THE KANGAROO STORY

Today, things happen at a faster pace, with quick successions, than we could hardly imagine. New technologies evolve almost every day; event and news happen at breathtaking pace that one could ever hardly keep up with. The fast changing environment affects virtually every area of our lives; the way we think and relate with others. The effect is reflected on areas such as relationships, career, parenting, to mention just a few. Nowadays, it is surprising to see the rate at which children grow rapidly – mentally and physically, that one is left to wonder if they are being grown with fertilizer or some sort of genetic mutation. As if that is not wonder enough, their level of reasoning is dazzling, and their mental capacity is amazing, especially when they asked certain above-their-age questions.

For instance, I came home from work one night and my four-year old son asked, “Daddy, please tell me a story about donkey”. I wondered what could have prompted the question.  In my childhood days, all I ever heard were stories centered on tortoise, monkey and the likes and none on donkey. My mind raced through my childhood days while I was pacing my thought on what good and interesting story is associated with donkey. At the same time, I was being careful of the type of lessons that could be derived from it because they won’t stop at the story but they will also go as far as asking for the lesson learnt. Children are like women, interested in building relationship and sustaining it. But often times, such yearnings are met with tiredness, busy schedule and lack of patience to cement the bond. And over time, such affection is shifted to their teachers in school, house help or whoever responds to their quest and aspirations. 

They express eagerness to share the day’s experience in an awesome and admirable manner. Their persistent search for answers is almost unparalleled; begging for detailed answer on every issue. Response to some of these issues needs sincere and comprehensive answer because of the keen, unputdownable interest they repose in it. More so, it is the beginning of formative and learning year of their lives, particularly the belief system.

So as I was saying, in order to avoid telling the kangaroo story at least for that night, I made endless and extravagant promises which took me a couple of days to fulfill. I claimed, night after night, that it was too late to start a story. I kept making promises to save face. “I will tell you the Kangaroo story,” I said wryly. Little did I know that he who fights and runs away, live to fight another day. Kids these days could double as personal assistance and wonderful ally. They rarely forget things so easily. They can re-cap as many storylines as you told them. These new breeds are really intellectually overwhelming. And that was how I sailed through that night.

The next day, I woke up to discover that a search for daddy has been declared and when he finally found me, I lost my regular ‘daddy good morning’ to ‘daddy tell me Kangaroo story’. “Hey boy, it’s too early to tell a story,” I responded calmly.  “When I return, please,” I promised. I could not but wonder until the office work for that day temporarily wiped off the memory. Before returning home that day, I paused to search out Kangaro on the internet, to see if I could get some features that could be developed into story.  

And yes, I did get something. To my surprise, most kangaroo species have big ears and small heads, covered with fur and use their big hind legs and thick tail for hopping. Some kangaroos can leap really far. The kangaroo uses its tail for balancing when it hops. It uses the tail for support when it sits. At least, I have some new information to say about Kangaroo. At home, it was the same welcome address, daddy you said you would tell me story about Kangaroo. After the story, he said, daddy I like Kangaroo, yes it is good to like it. At least to have some rest for a while. 

It was a sigh of relief, before another “Kangaroo knocking” question. Children are interesting to stay around with, but with a big listening ear and patience, one will definitely fit in and enjoy their world.

Research Institute Backs FG on Cassava Bread

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research has said that the cassava bread initiative introduced by the Federal Government for baking of composite bread in commercial quantity will enhance quality bread production in the country. Besides, the institute stated that cassava industry has the capacity to generate over 3 million jobs and reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos yesterday, the Director- General of the institute, Dr Gloria Elemo, said that the institute has perfected the technology of 10 per cent high quality cassava flour inclusion in wheat flour and has transferred the technology to numerous flour millers and bakers in the country.

She said, “Indeed, the institute baking laboratory produces composite (cassava/wheat) bread which it sells to staff on a daily basis, as a demonstration of the technical feasibility and economic viability of the technology.

“The composite bread produced is adjudged by all those who eat it to be of very high quality this is in tandem with the Institute’s sensory evaluation reports on cassava bread consumption.”

According to her, apart from baking bread with the 10 per cent and 20 per cent composite cassava, the institute has also successfully baked various acceptable confectionery products with over 20 per cent cassava flour inclusion in wheat flour.

Elemo, however, allayed the fear of Nigerians concerning the health implications of consumption of cassava bread, saying that cassava bread consumption is safe and do not cause or aggravate diabetes as confirmed by glycemic indices study carried out on 10 and 20 per cent cassava bread at the institute.

She said in consideration of the country’s status as the largest producer of cassava in the whole world, the inherent advantages and health benefits of cassava in flour for bread making and other confectioneries, Nigerians should embrace the policy to unleash the country dependence on imported wheat flour.

“Due to economic factors which have made it impossible for the common man to have convenient food on his table at the right-time, price, quality and quantity, bread has remained the only staple food affordable to Nigerians,” she added.

Economic climate has not affected views on global warming – poll

A new Guardian/ICM poll reveals the public view of man-made climate change has remained consistent in the last three years, despite a change in Conservative party priorities in the financial climate. Photograph: Antonio Lacerda/EPA Photograph: Graphic

 

The cold financial climate of the last three years has made little impact on public attitudes towards global warming, according to a new Guardian/ICM poll.

As the world assembled for the Rio+20 UN sustainable development conference at the end of last week, the survey found that most British voters (57%) accept that man-made climate change is happening. That is one point more than the 56% who took the same view when ICM posed a near-identical question just before the Copenhagen climate conference of 2009.

The poll identified a hardcore of 7% of respondents who deny the planet is getting warmer, two points more than the 5% who said the same at the time of Copenhagen. The proportion who accept the planet is warming but insist this is not principally due to human factors has dwindled slightly, from 33% in December 2009 to 30% today.

The results suggest a remarkable pattern of stability in acceptance of climate change as established fact, a finding which may surprise politicians who have been lowering their environmental ambitions for fear of appearing out of step with hard times. The leaders who went to Rio were so resigned to an insubstantial outcome that they allowed their sherpas to agree the basic communique before they had even arrived.

A follow-up question on impressions of the summit also revealed more continuity than change. Only 17% of voters dismissed the Rio summit as a panic about an exaggerated threat – exactly the same proportion who said the same of Copenhagen.

But if the voters have not moved much, the same cannot be said of politicians. Whereas David Cameron had hailed Copenhagen's "historic importance" as opposition leader, in the months running up to Rio, he licensed his chancellor to argue that "we're not going to save the planet by putting our country out of business".

One thing that may help understand this shifting political positioning is a sense that – among that majority of voters who do acknowledge a climate change problem – the subject has slipped a little down the list of priorities. After three years of squeezed living standards, more of the people who accept carbon emissions need curbing warn leaders not to "lose sight of the need to maintain human prosperity". The number taking this view has edged up from 45% to 50% since Copenhagen. Meanwhile, the most committed environmentalists – those who describe the climate as "the most serious threat facing mankind" – have dwindled somewhat. Before Copenhagen, 30% were in that camp; today its strength has fallen back to 27%.

The modest swing towards putting economics before the environment is somewhat more marked among Tory supporters and backers of minor parties, and it could be that Conservative high command fear that excessively green positions could see the party surrendering some rightwing voters to Ukip. On the basic facts, however, a plurality of the supporters of all three parties are in agreement: 49% of Conservatives, 61% of Labour supporters and 67% of Lib Dems believe in man-made climate change. Even if some differences in the rhetoric between different political leaders is emerging, most voters appear to accept climate science, regardless of their own party affiliation.

ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1,002 adults aged 18+ by telephone on 22-24 June 2012. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

Cowbell Milk flags off national consumer promo

Lagos, Nigeria, 5 July 2012:

Cowbell Milk, the flagship brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited has launched a national consumer promotion targeted towards rewarding loyal consumers of the brand. The promo is tagged "Cowbell Olympic Medal Rush."

The promo which was unveiled last Friday in Lagos is expected to run for three months.

Chief Keith Richards, managing director of the company said the promo is intended to create opportunity for consumers to win cash prizes up to N50, 000, and that, 10 lucky star prize winners will be treated to an all expense paid trip to the London 2012 Olympics.

Consequent upon this, Richards said Chioma Ajunwa Oparah, the 1996 Olympics gold medal winner and the first African to win such a coveted title, has been appointed as the Promotional Ambassador throughout the duration of the promo.

Richards however stressed that the promo has the approvals of relevant authorities such as Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

To participate in the promo, Mr. Olusegun Koleoso, Business Development Manager of the company, said consumers should detach a coupon or sticker in the promotional packs of 400g sachet, 400 gram tins, 500g box and 900g tins and stand a chance of winning gold, silver or bronze, which will be instantly redeemed for cash of N50, 000, N30, 000 and N20, 000 respectively at any branch of Zenith Bank nationwide.

Also, cartons of Cowbell 400g sachets will be given as consolation prizes.

Cowbell Milk Brand Manager, Mr. Abiodun Ajiborode, said the promo intends to reward loyal consumers, adding that, it will also entrench the Cowbell brand in the minds of the consumers while creating fun and excitement around the brand.

Commenting on the bold initiatives the company is taking in various social responsibility programmes as well as promotional efforts, Ajunwa-Oparah said this is the first time a company will come and give Nigerians the opportunity they have been looking for.

"It has been a long time we have been looking for companies to come and embrace sports in Nigeria. And more especially at the big glamour games like the Olympics. We need people to support all our athletes and this is what we have seen today. The company has partnered with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), and I know that a lot of money would have been committed."

"You can also see what the company is doing in the Cowbell Football Academy, grooming the younger ones, and at the same time, the National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC), which has become something enviable in Nigeria," Ajunwa-Oparah added.

Besides the promo, Cowbell Milk is also the Official Milk of the Nigerian contingents to the 2012 Olympics Games in London.

　

Cowbell Milk has been in the Nigerian market since 1993. It is currently the No.2 milk powder brand in Nigeria with strong commitment to national nourishment and innovative corporate social responsibility such as National Secondary School Mathematics competition, Grass root soccer, Parasoccer and so many others.

//Ends.

About Promasidor

Promasidor (Nigeria) Limited, 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.

It revolutionized the dairy industry with the introduction of sachet packaging of its Cowbell milk, a development which has become the norm in the industry presently. Its products range includes Cowbell milk, Cowbell chocolate, Cowbell flavoured milk drink, Loya full cream milk, Miksi, Onga food seasoning, Top Tea and Amila instant fruit flavoured powdered drink.

The company has a factory in Lagos and depots all over the country from where its products are packaged and distributed to consumers nationwide. The company has recorded remarkable growth over the years and it presently employs more than 1,000 Nigerians in various aspects of its operations.

　

FG to Grant Scholarships to Winners of Cowbell NASSMAC to Study Mathematics at University Level

Abuja, Nigeria, 5 July 2012: The Federal Government has promised to grant scholarships to any winner of the Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) who choose to study Mathematics at the university level.



L-R: Professor Sagir Abbas, Special Adviser on Education to the Minister of Education, Professor (Mrs.) Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I, Master Uwa Benjamin, overall winner senior category star prize  , Professor Adewale Solarin; Acting Director-General, National Mathematics Centre,  Master Akintokun Gboyega , overall winner junior category star prize and Chief Keith Richards at the 2012 Cowbell NASSMAC prize giving ceremony in Abuja yesterday.

Professor Adewale Solarin , Acting Director-General /Chief Executive of the National Mathematics Centre (NMC) disclosed this in Abuja yesterday at the prize giving ceremony of the 2012 Cowbell NASSMAC  ceremony.

Master Uwa Benjamin a 15 year-old SSS 2 student of Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, Ogun State was the overall winner in the senior secondary school category with a total score of 96 per cent while Master Akintokun Samuel Gboyega, a JSS 2 student of Ota Total Academy, also in Ota, Ogun State emerged the overall winner in the junior secondary school category. 

Professor Solarin said students should adopt the idea that better is not good enough, they must strive beyond, remarking that for the Vision 20:2020 of the Federal Government to become a reality, efforts must be geared towards science education, training and development, saying this is the bedrock for national development.

The director –General  said he hoped that “Our students will continue to take advantage of the Cowbell Mathematics competition and other competitions to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead as future leaders of this great country.”

Professor Solarin said Promasidor, makers of Cowbell Milk has over the years, demonstrated its resolve not only to contribute towards the development of the nation ,but also assist in the advancement of mathematics education in Nigeria, through the organization and sponsorship of the National Secondary School Mathematics Competition.

He said this development has endeared the company to the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Mathematics Centre and indeed to all states’  ministries of education and other stakeholders, remarking that the prize giving ceremony was historical as it was another step towards addressing the problem of apparent loss of pupils’ interest in Mathematics.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Professor (Mrs.) Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I said the Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) which has become a national competition covering the 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is annually organize to rekindle students’ interest in Mathematics at junior and secondary schools in Nigeria through well guided seminars, workshops, counseling and career talk.

He said it is also a forum for identifying and selecting excellent and gifted student participants to represent Nigeria at the various International Mathematics competitions and the Olympiad.

The minister who was represented by her Special Adviser on Education, Professor Sagir Abbas also noted that Promasidor has been providing financial assistance to schools and students in a bid to promote science, technology and Mathematics education in Nigeria.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Chief Keith Richards (OBE), Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria quoted Isaac Barrow, an English classical scholar, theologian and renowned Mathematician as saying that “Mathematics is the unshaken Foundation of Science.”

He said Barrow recognized that Mathematics was a universal language and the bedrock of science and technological advancement.

“We at Promasidor Nigeria Limited clearly recognize this fact and have been sponsoring NASSMAC for more than a decade through our flagship brand- Cowbell, “Richards said.

He said the primary objective of this CSR initiative is to arouse and re-awaken interest in Mathematics amongst secondary school students as a road map to nation building.

              

ET&S: South Africa: Is Marketing Moving With the Times?

ET&S: South Africa: Is Marketing Moving With the Times?: pinion  A few years ago I calculated that, every year in South Africa, roughly R50 billion was wasted on ill-conceived or just plain bad ma...




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Before now, production process and good concept of product design were all that was need so drive sales. But now the story is no longer the same, the consumer is the king and everything should centre on him. Often time, the consumer is barraged with diverse communications ad that some create conflict of choice. That is the reason why every company that desires to succeed in the 21st century should employ the tool of Market research not only to make decision but also to keep relevance.

South Africa: Is Marketing Moving With the Times?

pinion A few years ago I calculated that, every year in South Africa, roughly R50 billion was wasted on ill-conceived or just plain bad marketing.

This revelation came on the heels of research produced by Millward Brown, that showed 20% of all advertising not only didn't work but actually impacted negatively on the brands it was supposed to be promoting.

So, have things improved? Is marketing still efficient or continuing to shed money as though there was no tomorrow?

Deregulation
 Since 1994, there has not only been considerable deregulation but this country has become well and truly integrated into the international community in every sense of the word - business, sport, culture and crime.

The past couple of decades have seen a major change in the psyche of the South African consumer from being too timid or terrified to complain to toy-toying at the drop of a hat. Global competition has come home to roost.

But still our marketers are sticking to old-fashioned stereotype strategies.

Strategies that pay lip-service to the concept of customer care - our service levels are still pitifully low. Surprisingly enough, it seems to be the previously disadvantaged, who were largely excluded from front-line marketing in the past, who seem to have a firmer grasp and understanding of the importance of customers than those with decades of experience in the marketing field.

Customer service sucks
Customer service, quality and employee development in the marketing field still seem inexorably stuck on wall plaques and in mission statements, rather than put into practice.

But where marketing really seems adrift in the doldrums is in the field of communications.

From a PR point of view, marketers still hang on to naïve and horrendously defensive strategies to protect their products, brands and companies. They're like parents who just can't accept that little Johnny isn't a gullible five-year-old anymore but a young, mature adult.

And, on the advertising front, it is even worse. It is as though those creative teams responsible for our advertising are either stuck in the 1980's or floundering about in desperation. Quite apart from which, I am convinced that not many of our creatives make a point of consuming media to the same degree as their target markets.

Because far too many advertisements suggest that they are completely out of touch with the media which they are employing as a communications tool.

Consumptive media
The main problem seems to be coming to terms with the dramatic changes in media consumption over the past two decades.

Twenty years ago, when South Africa was isolated from international sport, art, culture and to a large degree, business as well, we not only had a lot of time to devote to media, particularly newspapers, television and magazines, but we simply had to keep in touch with what was going on around us, if only to look for clues in the news as to whether we were to live or die in a bloody revolution.

Now things are completely different. We don't need to read or watch the news to know if we are going to live or die - that's a given and depends entirely on our lack of luck with regard to hijackers, Aids and road traffic.

While all of this explains drops in newspaper readership, for example, it also suggests that we have all sorts of other things that demand out attention. The internet and international sport, to name but two.

Shocking shock tactics
All of which means that we have less time and inclination to watch, read and listen to advertisements. And marketers have reacted to this by trying to "shock" consumers into noticing ads. Or entice them with what look like Hollywood productions. Which, in my opinion is a suicidal strategy because consumers, frankly, have far better things to do than work out the subtleties of an ad.

Perhaps it's time to go back to basics in marketing communications. After all, isn't this that the consumer is crying out for?

"Cut the platitudes, shock tactics, subtleties and guesswork; just tell us what you're flogging and one good reason why we should buy it," is what I hear the market saying.

So, has marketing really changed in SA? The short answer is no. Because everything you have read above is pretty much word for word what I wrote 12 years ago. Nothing has really changed.