Brands/Products

Financial Inclusion and Branding – What is the Synergy?

Published

5 years ago

11/12/2020

By Fiona Hitchcock

Financial inclusion is one of the most amplified ideologies in many geographical areas. This has led to the implementation of noteworthy efforts to build institutions and systems for the inclusion of diverse socio-economic classes.

According to financial analysts, the past two decades have seen a rapid increase in the interest in financial inclusion, both from policymakers and researchers.

It is evident that structural, as well as policy-related factors, such as encouraging banking competition or channelling government payments through bank accounts, play an important role in achieving financial inclusion.

In Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had set a financial inclusion target of reaching 80 per cent of the total adult population by 2020, but presently, the country is not on track to meet this target which was set out in the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) of 2012.

The NFIS had set two financial inclusion targets for the year 2020: an overall financial inclusion rate of 80 per cent of the adult population and a formal financial inclusion rate of 70 per cent of the adult population.

As of 2016, just 58.4 per cent of Nigeria’s 96.4 million adults were financially served and only 48.6 per cent of all adults used formal financial services.

How do we make financial inclusion exciting? How do we encourage consumer consumption? The answer is well thought out through executed branding for financial institutions.

Various financial institutions and societies have taken steps toward financial inclusion, but to be successful, they need to understand how to accurately target and market to their potential customers.

Conventionally, most financial institutions are known to be conservative in their marketing and branding approaches towards this market. As a result of this, customers approach these institutions with a perception of distrust and apprehension.

To address this disengagement between financial solutions and their consumers, financial institutions should ensure that great attention is paid to branding techniques. This is also very important in building a distinctive brand.

Most consumers become less apprehensive to consume a financial product or service when the repetitiveness and recognizability of the branding elements become part of the familiarity of their community environment.

From logos to taglines, tone of voice, advertising styles, these elements present a powerful conviction to customer acquisition. Without these, financial institutions will not connect in a relevant way with their target market and financial inclusion remains unprogressive.

Brands are expected to have a life outside management functions, have a personality and opinion that consumers can relate to. Financial institutions not excluded.

It is, therefore, critical that financial institutions communicate constantly to their target audience to enable a more progressive leap towards financial inclusion. The more people see you, the more they become comfortable, the more they are convinced to try you and (upon successful customer experience) the more they trust you.

Some brands run one successful campaign and then go quiet after that. Out of sight, out of mind. Whatever the case, there must always be something you are saying to your customers.

At Hitchcock Michalski, we believe that the more consumers can rely on an implicit reaction to a brand, the more likely they are to buy that brand – this is a key essence of our outstanding branding practices. Having worked for big financial brands like Access Bank who are making giant strides towards achieving CBN’s 2020 goal, we are even more convinced that distinctive branding plays an important role in aiding financial inclusion.

The year 2020 has taught us that to achieve financial inclusion, institutions in the finance and fintech sector must work towards winning the trust of consumers.

This can only be earned through the non-exhaustive implementation of marketing and branding strategies. For financial inclusion to work, institutions must win the conviction of the end-user.

Conviction is only earned through constant engagement. It is critical to understand the pain points of your customers, to truly understand their needs and what they find difficult when dealing with a financial institution.

We have to develop a well thought out strategy towards bridging the gap between financial solutions and the consumers, always with solving the customers’ needs and challenges in mind, failing which all efforts geared at inclusion for the unbanked and underbanked will remain ineffectual.

Fiona Hitchcock is the Managing Partner for leading brand strategy, design and communication agency, Hitchcock Michalski and has worked with multiple financial brands across Africa.

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Sell Gift Cards in Nigeria Safely: Why Migo-Sell Gift Cards Is Becoming a Trusted Gift Card Trading Platform

Published

1 week ago

07/01/2026

Dipo Olowookere

As digital payments continue to expand across Africa, gift card trading has become one of the most practical ways for users in Nigeria and Ghana to convert digital value into cash. From Apple Gift Cards and Amazon Gift Cards to Steam, Google Play, and gaming-related cards, many users now prefer to sell gift card online to meet daily financial needs.

However, despite strong demand, the gift card exchange market in Nigeria still faces long-standing challenges. Delayed payments, unclear pricing, inconsistent verification standards, and increasing fraud cases have made trust the single most important factor when choosing a gift card trading platform.

Against this background, Migo – Sell Gift Cards is positioning itself as a more structured and reliable gift card trading app, focused on transparency, controlled verification, and predictable payouts rather than exaggerated promises.

Rising Demand, but Trust Remains the Industry’s Weak Point

For many users, converting gift cards to cash is no longer optional. While international gift cards are widely used for online shopping, subscriptions, and digital entertainment, not all Nigerian users can spend them directly within the local financial system.

As a result, redeeming gift cards for cash in Nigeria has become common practice. Yet user complaints across the market reveal recurring issues: hidden deductions, unstable gift card rates, rejected cards without explanation, and payouts that take far longer than expected.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards was developed after examining these weaknesses across the industry. Rather than competing solely on speed or headline rates, the platform aims to deliver consistency—clear rules, visible pricing, and realistic processing timelines.

Supporting High-Demand Gift Cards in Nigeria and Ghana

User demand in the Nigerian gift card market is highly diverse. Instead of limiting transactions to only a few brands, Migo – Sell Gift Cards supports a wide range of gift cards that are actively traded across Nigeria and Ghana, including:

Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Steam Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, Razer Gold Gift Card, Xbox Gift Card, PlayStation Gift Card, Roblox Gift Card, Vanilla Gift Card, Walmart MoneyCard, Target Gift Card, Macy’s Gift Card, Best Buy, GameStop, Nike Gift Card, Foot Locker Gift Card, Sephora Gift Card, Nordstrom, Coach Gift Card, Dollar General, NetSpend, Lowe’s, Paysafe Card, MoneyPak, American Express (Amex), go2bank, and One4All.

This broad coverage allows users to sell gift cards in Nigeria on a single platform, reducing the risks associated with switching between multiple gift card exchange services.

Controlled Speed Instead of Risky “Instant” Claims

In the gift card trading industry, “instant cashout” is often promoted but rarely explained. In practice, unverified speed frequently leads to disputes, failed payouts, or account restrictions.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards adopts a controlled processing approach, combining automated systems with manual verification to assess gift cards based on brand, type, and risk level. Once verification is completed, payouts are processed in Nigerian Naira (NGN) or Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).

This method prioritizes reliability and user protection while still aiming for timely cashouts within reasonable and clearly communicated timeframes.

Transparent Gift Card Rates in Nigeria

One of the biggest concerns for users is gift card rates in Nigeria, which can fluctuate frequently based on market conditions. Migo – Sell Gift Cards addresses this by displaying the available exchange rate before a user confirms a transaction.

Whether users want to sell Apple Gift Card, sell Steam Gift Card,sell macy’s gift card or trade other brands, pricing is visible upfront. Once a rate is accepted and verification is completed, there are no unexpected deductions, helping users better predict their final payout.

Simple and Consistent Trading Process

To make online gift card trading accessible to both new and experienced users, Migo – Sell Gift Cards keeps its workflow straightforward:

Create an account (https://www.migogiftcard.com)
Select the gift card type
Submit gift card details or images
Verification process
Cash payout

This consistent structure reduces errors, improves clarity, and supports both first-time users and frequent traders.

Raising Standards in a High-Risk Digital Market

As Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem grows, competition among gift card trading platforms is shifting away from speed alone toward risk management, transparency, and user communication.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards states that its long-term goal goes beyond completing transactions. By maintaining clear rules, stable execution, and responsive customer support, the platform aims to contribute to higher standards across the Nigeria gift card exchange industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Migo – Sell Gift Cards and how does it work?

Migo- Sell Gift Cards is a digital gift card trading platform that allows users in Nigeria and Ghana to sell gift cards online and receive cash payouts after verification.

Is Migo – Sell Gift Cards a legitimate gift card trading platform in Nigeria?

Yes. Migo – Sell Gift Cards operates with structured verification procedures, transparent pricing, and consistent payout rules designed to reduce fraud and failed transactions.

What types of gift cards can I sell on Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

Migo – Sell Gift Cards supports Apple, Amazon, Steam, Google Play, Razer Gold, Xbox, PlayStation, Roblox, Vanilla Visa, Walmart MoneyCard, Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, GameStop, Nike, Foot Locker, Sephora, Nordstrom, Coach, Dollar General, NetSpend, Lowe’s, Paysafe Card, MoneyPak, Amex, go2bank, and One4All.

How fast is payment after selling a gift card?

Payment speed depends on the gift card type and verification process. Once verified, payouts are processed in NGN or GHS as quickly as possible while maintaining security.

Does Migo – Sell Gift Cards offer instant cashout?

Migo – Sell Gift Cards focuses on reliable and predictable cashouts. Some transactions are faster than others, but all go through verification to protect users.

How are gift card rates determined in Nigeria?

Rates depend on brand, demand, card type, and risk level. Migo – Sell Gift Cards shows the available rate before transaction confirmation, with no hidden deductions after verification.

Is it safe to sell gift cards online on Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

Selling gift cards online carries risk, but Migo – Sell Gift Cards reduces this through a combination of automated systems and manual review to improve transaction safety.

Who can use Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

Migo – Sell Gift Cards currently serves users in Nigeria and Ghana.

About Migo – Sell Gift Cards

Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a digital gift card trading app serving users in Nigeria and Ghana. The platform focuses on secure verification, transparent pricing, and reliable cash payouts, helping users safely convert gift cards into cash through a structured and trustworthy process.

Website: https://www.migogiftcard.com

iOS Download Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/migo-sell-gift-cards/id6670494373

Playstore Download Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antwallet.giftcard

Brands/Products

DStv, GOtv to Retain CNN, Cartoon Network, 10 Others After Last Minute Deal

Published

2 weeks ago

01/01/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery have signed a new multi-year, multi-territory agreement to strengthen their partnership internationally that will scrap the exit plans of channels like CNN International and Cartoon Network on pay television services -DStv and GOtv.

The last minute agreement reached on December 31, 2025, means 12 channels at risk of being yank off, including Discovery, CNN, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, and Cartoon Network, will remain on both DStv and GOtv.

According to a statement by Canal+ yesterday, the deal between the two broadcasting giants spans multiple territories, including South Africa, the rest of Africa and regions in Europe where Canal+ also has operations.

Canal+ said: “This expanded agreement covers both the distribution of HBO Max and the renewal of several Warner Bros Discovery thematic channels across numerous regions.”

The announcement comes as a relief to DStv subscribers, who received notices via email and on-screen warnings from December 1, 2025, stating that the channels in question could be removed from their bouquets since contractual negotiations between Canal+ and Warner Bros Discovery had reached an impasse.

Regions outside Africa also affected by the new deal include Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN International have been renewed.

Other Warner Bros channels renewed in European regions not available in Africa include Warner TV, Cinemax and TVN.

“Canal+ and its longstanding partner, Warner Bros Discovery, are pleased to announce the signing of a new multi-year and multi-territory agreement, marking a major milestone in the development of their collaboration on an international scale,” Canal+ stated.

The agreement between WBD and the French media group builds upon previous deals made in 2024, including the renewal of the exclusive pay-TV window for Warner Bros. Pictures films six months after their theatrical release in France and the integration of HBO Max within select Canal+ group offers.

It also comes during Netflix’s pending purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, which could further position Canal+ as a power player on the global stage as the company already has distribution deals in place with Netflix.

Brands/Products

JMG Installs Solar Power Systems at Three NIPCO Fuel Stations

Published

3 weeks ago

23/12/2025

Aduragbemi Omiyale

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Nigeria’s trusted hybrid and integrated electromechanical energy provider, JMG Limited, has completed the installation of solar power systems at three key fuel stations of NIPCO Plc.

The clean energy source was installed at NIPCO’s petrol dispensing outlets in Gwagwalada Abuja, Lekki Lagos, and Mpape Abuja.

This will help the organisation eliminate diesel reliance, and unlock more than N44 million in annual energy cost savings.

The installations feature advanced hybrid systems, combining solar arrays, lithium battery storage, and smart inverters to provide 24/7 energy for fuel pumps, lighting, and office operations. Each site has reported zero use of electricity or generator power since the systems were installed.

The three NIPCO stations now run on an advanced hybrid solar system that combines high‑efficiency PV panels, intelligent lithium‑battery storage and smart inverters.

Since commissioning, the sites have operated with zero grid or generator power, providing silent, clean, uninterrupted electricity for pumps, lighting and administration.

“We are proud to help NIPCO lead the energy transition at the retail level.

“The scalable architecture can be sized to each location and has already delivered significant savings, about 88,535 kWh/year, N44.4 million in annual cost savings and a 43.8‑tonne reduction in CO₂ emissions,” the Head of JMG’s Hybrid Solar Division, Mr Abbass Hussein, stated, adding that, “Collaborating with NIPCO on this initiative demonstrates a practical pathway for other firms to reduce both emissions and energy expenses.”

Also commenting, NIPCO’s Station Manager at Gwagwalada, Mr Idoko Jacob, said, “The stations have not relied on electricity or generator power on bright-weather days since commissioning. The solar systems fully meet our daily energy needs during such periods. On days with poor weather, we supplement the solar system with generator power to ensure uninterrupted operations.”

Business Post gathered that the NIPCO Gwagwalada Station has a solar output of 42,450 kWh/year, annual savings of N15.6 million, and CO₂ reduction of 15,332.76 kg/year, with a system installed consisting of a 20kW Deye LV Hybrid Inverter, 26.8kWp Solar PV, and 51.2kWh Lithium Battery Storage.

The NIPCO Lekki Station has a solar output of 3,635 kWh/year, annual savings of N12 million, and CO₂ reduction of 13,130.1 kg/year, with a system installed consisting of a 25kW Must Hybrid Inverter, 22.95kWp Solar PV, and 76.8kWh Lithium Battery Storage.

As for the NIPCO Mpape Station, it has a solar output of 42,450 kWh/year, annual savings of N16.8 million, and CO₂ reduction of 15,332.76 kg/year, with a system installed consisting of a 20kW Deye LV Hybrid Inverter, 26.8kWp Solar PV, and 61.44kWh Lithium Battery Storage.