Highlight of some of the Best Consumer Products of 2016

Although Christmas 2016 has come and gone, but the enjoyment of the holidays continues for someone like me, who has officially shut down for the year. If you would agree, 2016 was a year and a half! The year welcomed new entrepreneurs, manufacturers, innovators and an endless list of creativity in the business world. Regardless of the economic down turn, Nigerians home and abroad persevered, every single one of us did not give up the struggle to better ourselves individually and collectively, this is the true spirit of a Nigerian.

And the best Christmas Tree goes to..................

Oh Lawd, the year 2016  definitely ended with a bang for some brands, well not necessarily on the floor of the stock exchange, but we all can attest to the fact that the brands  went all out putting their creative minds together to blow us away with their beautiful and very creative branded Christmas trees.
I've seen quite a number of Xmas tree ideas from a couple of brands, but I'm sorry not all the creative ideas made it to my blog.
This year, some  brands put their product to good use for the Christmas Tree, not the typical pictures of Santa carrying a branded goodie bag like we are used to. The brands have gone a step ahead in their creative process this time, and we give a big thumps up to them.
Now to the consumers, its time to judge the brands, which is the most creative, well thought out and exceptional Christmas Tree of 2016 from the 10 selected brands below........

Lola Omotayo vents her frustration on Arik Air's epileptic flight schedules..

While Arik Air staff in Lagos are busy protesting for their unpaid salaries of more than 7 months and other benefits, The beautiful wife of Peter Okoye,and mother of his two kids, took to instagram to vent her frustration on Arik Air and has advised the Airline to hire her for her expertise in Customer Service.

Dealing with Business Monsters. (Part 1)

Have you ever stopped for a minute to think about the phrase "Business Monsters"? If this never crossed your mind, then you are one lucky fella that has succeeded in running a business without being negatively impacted by the direct or indirect activities of those who are either your competitors, your internal team or your good and bad ideas for the business itself.

No baby is born with Two Heads, they are simply called Conjoined Twins, Stop the Misinformation and Labelling.

I know this is totally unrelated to branding, but I just feel I need to lend my voice to help the families of these new born conjoined twins, that have been wrongly labeled as a baby with two heads by so many online and print media houses.

Can every one please take a minute to educate themselves about the reality called Conjoined Twins or some cases known as Siamese twins as the case may be.


Abigail and Brittany Hensel, are a typical example of a conjoined twin, that has ticked all the boxes every normal individual has achieved in terms of developmental growth, academics, and any other normal activities you can think of in this world.

I want to become a blogger!Here is how to go about it.

I'm not yet a pro when it comes to blogging, but I have been very fortunate to have inspired a few people to start up their blog. I have been blogging for 5 months and people keep asking me about how they can start up a blog and how profitable can blogging be. The first I can answer, but the latter, you'll have to ask the professionals who have actually made a kill through blogging.


A lot of people want to start blogging but are lost for ideas on what to blog about. In blogging, you can either be a general blogger or a niche blogger. Its a bit frustrating when you are convinced in your heart that you are a perfect writer, but when it comes to blogging, you just blank out on what to blog about.

Febreeze, Glade or Other Airfreshners.What does your home smell like?

Hi Everyone,

Its been a very busy couple of days for me, from the Copa Lagos beach soccer in Lagos on Sunday, which was fun by the way, to the Public hearing on the repeal of the Consumer Protection Council Bill at the National Assembly in Abuja yesterday, which hearing will continue today, I've been on a rollercoaster of activities.

Brand Endorsement Alert:Funke Akindele Bello becomes the new face of Ayo Van Elmar Women Wear Brand,and Falz the Badh Guy lands BBM Endorsement deal.

Funke in Ayo Van Elmar

Funke Akindele Bello (FAB),aka Jenifa has been unfveiled as the new face of contemporary Afro - European label Ayo Van Elmar.

Time Magazine announcesPresident- Elect, Donald Trump as TIME's 2016 'Person of the Year'

TIME Magazine announced on NBC's "Today Show", TIME's 2016 Person of the Year in  person of the U.S President -elect, Donald Trump.

Brand News: Guiness Nigeria and FRSC kicks off the Responsible Drinking Campaign, tagged "Crash the Crash: Speed Kills".

L-R FRSC , Hyginus Omeje; Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa handing out a Responsible Drinking flyer to a motorist and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale

Guinness Nigeria and  Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has kicked off  the Responsible Drinking campaign, tagged "Crash the Crash; Speed Kills" to counsel consumers about drink driving.

Brand News: GAC Motors to unveil its new brand, the GS4 in Lagos.

Come 12th of December 2016, China's leading automaker, GAC Motors will be unveiling its premier GS4 brand, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. The General Manager of GAC Motors, will be leading a delegation of Chinese on their first visit to Nigeria for the high profile event, which will see Dare Art Alade as the host of the day.


The event is expected to be an event with pomp and pageantry with major automobile stakeholders in attendance, including captain of industry, celebrities, corporate organizations and political leaders.


If you are an automobile dealer or you just want to be part of this event, you can visit their website for more information on the event.

Book Review : On Becoming Toke Makinwa

I remember seeing a countdown to becoming on Toke Makinwa's Instagram page at the end of October 2016, at that time I figured it was the usual photoshoot that celebrities splash out on social media aka Pre-birthday pictures, so I thought nothing of it, up on till she released a video on Youtube on her birthday Tagged "On becoming".

Brand News: Governor Shettima, General Electric International Signs 5 Years MOU

Customized LouisVuitton ALZER Luggage Collection for Zara Buhari's Geisua!

Zarah And Ahmed

As a custom in Northern Nigeria, part of the activities that preceeds the wedding ceremony between the bride and groom is called the geisua(greetings), meaing the family of the groom goes to visit the family of the bride with lots and lots of gifts for the bride.

Caption This!

Two big Nigerian Newspaper brand, One big Media Personality and One Fitness Guru.....My Caption for this is "On becoming a fitness guru". What's yours?

But sha this newspaper people dey try, all in one weekend?Lets enjoy On becoming small nah. Between why is Maje sandwich inbetween halfcast? All na packaging like we say in the brand world...

Monday Motivation: In branding,what matters most is Your Voice!

Monday Motivation

Do you have a business you have been running for so long, and nothing positive has happened so far. You have put in your best, worked according to timelines and even exceeded some timelines, but the business hasn't progressed beyond the surface level. So what next? Do you keep asking the same questions you ask yourself everytime or you look for experts to help you out,or better still put in more work by researching and creating awareness for your brand? Whatever your decision, you know one thing is sure, and that is the goal you are looking to achieve with your brand, so you bare that in mind and not loose focus.

Is Black Friday a Fad?

Okay, the long awaited black friday is here, the biggest sales invention by the Americans. Its no longer news that black friday has migrated all over the world, and even though we are yet to adopt the Thanksgiving day that ushers in the black friday, which will be very absurd in my opinion, Nigerians and other countries world wide have openly accepted or rather should I say adopted Black Friday. Many thanks to online businesses in Nigeria though, especially Jumia and Konga for being the first online stores to usher in Black Friday in this region(I might be wrong though).

Brand News: Blac Chyna becomes the new face of MAC Cosmestics ..

Blac Chyna is unapologetically giving the Kardashians a run for their fame and fortune. The new mum of Dream Kardashian annouced on her social media that she is the latest Mac Ambassador with an eye- catching "Candy Yum Yum" pink color.

Indomie Noodles celebrates first set of winners in the You Like No Other Promo.

Today, Indomie Noodles celebrates its first set of winners in the You Like No Other Promo.200 emerged winners of the N100,000 cash price .
According to the makers of Indomie Noodles.(Dufil) more people are still going to emerge winners in the on-going promo.

Happy winners 

To be.a part of the next set of 300 winners,hurry now and buy a pack of the You Like No Other box of Indomie Noodles to learn more on how to participate in the ongoing promo.

Ali Baba comments on the recent misconception of the Amstel Malta Packaging.Says "The brand and consumer dynamics is a delicate issue".

Ladies, get in here and lets chat about the other room.

We all have days like this!

I know what you are thinking about, but sorry to burst your bubble,we are not going to be discussing what couples do in the other room, so get your mind out of the gutter...  : )

So why are we here you ask me? Okay let me get serious now by clearing my throat, adjust my shirt, stretch out a little bit, face my laptop and type straight up on today's gist. Lets talk about our bedroom for a minute.

You are your own Brand! A mail from Jobberman that says it all, and the Heineken Recruitment Campaign you should try.

Spending your Christmas holiday in Nigeria? Then you should check out these Resorts!

Hello good people,

It's another day for review(yaayy), well I think review isn't the word per-se, because I havn't been to any of the places I'm about to write about.I discovered these resorts  in my quest for a Naija holiday, as per dollar don become untouchable and the ticket prices on all the airlines even to Ghana which is 45mins flight away is not smiling. So I decided to look inward this year,(yes thats the way to go my dear readers),inorder to help other Nigerian families going through the change era to have a decent holiday within their local currency earnings at pocket friendly prices.

I will be telling you about four placesout of the 10 resorts I discovered. These Nigerian resorts are great for families or couples, and I'm sure you will have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones by visiting any of these resorts. I have read google review on most of these resorts and that is why I thought I should share them with you all.

EPE RESORT AND SPA

This resort is particularly good for a family or couples who are looking for a very relaxed atmosphere, where they can ease off the hustle and bubble of Lagos city or any other over active city in Nigeria. Its located in Epe,on the outskirt of Lagos State and it boast of an experience that can only be imagined. This resort is built in chalets, giving you and your loved one that privacy you deserve.They are offering a Christmas package for couples or group of friends this Christmas. To see the indoor and outdoor activities they provide, visit  Epe Resort .

Donald Trumps Hillary...

Trump and Clinton

It is no longer news that today will forever be remembered in the history of American politics. The day Donald Trump won the race to the white house against a very strong female contender in person of Secretary Hillary Clinton, the madam secretary herself.


Against popular believe and polls preceding the election night, very few people envisaged the final result to be in favour of the newly elected President.


Right now, all the world has to do alongside the Americans is to watch how events will unfold in the coming days, months, and years.


As Nigerians continue to  nurse their new change, so is Britain nursing its Brexit. 


We wish the President Elect, Donald Trump the best as he takes on the responsibility of the most powerful man in America.

The Linda Ikeji Empire

Linda Ikeji and her fleet of cars

I hope I'm not the last blogger to send in my congratulatory message to our darling number one blogger in Nigeria, the head of gbogbo big girls association, Lagos chapter. Girl! so many people are proud of what you have become today. Through blogging, you saw the future right from a sitting position and you have made a name for not just yourself but your entire family, nice one!

Brand News:Are Nigerians ditching cereal like they are in the Us and Uk? Kellogg's suffer it seventh successive drop in quarterly sales.

According to dailymail.co.uk,  British households are increasingly ditching their morning bowl of cereal in favour of healthier alternatives such as smoothies and fresh fruit, apparently we are also in the fitfam phase in Nigeria, where a large percentage of the working class are eating more of veggies and smoothies to keep a healthy life style.

Creativity is the mother of Invention. True or False?

I was going through Pinterest and I stumbled on Pasta like you have never seen it package before.

Lets catch up..

Ejiro Amos Tafiri

Hey people, how have you been? For me, I've had a very hectic schedule since my post on Wednesday last week. This isn't usually my style and I'm sure if you are a frequent visitor of this blog, you will know I hardly go more than a day without posting. Please understand that I would do everything in my power to stay connected to you all by bringing you interesting product informations that consumers should know at all times.

First it was the waist clincher craze, now its the madness called slimming tea....

I remember two years ago when the sudden craze for waist clincher became the must have tummy flattening weapon,every female around me owned one of those waist clinchers, trainers or whatever you choose to call it. Fast forward to the year 2016,the hype is no longer on waist clincher, we have a new wonder-working tummy slimmer called Slimming Tea.

Advertise Here!

Do you have a product you want the world to see, or you are a start up business who needs some branding tips and expert advise,please contact us via email: thebrandroombyabi@gmail.com or simply dial 08022228390. It doesn't get any better than this......


I'm a blogger and branding is what I do.

Kisses

Abi!

Pic Credit: Pinterest

Free Trade Zones Concepts and Trade Marks.

As said in Part One of this topic, we are going into Free Trade Zones Concept and  Trade Marks with the  introduction of Special Economic Zones.

Free Trade Zone Concepts And Trade Marks

Hello everyone, today we have a very insightful article on Free Trade Zones, from a highly established Nigerian Free Zone Expert, in the person of Alhaji Yusufu Abdullahi. He will be a guest writer on this blog sharing diverse opinion on his expertise, contributing immensely to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

I am so excited for you all to read and learn  about the Nigerian Free Trade Zone, you will be amazed at how much you would be learning from Alhaji Abdullahi's articles which will be published here from time to time.

Brand News: President Buhari orders closure of all Shoprite stores

According to Vanguard Nigeria, President Buhari has ordered the closure of retail store giants Shoprite and next Cash 'N" Carry, giving them a seven (7) days ultimatum or else face outright ban in the country This was made public by the Nigerian Bosafety Management Agency (NBMA).

Speaking on behalf of the president to the DG NBMA,Dr Rufus Ebegba, the stores violated certain safety rules," recently we carried out a survey of likely GMO product, and we have been able to have some materials that we call GMO suspect.

We invited the superstores for them to understand that some of their products need to be properly ascertained, our interest lies in imported products that may contain genetically modified materials."

The representatives of the two superstores have been briefed in Abuja about this new development.

The  NBMA  urged the two superstores to withdraw all GMO foods from their shelves and formalise their dealings by obtaining a permit.


Source:Vanguard

Review of my not-so-new makeup product-TARA!

Hi guys,

I should have written this post like two months ago, but it just keeps skipping my mind everytime I intend to.

Good American Denim by Khloe Kardashian Just Dropped!

Don't we all love the Kardashian's business enthusiasm? They are a family of entrepreneurs. The third child of the family, Khloe Kardashian launched her denim line "Good American"on the 18th October 2016, after weeks of teasers on her social media handles.

Brand News: M&M's to introduce Caramel Filling into the M&M's family

The makers of M&M's have annouced the candy company's decision to embrace a caramel filling that will become a permanent member of the M&M's family.

Revlon annouces Ciara as the New Global Brand Ambassador.

Without doubts, this has to be the best year Ciara has ever had. From being engaged to getting married to the love of her life," Russell Wilson"then to her big modelling contract with IMG Modelling Agency, and now becoming the global brand ambassador for Revlon, year 2016 couldn't be better than this for Ciara or anyone in her shoes.

How has Google helped you?

What used to be termed as "Modern Age" has now been  replaced by the term "Google Age".Thanks to google for its presence in my generation. This generation would have been in the dark, like so many generations before us before the advent of this new messiah, which technology has afforded billions of people around the world.

I was driving home from work last Thursday, and I heard a presenter on radio asking this short but weighty question "How has google helped you"? For a minute I pondered on that question and a whole lot of things flooded into my mind in that split second. I mean the question should be what has google not done for you? Perhaps, this will help the people at google to think out of the box, and come up with more innovative ways to continue helping people like you and I in our daily lifes.

OAP Do2dtun's experience on Arik Air!

Dotun of Cool Fm,shared his experiences on an Arik Air flight on his Instagram page,pls read below!

I dont understand why they had to take away his Blingshiki,because that's the part that hurts me the most.lol! Just kidding! But you know how much we love Blingshiki at thebrandroombyabi :)

Meanwhile, I will be posting another popular designer's experience shortly... Im off to catch a boat before I sleep in Apapa traffic tonight!...

Always learn to support your Blogger Friend :)

Hello friends,

I thought to do something a little bit unusual and different from the purpose for which this blog was created. I thought it will be nice to connect with my blog visitors cum friends by helping you all to connect with me more than you have ever done since this blog journey of mine started.

5 Unexpected Ways to use Petroleum Jelly aka Vaseline.

Vaseline is a petroleum jelly which you find in most homes. Its good for quite a number of things such as bodycream for the family irrespective of complexion, its applied to burns and scraps(which is very wrong by the way), some people also use it as lip balm to moisturize their lips against cracks. Did you know that you can use your Vaseline or any petroleum jelly for this 5 things?

Yomi Casual unveils its first Unisex Shirt Collection

Yomi Casual, a Lagos based fashion brand, unveiled a new line of unisex ready to wear dashing shirt collection, showcasing clever and alluring designs for the very stylish man and woman.

The clothing brand combined the latest trends with top quality fabrics, patterns and an assortment of designs to ensure that there is something for every one, also some of the pieces come with convinient option of non-ironed.

I love Uber.. (Review)

Pic Credit: Techcityng.com

Im a little excited about nothing in particular this morning, but I'm grateful for the gift of life, and the opportunity to write another review which you  can learn one or two things from.

First, let me ask you, do you live in Lagos? Have you heard about Uber? Have you got the Uber App? Have you gone on a Uber ride? It doesnt have to be in Nigeria alone, you could be anywhere in the world where there is Uber, let me know if you have experienced them yet.

Where to get the best deals on Grocery this weekend.

Looking for a fast way to stock up on grocery this weekend? Then look no further,  we have compiled a list of online stores where you can get affordable household essentials delivered to your home, or picked up in store.

We all know the hassle of going  to the market, and how prices have gone up and keep going up weekly. So to save yourself some stress this weekend, all you have to do is visit these stores promising 24hrs delivery and your weekend shopping is sorted.

Saverscart

Saverscart is an online grocery store. The store carries products of reputable brands such as Unilever, Nesle, PZ Cussons, P&G and a host of others.
To save big on this site, you need to take advantage of their bulk shopping where they promise you alot of discounts. Once your order is confirmed,  your cart will be delivered to your home within 24hrs.
They have a walk in stores in different location within Lagos,  known as Shop direct Superstores.

Okearin.ng

Have you ever heard of a market called Okearin in the surburb of Lagos Nigeria? If yes, then this online store named after the popular Okearin Market will definitely ring a bell. At Okearin.ng,they brag about being the cheapest online store in Nigeria, providing same day / 24 hours delivery, with option of payment of cash upon delivery. I mean if you ask me, it doesnt get better than this. Doing

your grocery shopping within the confines of your home, and getting it delivered same day. Whaow!
The store sells products of so many reputable brands and have a wide range of products in different categories such as Household essentials, appliances,grocery,toileteries, beauty and cosmetics, baby products,pharmacy, books and stationeries etc.
Okearin.ng gives 5% discount on your first purchase and an additional 5% on online payment.

Jara Mall

Although I have never shopped on Jara Mall, but it is worth trying. Wait for this, you not only get your grocery here, you also get fruits and vegetables plus fresh farm produce. What better way to spend the weekend, than to have all your household needs delivered to you from one store without having to move more than a muscle. They offer same day/24 hrs delivery once payment is made. They have different kinds of products from reputable and trusted brands and they have a clearance sale section.

If you have other commitments this weekend, like a day out with the kids, a party or you just need a quiet time from the noise in Lagos, now you can do all of that and more, since shopping has been brought into your home just at the press on a button on your phone or laptop.

If you visit any of these stores, make sure you share your shopping experience with us and let us know if you would recommend any of them to friends.

No Idea is Invalid..

Earlier today, I came across this interesting article on Forbes written by Ame Rees Anderson and I thought I should share it with you all.

Just before you think all your ideas are invalid, think twice about it, it might just be that $1Billion idea that could make you dreams come true. never discard a positive thought, like I always say, there is always someone somewhere in need of your talent.

Enjoy the article!

I often come across people who have a deep desire to be an entrepreneur and start their own business, but who haven’t done so yet because they “can’t come up with a good idea.”  Too often I hear: “All of my ideas are dumb.” And in those moments, I cannot help but say: “Define a dumb idea.”

Brand News: Amazon trials technology that will let drivers leave parcels inside your home.

Goodnews if you live in America or United Kingdom, as Amazon, the most popular online retailer, is working closely with two firms on a project for "Home Access".

What this means is that, if the project is successful, delivery drivers would be able to use a one-time access code to people's homes, that is the codes would open smart locks to gain access to hallways or garages.

The Morning Fresh Washing Liquid Review

So last week,as I was scrolling through our Instagram Page, I came across a post by Morningfreshng, and it says,"we would like you to tell us how long you have been using your Morning Fresh and what has been your experience(s)". I actually left a comment saying I was going to publish my experience here on thebrandroombyabi last Thursday, but  I have been unable to do so.

Mac Cosmetics to unveil Limited Edition Collection

Mac Cosmetics has introduced its latest collection, which is a Limited Edition. The range is inspired by Helmut Newton a celebrated fashion photographer.

Helmut is famous for provocative photographs in Vogue and Vanity Fair. The MacLimited Edition Collection includes vampy lip and nail colours, as well as smokey eyes hues.

The new collection will be available for online purchase on the 27th October 2016.

Pic Credit: Mac Cosmetics

I know a lot of make-up artist will be on stand by to order some of the Limited Edition Collection.

I bet you didnt know this about Procter and Gamble.

Did you know that Procter and Gamble Nigeria are the manufacturers of these everyday products used daily in many Nigerian homes?

The unique thing about  P&G is that each of their product is a brand in itself. I permit you to look round you house right now and you will surely find a P&G Product you use on a regular basis.

Awww we loved these looks at the Grand Finale of the Aquafina Model Look.

The grand finale of the Aquafina Model Look held last saturday, and trust Lagosians to be on top of their fashion game at such an event. The finale  was well planned by the beautiful fashionista Elohor Aisien herself.

In attendance were familiar faces such as RMD, Toke Makinwa, Maje Ayinda, Omowunmi Akinnifesi and a host of others.

In no particular order, I personally thought these selected outfits stood out for me, they looked gracious and picture perfect.

Omowunmi is a stunner and a power dresser anyday any time. 

Bolinto as she is popularly called, just knows how to be a bae on the red carpet

We love Yvvone's black dress with a little bit of flesh  on display

Tania looks frosh as always, and the pallete of her dress really complements her skin tone

Miss Vimbai!!! Uuuhmmm the butterfly effect is  uuuhhhhmmmm(no comment) but I love it

Our Jumoke Oni bread is a beauty in this spaghetti flowing dress. her make up and her smile just gives us life.

I love love this outfits on the three ladies, just reminds me that hipsters and bell bottoms are never out of season. Nice one!

I think its the lady I love and not so much of her outfit. She played the role of the Governor's daughter so well in "The Governor"

Denola Grey!! Always giving fashion a run for their ideas! not money!

Simple, Simple yet very nice.

All pictures are courtesy of  Bellanaija