₦airaland Forum

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at an interactive session yesterday, met with the first set of finalists identified for the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy. The academy, which officially commences in January 2023, is a leadership and mentorship programme of the State Government, with the vision to develop tomorrow leaders today for public service and governance in Africa.
The Lagos State Governor was accompanied by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Ajibola Ponnle, the Honourable Commissioner of Education and newly appointed Executive Secretary Folasade Coker who will be responsible for overseeing the academy.

During the very engaging interactive session, the Governor discussed with the finalists to get more insight on their professional journey and some of the reasons why they decided to participate in the program. The academy received over 3,000 applications, however, after a thorough selection process in line with global best practices, only 36 emerged as finalists to be considered for the 30 fellowship positions available. The screening process included a computer-based test and a full day assessment centre which included various exercises such as simulation role plays, competency-based interviews and presentations, based on a case study developed and customised for Lagos State.

The academy was initiated to equip the fellows with the requisite skills to influence the public service and instil the ethics and values of purposeful leadership not only through direct leadership coaching, mentoring and on-the-job experience, but a customised public leadership training programe developed in conjunction with Lagos Business School, Oxford University and other notable leadership experts in the country. The one-year non-partisan and meritocratic fellowship will offer first-hand experience in the process of governance. Fellows will be assigned to and mentored by the Executive Cabinet members and other notable private and public sector leaders.

In her comments, Honourable Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponnle said; “I would like to congratulate the candidates for making it to the final stage, it has been a very intense assessment process. I assure all of you that this programme promises to be extremely transformational. The fellows will get the opportunity to participate in discussions with renowned leaders from both the public and private sectors and learn more about public administration at all levels of governance during their domestic and international policy trips.”

Speaking at the interactive session, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said: “This project is part of my donation and legacy to give back, not just to Lagos, but the entire country. Nation building is top of our agenda, it is not about how you lead or being a leader, it’s also about how many future leaders you develop to help continue to build that Nation. Our aim is to create more leaders and I am extremely pleased with the diversity of the finalists that have been shortlisted. We searched for the best in class in order to develop the next generation of leaders and with my interaction with the finalists today, I am excited about what the future holds. We have found potential youthful Nigerians and I am confident they will become great leaders that will create more opportunities and change the nation. We will provide them the platform that will allow them to gain exposure to drive purposeful leadership that will impact our Nation!”

The fellowship was named after late Lateef Jakande based on the impact he made in Lagos State, one of which is the education sector. Lagos State established the academy as an institution that will sustain and project his core values and legacy.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/11/09/lagos-state-governor-babajide-sanwo-olu-meets-first-set-of-finalists-for-lateef-jakande-academy-fellowship/

The pandemic’s first year saw an unprecedented 5.4 percent drop in carbon emissions, attributable to people being unable to travel or visit the office. But these gains are being eroded with the end of lockdowns, and a return to business as normal, with carbon emissions, predicted to bounce back to pre-COVID levels.

As more people return to the office – even in a hybrid environment – the carbon emissions of buildings and campuses have come into focus. It’s estimated that buildings generate forty percent of global carbon emissions, while building operations are responsible for 28 percent of emissions. Making buildings and campuses greener and cleaner must become a major priority if the world is going to reach net-zero by 2050 – or before.

Unlike air-con, networks can’t be switched off

Most modern buildings will shut down lights and air conditioning when there’s no one in them. This demand-based HVAC use lowers carbon emissions and reduces utility bills, but the elephant in the room is network services. Unlike air-con and lighting, networks must be available all day, every day.

Keeping networks running all the time and making sure they’re stable consumes a considerable amount of electricity. An office building with 2000 users all running a traditional network will consume as much as 83,000 kW/h of electricity per year. If this power isn’t coming from renewable sources, it becomes a huge carbon emitter.

This power consumption of traditional networks will only go up unless major changes are made to the network architecture and technology. That’s because we’re heading towards an era where everything is connected.

IDC predicts that by 2025 more than 14 billion non-IoT terminals and 41 billion IoT terminals will be connected. This influx of connectivity will accelerate campus network expansion, drive up network deployment, operations, and maintenance (O&M) costs, and increase energy consumption.

Network trends and challenges

Wireless has been a boon for network users. People are no longer bound to specific desks or rooms when they want to get online, and campus connectivity can even extend outdoors. But Wi-Fi terminals need periodic upgrades and it’s unacceptable to have to replace cable every time an upgrade is required. In addition, relying on cable from the Extra Low Voltage (ELV) room to each desktop restricts network expansion because a new cable must be deployed each time a terminal is added.

Another existing network problem is bandwidth over-subscription due to three-layer networking. The result is that by the time connectivity reaches the user, the actual available bandwidth is very low and fails to meet the bandwidth-hungry needs of Wi-Fi 6 access points.

The final problem with existing campus networks concerns the influx of IoT terminals. As the network expands, operations and maintenance become complex. Inflexible architectures result in high terminal capacity expansion costs and time-consuming provisioning.

How the smart campus network achieves green

Huawei’s low carbon smart campus network overcomes the problems of traditional network architectures in several innovative ways. First, the network is simplified from three layers to two, which slashes the number of managed nodes by 80 percent.

The smart network also allows for one cable for multiple terminals – replacing the old model of one cable per terminal – which reduces the amount of network cabling by over 75 percent.

It also uses a central switch to flexibly expand ports based on rack units (RUs) and supports unified access for up to 3,000 terminals.

This eliminates the cabling from the access switch in the ELV box or room to terminals; for example, a four-port RU decreases the number of cables needed from four to one, in turn lightening the cabling workload by 75 percent or up to 87.5 percent when an eight-port rack unit is used.

HUAWEI CONNECT is a key event on the global ICT calendar where Huawei will announce the newest products and solutions, discuss best practices, and explore paths to shared success.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/11/07/how-network-innovations-make-your-office-greener-and-smarter/

In what looks like a fulfilling business year for the leading experience company, MPXM, the chief experience officer of the firm, Nana Milagrosa Utomi Biyang in the last 3 weeks has got 2 major industry recognitions.

One of the first females in the business of experiential marketing and brand activation in West Africa, Nana was 3 weeks ago recognized as one of the top 50 women in the integrated marketing communications in Nigeria by Women in Marketing Communications Awards (WIMCA) organized by the Brand Communicator Magazine.

Over the weekend, the marketing communication amazon rose to emerge the best practitioner in experiential marketing, a sub-sector in the marketing communication industry in Nigeria.

Speaking after picking up the award, Nana said, “I am delighted to see women doing amazing things in their chosen professions and fields. I am particularly grateful to God for this award because I’ve found myself in a male dominated industry but I still manage to operate and stand out.”

She said that “Congratulations to all the women who have won an award tonight. This is a testament that we cannot be held back by any form of diversity, adding that “I would like to thank the organisers for finding me worthy of the laurel. The result of hard work is more work,” Nana added.

Nana has put in over 18 years demonstrated experience and skill in curating Experiential Initiatives, Strategy and Customer Experience Management (CXM). Nana develops brand experience strategy both for the company and key client accounts.

She believes in a consumer-centric, strategic approach for brands, creating meaningful experiences across all channel touchpoints. A creative artist’s heart with a strategist’s soul, Nana’s vision integrates innovative ways of solving longstanding challenges.

CXO focuses her efforts on improving the overall consumer experience. Adept in both experiential, digital and interactive design, and delivered outstanding brand and economical solutions for FMCG, Fintech, Alcohol Beverage, Beauty, Healthcare and Retail Organizations across the country.

Nana loves sharing her passion for fresh approaches to empowering clients and sparking chemistry between brands and consumers such as Maybelline, Soft Sheen Carson, Molfix, Absolut Extract, Martel, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Dark and Lovely, Garnier, Sanofi Aventis, Chi Pharma, Sygen Pharmaceuticals, BAXI, Imperial Leather, Cussons Baby, Black Opal etc. She has a strong history of working in the Integrated Marketing Communications industry in Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

In 2020, she was appointed as Advisor Communications, Marketing and Business Development for GEPETROL – The National Oil Company for Equatorial Guinea, Africa for 3 years. One of her major successes was to develop the National SME/ MSME Business Incubator project for the Oil and Gas Servicing Industry in Equatorial Guinea.

Nana is a board member for RED ONION MEDIA FIRM – An integrated live marketing company that creates and distributes content across multiple platforms. She is a Founder and Marketing Director of Alpha Y Omega {AOSL} an Oil and Gas Non-Destructive Testing and Lifting Inspection Service Indigenous Company in Equatorial Guinea.

Nana serves as Advisory Marketing for POST BIRD West Africa – a digitalized APP for Logistics. She was recently offered Advisory Board Member Mood Africa Productions – an ecosystem for Curators.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/11/08/2022-nmna-nana-biyang-emerges-experiential-marketer-of-the-year/

Ecobank Group is proud to announce that Touch and Pay a Nigeria-based fintech has won the 2022 edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge.

This announcement was made at the Grand Finale, today at Ecobank’s headquarters in Lomé, presided by H.E. Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, Republic of Togo. Touch and Pay took home a $50,000 cash prize, the largest no-strings-attached fintech cash prize in Africa.

Touch and Pay processes microtransactions across Africa, such as paying for bus journeys. Today, Touch and Pay has over 2 million users who help 500,000 people make payments every day.

The winner and the other five finalists were also inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship – a unique programme that gives the Fintech Fellows the opportunity to explore potential commercial partnerships with the Bank, such as integrating with Ecobank’s pan-African banking platforms and scaling their fintech businesses across Ecobank’s 33 African markets.

Cauri Money, Senegal
DizzitUp, Togo
MaishaPay, Democratic Republic of Congo
Moni Africa, Nigeria
Paycode, South Africa
Touch and Pay, Nigeria
Ade Ayeyemi, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, congratulating the finalists, said: “This year’s six finalists have set the bar high at this Grand Finale. Their innovations are revolutionising the financial payments landscape in Africa and advancing financial inclusion. It is an honour for the Ecobank Group to partner with them and jointly transform the financial landscape of our continent.” Mr Ayeyemi also expressed Ecobank’s “profound appreciation to all our partners especially Arise, the gold sponsor of the 2022 Challenge, as well as to the Jury who worked tirelessly to evaluate the finalists and select the winner.”

Gavin Tipper, the CEO of Arise, a gold partner and co-sponsor of the challenge, said: “Arise extends its congratulations to the finalists and the winner for the creativity and innovation they displayed. The Ecobank Fintech Challenge has become an important platform for supporting fintech innovators and encouraging bold solutions to advancing financial inclusion in Africa. The talent on offer in this year’s pool of finalists once again exceeded expectations, and we look forward to seeing how the different products transform financial services on the continent.”

Oluwole Michael, CEO of Touch and Pay expressing deep satisfaction at winning the Fintech Challenge, commented: “We at Touch and pay (TAP) are excited about the opportunity given to us to work with Ecobank, a pan-African bank operating across Africa. This plugs into our vision of helping 250m Africans process cash-based transactions digitally making them truly cashless and providing true credit facilities for merchants, retailers, and customers.”

In addition to the pitch by each of the six finalists and a keynote address by H.E. Cina Lawson, highlights at the Grand Finale included panel discussions on ‘Sustaining and deepening investor interest in African Fintech in the face of global economic crisis: what should investors, Fintech companies and governments do?’ and ‘Ensuring Fintech-friendly regulations that accelerate start-up growth and maturity: what is the best way forward for Africa.’

Almost 4,000 start-ups have participated in the five editions of Ecobank Fintech Challenge since it was launched in 2017. Since then, 52 Fintechs have been inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship. The 2022 Challenge was supported by partners including Arise, Konfidants, Tech Cabal, Africa Fintech Network and ALX Ventures.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/11/07/touch-and-pay-wins-50000-ecobank-fintech-challenge-2022/

The Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation Project in Africa (AfrIPI) has organised the Consultative Roundtable on Counterfeiting in Nigeria on 1‑2 November 2022. The hybrid event will be held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Previous studies by international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development have revealed that African countries are targeted destinations for counterfeit goods such as pharmaceuticals, foods, and beverages. Key economies in Africa, such as Nigeria, must assume a leading role in raising awareness and acting against the counterfeiting of intellectual property rights (IPR).

Counterfeit products can threaten consumers’ health and, in some cases, lives. Serious dangers have been linked to counterfeit products ingested by consumers (food, drink, medicines) or put directly on the skin (cosmetics, fragrances). Other examples of dangerous counterfeit goods include counterfeit pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment as well as pose serious health risks to people, or fake car batteries, which can again cause serious health, safety and environmental damage. Some of the most frequent consequences of using fakes are biological, chemical and physical injuries, strangulation, choking, burns, electric shock, fire or damage to hearing, just to mention a few. It is therefore important to combat the distribution of counterfeit goods in Nigeria as it is essential to protect society, the economy and the environment from the threats they pose.

As a result, the Consultative Roundtable on Counterfeiting in Nigeria will be devoted to exchanging knowledge, ideas and experience on the socio-economic implications of counterfeiting and IPR infringement. It will also focus on IPR enforcement and seek solutions to the problems raised. The event will cover counterfeiting and piracy in various industries, that include the film industry (Nollywood), pharmaceuticals, alcohol trade, and agriculture.

The objectives of the Consultative Roundtable will be:

to raise awareness of the dangers of counterfeiting and piracy and increase respect for intellectual property rights;
to provide a platform for international experts to discuss trends, challenges, and best practice in IPR enforcement to curb counterfeiting;
to provide a platform for IPR enforcement stakeholders to share their experience and best practice in IPR enforcement matters;
to establish networks among participants to support, facilitate and coordinate IPR enforcement and strengthen their efforts and systems to detect, deter and punish the trafficking of counterfeit goods.

Some of the key stakeholders who will attend the round table include the Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the World Intellectual Property Organization (Nigeria Office), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, INTERPOL and Africa International Trade and Commerce Research.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/11/02/experts-converge-on-nigeria-to-tackle-issues-of-counterfeiting/

Nigeria launching the Startup Bill is the latest buzz that has brought excitement to many including startup founders, employees and graduates. On October 19, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria officially signed the Startup Bill into law, creating the Startup Act 2022.


The Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) project is a collaboration between the Nigerian tech sector and the Presidency with the goal of utilizing jointly developed rules to fully realize the potential of its digital economy. There is some relief in the industry as a result of this initiative to promote startups and rising digital businesses in Nigeria because there has been a need for a legal framework governing startup operations. The Startup Bill is intended to control how startups operate and to support businesses with investments and tax benefits.



A startup is a business that is just starting out and is frequently financed in its early stages by its intrepid founders. There has been a notable increase in the formation of startups during the past several years, particularly in Nigeria. Many of them operate in tech-related industries, including edtech, finance, insurtech, logistics, agriculture, and health. As of September 2022, over 481 startups were operating in Nigeria and 383 of those raised more than $2 billion in just seven years.





The Startup Bill Roadmap

Starting May 2021, the Startup Bill had been in process for over 17 months with its first draft published in June 2021. Decision makers of the presidency and the ecosystem reviewed the draft designing its components in July 2021. In August through September 2021, meetings for deliberations and validations were held until the final draft was released. In the latter part of 2021 to mid-2022, the Bill was submitted to the National Assembly where it was read and passed into law then signed in October 2022.







NSB influencing Digital Businesses

It is anticipated that Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) will significantly improve the business environment for startups in Nigeria, fostering their success. The bill makes provisions for tax and fiscal incentives, training and capacity building, startup labeling, accelerators and incubators, regulation support, etc. This note focuses on the Act’s degree of impact by implementation on digital businesses as explained below.



Business licensing and certification
With its enticing incentives for participating in the startup ecosystem, the Nigerian Startup Bill (NSB) appears to be promising. As a result, a large number of digital businesses would need to certify in order to benefit from the bill. To be eligible under the Act, the business must be a labeled startup operating for no more than ten years, which is, registered as a Limited Liability Company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020.

Only a few businesses that have propelled the growth of startups in Nigeria are older than ten years as a Limited Liability Company under the provisions of the bill. Viably, this appears to be unfavorable to both emerging and recent (less than ten years old) digital businesses.



Employee Cap
According to the bill, a labeled startup is required to employ at least ten workers. A startup is a company that is in its infancy, which is sometimes referred to as the difficult years before stability. As the nation’s economy has rapidly declined, fewer digital businesses have had up to ten long-term employees over the years because so many people are employed seasonally or under contract due to their lack of expertise or cheap pay.



Incompetence and Output
Tax relief for new businesses sounds relieved and like a long-overdue chance to use those fractions to support the business growth. Many people would like to avoid paying taxes if they could. It is encouraging to see NBS introduce tax breaks, which are deductions or tax exclusions that lessen a business tax burden. Except that because of this clause, the labeled startup employee cap should be made up of 60% of people who graduated within the previous three years and have no prior work experience.

The expansion of digital businesses will be hampered by this, which at first glance appears to be battling unemployment. Evidently, production suffers when there are too many unqualified workers around – this is unhealthy for startups. Given tax relief is only available for a maximum of five years, startups would prefer to hire skilled workers and pay taxes while being productive rather than sacrifice their growth.





Conclusion



The objective of the presidency and NSB to promote a well-organized startup ecosystem and labeling process in Nigeria is commendable, but unrealistic parts of the law should be evaluated and changed accordingly for a more supportive environment. If otherwise, startups might be dissuaded from operating in Nigeria leaving the sector to only optimism that it will adjust naturally in the future.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/28/implications-of-startup-bill-for-digital-businesses-in-nigeria/

Brand Spur Nigeria reports that Godwin Emefiele, governor of the bank who made the announcement in Abuja on Wednesday said the new currencies to be launched are N1,000, N500, and N200 notes.
Emefiele also noted that the existing notes and the new notes will be used until January 31.
” As you all may be aware, currency management is a key function of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 2 (b) of the CBN Act 2007. Indeed, the integrity of a local legal tender, the efficiency of its supply, as well as its efficacy in the conduct of monetary policy are some of the hallmarks of a great Central Bank,” he said.
In recent times, however, currency management has faced several daunting challenges that have continued to grow in scale and sophistication with attendant and unintended consequences for the integrity of both the CBN and the country. These challenges primarily include:

Significant hoarding of banknotes by members of the public, with statistics showing that over 80 percent of currency in circulation are outside the vaults of commercial banks;
Worsening shortage of clean and fit banknotes with the attendant negative perception of the CBN and increased risk to financial stability;
Increasing ease and risk of counterfeiting evidenced by several security reports.”
Speaking further, Emefiele said, “Indeed, recent development in photographic technology and advancements in printing devices have made counterfeiting relatively easier. In recent years, the CBN has recorded significantly higher rates of counterfeiting especially at the higher denominations of N500 and N1,000 banknotes.

“Although global best practice is for central banks to redesign, produce and circulate new local legal tender every 5–8 years, the Naira has not been redesigned in the last 20 years.

“On the basis of these trends, problems, and facts, and in line with Sections 19, Subsections a and b of the CBN Act 2007, the Management of the CBN sought and obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to redesign, produce, and circulate new series of banknotes at N100, N200, N500, and N1,000 levels.

“In line with this approval, we have finalized arrangements for the new currency to begin circulation from December 15, 2022. The new and existing currencies shall remain legal tender and circulate together until January 31, 2023 when the existing currencies shall seize to be legal tender.

“Accordingly, all Deposit Money Banks currently holding the existing denominations of the currency may begin returning these notes back to the CBN effective immediately. The newly designed currency will be released to the banks in the order of First-come-First-serve basis.

“Customers of banks are enjoined to begin paying into their bank accounts the existing currency to enable them withdraw the new banknotes once circulation begins in mid-December 2022. All banks are therefore expected to keep open, their currency processing centers from Monday to Saturday so as to accommodate all cash that will be returned by their customers.

“For the purpose of this transition from existing to new notes, bank charges for cash deposits are hereby suspended with immediate effect. Therefore, DMBs are to note that no bank customer shall bear any charges for cash returned/paid into their accounts.

“Members of the public are to please note that the present notes remain legal tender and should not be rejected as a means of exchange for purchase of goods and services.

“We would like to use this opportunity to reassure the general public that the CBN would continue to monitor both the financial system in particular, and the economy in general, and always act in good faith for the achievement of the Bank’s objectives and the betterment of the country.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/26/breaking-cbn-to-release-redesigned-naira-notes-by-december-15/

The Nigeria-Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, has offered Nigerians the tour opportunities to Antigua and Barbuda, an island in the Caribbean.
This, it is doing, in collaboration with Airfield Travels and the Government of Antigua, thereby, offering the Nigerian people a 5-day tour of ‘Paradise on Earth! A Twin Island of vast opportunities.

While calling on Nigerians to Come and fly with them to Antigua and Barbuda, an Island with 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, Airfield statement said, the trip offers people, Government to Business and Business to Business connections, in addition to fun.

According to the President of Nigeria-Antigua and Barduda Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Emmanuel Samson “It is one of the world’s most desirable destinations for tourism, business and investment. It is visa on arrival, come and have a piece of Paradise! Flight fare, Visa fee and Hotel bills all-inclusive,” it added.

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. No matter what happens, Vacations gives you a story to tell’.

It states the departure date is 31st October 2022 from Lagos and the return date is 6th November 2022.

In a statement made available to the newsmen, Airfield said that “It’s a Non-Stop flight. Interested tourists can visit www.antigua.tours or company’s office in Abuja,”

Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth country comprising its 2 namesake islands and several smaller ones. It is positioned where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet, it’s also known for reef-lined beaches, rainforests and resorts.

“It English Harbour is a yachting hub and the site of historic Nelson’s Dockyard. In the capital, St. John’s, the national museum displays indigenous and colonial artefacts,” it pointed out.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/24/nigeria-antigua-and-barbuda-chamber-of-commerce-offers-tour-opportunity-for-nigerians/

In recognition of its efforts to deepen digital payments acceptance for businesses on the continent, the fintech payment product of HabariPay, Squad, has received an award for “Accelerating Digital Acceptance in Africa” at the inaugural session of the Mastercard EDGE 2022. The event was held to recognize outstanding fintech companies and business leaders that are revolutionizing payments in various ecosystems.

The Mastercard EDGE – “Envision the Future of Digital, Gateways & e-Commerce Forum” – took place on Wednesday, 12 October 2022, at the Internet City, Dubai. The event hosted tech industry experts from across acquirers, PSPs, and payment technology innovators who convened to discuss the future of digital payments in EEMEA and witness the recognition of brands that are leading payment innovation in Africa and beyond.

HabariPay was awarded for creating a turnkey solution, Squad, that allows merchants to easily accept cashless payments in-store and online. Under Squad’s portfolio is its flagship SquadPOS solution, which is a first-of-its-kind payment technology in Nigeria that enables merchants to accept card payments with NFC-enabled android devices. Its other solutions include Squad Virtual Account, Squad Payment Link, Squad Storefront, and Squad USSD.

Speaking about the award, the Managing Director, HabariPay, Eduofon Japhet, said, “It is indeed an honor for us to be recognized for our efforts toward driving digital payment acceptance within the African landscape. We are deeply motivated by a passion for helping merchants receive payments in an easy, efficient, and cost-effective way so that they can thrive in this ever-evolving digital economy. In building Squad, our goal was to create a level-playing field for businesses to access a complete, affordable, and efficient tool that helps them receive payments online or in-store.”

“Though this product has only been in the market for a few months, we are excited to see how much businesses are steadily adopting it to help simplify their daily business processes. We are also inspired to see that our work at HabariPay is not going unnoticed, and we are grateful to the Mastercard team for this recognition. We are encouraged to accelerate our mission to simplify payments for businesses in Africa and will continue to work toward leading innovation within this payment ecosystem.” She added.

This recognition comes on the heels of the brand’s first honor for “Innovative Mobile Payment Solution of the Year” by Tech Innovation Awards. The Tech Innovation Awards program was held in September 2022 to celebrate outstanding tech companies and leaders deploying innovative technology services in Nigeria.

With a vision where every payment in Africa is digital, HabariPay launched Squad on the 1st of June 2022 to provide reliable, affordable, and secure solutions to ensure that the process of receiving online and offline payments are made easy.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/25/squad-receives-mastercards-award-for-accelerating-digital-acceptance-in-africa/

Chances are, you have worked hard to maintain a good level of financial security. Many people spend their lives working to earn a good living and try their best to put aside enough for a comfortable retirement.


Even if this is the case, working hard is no longer enough to ensure you have decent savings, as we are dealing with a period of financial uncertainty unlike any other. All forms of currency are losing their value, and you may be struggling to make ends meet, let alone preserve the value of your current assets.

Regardless of your class and current position, it is difficult to see an end to this financial uncertainty, so now is a good time to consider your alternatives.

What Is A Secure Wealth Storage In 2022?

Most people work hard and put their earnings into a bank account, which can support their retirement and offer a comfortable standard of living for a long time.

Following the global pandemic and changing political markets across the globe, the financial market in the US is not the same. This means that what was once a reliable investment and something that could support you through your retirement is unlikely to work the same way.

This can be a stressful situation for many people to deal with, as it causes you to change your priorities and consider new options. But thankfully, there are alternatives out there, and it may be easier than you think to store your wealth and preserve these lifetime investments.

Investors today do need to consider alternatives, and this means we need to take a look into the past. For centuries, there has been an asset that has been used as wealth storage and maintains a good way to protect your investments.

Precious metals like gold continue to be valuable in all markets, and this can be a great way to protect your wealth and store your investments, even in today’s unstable climate.

How To Invest In Gold For Long-Term Success

Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, and it maintains this image even in today’s unstable climate.

Precious metals like gold and silver are recognized in all global markets and have been used by the wealthy for centuries to protect investments. Now, gold and silver are available to a wide range of people, and it is a good idea for those in all classes to move over to these forms of investments.

Working with a specified gold IRA or similar bank account can be a good way to preserve these investments and ensure you are protecting your wealth in all forms of financial climates.

Diversifying your current investments is perhaps the best move you can make in today’s climate, and precious metals are stable in everything. They continue to offer great value and are recognized globally, making them a good option.


SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/19/how-to-preserve-your-wealth-in-2022/

Are you looking for a high-performance smartphone but you don’t have the budget for a flagship phone? Then you’re in luck. In this top 5, we’ll indeed have a look at the best smartphones currently on sale for under $300!

1. POCO X4 GT

Let’s gets things started with the POCO X4 GT launched back in June and finally available for under $300. The smartphones comes with the extremely powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Max chipset; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The POCO X4 GT also brings a 6.6-inch Full HD+ resolution with a refresh rate of 144Hz, making it great for gaming.

As for cameras, the POCO phone packs a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide angle lens and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies we have a 16MP snapper at the front.

Finally, the smartphone features a large 5080mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. Other features include NFC, a 3.5mm audio jack and an infrared emitter.



2. REALME GT NEO 2T

Next, we have Realme GT Neo 2T also coming with a powerful MediaTek chipset – the MediaTek Dimensity 1200. The CPU is coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

The GT Neo 2T then features a 6.43-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate.

Camera wise, the Realme phone sports a 64MP primary sensor paired with an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP for macros. Meanwhile selfies are taken care of by a 16MP sensor.
Lastly, the smartphone packs a smaller 4500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging. Other features include NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.



3. ONEPLUS NORD CE 2 LITE 5G

If you want a high quality device but your budget is around $200, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is probably the best choice for you.

The smartphone sports the quite good Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset; along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

Read Also: Top 5 Best Smartphones for Under $150 – October 2022
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G then features a 6.59-inch screen with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch hole in the upper left corner for the 16MP selfie cam. On the back we have a 64MP main camera, coupled with an 2MP macro lens and a 2MP depth sensor.



Finally, the handset packs is fueled by a 5000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. There is NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.



BEST SMARTPHONES FOR UNDER $300
4. NOKIA G60 5G

Next on the list we have the recently launched Nokia G60 5G. Nokia’s latest mid-ranger is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695; along with up to 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The smartphone then comes with a 6.58-inch display sporting Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate.

As for the camera department, the Nokia phone features a 50MP main sensor paired with a 5MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP portrait sensor. Selfies are handled by a 8MP selfie snapper.

Finally, the Nokia G60 5G is fueled by smaller 4500mAh battery with support for 20W fast charging. Other specs include NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.


5. VIVO T2X

Last but not least , the Vivo T2X is a great device for serious gamers on a budget. The smartphone packs indeed the very powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1300; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Meanwhile the display is a large 6.58-inch screen with full Full HD+ resolution and a whopping 144Hz refresh rate.

Camera wise, the Vivo T2X comes with a 50MP main camera paired with a 2MP sensor. Meanwhile for selfies, we find a 16MP front camera.

Finally, the Vivo phone doesn’t disappoint in battery life by packing a massive 6000mAh battery and supports 44W fast charging.


SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/18/top-5-best-smartphones-for-under-300-october-2022/

On the basis of its competence and efficiency, the Lagos State Government signed a partnership deal with one of the leading rice-producing companies in Nigeria, WACOT Rice Limited, to manage the state’s Imota Rice Mill.

Imota Rice Mill has a capacity of 32 metric tonnes and will be handed over to WACOT Rice Limited in the next few months. Imota Rice Mill is expected to commence commercial operation under the management of WACOT Rice Limited after the handover proper.

The Executive Governor of Lagos Stae, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said, “Lagos State Government has set up two lines of 16 MT/hour capacity rice mill, in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State (the “Mill”), to meet the high demand for consumption of rice in Lagos State thereby pushing Lagos State towards self-sufficiency in the area of rice production and processing.”

The governor continued that “Lagos State Government is desirous of operationalizing the Imota Rice Mill through the utilization of the technical services of WACOT Rice Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, to provide commissioning and kick-off operationalization support services.”

The state hopes to benefit from the expertise of the leading rice producer in the country with deliberate improvements in quality, capacity, packaging, and general production of rice at the Imole Rice Mile to meet the increasing demands for rice in Lagos.

According to the Group Managing Director of TGI Group, Rahul Savara, said, “We thank the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for being here with us as we hold Lagos in high regard as the centre of economic activity in Africa, not just Lagos. We are happy that in our small way we have contributed to that. We mostly take pride in being the best maker in the country.”

“We have been working very closely and will continue to work with Lagos State to make the facility run at its best. We will be deploying the best expertise, technique and training to make the Government proud of this investment,” Savara said.

On her part, Rafiat Gawat, Head, of Corporate Communications, TGI Group, said, “We are happy to be partnering with Lagos State as our economic core even though our factory is located in Argungu, Kebbi State a large number of our rice are demanded in Lagos. Since setting up the WACOT Rice Mill in 2017 we have doubled our production capacity and for the Lagos Government to partner with us, it’s a testament to our capability.

Other top management staff of TGI Group at the ceremony included the Group’s Executive Director, Jerome Shogbon, Company Secretary, Omowumi Fajemiroye, Head of Corporate Communication, Rafiat Gawat, and representative of Banwo & Ighodalo Partner, Azeezah Muse-Sadiq.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/13/lagos-state-signs-imota-rice-operational-deal-with-wacot-rice-limited/

The six finalists were chosen following extremely strong competition from over 700 fintech from 59 countries; Grand Finale to be held on 28 October at the Ecobank Group Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo; Finalists will compete for the top price of $50,000 and admission to the ‘Ecobank Fintech Challenge Fellowship’ program.

Ecobank Group, the leading private pan-African banking group, has announced the six finalists for the fifth edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The finalists come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Togo.

The six fintechs stood out from a highly competitive pool of over 700 applicants from 59 countries in and outside Africa. The six finalists will compete for the top price of $50,000 at the Grand Finale, which is being held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo, on Friday 28 October 2022.

The finalists for the 2022 edition, in alphabetical order, are:

Cauri Money, Senegal
DizzitUp, Togo
MaishaPay, Democratic Republic of Congo
Moni Africa, Nigeria
Paycode, South Africa
Touchand Pay, Nigeria
This 5th edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge, which is sponsored by Arise, will allow all finalists to benefit from Ecobank’s Fintech Mentoring Programme. During this programme, Ecobank will help them to explore opportunities including:

Rolling out their products on a pan-African scale: an opportunity to further integrate with Ecobank and potentially launch their products or services in all or part of Ecobank’s 33-country pan-African ecosystem.
Access to the Group’s pan-African Banking Sandbox to test and develop their products in the pan-African market.
Priority access to Ecobank’s venture capital partners to explore funding opportunities.

Tomisin Fashina, Ecobank Group Executive, Operations and Technology, said: “I am impressed by the growing number of applications for the Ecobank Fintech Challenge. Applications have grown from about 412 applications in 2018 to over 700 in 2022. This demonstrates a definite paradigm shift within the African continent, with Africans’ desire to transform technological innovation into a real lever for socio-economic development. We thank all applicants for their participation and applaud the highly impressive quality of their entries. We look forward to partnering with them for their groundbreaking digital financial solutions to our continent’s unique challenges and to help promoting financial inclusion on the continent.”

Gavin Tipper, CEO of Arise, partner and co-sponsor of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2022 competition, said: “Fintechs play a central role in creating innovative digital solutions that improve customer experience, deliver value propositions and reduce costs. Our investments in fintechs are based on collaborative partnerships that advance financial inclusion on the continent and offer opportunities for mutual synergies with our balanced investment portfolio.”

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge is designed to identify innovative fintechs that are ready to grow, that we can partner with, mentor and give access to Ecobank’s 33 African markets, so that they can realise their potential and become pan-African success stories. This competition is in line with Ecobank’s Fintech strategy of building partnerships with African fintechs to help transform digital finance and banking.

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge is organised in collaboration with partners across Africa and the world, including Arise, gold sponsor of the 2022 edition, Global Finder, TechCabal, Africa Fintech Network and Konfidants.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/13/six-fintech-companies-from-africa-emerge-as-finalists-in-the-ecobank-fintech-challenge-2022/

Digital and telecommunications service provider, Globacom has unveiled auto credit, a new addition to Glo’s E-top-up services.

Brand Spur Nigeria understands that the new service will be of immense benfit to customers who run out of credit mid-conversation by providing seamless transition and connection.

Auto Credit was formally unveiled at an exquisite evening themed Pushing The Frontiers: An Evening With Glo, held at Eko Hotels & Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday October 6, 2022, where the company hosted captains of industry, Nigeria’s business elite and select business associates.

The company’s new E-top up service will ensure that conversation runs seamlessly by providing immediate credit for customers who run out of credit mid-conversation.

Also at the event, Globacom’s Money Master PSB, its payment Service Bank which commenced business recently with the over-arching objective to drive the Central Bank of Nigeria’s mandate of 95 percent financial inclusion by 2024 was formally introduced to the guests.

Welcoming guests to the event, Globacom’s Head of Enterprise Business, Zakari Usman said, “Globacom has always played at the intersection of technology and life by leveraging technology to facilitate the design and launch of innovative products and services that provide value for all stakeholders while enhancing life”.

Reiterating the network’s commitment to innovation and value-adding services, Zakari went on memory lane, highlighting Glo’s products and services including per-second billing, Blackberry Services, 4G Data, VAS – Borrow me data service, Digital – GloCafe and GloTV.

He also added Glo Berekete 10X, digital and VAS products like e-top up and the annual end of year promos which disrupted the telecoms market positively over the years.

On Auto Credit, he explained that “Glo Auto Credit, which can be accessed via bank applications, offers automatic credit for customers to make calls and use data. Subscribers of the service will be auto-credited when their airtime balance gets to a minimum threshold limit at their desired frequency (daily/weekly/monthly).”

Also speaking, Esaie Diei, Money Master PSB’s Head of Product & Marketing, informed the guests of the successful take-off of the payment service bank. According to him, “MoneyMaster will disrupt and revolutionize the financial industry in the same way that Globacom revolutionized the telecoms industry with cutting-edge technology and unique products when it started operations in 2003.”

Anchored by ace comedian, Gordons, guests at the event were thoroughly entertained with comedy and music courtesy of Seyi Law and different artistes including Teni Makanaki, Ego Ogbaro, Yemi Sax and delightful Chike who all made it a night to remember for a long time to come. Athletic World champion and Glo’s newest brand ambassador, Tobi Amusan was also in attendance.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/10/glo-announces-new-auto-credit-service/

Globacom has launched a payment service bank unit, MoneyMaster PSB, to foster financial inclusion.

In a statement on Friday, the telecommunication firm said the aim of the launch was to empower Nigerians by providing them with unlimited opportunities.

MoneyMaster was granted a payment service bank licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2020.

Announcing the launch on Friday, Globacom said the PSB is expected to facilitate payment and remittance services within Nigeria, accept deposits from individuals and small businesses as well as issue debit and prepaid cards.

The company added that MoneyMaster would also operate electronic wallets, inbound remittances and carry out other services in line with CBN regulations.

“Our over-arching business objective remains to empower Nigerians by providing them with unlimited opportunities,” Glo said.

“MoneyMaster extends that objective as it targets the unbanked and under-banked with G-Kala, its flagship product in order to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria.”

According to the statement, MoneyMaster will leverage on Globacom’s nationwide coverage and extensive agents’ footprint in the rural and urban areas to achieve its planned massive roll-out.

Furthermore, it said customers need to “dial *995#” to open an account and then follow the prompts from a Globacom line or from any other telecommunications network.

The company assured that MoneyMaster would redefine the payment service banking landscape and deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria.

“One key feature of MoneyMaster’s G-Kala product is that the customer’s phone number will be used as his or her account number,” it said.

“We are grateful to the CBN for the opportunity to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria using our cutting-edge technology and vast network .”

With the launch, MoneyMaster will be joining the payment units of MTN Nigeria Communications, and Airtel Nigeria — MoMo and SmartCash — respectively, which recently began commercial operations.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/08/globacom-launches-payment-service-banking-unit-with-moneymaster/

Drug stock-outs and shortage of medical equipment in health facilities in Rwanda are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to an innovation that is addressing procurement constraints.
Viebeg Technologies, a venture capital-backed Health Tech company, is helping to expand access to affordable health care in Central and East Africa by aiding healthcare facilities in procuring supplies in real-time. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to manage supply chain processes (from shipping to warehousing, distribution and inventory management) to ensure that healthcare facilities have the precise medical supplies in stock.

The Rwanda Innovation Fund, partly financed by the African Development Bank, invested in Viebeg’s data-driven logistics platform.

Tobias Reiter, Viebeg Technologies Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, says the firm’s AI-driven medical procurement platform directly connects healthcare providers with manufacturers. This removes brokers and middlemen from the value chain, generating cost savings of up to 40 percent for customers.

“We saw that many medical facilities did not have the right supplies; and also from reports that in Africa, in every five minutes, people are dying from conditions that could be prevented if we had the right medical supplies,” Reiter noted.

The company, which was set up in 2018, works with many health facilities in Rwanda, where two million people have been treated with Viebeg products, according to Alex Musyoka, its Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer. It is already making inroads in other parts of East Africa, including Kenya, Burundi and Congo, and serving over 500 facilities. The company plans to expand across Africa, Musyoka says.

Many healthcare facilities in Rwanda laud Viebeg, as they can now find essential products for their specific fields at affordable rates. An example is the Kivu Specialist Clinic, established by Dr. Amol Kulkarni, one of only three maxillofacial surgeons in Rwanda.

Modern equipment is of utmost importance for specialists who treat defects and injuries of the mouth, teeth and jaws, but they are often not affordable in Africa.

Dr. Amol said Viebeg helped his clinic to acquire an orthopantomogram machine (a panoramic dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw), thereby boosting its cutting-edge capability. He added: “In four months, the clinic will have fully paid for the new OPG machine. We are considered one of the best-equipped clinics in Rwanda. Viebeg helped me establish my clinic, and now I am confident having Viebeg as my partner to maintain it.”

Similarly, the Ejo Heza Surgical Centre in Kigali needed a new anesthesia machine as their old one had broken down. But they did not have the funds to purchase a new one. “As Viebeg offers special payment terms for products, Ejo Heza became Viebeg’s client and acquired the new equipment within three weeks. This has allowed our facility to continue saving lives,” says Dr. Dominique Savio Mugenzi, Orthopedic Surgeon and Managing Director at Ejo Heza.

“Thanks to Viebeg’s service, we are now procuring our medical supplies and equipment through the platform, and this has resulted in a significant reduction of procurement costs and stock-outs of medical supplies,” adds Mugenzi.

Mukando Cesarie is a patient who has experienced the power of a well-equipped healthcare facility enabled by Viebeg’s innovation. “I was very sick, but with the gynecological machines here, the doctors were able to finally diagnose the problem. Now I am getting better after four surgery sessions. I am thankful for these services,” she said and expressed satisfaction with the attention she received at the Kigali-based Best Care Hospital in July 2022. She previously underwent a 10- hour surgery at a local hospital, but her condition worsened because the facility lacked the necessary equipment to diagnose her accurately.

Viebeg’s annual revenue increased from $80,000 to $180,000 six months after the funding from the Rwanda Innovation Fund, representing a 125 percent growth. Musyoka projects that the figure will grow to $2.5 million by the end of 2022.

Apart from improving revenues, the funding has enabled the company to, among other things, conduct training for its employees, access working capital, and employ more workers.

The African Development Bank invested $30 million in the Rwanda Innovation Fund. The Bank’s support aligns with the country’s National Information Communication Infrastructure (NICI) III Plan, which underscores the importance of ICT in improving service delivery to citizens.

Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, the Bank’s Director for Industrial and Trade Development, said: “Digital innovation can transform sectors, but it needs investment. Viebeg is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right mix of innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial backing. It is telling that the Rwanda Innovation Fund, initiated by the Rwandan government and financed, in part, by the African Development Bank, has been catalytic in the development of Viebeg. Local investment in a local business has brought transformative local results. It is a partnership model that can play well in other markets.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/07/how-rwanda-is-using-artificial-intelligence-to-improve-healthcare/

The Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar is planning the highest green building in the world, a 28-story apartment tower designed in hybrid timber technology.

Named Burj Zanzibar – “burj” meaning tower in Arabic – the spectacular high-rise is designed to reach 96 metres in height. Dubbed “vertical green village”, it would represent an iconic landmark not only for the island but for the whole of Africa and a global environmental milestone, being the first timber structure worldwide of such proportions.

The design of the mixed-use apartment and commercial building, in a playful beehive style with breathtaking ocean views, was unveiled to the public in Muscat, Oman on 1 October. Dutch-born architect Leander Moons, responsible for the concept, said: “Burj Zanzibar is not just an outstanding building but a new ecosystem for the future of living”.

The residential tower with 266 residences is to be located in Fumba Town, East Africa’s pioneering eco-town developed by German-led engineering firm CPS. Categorised as a strategic investment and fully supported by the Zanzibar government, the growing city near the capital, where foreigners are allowed to buy, stretches along a 1.5-kilometre seashore on the southwest coast. “Burj Zanzibar will be the highlight and natural continuation of our efforts to provide sustainable housing in Africa, thereby empowering local employment and businesses”, elaborated CPS CEO Sebastian Dietzold in Muscat.

With turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and a UNESCO-protected historic Stone Town, Zanzibar recorded 15% annual growth in tourism in recent years and 6.8% economic growth. Earlier this year, the semi-autonomous archipelago, 35 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania, stretched its wings also into another direction, launching an initiative to attract African tech companies with a total worth of six billion dollars.

Benefits of timber

Timber is the oldest building material in the world. As timber technology, it currently enjoys a renaissance because of its environmental benefits and longevity. New timber products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam are considered the building material of the future. One cubic metre of wood binds half a ton of carbon dioxide, whereas conventional concrete construction is responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions.

Once realised, Burj Zanzibar would be the highest timber building in the world and Africa’s first high-rise ever in this innovative technology. A few weeks ago the 86.6-metre Ascent Tower in Milwaukee, US, was certified as the world’s tallest timber hybrid building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Africa’s highest conventional skyscraper is a 385-metre office tower named “Iconic Tower” in Egypt, still under construction.

Tanzania’s top skyscraper is the 157-meter Ports Authority building in Dar es Salaam. The world’s tallest conventional building is Burj Khalifa in Dubai with 828 metres.

Consortium of specialists from New York to Switzerland

Burj Zanzibar is planned as a hybrid timber tower. A steel-reinforced concrete core is designed to meet all required fire and life safety standards. The project is to be executed by a consortium of leading specialists from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, South Africa, Tanzania and the US. Green roof gardens and planted balconies further reduce the carbon footprint of the building. “Burj Zanzibar will be a widely visible new landmark for Zanzibar and beyond, not only because of its appearance but because of its construction method”, said architect Leander Moons during the launch event.

Set to promote locally available wood as a building material, Tanzania and its vast land resources for agroforestry would also benefit from the ambitious green mega tower. A large forest development in central Tanzania near Iringa already covers twice the size of New York; “an enlarged forest industry could create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the East African country”, said CPS Director Dietzold.

Playful, elegant style fitting any culture

The playful architectural style – reminiscent of a beehive with honeycombs – combines modern urban trends with local culture. “Panorama windows, closed-in green loggias and a modular layout will enhance the green nature of the tower and allow for flexible apartment floor plans, tailor-made for any cultural preferences”, explained lead architect Moons. Residents can have their outdoor garden even on the top floor.

Representing a young, vibrant and most of all sustainable lifestyle, the building allocates a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and deluxe penthouses. The elegant tower stands on a terraced podium with shared and private gardens , shops and a common pool. Sizes of units range from studios starting at $79,900 to a vast penthouse with a private pool on the 26th floor at $950,880. “As a global architectural highlight the Burj Zanzibar will be setting a new benchmark of building in the 21st century”, CPS director Sebastian Dietzold concluded.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/05/worlds-tallest-timber-apartment-tower-to-be-built-in-zanzibar-2/

Streaming services are at the height of their popularity, with Disney+ and HBO Max gaining subscribers each quarter. The popularity of streaming services and the ease with which they offer fans is perhaps one of the reasons why House of the Dragon, HBO’s new flagship series, is breaking viewership records almost weekly.

Despite the complex relationship of the Targaryen family tree, fans still gather in front of their screens every Sunday night from 9 pm to catch a new episode. According to Variety magazine, Episode 6 drew three percent more viewers than Episode 5. While Episode 4 showed a five percent increase. This marks House of the Dragon’s third consecutive week of growth.

These figures for these increases are based on cable viewership across four airings on HBO, viewers on HBO Max, and other HBO platforms throughout the night. As it stands, season one of the series sees an average of 29 million viewers per episode across all platforms. On cable alone—through HBO itself—viewership for Episode 6 reached a high of 2.479 million viewers.

While it’s impossible to make a like-for-like comparison between House of the Dragon and its parent show, Game of Thrones, it’s worth understanding that HBO’s streaming platform wasn’t quite as robust when Game of Thrones first aired. Another thing to note is that Game of Thrones was brand new to viewers, while House of the Dragon is a highly anticipated series that rides on the back of its widely successful predecessor.

Some of the most popular episodes of House of The Dragon include the season premiere, drawing almost 10 million viewers across linear channels and streaming services in the U.S. alone. The premiere undoubtedly made history for HBO, bringing in the largest audience for any new HBO original series. In Episode 1, viewers meet a young Rhaenyra Targaryen, understand the family politics that plague House Targaryen and get a glimpse of the level of drama they can expect to see in the next nine episodes.

Another highly rated episode is Episode 4, which drew approximately 2.536 million viewers across four linear airings, according to Nielsen ratings in the U.S. The episode aired alongside week one of Sunday Night Football on NBC.

The highly discussed Episode 4 saw Rhaenyra and her uncle, Daemon, finally act on the growing sexual tension between the two of them. While they didn’t actually follow through with the act, their carousing led to rumors that eventually saw the dismissal of Ser Otto Hightower as the hand of King Viserys. Otto’s dismissal further sowed discord between Rhaenyra and Otto’s daughter, Alicent.

Lastly, Episode 6, which, as mentioned, brought in 2.479 viewers alone through cable, featured the most significant time jump yet. In this episode, casting swaps for Rhaenrya and Alicent were made. Emma D’Arcy replaces Milly Alcock, while Olivia Cooke takes over from Emily Carey, playing older versions of their characters. While nothing much has changed, plotwise, the episode allowed users to adapt to the new cast members and, yet again, set the tone for any changes. As both Alcock and Carey have become fan favorites, the increase in viewership for this episode signals to HBO that House of the Dragon might just be able to hang on to its viewership numbers despite significant changes.

Viewership numbers for Episode 7 are not out yet but, reviews for the episode have been good, with critics applauding the drama and writing.

If the trend continues, House of the Dragon might just surpass Game of Thrones in terms of viewership in the future. Considering how it’s much easier to follow than the events of Game of Thrones and the fact that you don’t need to be a Game of Thrones fan to watch House of the Dragon, the series might just be able to win new fans, too.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/03/house-of-the-dragon-averages-29-million-viewers-per-episode/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has acquired the downstream assets of OVH Energy Marketing Company effectively making it the biggest downstream company in Africa.

The acquisition was announced, yesterday. in Abuja during the unveiling and rebranding of one of the retail station stations of OVH to NNPC.

With the acquisition, OVH retail stations trading under the Oando brand will now join the NNPC Brand.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Mrs Margary Okadigbo; the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed and the Executive Vice Chairman, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera among others.

OVH Energy is the company behind the Oando retail brand in Nigeria.It is an indigenous marketer of choice providing trusted petroleum products and services.

Speaking at the event, the NNPC Board Chairman said that the acquisition of the downstream assets of OVH would position the NNPC to become the biggest downstream company in Africa.

She said with this partnership, the NNPC would now have a reception jetty (ASPM) with 240,000MT monthly capacity, 8 LPG Plants, 3 Lubes Blending Plants, 3 Aviation Depots, and 12 warehouses.

Okadigbo said as a result of the acquisition, additional 380 filling stations would be added to what the NNPC had, adding that with this, the aspiration of the National Oil Company to have 1,500 retail fuel stations would soon be achieved.


She said, “With this partnership, we have the capacity to have 8 LPG plants, three blending plants, three aviation depots, and 12 warehouses.

“You are going to have the biggest filling station collection in Africa and when you have 380 additional filling statins under NNPC, that is indeed huge.

“We also have NNPC retail brand now in Nigeria and Togo and we are on the journey to attaining the 1,500 fuel station target.”

In his speech at the event, the Group CEO said that the partnership would further unlock the potential of the NNPC to guarantee energy security for Nigeria.

He said, “Our President who is also the Minister of Petroleum Resources has consistently insisted that this company must ensure energy security for our country.

“Providing energy security means access to products. There is no way we can do this except you have a robust system and processes, you have a network that will work, you have an institution that will deliver value to shareholders.”

He described OVH as a company that has systems, processes and competence that align with the energy transitioning aspiration of the NNPC.

Kyari added, “We have struggled with this for many years and we saw the opportunities to latch on to the competencies of OVH. We have worked with them, they are our partners and we have also worked with them and we know their capability and ultimately we knew that this company will work for us”.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/10/04/nnpc-acquires-downstream-assets-of-ovh-energy/

FIFA President signs MoU with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Signature ceremony takes place on the opening day of the annual WTO Public Forum; Both organizations commit to ways for football to promote more economic inclusion.

FIFA has joined forces with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to look at ways of using football to promote economic inclusion, particularly in the developing world. The partnership is spelled out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala where the two sides agreed to collaborate by exchanging views on their respective activities and by preparing and implementing common strategies and projects.

“I’m really excited at the prospect of collaborating with FIFA to try to leverage the cotton sector in a positive way for poor developing countries such as the Cotton 4,” said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in reference to the WTO’s cotton programme in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali which will is included in the partnership. “I’m really excited that collaboration with FIFA could help us pull these countries more into the global cotton value chain.”

“I’m also thrilled at the prospect of working on gender empowerment. We have a big sports economy, and to the extent that we can pull this through trade to support women, this is a positive signal,” the WHO Director-General added.

“FIFA redistributes its revenue among our 211 member associations to help them develop football in their countries by notably investing in infrastructure, facilities, competitions, refereeing and coaching,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Yet, we believe that there is still more than football can do, especially for the youth in the developing world. This important partnership can help us find ways of ensuring that football can further promote sustainable development for everyone to benefit from the global football economy.”

Under the terms of the MoU, the two organisations will also work together to analyse the economic impact of football and its role in unlocking global economic growth potential and will explore options for the development of capacity-building activities that support the use of football as a tool for women economic empowerment.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/29/fifa-joins-forces-with-world-trade-organization-to-further-economic-inclusion/

Solar mini grids can provide high-quality uninterrupted electricity to nearly half a billion people in unpowered or underserved communities and be a least-cost solution to close the energy access gap by 2030.
But to realize the full potential of solar mini grids, governments and industry must work together to systemically identify mini grid opportunities, continue to drive costs down, and overcome barriers to financing, says a new World Bank report.

Around 733 million people – mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa – still lack access to electricity. The pace of electrification has slowed down in recent years, due to the difficulties in reaching the remotest and most vulnerable populations, as well as the devastating effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. At the current rate of progress, 670 million people will remain without electricity by 2030.

“Now more than ever, solar mini grids are a core solution for closing the energy access gap,” said Riccardo Puliti, Infrastructure Vice President at the World Bank. “The World Bank has been scaling up its support to mini grids as part of helping countries develop comprehensive electrification programs. With $1.4 billion across 30 countries, our commitments to mini grids represent about one-quarter of total investment in mini grids by the public and private sector in our client countries. To realize mini grids’ full potential to connect half a billion people by 2030, several actions are needed, such as incorporating mini grids into national electrification plans and devising financing solutions adapted to mini grid projects’ risk profiles.”

The deployment of solar mini grids has seen an important acceleration, from around 50 per country per year in 2018 to more than 150 per country per year today, particularly in countries with the lowest rates of access to electricity. This is the result of falling costs of key components, the introduction of new digital solutions, a large and expanding cohort of highly capable mini grid developers, and growing economies of scale.

Solar mini grids have become the least-cost way to bring high-quality 24/7 electricity to towns and cities off the grid or experiencing regular power cuts. The cost of electricity generated by solar mini grids has gone down from $0.55/kWh in 2018 to $0.38/kWh today. Modern solar mini grids now provide enough electricity for life-changing electric appliances, such as refrigerators, welders, milling machines or e-vehicles. Mini grid operators can manage their systems remotely, and paidsmart meters enable customers to pay as they use the electricity. Connecting 490 million people to solar mini grids would avoid 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Further acceleration is needed, however, to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). Powering 490 million people by 2030 will require the construction of more than 217,000 mini grids at a cumulative cost of $127 billion. At current pace, only 44,800 new mini grids serving 80 million people will be built by 2030 at a total investment cost of $37 billion.

Produced by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the new book, Mini Grids for Half a Billion people: Market Outlook and Handbook for Decision Makers, identifies five market drivers to set the mini grid sector on a trajectory to achieve full market potential and universal electrification:

Reducing the cost of electricity from solar hybrid mini grids to $0.20/kWh by 2030, which would put life-changing power in the hands of half a billion people for just $10 per month
Increasing the pace of deployment to 2,000 mini grids per country per year, by building portfolios of modern mini grids instead of one-off projects
Providing superior-quality service to customers and communities by providing reliable electricity for 3 million income-generating appliances and machines and 200,000 schools and clinics
Leveraging development partner funding and government investment to “crowd in” private-sector finance, raising $127 billion in cumulative investment from all sources for mini grids by 2030.
Establishing enabling mini grid business environments in key access-deficit countries through light-handed and adaptive regulations, supportive policies, and reductions in bureaucratic red tape.
The handbook is the World Bank’s most comprehensive and authoritative publication on mini grids to date.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/28/solar-mini-grids-could-power-half-a-billion-people-by-2030/

Representatives of 11 African cities have begun a visit to two Scandinavian cities to learn about people-centred solutions to urban planning and development under a trip sponsored by the Urban and Municipal Development Fund.

The Fund is hosted by the African Development Bank .
The 4-day trip to Copenhagen and Malmö, Sweden includes officials from Marrakech, Morocco; Bizerte and Tunis in Tunisia; Dodoma, Tanzania; Antananarivo, Madagascar; Libreville, Gabon; Bangui, Central African Republic; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Nairobi, Kanifing; Gambia; and Douala, Cameroon. The cities are all Fund partners.

Ole Stubdrup, a project manager with the Urban and Municipal Development Fund, and the visit’s coordinator, has traveled with the city officials. He said African municipalities and those of Northern Europe faced comparable problems, although appearing to be poles apart. “This visit should be a source of inspiration for the participants and foster ideas for specific urban infrastructure investments,” he said.

The delegation is conducting field visits and taking part in presentations on water management, waste treatment and e-mobility. They also have opportunity to engage with decision-makers and municipal officials from Copenhagen and Malmo. Both cities are recognized for their pioneering approaches to balancing sustainable development with quality of life.

“Such a trip is a strong opportunity to share experience and consolidate a network of reform-oriented cities. It also paves the way for future projects in our respective cities, as we meet with potential partners and investors” said Davis Mwamfupe, mayor of Dodoma, during the visit.

As Africa undergoes a rapid urbanization, municipal authorities are seeking investment to develop new infrastructure and improve the quality life for city dwellers. The Urban and Municipal Development Fund aims to improve urban quality of life and attract investment for infrastructure by strengthening cities’ technical capacity and planning functions. The Fund’s approach integrates economic, social and environmental factors.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/27/afdb-sponsors-study-visit-to-two-scandinavian-cities-for-municipal-officials-of-11-african-cities/

Kowry Energy a sustainability-driven energy service provider focused on power provision across Sub-Saharan Africa, is proud to announce the successful commissioning of four decentralized solar energy systems in Senegal, Nigeria and Mali within 16months of the company’s incorporation.

Kowry Energy provides efficient and affordable hybrid energy systems that strengthen and empower communities and businesses. The analysis of the data provided by these digitized systems can provide solutions to drive demand management while accelerating the growth of local economies.

The successfully commissioned projects are the first of several forming portfolios in each country that will be realized within three years.

Senegal:

Kowry Energy designed a 10 kWp PV decentralized solar energy system with battery storage for Sud Solar Systems to provide access to green and affordable electricity to two public buildings and seven micro-enterprises within the community of Bani in Southern Senegal. The system was designed to support income-generating activities to unlock the community’s economic potential.

Nigeria:

On behalf of Proserve Energy Services, Kowry Energy designed two 286 kWp PV solar energy systems for a plastic recycling plant and a food processing plant in Abuja, replacing 50% and almost 100%, respectively, of demand mainly from diesel generators. The rooftop-mounted solar systems collectively reduce CO2 emissions by 208,521kg per annum.

Mali:

In Djine, an agriculture hub in the cotton belt of Mali, Kowry Energy designed a 69 kWp PV hybrid energy system with battery storage and a backup generator for Access Energie. The project will provide reliable electricity to 3,000 residents, 40 businesses and ten public buildings.

Ndiarka Mbodji, CEO & Founder of Kowry Energy, said, “Countries across Africa have resiliently emerged from the pandemic and now face the uncertainty and challenges brought about by climate change, food and water insecurity. We have worked closely with our customers to remove unnecessary barriers to business growth in the local communities they serve; reliable and affordable clean electricity is the backbone of any economy, from which ever-lasting societal foundations can be built, and development can be sustainable.

These inaugural projects prove our concept and demonstrate the demand for our unique offering. We look forward to deepening our relationship with our customers and partners in West Africa and to expanding our reach across Africa”.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/26/kowry-energy-successfully-commissions-decentralised-solar-energy-solutions-in-senegal-nigeria-and-mali/

With the release of FIFA 23, Afrobeats have officially become a global phenomenon.
FIFA 23, like the previous version of the game, will have two distinct soundtracks: one for the entire game and another designed exclusively for Volta mode.

The soundtrack for FIFA 23 will, as promised, includes more than 100 songs from “a range of global hitmakers” as well as numerous “rising stars”. The collection includes music from 34 countries in total.

Bad Boy Timz‘s “Skelele” with Olamide, Koffee‘s “Pull Up,” Pheelz and BNXN‘s “Finesse,” and Seun Kuti‘s “Ku ku Kee Me” with American rapper Black Thought are some of the songs on the playlist.

The cross-cultural “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” track with Davido, Trinidad Cardona, Aisha, and FIFA Sound also got a spot on a five-hour-long Spotify playlist to celebrate the release of the video game.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/26/fifa-23-soundtrack-features-finesse-by-pheelz-and-bnxn-skelele-by-bad-boy-timz-and-olamide/

Shareholders of Sterling Bank Plc unanimously voted in favor of the creation of a new non-operating holding company (HoldCo) to hold the shares in its commercial banking operation as well as the shares of a newly incorporated subsidiary, The Alternative Bank Limited, which will operate as a Non-Interest Banking (NIB) business.
At the end of a court-ordered meeting in Lagos yesterday, the shareholders gave the approval for the carve out and transfer of the Bank’s non-interest banking business to The Alternative Bank Limited, under a proposed scheme of arrangement between Sterling Bank Plc and the holders of its fully paid-up ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.
All the shareholders who attended the meeting approved the initiative and commended the foresight of the directors. They also advised the board and management to work hard to nurture new businesses in a bid to enhance the growth of the holding company.
Addressing shareholders at the meeting, Chairman of Sterling Bank, Mr. Asue Ighodalo said under the new arrangement, the assets, liabilities, and undertakings of the non-interest banking business will be carved out of the Bank and transferred to The Alternative Bank Limited.

Ighodalo said, “Following the implementation of the scheme, shareholders will exchange their shares in the Bank for shares in HoldCo in the same proportion as their current holdings in the Bank, which will be a regulated entity for CBN purposes.”
Under the evolving scenario, the HoldCo will be registered as a public company and Sterling Bank Plc will be delisted from the Daily Official List of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the Holdco will be listed in its stead and the Bank (Sterling Bank) will subsequently be re-registered as a private limited liability company.
The Chairman added that the scheme would provide several benefits to the shareholders of the Bank, some of which include facilitating diversification into other permissible business lines, thereby promoting growth and enhancing shareholder value and facilitation of a consolidated financial strength of the group, which will improve access and ability to raise capital.
He explained that the proposed restructuring will ensure that the Bank’s retail depositors are not exposed to the risks associated with the other activities of the rest of the group and the HoldCo structure will provide the subsidiaries with access to group-wide expertise of the parent company model.

He said the HoldCo structure will also allow the Bank to focus solely on its core operations as against the burden of providing oversight and managing other subsidiaries, adding that it will not result in any adverse changes to the rights and ownership of existing shareholders of the Bank.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/22/shareholders-unanimously-approve-holding-company-structure-for-sterling/

Technology’s capacity to foster growth and development is more apparent than ever. In that, the influence of technology cannot be overstated, from streamlining routine tasks to creating ground-breaking solutions. Technology has been extensively adopted throughout generations and that there is still an expectancy for it to meet future needs.
A growing demand for qualified technologists exists due to how prevalent technology has become. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor statistics, from 2021 to 2031, it is anticipated that overall employment in computer and information technology occupations would increase by 15%, substantially faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is anticipated to result in the creation of around 682,800 new jobs during the decade. Many are putting in a lot of effort in order to maintain their position in the future and avoid becoming obsolete. This involves continuing personal training through online learning resources, giving back to the community, participating in tech forums, and going to conferences that expose one to the various facets of the tech industry.

However, there is now competition across industries for these abilities as a result of the demand for tech skills. To keep the sector prospering, the technology skill gap caused by this competition needs to be closed. With the development of new technologies, workers’ contributions have been affected by the move toward machine learning, robotic engineering, artificial intelligence, cloud services, and decentralized operations.

The difference between what people can really do and what employers expect them to be able to do is known as the skills gap. If an employee just knows how to program, yet a technology job role requires knowledge of both internet networking and a programming language, there is a skills gap. Due to this gap, businesses find it challenging to fill open positions. The employee can get better at this by developing the talent they lack.

Therefore, in order to supply services effectively, these new concepts must be acquired and mastered. Many tech professionals have been compelled to learn new ideas, hone their already-existing talents, and take on more difficult tasks in order to advance their careers because not all of them are knowledgeable in these new tech disciplines.

Tech industry benefits to Individuals

Due to the numerous benefits offered to employees, such as competitive pay, flexible work schedules, health insurance, skill development, paid parental leave, and job security, the tech industry is still enticing, hence, a growing number of people have transitioned into IT from non-technical backgrounds. Nowadays, many people do online training and obtain certifications to equip them with the knowledge they need to thrive in their employment. This is being done now to protect the future even though it was rarely done in the past. Others have taken chances to pursue their interests while working for tech companies without necessarily being “in IT”. The ease of entrance into the tech industry offers an insight into how the industry is changing. Many IT experts are willing to work remotely from their homes.

Skills for the Future

Currently, hard skills and Soft skills are two basic skills essential to deliver maximum performance in the tech industry. Hard skills are frequently knowledge-based talents that are exclusive to particular professions, whereas soft skills are frequent and value-based skills that are not connected to a particular employment.

Hard skills include, among others:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Machine Learning (ML)
Data science
Data analytics
Data visualization
User Interface/Experience (UI/UX)
Software engineering
Cloud computing
Internet of things (IoT)
Cybersecurity
Human-Computer Interaction
Technical research and writing

Several Soft skills include;
Communication skills
Leadership skills
Team player skills
Mentorship skills
Work Ethic
Empathy
Networking skills etc.

Future skills are those abilities that empower people in solving tough problems when situations evolve yet in an organized manner. It comprises hard skills, soft skills, transferable skills and other innovative skills. These abilities are essential for the coordination of formal activities. Some are innate that need to be cultured while others can be formed through a learning process. They include; Creativity, Decision making and good judgment, Digital literacy and Computational thinking, Cognitive thinking, Collaboration, Management, Cultural intelligence, Financial intelligence, Emotional intelligence, Automation etc.

In addition to one’s primary training, these abilities are necessary for working in multi-functional teams. Not every skill must be mastered in order to succeed.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/22/prospects-for-tech-career-in-future/

vivo has unveiled the latest additions to its stylish V series range of devices: V25 5G and V25e, both phones follow-up on the V23 5G and V23e. With superior photography features, the two smartphones have been designed for users who express themselves through video and photography.

The new V25 5G and V25e will give users the power to embark on a self-expression journey and capture glowing portraits with the phones’ stunning camera capabilities, powered by high-performance, energy-efficient hardware cased in an exquisite body with a glossy aesthetic.

The new V25 5G and V25e follow the V series’ heritage to delight every moment with their superior camera capabilities and cutting-edge imaging technology. Both the flagship V25 5G and V25e have 3 rear cameras with a 64MP OIS ultra-sensing camera to minimize blurry shots and support a longer exposure time, creating clearer and brighter images and 4K videos even in dim lighting conditions. The main camera on the V25 5G is supported by an 8MP super wide-angle camera and a 2MP super macro camera whilst the V25e is supported by a 2MP bokeh camera and 2MP macro camera. The V25 5G is equipped with a 50MP eye autofocus selfie front camera whilst the V25e has a 32MP portrait front camera. The phones are fitted with AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. With an eye-catching design, both phones have a Color Changing Fluorite AG Glass covering the rear panel that changes its hue when exposed to UV light, reflecting the dynamic personalities of users. Below their beautiful appearance lies powerful processors with a high energy-efficiency ratio and great capacity. Coupled with the newest cooling technology and fast charging capabilities, they both offer long-lasting and smooth mobile experiences through Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12.

vivo V25 5G – The High-Performing, Innovative and Technologically Advanced Device

“vivo V series has always been about being innovative and technologically advanced, while exuding style and encouraging users to create, have fun, and explore. The new V25 5G continues to embody this concept and provide users with fresh tools and features,” said Spark Ni, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at vivo, “vivo understands that users want a smartphone that is aesthetically pleasing and has excellent functional attributes. With the carefully designed new devices, users can capture the best moments in life with their family and friends anywhere, any time with intuitive camera technologies, while expressing their creativity and emotions through the smartphones’ chameleon-like design.”

Light up portraits in the night with intuitive imaging technology

Equipped with a 64MP OIS ultra-sensing rear camera that boasts upgraded OIS and EIS capabilities and an 8MP wide-angle camera, V25 5G delivers an excellent imaging experience and allows users to capture high-quality, super-wide shots and 4K videos with ease.

Clear selfies powered by auto-focus capability and leading AI algorithms

Clarity is a key consideration and an ever-growing demand for users when it comes to taking great selfies and videos. Therefore, V25 5G has a 50MP front camera with eye autofocus capabilities, enabling users to take clear images and videos any time of the day or night. In addition, the front camera is equipped with AI HD Algorithm that optimizes sharpness.

Easy and fun video filming experience with style

The front camera of V25 5G has the Hybrid Image Stabilization (OIS+EIS) feature which makes video shooting clearer and more stable. Furthermore, the Natural Portrait video mode enhances overall skin texture and clarity.

V25 5G also comes with a new Vlog Movie feature that improves the filming experience with video templates and tutorials to guide users on how to shoot in different scenarios, such as night, food, city and more, as well as an upgraded Multi-Style Portrait feature in both front and rear cameras that provides fun filters, enhancing the video experience. The Multi-Style Portrait feature also allows users to unleash their creativity with the Motion Blur effect, a new style which innovatively separates people from the background for a better portrait creation experience.

Spark creativity and fun through innovative, chameleon-like design

V25 5G has a thin 2.5D body that is 7.79mm. The lightweight and slim body make the device a comfortable fit in the hands of users. To ensure the phones stand out, vivo incorporated vivid colours into its newest models. V25 5G is decked out in Aquamarine Blue and Diamond Black.

In addition, vivo designed the smartphones to spark creativity and fun in users with the revolutionary Color Changing Fluorite AG Glass, which enables the rear panel of the devices to display different colours at different angles when exposed to UV light. The Aquamarine Blue edition of V25 5G switches from ocean blue to bluish green.

Powered by energy-efficient and high-performance chipsets

The new V25 5G delivers robust performance and high-power efficiency to support various daily uses of its users. V25 5G features a MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor with a high energy-efficiency ratio and 8GB RAM + 8GB extended RAM, enabling users to seamlessly play demanding games and multitask across various apps. V25 5G supports 44W FlashCharge that can recharge the 4500mAh battery cell from 0% to 61% in 30 minutes .


vivo V25e – The Intuitive Device Equipped with Cutting-Edge Camera Technologies

“The new V25e adheres to V series’ heritage of innovation and style with intuitive technologies,” said Spark Ni, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at vivo. “At vivo, we strive to spark creativity and joy around the world, while understanding the needs of smartphone users in different markets. V25e comes with cutting-edge camera technologies, a color-changing rear panel, and strong capabilities that deliver robust performance. The state-of-the-art smartphone offers must-have features at great value for money.”

Capture stunning night portraits with cutting-edge camera technologies



The 64MP HD main rear camera offers large 1.4μm pixels by combining four pixels into one, delivering excellent sensitivity and superb clarity. This cutting-edge technology offers brilliant light sensitivity to ensure that users can capture clearer images and 4K videos in impressive detail in different low-light conditions.



Coupled with the upgraded Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) capabilities, the camera intuitively minimizes blurry shots caused by shaking, making it easier for users to capture HD portraits, especially at night. The rear camera also features the Bokeh Flare Portrait algorithm which helps produce gorgeous portraits at night and provides different effects, turning background light sources into interesting shapes such as hearts, butterflies, and cherry blossoms, adding more fun elements to photos.

The 32MP portrait front camera with the upgraded Natural HD Portrait feature allows users to take high-quality selfies and has different face beautification options which intelligently enhance the overall texture, clarity, and naturalness of selfies.



Improved filming and vlogging experience



The rear cameras of V25e use a Hybrid Image Stabilization technique that combines Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) capabilities to help produce clear videos even when the camera is shaking, allowing users to record videos with vivid details.

V25e also has a new Vlog Movie feature that enhances the filming experience with video templates such as the V25 5G. To further improve the vlogging experience, V25e comes with a new Dual-View Video feature that enables users to use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to record on an adjustable split screen.



Premium look with a sleek design and color-changing rear panel

Similar to the V25 5G, the V25e comes in two colors, Sunrise Gold and Diamond Black. V25e has a slim 7.79mm 2.5D body with a textured flat frame, and it only weighs 183g. The sleek design gives it a premium look and feel, while the device is also easy for users to hold when texting, taking photos or gaming. V25e also features the revolutionary Color Changing Fluorite AG Glass on its rear panel, which enables the device to display different colors at different angles when exposed to UV light. The rear panel on the Sunrise Gold edition changes from gold to reddish-orange under UV light.

Highly energy-efficient chip and long-lasting battery



Equipped with MediaTek Helio G99 chipset built on the highly efficient TSMC N6 (6nm-class) chip production process, the V25e offers one of the best 4G processors in the market. V25e is exceptionally power-efficient and can support a 90Hz refresh rate display, smooth streaming, and various features. The MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 Lite game engine that comes with the chipset also allows for a smooth gaming experience with stable performance, faster response and reliable connection.



V25e supports 44W FlashCharge powered by Super Charge Pump that enables an energy conversion efficiency rate as high as 97.5%, and it can recharge the high-density 4500mAh battery cell from 0% to 58% in 30 minutes . Coupled with the Smart Charging Engine which minimizes battery loss during charging and reduces the heat generated by fast charging, the battery life is extended by up to 25%.

In addition, V25e offers up to 128GB of storage capacity and supports up to 1TB of memory expansion, allowing users to store a large number of HD photos and videos and apps.



Pricing and availability



Starting today, both the V25 5G and V25e are available at major retailers and telecommunications partners and at the price of NGN269,900 for V25 5G and NGN199,900 for the V25e.


SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/22/vivo-launches-new-v25-5g-v25e-with-high-performance/

Jaiz Bank has made changes to its leadership, appointing Sirajo Salisu as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, to replace the outgoing Mallam Hassan Usman, after the Central Bank of Nigeria’s approval.

Usman is expected to retire from the MD/Chief Executive position effective from October 16, 2022. He was appointed by the Board of Directors on June 1, 2016, occupying the position for six years.

Salisu will take over next month from his current position, Executive Director of Business Development North, after the Central Bank approved his appointment. He will be adding to his 28 years banking experience, which includes more than a decade at top management level.

In a statement released on Monday to the capital market authority, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Jaiz Bank said Salisu “started his banking career in 1992 with Inland Bank Plc as a Supervisor and rose to Assistant General Manager in 2009 with First Inland Bank Plc, where he held various Managerial Positions in both Operations, Credit Administration and Business Development including Regional Manager FCT Abuja.

“In 2009, he was appointed Managing Director/CEO Arab Gambian Islamic Bank (AGIB), a position he held till January 2015.

“Dr. Sirajo joined Jaiz Bank Plc in 2016 and served as the Regional Manager South while supervising the Treasury Department of the Bank. In 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank and later elevated to the position of Executive Director of the Bank.

“Dr. Sirajo has attended several Management and Islamic Banking Courses within and outside Nigeria as a participant and/or a speaker. He is an Alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School (SMP 33) and Madinah Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship (PALM I I), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The Management and Board of Jaiz Bank Plc wish Dr. Sirajo success and confident his appointment will further strengthen the Bank.” the statement, signed by the Company’s Secretary, Mohammed Shehu, reads.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/20/jaiz-bank-appoints-sirajo-salisu-as-new-md-ceo/

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited would soon design capital market products to attract diaspora investments in collaboration with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc.

The chief executive of the NGX, Mr Temi Popoola, said last week that the product option would be offered to Nigerians living abroad through technology deployment.

He expressed confidence that this goal would be achieved, noting that the first digital offer platform in December 2021 indicated this.

Last Wednesday, a closing gong ceremony was held to welcome the newly appointed executives of UBA led by the group managing director, Mr Oliver Alawuba.

Mr Popoola said at the event that, “The exchange is positioned to solve challenges in the capital market, a step we believe sets us ready for the future.

“Through technology, we are repositioning the Exchange in our interaction with issuers and other capital market stakeholders.

“In December 2021, we successfully introduced the first digital offer platform that attracted a large amount of retail participation from the younger Nigerian demography. We are, therefore, encouraging UBA to take advantage of this digital platform for future equity capital formations and broaden its shareholding structure.”

Mr Popoola also noted that the strategic direction for the bourse is to attract the underbelly of the Nigerian economy and Nigerians in Diaspora, giving other product options to those interested in digital assets and not stocks.

On his part, Mr Alawuba stressed the need to do a lot in ensuring millennials and Gen Z key into opportunities at the exchange.

“We need to collaborate on Digital Banking to ensure the younger generation can conveniently buy into the stocks traded on the Exchange for enormous opportunities. We are also open to collaborating with NGX to attract the Diaspora community to invest in the Nigerian capital market,” he said.

On her part, the Chairman of NGX Real Estate Limited, Mrs Angela Adebayo, while congratulating the new GMD, noted that NGX would continue to stimulate the growth of the Nigerian economy while pursuing a strategic partnership with both public and private sector stakeholders.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2022/09/19/ngx-uba-to-design-products-to-attract-diaspora-investments/