International ADVERTISEMENT TARIFF AS AT 1ST JANUARY 2013 CLASSIFICATION
DIMENSION
SOCIAL EVENTS/ PERSONALITY PROFILE & INTERVIEW Full Page Half Page Quarter Page
COST
N250,000.00 N150.000.00 N80,000.00
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N300,000.00 N200,000.00 N3,500,000.00 Negotiable
Inside Page Inside Front Cover (IFC) Inside Back Cover (IBC) Back Cover
N250,000.00 N300,000.00 N300,000.00 N400,000.00
Bottom Strip (Front Cover) (Inside Pages) Ear piece (Front Cover)
N100,000.00 N50,000.00 N200,000.00
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All artworks must be in full colour.
2.
Materials must be received at least two (2) weeks before production as failure will attract a surcharge of 10% of normal rate.
3.
Stop Press services cost 50% extra charge.
4.
Coverage of event(s) exceeding 24 hours will attract an additional 30%.
5.
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Nig eria : 08037825667,, 08162339596, 08055181009, 08098559998, 08027234045 Unit ed Kin gdom: +447924572640 U.S.A: +19406042729 South Afric a: +27765599668, +27733788844
Pix by: Ogechi & Ini Ekpo
SOCIETY
PORT HARCOURT ROCKS AS HON. EVANS EXCHANGE VOWS WITH RHODA IN CARNIVAL FASHION
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istorical, breath-taking and first-class are few words that best described the vibes and vibrations, sights and sounds of the wedding between former Miss Rhoda Sika and Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipialaka on the 15th of June 2013 which pooled to Nigeria's Garden City, an intimidating list of who is who across political, industrial, ethnic and professional divides in Rivers State and beyond. St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, Port Harcourt was fullpacked on that morning of 15th of June, 2013 as the Bridegroom and Bride exchanged marital vows in the wedding officiated by an array of clergy led by Ven. A C Abbey-Kalio, who in his sermon enjoined them to honour one another and put God first in their marriage. Amongst the clergy were Rev. Canon John Ubulom, Rev. Canon Ataisi J. Oyet, Rev. Roger T. Jumbo and a host of others. With an enthralling gaze and smiles to each other, the lovebirds took their nuptial vow in the presence of their friends, family and associates across political, industrial and professional terrains. Like a magnet, Evans and Rhoda had pulled these high-profile people to Port Harcourt. The notable dignitaries were led by Her Excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan, former governors of Rivers State: Rufus Ada George, Sir Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; Justice Mary Odili, Engr Tele Ikuru, deputy governor Rivers State, Hon. Uche Ekunife of the Federal House of Reps., wives of the governors of : Anambra, Delta, Abia, Cross River, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States and deputy governor wives of Delta, Cross Rivers, Bayelsa; Nyesom Nwike, M i n i s t e r o f Education(State),Aba ss Moro, Minister of Interior; former deputy speakers; House of Reps., Chibudom Uwuche Austin Opara; former Senator Lee Mieba, Senator George Sekibo, Mr Abiye Sekibo-former Minister of Transport, Kema ChikwePDP National Women Leader, Timothy AdieleAnglican Bishop of Johannesburg, Mr Felix Obua-PDP Rivers State Chairman, HRM Ebitimi Banigo and a long list of high ranking traditional
Hon. & Mrs Evans Bipialaka
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www.xcelmediaonline.com
Hon. (Dr.) Dudafa W. & Bekes Etifa
chiefs, and others. Church service over, all roads led to main bowl of the Port Harcourt Civic Centre along Moscow Road where a sea of humans was already waiting for the couple and their distinguished guests for the reception.
Bride & Dad
The Groom, Hon. Evans
The reception which was compered by Bisi Olatelo and Moji Makanjuola, NTA ace broadcaster, was a convergence of the crème-de-la-creme of the Rivers State political gladiators, industrialists ,professionals, family and friends of the couple. There was no dull moment at all throughout the event as a number of notable Nigerian music stars and comedians line up to take the couple and their guests to a forever land of fun. Those that performed at the reception included Ras Kimono-Reggae Maestro, Terry G, Timaya, KC Limpopo, Bamidele the sensational singer, gospel singer, Chioma Jesus and others. The couple along with the distinguished guests danced to the rhythms of the musical vibes from the various artists. The fun reached a crescendo when ace comedian, Klint De Drunk mounted the stage and sent waves
of hilarious and rib-cracking jokes across the auditorium as people laughed helplessly. The First Lady in a brief speech congratulated the couples and bid them a blissful married life with a lot of testimony and dignitaries were treated to various local and international dishes and an array of assorted wines. In an interview with XCEL crew after the reception, Hon Evans eulogized his wife for being an embodiment of love and particularly spirituality which he said had benefitted him so much. On her part, Mrs Rhoda Evans expressed thanks to God for giving her such a darling husband. With a large heart of gratitude, the new couple in company of family and friends returned to St. Cyprian Anglican Church on the 16th of June, 2013 to give thanks to God for a successful wedding. After the thanksgiving service, It was a season of double celebration for the new couple as they unveiled and dedicated their magnificent mansion in the Abuloma axis of Port Harcourt to the glory of God. It was a “wow!” experience all through.
The Bride, Rhoda taking the Bible Reading
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SOCIETY
Couple with Bestman & Chief Bridesmaid
Couple with Nigeria’s First Lady Dame, (Dr.) Patience Jonathan
Aruera Jonathan (Son of President Jonathan)
...“With this ring, I thee wed”
...“With this ring, I thee wed”
Congratulations from the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan
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Smiles all the way
Romeo Bekeye Congratulates Hon. Evans
Their Excellencies, Mrs Jonathan, Mrs Dickson, Mrs Orji, Mrs Imoke Bola Shagaya & Tale Ikuru
Evans signs the dotted lines
Rhoda takes her turn
Her Excellency, Rachael Dickson watch as Bipi Evans (Groom’s Father) signs
Rhoda receives the Marriage Certificate
Ven. Abbey-Kalio congratulates Mr & Mrs Evans
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SOCIETY
The Couple beaming with smlies
Hon. Austin Opara & Alabo Graham-Douglas
Chief Ebitimi Banigo & Bipi Evans (snr.)
Couple with their Excellencies, Mrs Orji, Mrs Rachael Dickson, Dame Patience Jonathan, Mrs Imoke & Mrs Obi
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Dame Patience Jonathan with Ven. Abbey-Kalio
Elegant as usual, Nigeria’s First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan His Excellency, Sir Celestine Omehia & Dr. Abiye Sekibo
Hon. Evans with Hon. (Dr.) Dudafa (SA to the President on Domestic Affairs) Hon. Nyesom Wike, Abba Moro & Hon. Victor Vorkoh
His Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili & wife, Mary (JSC)
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SOCIETY
Chief Precious Elekima & Amb. Desmond Akawor
Sen. George Sekibo & Hon. Chibudom Nwuche
A cross-section of Clergymen
Chief (Amb.) S.M.K. Taribo, Kio Tams & other Hon. Members
Engr. Tele Ikuru, Bola Shagaya & Her Excellency, Mrs Imoke
Mr. Osondu (right) & friends
Chief Emma Anyanwu, Hon. Kelechi & others
Members of the Bridgers Club
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Mrs. Oladeji (r) & a friend
Some women on Asoebi
Their Excellencies, Dame Patience Jonathan (r) & Rachael Dickson
Dr. Kema Chikwe, Margret Alamieyeseigha & Hon. Uche Ekwunife
Mrs Ihejirika (C) & Becky Igwe (r)
Mrs Belewa, Mrs Akogun & Mrs Akawor
Her Excellency, Mrs. Obi (r)
Cross-section of Beautiful Ladies
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SOCIETY
Dr. Eruani with Couple
Hon. Chibudom Nwuche & Sen. Lee Mieba
Hon. Kenneth Kobani, friend & Hon. Hope Ikiriko
XCEL Publisher, Barth Emuekpere & Albert Amachree
Hon. Nyesom Wike, (Minister of Education, State) Hon Evans & Mrs Amasomua
Hon. Emeka Woke & Hon. Evans
Brandy, Hon. Nyesom Wike, Hon. Evans & some women from Bayelsa
Hon. Evans & Barr. Golden Tamuno
From 2nd left: Brandy, G. Amangala, Hon. Evans, Owo & Osondu
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Hon. Evans with some Presidential Villa Staff
Owo & Georgy Amangala
Couple with A. J. Atte (DCG Customs)
Bride’s Mom (2nd left) Couple & others
Couple with Bishop Matthew Adieleye
Mr. Minabere Emmanuel, Rev. Fr., Couple & others
Couple with friends from Austria
Couple with Bridal train
Couple with Bride’s Family Couple with Asoka family
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SOCIETY
Georgy Amangala & Major Jack
His Excellency, Rufas Ada-George, Couple & Mrs Beauty Kio Tams
Bridal train
Couple with Bestman & Chief Bridesmaid
Couple with George Turner & friends
Couple with some members of RVHA (Famous Five)
Couple with Samuel Odum, Hon. K. Horsfall & Joshua (r)
Couple with Hon. Enai, Engr. Edikan (EDP - NDDC) & Groom’s men
...with members of the Bridgers Club
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Couple with Groom’s friend
AT THE RECEPTION
Couple cut their Cake while Justice Mary Odili, Mrs Imoke & Rachael Dickson Supervise
... drink for the Bride
Her Excellency adressing the audience
It’s Rhoda’s turn
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SOCIETY
“Look into my eyes”
...Cheers to a fruitful & prosperous marriage
.Their Excellencies in a cheering mood
“Thanks for the honour”
...Dancing time
Exciting moment with friends
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Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Mrs Obi, Mrs Imoke, FirstLady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Mrs Rachael Dickson & Mrs Bola Shagaya Savouring the moment
Kings Wali, Couple & Hon. Austin Opara
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Felix Obuah & Dr. Kema Chikwe
Margret Alamieyeseigha, Dr. Chris Oboh (NDDC, MD) & Chief Timipa
Couple with the Odilis
Mrs Muriel Douglas (2nd left) & others
Hon. John Bazia, Hon. Kelechi & Hon. M.O. Chinda
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SOCIETY
Margaret Alameyeiseigha officiating the cake cutting session
Hon. Ekunife also officiating
Their Excellencies take to the dance floor
Klint D Drunk entertains
Charity Bournvita with couple & other Market Women behind
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HRM Ebitimi Banigo with Couple
With Chief Anga, Sen T. Sekibo, HRM E. Banigo, C. Ogolo, Ada George & HRH N. Nimenibo
Adokiye, couple & Bipi Evans Snr. (Groom’s Dad)
Chief Tony Chukwu, Bisi Olatilo & Sen. George Sekibo
Couple with friends
Gambo, Couple & friends
Hon. Arnold Davies & wife, Couple with Nimi
Isobeye Peters, Couple & Groom’s Dad
Mrs. Iruene, Couple & friend
Klint D Drunk (left) with other Entertainers
...With members of Excellent Minds Club
A cross-section of Wakirike Ijaw Women led by Gift Amangi
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SOCIETY
HRH Nicholas Nimenibo, (Amanyanabo-Elect of Ogu)
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Human Right Activist, Ann Kio-Briggs
KC Presh thrills the audience
Timaya performs
Ace Raggae Star, Ras Kimono
Terry-G the Akpako Master thrills the audience
Dele Sensation serenading the couple
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NTA’s Moji Makanjuola
Oba Omega & his crew
AT THE THANKSGIVING
Hon. & Mrs Evans Bipi
Hon. & Mrs Evans Bipi dancing to the Glory of God
Couple, family & friends acknowledging cheers
Ven. Abbey-Kalio congratulates Hon. & Mrs. Evans Bipi
Hon. & Mrs Evans Bipi
Stepping out for Thanksgiving
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SOCIETY
Couple with the Clergy
Couple with Fiboinumama, Kaizei, Hon. Tomonitonkia & others
Mrs. Violet (Bride’s Mom), Mrs. Mina Orus, Mrs. Rhoda & Mrs. Iyama
Mrs. Asimie Ibifuro with Mrs. Rhoda Bipi
Hon. & Mrs. Evans with friends
Mrs Violet, Mrs. Rhoda & Sister
PDP Women Leader, Dammy Orus, Francis Ebeni & Ibiba Walter
Blessing, Hon. Evans, Mercy, Bipi Evans (Snr), Janny & Ogere Evans
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Couple with Groom’s family
Couple with members of Central Working Committee
AT THE HOUSE DEDICATION
Hon. Evans Bipi’s House
Ven. Abbey Kalio cutting the tape
Hon. Evans with officials of Rivers State Market Women Association
Mr. & Mrs. Bipi Evans Ven. Abbey-Kalio congratulates Hon Evans XL
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The Invaluable Benefits of
BREASTFEEDING
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he nation and families benefit when mothers breastfeed. Recent research shows that if 90 percent of families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths among infants could be prevented. Breast milk is a unique combination of nutrients essential to a child's health, and cannot be duplicated by any laboratory formula. It provides a number of health advantages beginning at birth and continuing throughout a child's life. In fact, a large number of the health problems today's children face might be decreased, or even prevented, by breastfeeding the infant exclusively for at least the first six months of life. The longer the mother breastfeeds, the more likely her child will get the health benefits of breastfeeding.
T H E
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that mothers breastfeed for at least the first year of a child's life and continue until they both feel they are ready to stop. In the first six months, the baby should be nourished exclusively by breast milk. The AAP asserts that breast milk has the perfect balance of nutrients for the infant. It is by itself enough sustenance for approximately the first six months of life and should follow as the child's staple throughout the first year.
Benefits to the Child in the First Years of Life Many studies show that breastfeeding strengthens the immune system. During nursing, the mother passes antibodies to the child, which help the child resist diseases and help improve the normal immune response to certain vaccines.
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Respiratory illness is far more common among formula-fed children. In fact, an analysis of many different research studies concluded that infants fed formula face a threefold greater risk of being hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection than do infants breast-fed for a minimum of four months.
Diarrheal disease is three to four times more likely to occur in infants fed formula than those fed breast milk.
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the
likelihood of ear infections, and to prevent recurrent ear i n f e c t i o n s . E a r infections are a major reason that infants take multiple courses of antibiotics.
Benefits to the Child Later in Life Infants who are breast-fed longer have fewer dental cavities throughout their lives.
Several recent studies have shown that children who were breast-fed are significantly less likely to become obese later in childhood. Formula feeding is linked to about a 20 to 30 percent greater likelihood that the child will become obese. Children who are exclusively breast-fed during the first three months of their lives are 34 percent less likely to develop juvenile, insulin-dependent diabetes than children who are fed formula. Breastfeeding may also decrease the risk of childhood cancer in children under 15 years of age. Formula-fed children are eight times more likely to develop cancer than children who are nursed for more than six months. (It is important to note that children who are breast-fed for less than six months do not appear to have any decreased cancer risk compared to bottle-fed children.)
prevents an estimated average of four births per woman, and in Bangladesh it prevents an estimated average of 6.5 births per woman.
Breastfeeding appears to reduce the mother's risk of developing osteoporosis in later years. Although mothers experience bone-mineral loss during breastfeeding, their mineral density is replenished and even increased after lactation.
Diabetic women improve their health by breastfeeding. Not only do nursing infants have increased protection from juvenile diabetes, the amount of insulin that the mother requires postpartum goes down.
S o c i a l a nd E c onom ic Benefits of Breastfeeding Breastfeeding helps a woman to Women who breastfeed avoid the Benefits to the Mother
lose weight after birth. Mothers burn many calories during lactation as their bodies produce milk. In fact, some of the weight gained during pregnancy serves as an energy source for lactation.
financial burden of buying infant formula.
Breast-fed babies are less likely to need excessive medical attention as they grow.
Breastfeeding releases a hormone in the mother ( o x y t o c i n ) t h a t causes the uterus to return to its normal size more quickly.
When a woman gives birth and proceeds to nurse her baby, she protects herself from becoming pregnant again too soon, a form of birth control found to be 98 percent effective -- more effective than a diaphragm or condom. Scientists believe this process prevents more births worldwide than all forms of contraception combined. In Africa, breastfeeding
SOCIETY
PORT HARCOURT BIG GIRL AND BANKER,
OMACHILE ANNE EDE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN STYLE
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hink of a down-to-earth, gorgeous and effervescent Port Harcourt corporate personality, the name of Omachile Anne Ede, one of the upwardly mobile princesses of Enterprise Bank and a Garden City's big girl readily comes to mind. This upwardly mobile banker, who sits atop the Azikwe Road branch of Enterprise Bank in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday 3rd of July, 2013 impressively celebrated her birthday with some of her esteemed customers, colleagues and friends at the premises of the bank. Oma as fondly called by friends cannot thank God enough for His many blessings, especially looking back at her humble beginning as a Youth Corper at the now defunct All State Trust Bank. Subsequently her sojourn through Continental Bank, Gateway Bank, Intercontinental Bank, Skye Bank and now at Enterprise Bank has been most rewarding. A socialite to the core, Oma is a goal-getter whose steady but gentle rise in the industry is not only a challenge to many, but underscores the fact that despite odds, hard work and diligence still pay.
Splendid looking Omachile Anne Ede
Oma with Marketing Department Staff
Oma & Lawrence Anucha Pascal, Edwin Okoye, Oma & Peace Cookey-Gam
Oma
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SOCIETY
4 With her beautiful birthday cake
Oma & colleague, Nnamdi Illechukwu
An elegant pose
Chief Kenanagha Biri, Oma & Arc. Tende
R-L: Mike, Oma, John, Lympia, Chris & friend
Oma cheers with Ngozi Amah & friend
Oma cheers with Nnamdi Illechukwu, Chris Madu & John
Oma & Chinenye ...with Edwin Okoye
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...with Donald Ohiere XL
...with Nancy
Chief Kenanaga & friend
Donald, Oma & Edwin Okoye
Oma with Ngozi Amah (right) & friend
Chike, Oma & Ogechi
Oma with some Marketing Department Staff
Oma with Justina & husband
Lawrence Anucha & others
Anifat Lambo & others
Celebrant & Operations Staff
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PASSAGE
PA GRANT ORUGBANI: The Exit of A People’s Man
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ime is life and life is time. We see it roll-by in the tickling of the clock, and fade away with every blink of our eyes, only leaving behind the imprints of our deeds on the sands of time. So it was for late High Chief Grant Orugbani, an exemplary native leader and a people's man. On the beautiful morning of Saturday 10th August, 2013, Ogbele Community of Ahaoda East Local Government Area of Rivers State stoodstill as their respected counselor, late High Chief Grant Orugbani, was bored by pallbearers in a carnival style into the community for final farewell.
HRM Eze Robinson O. Robinson receives Pa Grant’s remains
As tradition demands for such highly placed, the Eze Ekpeye Logbo, HRM Robinson O. Robinson received the remains of the departed at the famous Ahoada roundabout alongside his council of chiefs. Thereafter, the activity shifted to the community field where a funeral service was organized by the Assemblies of God Church, Ahaoda District for the departed. With the religious service over, the remains of the departed was interred in the family compound of the Orugbanis. The event which was attended by notable dignitaries amongst whom were Eze Ekpeye Logbo,HRM Robinson O. Robinson and members of his council of chiefs; Fmr Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Celestine Omehia; Fmr member House of Reps., Chief Edwin Olodi ;a retinue of members of Nigeria Institute of Management across the country led by the National President and a host of others, was not only a demonstration of a native leader well respected by all and sundry, but a testimonial of the high contact of Mr. Grant Orugbani, first son of the departed and South-South coordinated of the Nigeria Institute of Management. Guests were entertained with delicious delicacies and variety of drinks. For a fact, it was a befitting burial for a loving father and a people's man.
Grant Orugbani, HRM Eze Robinson O. Robinson & HE, Sir Celestine Omehia
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The Orugbanis Mrs Florence Grant Orugbani & Children, Grace (r), Emmanuel & Loveth
Prof. Aaron Ojule (CMD, UPTH), Grant Orugbani & Sir Celestine Omehia Mr. Sylvester Ileomah (President PH Club)2nd left, Grant Orugbani & Chambalin
Chief Hon. Edwin Olodi & wife
Hon. Uname Robinson Ewoh (Dep Leader, RVHA) with Sir & Lady Vincent Awala
Kings Wali, Eze Ahiakwo, Dr. Ogbonna & Barth Emuekpere
Dr. Fiberesima, Grant, Barr (Dr.) Umana, Mr. Chibuisi (r) & others
Mrs. Rose Agbo, Grant Orugbani, Mrs. Elizabeth Uko & Mrs. Ogbokar
Grant with Festus (MD, Ferotex) & friend Grant with Dr. & Mrs. Victor Nnanna Onyekwere
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Goodlife Ben, Mrs. Furo Batubo, Grant & Dr (Mrs.) Ngozi Odu
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Chief (Dr.) Micheal Cole, Dame (Dr.) Sally Adukwu-Bolujoko, Grant & Sir Omehia
Barth Emuekpere, Albert Amachree & Sir Celestine Omehia
HRM Eze Robinson O. Robinson & His Excellency, Sir Celestine Omehia
Jolly Mgbo (left) & others
Kings Wali & Barth Emuekpere (XCEL Publisher)
Kings Wali with Mr & Mrs. Reason Onyia
Dominic Saatah & Barr Dennis Deima
Mr. Lakanu, Dr. Uwaga & Chief (Dr.) Aimiuwu (JP)
Engr. Godson Benibo & Dominic Saatah Chief Cole, Dame Adukwu-Bolujoko & Commodor Abimbola Ayuba
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Grant with Eze Ekpeye Logbo & his Council of Chiefs
Some members of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM)
Grant with His Excellency, Sir Celestine Omehia & his entourage
Ogbele Council of Chiefs
Grant with NIM delegations from Lagos & Abuja
Grant with members of Port Harcourt League of Friends
Grant with Officiating Ministers
Grant with delegates of NIM, Warri Chapter Dr. Fiberesima (2nd left), Chief Aimiuwu (4th left), Mrs LongJohn, Mr. Lakanu & Commodor Ayuba with others
Grant with delegates of NIM, Bayelsa State Chapter
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Moving Your Small Business Global On the Social Media E
very mid of the year, tens of thousands of people fly across the globe to different trade shows to display their products and ventures. For instance in the month of April, the city of Guangzhou in China always play host to the Canton Fair, one of the largest trade shows in the world. It's big, overwhelming, and can come with an expensive price tag. The good news is that in the age of e-commerce and social media, you can meet the buyers and suppliers you need without boarding an airplane or paying any entrance fee. Today, the business enterprises can never dismiss the impact of the online communities being the platform that help them gain commendable exposure and enhance their brand visibility. The online media has become a great way of reaching out to the potential costumers in most efficient and cost-effective manner. Online communities, especially the social networking websites have thousands of registered users and the number is escalating by the day. YouTube has over 300 million users in the world. With over 70 translations on facebook, 65 million users access facebook on their mobile phones let alone those millions who access it through laptops and desktop computers. Twitter is one of the f a s t e s t growing s o c i a l media in
the world with a large following. MySpace have over a 100 million users worldwide. Thus these social media sites are now used as a tool by the business ventures to showcase their services and products. The benefits of social media give businesses a new way to interact with. It's no longer enough that a strong marketing initiative will turn consumers into customers. Your business needs to create strategies that link the customer experience with the technologies and systems required to deliver the right content at the right time. If brands want to stay relevant in this digital era, they have no choice but to adapt. The social media offers many exciting and new opportunities for businesses to interact with their customers. Social media is more than just a tool for looking at pictures of your friends and reminiscing about times past. It's become a tool with measurable and predictable power that truly has a place with almost any kind of business. There are many benefits to using social media for business, but here are a few top benefits. 1. BRANDING: This is one of the most obvious benefits for most businesses using social media. Whether users directly engage with your brand or not, they will still see your brand name within the networks they use. The more impressions a consumer gets of your business, the more likely they will remember your name in the future. Whether you're a shoe retailer or a nonprofit organization wanting to gain recognition for your cause, brand awareness is vital for your continued success. 2. REPUTATION MANAGEMENT: Managing your online reputation is essential within social media because your brand or industry is being talked about regardless of whether you take part in the conversation. It's beneficial to know what your customers think about your products, cause, services etc, and with this input in mind you can react accordingly. Since social media is open to everyone, anyone has the ability to say what they feel about your brand. Therefore, making sure what is being said is truthful, not necessarily positive, is key to developing the trust of your audience and influencing them in a positive manner. Feedback from Social
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Media can also inform your decision about how you deal with your clients or market your business. 3. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FEEDBACK: Providing support to your customers is vital to the success of any business and social media is no exception to the rule. When a person reaches out to you, whether their input is good or bad it is extremely important to respond in a timely and helpful manner. Social media provides the platform for consumers to interact on a person to person level, so that they aren't talking to a faceless representative over the phone or via email. Respond whenever a user reaches out, just not to users acting profane, misleading or hateful. Providing this level of service, which can be something as simple as thanking someone for mentioning your brand, is completely transparent to your entire network, showing how dedicated you are to your audience. 4. DISCOVERING MORE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND IDEAS: Social media can help act as a means of finding customers for your business, advocates for your cause or as a means to make many other beneficial connections. As stated earlier, conversations are happening constantly within each social network and it's just a matter of you monitoring these conversations and reaping the benefit. These leads can be anything from an idea for an article to an online sale. For example, just by searching through Twitter you get a feel for the buzz in your industry and who's saying what and possibly interact with interested future customers. 5. EDUCATIONAL ASSET: In any industry it's important to remain innovative in your field and find the best ways to continue the conversations about what you do. Social media provides your brand with a free source of constant information from other brands, media outlets, friends, coworkers and even your competition. 6. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS: In any industry it's important to keep pace with your competitors. Social media merely makes this process easier by allowing for complete transparency of the content and conversations your competitors are having on their various social accounts. Social media can help keep you on track with other non-profits, businesses, publications or whoever you are interested in keeping tabs on or on the other side of the fence looking to partner with in the future for a promotion, campaign or some other type of partnership.