By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Driven by shared strategic interests within BRICS group and accelerating their bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Russia has signed an agreement to export Russian vodka brands to South Africa.

The Russian vodka is among the best in the whole world. At the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), South African Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, told the audience in his speech interlaced with applause that South would import vodka brands from Russia.

“We have a Business Council between Russia and South Africa, within the framework of which we discuss what can be imported from Russia.

“Just the previous day, colleagues told me that an agreement was signed on the import of Russian vodka to South Africa and, of course, to the African continent as a whole,” he said part of the speech in an atmosphere marked by a strong sense of optimism and with desire of strengthening business relations.

 According to Vladimir Putin, “My colleague from South Africa said that vodka supplies to the Republic of South Africa have already been established. You know, this is a very correct, serious step. Why? Because if you drink vodka, as they say, you need to have something to eat with it. Therefore, this will certainly be followed by supplies of meat products or grain supplies.”

The traditional plenary session on June 20, was chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Several special sessions featuring business dialogues with foreign partners from Africa, Bahrain, India, Iran, China, and EU countries were conducted.

The Russia signed series of strategic trade agreements with participating countries including South Africa. In addition, American entrepreneurs also participated in SPIEF.

More than 20,000 delegates from over 140 countries participated in the SPIEF programmes which featured over 350 events, including 24 business dialogues with major partners. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) was held on June 18-21, under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World” and was organized by Roscongress Foundation.

As GOtv continues to offer more flexible ways for customers to access their favourite content and manage their viewing experience, two apps are at the heart of it all: GOtv Stream and the GOtv App. Although both are official GOtv apps, they serve completely different purposes. If you’re wondering which one to download or why you might need both, here’s everything you need to know:

GOtv Stream: Your Entertainment, On the Go

GOtv Stream is designed purely for entertainment. It allows you to watch selected live TV channels and on-demand content on your mobile phone or tablet without needing a decoder or TV screen. As long as you have an active GOtv subscription and internet access, you can stream your favourite shows, movies, sports and events anytime, anywhere in Nigeria and across Africa.

This is the app that lets you keep up with shows like Nigerian Idol, Big Brother Naija, live football, catch up on missed episodes, or enjoy a movie night on the go. You can also register up to four devices, like your phone, tablet, or iPad, but only one can stream at a time. If you like the idea of watching TV while commuting, travelling, or simply want to free up the family TV, then GOtv Stream is your go-to app.

GOtv App: Manage Your Account with Ease

Unlike GOtv Stream, the GOtv App isn’t for watching content; it is a self-service tool that helps you manage your subscription. Think of it as your GOtv control centre. With this app, you can pay or renew your subscription, upgrade or downgrade your package, fix common errors like E16, check your account balance, and even get alerts about promotions or changes to your account.

It’s perfect for users who want a faster and stress-free way to manage their GOtv account without needing to visit an office or call customer care. You can make payments, clear errors, and get back to watching in just a few taps.

In simple terms, GOtv Stream is for watching TV, while the GOtv App is for managing your GOtv account. One gives you access to entertainment; the other gives you control. They don’t do the same thing, but together, they give you the full GOtv experience.

For ultimate convenience, flexibility, and full control over your GOtv experience, it’s best to have both apps on your device. Use the GOtv App to manage your subscription and fix issues while you use GOtv Stream to enjoy your favourite content on the go.

Both apps are free and available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Once downloaded and linked to your account, you are all set. There is no better time to stay connected because GOtv has got you covered from now till July 31st. When you reconnect or renew your subscription, you get an automatic upgrade to a higher bouquet at no extra cost.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Brand Management Academy (BMA) held its highly anticipated inaugural Alumni Network ceremony on Saturday, June 14, bringing together some of Africa’s brightest minds in brand and commercial leadership.

Hosted in Lagos, the event officially launched a growing community of over 450 marketing and sales professionals trained by BMA, cutting across key industries including FMCG, tech, finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

The ceremony attracted top-tier professionals, C-suite executives, and emerging talents, all bonded by the Academy’s shared mission to drive brand excellence and leadership across the continent.

“This is more than just a reunion,” said Olusegun X. Akinyemiju, the newly inaugurated President of the BMA Alumni Network. “It’s the birth of a movement — a strategic community of commercial leaders committed to raising the bar for brand and business performance in Africa. Our collective impact starts now.”

The event featured inspiring keynote sessions, alumni showcases, industry spotlights, and a vibrant after-party that captured the energy and spirit of the BMA community.

The executive committee of the Alumni Network was also formally unveiled. The team had emerged earlier in February following a fiercely contested election that drew attention from marketing professionals and external observers alike, highlighting how creative campaign strategies can be deployed even in electoral processes.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Abiodun Ajiborode, Founder of BMA, emphasized the importance of the Alumni Network to the Academy’s long-term vision.

“The alumni network was always part of the plan. We didn’t just want to produce skilled professionals, we wanted to build an ecosystem of brand custodians. A platform where leaders can grow, collaborate, and influence the industries they serve.”

The Network is already gearing up for impact, with plans for mentorship programs, thought leadership sessions, community outreach, and strategic partnerships to drive marketing innovation across Africa.

The inaugural ceremony was more than a celebration, it was a declaration of intent. The BMA Alumni Network is stepping into its new chapter with clarity, purpose, and momentum.

“We are just getting started,” said President Akinyemiju. “The real power of BMA is not only in what we learned, but in what we will build together.”