The evening of August 30th, 2012, was one of elegance, glitz and glamour as employees of Coca-Cola Nigeria held an in-house launch of its resonating wake up campaign themed 'A Billion Reasons to Believe in Africa'. The event which was part of the activities lined up to herald the consumer launch of the much anticipated campaign, . showcased the unique flavours of African culture and served as a foretaste of what to expect at the 'Evening with Coca-Cola' billed for September 6, 2012.
T
he in-house event kicked off to music and dance and a display of contemporary African fashion and style. The highlight of the evening was the live performance by Omawunmi's of her hit track, "If You Ask Me". The songstress was at her energetic best as she rendered other popular tunes to the admiration of the audience. Reiterating what the campaign was all about, and what consumers should look forward to at the September 6 event, Brand Manager Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria; Mr Olufemi Ashipa stated that 'A Billion Reasons to Believe in Africa' is more than a campaign; it is a reawakening of African pride and the celebration of Africa taking its pride of place in world affairs. From music, to the arts, to innovation and fashion, to academia sports, there are a billion reasons to believe in this continent and its wonderful people, starting of course with the passionate and self-driven people of our great country Nigeria". 
'A Billion Reasons to Believe' which is an extension of Coca-Cola's global Open Happiness campaign sees happiness in the context of everyday occurrences in our society, from good friends, to that stranger who gave you a helping hand when you least expected it, to the happiness that comes from sharing an ice cold bottle of Coca-Cola with family and friends; it reminds us of the beauty that we have around us; and which the world has recognized.
Speaking during the event, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Kelvin Balogun, said the campaign reflects Coca-Cola's long term view of Africa – as a continent in renaissance with a compelling growth story over the last 10 years and credible growth opportunities into the foreseeable future. "By 2020 there will be one billion Africans. Each one of us carries immense potentials and represents a reason to believe in the continent. This campaign is a celebration of Africa and its people by a brand that knows it like no other, by virtue of our long history on the continent and our unmatched footprint across its lands.
Consumers can participate in the campaign by sharing some of their reasons to believe and personal stories of optimism, passion and belief in Africa on the Coca-Cola Nigeria Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cokenaija). Users of Twitter can also send a tweet to @Coca-Cola_NG. The best stories and tweets will win gifts including VIP invites to to the main event, 'An Evening with Coca-Cola' scheduled for September 6, 2012 at the Harbour Points Victoria Island. The event promises to be a relaxing evening of entertainment bringing to life some of the billion reasons to believe in Africa through a celebration of the arts, entertainment and contemporary culture.
