In commemoration of World Oral Health Day 2025, Colgate Nigeria has partnered with Beaconhill Smile Clinic, a leading dental clinic in Nigeria, to advance oral health awareness and education nationwide. This partnership marks a significant step in improving dental hygiene through education, access, and preventive care.

Colgate and Beaconhill have launched a national oral health educational series to spotlight the most pressing dental challenges facing Nigerians today. To further demonstrate the power of preventive care, 50 Nigerians will receive free professional Scaling & Polishing procedures, helping them take the first step toward better oral hygiene.

Speaking on the partnership, Founder & CEO, Beaconhill Smile Group, Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbobola, stated the clinic is proud to partner with Colgate to make quality dental care more accessible and drive real change across communities.

Colgate has also launched the #StartNowWithColgate campaign to drive behaviour change from an early age. The campaign delivers a simple but powerful message: Proper oral hygiene can retain all 32 teeth—even at age 80.

As part of its nationwide effort, Colgate partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health to commemorate World Oral Health Day through impactful community activations that include a rally on Wednesday, mobilizing hundreds to raise awareness on oral hygiene, community outreach in Karu community by Colgate to educate residents and distributed free toothpaste to support immediate behaviour change, another outreach at Gwagwalada Primary Health Centre and LEA Primary School to educate young children and nursing mothers on oral health, helping them adopt preventive habits early.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director of the Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, noted, “Oral health problems are preventable, but due to lack of awareness, people only act when pain begins—we must change this.“

The celebration extended to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where Colgate led an on-ground campaign to drive internal awareness through a rally within the hospital and distribution of free Colgate products.

At the rally, staff and patients gathered to promote better oral hygiene practices with free Colgate products distributed to patients to reinforce the brand’s commitment to education and access.

In his remarks, Consultant, Dental Public Health & Outreach Coordinator, LASUTH, Dr. Folabi Oyapero, stated, “This year’s partnership with Colgate scaled up efforts meaningfully, combining advocacy, education, and action.”

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Speaking on the impact of this year’s activities, Oluwatomisin Adetola, Head of Marketing at Colgate Nigeria, remarked that “the company is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the proper education and resources to maintain excellent oral health, adding that with the help of partners, we’re driving real, lasting change.”

Assistant Brand Manager, Colgate, Jessica Adetu, expressed her enthusiasm: “It was gratifying to see our oral health initiatives amplified for World Oral Health Day, allowing us to make an even greater impact on oral health education in the country.”

From schools to clinics, from mothers to the elderly, Colgate’s message is clear: Start now. A healthier, brighter smile is possible for everyone.

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African youth culture publication, Zikoko, is thrilled to announce NIVEA as the official headline sponsor for HERtitude 2025, its annual women-only event in Nigeria. This year’s edition, themed Retro Glam, promises to be a vibrant celebration of confidence, community, and empowerment; values that align perfectly with NIVEA’s commitment to care and connection. 

As a leading personal care brand with nearly 140 years of expertise, NIVEA has always prioritised care, both physical and emotional. Through this partnership, NIVEA aims to reinforce its mission of empowering young women by fostering meaningful connections and boosting confidence from the inside out.

Speaking on the partnership, Fiyin Toyo, Central, East & West Africa Marketing Director at Beiersdorf Nivea Consumer Products Limited, expressed excitement about this collaboration: 

“We’re thrilled to partner with HERtitude to celebrate and empower young women. This is more than a sponsorship—it’s a commitment to confidence, connection, and care.” 

Since 2022, HERtitude has brought young women together for an immersive experience filled with entertainment, inspiring conversations, networking, and self-expression. With NIVEA as a partner, this year’s event will take things to the next level, ensuring the Hot Babes leave feeling seen, heard and celebrated. 

Oluwadamilola Olatunji, Managing Editor at Zikoko, shared her excitement for this partnership: 

HERtitude has always been about creating a space where women can be their truest, boldest, and most confident selves. Having NIVEA as our headline sponsor is a perfect match because the brand is all about care, both inside and out. Together, we’re making sure every woman at HERtitude 2025 feels empowered, celebrated, and, of course, stunningly confident.

HERtitude 2025 will feature a fashion show, music performances, games, and an exciting mix of vendors offering everything from food and fashion to beauty and wellness products. Attendees can also participate in fun activities like candle-making, sip and paint, massages, tattoos, piercings, and more. Plus, women will get the chance to showcase their talent on the HERtitude stage. 

With an expected crowd of women from tech, beauty, fashion, leadership, and more, this is the space to network, have fun, and just be yourself. As a brand dedicated to empowering women, NIVEA has always been at the forefront of supporting initiatives that drive meaningful change, promote inclusivity, and uplift the voices of young women.

We are skincare. For nearly 140 years, we have cared for people from the outside in. Care represents both the physical nurture of skincare and the emotional care of empathy. Our goal is to help people feel good in their skin, giving them the confidence to reach out and build meaningful connections—an essential human need. Sponsoring HERtitude is a key pillar in driving meaningful connections, enabling young women to feel confident and equipped to take on leadership roles in every aspect of society, says Fiyin Toyo. 

Stay Connected: 

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Follow @Zikokomag on Instagram and @NIVEA_ng across all social media platforms for live HERtitude updates. 

Ticket sales are available exclusively via hertitude.zikoko.com. 

Join the conversation on social media using #HERtitude2025 #HERtitude #Zikoko

NIVEA’s Social Media Handles: 

Facebook – NIVEA (NG) 

Instagram – @NIVEA_ng 

YouTube – NIVEA Nigeria 

For media inquiries, interviews, and partnership opportunities, please contact: Damilola Olatunji Email: Zikoko@bigcabal.com

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It can feel worrying when your friends can’t stand your partner. You love them. You’re happy. But your friends? They roll their eyes when you mention their name, avoid double dates, or worse, openly say, “I don’t like them.” 

Suddenly, you feel torn between the people who’ve known you for years and the person you’re building something romantic with.

So, what do you do? Do you defend your partner and distance yourself from your friends? Or do you break up just to keep the peace? 

The answer is not that simple, and honestly, it shouldn’t be. Relationships are messy. People are flawed. And sometimes, the ones we love don’t get along.

If you’ve found yourself in this awkward spot, don’t panic. We’ll walk through the reasons your friends might hate your partner, what to do about it, and how to protect your peace.

1. Ask yourself: Is there a real reason they dislike your partner?

Before you go full “my friends are just haters” mode, take a deep breath and think: Did they see something I missed? Sometimes, people outside the relationship can spot red flags you may be ignoring.

Maybe your partner is rude, controlling, disrespectful, or makes you cry more than laugh. If your friends are noticing patterns that genuinely hurt you, they might just be looking out for your happiness. And even if they’re not perfect in how they say it, their concern could come from love.

But… if the issue is something petty, then maybe it’s more about clashing personalities, not actual danger or toxicity.

ALSO READ: 5 unhealthy excuses for staying in a relationship with the wrong person

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2. Talk to your friends, like really talk

It’s easy to get defensive when people criticise someone you love, but this is the time to listen, not argue. Ask your friends what exactly bothers them. Try not to interrupt. Let them explain themselves fully.

Sometimes, clearing the air helps. Maybe there was a misunderstanding. Maybe your partner said something that came off badly. Or maybe your friends just need time to get used to them.

Don’t assume it’s war just because there’s tension.

3. Talk to your partner too

Now flip the coin, your partner also deserves a chance to express their side. Do they feel unwelcome? Judged? Ignored?

Don’t go bashing your friends, be honest when having that heart-to-heart. Sometimes, a little extra effort, kindness, or patience from your partner can help ease the awkwardness.

ALSO READ: Why men prioritize peace of mind over toxic relationships

4. Set boundaries if things get toxic

If your friends are constantly bashing your partner, trying to make you break up, or being rude every time you’re together, it is not okay. You don’t have to choose sides, but you do have to protect your peace.

Let your friends know that you respect their opinion, but you need them to respect your relationship, too. If they can’t, it’s okay to take some space until they can be supportive or at least civil.

Side note: Your partner and your friends don’t need to be best friends. As long as they can be respectful and cordial, that should be enough.

5. Trust your gut

At the end of the day, you are the one in the relationship. You wake up next to your partner, not your friends. If you feel happy, safe, respected, and loved, and there’s no sign of abuse or manipulation, you’re good.

But if deep down, your friends’ concerns echo things you’ve been ignoring, pay attention. Sometimes, the truth we avoid is the one we most need to hear.

At the end of the day, love isn’t always black and white.

If both sides are mature and open-minded, things can improve. But if they don’t, remember this: You’re allowed to create your own path, even if it doesn’t make everyone happy. Just don’t lose yourself in trying to please either side. 

ALSO READ: If your partner has many friends of the opposite sex, here’s what it could mean