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Customs Arraigns Elgusto Classic Int’l Boss, Roland Ogbonna

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The Managing Director of Elgusto Classic International, Mr Roland Uche Ogbonna, has been brought before Justice Abdulazeez Anka of Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Mr Ogbonna was charged on Friday, August 12, 2016, by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit on three counts charge bordering on illegal importation of furniture, breaking of customs seal and evasion of duty payment.

Business Post learnt that the suspect and his company were alleged to have imported 511 sets of various furniture from China in July 2016, contrary to provision of section 47 (i) and (ii) of the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

It was said that after preliminary investigation, inspection and discovery at the warehouse in Lekki, officers and men of the Service swung into action by sealing up the warehouse, pending thorough investigation.

The owner of the warehouse alongside two of his staff were arrested, detained and released after their statements were taken and all bail conditions were met.

On the 1st of August 2016, information got to the Unit that the Managing Director with his staff had broken the seal of the Nigeria Customs Service placed upon Elgusto Classic International warehouse located at km 43, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, without authority, with the intent to evade prohibition, thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of section 145 (5) of CEMA LFN 2004, which they were charged for.

After breaking the seal, they removed some sets of the furniture imported from China valued at N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira only), which they were arraigned, for the intent of evading payment of Customs duty, an offence contrary to the provision of section 164 (a) of CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004.

While Mr Roland Uche Ogbonna, Managing Director, Elgusto Classic International was remanded in Ikoyi Prison awaiting trial as the case was adjourned to October 19 2016, the Warehouse was resealed.

Ajakaye, Julius Iyiola, who led the legal team of the Nigeria Customs Service prayed that the court expedite the legal proceedings to serve as deterrent to others.

The Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Comptroller Umar  Mohammed Dahiru expressed determination to sustain the present tempo of zero tolerance for smuggling under his watch and praised the commitment and diligence of his officers/men for thwarting the antics of smugglers. While assuring legitimate traders of Nigeria Customs Service support, he warned smugglers to desist from such illicit trade, as it is no longer profitable.

For the avoidance of doubt, Genuine Importers and Owners of warehouses are hereby advised not to exercise any fear as NCS action is only about enforcing payments that are legitimately due to the Federal Government of Nigeria and to ensure that smuggling is brought to its barest minimum.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Dangote Salt Gives Trucks, Cash Credits to Customers

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Dangote salt customers trucks

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Gift items worth millions of Naira were dolled out to customers by NASCON Allied Industries Plc, otherwise known as Dangote Salt.

The company splashed trucks and cash credits to 50 outstanding customers at its 2025 Customers Dinner and Awards Night in Abuja on Thursday.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ali Balarabe, who got a 20-ton truck and cash credit, expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that it reflects the company’s commitment to excellence.

Mr Balarabe further pledged to sustain his loyalty and continued support, promising to remain a steadfast and devoted customer in the years ahead.

Other customers who received truckload awards and cash credits included Mr Ibrahim Achida, Muabsa Integrated Services, Fanisau Enterprises, Idris Saleh Nigeria Limited, Sani Adamu Trader, and GIA Global Concept, among others.

The president of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, in his remarks, thanked consumers for their loyalty, and also commended the company’s board, management and staff for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and consistent contributions to the organisation’s growth and sustained market leadership.

“Recognising customers is not just good relationship management – it is good business. It sends a clear message to our people that customer service is truly one of our core values.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in brand equity, supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and digital capabilities. But these investments only create value when they are aligned with customer realities. Your continued engagement and feedback remain critical,” he said.

In his speech, the chairman of NASCON Allied Industries, Mr Olakunle Alake, said, “As a quoted company, we are accountable to shareholders, regulators and the investing public. But the confidence of the market is ultimately rooted in the performance, and market performance depends on customers who believe in our brands.”

The Managing Director of the firm, Aderemi Saka, stated that the central message of the awards night was to celebrate and appreciate the company’s customers, noting that the organisation’s success is closely tied to the growth and prosperity of its customers.

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IVI PR Opens Registration for IviTrybeSage Masterclass

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IviTrybeSage Masterclass

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Lagos-based strategic communications firm, IVI PR, has called for registration for its exclusive masterclass designed specifically for the modern PR professional known as IviTrybeSage.

A statement from the company said registration would remain open until capacity is reached. Given the exclusive nature of the IviTrybeSage programme, spaces are strictly limited to ensure an intimate, high-impact learning environment.

Interested professionals can secure their spot by completing the form via https://forms.gle/sqvTe1sNM4ure8iJ7.

Business Post gathered that the curriculum will cover brand personality and storytelling, public relations strategy, media relations, crisis management, social media and digital PR, influencer marketing, and more.

Participants will learn how to move beyond traditional press releases into the realm of strategic influence and creative storytelling, transitioning from foundational PR tactics towards the sophisticated demands of today’s global market.

IviTrybeSage is open to fresh graduates seeking the skills necessary for an upward trajectory in strategic communications, as well as entry-to-senior level PR and marketing practitioners, corporate communications executives, and ambitious agency leads.

In an era where the media landscape shifts daily, IviTrybeSage serves as a bridge between academic theory and real-world PR and communication demands. The programme focuses on providing practical, cutting-edge skills to create a pipeline of highly competent talent.

The PR industry is a dynamic field defined by rapid digital transformation and shifting audience behaviour. For PR practitioners to transition from mere messengers to high-value strategic partners, continuous skill acquisition is imperative.

Today’s practitioners must master a diverse toolkit that includes data and trend analysis, crisis management in the age of ‘cancel culture’, and strategic storytelling.

By proactively sharpening these skills, PR professionals ensure they can navigate complex algorithmic changes and evolving social trends, allowing them to protect brand reputations with precision and command a well-earned seat at the executive table.

The chief executive of IVI PR, Mr Nosa Iyamu, while commenting on the initiative, said, “In an era of noise, it is imperative that clarity is prioritised through strategic communication. The industry is evolving at breakneck speed.

“IviTrybeSage isn’t just a training session; it’s a community for those ready to lead the conversation rather than just follow it. It is for those who want to understand how to drive clarity rather than join the bandwagon of those who merely sell noise.”

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PR Firm Wimbart Creates Subsidiary for Africa’s Early-Stage Companies

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Maria Adediran Wimbart Lite Jessica Hope Wimbart CEO

By Adedapo Adesanya

Wimbart, an award-winning Public Relations agency specialising in business and technology sectors across Africa and emerging markets, has launched a subsidiary called Wimbart Lite, designed specifically for pre-seed and early-stage startups that have raised under $1 million.

To lead the new division, the agency has appointed Ms Maria Adediran, Associate Director and founding team member, as Head of Wimbart Lite.

Launched in 2015, Wimbart has built a strong track record across African markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, specifically helping companies navigate the continent’s most complex news cycles.

As the African tech ecosystem continues to mature, competition for attention has become increasingly intense. In this environment, clear and consistent communication across online, broadcast, and print media is no longer a luxury for startups but a business necessity.

Wimbart Lite responds to this need by bridging the communications gap for early-stage companies. It provides focused, fast-turnaround support for startup teams, venture capital portfolios, and global partners seeking credible, well-positioned storytelling that cuts through a crowded media landscape.

Specifically curated for African companies that have raised under $1 million, Wimbart Lite adopts a service-led, menu-based approach built around three core strategic routes. Each route is designed to meet the communications needs of early-stage businesses as they scale visibility, credibility, and investor confidence.

The milestone announcement pack focuses on press releases and strategic media outreach to support key moments such as product launches, partnerships, and major company updates. This ensures that important developments are clearly articulated and positioned to reach relevant audiences.

The founder profile pack centres on thought leadership, using op-eds and interview pitching to amplify leadership voices. It helps founders articulate their vision, share category insights, and establish authority within their industries.

The fundraising pack delivers coordinated funding communications tailored to early-stage rounds and venture capital portfolios. It supports clear, consistent messaging during fundraising activities and includes a 15 per cent discount for portfolio companies.

Speaking on this, the chief executive of Wimbart, Ms Jessica Hope, said, “Wimbart was built in the trenches with African tech founders – before the market had fully caught up with their vision. Wimbart Lite has been in development for some time, as a service for early-stage companies who may not require full-blown month-on-month public relations support, but do need to get a news story “out there”.

“Maria is Wimbart’s day one and has grown with the company, and with dozens of African tech start-ups over the past decade; she understands exactly how to turn a good story into something that actually travels.”

With over a decade of experience across consumer and corporate PR, Ms Adediran has led multi-market campaigns for VCs and high-growth companies from early-stage to unicorn, including Andela, M-KOPA, TLcom, and Kobo360. As Head of Wimbart Lite, she will set the division’s vision and lead its growth, overseeing new business and delivery standards.

The new Head of Wimbart Lite added, “I joined Wimbart at a time when African tech was still small enough that a $1M raise felt like a massive milestone for the whole ecosystem. Now that the market has matured, early-stage teams are put under the microscope much earlier. Wimbart Lite exists to turn real work and traction – early milestones, partnerships, and fundraises – into a clear, credible story the ecosystem can understand and trust.”

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