Guinness Nigeria PLC on Sunday, unveiled Arsenal and France Hall of Famer, Thierry Henry as the ambassador for their ‘Made of Black’ campaign.
The unveiling ceremony took place alongside a media briefing on Sunday at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
During the events’ maiden edition on Sunday, Henry was taught how to cook and eat Nigerian jollof rice, after which there were scheduled photo sessions with football fans.
Present at the unveiling ceremony were top managers of Guinness Nigeria Plc. With the likes of Peter Ndegwa, Corporate Relations Director, Legal Director and Company Secretary, Rotimi Odusola, Marketing and Innovation Director, Adenike Adebola, Managing Director, Viola Graham-Douglas and a host of others.
Igwe Thierry Henry as he was popularly called by Arsenal fans was dressed as an Igbo Chief during the event.
The former France international expressed his delight to be in Nigeria for the first time, stating that he grew up watching the Super Eagles, and he’s been looking forward to visiting Nigeria.
“I am happy to be here, first time in Nigeria,” Henry began.
“I played with Victor Ikpeba, I played with Nwankwo Kanu, they kept telling me you have to go (to Nigeria), they love the game there. I knew that for a fact because I grew up watching the Super Eagles back in 1994. Before that a lot of Nigerians played in France, Siasia, Keshi, (may he rest in peace). All those guys played in France and that was the first time I knew about Nigeria and they did so well. And the Super Eagles backed it up at the 1994 World Cup, and what a team Nigeria had then. I am very happy to be here and I had already had fufu so I am ready.”
The Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Ndegwa, revealed to the media why Henry was chosen as the ‘Made of Black’ ambassador.
“We are delighted at Guinness Nigeria PLC to be hosting a major milestone for our business and our partnership with football. We want to thank everyone that has been associated with Guinness,” Ndegwa stated.
“Guinness is a household name in Nigeria. We have been in Nigeria for 67 years. Nigeria is the first country we set up manufacturing plants outside Britain, so Guinness and Nigeria have a special place. We have been associated with football for a very long time. And we know that football is a passion for millions of Nigerians and also a passion across the world. Guinness has sponsored football for a long time including the sponsorship of the English Premier League in terms of broadcasting rights and that’s why we are delighted today to be welcoming our Made of Black ambassador, Thierry Henry. So why are we here, as we know, Guinness has lauched a major movement which is called Made of Black, and Made of Black is about those consumers or fans or individuals who want to go for success and want to be the very best. Made of Black is not about colour, it’s about attitude to want to achieve the very best.”
He continued, “We are very proud to be partnering with Henry as our Made of Black ambassador. Henry is an iconic brand in football across the world and in particular the English Premier League. Henry is a four-time English Premier League top scorer, he is Arsenals all time top scorer with 228 goals and also for France with 51 goals.”
“Behind Henry’s glittering career was a fanatical dedication, honouring his craft, always reaching to be better, always wanting to achieving more and giving back no matter what the success he has had. He is a very humble individual and I am sure consumers in this country will connect with him.” He added.
Featured Image Credit: Complete Sports
