Business
National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria Honours Mouka’s CEO
The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Mouka Limited, Raymond Murphy had the Honorary Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) conferred on him by the Institute on August 1, 2019.
This award comes on the heels of excellent marketing techniques, sterling service and leadership qualities that Murphy has been credited with.
Murphy received this honorary award alongside other captains of industries such as Uchechukwu Ogah, President , Masters Energy Group, Ifenyinwa Afe, Managing Director for HP Inc. Central Africa, Lateef Bakare, a member of the Board of First Bank, Nigeria, John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer of Multi Choice Nigeria, among other notable personalities.
Murphy is reputed to be the brains behind the innovative ideas that have shot Mouka into the leadership position in the Nigerian foam and mattress industry. While it enjoys a huge market share, the foam company is also redefining the sector.
Mouka has been reckoned with for adding comfort to life through the provision of sleep solutions that have given rise to the opening of 10 sleep galleries across Nigeria. The company has also developed an extensive distribution network with more than 1,000 branded sales outlets and over 300 third-party distributors across the country.
The producer of foam, spring mattresses and other bedding materials is a proud owner of three production facilities in the country.
Murphy came on board as the CEO and MD of the indigenous foam manufacturing company in mid-2015 after the closure of a Private Equity transaction which saw 90 percent of the shareholding transferred to a private equity firm, leaving the remaining balance of 10 per cent to the original founding family. The company has since recorded feats only few in the private sector can boast of.
Mouka has been listed twice in the London Stock Exchange Group’s Companies to Inspire Africa reports for 2017 and 2019. To be included in the list, companies must be privately owned and show an excellent rate of growth and potential to power African development.
Mouka was also awarded the Mattress Manufacturing Company of the Year at the 2017 edition of The Guardian Manufacturing Excellence Award. That same year, the mattress manufacturer also earned another recognition by the African Brand Congress as the Mattress Brand of the Year.
In 2019, Mouka emerged the Foam and Mattress Company of the Year at the Nigerian Real Estate and Property Awards.
Noteworthy, is also the fact that Mouka recently partnered with the prestigious Lagos Business School to organize a leadership training programme for its management staff.
Mouka has been able to attain these enviable heights under Murphy’s watch and leadership.
Preceding the NIMN award, was Murphy’s recognition by Inside Business Magazine as Business Leader of the Year.
Reacting to the honour done him by the Institute, Murphy said : “In many ways I’m honoured and extremely humbled to receive this recognition tonight from such a prestigious institution… I think it’s not necessarily about improving my profile but what I can give back to the Institute in terms of sharing my experience of 3 decades of brand building not just in Nigeria but in other territories across the world.”
He explained further :
“…We have had strong partnerships with advertising agencies, creative agencies, public relations ,media planning and buying agencies and that has significantly increased Mouka’s brand profile over the past 5 years…so it’s about myself and my colleagues and the investment we have made over the past 5 years.”
Having begun his career as Business Development Manager at Sterling Health International in Moscow in 1984, Murphy pioneered the launch of Sterling Health over the counter OTC brands with Panadol as its power brand, in a number of emerging Eastern Europe markets
Between 1990 and 1993, he was Sterling Health’s Business Development Manager for Southern Central Africa and was responsible for the identification of new business opportunities. Murphy implemented successful entry strategies for Nigeria and Zimbabwe and grew sales by 300 percent over a three-year period.
He later joined Gillette International in Budapest Hungary where he served as General Manager between 1993 and 1997. In that capacity, he had the primary objective to seamlessly upgrade the business from third party national distribution to full-fledged local legal entity.
In 1997, he moved over to Indochina Juice Company happy as Chief Executive Officer of a start up project worth an estimated $11.0 million, he was saddled with the responsibility of manufacturing and marketing branded packaged fruit juices of the venture.
Murphy built sales of nearly $5 million during the first year of commercial operations and created two completely new and appealing fruit juice brands for Vietnamese consumers. He also devised a third party logistics solution ensuring cost effective product distribution throughout Vietnam.
In 2001, he became the Managing Director of Cussons Middle East, India and South Asia region and turned around a stagnating business to deliver over 20 percent bottom line annual growth. He restructured operations away from a trading mentality to formally structured marketing led enterprise and replaced under performing distributors and appointed leading distributors in new territories.
As Managing Director of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Murphy was responsible for $100 million of sales with seven factory units and 1,500 employees, and successfully doubled profits to $22 million in three years.
Murphy is a seasoned C-suite leader with in excess of 25 years’ experience in Global Emerging and Frontier Markets.
*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status
To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.
UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.
In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.
Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.
Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.
Thank you.
Business
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”
Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.
The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.
Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:
“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”
As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.
With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.
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About Laffmattazz
Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.
About First Bank of Nigeria Limited
First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.
Business
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.
Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.
FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.
The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.
You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.
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