Are Brands Shortchanging The Southeast?

We pride ourselves on having a large market in the Southeast. Numbers and statistics support this claim. When I was in the telecom industry, Onitsha was a big revenue center for the telcos.

However, we cannot say that brands benefiting from the huge Southeast market have shown enough good faith in their social investments decision-making and this is baffling.

Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt usually receive a large chunk of corporate sponsorships from major Nigerian brands, to the neglect of the Southeast market, which can be likened to the goose that lays the golden egg.

We once had MTN as the title sponsor of Enugwu-Ukwu Igu-Aro and the other associated festivals. That relationship stopped and no other brand has bothered to throw their muscle behind the rich cultural fest. Globacom sponsors the Onitsha Ofala Festival. However, other brands are yet to step in as co-sponsors to help blow the festival the same way they have done with the Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

These fliers are just a few examples of how other brands have helped to activate the Ojude-Oba festival.

Organizing world-class festivals requires a lot of resources which only brands can provide. We people of the Southeast are demanding more from brands that are generating tons of revenue from the Southeast. Fair is fair.

We are simply asking for a re-think of the corporate social investments (CSI) strategies of major Nigerian brands to also favour the Southeast which also generates the revenues for them.

The argument that insecurity in the Southeast is one of the reasons why brands chose to stay away from CSI investments is not completely true. Insecurity may have impacted social life but people are still making calls and using data in the Southeast so the telcos can’t complain. On the Mondays of sit-at-home, I can bet that data and call usages increase as people idle away at home. On weekends, and even weekdays, bars and nightclubs are still banging so beverage companies are smiling. The financial services sector is thriving despite the security challenges. POS operators are almost lined up inch after inch in our communities. Banks are still declaring trillions of Naira in profits.

During festive periods such as Easter, New Yam, and Christmas seasons when these festivals take place. It’s choc-a-block and bumper-to-bumper traffic in the Southeast. So a bit more CSI gaze towards the Southeast by the brands won’t be a bad idea. The tokenism approach should be discarded because it’s good business for them.

Copied

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to phase out annual rent payments in favour of more flexible monthly and quarterly options.

The move aims to ease the financial burden on residents, especially low-income earners who struggle with large upfront rental costs.

Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, who revealed the initiative during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, said the initiative builds on the state’s ongoing efforts to make housing more affordable and accessible. He cited the earlier rent-to-own scheme, which allows beneficiaries to pay a five percent deposit and spread the remaining balance over 10 years, as a successful foundation for this new policy.

“That initiative was well-received, and its success encouraged us to explore new ways to reduce the pressure of yearly rent payments,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that the traditional annual rent model places an undue financial strain on many Lagosians. “We believe monthly or quarterly payment options will offer people more breathing room and reduce the stress of sourcing lump sums,” he noted.

He also confirmed that the government is engaging with landlords, property developers, and other stakeholders to address potential challenges, including enforcement and secure payment tracking.

“There are issues to resolve — landlord cooperation, payment monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms,” he said. “But discussions are ongoing, and we are listening to all sides.”

A pilot phase of the new rent structure is expected to roll out in select areas of the state.

“This is not just policy on paper. We are making real progress. We understand what this means for many families, and we are determined to make it happen,” Akinderu-Fatai concluded.

These are the achievements we must never fail to celebrate! They remind us, as Nigerians and Africans, that innovation is woven into our identity—just as it was for our forefathers.

Our history is filled with innovators whose solutions addressed local challenges with global implications. Congratulations Oluwatobi Oyinlola

Annie Idibia Leaves Rehab, Embraces a New Path to Healing

Nigerian actress Annie Idibia has recently departed from the rehabilitation center where she had been receiving treatment, following the dissolution of her marriage to renowned singer 2Baba. According to reports, Annie made an unexpected exit from the facility and has chosen to pursue a different approach to address her personal and emotional challenges.

Sources indicate that Annie had been deeply reflecting on the circumstances that led her to seek professional help. One insider noted, "She was meant to stay longer, but for reasons we are yet to fully understand, she decided to leave. What's clear is that she is not giving up on herself. She still wants to heal and rebuild her life."

The Power of Her Hands: Live Studio Series

For Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women shaping African fashion—one stitch, one design, one masterpiece at a time.

Join us for 5 days of live conversations, direct from their studios.

What to expect:
Their stories, challenges & impact on the industry
The inspiration & craftsmanship behind their work
Collection showcase

Tune in LIVE daily—time details in the slides!
@AnanseAfrica on INSTAGRAM

What does “The Power of Her Hands” mean to you? Drop a comment below & tag a friend who needs to watch!

#ThePowerOfHerHands #AnanseAfrica #WomenEmpoweringWomen #WomensDay #AfricanFashion

The Chairperson of Bonny LGA in Rivers State, Dame Hon Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, on Wednesday handed over keys of the new Mini Buses to 20 beneficiaries.

The buses were recently procured by the local government for the purpose of easing the challenges associated with mass transportation in the LGA.

NigerDelta Insider

Malaika: The Movie – Now on Circuit TV!

After an incredible cinema tour, Malaika is finally coming to your screens! This is more than just a film—it’s an experience that will move you, challenge you, and open your eyes to deeper truths.

Beyond the theme of infertility, Malaika delivers a powerful message about self-reflection and personal growth. Are you facing challenges? Do you find yourself blaming unseen forces for your struggles? This movie will make you rethink, reset, and take charge of your destiny.

Don’t miss out! Malaika is now streaming on Circuit TV. Download the app and immerse yourself in this unforgettable story! #MalaikaTheMovie #NowStreaming #WatchAndReflect

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Senator Titus Zam, Benue North West (APC), has said that the NCDC will help rebuild the zone.

Sen Zam, who disclosed this during the funeral oration for the late Tyoor Augustine Azer Tingir, District Head of Saghev/Ukusu at Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, further said the commission will also help tackle the challenges of insecurity facing north-central Nigeria.

Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) signed into law a bill establishing the NCDC on February 4, 2025. Senator Zam is the pioneer Senate Committee Chairman of the commission.

"With this commission, I know that there is somewhere to run to," Senator Zam told his audience, noting that a similar commission in the South and North East is developing the aforementioned regions.

According to the Benue North West Senator, the problems facing the zone will soon be tackled. He explained that by Tuesday next week, the budget for the commission will be presented before the National Assembly, and once passed, funding will be available for the commission to take off.

Already, political leaders in the zone have met to fine-tune arrangements for the NCDC's smooth takeoff.

Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, said after the meeting that the leaders met to chart "the best path forward for the NCDC to drive security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the North Central Zone in our collective quest to strengthen the region, provide lasting solutions to our challenges, and unlock opportunities for our people."

Credit: The News Times.

#benue_newspoint