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BHM, Africa’s Leading PR Firm, Announces UK Operations
BlackHouse Media, a Nigerian public relations and communications company has announced the commencement of its UK operations.
Founder Ayeni Adekunle CMPRCA, MCIPR will serve as principal consultant and chief executive officer.
Stephen Waddington FPRCA, FCIPR, 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.
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.
Ayeni Adekunle says,
“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 adds,
‘‘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.’’
Ayeni worked as a journalist and columnist before setting up BHM in 2006. The company worked with celebrities and entertainers before winning a ViacomCBS pitch in 2010, followed by Moet Hennessy. He is a fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, a council member of the PRCA, and a committee member of CIPR Scotland. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria and Edinburgh Scotland where BHM UK was incubated.
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.
African PR and Tech Company Plaqad To Launch First Of Its Kind Global Communications Platform
Plaqad, a marketing and public relations software company, is set to release a proprietary marketing platform that lets brands advance an affordable, data-driven campaign from start to finish. The platform, which automates the entire campaign workflow, gives users the ability to find and hire talent and service providers, launch a campaign, track and measure campaign performance and process vendor payments—all in one place.
Plaqad launched its initial offering, SocialCred, a free influencer and social media ranking tool, in June.
SocialCred is a free influencer and social media ranking tool that leverages non-traditional metrics to measure influence on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. It provides social media users with actionable insights to grow their influence, while also providing brands with sufficient data on influencers to make informed decisions on which creator to partner with. The tool, by downplaying traditional metrics like reach and impressions, also helps to counter influencer fraud and measure real engagement.
Plaqad, first established in 2017 as a startup within BlackHouse Media (BHM), one of the most successful PR companies to come out of Africa, was built to connect brands and individuals to bloggers, news websites, publishers and social influencers.
Today, Plaqad, strengthened by a community of over 15,000 influencers, creators and publishers, has successfully placed over 25,000 pieces of content on social and web platforms across four continents. It has paid out over $1 million on hundreds of campaigns to members, in effect helping its program members monetize their content, platform and influence.
“Plaqad, a contorted way of spelling the word ‘placard,’ is a protest against the norm,” said BlackHouse Media and Plaqad Founder, Ayeni Adekunle. “In line with our mantra ‘Make Your Voice Heard,’ we continue to live our mission to help businesses irrespective of their sizes, location or budget, reach and effectively engage their audience. We conceived the idea for Plaqad to help democratize an important aspect of modern communications.”
Amplifying Your Brand’s Message
Plaqad houses two broad products: PlaqadM, an online freelance marketplace that connects brands to thousands of freelance service providers, and PlaqadIQ, a robust set of social media tracking and analytics tools, to measure and optimize the performance and impact campaigns.
While both products sit on one platform, brands do not have to utilize or pay for both. For example, a brand can pay to track a campaign using PlaqadIQ without having to hire service providers on PlaqadM. This flexibility is also reflected in the platform’s payment models. Plaqad users can choose to pay a monthly or annual subscription, depending on their needs and usage frequency.
“Our platform gives every individual and brand a voice in the marketplace by opening up access to quality talent and tools and automating the entire process of executing PR and marketing campaigns,” said Plaqad CEO Gbenga Sogbaike. “Plaqad levels the playing field, giving SMBs the ability to connect to quality service providers regardless of budget, while also tracking their campaigns real-time all in one place.”
The Plaqad platform is the result of years of industry experience, active listening, data and insights gathering and solution-driven engineering to uniquely solve age-long PR and marketing issues.
Brands and agencies still grapple with challenges relating to limited access to quality talent, poor attribution, opaque agency and influencer practices and a largely cumbersome and slow engagement process. By providing brands, agencies and individuals with the tools and resources they need to effectively engage their desired audience in a seamless and measurable way, Plaqad is helping to address some of these issues.
Plaqad’s history is rooted in innovation, from being the first to create a content trading social network for bloggers, news websites, publishers and social influencers (micro-bloggers), to launching Africa’s first Influencer Compensation Report.
Its parent company BHM has been named PR Agency of the Year for three consecutive years and has published the continent’s only PR report since 2015. BHM built Africa’s first PR app and was named the Best PR Agency to Work in Nigeria in 2017. Its roster of blue-chip clients includes Heineken, ViacomCBS, Coca-Cola, Reckitt Benckiser, MTN and Multichoice. When BHM rolled out its U.K. operations earlier this month, it became the first Nigerian PR firm to go international. Founder Ayeni Adekunle is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA).
“We are driven by innovation and it is reflected in the solutions we bring to the market,” said Ayeni. “With Plaqad, our goal is to build the most convenient and efficient community-led marketing platform. We want to build communities that give people the power to directly collaborate and exchange value on multiple levels, and ultimately give everyone—organizations and individuals—the power to make their voices heard, without barriers.”
Ranking Influence
SocialCred is Plaqad’s response to the mushrooming issue of influencer fraud and fake news. Its algorithm measures real influence and minimizes influencer fraud by downplaying traditional metrics like follower count, reach and impressions, focusing instead on engagement rate, audience sentiments (positive, neutral or negative), content quality and the creators’ ratio of original to shared posts within a 30-day window.
While designed as a tool for influencers and the brands that want to engage with them, the free app is available to all social media users. Individuals are awarded badges—titled A-Lister, Big Shot, Socialite, Trend Setter, JJC, Superstar, and Learner—based on their rankings.
Beyond the fun factor, SocialCred’s badges serve an important function, helping brands assess and select influencers based on their influence quotient across Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. The platform makes it easier for brands to find genuine influencers who can drive real actions.
It also helps influencers to get better—and acquire bigger and better badges—by offering tips and tools to boost their visibility and social credibility.
“Influencer fraud is one of the biggest threats to the success of brand campaigns,” said Sogbaike. “SocialCred is our first step to promoting greater transparency and accountability in influencer marketing, thereby helping practitioners to counter influencer fraud. SocialCred separates real influencers from those simply faking it. We will keep adding new features to improve the app and expand its use cases.”
SocialCred is available now.
The Plaqad platform, including PlaqadM and Plaqad IQ, will be in full release beginning today. From November 30 through December 15, Plaqad is offering brands, agencies and individuals the opportunity to test drive the game-changing platform at no cost. For more information, visit plaqad.com.
About Plaqad
Plaqad sits at the intersection of technology, marketing and PR, bringing together the people, the tools, the products and the resources required by businesses to run successful campaigns on a single platform. Plaqad is an emerging global tech brand and Africa’s first-ever end-to-end marketplace and analytics platform.
10 Key Highlights of the President’s Speech
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, addressed the nation on Sunday, 29th March 2020 on the COVID-19 situation in Nigeria and his government’s on-going efforts to tackle and contain the pandemic. In his address, he also announced new directives and orders. Below are key highlights from the speech:
- Update on number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria & its Epicenter in Nigeria
The President announced that the number of COVID-19 cases as at the morning of March 29th, 2020, has risen to ninety-seven and declared both Lagos and Abuja as COVID-19 epicenters in Nigeria with Lagos and the FCT having the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria.
- Steps to Avoid Contracting the Virus
The President emphasized the need for Nigerians to continue with regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing practices such as regular handwashing with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow, etc.
- Lock Down in Lagos, Ogun States and FCT Abuja
President Buhari issued a 14 day lock down in Lagos and Ogun States as well as, Abuja commencing from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. Consequently, offices and businesses in these locations are to be fully closed within the period of the lockdown.
- Exemptions to Lock Down Order
Businesses and Organisations exempt by the order of the President includes:
- Hospitals and all related medical establishments.
- Food processing, distribution and retail companies;
- Petroleum distribution and retail companies,
- Power generation, transmission and distribution companies,
- Private security companies
- Telecommunication companies,
- Broadcasters, Print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home.
- Government Measures Combating COVID-19 Effect
In his address, the President mentioned the measures undertaken by his Government to tackle the spread of the virus. He mentioned the healthcare measures led by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and National Center For Disease Control (NCDC), border security measures through Nigeria Customs and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), fiscal and monetary policies led by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Some of the monetary measures includes a 9% to 5% interest rate reduction on all CBN intervention facilities, directive to banks to temporarily restructure loan given to organisations and households affected by the pandemic, creation of a N50 billion credit facility to organisations (SMEs) and households affected by the pandemic, etc.
- Suspension of Commercial and Private Flights Within Nigeria.
The President announced the suspension of all inter-states or community flights in Nigeria. This covers both commercial and private flights. However, an exception was made for flights with special permits granted by the Federal Government through its appropriate agencies.
- Federal Government Funded Loans
The President announced a directive to relevant government agencies, e.g. CBN, Bank of Industry and Nigeria Export Import Bank, to give a moratorium to borrowers of all Federal Government funded loans.
In addition, he announced a directive to Nigerian development financial institutions to engage and negotiate concessions with international and multilateral development partners in favour of borrowers based in Nigeria.
- CSR and Citizen Support
While recognising private efforts so far, the President urged all Nigerian citizens and businesses to assist the Federal Government by taking personal responsibility to support and provide for those who are vulnerable within their communities.
- Coordination of Donations
The President reiterated that all contributions and donations will be organized and coordinated by the Presidential Task Force. This Task Force is the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response.
- Guidance of the National Bodies
In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, President Buhari recognized the coordinated efforts and guidance of important bodies such as medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and other relevant agencies. He advised Nigerians to continue to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.
As the President said, “there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts”. We as a people have to work together to protect ourselves and community at large.
MTN Nigeria Board condemns Xenophobia and Violence.
“The Board of MTN Nigeria wishes to add its unequivocal condemnation of the xenophobia and violence against Nigerians and other nationalities in South Africa over the recent days, as well as the violent response to it in Nigeria. Violence cannot and must never be acceptable and we must reject it in the strongest terms possible.
We offer our profound sympathies to all those affected and urge all stakeholders and communities in Nigeria, South Africa and other countries, to act with restraint, and to work collaboratively to address these issues. Our future as a continent will be built on enhanced connections and greater integration economically, culturally and politically. It is in all of our interests to work together.”
Ernest Ndukwe OFR, Chairman
MultiChoice Condemns Violence In South Africa
“MultiChoice is committed to uniting Africans through our programming and cultural initiatives.
We advocate equality and condemn all forms of discrimination. The on-going violence in South Africa against foreign nationals, is against the spirit of Africa, and counter-productive to the decades of work done by African leaders and well-meaning organisations to unite the continent.
We embrace and celebrate the diversity of varied nationalities, traditions, cultures and religions from across the continent and beyond. This is demonstrated through our multinational staff complement, our multicultural supply chain, as well as the local and international content that we showcase on both our DStv and GOtv platforms.
We believe Africa’s full potential can only be realised through dialogue, peace, and unity.
This is a sombre period for every African on the continent and beyond, and we urge all our customers, followers, and stakeholders to shun violence.”
John Ugbe
CEO, Multichoice Nigeria
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc Says No To Xenophobia
MTN Nigeria strongly condemns hate, prejudice and xenophobia and reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of all violence.
We seek to connect people, bring people together and provide a platform for everyone’s voice to be heard. We are against all forms of bigotry and discrimination; they should have no place in society.
Everyone has the right to a world where their rights and freedoms are respected – the right to live and earn a living, freely, safely, and protected by the law.
Ferdi Moolman
CEO MTN Nigeria
ID Africa Advocates for a United Africa
In the same week that Romelu Lukaku, a star footballer of African descent was racially abused while playing in Europe, it saddens the heart to see Africans attacking other Africans on the continent.
ID Africa is a firm believer in the concept of ‘One Africa’. As an organisation that proudly flies the African flag in our corporate identity, we are not only disappointed by these recent events, but deeply heartbroken.
Africa has a lot to offer the world, and only with strong trade relations, collaboration and inclusion can we overcome our decades old challenges. Violence, bloodshed, xenophobia and hatred of one another will lead us nowhere.
We hereby join other well meaning Nigerians and South Africans across the world to call for cessation of violence and embrace of unity, which will lead us to lasting peace and collective prosperity.
In the words of Shawn Carter, ‘We all lose when the family feuds.’
Femi Falodun To Speak At PRCAN Masterclass
The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has announced Mr Femi Falodun, the CEO of Marketing, Media and Technology company, ID Africa, as one of the speakers during their masterclass themed: ‘How to write Winning PR Proposals, Plans and Case Studies’ happening on Friday, March 22, 2019.
Mr Falodun, who has years of experience, consulting on diverse Public Relations, Content Marketing, Digital Communication campaigns and developing strategies/tactics for some of Nigeria’s biggest brands will be drawing knowledge from his robust wealth of experience to speak on the topic: ‘Documenting PR Campaigns as Case Studies.’
Also speaking at the event which holds at Adna Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, are Chuddy Oduenyi, Managing director of Compact communications and Tola Bademosi, Managing director of BD Consult. The training is expected to draw participants made up of PR professionals both in the public and private sector.
While commenting on the upcoming training, Mr Falodun says, “sessions like this one are of utmost importance to the media industry as a whole, it helps each of us document our experiences and also share ideas on the next phase for the industry.”
PRCAN is a body established to uphold the best practices in the Nigerian public relations sector in the areas of standards, conduct, as well as economic well-being for stakeholders in the public relations industry.
LAGOSIANS SET TO ENJOY ‘CAMPARI AND BEER’ AT NIGERIA BEER FESTIVAL
World renowned premium bitters and classic alcoholic drink, Campari, is at it once again in Nigeria. The invigorating drink, wildly popular as a bitter-sweet base of most cocktails is s et to provide teeming beer lovers with vibrant fun and delicious mixes at the first Nigeria Beer Festival holding in the city of Lagos.
The maiden edition of Nigeria Beer Festival holds at the Eko Atlantic City from the 25th of September to the 1st of October, 2017. The event affords consumers an opportunity to relish the vibrant hue, intense aroma and inspiring flavour of Campari in-bar cocktails mixed by professional mixologists.
Brand Manager Campari, Rilwan Shofunde, in his remarks about Campari’s participation at the Beer Festival, states,
“Campari lives up to its promise of not only providing superior quality cocktail base, but also to create stylish yet unique drinking experiences for consumers. It is in support of our beer-drinking culture that we are participating in the very first Nigeria Beer Festival, so as to encourage our fans and consumers to keep enjoying mixing Campari with their preferred beer brand. This is the true spirit behind our ‘Campari Loves Beer’ mantra.”
The festival which is a week-long celebration leading up to Nigeria’s Independence, promises to be full of fun, entertainment and various side attractions. The festival will also play host to Campari Brand Ambassador, 2Baba often referred to as ‘Mr. Campari’. The iconic singer will add colour to the event, while fans will also have the opportunity for ‘meet and greet’ sessions.
In his reaction, 2Baba says,
“I am always delighted to share the excitement and passion of Campari drink with my fans anytime, anywhere. As the number one lover of Campari myself, I will be at the Nigeria Beer festival to support our mixologists in showing them the true meaning of ‘Campari Loves Beer’.”
Campari has also been rewarding Nigerians nationwide in its ‘Buy N Win’ campaign, where buyers of the product win prizes in raffle draws, and also get free tickets to the upcoming ‘Dare To Mix’ Festival, a celebration of the exciting blend of Campari plus beer, which comes up in Port-Harcourt, later this October.
Campari is currently marketed and distributed in more than 190 countries in the world. The brand encourages everyone to enjoy their drinks responsibly, celebrating life every day, everywhere.
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