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And the World is Shrinking

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An often trotted out phrase – is that of the world today being a ‘Global village’…

What is meant by this is that where once we resided, both in actions, thoughts, interactions, relationships (commercial, social and/or religious) and engagement – within our immediate, geographical, social and relative circles and environment – now we are dispersed, far-flung in our travels, search for knowledge, betterment, riches, love; – you name it.

We are also by our very nature (to varying levels of effectiveness of interaction), brought into contact with others of different values, cultures understandings, awareness, consciousness.

And through these interactions – we acquire (not ‘gain’; more about that later) knowledge, new experiences, insights, exposure – and that most valued of modern-day ‘currency’, Knowledge Capital…

That is not to mention those, who for whatever reason(s), – be they social, knowledge, business and commercial reasons – have sought us out – either in our own country, or to wherever we have pitched up all over the world.

So, how do we connect, communicate, and share with others, this wealth of knowledge, opportunity – and new insight…?

We COMMUNICATE…

We are social creatures, human beings – we need to communicate, share, interact…

In meeting that biological, DNA-based need, we generate a drive to provide, share, review and respond to (or apply) information.

We do this in a variety of ways and media that has been afforded this (in varying degrees – depending on where we are, what is available and accessible – and what we can afford)…

– Mobile communications – spread of GPRS & 3G platforms, infrastructure and services by Mobile Network Operator’s to coincide with the growing proliferation of similar level devices, PDAs and phones by the increasingly (albeit slowly) sophisticated demands and expectations of their existing and new subscriber base…. reflects the change in strategy in terms of growing subscribers from the incumbent voice-based revenues to more data- and services-based models for revenue growth and customer acquisition and increasingly important – retention.

Internet platforms for sharing between peoples widely dispersed… E.g.: On-line portals, Web-enabled services and applications, eCommerce sites, Social network sites – text, updates, jokes, pictures, comments, opinions, concerns, goods and services, advice, information…

Broadcast – witness the growing spread of Nollywood film & movie content on various UK & US Pay-TV and the education (or information) provided to others (non-Nigerians) as to the culture, hopes, lifestyles, aspirations of the Nigerian people.

As to its truth – how really ‘reflective’ is it of the ‘Nigerian way of Life’…? Well, let’s just say that neither Hollywood nor Bollywood – the other dominant film & TV genres that have gone before it, truly reflect the societies and communities they came out of – nor should they be taken as a full-poster ad for those societies.

However, they do provide a form of insight, a sometimes colourful presentation of what is possible, on offer and the richness of the Nigerian spirit, energy drive and passion – however that may manifest itself… (We are, like all others, human after all…)

So, there we have it – the various forms of [mass] communication technology available – be they at home or abroad…

With mobile being the most pervasive, accessible and mobile (by it is very nature ); internet being the most interactive, resilient in data capacity, delivery capability and interactivity, not to mention [TV] broadcast being the most visually stimulating, interactive and evocative in its own right, any individual, community, organisation or enterprise seeking to reach this audience has a rich variety of tools at its disposal to communicate, reach and influence its target and intended audience…

In Europe (the UK particularly) and North American markets at the moment, convergence has been the buzz word for past 4 – or 5 years, with organisations from Media broadcasters, MNOs and publishing houses increasing (via growth, acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, etc.) the range of tools and Communication platforms by which they are able to offer their services, reach their customers – and add revenues and profits to their bottom line…

Convergence is the technology-driven Strategy of combining various communication technology platforms and Content Delivery mechanisms under on enterprise (more often ‘branding’ – witness VirginMedia in the UK) umbrella.

The premise behind the logic has been simple – the more tools we have to reach the increasingly segmented and niche markets that the previously homogenous market had broken down into, the more effective and ‘in context’ the presentation of our offerings and revenues – and thus the more productive and relevant it is to the client/user/subscriber/viewer – and thus generates revenues and profits to us.

So … what tool do we use – and how best do we use it…?

is a technologist, Business strategist and Principal of MediaMango. MediaMango is a leading Media Content Aggregator & Distributor with its focus on the delivery of African–desired and derived content to the principal markets of Sub Saharan Africa, Europe & North America to service the African Diaspora populations & demographics. With a wealth of experience and expertise in the broadcast, media and ICT industries, MediaMango operates a multi-platform and convergence strategy model, leveraging capability, expertise, consultancy and content capability on Mobile, Internet and Broadcast platforms and channels.

Ekanem also writes a blog,

 

http://fifthcapital,blogspot.com,[email protected]et

Ekanem


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Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

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Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

Karex, World's Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.

Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.

Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We ​have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to ⁠the customers,” Goh told Reuters.

Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.

The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.

“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.

 


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Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

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Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.

The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”

Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”

Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”

Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.

“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.

The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”

Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.

The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.

 


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UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

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L-r: Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest; Steve Grey OBE, UK Export Finance Lead; Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Ayo Sotinrin, MD/Chief Executive Nigeria's Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and Lovina Kayode, Director, Investor Relations, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, at the UK-Nigeria Trade mission in Abuja, yesterday.
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Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.

With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.

Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.

These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.

The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.

It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.

Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.

“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”

Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.

The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”

Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.

“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”

Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.

The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”

All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.

The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.

This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.


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