Mehn! Simply brilliant.

Less than a year after Rocket Internet’s Africa Internet Group, AIG was collapsed into Jumia, the company has shut down Jumia Market, its merchant based marketplace formerly called Kaymu.


Sources close to Jumia said over 70 staff on the Jumia Market team were laid off with just about 15 people left in the team.

Jumia has not commented on the matter. However, the company is not likely to comment on the matter as it is major controlled from Berlin by Rocket Internet, its holding company which owns about 24% stake in the company.

The company has in the last two years witnessed massive impairments to its bottom line. The crash in global oil prices which plunged Nigeria’s economy into a recession and a subsequent devaluation of the Naira (NGN) was a major blow to Jumia, Konga and many other Internet start-ups who opened shops in 2012 at the height of oil prices surging to all time highs.

In its first quarter result, Rocket Internet disclosed that Jumia Africa (with Nigeria responsible for over 60% of revenue) recorded a net loss of EUR23.7 million. While the result was a slow down in net losses on a year on year basis. The loss reduction was a small shave when compared to its net loss for first quarter of 2016 when the company reported that it suffered EUR24.9 million net loss.

The result raises doubts as to how Jumia will steer its way into profitability by 2019 as predicted by the company’s chief executive in 2016.

On a year on year basis, Jumia saw a decline in net revenue to EUR19.2 million compared to EUR23 million in the previous year. Jumia also saw a dip in its lifetime customer base within the period to 1.6 million from 1.7 million posted last year.

Jumia has not released its result for the second quarter. Analysts polled by PageOne.ng actually concluded that the shut down of Jumia Market was a step towards reporting its second quarter result which is due to be reported on the 28th of September, 2017. It is still a long time, it expected that the early shutdown would allow Rocket Internet to take stock of the impairments in order to further cut its costs.

However, other analysts argued that Jumia should have since consolidated all other units including Jumia Food, Jumia Travel and Jumia House into the Jumia platform instead of only scrapping the Africa Internet Group but the sub units were still be run as semi-autonomous companies.



Some also of the view that given the companies current loss positions, it would need to shut down more units which further see a deep cut down in its staff strengths.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/rocket-internets-jumia-shuts-down-jumia-market-kaymu/

Last week Google announced that it has improved location search experience in Lagos by adding thousands of new addresses and streets, outlines of more than a million buildings in commercial and residential areas and more than 100,000 additional Nigerian small businesses on Google Maps. This came with the big news: the launch of Nigeria on Google Street View. Beginning with the city of Lagos but with the possibility of extension to other states in the nearest future, Nigeria finally joined the growing list of ‘developed’ countries where you can navigate the streets in a virtual car.


Google Street View is a web-based application that augments Google Maps by providing panoramic images of streets in various cities around the world. Launched in 2007 in selected cities in the US and later expanded to include other cities across the world, anyone from any location in the world can zoom into Google street view and see what the street actually looks like to passersby. Google uses roving vehicles that drive down the street taking millions of digital photographs to collect the necessary data and the Street View application pieces these photographs together along with controls that allow users to step down the street, or turn their View to different angles.

I first experienced the magic of Google Street View when I visited Liverpool 3 years ago. While riding the train from London I browsed Google map on my mobile phone to plot my journey from the Lime Street train station to the hotel I had booked to lodge. I was pleasantly surprised to find out out that in addition to learning that I could get to my hotel either by walking for 8 minutes or taking a 10 minute bus ride, a click brought out 3D images of my destination. I have since wondered when we can have that piece of technology back here in Nigeria and how wonderful it could be for my out of home planning work. And here it is.

The launching of Lagos on Street View comes with over 10,000 kilometers of imagery, including the most important historic roads in the city and you can virtually drive along the Third Mainland Bridge via the Adeniji Loop and down to Osbourne Road or through Ikorodu Road via Western Avenue to Eko Bridge – all on a mobile device in your hands.

While many celebrate this development for its usefulness in exploring places of interest such as hotels, parks, museums and historical and cultural sites, the arrival of Nigeria on Google Street View signals a new dawn for the out-of-home advertising industry. And for my planning team at Posterscope, Nigeria’s pioneer specialist out-of-home communication agency, Google Street View could not have come at a better time.

The arrival of Google Street View coincides with the launch in Posterscope Nigeria of ECOS our global information management platform that comes with applications for data led OOH planning, buying, campaign management, visualisation and reporting.

We have always wanted to expand our planners’ access to maps and the flexibility of viewing different data sources within maps. When planning out-of-home advertising campaigns, we need to know the exact location of potential sites for client advertising, demographics for the area around each site, and distance to the client’s point of sale or nearest retail location. So we developed ECOS, our own suite of tools for planning out-of-home campaigns. ECOS helps our planners gather data relevant to a campaign, manage campaign workflows and create visuals showing the selected out-of-home locations.

The ECOS platform gives OOH media planners at Posterscope the freedom to upload and view maps with a variety of data relating to potential advertising locations and make smarter and faster decisions about which locations to include in campaigns. We can overlay audience research about potential viewers for advertising locations giving out of home advertising the measurability that has eluded the industry for so long. And we can determine which Points of Interests have availability of OOH sites for advertising campaigns.

With the coming of Google Street View we can now can pull up an image using the Street View API for our client to see an actual out-of-home location. No site visits with media owners. And where no media opportunity exists we can create new ones through collaboration with our media owner partners, effectively making the street our canvas. Combine this with the growing digitization of OOH, multiplication of data sources and the abundance of new technology that is changing the way we can use OOH to connect with people in physical spaces, the opportunity that OOH now offers brands in Nigeria is endless and nothing could be more exciting.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/how-google-street-view-will-extend-possibilities-in-out-of-home-media-planning/

FP tinz

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has been awarded the, “Best Public Institution Award of the Year, 2016” in Nigeria by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at a presentation ceremony in Oriental hotel, Victoria Island Lagos on the 29 th of July, 2017.


The Award which was presented by the President of LCCI, Dr/Mrs Nike Akande, was received on behalf of the management of NBS by the Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale. The Best Public Institution Award category was among other categories of awards given at the award ceremony.

It should be noted that the award is an outcome of a painstaking selection process from numerous entries received for this award category and backed by feedbacks from industry and market intelligence.

The Statistician General was very delighted about the award and expressed his appreciation to the entire staff of NBS. According to him, the award is a reward of their tireless efforts in ensuring that quality data were produced in NBS. He is also thanking the management of LCCI for carrying – out a transparent process which led to the selection of NBS for this award.

Finally, he is also expressing his appreciation to the Nigerian people who massively voted for NBS during the selection process of this award. In return, the Statistician General is promising NBS publics of reliable, timely, comprehensive and accurate data for national development.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/nbs-wins-2017-lcci-public-sector-institution-of-the-year/

Foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, marks its listing on the London Stock Exchange whereby the Bank became the first Nigerian bank to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the first to dual list on an international exchange and the first Nigerian company to raise international capital using listed Global Depositary Receipts.


To mark the 10th anniversary of this pioneering feat, the MD/ CEO of GTBank, Mr Segun Agbaje led the Market Open Ceremony at the LSE on Friday, July 28, 2017, accompanied by senior representatives of the Bank and other institutional partners including JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Banwo and Ighodalo.

The London Stock Exchange is a diversified international exchange that offers international business, and investors, unrivalled access to Europe’s capital markets. In July 2007, GTBank embarked on a concurrent international and domestic equity offering by way of Global Depositary Receipts to raise funding for general corporate purposes. At the completion of this unprecedented offering, the Bank raised approximately US$825 million and became the first Nigerian company to obtain a full listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Since its listing on the LSE, GTBank embarked on a decade of unparalleled growth, leading the financial industry in profitability and products and service delivery.

Commenting on the anniversary, Mr Agbaje, said, “Listing on the London Stock Exchange, one of the most illustrious exchanges in the world, was a pioneering feat which remains fresh in our minds. We are very grateful to all our investors and partners for the integral role they played and their confidence in the Brand. Ten years on, we remain committed to maximizing shareholders’ value and delivering superior and sustainable return; guided by our founding values of hard work, discipline and integrity.”

Guaranty Trust Bank plc [GTB] offers a wide range of financial services and products throughout Nigeria, with strong footprints in West and East Africa, as well as the United Kingdom. In recognition of its leading role in Africa’s banking industry, world class corporate governance standards and excellent service delivery, GTBank has been recognized as the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney (2016), the African Bank of the Year by the African Banker Magazine (2016) the Best Bank in Africa for Corporate Governance (2015) and the Most Innovative Bank in Africa by African Investor (2016).


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/gtbank-celebrates-10th-anniversary-of-listing-on-the-london-stock-exchange/

Following the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry (BoI), Unity Bank Plc is set to partner with BoI in the execution of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), one of the social intervention programmes of the Federal Government of Nigeria.


GEEP provides access to affordable micro credit to Nigerian micro business owners who hitherto were unable to access loans to grow their businesses.

Under this partnership, Unity Bank will provide account opening services to qualified beneficiaries of GEEP nationwide.

These individual bank accounts will serve as channels for beneficiaries to receive loans disbursed by BoI. Beneficiaries will also make loan repayments through these bank accounts. Unity Bank will also provide BVN registration services for beneficiaries who require such, thereby increasing the financial inclusion in Nigeria.

The bank’s participation in the scheme stems from the strategic business objective of supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to access affordable funding.

Commenting on the bank’s participation, the MD/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs Tomi Somefun, stated that the success of the partnership with BoI is testament to the fact that despite the difficulties of accessing credits by this segment of the market, the good knowledge and understanding of different players in the market segments and ability to harness inherent opportunities for their benefit has continued to differentiate the bank in line with its strategic business focus on agriculture, retail/SME and rural economy.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/unity-bank-partners-bank-of-industry-to-promote-growth-of-nigerian-micro-businesses/

News Update:
The Federal Government has adopted the $11billion Dangote refinery, under its new National Petroleum Policy in order to add value to crude oil, reduce high dependence on imported petro- leum products and conserve foreign exchange for other developmental projects. Consequently, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, today, led a strong government delegation to inspect the progress of work at the 650,000 plant expected to come on stream in 2019. This Day”


“The Fixed income market remained quiet in today’s session due to the suspension of trading in the two-way quote mar- ket till Wednesday. The CBN however continued with its OMO issuance, selling a total of N8.84bn (185 day) and N51.96bn (332 day) OMO T-bills with rates pegged at 17.95% and 18.55%. We expect active participation by market players at the T-Bills PMA scheduled to hold on the 2nd of August.

The OBB and O/N rates remained stable at the previous day’s levels to close at 5.17% and 5.75% due to the buoyant liquidi- ty in the money market coming from the c.N313bn FAAC dis- bursements credited into the system by late Friday last week. Market Liquidity is estimated at N209billion long as at close of business today. We expect rates to remain stable at these levels barring any significant liquidity management actions by the CBN.”

ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Inflation (YoY) 16.10%
Exchange Rate ($) N305.65
MPR 14.00%
Foreign Reserves $30.77Bn
Brent Crude $51.91

For Market statistics breakdown, Kindly visit :

https://brandspurng.com/daily-market-report-fixed-income-money-market-and-fx-july-31-2017/

The 2016 PR report cites talent as the industry’s single biggest challenge. Even though traditional expertise is prioritized over newer skills, it is strongly believed that the ability to attract and retain talent impedes on the overall growth of the PR industry.


Surprisingly, coding and development — which some believe will be a very necessary PR skill in the nearest future – is perceived to be the least most important PR skill in Nigeria.

According to PR practitioners and agency owners, having the following skill-set will set you apart and up for a successful PR career.

Content creation: 65.48% of respondents say content creation is the cornerstone of a PR professional’s career.
Media relations: In PR, you need to know all about the media. 63.10% prioritize this over every other skill. They believe that a PR practitioner should be able to think like the media, have a nose for news and be able to build a long-term mutually-beneficial relationship with members of the fourth estate. That’s how you get seen.
Creative thinking: 59.52% say creativity is a major ingredient for any successful PR campaign
Strategic planning: Never kick-start a PR campaign without a proper plan. Hone your strategy skills and you’ll make a killing.
Social media marketing: Well, for one this is the fastest area of practice in the industry and more clients are leveraging digital and social media to reach their customers.
Presentation skills: Just as important as writing is your ability to present your thoughts to individuals and to a group. How you say it is sometimes more important than what you say.
Innovate: Learn to seek out new and interesting ways to communicate with your audience. Your ability to innovate and find solutions will take you to the top and keep you there.
Time/task management: In a job were multiple clients and projects are all labelled “important,” the ability to prioritize, handle deadlines and the pressures that come with them is a valuable skill.
Organization: If you can work well enough for your boss to take free and personal times, you will be noticed in no time.
Computer skills: Knowing how to navigate Microsoft Office and other web page-creating programs will put you in good stead. Your work will involve a lot of typing. Emails and press releases come with the territory.
Communication skills: PR is all about interacting with others. Being able to hold your own professionally against clients and with an awareness of when to direct a conversation to someone more capable is a valuable skill.
Eye for detail: A sharp eye for detail is a very important skill in PR. Being able to spot incorrect fact(s) while perusing a document could do your company no harm.
Work ethic: PR is not your regular 9-5 job. It shouldn’t take over your life completely but the nature of the job requires that you sometimes have to put in that little bit of extra effort.
Research: PR practitioners normally carry out tons of research in order to learn new information unique to each client and campaign.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/thinking-of-building-a-career-in-public-relations-here-are-the-14-most-important-skills-in-pr/

Interswitch has been heralded as a future unicorn, a private technology company with valuation of at least $1 billion, by TechCrunch. Then, it was expected that Interswitch would go public in the Nigerian Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, in 2016. That exit, through IPO, did not happen and it would be assumed that Helios was disappointed.


We propose for Interswitch to buy a bank and Konga. Together, both will provide growth drivers which will be catalytic. Public traded Unity Bank is worth about $31 million according to Bloomberg Markets. Interswitch could pay a premium and acquire it for $40 million; Konga is worth about $34 million.

This is a videocast supporting the proposal for Interswitch to buy Konga and Unity Bank in order to deepen its competitiveness through a well differentiated platform.

SOURCE : https://brandspurng.com/acquiring-konga-and-unity-bank-plc-will-reposition-interswitch/

Natural Sugar so scarce in our diet.

I hope it gets fulfilled.

I

Good piece

can someone explain what those stuffs that looks like drums do?

In its bid to further support driver-partners, Uber has opened a support centre in Lagos known as Greenlight Hub in Lagos. The hub, which is strategically located at the Maryland Mall in Maryland Lagos, is open six days a week, and will serve as a resource centre where existing and potential driver-partners can receive support for app-related inquiries. Speaking at the launch, Alon Lits, General Manager for Uber, Sub-Saharan Africa said, “The Greenlight Hub is a support centre that provides drivers-partners with established channels of communication to raise individual questions and concerns that they may have.


“We’ve always had partner support centres, but not at the level of the Greenlight Hub, where potential and existing driver-partners can have their concerns and inquiries addressed by our dedicated and professional team.” Head of Greenlight for SSA, Taryn Morris, who also spoke, reaffirmed Uber’s commitment to supporting driver-partners. He said, “we are excited to officially open the new Greenlight Hub in Lagos Nigeria and offer a new, world-class, technologically advanced place for drivers to get onboarded and obtain customer support.

The new location is also much more accessible to drivers and we aim to have the best driver experience through solid processes and training of our Uber Experts.” As a way of recognizing and surprising exceptional driver-partners, Uber also presented prizes to Usman Oboshi, Remi Afolabi and Edwin Obi – driver-partners with the best rating and longest partnership with Uber. Prizes were also presented to Blessing Onu, women driver-partner with the longest partnership with Uber and Iwa Airiohuodion, women driver-partner with the best rating.

Greenlight Operations Manager, Uber Nigeria, O’Yoma Ukueku, said,“Uber cares about the driver-partners that use the app and we are committed to ensuring that they succeed and thrive in business. Once existing and prospective driver-partners arrive at the Greenlight Hub, they are promptly attended to by our well-trained and professional Greenlight Uber Experts.There are no costs involved for driver-partners utilizing the Greenlight Hub, we respect them as valuable partners with a voice and a choice and we want them to feel that they can talk to us about anything at any time.” The Greenlight Hub will be open Monday through Thursday, from 9am – 4pm, Friday, from 9am – 3pm and on Saturday, from 11am – 4pm, excluding public holidays. Uber recently announced a strategic partnership with Germaine Auto Centre – a Nigerian based auto service and maintenance company, to enable driver-partners operating in Lagos to enjoy top quality vehicle maintenance and servicing.

Uber’s mission is to help people get a ride at the push of a button – everywhere and for everyone. We started in 2009 to solve a simple problem – how do you get a ride at the touch of a button? Six years and over five billion trips later, we’ve started tackling an even greater challenge: reducing congestion and pollution in our cities by getting more people into fewer cars. The Uber network is now available in over 600 cities in over 80 countries spanning 6 continents. To request a ride, users must download the free application for Android, iPhone, Blackberry 7, or register for Uber at www.uber.com/go. For questions visit www.uber.com


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/driver-partner-support-uber-opens-greenlight-hub-in-lagos/

Over 25 FinTech companies attended the recent inaugural meeting of FTAN – FinTech Association of Nigeria – which principal objective is to serves as a platform for the development of the financial technology industry in Nigeria and to be a forum for the exchange of ideas and dissemination of information by and between various stakeholders in the industry.


According to Dr. Olusegun Aina, OFR, FCIB Chair of the FTAN Interim Governing Council, “Following decisions reached at the inaugural meeting of the foundation members of FTAN, the body has since been duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.” He added “it was decided that members of the founding consultative group transition into the Interim Governing Council (GovCo) and appoint additional members to steer the ship of formation. These Council members are representing their organisations as membership of the Association is presently opened to corporate entities only”.

The Interim GovCo and the Working Groups will midwife the Association until its first Annual General Meeting expected to hold in January 2018 when substantive officers are to be elected into positions.

Mr Femi Awoyemi, of FTAN Media, Advocacy, Brand and Communications working group, informed “ Dr. Segun AINA is President/Chairman of the Interim Governing Council (GovCo)., and supported by Mrs. Bunmi LAWSON (Accion Microfinance); Barr. Isa ALADE (Banwo & Ighodalo); Mr. Tunde KUPONIYI (Ecobank Nigeria); Treasurer; Mr. Olufemi AWOYEMI (Proshare), Mr. Wole OYENIRAN (Deloitte Nigeria); Mr. John OBARO (SystemSpecs); Dr. Olayinka David -West (Lagos Business School); and Mr. Tunji ELESO (Co-Creation Hub, Lagos)

He noted that “the GovCo had its first meeting on Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 and set up six (6) Committees as Working Groups to see to the smooth take-off of the Association. They include Membership and Funding; Strategy and Planning; Administration and Technology; Media, Advocacy, Brand and Communications; Events and Programmes; Research and Market Trends”

He went further to say that “As part its initial steps, the Association has made approaches to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on its intent and purposes through the Chairman of the interim GovCo.”

All firms and organisations operating in Nigeria’s FinTech space are invited to join FTAN – FINTECH ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/fintech-association-of-nigeria-debuts-to-support-development-of-the-financial-technology-industry/

Lagos-based Reputation Management and Marketing Communications company, BHM has announced the appointment of Mr. Moruff Adenekan as its General Manager/Chief Operating Officer.


Before his new appointment which takes effect August 1, 2017, Adenekan was the Head of Operations at C&F Porter Novelli Lagos, the affiliated agency of the London based global PR/Reputation firm –Porter Novelli.

According to the statement released on the new appointment, Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO of BHM said: “We are delighted to have Mr. Adenekan join our leadership, having garnered experience across the industry. In his new role, he will provide day-to-day leadership to the PR teams in line with the company’s mission to build a beautiful company that puts people before profit”.

Adenekan will be charged with managing the processes at BHM and his responsibilities will include but not limited to: driving BHM’s business to achieve and surpass business goals, spearhead the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes at Black House Media, including introduction of new PR and reputation management models in critical areas like product thinking, advocacy and government relations.

As a result-driven executive, Adenekan will be bringing his over 20 years cumulative experience and expertise in the marketing communications Industry spanning Advertising, sales/experiential marketing and Strategic Public Relations/Reputation management to bear on his new role at BHM, as the company works to implement at 10-year blueprint driven by technology, product thinking and consumer intelligence.

Moruff Adenekan
Moruff Adenekan

Reacting to his new appointment, Adenekan said: “Moving to BHM is the next step in my career trajectory, it’s a challenge I have been looking forward to. It puts one in the eye of the storm just as it offers an opportunity to join forces with forward-looking and unconventional professionals to move the company and our industry forward. I have always wanted to contribute to new learning and move the conversation forward. BHM offers a perfect opportunity”

Prior to C&F Porter Novelli, Adenekan had worked with Chain Reactions Nigeria, Medallion Consulting, Commstrat Associates and Campaign & Concept Advertising and serviced clients in sectors such as fast moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, media, utilities, government among many others.
BHM is a media and public relations company involved in communications strategy, reputation management, consumer engagement, content development, advocacy, community and assets management, research and intelligence and media relations.

In its 10 years of existence, the agency has gone from being a one-man shop to one of Africa’s leading PR consultancies, executing briefs and engaging dozens of consultants in Lagos, Abuja, Nairobi, London, Germany and elsewhere.

BHM currently works for clients in diverse sectors, especially financial services, consumer goods, telecommunications, education, government, media, lifestyle and ICT.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/bhm-announces-appointment-of-general-managercoo/

A little over one year after it was granted a commercial banking license with regional authorization by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the shape of the Providus Bank brand is gradually emerging.


The bank consolidated itself in April with the inauguration of its ultramodern headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos and according to the Managing Director, Walter Akpani, was established with a vision to build an enduring and sustainable customer-focused financial institution.

Akpani promised that the bank would focus on service excellence, cost savings, speed, transparency and innovation.

Furthermore, Akpani disclosed that the lender will leverage on technology to beat competition, saying the vision of the bank is to be the number one in service delivery. “We want to be a niche player and our nimble size will enhance cost saving,” he added.

With a clear vision to “building an enduring and sustainable customer-focused financial institution, with mission to provide customers with unique experience, be their preferred financial partner and nurture the attainment of their objectives”, Providus Bank boasts of being an innovative financial institution that offers customised business solutions and advanced products that will not only answer customers’ business and personal needs today, but also steer them into the future. Little wonder, then, that the bank has chosen as its pay-off line: “Future Forward Banking”.

According to the fledgling bank, “Our tailored financial services delivery includes: Business Advisory, Portfolio Management, Personalised Relationship Management, Fast-tracked Service delivery and self-service solutions”.

Giving additional insight into its portfolio, the bank states that it also provides competitive advantage in Private, Institutional, Business and Personal Banking, driven by the philosophy to create support and value for Institutions, Agencies, SMEs and HNIs. “Our business development strategy also focuses on developing expertise and collaborating to improve the non-oil (emerging) sector of the Nigerian economy, which includes, but not limited to Agriculture, Mining, Hospitality, E-commerce, and Art & Entertainment.”

“At Providus Bank, we believe that the New World of Fast, Smart, Personal and Borderless banking relationship is here. We are therefore inspired by our Future Forward Banking ethos to make life (at work and leisure) more exciting for our partners with the use of cutting-edge technology that delivers best-in-class customer satisfaction.”

Worthy of note is the fact that the bank has, since inception, been warming its way into the hearts and pockets or vaults of its target with a campaign message that speak for itself. In its words, “At ProvidusBank we are all about using innovative product advancements to create a better banking experience.

“This, along with personalized service and a tailored delivery, allows us to put our customers and their businesses at the heart of everything we do”.

Piloting the affairs of the bank are well-honed and experienced individuals on its board, with Alhaji Hussaini Dikko as Chairman. He is a graduate of Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a master’s degree holder in Business Administration from University of Lagos. He is a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the institute’s president in the year 2000.

Walter Akpani who leads the Executive Management of Providus Bank is a seasoned banker with over two decades experience. He holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. His career trajectory has been through Natwest Bank UK, ICON Merchant Bank/ICON Stockbrokers, Commercial Trust Bank, Standard Trust Bank Plc and Platinum Bank Limited.

Walter has been actively involved in bank start-ups in Nigeria. He was a pioneer staff member with ICON Stockbrokers, restructuring team member at Commercial Trust Bank, pioneer staff at Standard Trust Bank Plc now United Bank for Africa, UBA and pioneer staff at Platinum Bank Ltd.

He is a distinguished Treasurer in the Nigerian banking industry, having led the Treasury departments of ICON Stockbrokers and Commercial Trust Bank.

He also served as Group Head, Financial Institutions department in Standard Trust Bank and Group Head, Investment Banking at Platinum Bank Limited.

Walter disengaged from Platinum Bank Ltd, as Vice President, Institutional Banking, to start United Mortgage Bank Limited.

A change agent with very strong interpersonal skills and industry depth, Walter Akpani is well respected within and outside the industry and has been able to build up an effective network of contacts and associates in most strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/providus-bank-new-financial-brand-on-the-block/

Coca-Cola announced plans Wednesday to launch a revamped “Coke Zero” in the United States as it expands offerings of low-sugar and non-carbonated beverages amid flagging demand for sweet sodas.


The soda, “Coke-Cola Zero Sugar,” which is already on the market in much of Europe and Latin America, will be available in the US starting in August. The launch comes at a time when more cities around the US have enacted, or are weighing, soda taxes.

Coca-Cola announced the plan as it reported a 60 percent drop in second-quarter profits to $1.4 billion and a 16 percent decline in revenues to $9.7 billion. Both were hit by the company’s move to offload bottling assets in North America as it leans away from its traditional soda offerings.

Sales volume grew for three of the four beverage categories: juice, dairy and plant-based beverages; water, enhanced water and sports drinks; and tea and coffee.

But volumes were flat in sparkling drinks.

The results translated into 59 cents per share, a penny above analyst expectations.

Chief executive James Quincey said Coca-Cola’s efforts to meet consumer demand for non-sweet and healthier offerings were on track as it transforms itself into a “total beverage company.”

In addition to scoring increased sales of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, the company has launched new orange juice products in China and expanded its “Innocent” brand of smoothies and premium juices in Western Europe.

Stuart Kronauge, senior vice president of marketing, said the soda giant plans marketing across social media, television, radio and retail around the US launch.

“We’re changing the name to Coca-Cola Zero Sugar to be as clear and descriptive as possible about the product and the promise that it delivers great Coca-Cola taste without sugar,” Kronauge said in a blog post.

The drink uses aspartame and acesulfame potassium — otherwise knows as “ace-K” — as low-calorie sugar substitutes, according to the company website.

The makeover extends to the packaging of the product, employing the trademark bright red of Coca-Cola across most of the can with a black strip at the top that recalls the outgoing black Coke Zero can.

“The packaging revamp supports our company’s ‘One Brand’ strategy to bring all Coca-Cola Trademark brands together to show fans we have a Coca-Cola for everyone,” Kronauge said.

Coca-Cola shares finished up 1.1 percent at $45.74.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/coca-cola-launches-revamped-coke-zero-as-earnings-drop/

WWE and SuperSport, Africa’s premier sport channels provider, has announced a new multi-year agreement to broadcast WWE programming live for the first time in more than 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.


Starting August 28, DStv and GOtv customers will have access to the world’s biggest wrestling entertainment when SuperSport airs WWE’s flagship shows Raw® and SmackDown®as well as WWE specials, including WrestleMania® and SummerSlam®.

“WWE is a global phenomenon, so securing the broadcast rights for SuperSport is a terrific coup,” said Gideon Khobane, chief executive of SuperSport. “The athletes involved are larger than life figures who command huge followings. At long last our DStv and GOtv viewers will get to share in this entertainment spectacle in high definition. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with WWE.”

“SuperSport is a best-in-class partner who shares our vision and passion for engaging with and entertaining our fans,” said Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International. “Televising WWE programming live in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time an important milestone for us, and we look forward to working with SuperSport to cultivate new fans in the region.”

DStv Premium, Compact+ and Compact customers will enjoy their wrestling drama live while DStv Family and Access will also enjoy same-day rebroadcast of the events which will be available onSuperSport channels S7, S9 and SS10.Viewers can look forward toRaw on Tuesdays and SmackDown on Wednesdays offering both live telecasts and same-day re-airs, as well as all WWE specials live, including WrestleMania®, SummerSlam®, Survivor Series® and Royal Rumble®. GOtv viewers will have access to thewrestling action on Select 3, available to GOtv Plus customers.

“We’re delighted to bring our DStv and GOtv customers yet another sport that’s going to keep them glued to their TV and mobile screens. This addition to our sports offering will certainly bring more value for our customers and ensure that SuperSport remains their go-to World of Champion and home to the world’s biggest sports. This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that our platforms deliver only the best entertainment to our customers,” says John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria.

All programs will be available with English commentary and on demand. To celebrate the new partnership, SuperSport will televise the prior week’s episodes of Raw and SmackDownon Monday August 28.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/wwe-supersport-announce-multi-year-agreement-to-televise-raw-and-smackdown-on-dstv-gotv/

Usave Nigeria recently celebrated its first year of successful operations following the opening of its flagship store in Maryland, Lagos in June 2016.


Shoprite introduced Nigeria to world-class shopping through its core business promise of lower prices when the supermarket chain first launched in the country a little over 10 years ago.

Africa’s largest retailer subsequently introduced Nigeria to another unique retail concept with the opening of its first Usave store at the Purple Mall in Maryland in 2016.

Shoprite Usave is underpinned by the simple philosophy that “When we save, Usave”. The grocery chain removes the cost of packaging and other trimmings out of the value chain, offering customers a range of basic food and household items at even greater discounted prices.

“It’s been a great first year and we’d like to thank our customers for their loyal support,” commented Shoprite’s Regional Manager, Olufemi Oke.

ABOUT SHOPRITE

Shoprite is the leading retailer across Africa and is the brand of choice for many consumers across the African continent. Shoprite’s large following of loyal customers can be attributed to its ability to offer the widest range of products and the highest standards of freshness and quality whilst always maintaining the lowest prices.
Shoprite first entered Nigeria in December 2005, when they opened a store in The Palms shopping centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Shoprite has since opened stores in Surulere, Ikeja, Apapa, Festac, Osapa, Maryland and Sangotedo in Lagos; and other stores in Enugu, Ekiti, Ibadan, Kano, Abuja, Ondo, Imo, Anambra, Abia and Ogun

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/shoprite-usave-celebrates-first-year-in-nigeria/

The equity market on Wednesday gained 3.40% to continue uptrend and extend bullish-run to fifteen consecutive trading sessions. Similarly, market breadth closed positive, recording 31 gainers and 17 losers.
In summary, the All Share Index (ASI) gained 1207.77 absolute points, representing a gain of 3.40% to close at 36,740.77 points. Similarly, the Market Capitalization gained N416.36 billion, representing a growth of 3.40% to close at N12.66 trillion.
The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalized stocks, amongst which are; PRESCO (+6.95%),
ZENITH (+6.67%),
OKOMU (5.46%),
NB (+5.00%),
ETI (+5.00%),
GTB (+4.99%),
FLOURMILLS (+4.99%),
STANBIC (+4.98%),
DANGCEM (+4.93%),
TOTAL (+4.28%)
WAPCO (+0.02%) .


Foreign Exchange
The Naira at the inter-bank market closed at N305.70 against the US Dollar representing a marginal appreciation against previous close. The Investors and Exporters (I&E) FX window opened at N367.75 and closed at N368.60. A total of $182.03 million was transacted.
We expect the FX market to trade within existing range in the next session.

Money Market
OBB and Overnight rates closed at an average of 15.17% and 16.00% respectively, representing an downtrend from Tuesday’s closing position of 18.33% and 19.17%.
We expect money market to trade with existing volatility in the next session.


Also, find in the ‘link’ Corporate Benefits & Relevant Dates reported thus far in 2017 below :

https://brandspurng.com/equity-market-posts-3-40-gain-extending-bullish-run/

On the sidelines of yesterday’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele says Etisalat Nigeria will have a new investor in a few months from now. Emefiele also shed light on why both the CBN and Nigerian Communications Commission had to intervene in the operations of the company. The move was in order to safeguard the jobs of the 4000 workers and other parties dependent on the company.


The story so far
A consortium of banks that had loaned Etisalat Nigeria $1.2 billion had threatened to take over the firm after it defaulted. The firm blamed its default on the massive depreciation of the Naira that occurred last year. Etisalat of the UAE, which holds a 45% stake in the company abruptly withdrew from the company. A management and technical arrangement between both firm was severed, hence the change in name to 9mobile.

Current state of the company
Contrary to expectations of several analysts, Etisalat Nigeria has not witnessed a significant loss of market share since the intervention by the two regulatory bodies. The company had a revenue of N16 billion in June. Citigroup and Standard Bank have also been appointed as advisers to the transaction, according to media reports. News had broken earlier in the week, that BUA Group, Virgin Mobile of the UK, and Vodafone where front runners in acquiring the stake hitherto held by Etisalat of the UAE.

What this means for the company
9mobile will be able to make long term plans with the entrance of a new investor. The telecoms industry is one that is intensely competitive, constantly innovating. The company cannot continue to be at a standstill. Another rebranding exercise may occour, as the new investor may decide to change the name of the company.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/cbn-says-9mobile-will-have-a-new-investor-latest-december/

Bespoke insurance initiative to protect Taxify drivers and riders while using Taxify.
The Taxify Cover is a unique insurance initiative by Taxify Nigeria in partnership with AIICO Insurance PLC facilitated by AutoGenius to provide a bespoke insurance cover to protect Taxify users on all Taxify trips.


Taxify Cover aims at insuring all drivers against loss of personal items, assault, medical expenses in the event of an accident, temporary or permanent disability, burial expenses, death etc. as may occur as a result of rendering service using the Taxify app. This cover also extends to riders on Taxify trips.

There are two types of Taxify Insurance covers:
Taxify Extension Cover
Taxify Comprehensive Cover
Taxify Extension Cover

This is a cover taken on the vehicle to reduce the risk to driver and the rider in the case of events that may occur while on Taxify rides. This cover focuses on ensuring that both the driver and rider are able to resume normal societal activities quickly in the event of any of any unfortunate incident.
There are two classes of Taxify Extension cover; Basic and Classic. The classes differ in benefits available and cost of acquisition as can be seen below:


The Taxify extension cover is a requirement for all vehicles on Taxify. The balance diminishes as claims are made and once exhausted, a new cover has to be bought. This policy also covers screen damage to phones, if there is a physical damage to the vehicle but it does not cover loss of cash.
The cost of both classes have been heavily subsidized to ensure all drivers can afford the cover and get value for money.

Taxify Comprehensive Cover

This is a Comprehensive Insurance cover with the added benefits of the Taxify Extension. Taxify comprehensive is cover is taken on the value of the car and the policy can be spread over multiple payments as can be seen below:


Frequently asked Questions

What if I already have a Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
Your personal auto insurance policy may not provide coverage for you if you drive for a service like Taxify. This is because personal car insurance policies often come with a list of exclusions such as “driving-for-hire” that restricts your protection. Also, while many comprehensive insurance plans are built to insure the car, they are not often structured to protect drivers or riders as individuals. This is especially important in situations where you lose personal effects or have damages done to you.

Who can access Taxify Cover?
The Taxify cover is open to all drivers currently on the Taxify platform. It is a required document to operate on the platform. All you need to do is select the cover that is right for you, whether that be basic, classic or premium cover.

Which of the Taxify Extension covers should I get?
All drivers are advised to get the Taxify extension cover as this allows you to become active with Third party insurance as opposed to the initial requirement of Comprehensive insurance. If you already have a comprehensive insurance plan that is satisfactory the Taxify extension. However, if you have neither an existing third party insurance or comprehensive insurance policy you should get the Taxify Comprehensive Cover.

When does this Taxify cover go into effect?
You must get one or more of the Taxify covers latest by the 1st of August, 2017.

Taxify cares about you! Your safety is important to us, let us protect you through this bespoke initiative.
Thank you for choosing to drive and earn on Taxify �

Let’s move #TaxifyinLagos

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/introducing-the-taxify-cover/

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, on Tuesday, said the Federal Government is planning to reduce hospital bills in public hospitals.


According to the minister, the plan is part of the various measures being considered to drastically bring down high maternal mortality rate in the country.

Prof. Adewole, who was speaking while inaugurating a task force on “Accelerated Reduction of Mortality” in the country in Abuja, gave some of the measures to include reduction of hospital bills in public hospitals, and re-introduction of conditional cash transfer for women who access health facilities for ante-natal.

Besides, he said the Federal Government is also working towards improving on human resources and public health infrastructures across the country.

With the efforts of the task force, the minister said the government would ensured that high mortalities of mothers in six states where the committee would work are reduced; adding that many women do not access health facilities because they cannot afford the bills.

The task force team was made up representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations working on maternal health.

While directing the committee to come up with working plan within three months, he said “we need to look at some ingenuous ways to bring women to the hospitals.”

He said Federal Government chose Kaduna and Oyo states as states that had done well in improving health of their people, and as models for others states and the committee to learn from.

He pointed out that globally, maternal mortality had been decreasing, but Nigeria had performed very poor compared to current trends among nations.

He vowed that Federal Government would adopt every possible measure that would ensure the country move out of 50 nations with poor statistics on maternal mortality soon.

However, he expressed worry that going by its gross domestic products (GDP) the country “is the least spender on health” globally.

Presently Nigeria occupies 10th position among nations with highest maternal mortality worldwide.

Adewole said it is a shame that Nigeria perform badly compares with small countries in Africa on health matters, adding that more should be done to ensure mothers who give lives should not die.

He stated that the Federal Government’s expectation was that Nigeria’s current maternal death of 576/100,000 lives crashes to two digits in few years. “In 2018, we want to see it (maternal death) below 300,” he stated.
He listed the reasons women die to include haemorrhage, infection, eclampsia, unsafe abortion, obstructed labour among others.

Besides, he said socio-cultural factors such as illiteracy, poverty, forced marriage, child marriage among others cause women’s death.

“As we tackle poverty, as we address some of the socio-cultural challenges, we are addressing the problem of the maternal mortality,” the minister furthered.

According to him, Nigeria contributes two per cent to global population, but presents 14 per cent to global maternal deaths.

A member of the committee, founder and president, Association for Family and Reproductive Health, Prof. Oladapo Ladipo, said despite the poor health indices for women in Nigeria, the country had taken some leading roles in promoting health of women on the continent, including making family planning commodities available freely in public hospitals.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/fg-plans-reduction-in-hospital-bills/

can someone summarize?

9mobile Trending

Itbhas better work as expected or..........

Serious smtin

hmnn