in August stated that it “is celebrating this with the endorsement of these new ambassadors to project the power of youth and enterprise and how much they can achieve with the right focus, passion and dedication that can come from seeing others who have succeeded. This is very much part of our tradition as we believe the strength of a nation lies in the ability and potentials of its youth”.

It explained that the engagement of the new brand icons “is meant to project the best Nigerians as models for younger people who are tirelessly aspiring to succeed. This is more important in an era where positive heroes and mentors are scarce and hard to come by. The intention is not just to promote the growth of music, Nollywood and sports where we have been very prominent, but also to encourage our teeming youths to aspire toward realizing their dreams by looking up to these ambassadors as mentors”.

Globacom, which since inception has always sponsored major events and supported talented as well as enterprising young Nigerians by making them Glo ambassadors, explained that this innovation has become a practice for which Globacom has always led the way in Nigeria.
Congratulating them, Glo which stated that “having these stars as ambassadors of is our way of inspiring a whole generation of young people with vision who can do better and achieve more without losing hope along the way, even when confronted with challenges,” pledged to continue to promote the sector as it held great prospects to promote Nigeria to the world and also transforming lives.

On their part, the new ambassadors promised to represent the Glo brand by projecting the ideals of the company at all times. They thanked the founder and Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., for considering them worthy of being appointed as the company’s brand ambassadors.

Glo Partners with Palmpay, unveil “PalmPay Bonanza – Recharge Glo and Win

Nigeria’s digital and telecommunications service operator, Globacom, and fintech platform, PalmPay, are set to give Nigerians who purchase Glo data and airtime bundles via the PalmPay platform the opportunity to win exciting rewards. The promotion campaign is tagged “PalmPay Bonanza – Recharge Glo and Win”and will run between July 21 and September 14.

Globacom explained that every week, throughout the promotion period, there will be a live raffle, broadcasted on PalmPay’s social media channels, awarding physical prizes to lucky users who have transacted with Globacom via PalmPay. It added that prizes include top brand electronic goodies such as Playstation 5, iPhone 14 Pro Max and smart TVs.

“At Glo, we always seek innovative avenues to enrich the lives of our subscribers. Teaming up with PalmPay for this campaign aligns with our goal to provide unparalleled value and experiences. We encourage our subscribers to make utmost use of the opportunity provided by “PalmPay Bonanza – Recharge Glo and Win” and enjoy many benefits that lie in store.”

“PalmPay has transformed the digital payment landscape with its easy to use and reliable payment app. Offering free transfers, access to over 300 different services on its app, and a network of 800,000 mobile money agents and merchants, it has rapidly grown to be a preferred payment platform for over 25 million users across Nigeria.” The statement added.

Speaking on the new promotion, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, Mr. Chika Nwosu stated that: “This collaboration embodies our commitment to providing value to our esteemed users. Partnering with Glo, a leader in the telecommunications sector is a testament to this dedication. We are excited to reward our users and urge everyone to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity”.

The statement concluded noting that every transaction above N300 gives participants an extra shot at winning. And that’s not all! Daily social media challenges will offer participants a chance to win up to N5, 000,000 in Glo airtime and data. Above all, Palm pay customers will also enjoy up to 6% cashback on Glo airtime and data on the Palmpay app. Also, customers who have not recharged in the last 90 days will get a 100% bonus on their recharge during the campaign period. Subscribers should log onto www.bit.ly/PalmPayxGlo to join and win in the promo.

MERCY JOHNSON-OKOJIE BAGS NEW AMBASSADORIAL DEAL WITH TIGER FOODS LIMITED

Mercy Johnson-Okojie with Tiger Food

Multiple award-winning Nollywood superstar and home maker, Mercy Johnson-Okojie recently signed a brand ambassadorship deal with leading indigenous food processing manufacturer Tiger Foods Limited. The deal was signed in the presence of Tiger Foods Managing Director Don Ebubeogu, Regional Director West, Elochukwu Nnebedum and Talent Manager ‘Oma Areh of WildFlower PR at the Marriot Hotels Ikeja, Lagos on the 12th of July 2023.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie w/ Tiger Food
Mercy Johnson-Okojie w/ Tiger Food

Speaking at the event, Mercy Johnson-Okojie said “It is truly an honour to partner with a leading, proudly Nigerian brand like Tiger Foods. As a passionate wife, mother and homemaker, this partnership with Tiger Foods resonates with the values I hold dearly. I am an advocate for joy and the best of quality when it comes to food, Tiger Foods have proven to be the right partner to embark upon this journey, I look forward to all the projects that lie ahead.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie with Tiger Food

“We are pleased to welcome an accomplished entertainer, homemaker, and philanthropist, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, to the Tiger Foods family. Tiger Foods is born out of a passion for amazing foods and food ingredients and to provide value to our customers. Our new ambassador, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, embodies this fact as well,” he said. “In the next few months, we will be rolling out several initiatives to reward our consumers, and we are excited to unveil all in partnership with Mercy Johnson-Okojie.” He added. The deal is not Johnson-Okojie’s first partnership with Tiger Foods. In 2019, the agro-allied firm was a lead sponsor on the second season of her popular cooking show ‘Mercy’s Menu’. Tiger Foods, known for producing spices and seasonings, recently released new products, which include Tomato Stew Mix Powder, Mayonnaise, and processed, sorted, and packaged Beans free of sand, stone, and insecticide residue.

About Tiger Foods Limited

Established in 1996, Tiger Foods Limited produces various healthy spices, food seasonings, paste products and dehydrated vegetables. Operating out of a food safety-focused and state-of-the-art facility in Nigeria, the brand boost of top-of-the-line food products ranging from herbs and spices to WET products like Mayonnaise, Tomato Mix, and packaged Beans to its expansive product line.

MarkHack 2.0: ‘OMA AREH JOINS SELECTION JURORS FOR NIGERIA’S HACKATHON AT THE INTERSECTION OF MEDIA, MARKETING, AND TECH!

Ifeoma Areh, Oma Areh

MarkHack launched its second edition, a hackathon event of merging media, marketing, and technology, with the theme: Unlocking the power of the creative economy on the 7th of June, 2023, at the Eko Innovation Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The event was aimed at promoting innovation and creativity in the tech industry.

Ifeoma ‘Oma Areh, better known as ‘Oma Areh, an award- winning Brand Communications and marketing expert, principal consultant of WildFlower PR & Company was selected as one of the selection jurors due to her expertise and experience in the creative industry.

She stated at the event that “as a selection juror at Nigeria’s first hackathon event, it is great to witness firsthand the incredible ideas developed by the participants. The solutions presented addressed various challenges faced by the industry, such as data privacy, content creation & distribution, audience engagement, and digital advertising.”

She commended the participants for their creativity and determination to make a positive impact on the media and marketing landscape.

The winners were collectively rewarded the prize of $10,000 and gained the opportunity to join the Eko Innovation Centre accelerator programme with up to $50,000 equity investment.

The hackathon offered participants a unique opportunity to showcase their media, marketing, and technology skills and expertise. It brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds, including developers, marketers, and journalists, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.

By fostering an environment of innovation and creative problem-solving, the hackathon pushed boundaries for what is possible in the media and marketing sectors and also paved the way for innovative solutions that will shape the future of media and marketing.

Members of Orange Group team

MEET THE RECRUITER| ORANGE GROUP KICKS OFF 2022 NATIONAL RECRUITMENT INITIATIVE

Leading FMCG company Orange group, is back with the third edition of their national recruitment initiative, Meet the Recruiter (MTR), which will kick off in Aba, Abia State, on the 22nd and 23rd of March 2022. The initiative is open to the general public and directed towards recent graduates, employment seekers, and undergraduates committed to building a career in Nigeria’s corporate space. 

Media Relations Director Uchenna Ezenna-Gboneme stated, “We are very pleased to see the evolution of the Orange Meet the Recruiter Initiative. This program has brought us face to face with some of the brightest minds in the country. This year, we are kicking off with the city of Aba, and we are excited with the feedback and responses from applicants there.” Participants can look forward to learning more about the recruitment processes, job prep skills, interview etiquette, and so much more.” She added

Media Director Uchenna Ezenna-Gboneme

The ‘Meet the Recruiter’ initiative is a program where prospective employees from different backgrounds and parts of the country meet with the Orange Group Recruitment Team. The initiative equips job seekers with knowledge and skills relating to job applications and presents them with the opportunity to apply and land their dream job at Orange Group; some of the past attendees have been known to get a highly coveted job offer on the spot.

To launch the 2022 drive, Orange Group held a few digital activations to engage young job seekers online to prepare them for the MTR drive. These activities included a highly engaging LinkedIn live session with Orange Group and corporate trainer Nkem Offonabo, where hundreds of job seekers took part in a Q and A session. This was followed by a Twitter space conversation hosted by digital marketing influencer Paul Ezeudoh.

‘Meet The Recruiter’ 2022 will kick off in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, on the 22nd and 23rd of March, 2022, and extend to other cities across Nigeria to be announced by Orange Group. 

To register, participants can visit www.orangegroups.com/careers/ and take the aptitude test.              

“24 Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos”- National Museum of African Art launches Global Presence in Lagos

The first NMAFA event under new director, Ngaire Blankenberg whose strategy is a 21st Century Global African Arts Museum had its first stop in Lagos, Nigeria on November 6.

Held on the 6th of November 2021, “24 Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos” was a collaborative interactive art experience in partnership with Art X Lagos, the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF), the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and David Adjaye designed venue Alára to bring together the international, Nigeria and African diaspora through the worlds of film, art, photography and fashion with “Taste! 24 Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos”

Taste! Curated by former Smithsonian Artist Research Fellow Temitayo Ogunbiyi, it is a multisensory, participative art experience which involves the use of sound, photography, and food by sound artist Emeka Ogboh, New York based photographer Iké Udé and Temitayo Ogunbiyi in collaboration with chef Renèe Chuks.

Kicking off with Taste! Mystique, on Friday, November 5, Iké Udé held a masterclass for a group of Lagos-based photographers in collaboration with the African Artists’ Foundation. A select group of young artists were tutored by Udé in his signature style, mystique at the intersection of harmony and the unexpected. The participants then took portraits of Nollywood actor, producer, and creative entrepreneur Enyinna Nwigwe next to evocative “props.”

The NMAFA board reception followed on November 6, hosted by Ghenga Oyebode at Nok. He expressed his excitement that this was the first Smithsonian experience in Africa, with Lagos as the first stop.“This is the very first Smithsonian event on the continent, proud for Lagos to lead and excited about what lies ahead.”

In the same vein, Director Ngaire Blankenberg spoke about their plans for new collaborations across Africa to create and build new immersive art experiences.

The “24 Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos” main event was held on Sunday November 7 featuring the Taste! Transformation, Taste! Mystique, Taste! Sound and Taste! Memory experiences. Visitors, influencers, Nollywood stars and artists including Noble Igwe, Enyinna Nwigwe, Saga Adeolu, Emmanuel Oyeleke, Ugonna Ibe, and others were able to visit and, participate in Taste! held simultaneously at the David Adjaye designed venue Alara.

Emeka Ogboh’s ‘Sounds of Lagos’ playlist ushered in visitors with a mix of upbeat, soulful and melodic sounds inspired by the streets of Lagos.

This was followed by the Taste! Mystique portrait exhibition by Iké Udé featuring dynamic portraits of muse Enyinna Nwigwe by young Nigerian photographers from the previously held masterclass.

The Taste! Memory experience featured locally grown botanical bites prepared by Chef Renee Chuks and Temitayo Ogunbiyi reminiscent of their childhoods in Lagos.

The Taste! Transformation panel discussion featuring Azu Nwagbogu, Director Lagos Photo Festival, and AAF; ArtX founder, Tokini Peterside; AFRIFF creative director, Chioma Onyenwe; and director Ngaire Blakenberg.

The Art experience wrapped up with The African International Film Festival Opening Cocktail Party. At the cocktail event, new, and established talents of the Nigerian cinema such as Sharon Ooja, Enyinna Nwigwe, Kate Henshaw, Denrele Edun, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ini Dima-Okojie, Diane Russet, Ojy Okpe, Colette Otusheso and others  took part in the Tableau Vivant created by conceptual artist, Iké Udé featuring regal models in ensembles by the Nigerian Grand Dame of costumes, and Chief Nike Okundaye-Davies as an addendum to his Nollywood Portraits.

“Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits” will open at the National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. February 5, 2022.

National Museum of African Art To Present “24Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos”

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art is partnering with Art X, the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF), the African Artists’ Foundation and Alára to bring together the U.S., Nigeria and African diaspora through the worlds of film, art, photography and fashion. “24 Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos” will feature “Taste!” a multisensory, participative art experience at Alára Sunday, Nov. 7, from 12h00-18h00 WAT (7 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST). “24 Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos” comes during an ongoing explosion of creativity in Lagos and Nigeria and helps mark the end of Art X and the beginning of AFRIFF.

Curated by former Smithsonian Artist Research Fellow Temitayo Ogunbiyi, “Taste!” will include experiences by sound artist Emeka Ogboh, photographer Iké Udé and Ogunbiyi in collaboration with chef Renèe Chuks. Using sound, portraiture and food, the three artists question assumptions concerning culture, geography and identity. The experience will culminate in a living installation in which many of the celebrities featured in the upcoming exhibition “Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits” and others become works of art by posing for photographs alongside Udé’s exuberant sets at the opening night of the African International Film Festival. 

“24 Hours of the Smithsonian in Lagos” is the launch of the National Museum of African Art’s global presence under newly appointed director Ngaire Blankenberg.  

“Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits” will open at the  National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., Feb. 5, 2022. 

About the Artists

Iké Udé  

Udé is a Nigerian American conceptual artist who has been creating work since the 1990s that complicates notions of identity and perception. He uses photography to draw attention to how individuals portrayed in highly posed “performances” can reveal more truth than contrived poses that aim to be natural. Udé’s work is in the permanent collections of Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the National Museum of African Art, Sheldon Museum, RISD Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and many private collections. His forthcoming solo exhibition “Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits” will open at the National Museum of African Art Feb. 5, 2022.

Emeka Ogboh 

Emeka Ogboh uses sound and gastronomy to create installations that have included music, soundscapes, limited editions of artisanal beer, sculpture and collaborations with chefs. He increasingly uses these works to examine how visual art can catalyze conversations about the environment. Having exhibited at documenta 14 (2017), the Venice Biennale (2015) and the Dakar Biennale (2014), he is an internationally acclaimed artist with works in major collections worldwide, including the National Museum of African Art. In September 2020, Ogboh presented a medley of his installations capturing Lagos at the Élysée Palace in Paris to mark the close of Afrique 2020. 

Renèe Chuks  

Chuks is a culinary innovator and entrepreneur specializing in combining local and diasporic ingredients to support more sustainable and empowering food chains. She is the cofounder and CEO of Aldente Africa, an artisanal food and beverage company, an executive academic director and lead chef instructor at the Umami Center for Culinary Arts. Chuks trained as a classical French chef, graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas.  

Temitayo Ogunbiyi 

Ogunbiyi creates works on paper, paintings, sculptures and ambitious installations. In addition to exploring plants as they live around her, she also aims to record the socioeconomic conditions that exist within and how they are transformed in a wide range of culinary traditions. Ogunbiyi has received a 2020–2021 Digital Earth Fellowship, a 2018 Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship and a 2014 Ford Foundation Fellowship. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Madre Museum in Naples, Italy, the 2019 Lagos Biennial, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and the Centre for Contemporary Art Lagos, among other venues. She is also a director of Yinka Shonibare CBE’s Guest Artist Space Foundation.

About the National Museum of African Art 

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of Africa’s arts across time and media. The museum’s collection of over 12,000 artworks spans more than 1,000 years of African history and includes a variety of media from across the continent. For more information, call (202) 633-4600 or visit the museum’s website. For general Smithsonian information, the public can call (202) 633-1000. Follow the museum on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

WildFlower PR and Company Bags Award for Most Reliable Quality Strategic Communications Company of the Year 2021

WildFlower PR and Company has won the award for the most reliable quality strategic communications company of the year at the National Award for Excellence and Achievement 2021 organized by the National Quality Conference.

The event, which was held on Monday, 11th October, 2021, at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos had in attendance several brands and top industry leaders. The NQC used the event   as an avenue to celebrate companies for their resilience in constantly innovating and delivering outstanding products and services to their highly esteemed customers in spite of the harsh global economic realities, the international shut down occasioned by Covid-19, and national security.

Wildflower-pr-and-company-bags-award-for-most-reliable-quality-strategic-communications-company-of-the-year-2021

The award for the most reliable quality strategic communications company of the year was presented to WildFlower PR and Company by the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Femi George in recognition of its effort in providing quality and innovative services to its highly esteemed customers.

 “At WildFlower PR and Company, innovation, quality and attention to detail are our watchwords. We believe there is always a fresh angle to every strategy. Our keyword is quality and we have our eyes focused every step of the process and will never relent in providing quality services to our customers.” Founder and Principal Consultant WildFlower PR, Oma Areh said represented by, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwuanyi.

Guest Speaker at the event, Mr. Patrick Okechukwu highlighted continuous improvement of skills, quality appraisal, and ability to strategize and improve quality of service in the Covid-19 era as the basis for celebrating companies at the event.

He stressed on the importance of quality management in an organization; “An organization is as strong as its strongest unit, and as weak as its weakest unit,” … Therefore, For every organization to achieve quality the whole organization must see it as a way of life. The whole organization must be integrated,” he said.

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About WildFlower PR and Company

WildFlower PR and Company is an award-winning public relations, communications and media firm, with expertise in customized strategic campaigns in the areas of personal publicity, development communication, entertainment PR, new media PR, specialized corporate communications and reputation management.

WildFlower PR is a fully integrated agency that prides itself in a blend of innovative solutions and proven result-oriented methods when addressing clients’ goals.

The agency represents leading entities in Telecommunications, Energy, Aviation, Government, Technology, Entertainment and Non-profit. Their client base ranges from global corporations and government agencies, growing businesses to some of the biggest entertainment personalities on the African continent today.

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www.wildflowerpr.com

Wildlife preservation in focus as Glo-sponsored African Voices airs

As the Glo-sponsored CNN African Voices Changemakers goes on air this weekend, the issue of wildlife and the importance of preserving them will be discussed by two conservation enthusiasts.

Kenya’s Sheila Funnell and South Africa’s Marumo Nene are the two guests on the program who will be talking about the need for the protection and preservation of the African continent’s animal life.

Funnell is a research manager at the Grevy’s Zebra Trust who dedicates her time to the protection of zebras as she believes that the conservation of the animals will help sustain the livelihoods of the people. Grevy’s zebras are important in the Samburu culture where she hails from as they lead the way to water during droughts, alert herders and livestock to the presence of predators. They also believe that their presence signifies the coming of the rains.  

Similarly, Nene works with South Africa’s Wildlife ACT team and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife as part of an Alien Plant Removal project in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve.  She completed her Community Guide Training, worked as an assistant on the African Wild Dog monitoring project, and as a Community Environmental Educator.

African Voices Changemakers will be on air on Saturday at 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on DSTV Channel 401 and on Sunday at 3.30 a.m., 6.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. The last repeat edition is at 4.30 a.m. on Monday.

Glo-sponsored African Voices brings back Mo Abudu, 2 others in compilation edition

The compilation edition of African Voices Changemakers, the Globacom-sponsored magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN), this week brings back to viewers media mogul, Mo Abudu, and two other talents who are positively affecting the African continent.

The two others are 30-year-old Elijah Amoo Addo, a Ghanaian chef and food stylist who has become a social entrepreneur through his creation of “Food for All Africa”, and Karabo Poppy Molestane who in 2019 made the Forbes list as one of Africa’s Foremost Under 30 CEOs.

Abudu hit the limelight with her talk show, Moments with Mo, on which she brought many issues to public attention through interviews with top personalities, the needy and citizens with mental health issues. In 2006, she founded her own TV channel, Ebony Life Television, which is received by viewers in over 49 countries across Africa, the UK and the Caribbean.

Ghana-based Addo uses advocacy and a food-sharing mobile phone app to feed thousands of vulnerable children through food recovery and redistribution. In collaboration with local restaurants, supermarkets, food distribution companies and rural small-hold farmers, Addo’s organization collects leftover food or unwanted food that is close to its ‘use-by’ date and redistributes it to disadvantaged children in orphanages, hospitals and low-income schools.

Born in Vereeniging, South Africa, Molestane is a multi-award-winning Illustrator, graphic designer and street artist who is committed to the preservation of her cultural heritage. She is renowned as a Nike shoe designer and basketball court murals artist who has equally worked with the Wall Street and on Netflix’s Strong Black Lead season.

 African Voices Changemakers shows on DSTV CNN Channel 401 on Saturday at 9.30 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. Repeat broadcasts will be aired on Sunday  at 4.30 a.m.,   7.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 7.30 p.m. and on Monday at 12.30 a.m. and  5.30 a.m.

Telling Untold Stories: Streaming service ‘Hissbox’ launches with a grant of $25,000 for young filmmakers

A brand-new streaming service Hissbox, is set to launch on the 11th of September 2020. With a focus on ‘telling untold stories,’ the streaming service offers over 400 pieces of content including world-class originals, blockbuster films, series, documentaries and much more.

According to the Nigerian born, Los Angeles based CEO Chinecherem Eze, “The concern with streaming services today is that despite an extensive volume of offerings, there is still a lack of diversity in available content. We are very excited to say that Hissbox is here to fill this gap.” She said.

“Our focus from inception has been a platform where everyone can find content that reflects their uniqueness. We are telling, sharing and searching for exceptional stories from every corner of the world; there is a waiting audience for those stories and Hissbox will reflect that reality.” She added.

To kick off their search for ‘unique stories’ across the world, Hissbox has also announced ‘The Hissbox Grant’, funded by the Hissbox Diversity Film Fund (HDFF) which gives producers up to $25,000 in funding for the production of TV series, Feature Films and Documentaries. The HDFF looks out for filmmakers from diverse backgrounds with emphasis that stories are expected to be exceptional: stories with creative risks, which inspire dialogue, and are rarely seen on public media. More information about the grant can be found on https://www.hissbox.com/.

Starting with free 1 month access on the platform, Hissbox provides a tiered offering that gives subscribers broad access to Hissbox across web, mobile and connected-TV devices. Hissbox is also very pocket friendly with monthly subscriptions from $3.99 only.

About Hissbox

Founded by Nigerian born, L.A based serial entrepreneur Chinecherem Eze, Hissbox is a streaming platform, film production and distribution company primarily focused on projecting untold, neglected and less told stories. The platform aims to change the narrative of how stories are told by funding original content, collaborating and networking with industry leaders, filmmakers and relevant organizations. It is supported on all devices including connected Television screens Desktop, Laptops, Tablets and on Mobile devices.

Nigerian musician, two change activists on Glo-sponsored African Voices Compilation edition

The compilation edition of African Voices Changemakers, Globacom-sponsored magazine programme on CNN, airs this weekend. It will feature two Nigerians, ace musician Mr. Eazi and an equal-opportunity agent, Orondaam Otto, as well as South African beauty queen, Zozibini Tunzi.

Banku music exponent, songwriter and music star, Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, will acquaint viewers with the story of how he pioneered Banku music, a collage of Nigerian rhythms and Ghanaian highlife.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Mr. Eazi started his musical career in 2012 with his rhythm and blues single titled “Pipi Dance”. He has had collaborations with other A-list acts including  Ghanaian R&B star, Sarkodie;  Lil Kesh,  and Burna Boy who are both  successful Nigerian music  merchants. His hit singles include “Leg Over” and “Tilapia”

 The second feature on the programme is 32-year-old Nigerian, Otto, a Human Anatomy graduate of University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria who is committed to seeing an African continent whose potentials are maximized and one which will be celebrated for the innovations and uniqueness of her people. He is also focused on seeing that every African Child gets good education.

 A social reformer and development enthusiast, Otto leads as executive director, a team of 40 managers and hundreds of volunteers at Slum2School Africa which provides equal opportunities for disadvantaged children in every nook and cranny of Nigerian slums.

 Lastly, Zozibini Tunzi, South African model and beauty pageant who is the current   Miss Universe, has a National Diploma in public relations management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The 26-year-old teaches and encourages young girls and women to assume leadership positions in order to extend their frontiers of influence in South Africa’s national life.

The 30-minute magazine programme comes up on CNN on DSTV Channel 401 on Saturday at 9.00 p.m; Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m with a repeat broadcast on the same channel on Monday at 5.30 a.m

Global malaria partnership urges countries to act during ‘window of opportunity’ to save lives from Malaria and COVID-19

Geneva, 23rd April 2020 – Ahead of World Malaria Day on 25th April, the RBM Partnership to End Malaria is calling on countries to act now to save almost 400,000 additional lives from malaria as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The RBM Partnership to End Malaria, along with global and regional partners, including World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, is urging leaders of malaria affected countries to take advantage of the critical window of opportunity they now have, before the rainy season, to save lives and prevent over-burdening health systems.

The call comes in response to a new modelling study from WHO, which suggests that severe disruptions to insecticide-treated net campaigns and in access to antimalarial medicines due to COVID-19 could lead to a doubling of malaria deaths, potentially resulting in up to almost 800,000 malaria deaths in 2020. According to last year’s World Malaria Report, approximately 400,000 people died from malaria, the lowest level ever in almost 20 years.

Countries urged to ‘move quickly’

Whilst the ongoing pandemic places extra burden on low-resourced health systems, particularly in Africa, which carries 90% of the global malaria burden, as well as parts of Asia and Latin America, the malaria community is calling for these countries to safely continue life-saving malaria interventions that accelerate diagnosis and treatment at the community level. These interventions include the distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated nets and preventative treatments for pregnant women and children, who are most at greatest risk of dying from a mosquito bite, and integrated community case management as part of essential health services.

Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, Chief Executive Officer of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, said: “As COVID-19 spreads across the globe we must ensure that efforts to contain the virus do not compromise access to life-saving malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services. In 2018, investments in the malaria fight saved almost 600,000 lives and prevented nearly 100 million new infections each year compared to 2000 levels. Divert this funding or place holds on malaria interventions that could be safely carried out now and we could see an exponential increase in deaths from malaria this year. In the face of COVID-19, countries must act now to save lives, protect hard-fought progress, and strengthen health systems—our first line of defence against existing and emerging threats to public health.”

Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria at the community level is vital to preventing cases from becoming severe, which often require hospitalization and lead to death. In 2018, children under five accounted for nearly two thirds of all malaria deaths worldwide and 1 in 3 pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa were infected with malaria.

Global investments in the malaria fight have helped to save 7 million lives and prevent more than 1 billion cases of malaria since 2000 – gains which are now under threat from COVID-19. These investments also helped build the health care capacity of malaria burdened countries, enabling them to fight malaria and other diseases and new threats like COVID-19, by:

  • training tens of thousands of health care workers to conduct early diagnosis and treatment and integrated community case management of people with malaria/fevers;
  • increasing access to life-saving treatments, rapid diagnostics and preventive interventions;
  • building data systems to improve real-time surveillance of infectious diseases;
  • improving supply chains and availability of effective medicines and medical equipment; and
  • building in-country lab capacity.

Countries mobilize in response to COVID-19

Several countries have already heeded the call to continue their planned malaria programmes while taking precautionary measures against COVID-19, including Benin, Chad and Niger, which are going ahead with their mass distribution campaigns of insecticide treated mosquito nets, as well as Kenya, Malawi and Ghana, which are continuing to immunize children against malaria through a pilot malaria vaccine programmes announced on World Malaria Day last year.

Meanwhile, several countries in the Asia-Pacific region are approaching elimination. Amidst COVID-19 outbreak, Malaysia, which has registered zero indigenous malaria cases since 2018, provided a guidance on tailoring malaria response in the country to avoid resurgence. The Pacific nation of Vanuatu has brought its national elimination targets two years forward, to 2023. Meanwhile, M2030 Private Sector Partners stepped up to respond to COVID-19 and mitigate impacts to existing malaria programmes in Myanmar and Indonesia.

Relapsing malaria (P.vivax), which can reappear without warning, is the predominant form of malaria in the Americas, where it causes 75% of cases. Globally, four countries, including Brazil, have now approved the first single-dose radical cure for P.vivax that eliminates the dormant form of the parasite in the liver, which will be crucial to achieving malaria elimination. Furthermore, Haiti has put in place a COVID-19 response plan and is working to secure adequate resources and ensure that malaria activities are not interrupted.

World Malaria Day goes online

With the theme ‘Zero Malaria Starts with Me’, this year’s World Malaria Day reaffirms that it is everyone’s power and responsibility – no matter where they live – to ensure no one dies from a mosquito bite. The theme aims to remind citizens everywhere, and particularly in malaria burdened countries, of the personal responsibility we all have to protect communities from the disease and hold governments to account for ending this preventable disease.

To mark the global awareness day, a series of online activities are taking place to educate the wider health community on the fight to end malaria, including:

  • A “virtual applause”, on April 25th uniting people around the world on social media to thank health professionals working on the frontlines of the fight against malaria, COVID-19 and other diseases.
  • A live takeover of the RBM Partnership social media channels with Dr. Elvis Eze, a Nigerian-born and raised physician who has practiced in the NHS. Dr Eze will discuss the global malaria challenge, his role as an ambassador for the global malaria community, and his experiences suffering from and treating malaria in Nigeria.

The theme ‘Zero Malaria Starts with Me’ is inspired by the pan-African movement of the same name, which engages and enables political leaders, the private sector, communities, and other members of society to take actions that will protect their families and help communities and countries thrive. People around the world can join the conversation on social media by using the following hashtags: #WorldMalariaDay, #ZeroMalariaStartswithMe, and #endmalaria.