Broadcasting
BlackHouse Media Launches Operation in UK
BlackHouse Media, a Nigerian public relations and communications company has announced the commencement of its UK operations.
Ayeni Adekunle, founder, ceo of BHM
Ayeni Adekunle, founder, ceo of BHM, will serve as principal consultant and chief executive officer.
Stephen Waddington of Wadds Inc has been appointed adviser and non-executive director, alongside Moliehi Molekoa, managing director of Magna Carta South Africa.
Oladotun Ayeni, human resource management expert and doctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh, and Femi Falodun CEO of Lagos-based ID Africa will also serve as directors.
Speaking about opening UK operation, Ayeni Adekunle, said, “We recognise the importance of the UK, in the global PR industry, as well as the bilateral opportunity between Africa and Britain.
“So it’s only natural that this is the home for our first international operations. We want to help organisations in Nigeria and other parts of Africa build better relationships and explore opportunities the UK provides, while also providing insight, intelligence, and advisory that will help British organisations make better sense of Africa partnerships, trade, and investment.’’
The World Bank says Africa presents the opportunity to create the world’s largest free trade area – if the African Continental Free Trade Area goes right – by connecting over one billion people in 55 countries with a combined GDP of almost £3 trillion. And UK-Africa trade, which increased by 7.5% to £36 billion in 2019, is something to watch.
Stephen Waddington added ‘‘Wadds Inc. is pleased to be advising Ayeni and his team at BHM as they set up in the UK. The public relations industry is in need of some new perspective and ideas, and it’s about time we pay attention to what Africa, a continent of over one billion people, and so many experts, has to say.
“I have no doubts the UK will benefit from a company that has done so well in Africa, and knows the UK well.’’
Founded on November 6, 2006, BHM is one of Africa’s promising agencies, representing market leaders in FMCG, ICT, and Media.
Nigeria Breweries PLC (Heineken), Nigeria’s leading brewer has been a client since 2013. MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, the continent’s telecommunications leader, has retained BHM for brand and corporate communications since 2017.
The company has worked for Coca-Cola, the world’s leader in non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages since 2019, as well as MultiChoice, Africa’s leading entertainment company, since 2018. Other clients include Reckitt Benckiser and the Project Management Institute.
BHM has also pioneered several innovations on the continent, introducing a PR App in 2014, the annual PR report in 2016, and the Global Day of Influence in 2020. A proposed World PR Day is billed to debut on July 16, the birthday of Ivy Lee.
The company will have offices in Edinburgh and London but BHM advocates remote and flexible working for employees. With an additional 25 hires in the past year, staff strength is now almost 100.
Enitan Kehinde (Lead Consultant, FMCG), who studied public relations at Sheffield Hallam University before joining BHM in 2016 will return to the UK as general manager.
Broadcasting
Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony
Aero Contractors recently hosted its Long Service Award Ceremony, a momentous event dedicated to honoring distinguished retirees for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the organization.
The ceremony, which celebrated loyalty and excellence, featured the presentation of recognition plaques and the disbursement of retirement benefits to the honorees. Among those celebrated were:
•Capt. Gerald Nmoka
•Stephen Kukoyi
•Promise Amadi
•Victor Aitanun
•Nwankwo Stephen N.
The management of Aero Contractors expressed profound gratitude to these outstanding individuals, whose dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the airline’s growth and success over the years.
Speaking at the event, Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, underscored the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of recognition within the organization. “Our retirees have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. Their legacy will continue to inspire our team as we build a brighter future for Aero Contractors,” he stated.
As a leading airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors remains committed to supporting its employees and creating an environment that values their contributions. This commitment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to uphold its reputation as a trusted, value driven airline”
Broadcasting
NAFDAC Dismisses False Claims of Approving ‘Lung-Cleansing Tea’
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved a herbal product marketed as “lung-cleansing tea” for smokers.
Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, in a statement on Saturday, December 14, clarified that the product, identified as Lungitox (Smokers Pride), was never approved and had its registration application rejected due to its unsubstantiated health claims.
“The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product,” the statement read.
“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.
“The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.
The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made ‘healthy’ by consuming the product.”
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe and scientifically validated products are approved.
“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.
“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.
“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.”
Adeyeye provided contact information for reporting such claims, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.
“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email [email protected], or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.”
The agency reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all products in the Nigerian market meet the required safety and efficacy standards.
Broadcasting
Coalition Drags Reuben Abati, Arise TV to NBC over Anti-Igbo Remarks
A coalition of media organisations, comprising the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network, has called for disciplinary action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati, show host, over alleged inciting remarks against the Igbos.
This was contained in a formal petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), signed by Ambrose Igboke.
According to the group, Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati allegedly made a divisive comment against the South East and Igbos during a TV Breakfast Show on November 21, 2024.
Recall that during the November 21 Breakfast Show, Abati had said on Arise TV, “It is a shame that the same Igbos who are so industrious that they’re all over and they do well in other parts of Nigeria.
“You go there as a non-Igbo man to go and buy land, you’ll be told that you don’t belong, even as an in-law. These are the issues in my view.”
The journalist and former Presidential aid referred to an incident reportedly involving the former Minister of Information, T.O.S Benson, who sought to purchase land in Igbo land for his wife.
The anti-Igbo comment has resulted in criticism and outburst from different groups.
They argued in the petition that there are “concerns about remarks made by Dr. Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo community.
“These statements have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio political climate.”
The media professionals said, “Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalizations. This kind of action was what ignited the Rwandan genocide where the Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination. It all started with a radio
“His comments were quickly weaponized by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.
“Dr. Abati’s hostile response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast, demonstrated a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.
” The remarks and behavior constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.”
The petitioners called for a thorough review of Abati’s remarks and the editorial lapses that allowed such conduct to air.
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