Adewumi Ademiju
CULLED FROM NEWS HERE AND THERE MAGAZINE
The 4th edition of Consumer Value Award came up on Wednesday, 26th November 2025 at Raddisson Blu, GRA,Ikeja with the theme: “Beyond Prices: Consumer Trust, Digital Experience And Brand Accountability”.
It was described as a significant milestone that featured the introduction of a new standard CVA plaque: The Hand and the Cowry to symbolize trust, integrity and value between consumers and brands.
The Convener of Value Award,(CVA) Mr Akonte Ekine at the event stated that the theme reflected the evolving reality of marketplace where affordability is no longer the only measure of value.
“ When we began this journey in 2022, the goal was simple yet bold, to create a trusted platform where consumers not marketers or boardrooms could freely decide,applaud, and reward brands that genuinely serve them.
“Today , consumer value goes beyond the price tag. It is about trust, the assurance that brands will do what they promise. Iis about digital experience, how seamless, secure and satisfying the consumer journey is online.
“we are celebrating excellence. We are setting a new agenda. We are asking the house to join us in building a robust consumer conversation with our 2026 Consumer Conference themed: “Consumerism and Nation Building”. It will bring together policymakers, economists, brand executives, civil society and consumers to discuss how consumer rights, ethical business practices, and responsible governance can shape a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.”
The immediate past Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ in Lagos state, Dr Adeola Ekine declared that the 4th edition of the Value award was unique and significant ,” because the past three years featured general awards but this particular edition projected a customized award built from scratch.with design.”
The plaque titled :The Hand and the Cowry signifies the enduring principles of trust, fairness,and authentic value in marketplace.
“This initiative recognizes that consumer choice is not just about transactions;its about relationships. The cowry shell, one of Africa’s earliest symbols of trade, serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the connections we build through commerce. It represents not just currency, but also the cultural heritage and values that bind us as community”
The Convener, Ekine, stated that the edition was the first time in four years that government agencies could feature in CVA voting categories. The seven institutions that made it to the inaugural nomination list were: Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,(FCCPC) , National Agency for Food and Drug administration and Control (NAFDAC),National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Public Complaints Commission (PCC) Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The participated institutions were rated into different categories based on citizens scorecard, providing unique opportunity for Nigerians to evaluate the performances of government agencies by votes.
Ekine gave the assurance that BrandXchange would continue to encourage citizens on annual participation in the nomination and voting processes as a form of “structured feedback for public office holders and custodians of the nation’s sub-brands.”
Part of the event was the launch of Citizens Score card as well as the dedication of the Sola Salako- Ajulo Award for Consumerism to Raheem Akingbolu.
The inaugural recipient was honoured with the Hand and the Cowry plaque for his contributions to consumer advocacy journalism.
The highpoint of the edition was the presentation of the unique awards to personalities who contribute to a more equitable marketplace, as BrandXchange focuses on empowering consumers to make informed choices that reflect their values.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission ,Dr. Aminu Maida commended the BrandXchange Limited for sustaining the platform that amplifies consumer choices and advocate firmly for the rights of Nigerian consumers.
“Over the years, the organization has earned a public trust by embracing accountability, showcasing authentic consumer feedback,and fostering a culture where brands are encouraged to compete on integrated service quality, and value delivery”, Maida said.