Mohammed Shosanya
Heineken, the world’s most international beer, has introduced its newly designed 45cl bottle at an exclusive press conference in Awka.

The new 45cl bottle, uniquely tailored to meet the desires of Nigeria’s younger demographic, particularly Millennials and Gen Z consumers, is designed with a sleek and stylish aesthetic.

This bottle offers just the right amount of beer—striking the perfect balance for those who want a drink that’s neither too little nor too much.

Azuka Ijenebe, Brand Manager, Heineken, Nigerian Breweries Plc., said, “The launch of our 45cl bottle is an exciting development for us. We understand that today’s younger consumers value both style and practicality, and this new bottle is designed to meet those needs. It’s not just about the look; it’s about offering a size that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle—something stylish and just the right amount for a satisfying experience.”

Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager, Premium Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, added: “We are thrilled to introduce the Heineken 45cl bottle to the Nigerian market. This new size is a perfect match for the younger generation who appreciate a product that is modern and convenient. We believe that this bottle will not only appeal to their sense of style but also provide them with the ideal amount of beer—meeting them right in the middle. It’s another way we’re raising the bar and ensuring that Heineken continues to lead in both taste and innovation.”

Mohammed Shosanya

Big Chance Lotteries Management Limited has deployed its state-of-the-art POS terminals to major cities in Nigeria to complement its online platform, where Nigerians can play and win millions of naira in cash rewards weekly.

At the launch of the terminals in Lagos on Thursday, the Managing Director of Big Chance Lotteries Management Limited, Opeyemi Oguntimehin, said that the firm’s goal is to introduce a new era in Nigerian lottery industry, combining fun, profit and social responsibility.

He disclosed that the android terminal, which will dispense the company’s lottery tickets, is very fast, straightforward to understand, and very rugged.

He also explained that the core goal of their operation is to impact the lives of Nigerians positively by ensuring that fairness and transparency are maintained at all times.

He further stated, “the deployment will go a long way in providing jobs to the populace because we have direct sales agents whom we instead call partners. They will work alongside us, enjoying 35% commission and bringing our core values to the populace.

“Some of these values include being innovative, as well as accountable with a high sense of integrity and profitability. Fusing all of these will enable us to bring goodies to Nigeria, thereby increasing our standard of living.

“Apart from lifting Nigerians from the morass of poverty with its range of exciting games playable with as little as , the lottery will also help combat unemployment.

“At a time when many Nigerians are looking for genuine opportunities to improve their financial well-being, Big Chance Lotto resonates with millions of Nigerians. The game comes from a trusted brand duly licenced by the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

“Built on a solid value system of reliability, innovation, empowerment, social responsibility, integrity and fun, Big Chance Lotto is an immense and entertaining game, win and cash out game, never seen in Nigeria.

“Our lottery is also online and real-time, meaning you can play and cash out instantly, which makes the platform robust and friendly, with the highest security standards against fraud and hackers.

“Nigerians can play the games all day long all over the country, and they can even play games ahead, meaning they can play for Friday game on Tuesday.

“Our lottery draws are transparent and live on all major social media platforms; you can view live attractions as they happen.

“The wallet can be preloaded and funded via any bank in Nigeria. We are connected to the best and most secure payment platform, and we have partnered with the best in the industry.

“There is also the primary draw in the evening at about 7 p.m., and our odds are very competitive and one of the highest in the industry.
We also plan to launch Jackpot games and another variant of lotteries before the end of the year.

“Our staff are well-seasoned lottery experts with over 25 years of experience, and our CEO has over 30 years of lottery and gaming experience.”

Oguntimehin also stated that Big Chance Lotto can be downloaded from the Google Play store or by visiting our website at www.bigchancelotto.com.

He stressed that the Big Chance Lotto website is the most mobile-friendly, and players can play games on the go.

Mohammed Shosanya

Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited (Hydrogen), a payment services company,has announced the commencement of its “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” initiative.

This significant initiative highlights Hydrogen’s commitment to promoting heart health awareness among business owners and professionals, focusing on the importance of managing high blood pressure (BP) and overall heart wellness, a statement said on Tuesday.

The initiative kicked off at the Hydrogen Head Office, Plot 1618 Danmole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where business owners and professionals were invited to participate in free heart health checks and other health assessments.

According to the statement,this program aims to equip the business community with vital knowledge and resources to maintain heart health, emphasising its critical role in ensuring business success.

Key features of the initiative include on-the-spot blood pressure checks for attendees, identifying potential heart health risks, and encouraging early intervention.

Informative sessions highlighted the importance of monitoring blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart, with participants gaining valuable insights from healthcare professionals. Educational materials on healthy living and stress management were also distributed, providing ongoing support for maintaining heart health.

Obinna Ojekwe, Brands and Marketing Lead at Hydrogen, emphasised the prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria and the low level of awareness, particularly among the business community.

“The ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Business’ initiative is a crucial step in addressing hypertension awareness. Hydrogen is committed to driving this cause among its merchants and the wider business community, advocating for regular health checks, and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Ojekwe. “Heart health is essential for business owners to contribute meaningfully to their business growth and overall success.”

Zainab Abu, Head of Merchant Services at Hydrogen, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “At Hydrogen, we believe that a healthy business starts with a healthy business owner. The launch of our ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Business’ initiative is a testament to the importance of health awareness in our community. We are dedicated to making a positive impact by providing essential health checks and promoting wellness among business owners.”

Hydrogen’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is evident in this initiative. By addressing the health needs of business owners, Hydrogen not only promotes individual well-being but also contributes to the overall sustainability and productivity of the business ecosystem.

Tamilore Shosanya

Integral Communications Nigeria Limited, one of Nigerian’s leading ICT Companies has proven its resilience by adapting and staying committed to long-term growth in a bid to effectively satisfy its growing clientele base.

In a press statement assessing the Company’s half year performance, the General Manager of the company, Mr. Ifeanyi Nihe said from its humble beginnings to its current stature as one of the country’s prominent ICT Companies, Integral Communication’s corporate history is a captivating narrative of triumphs in the areas of product leadership, customer intimacy and service excellence.

According to him,Integral Communications Nigeria Limited has developed a comprehensive range of products tailored to support Nigerians in their journey towards wealth creation and preservation especially in the midst of the prevailing economic hardship.

These exclusive offerings encompass every stage of the wealth-building process, from buying a product and getting free gifts to getting amazing discounts, he said.

He said,the target and premium offer plans cater specifically to upwardly mobile professionals and entrepreneurs and individuals laying a solid groundwork for the acquisition of the company’s ICT products.

As the company continues to build its corporate story — one marked by resilience, evolution, and growth—it remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, innovation, and driving positive change in the country.

To further prove its commitment to excellence and innovation to its customers, the Company recently made a strong foray into social media marketing which it considered an effective way to communicate with its investors, shareholders, stakeholders and customers, keeping them informed about significant company announcements, financial results, or strategic initiatives.

In order to reach out to the untapped market, the Company has gone into strategic partnerships and alliances as a mutually beneficial marketing tactic with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) like, Shell, NLNG and other corporate institutions.

The company has partnered global OEMs like HP, DELL, MICROSFOFT, APC, CISCO, MCAFEE, etc.
Integral Communications Nigeria Limited specializes on the Sales and installation of mobile phones, Computers (Laptops and Desktgops), printers and copiers , special gadgets, CCTV systems, intercom systems 9PABX), Network switches, procurement, etc.

i-Fitness, West Africa’s largest and fastest-growing fitness chain, has reiterated its commitment to supporting individuals seeking a healthier and happier life in a partnership with Infinix, a brand with stylish and cutting-edge technology on smart devices.

The company expressed this at an event held recently at the i-Fitness Acme Branch in Ogba, Lagos, which also featured games where members won prizes from Infinix, a statement said on Thursday.

Founded in 2015, i-Fitness is celebrating its 9th anniversary with the theme ‘Shaping The Future of Fitness’, reflecting on nine years of revolutionising the fitness industry in Nigeria through exceptional wellness services. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the company is having a year-long series of events and partnerships, including the opening of new branches as a build-up to its 10th anniversary next year.

i-Fitness, known for its holistic approach to wellness, celebrates this milestone which marks nearly a decade by bringing smart technology to the fitness space. Commenting on the partnership with Infinix.

Foluso Ogunwale, Founder and CEO of i-Fitness said, “This underscores our commitment to integrating technology and innovation into the fitness experience. We aim to enhance the overall well-being of our members with the latest technological advancements as this is integral for shaping the future of fitness in Nigeria.”

Oluwayemisi Ode, Integrated Marketing Communications & Public Relations Manager at Infinix Nigeria attended the event and stated, “Infinix is a lifestyle brand deeply connected to the lives of our consumers. We recognize that fitness is a significant part of today’s lifestyle and our partnership with i-Fitness is vital to capturing our customers’ content and life experiences.”

i-Fitness has 21 branches across four major cities in Nigeria and is known for its holistic approach to fitness.

With a subscriber base of over 26,000 members, gym facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and the expertise of over 250 certified personal trainers, i-Fitness members benefit from multi-location access, over 50 monthly fitness classes per branch and other value-added services that support their fitness lifestyle.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and First Exploration & Production Limited (First E&P) joint venture (JV) has donated the sum of N53million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria.

Under the JV’s Impact First Initiative, the donation, targeted towards enhancing societal welfare, would address areas such as good healthcare and well-being, quality education as well as economic growth within the nation,Olufemi Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer,NNPC Ltd,said in a statement.

During the cheque presentation ceremony, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, expressed gratitude to First E & P for initiating the laudable programme,the statement quoted.

Represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Mrs. Edith Lawson, Wunti highlighted NNPC Ltd’s belief in the power of CSR, stressing that the Company remains committed to working with its partners to impact the lives of the less-privileged.

Wunti said under the initiative, projects and programmes executed include the provision of classrooms, ICT Centres, laboratories and other infrastructural intervention projects, scholarships, quiz competitions, skill acquisitions, and economic empowerment, a testimony to NNPC’s dedication to fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.

He described First E & P’s foresight and leadership as commendable, adding that the partner has spearheaded the initiative towards meaningful change that will ensure a better future for all Nigerians.

Among the beneficiaries of the donation were the Irede Foundation, which provides custom-made artificial limbs to child amputees aged 0-18 and Human Development Initiative (HDI), which focuses on tackling fundamental issues of poverty, injustice, neglect, deprivation, and equality among vulnerable people.

Others were the OISA Foundation, which transforms lives through interventions in the education and healthcare sectors; Cerebral Palsy Center, which renders support to families with children with cerebral palsy as well as the Niola Cancer Care Foundation, which organises awareness talks and screens communities for colon cancer.

Mohammed Shosanya

Maltina,Nigeria’s malt drink brand, has again demonstrated its commitment to sharing happiness with consumers in line with its ‘Show Kindness, Share Happiness’ Ramadan campaign.

The brand hosted a select group of Muslim faithfuls to a special Maltina Iftar soiree on 31 March 2024,a statement said on Friday.

The Iftar soiree embodied the true spirit of Ramadan, encouraging a sense of community and togetherness as guests shared delicious Iftar meals– the evening meal that breaks the daily Ramadan fast. The atmosphere was serene as guests made connections and had heartfelt conversations, creating lasting memories for all who participated.

“Maltina is dedicated to supporting our Muslim consumers throughout Ramadan,” said Daniella Ogunsanya, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, while speaking on the essence of the Maltina Iftar soiree. “We believe this holy month is a time to embrace unity, especially during these challenging times. The Maltina Iftar soiree is part of our commitment to keep sharing happiness and showing kindness.”

This event further exemplifies Maltina’s dedication to exceeding expectations and spreading joy and happiness with its consumers each season. As Ramadan concludes, Maltina remains a nourishing companion, reminding us to be kind to one another and cherish moments of togetherness with loved ones.

Mohammed Shosanya

Axxela Limited, a leading sub-Saharan African gas and power company, has achieved a Gold Medal in the 2024 EcoVadis Sustainability Rating.

This rating,according to a statement,underscores Axxela’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethical business practices.

Ranked in the top 5% among companies evaluated by EcoVadis over the past twelve months, Axxela achieved an impressive 97 percentile rank,showcasing its dedication to continuous progress in sustainability and ESG practices.

This accolade marks a significant advancement from its previous silver medal rating, highlighting the company’s increasing efforts in this domain.

Speaking,Bolaji Osunsanya, CEO of Axxela, stated, “Achieving a Gold Medal in our 2024 Sustainability Rating from a globally renowned authority on business sustainability ratings, serves as a superior validation of Axxela’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Over the past years, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that we incorporate and embrace the principles of sustainability across our business operations for the benefit of our customers, employees, partners, and investors. This outcome is both an encouragement and motivation for us to persistently improve and do more”.

Osunsanya reiterated Axxela’s pledge to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with the UN SDG 9 Agenda on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

He stated, “This achievement propels us to redouble our efforts towards a cleaner, more sustainable future while driving industrial growth in Nigeria and across West Africa.”

Tuoyo Ejueyitchie, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Axxela, said, this recognition is a testament to Axxela’s excellence and continued improvement in the area of sustainability.

He said:“It is a true definition of team effort and general commitment to developing and adhering to processes and procedures that demonstrate our company’s dedication to maintaining world class Sustainability/ESG standards”.

To commemorate this accomplishment, EcoVadis will be planting a tree on behalf of Axxela through its partnership with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation.

Axxela Limited (“Axxela”) is the pioneer private sector developer of natural gas solutions and captive power generation in Nigeria; a company co-owned by Helios Investment Partners LLP and Sojitz Corporation.

Axxela is a designated natural gas shipper on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), and a member of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), delivering natural gas to about 200 industrial and commercial customers via a vast network of natural gas infrastructure.

With over 360km in natural gas pipeline infrastructure built, Axxela provides unique energy solutions primarily through its subsidiaries: Gaslink Nigeria Limited, Gas Network Services Limited, Central Horizon Gas Company Limited, and Transit Gas Nigeria Limited.

Mohammed Shosanya

Verod, a leading prominent African investment management firm specialising in private
equity and venture capital, has invested in i-Fitness,West Africa’s largest and fastest-growing fitness chain.

The latest investment is the most recent investment from the Verod Capital Growth Fund III, marking the sixth addition to the fund’s portfolio,a statement said.

Founded in 2015 by Foluso Ogunwale, i-Fitness has been at the forefront of promoting the culture of fitness in Nigeria.

The company is known for its holistic approach to fitness and wellness, owning bespoke gym facilities and offering flexible cost-effective membership plans.

With 21 branches in Nigeria, i-Fitness has a subscriber base of over 26,000 members
who benefit from cutting-edge facilities, the expertise of over 250 certified personal trainers and over 50 varied monthly fitness classes per branch.

The company provides multilocation access to its members and an all-inclusive wellness experience to suit and support the fitness lifestyle of its vast membership base.

As i-Fitness begins its journey with Verod,the company is committed to providing more fitness services across its fast-growing fitness community.

The new capital infusion will
empower i-Fitness to diversify its service offerings and expand across West Africa. Central to this strategy is the opening of new branches, revamping its present facilities and providing best-in-class fitness services that are member-focused.

The investment further enhances
Verod’s valuecentric approach, acting as a catalyst to propel businesses forward and stimulate growth.

Speaking on the acquisition,Daniel Adeoye,Partner at Verod,said: “Verod is highly enthusiastic about its collaboration with i-Fitness, which will contribute further to the growth and expansion of its value-for-money gym chain in West Africa. Recognising i-Fitness’
capable management team, resilient business model and attractive value proposition, Verod is also drawn to the growing consumer emphasis on health and wellness, and the rising population in urbanised Africa. This investment aligns with Verod’s commitment to
supporting long-term trends with positive social impact and regional economic growth.”

Foluso Ogunwale Founder and CEO of i-Fitness said, “We are very pleased to have Verod partner with us. i-Fitness is committed to making fitness common, more convenient, and more importantly making it an integral part of the urban lifestyle. We have another great opportunity to touch many more lives by promoting the culture of health and fitness. Our partnership with Verod will help us in achieving this
objective.

“We expect the synergy between both firms to strengthen our position in leading the fitness industry in West Africa and more importantly, equip us with all needed resources to deliver world-class services to our members.”

Verod remains steadfast in its commitment to forging partnerships to unlock opportunities in West Africa. i-Fitness joins the growing suite of Verod’s investments championing the health and wellness industry.

The firm is also excited about the job opportunities created due to this investment and the subsequent impact on the lives of both i-Fitness members and employees. With over 750 jobs created, i-Fitness will be creating more than 1,000 more jobs within the first 24 months with this partnership.

The company is dedicated to human capacity building a
and the personal development of its employees. Furthermore, the establishment of
the i-Fitness Academy and its partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) USA provides the best professional fitness training and certifications to fitness trainers and enthusiasts.

This enthusiasm towards innovative employment will be an integral part of the Verod and i-
Fitness partnership to further enhance job quality. The promotion of women to leadership roles will be further solidified in the next phase of the partnership.