By Olumide Iyanda
As far as endorsement deals go in Nigeria, telecommunication giant, Globacom, currently holds the bragging right with a total of 28 entertainers as brand ambassadors.
Musicians Wizkid, Koredo Bello, Reekado Banks and Hadizah Blell (Di’ja) are some of the nine new names recently signed by the company.
The other new entrants are comedians Ayo Makun (AY) and Bovi Ugboma; and actors OC Ukeje, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G) and Odunlade Adekola,
Music stars D’Banj, Peter and Paul Okoye (P-Square), Chinedu Okoli (Flavour), Jude Abaga (M.I), Wande Coal, Omawumi Megbele, Bez Idakula, Burna Boy, Ego Ogbaro, Sammie Okposo and Sani Danja are some of the 19 whose contracts were renewed.
Other old names are Basketmouth, Ini Edo, Funke Akindele, Helen Paul, Ime Bishop Umoh (Okon), John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), Chiwetalu Agu and popular newscaster, Bimbo Oloyede.
The signing of the 28 artistes is so far the biggest endorsement deal by any corporate organisation in Nigeria.
Apart from the generous financial package which the ambassadors will enjoy from Glo, the endorsement deal is expected to give additional fillip to their career.
“Glo as an emerging global brand offers a big platform for the artistes to further promote their career through the company’s heavy marketing communication activities in local and international media. They will also have the opportunity to feature in Glo’s highly popular shows such as Slide and Bounce and the Glo-CAF Awards,” said a company source.
In addition to this, the financial reward will also empower the artistes to enhance their career through music promotions and productions.
Globacom began the use of musicians and actors as brand ambassadors and influencers when it signed on Lagbaja, Osita Osadebe, Oliver d’Coque and Nelly Uchendu after it launched operations in 2003.
The 28 ambassadors -who are the chosen few to have found favour with Globacom Chairman, Mike Adenuga – will be unveiled at a ceremony soon.
