Brandcom - Linking the future

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Abia State Government, through the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA), has imposed a N200 million political campaign advertising permit fee for every presidential candidate seeking to campaign with billboards and posters in the state, a decision that that has drawn opposition from stakeholders in the advertising industry and political parties. The fee schedule was unveiled recently in Aba during a Stakeholders' Forum on Political Campaign…

Airtel Nigeria has begun rolling out a new chain of compact retail outlets called "Single-Seater Shops," designed to bring its products and customer services closer to subscribers across the country. The telecom operator officially launched the initiative recently, with its flagship outlet opening at City Mall in Onikan, Lagos. The company described the new store format as a strategic move to improve accessibility and convenience for its growing customer base. Unlike traditional Airtel service centres, which…

Landmark research sponsored by the CIPR Research Fund reveals 86% of uncertified young African PR professionals want global credentials, but 62% are priced out by high costs and currency restrictions. A new eye-opening report, Impact Beyond Borders: Expanding Global Access for Young African Communicators, which offers an evidence‑based blueprint for transforming access, equity, and representation for young professionals across Africa’s communications and public relations industry has been released. Sub-Saharan…

Entrepreneur, lawyer and 38th Miss Nigeria, Ezinne Akudo, is building more than a podcast. With the launch of Season 2 of Beyond with Ezinne, she is steadily creating a purpose-driven media brand anchored on authentic storytelling, meaningful conversations and community. At a time when audiences increasingly value trust over reach, the platform offers a compelling example of how creators are using owned media to build influence, deepen engagement and create long-term brand equity. The launch event, themed…

Meta has launched a free verification badge for Facebook that uses facial recognition to confirm a real person is behind a profile, reviving technology the company shut down in 2021 over privacy concerns. Meta announced "Facebook Verified" recently, describing it as a response to a rise in AI-generated profiles, content and messages on the platform. To qualify, users must be 18 or older, in good standing with Facebook's Community Standards, and record a short video selfie that the system checks against their…

HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading provider of innovative building solutions and manufacturer of a wide range of cement, ready mix, mortar and Plaster of Paris brands has declared a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N208billion representing a 57% growth for the first half of 2026. Net sales grew by 31% in H1 2026, driven by an 11% volume growth, enhanced operational stability and improvement in distribution efficiency. Operating profit during the period grew by 51% to close at N291billion and was…

Golden Penny Food Fest and Semovita Soup Festival combine for a family-style consumer takeover in Imo State, reiterating Flour Mills of Nigeria's South-East growth strategy The self-styled "Heartland of the Eastland" got a taste of Lagos-grade brand engagement on Saturday, July 19, 2026, when Golden Penny Foods, the flagship consumer brand of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc, brought its twin marquee consumer events, the Golden Penny Food Fest and the Golden Penny Semovita Soup Festival to the grounds of NTA…

FirstHoldCoPlc says it will channel part of its next capital raise into expanding into new markets outside Nigeria and acquiring new business lines, as the financial holding company moves into the closing stages of its recapitalisation drive. Group managing director Wale Oyedeji disclosed the plan during the company's half-year 2026 earnings recently, saying the additional capital expected in the second half of the year would go beyond meeting regulatory thresholds to fund entry into new markets and ventures…