Home Blog

Mamuda Beverages Dragged to Court for Trademark Infringement With POP Power Energy Drink

0

Lagos, Nigeria – Mamuda Beverages Limited, a Kano-based beverage company, has been dragged to court again with its Pop Energy drink, for allegedly violating the trademark of a well-established national brand, Fearless Energy drink.

Mamuda Beverages Dragged to Court for Trademark Infringement With POP Power Energy Drink
Hassan Hammoud, Chairman/CEO of Mamuda Group, the company accused of trademark infringement

Citing a blatant violation of intellectual property rights and a disregard for a prior court SETTLEMENT, Rite Foods Limited, Nigeria’s leading food and beverage company and makers of the country’s number one Energy Drink, Fearless, has filed fresh legal action against Mamuda for what a source described as a repeated identity theft, product passing off and fraudulent imitation of its premium brand to confuse consumers.

In January 2025, Rite Foods sued Mamuda for infringing on the trademark and design of its iconic Fearless Energy Drink with the launch of a lookalike product, Pop Power. However, Mamuda in an apparent admittance of guilt, sought for settlement, and based on certain terms, a court-approved consent judgment was granted. Some of the terms of settlement included that Mamuda would desist from further violation of Fearless’ trademark and identity pass-off. It also agreed to destroy all infringing products and pledged to change its design and avoid any form of identity imitation.

However, in a move that has drawn widespread condemnation, Mamuda, after destroying its initial products with a stolen identity, has allegedly returned Pop Power to the market with only minor cosmetic tweaks, which is possibly more confusing to consumers. According to reports, the revamped product continues to mislead consumers, many of whom still refer to it as “small Fearless,” a development that not only flouts the spirit of the content and character of earlier court-endorsed resolution but also threatens consumer trust.

Mamuda Beverages Dragged to Court for Trademark Infringement With POP Power Energy Drink

A source close to applicants clarified that the company’s recent ex parte application, which sought for certain urgent protection, has not been denied, despite some misleading media claims. Rather, the Federal High Court in Abuja has decided to first hear Mamuda’s preliminary objection, a procedural formality that does not affect the strength of Rite Foods’ case.

Adding his voice to the issue, Aminu Danladi, a resident of Kano and longtime Fearless drinker, said: “Mamuda’s actions are not just disappointing — they are a grand deception to pass off the quality and explore the success of Fearless Energy drink. Rather than being original, they trying to exploit a well-established brand, which is against fair competition. I’ve been drinking Fearless since it launched. When friends started asking for ‘small Fearless,’ I was shocked. It’s unfair to hardworking brands that invest in originality.”

Reaffirming this stance, Faroq Ismail emphasised the need to protect brands that invest heavily in quality, creativity, and consumer trust from being undermined by opportunistic limitations that seek to profit from other companies’ innovations.

A source at Rite Foods Limited says, “As the leader in Nigeria’s energy drink sector, we owe it to our consumers, partners, and the broader business community to defend originality against opportunism,” the source added.

Since its launch, Fearless Energy Drink has transformed Nigeria’s energy drink landscape as the first proudly Nigerian-made brand packaged in PET bottles. With bold flavors like Red Berry and Classic, and a powerful brand spirit rooted in ambition and resilience, Fearless has become much more than a beverage — it’s a movement. The “I Can, I Am” spirit now drives a generation to push boundaries and chase success.

Backed by world-class production facilities and a vibrant Fearless Geng community, Fearless continues to set the pace, standing tall as the undisputed trailblazer in Nigeria’s energy drink market.

As legal proceedings unfold, this case could set a critical precedent for the protection of intellectual property rights and product identity protection in Nigeria’s fast-growing consumer goods sector.

Just In: Soludo Assures Anambra Indigenes in the UK of a Homeland of Opportunities

0

Anambra, Nigeria – In consolidation of his administration’s three years in office and continuation of the town hall meeting and engagement with the people of Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo, on Monday, May 21, 2025, held the United Kingdom (UK) phase of the Anambra Community meeting.

Governor Charles Soludo and First Lady, Mrs Nonye Soludo of Anambra State at the Diaspora-TOWNHALL meeting in EU/UK for presentation of 3-year scorecard in London.

Soludo, at the event, assured the indigenes of the state that Anambra is now a homeland of opportunities for businesses and economic activities.

At the meeting with high-profile citizens of Anambra held at the Saray Banqueting Suite, 54 The Market Square, London, N9 0TZ, in the UK, Governor Soludo assures that Anambra has been transformed with the infrastructure required to ensure the needed development.

Soludo encouraged stakeholders to come home and take advantage of the state’s infrastructural transformation, security, and natural endowment for investments.

With the ‘Solution is Here’ mantra, the governor presented his scorecard and highlighted the numerous achievements of his administration, which are evident in road construction across the state.

These roads connect various communities that have not seen tarred roads before, like the headquarters of Anambra West Local Government Area, and other areas that have been without any road infrastructure since the creation of the state.

Read AlsoFGN Moves To Foster Implementation Of FOCAC Agreements

During the Townhall Meeting, which was streamed live and monitored in Nigeria, Soludo said the perennial flooding that has engulfed the state has become a thing of the past, with the construction of drainage in the affected areas. “No government has ever done what we have achieved,” he stated.

According to the governor, his administration’s urban regeneration projects have transmuted slums into towns and towns into cities, as seen in Anambra West and Ogbaru LGAs, with promises made and kept.

Soludo’s achievements are also visible in the area of education, where free education has been granted to students and smart schools have been built, with more teachers employed. He also highlighted his achievements in the health sector, where general hospitals have been built, hospitals have been renovated, and free healthcare services have been provided for pregnant women. He has also earned regional and national recognition for his laudable performance.

Other areas impressive achievements include security reforms, with the signing into Law of the Anambra Homeland Security Law that birthed the state security system, Agunechemba to complement the existing security network, and the formation of Operation Udo Ga-Achi forces provided with modern technology gadgets to combat crime; in human capital development with the various innovation scheme for youths, and the digitisation of the governance systems amongst others.

To attain a high level of security, the governor urged the collaboration of traditional leaders called the Igwes in ridding the state of criminals. He affirmed that crimes such as kidnapping have become a business and must be eradicated.

“Since I assumed office, we have liberated eight LGAs from these criminals, and Anambra is now full of people because most of these criminals have left the state. We will cleanse the state and make it a place where people can live, and I will do it to make it crime-free,” he stated.

For a robust public-private partnership, Soludo called on the Anambra indigenes to take an interest in developing the state through land ownership for individual and entrepreneurial ventures to spur economic growth, with a multiplier effect on the state’s citizenry. Soludo added, “We must develop that consciousness for the homeland.”

The governor, who was recently honoured with the Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year Award for good governance on 11th April 2025, also clinched The Sun Newspaper ‘Governor of the Year 2024’ for his laudable achievements and the Independent Newspaper ‘Governor of the Year 2024’ Award for his urban renewal initiatives.

FGN Moves To Foster Implementation Of FOCAC Agreements

0

As part of efforts to ensure the prompt actualization of agreements with the People’s Republic of China, the Federal Government of Nigeria convened an inter-ministerial meeting to strengthen the implementation of agreements reached during the 2024 FOCAC Summit and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China.

Federal Government of Nigeria moves to foster implementation of FOCAC agreements
L-R: Judy Melifonwu of NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership NCSP; Amb Janet Olisa, Director of Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Felix Obidi of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the inter-ministerial meeting on implementation of the FOCAC agreement recently

The meeting, hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the urgency of converting memoranda of understanding (MOUs) into actionable projects that benefit all Nigerians.

The meeting, which was chaired by the Director of Regions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Janet Olisa, was enriched with contributions from key representatives from various ministries and agencies. Discussions centered on advancing Nigeria’s priorities in agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure.

The meeting underscored China’s $51 billion commitment to green infrastructure in Africa, identifying pathways for Nigeria to access at least $10 billion in funding. It also addressed bottlenecks hindering implementation, with actionable steps outlined to fast-track projects, improve legal frameworks, and prioritize value-added exports to China.

Read AlsoPolice Dismantle Cyber Fraud Training Centre In Lagos, Detain Suspects

While speaking, DG NCSP Joseph Tegbe highlighted NCSP’s pivotal role in coordinating efforts to ensure the MOUs evolve into projects that create jobs, stimulate the economy, and enhance citizens’ lives.

Ambassador Olisa reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic opportunity to leverage this partnership for sustainable development and emphasized the importance of collaboration across government ministries.

Key challenges, including the reliance on raw commodity exports, were acknowledged, with resolutions mapped out to tackle them. Action items include submitting roadmaps, reviewing agreements, forming implementation committees, and resolving outstanding MOU discrepancies. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for two weeks to track progress on the outlined goals.

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership was established to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through targeted Chinese investments, aligning with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Through cohesive interministerial collaboration, the partnership aims to drive significant economic diversification and growth, ultimately benefiting every Nigerian.

Police Dismantle Cyber Fraud Training Centre In Lagos, Detain Suspects

0

Lagos, Nigeria – The police command in Lagos says it uncovered and dismantled an internet fraud training facility known as ‘Yahoo School’, operating out of the Iju area of the state.

As per NAN reports, the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

“During the successful operations, the police detectives apprehended four Yahoo experts, of ages 22, 23, 25, and 26, who were running the notorious school. The other six suspects, who are between the ages of 12 and 26, are their criminal trainees, all of whom were undergoing training in cybercrime and fraud.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspects of the facility recruited their trainees from Anambra, engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes.

“The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects,” the police statement said.

Read AlsoZimbabwean Authorities Arrest, Charge Citizens Following Anti-Government Protests

According to the command, all suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for further discreet investigation and prosecution while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the sponsors who financed the trainees’ enrolment in the school, as well as the owner of the facility where these criminal and illegal activities took place.

“The owner of the facility is hereby warned, in his own interest to turn himself in immediately at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, from wherever he is hiding,” added the statement.

Mr Hundeyin said the command would ensure that all suspects were charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation in the case.

The police spokesman said the 12-year-old suspect among them, with healing marks of injuries on his body, was receiving medical treatment.

“In line with due process of the law, the underage suspect, with injuries allegedly inflicted on him by the main principal suspect to compel him into the commission of the criminal acts, is being given medical attention.

Read AlsoTinubu Sacks NNPCL CEO, Kyari, Replaces With Ex-Shell MD, Ojulari

“He is kept in protective custody till his relatives are identified and reunited with him,” added Mr Hundeyin.

Mr Hundeyin encouraged the public, who had fallen victim to the fraudulent activities of the criminal syndicate, to go to the SCID, Yaba, with their complaints. (NAN)

Zimbabwean Authorities Arrest, Charge Citizens Following Anti-Government Protests

0

No fewer than ninety-five (95) citizens had been arrested by the Zimbabwe police on Tuesday after a day of protests called by opponents of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

As reported by local news media, the group appeared before a court in Harare on charges of promoting public violence in the country.

It was observed that the turnout for the demonstrations was low, with most people staying away from the streets.

Africanews reported that a copy of the police charges accused the suspects of throwing stones and barricading a street while they gathered at Harare’s Freedom Square.

Schools and businesses were closed as people did not turn up for the protests called for a faction of veterans of the country’s 1970s liberation war against white minority rule.

Government officials and the police had encouraged the public to ignore the protest call and go about their usual routines. Security was tightened in the capital, where police dispersed a small crowd on the outskirts of the central business district.

Read AlsoTinubu Sacks NNPCL CEO, Kyari, Replaces With Ex-Shell MD, Ojulari

The faction says it is against a campaign by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s supporters for him to extend his rule beyond 2028, when his second and final term ends.

Faction leader Blessed Geza has been using posts on YouTube to rally supporters for an “uprising” against Mnangagwa. The group is backing Constantino Chiwenga, one of the president’s deputies, to replace him.

Chiwenga, who led a coup against former president Robert Mugabe when he was still a general in the military, has not commented on Mnangagwa’s term extension bid or the protests.

Tinubu Sacks NNPCL CEO, Kyari, Replaces With Ex-Shell MD, Ojulari

0

Lagos, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has disengaged the group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Limited, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari and replaces with Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari.

The decision was announced early Wednesday in a press statement signed by the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the president also removed the board chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

Until his appointment, Ojulari, an engineer and expert in petroleum, process and production engineering, was managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) from 2015 to 2021.

The statement added that, “The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.”

Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu.

Read AlsoJust In: FG Announces Closure Of Independence Bridge

Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.

Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.

“Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,” Onanuga also said.

“All the appointments according to the statement are effective today, April 2.

“President Tinubu, while invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, emphasised that the board’s restructuring is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification.

“The President also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board: to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.

“Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

“The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030. Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.”

Just In: FG Announces Closure Of Independence Bridge

0

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a planned closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) commencing on Tuesday April 1, 2025.

As gathered, this closure is necessary to facilitate essential maintenance, and rehabilitation works on the bridge.

The closure will affect traffic traveling from the Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, EKO bridge and Onikan by zone 2 .

The independence bridge will remain closed until the end of May 2025 for the repairs.

Read AlsoCAF Orders Replay of Cameroon Vs. Kenya 2025 AFCON Qualifier Over Match-fixing

Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes.

The Federal Ministry of Works apologizes for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the safety and stability of our road infrastructure.

As circulated, the statement was signed by the Federal Controller or works, Lagos, Engineer Olukorede Keisha.

CAF Orders Replay of Cameroon Vs. Kenya 2025 AFCON Qualifier Over Match-fixing

0

The replay of 2025 AFCON qualifier match between Cameroon and Kenya has been ordered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after an extensive investigation uncovered credible evidence of match-fixing.

CAF Orders Replay of Cameroon Vs. Kenya 2025 AFCON Qualifier Over Match-fixing

As confirmed in an official letter addressed to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), CAF revealed that FIFA’s Integrity and Compliance Unit, in collaboration with CAF and global sports integrity agencies, found irregularities in the match played on October 16, 2024, in Yaoundé.

A forensic review of match footage and intelligence reports highlighted instances of match manipulation involving multiple individuals.

Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been specifically named, and his actions during the match raised significant concerns regarding compliance with FIFA’s anti-match-fixing regulations.

It would be recalled that Cameroon won both games against Kenya in the qualifiers with a 0-1 away win before beating the East Africans 4-1 in the reverse fixture en route to qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.

Read AlsoStarting a Career in Digital Marketing: A Step-by-step process

CAF will cover all expenses related to the replay to ensure no financial burden is placed on either federation.

The Cameroon vs. Kenya game will be replayed at a neutral venue within the next 60 days, to be determined by CAF.

Several Kenyan and Cameroonian players, including Matasi, were under formal investigation. If found guilty, they could face severe sanctions, including lifetime bans.

Starting a Career in Digital Marketing: A Step-by-step process

0

No doubt, the digital marketing landscape has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue till no end in sight. As a result, the demand for skilled digital marketing professionals has skyrocketed.

Starting a Career in Digital Marketing: A Step-by-step process
Getting started with Digital Marketing | Unsplash

If you’re considering a career in digital marketing, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the industry, the skills required, and the steps to take to launch your career.

Understanding Digital Marketing

Digital marketing encompasses a broad range of channels and techniques used to promote products, services, or brands online. These channels include:

  1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimizing website content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
  2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Creating and publishing online ads that are paid for each time a user clicks on them.
  3. Social Media Marketing: Promoting products or services on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  4. Content Marketing: Creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience.
  5. Email Marketing: Sending targeted and personalized messages to customers or prospects via email.

Read Also1 Million Nigerians To Receive AI Skills Training From Microsoft

Skills Required for a Career in Digital Marketing

To succeed in digital marketing, you’ll need a combination of technical, creative, and analytical skills. Some of the key skills required include:

  1. Analytical skills: Ability to analyze data, track metrics, and measure campaign performance.
  2. Creativity: Ability to think creatively and develop innovative marketing campaigns.
  3. Technical skills: Proficiency in digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, AdWords, and social media management software.
  4. Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
  5. Project management skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Steps to Launch Your Career in Digital Marketing

  1. Gain relevant education and training: Enroll in digital marketing courses, certifications, or degree programs to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.
  2. Build a personal brand: Establish an online presence by creating a professional website, LinkedIn profile, and social media accounts.
  3. Gain practical experience: Intern or volunteer with digital marketing agencies, startups, or small businesses to gain hands-on experience.
  4. Network and join online communities: Connect with digital marketing professionals, join online forums, and participate in industry events to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices.
  5. Stay up-to-date with industry certifications: Obtain certifications like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Facebook Blueprint to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

Conclusion

Starting a career in digital marketing requires a combination of education, skills, and practical experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful career in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. Remember to stay adaptable, keep learning, and always be open to new opportunities and challenges.

In case you’re reading from Nigeria, you can enroll to kick-start your career in digital marketing with Softlyft Technologies, they offer relative and cost-effective courses.

1 Million Nigerians To Receive AI Skills Training From Microsoft

0

Lagos, Nigeria – Microsoft has announced a $1million investment to equip one million Nigerians with artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

Unveiled during the Microsoft AI Tour on Wednesday in Lagos, reinforced the company’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s workforce and supporting the country’s digital economy.

The Microsoft AI Tour is a global event series that brings together business leaders, technical experts, and AI enthusiasts to explore the vast potential of artificial intelligence.

As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, Nigeria stands at the forefront of this revolution, with its AI market projected to grow by 27.08 per cent annually from 2025 to 2030. With the right skills and technology access, AI is expected to contribute an estimated $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030.

In alignment with Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy, which aims to equip 70 per cent of the young workforce with AI-related skills, Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative will provide essential AI training in collaboration with the Nigerian government.

The investment is designed to bridge the skills gap, enhance employability, and prepare Nigeria’s workforce for the digital future.

Read AlsoMTN Donates Learning Materials To More Than 1000 Students

Managing director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, said: “At Microsoft, we believe that AI has the potential to transform economies and societies. Our commitment to enhancing Al skills in Nigeria is a testament to our dedication to empowering individuals and organisations to achieve more. By investing in digital skills training and collaborating with the Nigerian government, we aim to create a future-ready workforce that can drive innovation and economic growth in the country.”

The initiative will support various skilling programmes, with a strong focus on AI, digital literacy, and cybersecurity training, particularly for youth and women. The program will expand Microsoft’s existing skilling resources, ensuring that Nigerian citizens, developers, and business leaders can leverage AI and cloud technologies effectively.

By 2026, Microsoft aims to reach one million Nigerians, including business leaders and senior executives in the public sector. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national priorities to boost economic growth, drive industrialisation, foster technological advancement, and invest in digital enterprises.

Through this investment and ongoing initiatives, Microsoft reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s digital future. By fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing AI skills development, Microsoft remains a trusted partner in shaping Nigeria’s technological landscape, unlocking new opportunities, and paving the way for a more inclusive and advanced digital society.