Interview With Oral-B Brand Director Aliza Leferink

32 year old, Aliza Leferink is the Brand Manager for Oral-B in Sub-Sahara African in charge of business in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria etc. She relocated to Nigeria over a year ago, she likes the city of Lagos, the climate except the traffic.
You have been in Nigeria over a year, what culture have you noticed? 
From Business point of view My take is everybody is very straight and direct, ready to do business. The people are very positive and very helpful to address any issues.
What Oral-B as a brand doing to eradicate dental challenges?
Before relocating to Nigeria, I was the Brand Manager for Oral-B in Belgium in Europe. There is total difference in oral health between Europe and Nigeria. Common disease in Nigeria “Periodontitis”  90% are cavity problem. But the major problem is low awareness of oral health education. One of the things Oral-B want to do is to make sure people have more awareness of Oral health because Good oral health is super important when it comes to general health, for economic even for social interaction. For instance let us say you are not confident about yourself, you cannot perform ultimately on your job . Oral health is super important beyond  general health. The biggest challenge is that most people do not start with prevention I mean preventive and consistent measures I oral health issues. My experience in Nigeria and indeed quite a number of other countries, is that most people go to the dentist when they have real issues. But by then, most of the damage that could have been prevented is already done.

How do you take care of your oral health?
This is where oral-B of course comes in. In Belgium, oral health awareness is very high. People go to the dentist at least twice a year. The basic tips to have good oral care is at least people should brush twice a day morning and night .Use Fluoride paste(Oral-B),visit your dentist for check up twice a year, change your brush 4times a year, check your diet and  do not eat so much refined sugar, do- not have too much eat and drink moments . For oral care, prevention is the best option.
What are your plans to increase the awareness level?
In order to improve oral health in Nigeria ,One first  thing we need to do (Oral-B )and the governments is to increase the awareness of oral health and educate people on how to take good care of their oral health .Oral-B toothpaste brand  has been in the market for only four years in Nigeria ,it is relatively young. Since  we have been in the market we have started a consumer programme which is called ‘Mobile  Dental Clinic”, where we have  a team of international experts and trained dentists to educate people in the markets on how to take good care of their oral health and show them demos. Through this programme we have reached millions of Nigerians and educated them properly, as well as given them the right tools and knowledge to achieve great oral health. The  trained dentists are also available to attend to people, give free dental check-up, and  tell them what next to do.
What are the special benefits in using Oral-B twice a day?Very good question When you brush with Oral-B you have all-around protection. It is a product that contains stannous fluoride. Fluoride as I said is a basic ingredient that you need to prevent cavity. Stannous fluoride goes further because it has a high antibacterial ingredient ,Oral B is the only brand in Nigeria that provides this kind of anti-bacteria stannous fluoride. What it does is to delay Plaque building on the tooth and Plaque is the beginning of everything bad to the tooth. stannous fluoride also has other benefits. It has very high protection against enamel erosion, with 7 special benefits. These are: Fights Plaque Build-up on Teeth –  Provides Tartar Control –  Helps Prevents Cavities –   Helps Fight Gum problems – Freshens Breath – Protects from Sensitivity – Gently whitens Teeth. The claim we have is that after a week you will get notable healthier teeth. And you can go to the clinic to test and prove it .
How many varieties of Oral-B do you have?
Basically at the moment, we have three families- We have the all around protection family, we have family that focus specifically on growth and all come in different favour, sizes and we have six in total.
How has Oral-B preformed in Nigeria Market over 4 years in face of the competition?
We are enjoying great acceptance  in Nigeria, and people are seeing the superior performance.. Comparing Oral-B in Nigeria to other countries, is the same though  Oral-B is relatively young player in the Market. But competition is something healthy and the brand is measuring up.
Then what is your strategy used to penetrate the Market?
It is a very simple business model. We make sure we are available at the points of need and point of purchase. More importantly,  we provide superior quality ,superior value and people feel good to pay for it. We provide what consumers like and need. We are available at their convenience, we make sure they know and understand the brand.  Consumers have lot of options yet we keep winning consumers to our side because of what the brand promises and delivers.

Is Oral-B made for high-end consumers. Is this true? Can we look at the price?
Oral –B is made for everybody. The product prices are in line with the rest of the market price. If you want to provide good oral-care for Nigeria you need to come with a product that’s affordable and offer a lot of benefits for everybody. if you want to make a difference you cannot alone focus on high-end consumers. The products portfolio is designed for everyone who desire good oral health and healthier teeth. The consumers have seen the superiority of our product.
We do see branded Oral-B trucks around, what is it meant for?
The trucks are part of the Mobile Dental Clinic which we are already in teams in the market educating people about Good oral health. We reach a lot of people and they got to know more about Oral-B
As a brand Manger what are your personal experience and benefits you have from using Oral-B?
I am happy because I was using Oral-B even before I started working with P&G. I also use  their brushes. Personally I like Oral-B because of  the high anti-bacteria agent, I feel fresher and your teeth stays clean throughout the day. Although I focus the entire day working for the product, I am also am end-user consumer.I just want stronger and healthly teeth and that is why I use oral-B and that is what Oral- B gives.
In addition, you made mention of toothbrush, Can I use another brush for Oral –B or did the brush and toothpaste gohand in hand?
Oral-B toothpaste has specifics benefits that no other toothpaste has and the same applies to oral B brush. Oral-B  brushes are famous worldwide for effective cleaning with Brussels that  will not damage your gum. They have  brussel standing at 60% angles which is proven to remove more plaques so from this perspective I will say they definitely goes hand-in hand.
What are the plans for  2016 to further push Oral-B in the market?
For me Dec 25 or Jan 25 it doesn’t make a difference. We are working on growth for Oral-B and Improve Oral-Health. From this perspective basically we continue doing what we have been doing before. We continue to activate dental mobile clinics to educate and offer Good oral care. We continue to ensure more products in convenient locations for consumers to buy and more and more people know about the brand Oral-B.
My experience with Oral-B toothbrush is soft- For smokers -why don’t you have hard brush for this category?
No difference between hard and soft Brussels- This is the key feedback I hear from Nigerian consumers asking why don’t you have hard Brussels brush  because I need to have a good scrub. There is a little saga about what you need to know to clean your teeth. In the end, it is about removing plaques. To do this, it is not  just a matter of  either hard or soft Brussels ,it is the mechanical pressure and really going to the area needed to be touched. One thing is it is better to use soft brush than hard brush because soft brush will not damage because your gum is critical in putting the entire mouth in good condition. From that perspective, I will advice soft brush because in the end it  does not mean you will clean better with hard brush or soft brush it depends on your techniques and amount of time used that does the great job. That is part of what we do in oral care education with prevention because people might have thought they are doing real great job the way they brush. But when we educate consumers in the markets what is good oral health and how to take care of your oral health, they come out much better informed and empowered.
Let’s talk about this dental Clinic? Everything they offer is free right?
The knowledge is free but the products are not. The education and the information is absolutely free. what we offer in the market is Brand Education on Oral healthcare and we are in the market to explain to consumers how to take good care of their oral health. The education is free. But the products are not. People get on the spot, the  opportunity to see qualify dentists and buy the products that they may desire.
Why don’t you step up even if it is a period of a year to offer to specific number of Nigerians or hospitals full dental check-up and treatment for free? is there any plan like that soon?
I like your recommendation very much , but what we do at the moment with our dental mobile clinic in the market we have qualify dentists who perform the examination for free. Let me say in term of treatment in the market . we give the patients full dental check-up including  recommendation of what patient should do after the examination…. And this is what we have been doing for more than four years since the brand was  launched and something we are committed to continue do it.
In the end Oral-B is committed to prevention. What we are focusing on now is educating people on good oral health and prevention.
In educating do you reach out to schools?
Our focus is also on dental schools and to support dental students. We have  a very good relationship with the Dental Association of Nigeria. We were also in partnership with Federal Government on the just concluded National oral health in Abuja. We participated in Abuja where we reached out to secondary schools and offered free oral check-up to one thousand students. When opportunities come we are open to partnership with the ministry of health.

Police AIG applauds Olashore value system

The Nigeria Police has commended Olashore International School for blending world class education with a strong sense of values, discipline and history. At a special visit and meeting with the school, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Oshogbo, AIG Kalafite Helen Adeyemi, (mni) also recognized that Olashore school was providing a safe and secure learning environment for its staff and students. 

The visit was to further strengthen the partnership between the school, the community and the police to ensure adequate security within and around the school at all times. Her visit coincided with the termly OIS Goes Traditional; a day both staff and students clad native wears to showcase the rich culture of Nigeria. 

The zonal police boss, was accompanied by DCP K. A. Koji, Assistant Commissioners of Police and other top officers within her zone. They were received by the Chairman Board of Governors, Prince Abimbola Olashore, the Principal/CEO, Mr. D. K. Smith, directors and management staff of the school. She first visited the iPad Room, interacted with some students in the classes and then moved to the Vocational Department. 

The iPad Room is unique because that is where students blend technology with learning. After stopping at the Vocational Building, she headed to the science laboratories. She also visited the Red House Junior Hostel and the Senior Girls Hostel by the Head Girl. 

Speaking during the special assembly organised in her honour, the AIG said that she embarked on the visit “with a view of extending my hand of friendship to the students and the school authority and in order to establish a synergy between you and the police.” She admonished the students to be law abiding and discipline. She left some security tips for the students and advised them to be law abiding, describing them as “Stakeholders in the business of security.”

The Olashore International School drama troupe staged a short play titled: Human Rights. 

After the assembly, the AIG and her entourage were led to the PJK Group, a subsidiary company that specializes in the manufacture of impeccable quality bespoke and personalized uniform clothing to a wide range of organizations in Nigeria. Her measurement was taken and a new dress was ready in ten minutes for her. 

Other areas also visited included the Royal Park international Hotel, Golf Course and the Staff Village. She was impressed at all the facilities that are in place to service the school. She restated the continual efforts by the Nigerian Police to improve security and remain a friend of the people. 

The Chairman, Board of Governors of Olashore International School, Prince Abimbola Olashore restated the strategic importance of education as a catalyst for sustainable long term economic growth and overall improvement in the quality of life. 

 L-R: Principal of Olashore International School (OIS) Mr Derek Smith, The School’s School boy and school girl, Police AIG zone 11 Oshogbo, Osun state Kalafite Helen Adeyemi(mni), and Chairman Board of Governors, Prince Bimbo Olashore, during AIG’s visit at Olashore School Goes Traditional Day

AIG and her entourage, Principal of Olashore International School (OIS) Mr Derek Smith, Chairman Board of Governors, Prince Bimbo Olashore

Emirates Announces Ambitious Fleet Retirement Schedule for 2016

Fleet strategy will improve environmental performance and passenger comfort with an increased reliance on modern, state-of-the-art wide-body aircraft.‎
 
Monday, December 7, 2015 — DUBAI, U.A.E. 7 December 2015 – Emirates has announced its fleet plans for 2016. In total, the airline will retire 26 aircraft, including 12 A330-300s, 4 A340-300s, 1 A340-500, 6 Boeing 777-200ERs, 2 Boeing 777-300s and 1 Boeing 777-300ER. The average age of the Emirates aircraft slated for retirement in 2016 will be 15.7 years, well-below the average industry retirement age of 25. In addition, 13 more aircraft will be retired in 2017 and another 13 will be retired in 2018. 

Balancing its aircraft retirement programme, Emirates will take delivery of 36 new aircraft in 2016, including 20 A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs. These two aircraft types are recognised as some of the most efficient and quiet commercial airplanes available, emitting on average 12% less carbon dioxide than the aircraft being retired. At the end of 2016, the aircraft retirements and new deliveries will put Emirates’ average fleet age at 5.6 years, dramatically younger than the global average. A recent analysis shows the average fleet age for the top five airlines in North America is 13.6 years, while the average fleet age for the top five airlines in Europe is 10.7 years. 


Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said, “Emirates has a global footprint as the world's largest international airline, and we have a responsibility to our customers, the communities we serve, and the planet. We are fully committed to flying a modern fleet that is better for the environment, and provides our customers with a superior level of comfort and safety. With the retirement of older aircraft and the introduction of new, more fuel efficient aircraft in 2016, Emirates will continue to lead the industry in reducing the age of our fleet, while at the same time defining new levels of service that our customers have come to expect." 


Currently, the total number of aircraft in the Emirates fleet stands at 243. In 2015, the airline received 26 new aircraft, including 15 A380s, 10 Boeing 777-300ERs and 1 Boeing 777 Freighter. The airline has 263 additional aircraft on order, worth over US$120 billion at list prices. Its order book includes 71 Airbus A380s, 42 Boeing 777-300ERs, 115 Boeing 777-9Xs and 35 Boeing 777-8Xs. 


When delivered beginning in 2020, the new Boeing 777Xs will come with a variety of fuel efficient design additions making it almost 20% more fuel efficient than previous models. It will also include a range of passenger-focused amenities including larger windows, increased cabin pressure, more humidity, higher ceilings and a wider cabin than previous models. 


In addition to reducing the age of its fleet, Emirates also implements a variety of other environmental practices that reduces CO2 emissions. These include FlexTracks, a programme that plans efficient flight route patterns based on weather conditions; single-engine taxi on the ground; idle reverse thrust upon landing; and fuel-efficient ground handling and transportation equipment. Emirates publishes its environmental initiatives and emissions performance data annually as part of the Emirates Group environmental report available on www.emirates.com/environment.

P&G innovates in the face of the growing lifestyle and fashion athleisure trend

P&G global brand Ariel has embarked upon a journey to redefine clothing care, to help keep like new for longer the fabric qualities that define the style, comfort and performance of the growing global athleisure trend in fashion.

 Ariel and Downy/Lenor, alongside renowned designer and P&G Fabric Care Global Fashion Consultant Giles Deacon, revealed a limited edition washable athleisure capsule collection exclusively at the P&G Future Fabrics event in Barcelona, 2nd December 2015

Exploring athleisure with leading fashion designer, GILES DEACON, the athleisure trend looks set to continue into 2016 and beyond, and according to experts is on its way to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing fashion segments by 2020.

In fact, to many it is more than a trend, but rather a cultural and lifestyle shift that reflects the changing attitudes, and for some, an obsession with healthier lifestyles and wellbeing.

Ariel alongside renowned designer and P&G Fabric Care Global Fashion Consultant, Giles Deacon, explored the athleisure trend and the fabrics associated with it, in a limited edition washable capsule collection, revealed exclusively at the P&G Future Fabrics event in Barcelona, 2nd December 2015.

Giles commented: “I’m inspired by women that dress with confidence, that exude self-assurance and poise in their style. Here, I wanted to create designs that take this spirit and meet it with an athletic, energetic attitude. This collection is about being unique and individual, about women feeling comfortable in themselves and their clothes, never restricted and always ready to perform at their best” By merging style with the comfort and functionality of sports clothes, athleisure is setting new standards for ready-to-wear fashion, resulting in clothes that celebrate the best of both worlds: body-aware but not constricting, high stretch and comfort, washable and versatile, stylish and casual.

A recent global survey commissioned by P&G Fabric Care, on behalf of Ariel, Lenor and Downy, explored the popularity of the athleisure trend, revealing that:

Nearly three out of four consumers (71%) consider active-inspired clothes as part of their “normal” everyday clothes Over one in four (27%) say leggings are their most favoured article of clothing for day to day wear Many wear active inspired attire to run errands (56%), to travel  (47%), to go shopping (41%) and even when going out to dinner (16%).

This new trend brings a challenge when it comes to clothing care. Today, 60% of loads contain laundry garments other than cotton.  Athleisure garments include knitted fabrics, polyester, Lycra™, new wools, and many other fabrics, meaning that laundry loads are now more varied than ever. People are currently faced with 900+ wash combinations, factoring in the diversity of fibres, fabric construction, load size, soil and staining and water quality.
Understanding the relationship between the wearer and their clothes is key to the redefining clothing care. P&G Fabric Care brand Ariel has embarked on a series of studies with leading Cognitive Psychologist, Dr Lawrence Rosenblum of the University of California Riverside, to delve deeper into the phenomenon of “Enclothed
Cognition”. This term describes the subconscious effects of our clothes on the way we perceive ourselves, the way we think, our moods and behaviour.

Existing research shows that people perform better when they are wearing clothes that are associated with the important aspects of the task they are performing. In addition, early experiments suggest that cognitive performance is improved when wearing clean clothing. A massive 70% of people claim wearing fresh, active-inspired clothing can make them feel more energetic, and 62% say it increases confidence, demonstrating the true importance of caring for clothes properly.

Dr Lawrence Rosenblum, Cognitive Psychologist, University of California Riverside comments:
“There are definitely cognitive consequences of wearing formal clothes versus casual clothes.
Our clothing changes the way we perceive ourselves, but it also changes the way the brain works, how it forms concepts, and the kind of decisions we make as a result. Our clothes affect us on an
entirely different level that exists without other people telling us how we look and feel.”

Comfort, style and performance, have become the ubiquitous qualities associated with athleisure, and retaining a “like new” quality is at the forefront of research and development of all Ariel and Downy/Lenor clothing care products.
Ariel formulas provide advanced cleaning that delivers unbeatable clothing care for the latest natural and synthetic fibre mixes in athleisure wear, via a process of Ariel Fibre Purification and Ariel Fibre Preservation. This advanced Deep Clean Complex allows for washing at lower temperatures, helping to protect the colours and
the fibres of fabrics, especially a fibre like elastane which is extremely common in athleisure and can be prone to damage.

Thanks to its proprietary blend of advanced cleaning technologies, Ariel removes seen and unseen impurities embedded deep within fabrics while also preventing them from re-depositing back on fibres to stop their build-up, as they can cause damage and premature aging of clothes (a process P&G clothing care experts call “grey
veil”).

Ariel also helps protect the feel of comfort of athleisure clothes through FibreSCIENCE technologies specialized in optimising the wash conditions to help protect fibre integrity and preserve that “like-new” feel.

GT BANK UNVEILS SKS YOUNG INVENTOR COMPETITION

Foremost financial Institution; Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), has unveiled the SKS Young Inventor Competition which is expected to run between October 27^th and November 30^th. The SKS Young Inventor Competition is an amazing journey to find the next generation of inventors and forward thinking citizens, committed to the growth of the country. The bank embarked on this initiative in order to help children give expression to their imagination through invention.

The National Competition is powered by GTBank Smart Kids Save account, as part of a series of activities lined up to commemorate the 10^th year anniversary of the SKS product and is open to all SKS customers aged between 4–17 years old.

According to a representative from the Bank, we are excited about the “SKS Young Inventor” competition because it is not just about organizing a campaign for children to win gift items, but about inspiring young minds to aspire for the greatest heights in everything they do and promoting our core values of excellence, innovation and service. These values make us unique and inform our identity as a Proudly African and Truly International Bank.

To participate in the competition, entrants may submit a photograph/drawing or blueprint of their invention along with a written summary describing what the invention can do. Entries can be submitted via e-mail to sks@gtbank.com and all participants are eligible to enter once, as multiple entries will be disallowed. Winners will be notified by telephone or email and a list of prize winners will be published on the corporate website www.gtbank/sks.com.

The Smart Kids Save account is designed to inculcate financial literacy in children and teenagers early in life as well as promote a healthy savings culture amongst them. Parents can open the account with as low as N1, 000 (One Thousand Naira) in any Guaranty Trust Bank branches nationwide.

The GT Bank Smart Kids Save account is a product designed specially to help parents save for their children as well as teach children about the importance of saving. This new competition from the Bank, is part of a series of activities lined up to commemorate the 10^th year anniversary of the SKS product.

Earlier in the year, the Bank held the “Little Picasso Contest” which provided children an opportunity to express themselves through art as well as the ‘In Your Mother Tongue’ Competition that was geared to promote cultural awareness in children.

Medtronic And Renescor Sign Deal For Cardiac Services To Nigeria

The Medtronic and Renescor Managed signing ceremony which took place in Dubai

Medtronic, the world’s largest medical technology, services, and solutions company, and Renescor, Limited Liability Partnership, have signed a partnership deal to bring high quality cardiac care and healthcare managed services to the purpose-built Gbagada Cardiac and Renal Centre (CRC) in Lagos.

Renescor was recently awarded a five-year concession agreement with the Lagos State Government to activate and bring high quality services to the purpose-built Gbagada Cardiac and Renal Centre (CRC). Renescor is partnering with Medtronic to help manage CRC’s Cath-Lab, Operating Room (OR) and ICU.

Chairman of Renescor, Dr Ladi Awosika, explained: “Nigeria is in desperate need for efficient Cath-Labs and operating rooms (OR) to treat more patients locally. Lagos currently has only two operational Cath-Labs to serve a population of 16 million and is in critical need of more.”

The agreement, which runs for a term of four years, will see Medtronic Integrated Health Solutions Department partnering with Renescor to help finance, manage, and optimise services in Cath-Labs, OR and ICU. The partnership consists of end-to-end management of these units, which includes operational support, staffing and material management, deployment of the latest Cardiovascular Information System, operational excellence Lean/Six sigma consulting services, continuous performance assessment and benchmarking services, advising on and implementation of growth programs, as well as training and education services for cardiovascular therapies. The aim is to transform CRC into a leading regional centre that achieves global standards of care in line with international leading institutions.Dr. Ladi added “We decided on Medtronic because it is the largest medical technology manufacturer globally with over 65 years of experience and positive track record of delivering value to their customers and partners. Our collaboration will ensure the hospital is run to the highest global standards of care quality, efficiency, patient safety, and optimised capacity to help more patients be treated.”

Khodor Mekkaoui, Head of Medtronic Integrated Health Solutions for Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Turkey commented: “Our involvement at CRC is a distinctive example of Medtronic’s Integrated Health Solution offerings. We are moving beyond the supply of devices, to deliver healthcare services that would ensure more access to
patients in areas where it is currently not readily available. The Integrated Health Solution model helps optimise healthcare delivery and drives greater economic value.” This is the first undertaking of its kind by Medtronic IHS Department
in Africa, and underscores its vision to address universal healthcare needs.

Mekkaoui added: “This important contract presents a unique opportunity for Medtronic to showcase its skills and expand its footprint in Africa, where there is also a great need for investment in healthcare sector, in countries facing a lack of funding and shortage of resources.”

Dr Awosika agreed: “Many issues faced in Nigeria today are similar to those in other African nations. We believe that the Medtronic integrated health solutions can be adapted and customised to other African countries.” He added: “Medtronic’s role and dedication as a partner shows how they are truly dedicated to improving care in African nations, as can
also be seen through one aspect of their mission, which is to help in the globalisation of care by addressing inequities in healthcare access and affordability around the world.”

Renescor Limited Liability Partnership is a special purpose vehicle registered for the purpose of providing first class End Stage Renal Disease Services and Cardiology Healthcare Services to Lagos State residents and the broader Nigerian population.

Medtronic plc headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 160 countries.

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