Brands/Products
The Urgent Tasks Before Prime Mart Superstores in Ogun
By Emmanuel Udom
It is no longer news that Prime Mart Superstores officially opened it outlet to the public few days to Christmas.
The outlet is located along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, near Ifo Area Police Command in Ifo, Ogun State. It was declared open by the High Chief of Ifoland, Mr Semiu Ogunjobi.
At the event on Saturday, December 21, 2024, Mr Ogunjobi praised the management of the outlet to high heavens, for setting and meeting its target.
According to him, “Prime Mart Superstores set out to achieving what was possibly seen as an impossible mission around August this year, when constructions works on the outlet began with the target of opening it by December and hit the its target.”
He also debunked the impression that Ifo is a no-go area for business, possibly due to the activities of area boys, and assured that the new outlet in Ifo will open up soon.
However, in a strategic marketing mantra, the outlet promised low prices shopping experiences to customers on all its numerous products and services, this yuletide period and always.
Also ahead of the opening, dancers and drummers were spotted at major bus stops and crowded areas around Vesper, Coker Ibogun, Pakoto, Ifo Market area, St Mary Catholic Church junction at Alaja, Ewekoro, old bank, distributing fliers to residents of various communities in Ifo.
Beyond the jamboree that greeted the opening of the outlet. close observations by some of those who stormed the place on shopping spree showed that there are some urgent tasks the management of the superstores must sort out.
Indeed, children, youths, women, men, had fun since Saturday, shopping, dining, wining, taking pictures, dancing to the beating of the drummers and generally showing off.
But, let’s spotlight some of the tasks for immediate redress for the ultimate good of the outlet.
Security
Yes, the outlet is located near Ifo Police Area Command, in Ogun State. But, it is along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway and with the movement of people and vehicles around the area in the night, security should be beefed up.
I am sure Seyi Williams, an Assistant Commissioner of Police and Ifo Area Police Commander, is already thinking in this direction with his officers.
Yes, this writer spotted some So-Safe officials, undercover police officers, SSS operatives and TRACE officials during the day. But, some of them were not there when this writer visited the outlet around 8.15 pm on Christmas day.
Pedestrian Bridge
Crossing the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, especially at certain points is hellish and dangerous. You all know these dangerous points. Some reckless, restive and possibly drunk commercial and other drivers, do drive on both sides of the expressway in order to meet targets.
The outlet opens 8 am to 9 pm daily and the Ogun State and the federal government should tinker at this point in time with the idea of constructing a pedestrian bridge at Prime Mart Supermarket bus-stop, so that those going on shopping could shop and get home in one pieces.
Water Management
On the opening day, it was observed that the water system in some of the toilets was not functioning in optimum capacity. It is understandable. But, as at December day when I went shopping with my family, the issues have been successfully sorted out.
Wastes Management
Observe carefully while driving or walking through Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. The wastes dumped around Sango bridge near the markets are huge and clearing the wastes has not been easy for the state management guys. The expressway is littered with wastes at various points. I only hope the wastes generated at the outlets could be promptly cleared.
Continuous Orientation for the workers
Mr Adeyemi Moshood, a management staff told this reporter that those hired were screened and interviewed October this year. According to him, some of the posts advertised were that of bakers, store staffers, cleaners, security officer, marketers, and admin officers, among others.
But, independent interactions reveal that some of the workers need continuous orientations, on how to relate with customers, knowing the exact prices of items displayed for sale, not over flashing and showing off their lovely designer’s uniforms with the intention of attracting attention or whatever.
Emmanuel Udom, the Editor of Global News Agency, can be reached via: [email protected]
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, venue of the ongoing 2025 Design and Innovation Exhibition, is bubbling with activities as top young innovators from across the country are showcasing their arts.
The event, running from Tuesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 2, showcases the immense potential within Nigeria’s manufacturing and creative industries.
The exhibition, themed Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand, aims to emphasize the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Nigerian designers while highlighting the importance of industrialization and export.
It also reflects a commitment to developing a sustainable industrial ecosystem that supports local talent and fosters economic growth across Africa. The exhibition is featuring 58 designers, including collaborations between manufacturers and designers, offering a glimpse into the future of Nigerian design.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musa Musawa, who attended the programme, stressed the importance of strengthening the synergy between Nigerian creativity and manufacturing.
“By leveraging our country’s rich creative resources, we can modernize products, promote locally-made furniture, and build stronger economic connections,” Ms Musawa said, reaffirming the federal government’s support for such initiatives.
The Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Lawal, represented the Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, Omoboye Odu, said, “The success of SMEs is key to transforming Nigeria’s economy, and we recognize the importance of collaborating with the right partners. Titi Ogufere and Design Week Lagos are the perfect fit for us to help elevate Nigerian creatives and provide a platform to scale their businesses.”
On her part, the founder of Design Week Lagos, Ms Titi Ogufere, said, “This exhibition is a testament to the talent and hard work happening in Nigeria’s creative industries.
“We’re here to celebrate and showcase the potential of our local designers and manufacturers. The global design industry offers immense opportunities, and with more support, Nigerian designers can truly thrive on the world stage.
“We have a wealth of untapped creative potential in Nigeria. It’s time for us to shift focus from foreign markets and showcase what we can do right here at home. The global furniture market alone is valued at over $700 billion, and Nigerian designers can carve out a significant share of that.”
Leading pay television service provider, MultiChoice Nigeria, plans to offer a support package for DStv and GOtv subscribers.
In a message to subscribers on Monday, the company stated that starting from March 1, 2025, the new tariffs would apply to DStv and GOtv packages.
According to the company, DStv and GOtv subscribers who renew their subscriptions before the expiration date will be exempt from the new rates for a specified time as a reward for their loyalty.
Additionally, subscribers on both platforms can take advantage of extra benefits through the Step Up offer, which began in January and will continue until March 31.
The Step Up offer expands access to premium content by enabling both active and disconnected DStv and GOtv subscribers to enjoy content beyond their current package through an automatic upgrade to a higher package on payment for a package above their current subscription.
As part of the palliative package, MultiChoice will announce a reduction in the subscription for Showmax, its streaming service, on February 28. This aims to provide customers with more affordable access to live sports, movies, and general entertainment.
The latest price review puts the cost of the DStv Compact bouquet N19,000 and the Compact Plus at N30,000. DStv Premium subscription will rise to N44,500.
Similarly, GOtv Supa customers will henceforth pay N16,800, while those on Supa will pay N11,400. The tariff on GOtv Max moves to N8,500, while that of GOtv Jinja moves to N3,900.
These adjustments come as MultiChoice seeks to balance operational costs with continued access to premium entertainment for its subscribers.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria over its move to hike subscription rates for DStv and GoTV services.
The call came as the broadcaster hiked its DStv premium bouquet to N44,500 from the N37,000 price, subscribers on the Compact+ would start paying N30,000 as against the current fee of N25,000 among others.
According to MultiChoice, the new rates take effect from March 1, 2025.
Now, the consumer rights agency has stepped in and summoned MultiChoice Nigeria and its chief executive to a hearing at the agency’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27.
According to a statement signed by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, it is deeply concerned over the pay-TV company’s proposal amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets.
“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025,” a part of the statement on Tuesday evening disclosed.
“Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
“This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry,” it added.
The FCCPC also promised to “impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures” on MultiChoice should it “fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles.”
The agency said this is to “protect Nigerian consumers” and that is it already “engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape”.
Multichoice decision to hike its prices comes amid inflationary challenges in core markets.
In Nigeria, a sharp decline in the Naira led to a 32 per cent decline in its Dollar revenue in 2024.
This is as it faced a broader 9 per cent decline in total active subscribers across Africa with subscriber numbers dropping by 13 per cent in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Zambia.
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