Monthly Archive 25/10/2024

In the midst of the debate over the operations of Dangote Refineries and the expectation that it would be the messiah for Nigerians as the market contends with fluctuating prices of petroleum products, Top 50 Brands Nigeria rankings, hasannounced the Dangote Brand as ‘The Most Valuable Brand’ in Nigeria, writes Raheem Akingbolu
Many things determine the place of a brand in the market but perhaps the most enduring factor is the ability of the brand to resonate with consumers. Thus, a brand with Top of mind awareness, whichisa measure of how high brands rank in the consciousness of consumers, is tend to be one of the most talked-about brands in the market.
In Nigeria market, the Dangote Brand fits in perfectly as thefirst brand that comes to mind when consumers think ofsomecertain niche products and this has helped the brand achieved top of mind awareness. Therefore, when the promoters of the Top 50 Brands Nigeria ranking announced last week thatDangotecontinues to lead as thecountry’smost valuable brand, for theseventhyear in a row,it didn’t come to discerning minds as unusual news.
By securing an impressive aggregate score of 89.6 percent on the brand strength measurementindex, (BSM)conducted by the ranking company, Dangotehas proven resilient in the face of testing market conditions, justifying premium prices with positive perceptions, and proving that meaningful, different and salient brands are best placed to weather globalandeconomic disruptions.
The Competition
Other brands that slugged it out with Dangote are;MTN, Airtel, Access Bank, Globacom and many others. However, Dangote isimmediately followed by MTN Nigeria,which not only ranks second overall but also emerged as the Most Popular Brandin the country for the year, according to the Top-of-Mind (TOM) survey. MTN’s strong consumer connection and widespread recognition highlight its significant impact on the telecommunications sector and beyond.
The only confounding part of the 2024 story of the Top 50 Brand Nigeria has been the turbulent condition of the economy and the fact that Dangote brand’s profile has kept on rising despite the odds in the market.As a result of the local economic crisis, dictated by subsidy removal and currency devaluation,many companies crumbled while many brandslost their focus. However, few dogged businesses, in the likes of Dangote,that have remained strong despite the challengesappear tohavelearntnew ways of doing business, especially in the area of customer engagementand cost management.
Of course, the tense business environment has also led to stiff competition in various sectors, witheach of thebrandsmaking effortsto rejuvenate and remain strongdespite the challenges.
For the Dangote brand, the story is deeper in 2024. While other companies and brands are facing similar economic challenges, Dangote has consistently contended with ideological differences with regulatory authorities over the operation of its refinery alongside the general problem in the market. Before the refinery issue surfaced, its Dangote Cement was also in the news consistently for months over pricing and de-marketing shot from competitions.
One question analysts have continued to ask is howthe brand and its promoters have been weathering the storm.Forthe Dangote brandand its promoters, therecent rankingisnot accidental but a testament to their commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
In fact, observers have linked the success story of the Dangote Brand to the painstaking communication management skill of its number one spin doctor -the brand’sGroup Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina,who was recently namedas one of the “100 most influential communications and marketing executives in the world 2024,”byGlobal PR firm, Provoke Media. Those who hold this view often make reference to the success stories of other brands like Zenith Bank and the rested Oceanic Bank that had once passed through Chiejina.
Looking back into the last few months, one cannot but be amused by the masterly manner by which Chiejina and his team were able to strategically positioned the brand despite the odds through stakeholders’ engagement and effective communication devoid of negativity.
The Implication
The implication of the ongoing development is that Dangote is winning because it has good custodians to lean on while Chijiena wasselected alongside 99 other communications and marketing executives of highly rated government agencies, global corporations, and conglomeratesbecause of his immeasurable contribution to the growth of the Dangote Brand.
Founder and Chairman of Proshare Limited – Nigeria’s foremost Financial Information Hub, Femi Awoyemi,captured it succinctly when he concludedthat to measure the equity ofChijienabrand,may requirea glimpse at the success story of the brands he has built over the years.
He said, “Anthony Chiejina is well known as the spokesman of the Dangote Group. What is often lost in this description is the value of Tony as a first-rate scholar, speechwriter, and communications strategist, who has earned his reputation having built up a first-class track record of achievements managing the Zenith Bank and erstwhile Oceanic Bank global footprints.
“Tony is deliberate and intentional about his actions and has a work ethic that is grounded in professional excellence. In our dealings over decades, he has nudged, encouraged, and challenged us to observe first principles, clarity of thought, and credibility in communications – breaking down the value chain and ecosystem in all engagements.
“He prioritises the country’s interest in his engagements, be it within his group, his faith, and his devotion to learning as a basis for interventions. Such clarity of thought and purpose makes him a leader of leaders in the industry.” Awoyemi said.
Ranking Other Brands
In the detailed analysis of the ranking this year, Globacom Nigeria,is at the thirdplace, while Airtel Nigeria, another key player in the telecommunications sector, secured the fourth position. Access Bankranked in the fifth position, topping the Banking & Financial Services sector.
The organisers stated that: “This year’s list is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and enduring relevance of brands that continue to shape Nigeria’s economy, particularly in challenging times.
A significant highlight this year is that seven of the first 10 brands out of the 50 are Nigerian, emphasizing the resilience and global competitiveness of home-grown brands, most of which had spread abroad.
The Banking & Financial Services sector demonstrated remarkable strength within the top 10, with four brands. These are —Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, and GTCO.
Similarly, the Telecoms sector showcased its market dominance, with MTN, Airtel, and Globacom all ranking highly.
Additionally, it is impressive to note the consistency among the top brands, with seven of them maintaining their positions from last year. This stability reflects their continued relevance, strong market presence, and ability to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian business environment.
Nigerian brands account for 24 spots on the top brands list this year, while international brands hold 26 positions, representing 52% of the total.
The 2024 list also witnessed the entry of two new brands, these are Opay Nigeria and Flutterwave,which made their debut in the annual Top 50 evaluation. These new entrants highlight the growing influence of fintech and digital payment platforms in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
Notably, 14 brands maintained their positions from the previous year, reflecting their consistent performance and consumer trust.
Another set of notable eventsin the presentation are the 10 Brands to Watch – These are vibrant and upcoming brands, who, though not among the 50 Top Brands yet, but with significant visibility and promises. This year, 9 of the 10 Brands to Watch are Nigerian.
The Horse’s Mouth
The current ranking has become a subject of positive conversation becauseof the pedigree of the ranking agency.Top 50 Brands Nigeria has been consistent and transparent inbrand valuationfor a while andits process and criteria for ranking have been commended over the years.
During the public presentationof this year’s edition, its Chief Executive Officer,Taiwo Oluboyede, commended the brands for their exceptional performance resilienceand admitted the present economic challengesin the country.
“These brands deserve commendation, really, especially in times like this. The past year has been tough for many businesses, with some relocating out of Nigeria and others barely holding on. However, the majority of these brands have shown the resilient Naija spirit by weathering the storms and standing strong with positive projections into the future” He went on “As the saying goes, tough times never last, but tough people do. It’s in times like this that you differentiate between the boys and the men, as these brands have shown,” Oluboyedesaid.

The story behind the color scheme of the Golden Gate Bridge is almost legendary among San Francisco locals. According to historical accounts, chief engineer Joseph B. Strauss was adamant that the city would not host another gray bridge. After a heated debate with the Navy, who preferred a bold yellow-and-black striped design for visibility, Strauss ultimately settled on International Orange, giving birth to an iconic landmark.

Recently uncovered documents from the San Francisco Chronicle reveal that the color selection process was far more complex than most people realize. In fact, it serves as a cautionary tale for purists who cherish the bridge’s current appearance: a bright yellow scheme was seriously considered.

On April 4, 1935, the Chronicle featured an article titled “Bridge Paint Tested by Air and Wind.” The piece highlighted architect Irving Morrow, who was specifically recruited for his artistic background. He was tasked with selecting one or more colors that would both accentuate the bridge’s structural beauty and harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape, while also proving durable over time. Interestingly, Morrow initially presented a multi-colored vision for the bridge.

The article stated, “If the plan were to be implemented, the approach would sport one shade of red, the truss would have another, the towers a third, and the cables a fourth. The last hue proposed could potentially be yellow instead of red.”

To the modern-day San Franciscan, the notion of the bridge being painted in these hues sounds almost sacrilegious: “Our most cherished landmark dressed in McDonald’s colors?”

It seems that Morrow eventually had a change of heart. As John van der Zee recounts in his book “The Gate: The True Story of the Design and Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge,” he reflected on the local atmospheric effects, noting how cool tones dominated the environment: gray on foggy days and blue when sunny. This realization pointed clearly to the earth-tone of red as the ideal choice for the bridge, which would ultimately become the beloved International Orange representing San Francisco.

Getty ImagesThe Marvel actor has called for social media users to stop attacking a Canadian drink company after he voiced concern over the company's Dragons' Den pitchA Canadian boba tea company has apologised after Marvel actor Simu Liu accused them of cultural appropriation on an episode of the Dragons' Den reality TV series.
On an episode of CBC's Dragons' Den, the Canadian equivalent of the US show Shark Tank, the owners of a Quebec bubble tea brand called Bobba pitched their drink to potential investors, including Liu, arguing that they were "disturbing" the popular bubble tea market by using only three simple ingredients to "transform" the beverage into a "convenient and healthier" experience.
Liu pushed back against the entrepreneurs, accusing them of appropriating the Taiwanese drink, known as boba or bubble tea, which has became popular around the world.
"I'm concerned about this idea of disrupting or disturbing bubble tea", Liu said as a guest on the star show.
“There’s an issue of taking something that’s very distinctly Asian in its identity and ‘making it better,’ which I have an issue with,” he added.
The Canadian-Chinese actor also pressed the business owners, Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette, about whether they had members of staff who understood the cultural significance of the "very Asian drink", which is made with tapioca balls.
Mr Fiset responded that their "best partner" was in Taiwan – "they make all the recipes, all the boba".
The episode quickly blew up on social media, where users attacked the Bobba owners.
The owners responded by issuing an apology on social media on Monday, saying they were sorry for the harm they caused "with our words and actions on the show".
"Simu Liu raised very valid points regarding cultural appropriation and we welcome this learning opportunity," the business owners said.
They added that they would be re-evaluating their branding, packaging and marketing strategies to "ensure that they reflect a respectful and accurate representation of our Taiwanese partnership and bubble tea’s cultural roots".
Earlier Liu took to social media as well to try to de-escalate the conflict, arguing that the pair came on the show "in good faith".
He said he ultimately decided not to contribute to the $1m (£765,000) investment Mr Fiset and Ms Frenette were seeking for an 18% stake in their company because of the issues he pointed out with their product.
"That doesn't mean that I believe that they deserve harassment," Liu said in the social media video.
Another judge on the show, Manjit Minhas, had agreed to invest in Bobba, arguing that "there can be new takes on things… Not everything has to be traditional," when first hearing Liu's criticism of the Canadian duo's pitch on the show.
But following the social media storm the show created, she changed her mind, saying on Sunday: "After more reflection, due diligence and listening to many of your opinions, I will not be investing in Bobba Tea."
In a video posted to her Instagram account, she added that she'd had to turn off comments on her social media platforms due to abuse received since the show.
"It is never OK to send hate and threatening messages to the entrepreneurs," she said.

On October 14, 2023, the “Chinese Culture Paradise—Busan Camp” officially kicked off in Busan, South Korea, drawing more than 200 local youth participants.

At the opening ceremony, Yu Lianfei, the Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Busan, emphasized the significant role of cultural exchange between China and South Korea, particularly among the youth. He encouraged students to actively engage in the event to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and to become ambassadors for cultural exchange between the two nations. Yu also extended warm congratulations on the camp’s launch and expressed gratitude for the support from all parties involved.

School principal Zhang Xiulan from the overseas Chinese school in Busan remarked on the school’s 70-year legacy of sharing Chinese culture. She expressed her appreciation for the rich cultural courses brought by teachers from Chongqing. Zhang hopes that students will immerse themselves in the beauty of Chinese culture and broaden their international perspectives through interactions with these educators. She also anticipates that the event will create lasting memories for the participants and wishes the camp great success.

Wang Lin, Vice President of the Chongqing Overseas Friendship Association, noted that the “Chinese Culture Paradise” serves as an essential platform for promoting Chinese culture and enhancing international exchanges, receiving widespread appreciation from overseas Chinese schools. He expressed hopes that the event would strengthen cooperation between Chongqing and Busan and deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of China and South Korea. Wang also encouraged teachers and students to actively learn and carry forward the essence of Chinese culture, becoming messengers of cultural exchange. Following this, he presented a flag to representatives of the students from the overseas Chinese school in Busan, officially launching the activities.

The Chongqing cultural delegation showcased a vibrant array of performances at the opening, including Chinese folk songs, traditional martial arts, ethnic dances, poetry recitals, and instrumental music, which captivated the audience and received enthusiastic applause.

This event is organized by the Chinese Language Education Development Center, co-hosted by the Chongqing Overseas Friendship Association and the Busan Overseas Chinese School, with significant support from the Chinese Consulate in Busan. Over the next two weeks, 12 Chinese culture teachers from Chongqing will offer a variety of engaging courses for local youth, covering topics such as Chinese culture, traditional martial arts, ethnic dance, folk music, calligraphy, paper-cutting, and printmaking. The goal is to further enhance cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges and mutual understanding between Chongqing and Busan.

On October 17, 2024, the Wangfujing Forum officially kicked off in Beijing’s historic “Golden Street.” This year’s forum centers around the theme “New Consumption Leads to New Development,” bringing together policymakers, business leaders, scholars, and researchers to discuss key topics such as building international consumption centers, promoting new economic developments, enhancing the commercial environment, improving operational management, and innovating the integration of commerce with culture, tourism, and sports.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping emphasized the importance of consumption as a vital engine for economic growth and a significant reflection of people’s aspirations for a better life. He highlighted the Ministry of Commerce’s commitment to implementing central government decisions by organizing a series of activities under the “Consumption Promotion Year” campaign, focusing on boosting the exchange of old for new consumer goods, and driving sustained growth in consumption. Notably, consumer spending contributed 60.5% to economic growth in the first half of the year. He expressed hope for Beijing to enhance its role as a demonstration city for high-quality development in this area.

Beijing’s Vice Mayor, Si Ma Hong, also delivered a speech, stating that the city will continue to prioritize the development of an international consumption center. He mentioned that Beijing plans to align with new consumption trends, optimize supply, and nurture new consumption dynamics. By focusing on green, intelligent, immersive, and personalized approaches, Beijing aims to create a favorable environment for consumption that attracts both local and international visitors.

During a keynote address, researcher Yao Jingyuan from the State Council expressed that commerce is one of humanity’s oldest arts while also being a cutting-edge civilization. He pointed out the urgency for commercial transformation and emphasized that modernization in commerce should align with China’s unique modernization path—integrating technological advancements and digital innovations to create a powerful force of support for this transition.

Yang Lan, Chairman of Sunshine Media Group, also delivered a key speech, discussing the significant shift in China’s manufacturing landscape—from manufacturing to creation, from speed to quality, and from products to brands. She stressed the importance of understanding and capturing the immense potential of new commercial expressions, particularly in this era driven by technological advancements and the upcoming wave of AI technologies.

In a strategic cooperation signing segment, Beijing’s Dongcheng District signed agreements with various entities, including the Yiyun Digital Art Center, CiaoSpace Italian flagship brand, and new artistic spaces, marking the beginning of several promising projects aimed at integrating culture, commerce, and tourism in the district. Additionally, an agreement was reached between the Wangfujing Chamber of Commerce and the Myeongdong Merchants Association from Seoul to enhance international collaboration and expand Wangfujing’s global network.

The Wangfujing Forum seeks to serve as a robust platform for authoritative policy announcements, business innovation displays, international cooperation, and information sharing within the industry. Following the successful hosting of the first two forums in September 2020 and July 2021, the third iteration will be held on October 17-18, 2024, also supported by the Ministry of Commerce’s Circulation Industry Promotion Center and Xinhua News. This year’s forum will comprise a main session, seven sub-forums, and numerous supporting events, all under the overarching theme of “New Consumption Leads to New Development.”

Joanne Segovia, the former executive director of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association, recently pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the illegal importation of synthetic opioids from overseas. This plea could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Reports from the San Jose Mercury News indicate that Segovia’s plea was part of a deal with federal prosecutors, who agreed to lessen the severity of the charges against her. When prompted by the judge to confirm her understanding of the plea, she simply responded with “yes.”

According to the federal indictment, Segovia began receiving shipments of drugs at her San Jose home as early as 2015, sending dozens of packages from countries such as India, Hong Kong, Hungary, and Singapore. These packages were labeled with benign descriptions like “wedding party gifts,” “gift cosmetics,” “chocolate and candy,” and “nutritional supplements.”

Federal prosecutors noted that Segovia occasionally used her work computer to place orders and had utilized the union’s UPS account for domestic shipment of the drugs.

Following an internal investigation that concluded after the accusations arose, the police association terminated Segovia’s employment. Union officials mentioned that Segovia had been with the organization since 2003, where she organized funerals for fallen officers and acted as a liaison between the department and officers’ families, as well as coordinating office celebrations and fundraising events.

In 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a package containing $5,000 worth of tramadol addressed to Segovia’s home and sent her a notice regarding the seizure. Court records reveal that the following year, another shipment containing $700 of tramadol was also intercepted, and a similar notification was sent to her.

However, it wasn’t until 2022 that federal investigators began looking into Segovia after finding her name and home address on the phone of a suspected drug trafficker tied to a smuggling ring distributing Indian-manufactured controlled substances. Prosecutors stated that this network has distributed hundreds of thousands of pills across 48 states.

Paris Hilton, the heiress of the Hilton Hotels empire, recently shared a sizzling video on Instagram that has fans buzzing with admiration. In the video, she flaunts a stunning black lingerie set from Agent Provocateur, shot at a luxurious mansion in Palm Springs, California. The background music features her collaboration with rapper Megan Thee Stallion, titled “BBA” (Bad Bitch Academy), with the caption reading, “#BadB**chAcademy is for the hot girls, right?”

Lauren Sanchez commented, “OK this is hot,” adding a flame emoji, while Hollywood star Jessica Alba also showed her support with a like. Paris’s sister, Nicky Hilton, has also praised the video.

Last month, Paris was featured in the 2024 fall/winter collection for Agent Provocateur, photographed by Greg Williams, where she pushed the boundaries of sensuality. In one shot, she lounged in front of a fireplace wearing a bra, panties, thigh-high stockings, and garters, with her blonde hair tousled for a “just woke up” look. In another daring outfit, she posed in a pink jacket and thigh-high stockings atop the hood of a black car.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, Paris described her endorsement with Agent Provocateur as “the ultimate tribute to femininity.” She said, “To me, Agent Provocateur has always represented strength and elegance. It’s an honor to be part of their legacy celebration.”

Sarah Shotton, the creative director of Agent Provocateur, commented on Paris’s appeal, saying, “For me, she is sexy, bold, and very provocative. She’s amazing, and as a huge fan of AP, I created some bridal lingerie and special kimonos for her—she is the perfect AP girl.”

In addition to her lingerie campaign, Paris has been incredibly busy preparing for the release of her second studio album, “Infinite Icon.” Released on September 6, “Infinite Icon” marks her first full album in nearly 20 years, following her debut album “Stars Are Blind” in 2006.

Besides her new album, Paris is also filming a new reality show titled “Paris and Nicole The Encore,” alongside her former co-star from “The Simple Life,” Nicole Richie.

On October 14, Vice President of the General Administration of Customs, Wang Lingjun, stated that with coordinated policy efforts, China’s economy will continue to stabilize and improve, achieving the goal of steady quality and quantity growth in foreign trade for the entire year.

During a press conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, Wang, along with the Customs spokesperson and Director of the Statistical Analysis Department, Lv Daliang, discussed the import and export situation for the first three quarters of 2024 and answered questions from reporters.

When asked about the reasons behind the stable growth of China’s imports and exports during the first three quarters and the outlook for foreign trade in the fourth quarter, Wang responded by highlighting factors on both the supply and demand sides.

Starting with demand, he noted that recent reports from the World Trade Organization have raised their forecast for global merchandise trade growth this year. Institutions such as the World Bank and the OECD point to signs of stabilization in the global economy, which has created favorable conditions for China’s exports. Exports to traditional markets in Europe, the United States, and Japan grew by 4.2%, while exports to emerging markets like ASEAN and Latin America saw increases of 12.3% and 13.7%, respectively. Domestically, stable industrial production has led to increases in the import of coal, natural gas, and iron ore by 11.9%, 13%, and 4.9%, respectively. The cyclical upturn in the consumer electronics sector has contributed to double-digit growth in the import of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, integrated circuits, and flat panel display modules. Additionally, consumer items such as specialty fruits, wine, and clothing have shown growth rates of 7.1%, 28.9%, and 6.1%, effectively meeting the diverse consumption needs of the domestic market.

On the supply side, Wang emphasized that China is accelerating the development of new productive forces, with a clear trend toward high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly manufacturing. The strength of Chinese manufacturing is increasingly recognized on the global stage. In terms of high-end products, there is a notable demand for smart appliances, such as all-in-one vacuum cleaners and fully automatic coffee machines that can brew various flavors. Exports of home appliances increased by 15.5% in the first three quarters. From an eco-friendly perspective, China’s new energy sector is aligning effectively with global green development trends, with wind turbine and electric vehicle exports growing by 73.9% and 22%, respectively.

Looking ahead, Wang mentioned that with three months remaining in the year, the external environment has become more complex and challenging. The latest report from the International Monetary Fund indicates that global economic growth is below the average levels seen in the first two decades of this century. Major economies continue to face insufficient growth momentum, with both the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank lowering their economic growth forecasts for the year by 0.1 percentage points in September. Additionally, some countries have frequently imposed trade restrictions on Chinese products, leading to fluctuations in key domestic economic indicators such as industrial output and investment. However, Wang firmly stated that the fundamental aspects of China’s economic development remain unchanged, with robust market potential and economic resilience. Recent efforts across various departments and regions are focused on fully implementing the decisions from the Central Political Bureau meetings, actively introducing policies to support the healthy development of the real economy and business entities. Wang expressed confidence that with coordinated policy efforts, China’s economy will continue to stabilize and improve, effectively meeting the goal of steady quality and quantity growth in foreign trade by the end of the year.

BBC / Jon Parker LeeGeorge and Mandy are among the residents who refused to sign an NDA agreement and can speak about the Runcorn incinerator“We have been inundated with flies, rats, smell, noise. It's just been horrendous,” says Mandy Royle, who lives in the closest home to the UK’s biggest waste incinerator at Runcorn in Cheshire.
The facility generates electricity from burning nearly a million tonnes of household rubbish every year – but much of that waste doesn't come from Ms Royle's local area. Like many incinerators, deliveries come from hundreds of miles away.
BBC analysis suggests the burden of the UK's waste is disproportionately falling on deprived areas such as Runcorn, which are 10 times more likely to have an energy-from-waste incinerator in their midst than in the wealthiest areas.
Burning rubbish now UK’s dirtiest form of power

In an effort to inspire creativity and self-expression among Chinese American students, World Journal has partnered with American Wei Chuan Corporation to host a painting competition in 2024, inviting youth under 16 years old across the United States to participate. This year’s theme is “The Dining Table Kingdom,” allowing children to transform the dining table into a fantastical realm through their artwork, illustrating the magical stories of ingredients and utensils. This initiative not only showcases their love for food but also deepens their understanding of family values. Each piece of art serves as a window into the enchanting narratives surrounding their dining experiences, turning every meal into a cherished memory. The goal of the painting competition is to ignite students’ imagination and creativity, letting their artistic expression take flight at the dining table.

The competition is divided into five age categories:
– 6-7 years old (ages 6 to 8),
– 8-9 years old (ages 8 to 10),
– 10-11 years old (ages 10 to 12),
– 12-13 years old (ages 12 to 14),
– 14-16 years old (ages 14 to 17).

Participants must create their artwork on paper sized either 11 inches wide by 14 inches high or 14 inches wide by 11 inches high. The competition allows for both online and offline submission methods, encouraging entrants to use the online submission system. For details on how to submit, please visit the official event website: bit.ly/wcwj24. If opting for physical submission, participants should include their personal information (name, date of birth, contact number, mailing address, and age group) on the back of their artwork. All entries must be postmarked by November 6, 2024, and sent to the World Journal Event Team in New York at 141-07 20th Ave, Floor 2, Whitestone, NY 11357. Late submissions will not be accepted. Participants who wish to have their creations returned must provide postage and a self-addressed envelope.

To reward outstanding participants, the organizers will provide cash prizes and certificates for top performers. The first-place winners in each category will receive $200, second-place $160, third-place $120, and honorable mentions will earn $60. The submission deadline is November 6, 2024 (Wednesday). The results and winning artwork will be published in early December 2024 in World Journal and showcased on the event’s official website. For more information, please check the event website at bit.ly/wcwj24 or call (718) 746-8889, extension 213.