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Consumer Value Awards Offers Brands Growth in perception, Reputational Capital – Ekine
Akonte Ekine, CEO, BrandXchange, Convener Consumers Value Awards in this interview explains the online voting process to determine winners of Consumer Value Awards as well as benefits to winners
Akonte Ekine, CEO, BrandXchange, Convener Consumers Value Awards
What Makes the Consumers Value Awards unique compared to other industry awards?
Thank you, Consumers Value Awards as express by the name is an award under the sphere of consumers. Everything about the process of the Consumers Value Awards is more in the hands of the consumers. For instance, at the nomination stage, it is consumers that will nominate brands for listing to be voted for.
What we do is basically to announce that the portal is open for nomination and with strong desire for transparency we announce the opening on almost all platforms including your reputable publication.
So, the uniqueness of the Consumers Value Awards is that it is driven by consumers for consumers with the objective of expressing concerns about better service within the eight consumer rights.
Can you tell us more about the voting process and how consumers can participate in selecting the winners?
After listing of all the brands listed for voting based on nominations by consumers, we opened the website for voting and the website remains open till last day of June 2024 to enable consumers to cast votes.
It is important to state that you can only vote in the various categories once because for every time you attempt to vote in each of the category, consumers are required to submit their email address as an identity for an OTP to be sent for verification. Once you get the OTP and you input the OTP, your voting will be recognized.
To protect the integrity of the system it is important we establish the process to avoid double voting or multiple voting by consumers.
Why is it important for Consumers to Participate in voting for Consumers Value Awards?
The entire initiative is about promoting the Eight Consumer Rights which includes the right to be heard and the right to expression as well the right to contribute to product and service development.
So, it is important that consumers participate in voting to call out brands that are not keeping promises made to the public.
The participation of consumers is also very important at this time as we consumers play the role of our brothers’ keeper when we shout down a brand that is poor in performance, we have simply alerted another consumer to stay away.
The consumers’ participation is the establishment of the essence of the programme as a vehicle to ensure that brands are living up to expected standard they have created or meet the expectation of the consumers.
What criteria do brands need to meet to be nominated for the Consumers Value Awards?
Good question, for us our consideration is that once a consumer has made effort to purchase a brand or engage a service, then that brand is good enough to be listed or nominated. It is an open market initiative for brand owners and consumers generally.
Any brand that is on the shelf in the market or on the internet that is consumed by the people is good enough for nomination and in the last two editions we have had over 500 brands across all sectors listed for nomination and voting.
That is why we call it a badge of honour from Consumers to the Brands as a statement of thank you which will put the brands on the spot for sustainable representation in the market.
Can you share some success stories or testimonials from previous awards?
This is the journey third edition and the voting is ongoing. The success of the last two edition can be seen from the fact that representative of Nigerian Communications Commission, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Advertising Regulatory Commission of Nigeria were well represented and delivered messages to consumers.
It is also for us a success to have over 50 brands in attendance to pick the bade of honours in the last two editions, including brands such as Glo, Dangote Cement, Reload Multivitamin, Leadway Insurance, Bigi Cola, Bigi Sausage and Oral B tooth paste to mention a few.
For us the real success is the consumers making effort to list brands and voting. It shows that there is a growing consciousness that consumers deserve better market experience and there will be more vehicle for expression that will call out service providers and regulators to do better.
What benefits do brands gain from receiving a Consumers Value Awards?
I am sure that you are all aware that the best marketer of a brand is the consumers, so winning the award is a great opportunity for brand growth in terms of perception, reputational capital and increase in sales.
Benefits seems endless but it must be stated that a consumers bade of honour based on voting is a major stamp of respect for the brand by consumers from consumers to consumers. It is a stamp of acceptance and a bench market for the brands keep the standard and improve on it.
It is call to all brands to look around and act if they want to play in the same market as consumers are pushing for better experience.
How has the response been from consumers and brands in the previous editions of the awards?
We had the very first edition two years ago and the second edition last year at same venue, what is very clear is that CVA has come to stay has 5 consumer regulatory related agencies of government were in attendance and we recognized people like Mrs. Sola Salako Ajulo, a member of the Tribunal in FCCPC, for her effort as a pioneer advocate of Consumer Rights to the best of our knowledge.
In the first edition, we also recognized Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General, Advertising regulatory Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta former EVC and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Communications Commission for the excellent work they are doing in promoting better consumer experiences through legislations.
It is only the consumers that can give the success rating on this project but if in two years of existence we have pulled together over one hundred brands across the globe to attend the event, then we can safely say we are on a journey of excellence.
Aside attendance, the celebration of the awards by brands such a Glo, Leadway, reload Multivitamin, Checkers Custard, Bigi Cola, Bigi Sausage and Fearless Energy Drink again, to mention a few of the brands is a great sign of success.
Are there any new categories or changes in this third edition of the consumers Value Awards?
Last year we introduced the special public sector category to search for governors and states that are actively promoting consumers rights and we are holding onto that because it is a good conversation sustainer on the subject of our interest.
This year we are looking out for consumer conversations from brands that are social advocacy.
This new category to promote public conversation from corporate sustainability initiative of brands to promote better consumer behaviour in the market.
Unlike last year, we have also through consumers nomination created sub-categories under some brands as a result of herbal availability, children and infant categories of the brands.
It is not us that created it but consumers nominations made it happen that we have to establish such and this also affect home appliances where we have to separate the brands into four different categories based on functionality rather than group into one.
Third edition voting is ongoing on the website and we can see that consumers are responding positively with votes and we can only wait till the last day of June to conclude on the winners.
How does BrandXchange ensure the integrity and transparency of the voting?
BrandXchange is doing everything to ensure that the voting is not compromise. We are staying with the process of ensuring that you can only vote if you register your email to get OTP and you must input the unique OTP before your voting can be valid. It is the Consumers that validate the brands so we keep that simple yet effective law active on the website.
We have had challenges about voting and OTP and we stayed true to the goal to be transparent on this project because at the stage we are, it is the consumers that we are protecting and promoting to get better service.
I am sure that is the trust we built in the first edition is not good enough the second edition will probably not get the degree of success we got and therefore we have to hold onto that public trust and remain open or transparent for everyone interested to visit the website and cast vote or review it.
We call it a bade of Honour and so even from inception it must be seen and experienced as such.
What is the timeline for the voting period and announcement of winner?
The voting is ongoing till 30th June and there after we will inform the winners and all invited regulators and other winners and participants that will grace the beautiful day in September at same venue.
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Digital Africa Global Consult, NDPC Partner on Ground-Breaking “Nigeria Data Challenge” Initiative
In a bold and forward-looking move to embed a culture of data privacy in Nigeria’s educational landscape, Digital Africa Global Consult (DAGC), a leading technology advancement firm, on Friday, entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at launching the Nigeria Data Challenge, a pioneering, education-focused initiative designed to inculcate data protection awareness among secondary school students across the country.
The Nigeria Data Challenge is more than a knowledge dissemination campaign. It is a structured, competitive learning program that introduces students to the fundamentals of data protection and digital privacy.
By engaging learners through curriculum-based activities, practical challenges, and assessments, the program seeks to nurture a generation of data-responsible citizens well-prepared for the demands of Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, applauded Digital Africa Consult for initiating the challenge, which he described as timely and transformative.
He noted that the project complements the Commission’s existing Privacy Club Initiative in tertiary institutions and aligns with its broader mandate to cultivate a privacy-aware culture throughout Nigerian society.
“This partnership is a natural extension of our mission to build a data protection-conscious ecosystem in Nigeria. We are excited about the opportunity to reach young minds early, and this program promises to be a cornerstone in our awareness strategy,” Dr. Olatunji stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult and a seasoned advocate of digital transformation in Africa, expressed appreciation to the NDPC for embracing the vision of early-stage data literacy.
He underscored the strategic importance of data as the “new oil” of the digital economy and emphasised the need to build data consciousness from a young age to prepare Nigeria for a competitive global digital environment.
“The future belongs to nations that understand and manage data responsibly. By starting from our secondary schools, we are planting the seeds of a resilient data economy,” Dr. Woherem said.
Adding further insight, Nneoma Ofodile, General Manager of Digital Africa Global Consult, highlighted the novelty and global relevance of the Nigeria Data Challenge.
“This is the first data-focused challenge of its kind anywhere in the world, making it not only a national milestone but also a global precedent. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9, and 16, promoting quality education, industry innovation, and strong institutions,” she stated.
She also noted the urgency of addressing the indiscriminate ways data is shared and mishandled by young people, often without their full understanding of the consequences.
“This initiative comes at a time when even students are becoming both victims and agents of data breaches, consciously or unconsciously. Awareness is not optional; it is essential,” she added.
Nigeria, like many nations in Africa, is rapidly digitizing across public and private sectors. With this digital evolution comes the imperative to protect personal data and promote ethical digital practices.
The establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission in 2023 signalled a new era of regulatory oversight in line with global data protection trends, including the EU’s GDPR and similar frameworks adopted in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda.
Yet, awareness of data rights and responsibilities remains low, particularly among the youth. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Data Challenge help bridge this critical knowledge gap by bringing data education into mainstream educational curricula.
The project is expected to scale through state-level rollouts and regional contests, eventually culminating in a national championship that will showcase top-performing schools and students.
This initiative arrives at a time when the digital economy is estimated to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, and data-driven innovation, spanning fintech, e-commerce, health tech, and AI—continues to surge. However, this growth is threatened by weak data protection compliance and poor digital hygiene among users.
The NDPC and Digital Africa Global Consult are optimistic that this partnership will ignite similar collaborations and inspire a new frontier in civic education, one that recognises data as both a right and a responsibility.
As Nigeria positions itself to be a digital leader in Africa, the Nigeria Data Challenge may well become a benchmark model for other countries aiming to develop grassroots data governance awareness.
Tony Elumelu, chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings, has called on Africa to avow itself in the fast-evolving global technology landscape, calling for deeper partnerships, infrastructure investments, and recognition of the continent’s digital potential.
Tony Elumelu, chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings,
Elumelu, who made this statement in a series of posts on his verified X handle over the weekend, questioned the continent’s current role in global tech innovation and value creation, noting that while technology is transforming the world, Africa risks being sidelined without urgent strategic action.
“We know technology is transforming our world, and the pace of transformation is accelerating. Where is Africa? Are we in the conversation, or are we being left behind?” Elumelu asked.
Citing Africa’s youthful, entrepreneurial, and digitally native population, Elumelu stressed the need for stronger global partnerships that empower African startups and tech developers to not only serve local markets but compete globally.
“Young Africans are digitally native, entrepreneurial, and hungry to build. What we need are more opportunities for partnership, more belief in our potential, and platforms to amplify our voices.
“Africa has led in digital banking and payments. Our value chains are ripe for transformation. Yet we need more investment, more platforms, and more belief in our potential.
“We know that many of the minerals that are techs’ foundation are found in Africa. But is Africa getting the benefit? Africa needs to capture the moment – ensure we have digital sovereignty – that African priorities are understood and met”
The UBA Chairman revealed that he attended an exclusive dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and global technology executives at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where he sought to amplify Africa’s voice at the highest level of innovation discourse.
“I had enriching conversations with global tech CEOs, including the CEO of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang, on how innovation can and must solve humanity’s most urgent challenges—including those facing Africa,” he said.
Elumelu used the opportunity to advocate for the continent as the next frontier of global tech investment, calling attention to Africa’s unique demographics and the imperative for inclusive innovation.
Speaking further he said through his investment company, Heirs Holdings, remains committed to Africa’s digital transformation, actively backing tech ventures such as Heirs Technologies and Redtech Limited, which are building solutions tailored for the African market while competing on a global scale.
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has called on African businesses to seize the opportunities emerging within the rapidly growing global space economy, which is projected to reach one trillion dollars annually by 2030.
The appeal was made by Dr Matthew Adepoju, director-general, NASRDA, during a press briefing at the weekend in advance of the second Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition (ASEC 2025), scheduled to take place in Abuja from 17 to 19 June.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), will focus on the theme “Space Economy and Emerging Markets in Africa”.
Dr Adepoju highlighted that the global space economy is on the verge of surpassing $500 billion per year, making it the fastest-growing economic sector worldwide.
He stressed that Africa must position itself at the forefront of innovation, science, and technology by investing in space-related ventures.
“This is the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Africa must not be left behind.
“It is time for us to take our rightful place at the forefront of global innovation, science and technology, with space technology being the pinnacle of human endeavour.
“The space economy is the fastest growing economic sector in the world and it is projected to hit one trillion dollars per annum. Currently it’s more than 500 billion dollars annually,” he said.
The conference aims to foster collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organisations, all working to strengthen Nigeria’s space ecosystem.
Dr Adepoju praised President Bola Tinubu for his forward-thinking economic initiatives, noting the President’s directive to transform NASRDA into a revenue-generating body.
NASRDA, he said, is now committed to fully commercialising and industrialising space research. The upcoming conference is expected to attract international participants, with confirmed interest from countries such as China, the United States, and several European and African nations.
The agency is also preparing for the launch of four new satellites—three optical and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
These satellites are intended to support national security, environmental monitoring, and economic surveillance, particularly in sectors such as the blue economy and oil and gas.
Dr Adepoju encouraged private sector involvement in areas including satellite technology, data services, rocketry, and space-based applications.
He stressed that with Nigeria being Africa’s most populous country, there is already a significant market for space-related products and services, and now is the time for African businesses to build capacity, invest locally, and retain economic value.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Emeka Obegolu, ACCI President, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, chamber’s director-general, noted that Africa has yet to fully tap into the space economy’s potential.
He pointed out challenges such as limited public awareness, infrastructure gaps, and evolving policy environments, but said these issues also present opportunities for innovation and investment.
“It was with this foresight that ACCI, through our Policy Advocacy Centre, in a strategic partnership with NASRDA, conceptualised the ASEC,” he said.
Dr Haruna Mohammed, co-chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, reiterated that the event is aimed at the private sector and will showcase how space-based technologies can aid in economic diversification, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable development across the continent.
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