TPT Brand News: Registration for Cowbell maths competition first s...

TPT Brand News: Registration for Cowbell maths competition first s...: Lagos, Nigeria, February 23, 2012: Students of junior and senior secondary schools across the country have been urged to commence registr...

Starcomms initiates ambassador programme, recognition award for employees

Lagos, Nigeria; February 17, 2012: Starcomms Plc, Nigeria’s leading Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator in the telecommunication industry, has launched an initiative that allows for more effective engagement of all its employees. It is tagged Starcomms Ambassador Programme.

Also the company has put in place a monthly recognition award for outstanding performance of its employees, as a way of rewarding and recognising their diligent efforts.

Starcomms recently organized monthly staff awards for some of its employees. Picture (Left)
shows Mr. Logan Pather presenting a certificate to Tijani Abdullahi, one of the recipients for

the month of January.

The Ambassador Programme initiative, which is targeted at all members of staff especially the non-sales employees, allows for more competitive edge by motivating  workers to promote the company’s wide variety of products and services within their circles of influences (family and friends).

Mr. Logan Pather, Starcomms CEO disclosed this recently in Lagos, remarking that one of the objectives of the programme is to encourage staffers of the company to become entrepreneurs and participate in or be responsible for the company’s sales.

Pather, while explaining the rationale for the initiative, affirmed that it is to improve the company’s bottom line among other things, and instill a sense of pride in the company’s employees as ambassadors.

Starcomms recently introduced Ambassador’s programme to reward its members of staff.
This picture shows the first set of the ambassadors: From L-R (front row) are Chidi
Ibeawuchi-Obialo; kemi Abdul; Yinka Bakre; Elizabeth Osumili; Oscar
Osondu; Joy Onyemachi.

Highlighting the benefits of this scheme, he said members of staff should avail themselves the opportunity of increasing their paycheck by earning attractive commissions for sales.

“This programme will afford our staffers the opportunity to increase their paycheck by earning attractive commissions for sales. It will also give them an idea of how they can make a difference to retaining, growing and attracting new customers. Additionally, it provides an excellent platform for product knowledge so they can answer basic questions about the company's product or service line,” Logan added.

In a related development, the company has also put in place, a monthly recognition award for outstanding performance of its employees, as a way of rewarding and recognising their diligent efforts.

According to Pather, when employees and their works are valued, their satisfaction and productivity rise and they are motivated to maintain or improve their good work, adding that, it is also an excellent strategy to raise morale and encourage higher levels of performance.

The staff recognition programme allows all employees to be eligible for recognition since the recognition supplies the specific information about what behaviors or actions are being rewarded and recognized.

Commenting on the workability of the programme, Pather maintained that the recognition is done on a monthly basis and members of staff are nominated by their supervisors and outstanding employees will receive a certificate from the company’s CEO.

He said “employee recognition is an acknowledgement of a person’s or team’s behavior, effort or business result that supports the organization’s goals and values, and which has clearly been beyond normal expectations. Starcomms recognizes the importance of this and has instituted a staff recognition programme that reinforces and rewards outstanding actions and behaviors of members of staff. When employees and their works are valued, their satisfaction and productivity rise, and they are motivated to maintain or improve their good work. It is also an excellent strategy to raise morale and encourage higher levels of performance.”

Starcomms has been at the forefront of bringing innovative services to its customers.  The company has been adjudged since 2007 as the CDMA network of the year by top telecommunication industry watchers.

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Registration for Cowbell maths competition first stage exam begins

Lagos, Nigeria, February 23, 2012: Students of junior and senior secondary schools across the country have been urged to commence registration for the first stage examinations of the 2012 Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC).

The call was made in Lagos by the Marketing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk, Mr. Kachi Onubogu, stressing that the competition is open to all students between 10 – 18 years of age in JSS3 and SSS2 attending full time secondary education in government approved schools in Nigeria.

According to Onubogu, the best three students in both categories, i.e. junior and senior would represent each school for this year’s edition, noting that the schools can collect their registration form from Promasidor Head office / depots across Nigeria, all state ministries of education, Neo Media and Marketing Limited and can be downloaded online at www.promasidor-ng.com

The forms must be properly filled, stamped and signed by the school principal and presented by the student to the officials at the examination centre on the examination day and entry into the competition is absolutely free.

The first stage examination will hold on Saturday March 17, 2012 in 200 centres across Nigeria and details of the 200 centres will be stated in newspapers

The examination will be supervised by officials of the State Ministry of Education and Promasidor personnel in all the centres.

Students, teachers and head teachers are required to check their examination results on the company’s website: www.promasidor-ng.com as from Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

Students with the highest scores in both the junior and the senior categories from each state will be invited for the second and final stage examination from where the national prize winners shall emerge.

The best three students in each category at the state level will receive the following cash prizes for their outstanding performance at the first stage examination: first prize N25,000, second prize N20,000 and third prize N15,000.

In addition, the winners will receive branded gift items like school bags, T-shirts, pens, notebooks and certificates of recognition. 

The mathematics teachers of the winning students will not be left out. A cash award of N15,000 each will be given to teachers of the first prize winners in each state for both senior and junior categories.

The NASSMAC has been approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The Cowbell NASSMAC started in 1998 with the aim of helping students to demystify mathematics. The competition creates a credible platform for identification and celebration of outstanding students and recognition of exceptional ability.

The competition has become a reference point in Educational CSR in Nigeria and over the years, however, the coverage of the competition especially in the print media has been perceived as conservative.

Procter & Gamble Nigeria receives US Secretary of State Awards for Corporate Excellence in Washington D.C.



Left: Mr. Manoj Kumar, Managing Director of Procter and Gamble Nigeria (P&G)
and Mr. Joseph Stafford, Consul General of the US Consulate in Nigeria at a reception
hosted by the Consul General in Lagos in honour of the presentation of the prestigious
Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE) to P&G by the US Secretary of State, Hillary
Clinton in Washington DC recently.

 L-R: Mr. Manoj Kumar, Managing Director of Procter and Gamble Nigeria (P&G), Deaconess
Aderonke Oshinowo, Managing Director, Rondatoks Services Limited and Mr. Joseph Stafford,
Consul General of the US Consulate in Nigeria at a reception hosted by the Consul General in
Lagos in honour of  the presentation of the prestigious Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE)
to P&G by the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton in  Washington DC recently.

Stakeholders Endorse Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition

February 15, Lagos, Nigeria: Stakeholders in the education sector have endorsed the Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) instituted about 12 years ago by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk.

The stakeholders gave the endorsement at the flag-off of the 12^th edition of the competition in Lagos recently.

Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye who commended Promasidor for the initiative also enjoined Mathematics teachers across the country to encourage their students to develop interest in the study of the subject rather than being afraid of it.

Oladunjoye who was represented by Mr. Semasa Sutton, a director in the Lagos State Ministry of Education also advised students not to be afraid of Mathematics, because it is like any other subjects.

Also speaking in the same vein, Mrs. O.O.Ajibade, a deputy registrar with the West African Examination Council (WAEC) commended Promasidor for the bold initiative of promoting the study of Mathematics in the country and asked other companies to take a cue from it.

She noted that Promasidor was by extension encouraging the study of science courses through the NASSMAC because Mathematics is one of the gateway subjects students need to move forward educationally.

In his contribution, Deacon Olusoji Adams, who represented Alhaji Babs Animashaun, the National Co-ordinator of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) appealed to other companies in the country to promote other subjects.

Explaining the rationale for the NASSMAC, Mr. Kachi Onubogu, Marketing Director of Promasidor Nigeria said the NASSMAC was instituted as a credible platform for identifying outstanding students and encouraging excellence among secondary school students in Nigeria.

He said the competition has rewarded many outstanding secondary school students across the country.

Describing the processes involved in participating in the competition, Onubogu stated that the competition is open to all students between 10 – 18 years of age in JSS3 and SS2, in any government approved schools in Nigeria.

“The competition is open to all students between 10 – 18 years of age in JSS3 and SSS2 attending full time secondary education in government approved schools in Nigeria.

“The best three students in both categories, i.e. junior and senior will be required to represent each school for this year’s edition. Schools who intend to participate can obtain forms from our website, or our headquarter or via our website.

“The forms must be properly filled, stamped and signed by the school principal and must be presented by the student to the officials at the examination centre on the examination day. We would ensure that students, teachers and schools are properly tutored on the mode of entry through our partners in the ministries of education, educational stakeholders and in the media”, he added.

Moreover, the first stage examination is billed to hold on Saturday, 17^th of March 2011 in 200 centres across Nigeria. Emerging students with the highest scores in Junior and Secondary categories will make it to the second and final stage examination after which the national prize winner shall emerge.

According to Onubogu, the best three students in each category at the state level will receive N25, 000, N20, 000 and N15, 000 respectively, aside other branded gift items, for their outstanding performances at the first stage examination.

The Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition began in Lagos in 1998 and within two years, expanded to other states like Anambra, Kaduna, Plateau, Oyo and Imo. And in 2001, it became a national competition spreading across all the 36 states of the federation, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

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Top Tea Partners Mothbensonz on Valentine Tea Fiesta

February 14, Lagos, Nigeria: Top Tea, a brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, a fast moving consumer goods company, is partnering with Mothbensonz to host the second edition of the Valentine Tea Fiesta party on Friday February 17, 2012, at The GET Arena, Lekki, Lagos.

Mr. Demola Mafikuyomi, Brand Manager Beverages, Promasidor Nigeria said Top Tea is partnering with Mothbensonz because it is at the vanguard of re-awakening tea drinking culture among Nigerians.

In his words, “Tea is one of the healthiest beverages in the world. Top Tea is a quality blend of the very finest hand-picked teas that contains flavonoid anti-oxidants that revitalize the body and soul at a season like this and beyond. Top Tea also has theanine that can help you relax and get the best out of life. Top Tea’s red colour packaging represents love and denotes the value we owe our consumers.” 

Also speaking on the event which is in its second season, a senior official of Mothbensonz, said “Valentine is celebrated on the 14th day of February around the globe as a special day marked for celebration of love and all it stands for. It is also a day that is widely celebrated among young adults, with an opportunity to show loved ones how much they are valued. Top Tea identified with what this day stands for, by hosting the maiden edition of ‘Valentine Tea Fiesta Season I’ at The Place on Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja with DJ Jimmy Jatt. The Tea Party generated favourable feedback across the media and consumers alike, hence the Valentine Tea Fiesta Season II with red carpet.” 

The event will feature some of Nigeria’s finest artistes including Tiwa Savage, Shank, Chuddy K, Skales, GTD Guitar-man, Rayce, DJ Xclusive, and will be hosted by comedy act Seyi Law.

Tickets are available at Shoprite, Silverbird Galleria, and E-Center.

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About Promasidor

Promasidor Nigeria Limited, the makers of Top Tea was incorporated in Nigeria in 1993 to manufacture, package, market and distribute fast moving consumer products. Since inception, it has been offering quality and affordable products to its consumers. Its products range includes Cowbell milk, Cowbell chocolate, Cowbell flavoured milk drink, Loya full cream milk, Miksi,  Onga food seasoning and Amila instant fruit flavoured powdered drink.

Procter & Gamble Nigeria receives US Secretary of State Awards for Corporate Excellence in Washington D.C.

Lagos, January 20, 2012: Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) efforts in realizing its purpose of touching and improving the lives of Nigerian consumers was recognized today by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who presented P&G Nigeria with the prestigious U.S. Secretary of State Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) for 2011. Bob McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble Company received the award at a ceremony held in Washington D.C. on January 18, 2012.

P&G received one of two awards at the ceremony. One presented to a multinational, and the other presented to ‘small to medium-sized enterprises’ (SME’s).

In her opening statement at the award presentation ceremony, Hilary Clinton, the US Secretary of State said, “We are honoring these two companies because they have had an exceptional impact in giving back to the communities where they do business. They are setting the highest standards for corporate social responsibility. They are showing the world that it is indeed possible to do well by doing good”.

P&G was nominated by the US Embassy in Nigeria as well as Pakistan for this award and was shortlisted in November 2011 amongst 11 companies globally. P&G is the first company to win for programs in two countries i.e. Nigeria and Pakistan.   

According to US State Department, P&G Nigeria was recognized for the company’s corporate and brand CSR program under the ‘Live, Learn and Thrive’ platform, to improve local communities’ water supply through education and purification technology; provision for a safe and healthy working environment; supporting the health and well-being of new and expectant mothers and children through mobile clinics; and innovative educational programs for teenage girls.

While talking to the audience at the ceremony, Bob McDonald said, “P&G’s Purpose as a Company is to touch and improve lives, now and for generations to come. Our Purpose guides and inspires everything we do. For 175 years our Purpose has focused us on finding ways to make people’s everyday lives a little better. We improve lives with our brands, with our business growth, with our employee programs and with our social responsibility efforts. When we improve lives, we grow our business and by growing our business we are able to improve even more lives. It is a virtuous cycle and entirely congruent.”

Manoj Kumar, the Managing Director for P&G West Africa joined the ceremony virtually from the US Consulate in Lagos. “P&G Nigeria is honored and humbled by this award that is focused on improving lives” said Kumar. ‘This is the core of our purpose as a company and we are very fortunate to work with strong partners who share this vision – our distributors, agencies, suppliers and non-profit organizations such as Sponsor a Child, Society for Family Health and Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP). Together, these organizations have implemented and are indeed still delivering truly excellent work that brings our purpose to life everyday in Nigeria.”

Since its establishment in Nigeria in 1992, P&G has invested millions of dollars in fixed capital including a Plant in Ibadan, Oyo State where its products Pampers diapers, Ariel detergent, Always sanitary pads, Vicks throat drops and Bonux Detergent are manufactured. Making up over 85% of P&G products sold in Nigeria, these brands have grown to become leading household names in Nigeria.

P&G employs about 3000 people directly and indirectly with Nigerians making up over 95% of its managers locally and some on international assignments. The company has created over 200 new successful entrepreneurs with sustained training and marketing support in rural and semi-urban areas over the past 5 years. P&G is expanding across West Africa with Nigeria as its central business hub the entire region.

P&G’s social responsibility program called Live, Learn and Thrive (LLT) focuses on the development of children of ages 0-13. With its ‘Always Care program’ Procter and Gamble provides feminine hygiene and puberty education to over 700,000 Nigerian girls every year. The company’s Pampers Baby Care Hospital Program and Mobile Clinics, touch the lives of 1.5 million young Nigerian mothers and their babies annually. ‘Building Futures’ program, a collaboration between P&G and non-profit organization ‘Sponsor a Child’ donates P&G products; Pampers diapers, Ariel detergent and PUR purifier of water purifier as well as providing learning facilities to orphanages across Nigeria. Procter and Gamble collaborates with non-profit organization, Society for Family Health on the ‘Safe Water for Nigerian Children’ program which has provided millions of litres of safe drinking water in Nigeria and the company’s Pampers/UNICEF program has provided over  7.5 million tetanus vaccines to  mothers  and their babies in Nigeria.

P&G has gained significant recognition in Nigeria. Over the past year, the company won the prestigious SERA award for Best Company in Child-Focused CSR 2011, Best Company in Corporate Social Responsibility 2011 awarded by Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria and the Conglomerate Employer of Choice 2011 award by Multi-Talent Heritage.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G touches and improves the lives of about 4.4 billion people around the world with its portfolio of trusted, quality brands.  The Company's leadership brands include Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, and Ambi Pur®.  With operations in about 80 countries, P&G brands are available in more than 180 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands

About ACE Awards

The Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE), established by the State Department in 1999, recognizes the important role U.S. businesses play abroad as good corporate citizens.  The Award sends a strong signal of the Department’s commitment to further corporate social responsibility, innovation, exemplary practices, and democratic values worldwide.  The ACE helps define America as a positive force in the world.  It highlights our increasing outreach to the business community, our public-private partnerships, and public diplomacy efforts.  The ACE recognizes the contributions business makes to improving lives at home and abroad.