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At the forthcoming eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tony Elumelu, the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), will co-chair the New African Summit.


With the theme “Infinite Horizons,” FII will bring together some of the most powerful leaders in the world to show how investment can act as a catalyst for a successful and sustainable future, expanding the realm of human potential. Elumelu contributes his viewpoint as a corporate executive and philanthropist.

BrandSpur national news stories report that Africa will be at the forefront, influencing the conversations at FII. One of the leading voices on Africa’s transformation agenda, Mr. Elume­lu, will promote youth investment and entrepreneurship as ways to boost the continent’s economic development and prosperity.

He will gain knowledge from the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s impact and distinctive business strategy, which is the leading philanthropist enabling a new generation of African entrepreneurs and propelling the continent’s efforts to eradicate poverty and create jobs.


Mr. Elumelu will participate in the Opening Plenary session on October 29 called “Board of Changemakers: Banking & Investment,” where he will debate whether visionary leaders establish new economic structures that welcome innovation.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/28/tony-elumelu-to-co-chair-the-new-african-summit-in-saudi-arabia/

Two world leaders in cutting-edge security solutions for thwarting cyberattacks, Sophos and Secureworks, today announced a final deal for Sophos to buy Secureworks. The total value of the all-cash deal is about $859 million.


Thoma Bravo, a top software investment business, supports Sophos. It is anticipated that Secureworks’ security operations experience, which was incorporated into the Taegis platform, and Sophos’ experience and reputation as a top supplier of managed security services and end-to-end security products will further provide complementary advanced MDR and XDR solutions for the benefit of their international clientele.

With a combination of security controls, artificial intelligence (AI), top-tier threat intelligence, and two teams with decades of cybersecurity experience, they will work together to help global enterprises of all sizes improve their security posture and resilience. To provide small, mid, and enterprise clients with a more comprehensive and robust security portfolio, Sophos anticipates integrating solutions from both businesses. This includes Sophos adding new products to its portfolio, including as better vulnerability risk prioritization, next-generation SIEM capabilities, operational technology (OT) security, and identity detection and response (ITDR).

The merger of Sophos and Secureworks, two partner-focused businesses, will allow the merged company to increase its market footprint, add more value to the channel, and fortify the security community as a whole, BrandSpur business and economy news reports.


According to Sophos CEO, Joe Levy: “Secureworks offers an innovative, market-leading solution with their Taegis XDR platform. Combined with our security solutions and industry leadership in MDR, we will strengthen our collective position in the market and provide better outcomes for organizations of all sizes globally.


“Secureworks’ renowned expertise in cybersecurity perfectly aligns with our mission to protect businesses from cybercrime by delivering powerful and intuitive products and services. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building a safer digital future for all,” Levy added.

Global geopolitical challenges and a thriving cybercriminal ecosystem are the main causes of the ongoing increase in cyber danger. To assist enterprises beat these adversaries, Sophos and Secureworks have a long history of combining their outstanding threat intelligence, security operations, incident response, and new security product capabilities.

According to Secureworks CEO, Wendy Thomas: “Our mission at Secureworks has always been to secure human progress. Sophos’ portfolio of leading endpoint, cloud, and network security solutions – in combination with our XDR-powered managed detection and response – is exactly what organizations are looking for to strengthen their security posture and collectively turn the tide against the adversary.

“As Joe and I both believe, this transaction will strengthen our go-to-market offering with Sophos’ global scale, expertise, and reputation,” Thomas added.

Following the deal, Sophos plans to pay $859 million in all cash to purchase Secureworks. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL) and other Secureworks stockholders will get $8.50 in cash per share. Compared to the unaffected 90-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP), this is a 28% premium.

Subject to standard closing conditions, the deal is anticipated to close in early 2025. The Form 8-K that Secureworks submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 21, 2024, contains more details about this news.

However, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC., Barclays, BofA Securities, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., and UBS Investment Bank are serving as financial advisors and funding the deal’s debt, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as Sophos’ legal counsel. Secureworks is being advised financially by Piper Sandler & Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and legally by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.
Compose Message

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/22/sophos-acquires-secureworks-with-about-a-859-million-deal/

Glovo, an innovative multi-category app, underlines its dedication to supporting sustainable urban delivery options and boosting food security throughout Nigeria in honor of World Food Day 2024.


The subject for this year, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” is in line with Glovo’s continuous initiatives to address important issues including community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and food poverty.

Through its Glovo Access program, Glovo has provided more than 2,500 social meals to Nigerians as part of its aim to enhance food security. This program, which provides free delivery services for non-profit organizations, uses Glovo’s technology to quickly and effectively distribute meals and necessities to those in need.



According to Glovo Nigeria’s General Manager, Lamide Akinola: “Glovo is committed to leveraging its technology and partnerships to make measurable strides in reducing food waste and delivering meals to vulnerable communities. Our goal is to be a driving force in creating a sustainable and equitable food system, and World Food Day is a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done.”

At Glovo, sustainability is not an objective; rather, it informs every aspect of our business, especially how we handle food delivery and urban mobility. Glovo has included electric bikes, or e-bikes, in its fleet, especially for food deliveries, in collaboration with Siltech, which lowers carbon emissions and enhances air quality, BrandSpur business and economy news reports.


After fulfilling close to 6,000 orders, these e-bikes have already traveled more than 22,000 kilometers. Glovo is getting closer to its target of using non-combustion trucks to fulfill 64% of orders by 2030 thanks to this effort.

According to Impact and Sustainability Lead Africa, Daphne Kabeberi: “By integrating electric vehicles into our food delivery ecosystem, we are not only reducing emissions but also contributing to healthier urban environments.”

Continuing, Kabeberi had this to say: “Cleaner air and quieter streets improve the quality of life in our cities, which in turn positively affects public health. This reflects our broader commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria.”

Glovo urges companies, governments, and people to act decisively to combat food insecurity and advance sustainable development on this World Food Day.

However, the company added, we can guarantee that everyone has access to wholesome food while also fostering cleaner, more livable urban settings by forming the appropriate alliances and demonstrating ingenuity.


SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/21/glovo-marks-world-food-day-2024-to-reinstate-its-place-in-boosting-food-security/

Lagos, Nigeria; Egbin Power, Nigeria’s largest power generation company, has underscored the importance of synergy among stakeholders in the energy sector to further develop and catalyse the country’s socio-economic growth.


Egbin Power’s CEO, Mokhtar Bounour, made this statement during the Leadership Summit of the 2024 Nigeria Energy Conference, held in Lagos. The panel session, themed “Gas to Power Generation: Market Dynamics and Energy Security,” brought together key industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector.

While discussing the crucial path toward the growth of the energy sector, Bounour emphasised the interconnected nature of the energy sector, noting that synergy among the players in the value chain would drive further development. He also highlighted the critical role of gas in power generation in Nigeria.



He said: “All stakeholders must work together to create an efficient system. All of us – from the GenCo, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Distribution Company, the regulators, and suppliers – have a common objective which is to ensure that customers have a steady supply.”

“At Egbin Power, we are part of the entire system, which is why we maintain solid and transparent communication and collaboration with regulators and partners across the value chain to ensure that electricity reaches homes and businesses,” he added.


Bounour further emphasized that gas is one of the most important factors in power generation in Nigeria. “We view our gas suppliers as partners, because their sustainability is our sustainability as well. Liquidity is also very important,” he explained.

Despite the challenges facing the sector, Bounour maintained that there are opportunities for investment and growth. According to him, Egbin Power has ensured strong partnerships with suppliers and regulators to fulfill its obligations and contribute to the sector’s development.

The panel session featured industry experts who also noted that increased investment, collaboration, and commitment to resolving the identified challenges would further improve the sector.

As Nigeria’s leading power generation company, Egbin Power remains committed to increasing capacity without compromising reliability. The company has invested in infrastructure upgrades, modernization of equipment, and predictive maintenance to enhance efficiency and availability.

By prioritizing collaboration, investment, and innovation, Egbin Power aims to play a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s sustainable energy future. Its efforts align with the government’s vision of a more prosperous and energy-secure nation.

In addition to its focus on renewable energy, Egbin Power is actively working to improve the efficiency and reliability of its existing power generation facilities.

The company has implemented advanced technologies and best practices to optimise its operations and reduce emissions, while supporting various community development initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/19/egbin-power-ceo-lists-stakeholder-collaboration-as-vital-for-energy-security/

iOS 18 offers a plethora of features, including customizable home screens, iPhone Mirroring, enhanced Message formatting and animations, and much more. It could be difficult to know where to begin with all those additional features. That is also entirely software-based. You will also need to learn how to use a brand-new button called the Camera Control if you purchase a new iPhone 16.


To get you going, I’ve compiled my list of the 7 features and settings that you should adjust immediately. These include a few hidden gems as well as some of the best features. There’s still enough to discover even though Apple Intelligence isn’t quite here yet (until you install the iOS 8.1 public beta).

Learn about enhancements to the Messages app and Apple Maps for additional information on what’s new in iOS 18. Remember to review the iOS 18 upgrade checklist, which stipulates that you must ensure you have a suitable backup before proceeding.



Default lock screen buttons can be changed.


The bottom corners of the iPhone lock screen are the best locations—a simple thumb push will take you there even while your device is locked. As they say in real estate, location is everything. The flashlight and camera buttons held their posts before iOS 18, and there was no way to modify them.


For those who inadvertently switch on the flashlight (trust me, there’s a better way to turn it on), iOS 18 allows you to finally remove or replace them with other buttons. You may add buttons to use Shazam to identify music, turn on Dark Mode, activate Airplane Mode, set an alarm or timer, access your wallet, send money via Tap to Cash, and more.

How to do it is as follows:

1. To access the Customize button, tap and hold it anywhere on the iPhone display until you see it. The phone must be unlocked using your passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. Swipe from the top center of the screen (not from the right edge, which opens the Control Center) to see if it opens the home screen.
2. Press Customize and select Lock Screen.
3. Tap the − (minus) button on the icon to remove one of the buttons.
4. You can select a different function by tapping the button’s space (which now has a plus icon) and selecting it on the ensuing screen. (You may alternatively choose to leave that area unoccupied and without a button.)

5. If you wish to change the other button, follow those same procedures again.
6. When you’re done, tap Done.
7. To get out of customize mode, tap the lock screen once again.

Assign some of the recently added tasks found on the Action button.

The dedicated mute switch present on every previous iPhone model was replaced with a programmable control by the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It does the same thing by default—hold it to turn on or off silent mode—but you can set it up to do other things, like launch the camera app, carry out many tasks at once, or even place a coffee order.

New features are added to the Action button in iOS 18. You can select a different control, like utilizing Shazam to identify a song or activating the Remote interface to navigate Apple TV, instead of using Control Center.

Go to Settings > Action Button to select a different action for the Action button. To choose and initiate one of the offered actions, swipe sideways. To select the precise action to execute from the Controls, Shortcut, and Accessibility options, hit the Choose button.

Give your home screen a striking makeover.

You might not believe that rearranging icons to your preference is a revolutionary new feature, but iOS has always had a locked arrangement. Applications are added from left to right and top to bottom. All you could do was move the icons to different displays and change the sequence in which they appear.

With iOS 18, you may place apps almost anywhere. You can also get rid of the problem of your kids’ or pets’ wallpaper images getting covered up by icons. Apple isn’t going to approve of chaos, so they still follow a grid, but they can be arranged in any way they please.

Moreover, Dark mode—which offers customization choices for icon colors and background picture brightness—finally covers the entire iPhone home screen. This is how you can alter the appearances.

Organize apps: To enter “jiggle mode,” touch and hold the home screen. Then, drag the icons to different locations. Although they will still slide around to cover gaps, you can move them into the desired locations if you are patient.

Additionally, you can easily transform compatible programs into information-displaying widgets. For example, a map can show you where you are right now and include shortcut buttons to search for specific locations or display a list of places that are close by (such as places to eat). When the menu displays, touch and hold the app icon to find a row of resize buttons. You can drag the handle located in the lower-right corner of the newly created symbol once it has been expanded beyond the typical icon size. You must touch and hold it once again, then select the single-icon button to return it to its single-icon size.

Set Dark mode: You’ll love the new Dark mode feature for the home and lock screens if you’ve ever had to endure the retina-blasting spectacle of black text on a white background late at night in a dimly lit room. Previous versions of iOS contained a Dark mode that dims other UI components to make them blend in with the dark, changes light backgrounds to black or dark gray, and changes text to white or light gray. Up until iOS 18, that had only ever been significantly applied to the dock and a few widgets, not the home or lock screens.

To activate jiggle mode, first touch and hold the home screen. From the menu, select Customize after tapping the Edit button located in the upper-left corner. Select a mode for the background and icons at the bottom of the screen: Automatic, Light, or Dark (I’ll talk about Tinted shortly). Folders and the Dock turn dark gray when in Dark mode, and icons have black backgrounds. (App developers can choose to create Dark mode icons for their applications. Apps that are not yet optimized appear darker overall in the interim.)

The backdrop image is likewise altered in Dark mode. As the day goes on, Apple’s default iOS 18 wallpaper alternates between light and dark hues, or you can select colors that include both a bright and dark option. When using a photo, the light output is dimmed by reducing the shot’s total exposure.

To return to Light mode solely for the background, hit the sun icon located in the corner of the choices sheet located at the bottom of the screen if you prefer dark icons but dislike the toned-down photo treatment.

Icons that have been tinted: One novel and unique option is to apply a uniform color tint to every app icon. Select the Tinted icon style from the Customize options located at the bottom of the screen. The color tint of your choice can then be selected by adjusting the Hue (the slider with the color spectrum) and Luminosity (the slider with the dark to light range).

What happens if you wish to mimic a backdrop image’s color? To select a specific color, tap the eyedropper button and drag the reticle; the selected color is indicated by the boundary.

The tint is applied to widgets in addition to icons. When a widget, like Photos, displays images, they appear as duotones to fit the theme.

Big icons: Do you find the descriptions that go with each app icon to be unnecessary? With only one adjustment, you can now increase the icon size and eliminate the labels. As said earlier, open the Customize settings, then press the Large button.

To apply any changes you’ve made and close the Customize interface, tap anywhere on the screen.

Modify the appearance of the Control Center

Before iOS 18, the Control Center served as a handy location to rapidly access settings like Airplane mode and playback volume. Now, however, it’s a customizable playground. Controls can be added to numerous screens, resized to reveal additional information, and positioned wherever you choose.

To access Control Center, swipe down from the upper-right corner (or, if you’re using an iPhone SE, swipe up from the bottom). Touch and hold or click the plus button in the upper-left corner to go to edit mode.

Drag a control to a different location on the screen to move it, just like you would with apps. A bottom-right handle that allows you to resize the control is also included on many of the controls; in most cases, it displays the control’s name and current state (such as Flashlight Off).

Additionally, the Control Center now takes up several screens. After you long-press the Connectivity block, a page comprising the connectivity options that show up—including Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, and others—will emerge. You may swipe up to see controls for the music that is presently playing, Home controls for smart lighting and appliances, and other controls. If you examine carefully, you will notice that those panels are essentially just individual controls that have been enlarged to fill the entire Control Center area.

You can move the controls on those panels to change the order in which they appear. Assume you would for Home controls to appear on the screen before Now Playing: To make room, Now Playing will move to the right when you drag the huge Home control up to the previous screen when in editing mode.

Press the − (minus) button to remove the controls. Other controls can be added as well: To access a variety of accessibility choices, tap Add a Control and navigate through the various options, which include initiating a Screen Recording.

Hide or lock any of your delicate apps.

Even though our phones hold some of our most private information, we frequently give our friends access to our phones so they may go through our photo albums or do web searches. That does not imply that they will spy on you, but it does imply that they may be more interested than you feel comfortable letting them know. iOS 18 offers the ability to lock and hide apps for data you want to be sure stays out of sight or to add an extra degree of security in front of important information, BrandSpur technology, and information news reports.

Let’s take an example where you have a running list of lists in the Notes app with suggestions for gifts for family members. Individual notes can be locked, although doing so takes another procedure. Perhaps a few sketches or short notes were prepared outlining specific concepts. Alternatively, you can lock the Notes app as a whole by completing the following:

To lock an app, touch and hold its icon, then select from the menu that displays, Require Face ID or Require Touch ID (or Require Passcode if Face ID or Touch ID are not enabled). In the ensuing box, confirm your selection by tapping Require Face ID (or something similar).

Touch and hold the app and select Don’t Require Face ID (or a comparable option) to eliminate the authentication process.

When you attempt to open an application, you’ll discover that it is locked even though it doesn’t look like it. Apps can be hidden in a specific locked folder to provide an additional layer of protection. After selecting Require Face ID with a touch and hold of the app, press Hide and Require Face ID in the dialog box. On the following screen, confirm the action by pressing Hide App.

The application vanishes from the home screen and is placed into a Hidden folder located at the bottom of the App Library (to access the App Library, slide left beyond your previous home screen). Tap the Hidden folder and use Face ID to authenticate to access the apps within.

There are several restrictions on hidden apps in iOS 18. Certain ones, like many of the built-in ones like Notes or Reminders, are completely hidden and can only be locked. Additionally, when you swipe away from the App Library or begin an app, the Hidden folder locks itself.

Modify the way your calendar appears.
Not only are major new features like app locking and concealing fantastic improvements but so are the little tweaks you come across daily. There are two new ways to see your schedule in the Calendar app.

In iOS 18, you can pinch with two fingers to see more or fewer details when you’re in the Month view in portrait orientation. The monthly grid of days and weeks remains intact when you “zoom in,” with individual events appearing first as colored bars and later as labeled events with times.

The new Multi-Day view adds context for the next two days without requiring you to tilt your phone to landscape mode to see the Week view, in addition to the Day view that breaks down your day hour by hour. Select Multi Day from the popup menu by tapping the display button located at the top of the Single Day display.

Enhance the TV app’s dialogue for movies and TV shows.

Dialogue difficulty in films and TV shows is not a new issue; for instance, the Apple TV has long included a feature that allows you to ask Siri, “What did she say?” and it would immediately rewind the video by a few seconds, activate subtitles, and play that particular segment. Even soundbars that can decode hushed TV conversations are available for purchase. There are numerous reasons why conversation is difficult to hear, but iOS 18’s TV app offers a sophisticated solution to improve dialog clarity.

In the TV app, while watching a video, hit the More (†) button. In the resulting menu, expand the Audio heading; if the phone is oriented horizontally, tap the Audio Adjustments button. Select Enhance or Boost by tapping on Enhance Dialogue. They all reduce ambient noise and boost the audio of the conversation.

These are only a handful of iOS 18’s new additions and modifications. View our in-depth analysis of Apple Intelligence, additional observations from our months-long testing, and how these will integrate with the next generation of iPhone 16 models.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/17/iphone-users-guide-to-enjoy-the-best-ios-18-functions-settings-after-installation/

Rich Nigerians making N100 million or more per month will pay a 25% personal income tax rate if a new tax law is approved by the National Assembly, according to Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. In support of a more efficient and just tax system for the nation, he claimed that 90% of the existing taxpayers are individuals who shouldn’t be subject to taxes.


The Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning organized the ongoing 30th Nigeria Economic Summit, which took place in Abuja on Monday. During a breakout session, this disclosure was made.

Achieving a balance between reducing taxes for individuals with lower incomes and requiring higher incomes to pay to government revenues is a key point Oyedele emphasized.

According to Oyedele: “If you earn N100m a month, we are taking up to 25 percent from the rich people. That’s because we need to balance the books.”


Continuing, he stated that his committee is actively striving to accomplish the aim and that the government is ready and committed to making sure the appropriate people pay taxes. He added that if the bill is passed by MPs, the suggested amendments should go into effect in January 2025.


Oyedele said that the personal income tax requirements of middle-class earners earning N1.5 million or less per month would reduce, while higher earners would face gradual hikes in their tax rates, culminating in a 25 percent tax rate. Individuals with lower incomes would not be subject to personal income tax at all.

Another goal of the revisions is to make business taxes less onerous. Oyedele had this to say: “Today, whatever VAT you (businesses) pay on assets—whether you’re building a factory, buying a laptop, or vehicles—you bear it. This increases your cost, and therefore, your pricing will go up. Once our reforms are implemented, you get the credit back 100 percent on services and assets.”

He went on to say: “People will pay tax once we decide that they have to pay. What we realize is that almost 90 percent of people who are paying taxes are those who should not have been paying in the first place.

“So that’s where we came up with the data that 97 percent of the informal sector should be formally exempted from taxes. People do not understand where we are coming from. They’re not the ones to pay taxes. They’re just trying to survive,” he added.

The fiscal policy guru gave an update on his committee’s efforts to guarantee that the correct people file taxes, stating that the team would use main data identification channels to accurately place the right group of taxpayers in the appropriate tax bracket, BrandSpur national news stories report.

Furthermore, he called the planned reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25% “huge” for businesses. Significant tax changes also include lowering or doing away with the value-added tax (VAT) on necessities like food, healthcare, education, housing, and transportation.

The proposed reforms are intended to alleviate the financial burden that the lower-income population bears, as a significant amount of their household expenditures is allocated to these important services. He did concede, though, that not all industries would profit from lower tax rates. To maintain the government’s revenue book balance, the VAT rate would rise for other goods and services. Additionally, he emphasized that without the need for legislation, inflation has already undermined the value of people’s money by acting as a “disorderly” tax on the populace.

In response to criticisms about tax breaks and incentives, Oyedele stated that the economy is harmed by indiscriminate incentives and that eliminating them will help the business community without increasing government spending. He said: “We cannot give all the incentives you are asking for. We think the biggest low-hanging fruit is removing these incentives, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” he added. Compose Message.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/16/federal-government-to-fix-personal-income-tax-rate-at-25-for-n100-million-earners/

Kaduna, Nigeria – Arla Foods, the farmer-owned dairy co-operative, recently hosted its inaugural Arla-Damau Open Day where it gathered key industry stakeholders at the Arla Farm in Damau, Kaduna, to catalyze local dairy production in Nigeria.

The Arla Farm was honoured to bring together Kaduna state and Federal government officials, local dairy farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and students from veterinary universities among others to experience firsthand Arla’s cutting-edge milk production facilities and sustainable farming practices.



Since its inauguration in May 2023, the Arla Farm operates as a core component of the local dairy community in Kaduna where it collaborates with local dairy farmers to optimize milk production yields, prioritize animal welfare practices and support economic growth.


Attendees at the Open Day were given an exclusive tour of the farm, where they witnessed innovative dairy production processes, from cow welfare and feed practices to advanced milking technologies designed to ensure the highest quality milk. Guests also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition stands of about 20 local and international partner companies who showcased their dairy farming products and services during the open day.


Students from veterinary universities in the region participated in the event, gaining valuable exposure to practical applications of their studies. “It’s crucial that we encourage the next generation of veterinary and dairy professionals by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practices,” said Senior. Manager for Raw Milk Production Mr. Snorri Sigurdsson. “We hope that events like these will inspire more young people to pursue careers in sustainable dairy farming and agribusiness.”

The Open Day also highlighted Arla’s collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture and Kaduna State Government, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable growth in the Nigerian dairy sector. As part of this, Arla continues to support the Damau Household Project, an initiative by the Kaduna State government aimed at empowering local households through dairy farming.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna state Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe stated that the Arla Farm is significantly strengthening the dairy sector, empowering local communities and contributing to the economy of the state.

“Today’s Open Day is a celebration of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision – a vision of a sustainable, innovative, and prosperous agricultural sector in Nigeria,” said Elele Ogunsanya, Senior Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager, Arla Global Dairy Products Ltd. “The Arla-Damau Open Day reinforces our core mission to empower local capacity and boost local production through our collective efforts and investments toward building sustainable dairy processes and infrastructure in Nigeria. We have identified the need to share and spread our knowledge, and today we showcase some of the most advanced practices in sustainable dairy farming that not only reduce our environmental impact but also increase the efficiency and productivity of our operations.”

Arla’s commitment to support under the Partnership for Green and Productive Dairy (PGPD) project, its content development initiatives, green dairy farming practices, and integration of advanced technology continue to effect key developments in the industry’s journey to scaling local production and building a sustainable environment for dairy farmers to thrive. The Arla-Damau Open Day underscores the company’s progress on its ambition to strengthen local dairy production, support economic growth, and contribute to Nigeria’s food security.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/13/arla-foods-hosts-inaugural-open-day-at-its-innovative-dairy-farm-on-damau-kaduna-state/

Organizations sign second three-year agreement to scale and replicate successful partnership models
Agreement will set up mechanism to measure progress and results as well as joint marketing initiatives to strengthen cooperation and explore new investment opportunities.

Washington, DC, USA – 15 October, 2024 – The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), part of World Bank Group Guarantees, have signed a three-year partnership to accelerate foreign direct investment across Africa. This is the second agreement between the two organizations aimed at maximising development impact.


The organizations will collaborate by leveraging ATIDI’s expertise in insurance and guarantee products across the African continent and MIGA’s range of guarantee solutions and guarantee expertise through the World Bank Group guarantee platform. The partnership will also seek to improve efficiency in joint project due diligence, maximising cost savings and eliminating duplication.


Quote from Manuel Moses, CEO, ATIDI


“Enabling more investment to finance transformational projects is vital to Africa’s sustained development. MIGA and ATIDI’s de-risking solutions are essential to achieve this crucial agenda. Beyond signing of this agreement, we look forward to a dynamic collaboration with MIGA, to leverage our institutions’ respective assets for the benefit of our continent.”


The agreement framework emphasizes mutual reliance, accountability, and comparability. Each party will regularly share operating standards and procedures to help identify comparable outcomes to further both organizations’ development mandates.

Quote from Hiroshi Matano, MIGA Executive Vice President

“Our partnership with ATIDI will enable us to support countries in Africa in scaling and replicating development projects, thereby accelerating prosperity. This agreement will play a significant role in helping the continent attract foreign investment for key development projects.”

Both organizations have agreed to set up mechanisms to measure progress and results, including reports on joint projects, new products, capital mobilized, and reduced project processing times. Moreover, both parties will carry out joint marketing efforts, training, and seminars to strengthen cooperation and explore new investment opportunities in Africa.

The strategic agreement framework underscores the commitment of MIGA and ATIDI to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The two organizations aim to mitigate investment risks by pooling resources, thereby accelerating sustainable economic growth in Africa.

About ATIDI

ATIDI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATIDI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATIDI has supported USD85 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. For over a decade, ATIDI has maintained an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard & Poor’s, and in 2019, ATIDI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody’s, which has now been upgraded to A2/Positive.

About World Bank Group Guarantees

Initiated in 2024, World Bank Group Guarantees consolidates all guarantee products and experts from across the World Bank Group institutions at MIGA. It provides a simplified and comprehensive menu of guarantee solutions, enabling clients to select the instrument that best suits their needs. The platform streamlines processes, removes redundancies, and provides greater accessibility by de-risking investments in developing countries. Its goal is to boost the WBG’s annual guarantee issuance to USD20 billion by 2030.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/15/atidi-and-miga-partner-to-streamline-investments-in-africa/

Kenya experienced a remarkable rise in satellite subscriptions during the 2023/24 financial year, driven by the launch of Starlink Internet Services. Satellite subscriptions grew by 73.1% in the fourth quarter alone, from 4,808 in March to 8,324 in June 2024. Remarkably, the year-over-year growth hit an incredible 1,955.3%, with subscriptions rising from just 405 in June 2023. By June 2024, 96.9% of satellite customers subscribed to speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, with satellite services accounting for 52.98% of all high-speed internet subscriptions (100 Mbps to <1 Gbps). Thus, this reflects a growing demand for high-speed internet solutions in the country and their significance in the market.


However, in the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite internet, Safaricom still held the largest market share at 36.4%. In contrast, Starlink, which entered the market earlier in the financial year, held a 0.5% share by June 30, 2024. Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market diversified the options available to consumers and significantly boosted the country’s satellite internet capacity, which grew by 1,635.1%, from 48.438 Gbps to 840.448 Gbps.

Safaricom and Starlink Potential Partnership



With its rapidly growing influence and subscriber base in Kenya, Safaricom has also recognised the critical role Starlink plays in the ecosystem, welcoming a potential partnership. “From a satellite perspective, we have to partner with Starlink or other satellite providers to ensure that technology plays right through,” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said in an interview in early September. This came after Safaricom had earlier written to the regulatory authority to exercise caution when granting independent licenses to satellite internet providers like Starlink.

Starlink’s rapid growth in Kenya is expected to rise with the recent introduction of the ‘Starlink Mini’, a cheaper and portable version of the standard kit. “Starlink Mini is now available in Kenya. Stay connected with high-speed internet at home or on the go,” said a post on Starlink’s X page in September. The new mini package is priced at KSH 27,000 (USD 211), while the monthly service plans remain at KSH 1,300 (USD 10). This represents a significant price drop from the standard kit, which costs KSH 45,000 (USD 350). Additionally, a new rental kit option was introduced to the Kenyan market, furthering the availability of affordable options to customers interested in using Starlink Internet.

Starlink’s rapid growth in Kenya underscores its increasing reliance on satellite internet services to meet its needs. Satellite internet in Kenya is set to grow, particularly in underserved areas where traditional infrastructure remains lacking. Additionally, this could potentially bridge the digital divide, making high-speed internet accessible to more Kenyans than ever before.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/15/starlinks-arrival-in-kenya-spurs-remarkable-rise-in-satellite-subscriptions/

Recently, Vesti, a premier provider of financial and legal services for immigrants, had a spectacular opening ceremony for its brand-new, cutting-edge Lagos Software Engineering office. The occasion demonstrated Vesti’s dedication to expansion and quality in the Nigerian market and was a noteworthy turning point for the business.


Salma Ibra, the Founder of Business Week Afrika, moderated a press conference at the grand opening event. Olusola Amusan, Co-founder and CEO of Vesti, Abimbola Amusan, Co-founder and COO, and Major (Rtd.) Adebayo Adeleke, an early investor, were on the panel.

Pst. Ayo Daniels, Mr. Sinari Daranijo, Olawale Ayilara, Dr. Fola David, Seyi Awolowo, Joel Ogunsola, Venita Akpofure, and other dignitaries were present at the event, along with key investors including Microtraction, Resilience17, ODBA, and Midlothian Angel Network, among others.



Olusola Amusan, co-founder and CEO of Vesti, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering and growing top talent during the interactive press conference, highlighting Vesti’s position as a “Software Engineering Location of Choice.” He emphasised the company’s dedication to staff development through its internal training initiatives, employee satisfaction surveys, and success stories.


Additionally, he unveiled Vesti’s audacious plans to add 1,500 new engineering jobs to the state by 2027 and over 600 new engineering jobs in Lagos over the next two years.


Continuing, he had this to say: “At Vesti, these audacious and bold statements have been instrumental in driving the exponential achievement towards our mission to simplify immigration processes.”

Similarly, Vesti’s co-founder and chief operating officer, Abimbola Amusan, highlighted the company’s global reach and how its offerings enable Africans to engage with the world market. He highlighted client success stories of Vesti’s offerings with a committed group of lawyers in three separate nations, Brand,Spur business, and economy news reports.

These included a student who used Vesti’s finance services to acquire money for their education overseas and a Nigerian business owner who used Vesti’s immigration services to extend their company into the United States.

He also described the company’s future growth strategies, which include introducing new goods and services and extending its reach into other nations in Asia, Africa, and North America.

One of Vesti’s initial investors, Major (Rtd.) Adebayo Adeleke, also spoke at the press conference and shared his optimism about Vesti’s growth prospects. He pointed to the company’s alliances, expansion plans throughout Africa, and recent cash-positive status in H1 2024 as proof of its impressive trajectory. He highlighted how Vesti is helping Nigeria’s economy by bringing in foreign direct investment (FDI), encouraging innovation, and generating employment.

Continuing, to pique investors’ interest, he also discussed the company’s plans for next investment rounds and a potential IPO. The new office block was formally unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place after the press conference. The building was put into service and given the name Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering and Financial Technology by Futurist and Social Impact Investor, Dr. Olakunle Soriyan.

Major (Rtd.) Adeleke gave Vesti recognition for its role in fostering invention, teamwork, and the unbounded potential of the human spirit. He emphasised the company’s contribution to the development of a strong tech community and the drawing of bright people to Lagos, Nigeria.

The cutting-edge building, which was created to give Vesti’s employees a collaborative and inspirational work environment, was shown to the guests. The workplace has collaborative workspaces, a lounge area, restaurant, gym, and meeting rooms named after well-known international locations.

With an exclusive investor parley, the day’s events came to an end. Investors were able to network with other important stakeholders, have targeted conversations with Vesti’s leadership team, and learn more about the company’s future goals during this small event. Compose Message

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/12/vesti-opens-its-lagos-software-engineering-office-express-interest-to-continue-nigeria-market-expansion/

Polaris Bank Limited has collaborated with the University of Ibadan (UI) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on environmental conservation through a tree planting initiative.


This was disclosed during a courtesy visit to the UI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, by representatives of Polaris Bank Ltd and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

During the visit, Polaris Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, mentioned that the initiative is part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts.



Ozomah explained that the initiative stemmed from the bank’s desire to continuously contribute positively to the environment and communities, as well as to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2024.


She highlighted that the theme for World Environment Day 2024 centres on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, in alignment with the United Nations’ ecosystem restoration goals.

Ozomah said that Polaris Bank Ltd is committed to sustainable practices and land restoration through the nationwide planting of economic trees.

According to her, the bank’s sustainability practices include promoting responsible banking, empowering people and society, addressing environmental issues, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Mr. Adedayo Memudu, Senior Manager of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, stressed that the organization encourages Nigerian citizens to appreciate nature and thrive while living in harmony with it.

He noted that one of the NCF’s core values is its commitment to partnership development, which is why it has partnered with Polaris Bank Ltd to enhance the bank’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability platforms.

The visit culminated in the consequent actual planting of trees at a designated site on the university campus.

A Memorandum of Understanding will later be signed between the University of Ibadan, Polaris Bank Ltd, and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, UI Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to conserving campus vegetation and promoting a greener environment to improve individuals’ well-being.

Saliu pointed out that the large number of ‘Iroko’ trees on the University of Ibadan campus serves as evidence of the institution’s intentional conservation efforts, despite broader environmental challenges in Nigeria and globally.
He explained that the university does not allow indiscriminate felling of trees but enforces a structured process for tree removal.

The registrar also noted that as part of the UI@75 anniversary celebrations, the university initiated a project to plant 1,000 trees, which will be adopted by well-meaning Nigerians, with the university providing the necessary support for their sustainability.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between the academic community and broader society, stating that both sectors must work together to address shared environmental challenges.

Saliu expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of organizations to tackle common challenges in Nigeria and appreciated Polaris Bank Ltd for partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in the tree planting initiative.
Polaris Bank kick-started the nationwide tree planting initiative for land restoration on July 1, 2024 at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State; it then Proceeded to Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa, in Kano, Kano State on August 30, and next at the University of Ibadan on October 3.

Polaris Bank is known for taking proactive measures in addressing challenges of development and sustainability, including environmental and social issues.

The Bank supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs), and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI’s) Principles of Responsible Banking.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/06/polaris-bank-partners-ui-ncf-on-environmental-conservation-tree-planting/

Marking a significant achievement in tech education, ALX Nigeria is proud to announce the graduation of over 800 Data Science students, who are part of a larger cohort of 2,800 across Africa. With more than 800 graduates from Nigeria alone, ALX, Africa’s top IT career accelerator, recently celebrated the graduation of over 2,800 students from all over the continent.


These graduates, who made up ALX’s inaugural group of Data Science experts, finished a demanding course of study meant to set them up for success in the digital industry.

The two-month ALX Foundations module, which included communication, leadership, and career development, was the first part of the curriculum. After that, students advanced to specialise in data science, picking up knowledge of cloud computing, SQL, Power BI, spreadsheets, statistics, and data modelling.



Continuing, for ALX Nigeria, which is committed to advancing digital education on the continent and enabling the upcoming generation of African tech leaders, this graduation represents a critical turning point. Parents and guardians attended the graduation ceremony in Lagos to celebrate their wards’ success.

The country general manager of ALX Nigeria, Ruby Igwe, expressed her pride in the cohort by saying: “The success of our first Data Science cohort is an affirmation of the potential within our youthful population. This set of graduates has shown extraordinary commitment and developed the skills needed to lead in the tech industry.”

The country marketing manager for ALX Nigeria, Seun Babajide-Duroshola, continued, saying that the graduation is just the start of a year full of memorable events in 2024.

According to her: “There is no better time to kickstart your tech journey with us than now.”

ALX continues to influence the future of the tech sector in Africa by training millions of young Africans for successful careers and leadership positions in tech innovation through its top-notch tech training programs, BrandSpur technology, and information news reports.


SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/10/02/alx-nigeria-certifies-over-800-data-science-students-from-nigeria-of-2800-across-africa/

At the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, the shareholders of BUA Foods Plc (referred to as “BUA Foods” or “the Company”) approved the proposed final dividend payment of ₦5.50k per share.


The giant of the local food manufacturing industry reported a 74.4% increase in revenue to ₦729.4 billion, indicating an impressive financial performance. Profitability held steady, proving its adaptability to changing market conditions, particularly as input costs increased. Profit after taxes increased by 23% from N91 billion in 2022 to ₦112 billion in 2023, demonstrating a remarkable year-over-year growth.




During the meeting, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman of the Board, addressed the shareholders and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support of the company’s common goal. He said that BUA Foods achieved great success as a result of their strategic focus on market penetration and capacity expansion combined with excellent governance.




According to him, the flour, pasta, and rice divisions saw impressive volume growth last year as a result of our successful expansion and commercialization of additional capacity. This contributed to an overall strong business performance. We will surpass all other pasta and flour milling companies in the nation with the completion of new facilities slated for next year, as well as recent strategic agreements.


“Our performance is a testament to the resilience of our business strategies, underpinned by a culture of strong corporate governance. We are also focused on the optimisation of our internal processes to maintain excellence in a fast-changing world. With the dedication of our Management and staff, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders.”


Speaking further on growth ambitions, Rabiu said, “In 2024, we remain focused on accelerating efforts towards the completion of our Backward Integration Project in line with the extended Federal Government’s Sugar Master Plan 2.0, aimed at attaining self-sufficiency in the sugar sector.

“Additionally, we seek to further address key challenges in Nigeria’s rice production industry by enhancing local production, empowering farmers, and promoting sustainable practices. This project will contribute to food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.”

Also commenting, the Managing Director BUA Foods, Engr. Ayodele Abioye (PhD), said, “Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, we made good progress across key strategic pillars of expanding capacity, markets, products, and package offerings as well as expanding business capabilities with a focus on operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.

“We will continue to leverage technology, innovation, and operational efficiencies to drive value creation and maintain a solid growth trajectory. We are committed to reinforcing our leadership as a home-grown food business with purpose.”



Speaking on the dividend pay-out, a shareholder, Mrs. Bisi Bakare, expressed her delight at the exceptional performance of the company.



She remarked, “We shareholders are very pleased today to receive a final dividend of N5.50 kobo from BUA Foods.



“I appreciate the board for putting smiles on our faces in this hard time. Declaring a N5.50k dividend despite the economic climate is very commendable and this has encouraged us to want to invest more.”

Another shareholder of BUA Foods, Farouq Muktar, commended the management for the year-on-year growth of the indigenous food manufacturing company.



He said, “I am very happy because of your commitment and the positive results we keep recording. This performance is highly commendable.



“We appreciate your strategic thinking which is one thing Nigerians need at this time. I commend BUA Foods management for always making us happy and not letting Nigerians down.”



In 2023, BUA Foods won several awards from reputable organizations. Among the awards won are Food Company of the Year, Innovative Indigenous FMCG Company of the Year Award, and Fastest Growing Food Manufacturing Company of the Year.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/27/shareholders-in-bua-foods-celebrate-growth-and-approve-%e2%82%a65-50-dividend/

Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading retail commercial banking has emerged as Nigeria’s Best Bank in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) lending.


The lender was recognised over the weekend for it’s long standing commitments to supporting MSMEs through several direct and indirect funding channels.

Expert judges at the inaugural MSME Finance Awards 2024, organised by Nairametrics and The Economic Forum, at the weekend in Lagos, said the choice of Polaris Bank as the ‘Best in MSME Lending’ (Banking Sector) was based on the bank’s provision of sustainable finance and funding to entrepreneurs in the MSMEs sector to grow their businesses.



MSMEs are the largest employers in the Nigerian economy, providing immense contributions in job creation and economic activities. Recent data showed that the contribution of the MSME sector to employment had increased by 3.5 per cent.


The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated that MSMEs contribute around 48 per cent to GDP and around 80 per cent of total employment in Nigeria.


The award ceremony, held at the upscale Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, cemented Polaris Bank’s reputation as a pacesetter in industry standards for lending and impact-driven financing to critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Commenting on the award, Managing Director, Polaris Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award, recognising our commitment to empowering Nigerian MSMEs. Micro, small, and medium businesses are pivotal to national economic growth; they are the backbone for large corporations and drive innovation and job creation.

“We are glad that our dedication to providing accessible financing and tailor-made innovative solutions has made a tangible impact on the growth and sustainability of these vital businesses.’’

He commended Nairametrics and The Economic Forum series for the award and assured of Polaris Bank’s continued commitment to MSMEs empowerment by delivering innovative and exceptional customer-centric services and solutions that propel Nigeria’s overall economic advancement.

“We are grateful to Nairametrics and The Economic Forum for this recognition, acknowledging our team’s relentless efforts to provide innovative and exceptional services to Nigeria’s MSME sector. This award is a motivation for us; our strategic focus on MSME lending, driving financial inclusion, and promoting Nigeria’s economic development remains something we are committed to,’’ he stated.

Nairametrics, Nigeria’s leading financial literacy news platform, explained that the nomination and subsequent award bestowed on Polaris Bank and other finalists were meant to honour financial services organizations—including banks, insurance companies, and fintech companies—that have made a real impact on MSMEs in Nigeria, ensuring sustainable growth for the sector.

Polaris Bank has built a strong footprint in financing MSME by committing billions of naira in loans to support MSME operations in Nigeria, with huge lending portfolio dedicated to empowering micro, small, and medium businesses meant to grow businesses, create jobs, and build wealth. These initiatives have earned Polaris Bank multiple awards and recognitions, including the 2022 and 2023 MSME Bank of the Year award by BusinessDAY’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards (BAFI).

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/30/polaris-bank-is-nigerias-best-bank-in-msme-lending/

Is it true that a large number of individuals who participated in the Telegram game Hamster Kombat season 1 online are curious about how to take money out of the Hamster Kombat account following its listing day today?


It can be difficult to withdraw money from Hamster Kombat, especially for first-time users who are not accustomed to Bitcoin transactions and wallets.

This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to cash out your coins after days of mining and anticipating listing, BrandSpur digital news platform reports.

1. Open the Hamster app.
2. Tap “Account” or “Wallet”.
3. Select “Withdraw” or “Cash Out”.
4. Enter the amount to withdraw.
5. Choose a withdrawal method.
6. Confirm withdrawal.


To achieve this, you must:

Verify your account and identity.
Ensure sufficient funds.
Check withdrawal limits and fees.
Timeline:

Withdrawals usually take 24 to 48 hours to process.
Transfers between banks could take longer (2–3 business days)

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/26/how-to-withdraw-your-hmstr-after-successful-mining-hamster-kombat/

The Coca-Cola Company and Bacardi Limited have declared their partnership to introduce a ready-to-drink (RTD) pre-mixed drink that combines Coca-Cola and BACARDÍ rum.


In 2025, Bacardi Mixed with Coca-Cola will make its market debut in Mexico and a few markets in the European Union

The companies disclosed that, while the precise abv varies by market, the worldwide standard for the drink’s alcohol by volume (abv) is 5%. The launch’s promotional packaging lists an abv of 5.9%.



Coca-Cola is making a calculated strategic move with this partnership to increase its market share in the expanding RTD alcohol market.


As a full beverage company, we are still expanding our offerings, and this includes the expanding RTD market for alcoholic beverages. James Quincey, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Co., stated in a statement that “our strategic expansion is supported by this new relationship with Bacardi Limited.”

Mahesh Madhavan, CEO of Bacardi, expressed excitement about the partnership as well, emphasizing how this RTD format will make the traditional rum and Coca-Cola cocktail more accessible to customers who are of legal drinking age.

The packaging for the Bacardi Mixed with Coca-Cola RTD will prominently feature the well-known Bacardi and Coca-Cola trademarks.

The drink will only be marketed to people who are of legal drinking age thanks to the inclusion of responsibility symbols on the cans.

This new endeavor comes after Coca-Cola’s past partnerships with other well-known alcohol companies, such as Pernod Ricard for an Absolut & Sprite cocktail and Brown-Forman for a Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola RTD.

Coca-Cola collaborated with Molson Coors to release a Topo Chico Hard Seltzer prior to its launch with Brown-Forman. The company had also experimented with alcoholic soft drinks, such as a hard lemonade in Japan.

The global RTD market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.06 percent, reaching US$1,227.81 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/23/bacardi-coca-cola-introduce-rtd-cocktails/

ABUJA, Nigeria, September 24, 2024/ — Vestergaard Sàrl (https://Vestergaard.com/) announced today that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, acting through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company, as an initial step to establish the country as the first West African manufacturing hub for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to combat malaria – and the first on the continent to produce dual active-ingredient nets to help combat insecticide resistance.

Nearly every minute (https://apo-opa.co/4eqUoIY), a child under 5 years old dies from malaria. The African continent accounts for almost 95% (https://apo-opa.co/4ecJ8jD) of the world’s malaria cases – one quarter of these are in Nigeria. New approaches are needed to boost access to tried-and-tested, cost-effective tools to combat the disease, and local manufacturing of nets, medicines and vaccines is a priority for the continent (https://apo-opa.co/47HfNLM).



The MoU announced today lays the foundation for Vestergaard to establish a joint venture with a local manufacturing partner in Nigeria, potentially supported by MedAccess, a social investor founded by British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. Selection of an appropriate partner is currently underway and will be subject to the satisfactory conclusion of a due diligence process. Vestergaard is also discussing opportunities for financing with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).


If successful, the joint venture will result in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that is expected to function as a flagship on ITN quality and bioefficacy performance, as well as industrial health, safety and sustainability practices. At scale, the planned facility would produce 10 million PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal nets every year, for both domestic use in Nigeria and international export. It would create around 600 jobs in Nigeria.


Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, Hon. Minister of Health for Nigeria, said: “Increasing access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is crucial. We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention in our fight against malaria. Collaborative efforts, such as this, are essential to mobilizing the resources and expertise needed to combat malaria effectively.”

Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, said: “High standards in local production are non-negotiable. By investing in local bed net production, we are not only improving health outcomes but also paving the way for a self-sufficient healthcare system that can withstand global challenges. This partnership with Vestergaard is a significant step towards attaining this for Nigerians and the broader West African population. ”

Michael Anderson, CEO of MedAccess, said: “Next generation mosquito nets are powerful tools to save lives and prevent debilitating disease. Regional manufacturing is in turn a critical tool to ensure that the nets are available quickly, reliably, and sustainably. This agreement between the Government of Nigeria and Vestergaard underlines an important commitment to protecting people from malaria while strengthening supply chain resilience in the region. MedAccess is looking forward to working in partnership to explore how innovative finance can support this initiative.”

Jim Polan, Vice President, Office of Health & Agribusiness at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), said: “DFC’s investments in regional manufacturing, particularly in Africa, aim to strengthen health system resilience and diversify supply chains. We are exploring a variety of opportunities to expand access to critical health products, including bed nets, to ensure the region is better prepared to respond to malaria and other vector-borne transmission due to changing climate patterns.”

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “This partnership exemplifies the leadership and commitment of the Nigerian government in the fight against malaria. We are very grateful for their engagement and support as we work together with partners to create a cutting-edge facility that will set a global benchmark in the manufacturing of dual-insecticide nets.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/24/nigeria-set-to-become-the-first-west-african-manufacturing-hub-for-insecticide-treated-nets-in-the-battle-against-malaria/

Quality and affordable healthcare at the grassroots received a boost at the weekend with the opening of the Edward & Clara Memorial Clinic (ECMC), a walk-in health facility on the first floor of SuperSavers Mall, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.


This is the second facility to open in Lagos following the ECMC clinic at SuperSavers Mall, Osapa, Lekki which was commissioned in April 2023. Managing Director of Edward & Clara Memorial Clinic, Dr. Augustina Anetor said the establishment of the walk-in clinic was in response to the challenges in the Nigerian healthcare landscape which include limited access, inadequate infrastructure and high service delivery costs.

Dr. Anetor, a United Kingdom trained Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon who returned to Nigeria in response to the Federal Government’s appeal to healthcare professionals in the Diaspora to return home to help drive growth, innovation and inclusivity in the healthcare sector explained that ECMC is a unique project with the vision to become a reference point in preventive healthcare and empowering communities nationwide to thrive in wellness and vitality.

“Our clinic facilities are imbedded in the communities, situated closely to the activities of daily life enabling people to walk in and get urgent attention. Our healthcare services include clinical consultation, laboratory tests, treatment and management of minor and intermediate injuries and fractures, health screening and counseling”, Dr. Anetor said.
She noted that ECMC leverages technology, collaboration with health professionals and institutions in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to provide access to quality and affordable healthcare solutions to communities especially in Okota, Amuwo Odofin and Lekki where the first clinic was established last year.


Dr. Anetor urged regular shoppers at SuperSavers Mall and residents of Okota to take advantage of the one month free registration and consultation and walk in with family members to access quality healthcare and know their health status.
Chairman of the opening ceremony, Mr. Lucky Egede said the establishment of Edward & Clara Memorial Clinic is a giant stride in nation building, saying that Nigeria can only make tremendous progress when we all do our bits across different fields and locations in the country.

Mr. Egede, who is also the chairman of SuperSavers supermarket retail chain in Nigeria said a healthy community builds a progressive nation. He urged shoppers and residents of Okota to take advantage ECMC at the shopping mall to enhance their families’ health status noting that “when you are healthy, you are wearing a crown that only the sick can see”.
Several residential estates and communities in Okota who were represented at the event welcomed the walk-in clinic saying it has solved the problem of distance and access to quality private primary healthcare in the area.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/19/edward-clara-memorial-clinic-nigerias-first-private-primary-healthcare-facility-opens-in-okota-lagos/

Britishcoins:
Enjoying my own peacefully... If they like let them call me

How are you managing the timing belt Sir? apart from the timing belt. The Car is sweet.

As part of a major enforcement operation against counterfeit goods, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) closed an illicit cosmetics manufacturing plant at Benue Plaza, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State.


NAFDAC disclosed that its agents found significant amounts of unregistered chemicals, expired goods, and packaging materials meant for the creation of counterfeit cosmetics in a message that was published on X, the agency’s defunct Twitter account.

More than 1,200 containers containing fake items were taken out of the area. Concerns regarding consumer safety were raised when it was found that cosmetics that had expired were being revalidated for sale.



Additionally, the agency seized supplies for batch coding, thinners, unlabelled chemicals, mini-mixing containers, and other equipment used in the illegal production process. These items were brought to the NAFDAC office so that additional research could be done. The agency calculates that the seized commodities have a street worth of about N50 million.


NAFDAC has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the public’s health by taking tough measures against illicit and unregulated goods on the Nigerian market.

The agency issued a statement, available to BrandSpur national news stories, advising customers to be cautious when buying cosmetics, especially from unreliable sources, and to report any suspicious products to NAFDAC so that appropriate action can be taken.

This operation is a testament to NAFDAC’s continued efforts to stop the manufacture and sale of counterfeit goods, which seriously endanger public health and safety.
To protect the integrity of Nigeria’s cosmetics sector, the agency has stressed that these enforcement actions are part of a larger effort to make sure that only regulated and certified items reach consumers.

It is pertinent to know in a related occurrence, some five months ago, NAFDAC closed down several unregistered bakeries and water-packaging businesses that were operating in Plateau State without the agency’s authorisation.

The North Central Zone Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Shaba Mohammed, stated that the closure came about as a result of inspections revealing inadequate Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the water-packaging companies. Consequently, these businesses were closed to stop possibly dangerous products from being sold.

Furthermore, several patent medicine outlets were shut down for selling unlicensed and outdated medical supplies.

The raid was conducted as part of NAFDAC’s regular inspections in local government areas including Dengi, Wase, Yelwa Shendam, and Namu. Its objectives were to safeguard public health and enforce adherence to safety regulations.

Continuing, Mr. Mohammed underlined that NAFDAC is still dedicated to making sure Nigerian customers may purchase only safe and approved goods. He asked people to be on the lookout for strange or expired products, to report them, and to limit their purchases to just NAFDAC-registered goods.

In addition, he restated that companies that violate the agency’s rules will be subject to the proper penalties. He counselled prospective business owners to get advice on product registration to avoid fines.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/18/nafdac-bursts-trade-fair-complex-recover-over-1200-fake-goods-worth-about-n50m/

One of Choice International Group’s subsidiaries, Lontor Hi-Tech Development Company, has implemented a renewable energy system that will help reduce electricity costs in the face of the nation’s rising energy costs.


Despite being solar-powered, the Residential Energy Storage System (RESS) can reduce energy expenses by up to 80%.

The RESS will supply consistent electricity at N40 per unit, whereas Nigerians, who reportedly enjoy about 20 hours of electricity per day, currently pay about N225 Kilowatt Per Hour (KW/h).



Attendees at the Power Your Lifestyle event included many distributors and locals. The company’s managing director, Mr. Roamen Lin, senior sales managers, Mrs. Doris Du and Mr. Kizito Okhaifoh, and senior marketing manager, Mr. Larry Long, were also present.


Speaking at the occasion, Long stated that the business has been operating in Nigeria for more than 20 years and has kept growing by offering home appliances among other things.


Other products are boom speakers, kitchen appliances like multi-function blenders, air fryers and mixers; energy conserving Air Conditioners, heater kettles and a host of other products.


On his part, Kizito said the renewable energy system is made up of an inverter and lithium battery -as opposed to the lead used in some places – all put together as one.

“This is the first time such a launch will be done in Abuja, which is part of the North Central market. Lontor is a manufacturer of several household appliances including blender, torchlights, music box, fans, heater kettles among others. Choice International Group has Lontor, GAC and Gree as subsidiaries

“We are providing you with 3 months warranty for the inverters, while our technical guys are available to help with installation and maintenance.

“The Residential Energy Storage Unit is very compact, doesn’t take much space”.

Speaking about the specifics of the product, Doris stated that there are three different types of inverters: 2.56KWh, which is capable of powering certain household items; 5KWh, which is capable of powering washing machines, air conditioners, and other appliances; and 10KWh, which is capable of powering a whole residential apartment.

Doris listed “high grade quality and safety” as one of the RESS’s unique selling points. The home is enhanced by its distinctive and modern design. Flexible battery expansion and paralleling, multiple power sources, multi-scenario application, and a smooth 20–10 millisecond power switchover Plug and play connections, intuitive operation, sleep-grade noise that doesn’t interfere with sleep, and ease of installation because it comes with all the accessories needed, negating the need to purchase additional ones.

The event which featured a raffle draw, saw various dealers and other buyers going home with mouthwatering gifts of between N100, 000 to N1 million.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/16/lontor-sets-out-a-new-solar-product/

With the Redmi 14C, which it unveiled today, Xiaomi has combined amazing performance with a stylish design to improve everyday living.


Its incredibly thin design lends an air of sophistication, and its large screen enhances the immersiveness of multitasking, gaming, and streaming. With a strong processor and a long-lasting battery, the Redmi 14C offers dependable power and smooth performance. This enables users to get the most out of its creative camera, which has a number of tools and filters for taking interesting pictures and films.


Redmi 14C showcases how elegance and refinement come together in a smartphone designed to meet users’ needs. Its 8.22mm ultra-slim body¹ features a flat frame and a newly designed, cutting-edge circular camera deco, offering a sleek and sophisticated look, while making this smartphone easy to handle for daily use. It comes with a classic glass finish, unique from previous generations, in Midnight Black or Dreamy Purple². Alternatively, users can choose Sage Green with a stylish matte texture, or Starry Blue with a star trail design². This range allows users to select the style best suited to their needs and preferences, thereby adding a touch of individuality to their everyday use.

Immersive viewing supported by reliable performance


Redmi 14C features a 6.88-inch display, the largest on Redmi number series to date, offering a spacious and immersive viewing area that transforms everyday activities. Whether you’re reading e-books, watching movies, or gaming, the expansive screen is capable of enhancing the experience with clear, vibrant visuals. In addition, it comes with both TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Software Solution) and Flicker Free certifications, as well as DC dimming, making Redmi 14C perfect for long reading sessions or extended video calls. Furthermore, Redmi 14C also provides Reading mode and Dark mode, which can adjust the screen to suit various lighting conditions, further enhancing viewing comfort.

Meanwhile, the substantial battery supports long hours of use to let users enjoy uninterrupted multimedia experiences throughout the day, offering up to 22 hours of video playback⁴. To swiftly return to full power, 18W fast charging⁵ is also provided.

Whether you’re organizing a virtual meeting, catching up on your favorite TV series, or managing your photo gallery, the combination of robust performance and advanced display technology offers users a consistently smooth and enjoyable experience.

Elevated camera creativity meets everyday functionality

Redmi 14C features impressive photography and video capabilities that make capturing moments both fun and easy. Equipped with a 50MP main camera that produces clear, vibrant photos and a 13MP front camera designed to help users look their best even in low-light conditions, Redmi 14C packs features to take your photos and videos up a notch higher. For example, filmCamera offers a range of filters that allow users to easily add a touch of creative flair to their photos and videos, while the front camera’s software-level soft-light ring illuminates the display for natural and balanced lighting in dim surroundings. Users can also enjoy an enhanced beautifier to highlight their best features in every shot.

In addition to its advanced camera features, Redmi 14C features details that blend practicality with ease of use. For example, its side-mounted fingerprint sensor makes unlocking your device quick and secure, seamlessly integrating into your daily routine. Meanwhile, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio devices, while the enhanced 150% volume boost⁴ compared to the previous generation ensures that you can hear calls, media, and notifications clearly, even in noisy environments. These thoughtful features collectively enhance user experience, making Redmi 14C ideal for everyday life.

Price and availability

Redmi 14C is available in Midnight Black, Dreamy Purple, Sage Green, and Starry Blue², in 4GB+128GB, 4GB+256GB, 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB configurations⁶, starting from N134,600. Redmi 14C is ready for grabbing at authorized retailers across Nigeria, including FINET, RAYA, 3CHUB, SLOT, POINTEK, FINE BROTHER, and CALLUS MILLER. For those who prefer online shopping, visit Xiaomi’s exclusive store on Jumia at Xiaomi Store and enjoy the convenience of having your new Xiaomi device delivered directly to your door.

Disclaimers

¹ Actual measurements between individual products may vary. All specifications are subject to the actual product.

² Color and material availability may vary between markets.

³ 16GB RAM with memory extension is based on the 8GB RAM version. Additional RAM will occupy a corresponding amount of ROM storage. Memory extension is only available when there is enough storage space on your device. Actual extension of RAM storage capacity varies across different models.

⁴ Data tested in Xiaomi Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

⁵ Power adapter availability may vary between regions. Recommended to use an 18W power adapter that supports PD charging.

⁶ Configurations available may differ between different regions. Available storage and RAM are less than the total memory due to storage of the operating system and software pre-installed on the device.


At the core of this smartphone lies a MediaTek Helio G81-Ultra octa-core processor and 5160mAh battery, which work together to enhance the user experience of its large display. The powerful processor delivers smooth and responsive performance for activities such as video streaming, allowing you to fully immerse in the big-screen experience. And with up to 16GB of RAM, including 8GB of extended RAM³, multitasking is utterly seamless.



SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/12/introducing-redmi-14c-a-blend-of-elegant-styling/

A group of Swedes set a world record by driving a hydrofoiling Candela C-8 between Stockholm and the Finnish autonomous region of Åland, marking the first time an electric boat has crossed the Baltic Sea and made the journey between the two countries. They even returned the same day – at 95% lower costs than a fossil-fuel-powered boat.

“The aim was to demonstrate that zero-emission sea travel is not only possible today, but that foiling electric ships and boats are so much cheaper to operate than fossil-fueled vessels,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela.

The Stockholm-based tech company has developed the world’s first electric hydrofoil boats and ships, vessels that fly above the water with an 80% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional ships, providing both long range and high speed on battery power.


The record trip was made last Thursday in the latest version of the leisure boat Candela C-8, equipped with a Polestar battery, starting at 6 a.m. from Stockholm’s Frihamn. After a charging stop in Kapellskär, they reached Mariehamn, the capital and largest town of the Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland, at lunchtime, making it the first electric boat to cross the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. In the harbor, the electric boat pioneers were greeted by a delegation headed by Åland’s Premier, Kristin Sjögren.


“The disadvantage of electric boats has been their short range, due to traditional boat hulls consuming so much energy. With our hydrofoil technology, we combine high speed and range, but you get so many other benefits. Flying over the Åland Sea in total silence and without slamming was absolutely magical,” said Gustav Hasselskog.

The trip was made mostly with the existing charging infrastructure, and in partnership with Kempower, a charging solutions provider. In Kapellskär, the Candela charged with a Kempower Movable Charger, a 40-kW wheeled charger connected to the existing power grid at the harbor. In Finland’s Mariehamn, the boat was plugged into the marina’s three-phase outlet. In the evening at 6 p.m., the electric boat pioneers flew back toward Sweden. After a top up in, Kapellskär, the C-8 returned in dense fog to the starting point, Stockholm’s Frihamn, at 11.30 p.m.

“Kempower is proud to contribute to the electrification of boating and help create greener waterways. Electric boats combined with hydrofoiling offer the best possible efficiency. Kempower’s DC fast charging solutions are ideal for electric boating, and our Kempower Movable Charger is a plug-and-play solution that integrates seamlessly with the electrical grids already available in many marinas,” says Antti Vuola, Director, Market Segments, Kempower.

“We actually had range anxiety, but not for the Candela. The irony is that the photographer’s gasoline-powered chase boat had to refuel six times during the trip, while we only charged three times,” said Gustav Hasselskog.

Candela’s hydrofoil technology enables massive cost reductions for sea transport, which was proven when the electric costs were summed up. The gasoline-powered chase boat of similar size that accompanied the trip had to refuel for 750€ during the 150 nautical miles – while the Candela C-8 consumed 213 kWh of electricity, at a cost of about 40-50€.

“We’re talking about 95% lower operating costs. This is a revolution that makes waterborne transöport competitive with land transport in terms of costs, which we will now demonstrate in public transport in Stockholm,” said Gustav Hasselskog.

This fall, Candela P-12, the company’s new 30-passenger hydrofoil ferry, will begin operating the Ekerö-Stockholm City Hall route, where it is expected to halve travel times thanks to not producing damaging wakes, allowing it permission to travel quickly in the inner city.

Candela has recently announced a deal to electrify the water transport network in Saudi Arabia’s giant NEOM project, as well as ferries sold to cities ranging from Berlin to New Zealand.

“We can easily electrify coastal public transport at very low costs, not just in Sweden but across the world. It just requires political will to make the switch,” concludes Gustav Hasselskog.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/11/first-electric-boat-successfully-crosses-the-baltic-sea/

Field, a leading African healthtech company, has today announced the launch of a route-to-market service that will introduce emerging therapies to tackle the urgency of maternal mortality, newborn and child health, along with nutrition. The initiative will leverage Field’s proprietary technology, distribution, and financing services, which today powers a network of over 40,000 private and public healthcare providers in rural and urban areas across Kenya and Nigeria. The initiative launches with an initial $11m in support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in recognition of Field’s commitment to introduce emerging therapies and supply chain transformation in combating Africa’s most urgent health priorities.

Since its inception in 2015, Field’s streamlined infrastructure has facilitated over 800 million health interventions across more than 60 therapeutic areas, such as family planning, HIV and Tuberculosis. Starting in Kenya and Nigeria, with scope to expand to other regions. Field will advance on its unique capabilities within complex distribution channels to create an accelerated route to market for emerging therapies and technologies. This is to include an extensive digitisation overhaul for private healthcare providers, hospitals and healthcare bodies at State and Federal level, with financing options to strengthen operations and purchasing capabilities. Additionally, healthcare providers stand to benefit from last-mile delivery to improve day-to-day health services and the installation of pharma-grade refrigerators. In its entirety, the service will be reinforced by the establishment of a coalition to include governments, manufacturers and other key stakeholders for one of the continent’s most ambitious maternal health programs to-date.



Maternal mortality is one of the continent’s most pressing healthcare challenges. The likelihood that a woman will die in childbirth in Africa is 45x higher than in Europe. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa accounted for 69% of global maternal deaths, with Nigeria alone representing 29% of all maternal deaths worldwide in 2020. Field’s service will provide expectant mothers in Africa access to emerging therapies such as heat-stable carbetocin and calibrated drapes, which detect and treat postpartum haemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality in Africa. The platform will accelerate these new interventions, support established therapies, and address related complications like preeclampsia.

The consequences of poor or non-existent maternal health services will affect the most vulnerable sections of Africa’s population. Speaking on the initiative, Michael Moreland, CEO & Founder of Field, says, “This is public health powered by technology and today’s news recognises the products and services that Field has built over the past eight years scaled and integrated into large-scale public health programs; this is what we believe health technology companies should be doing; joining innovative, impactful coalitions between private and public entities.”

“Digitally powering, networking, and financing health systems at scale will have an overwhelmingly positive effect on access to quality care. With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation we are set to rapidly improve mother and child survival in every setting .’’

A number of global pharma and health companies have exited the continent in the past 18 months. Moreland adds, “We’ve seen genuine, meaningful gains being made in healthcare delivery outcomes, however in this current tough economic climate, without coordinated systems and processes, the progress will slow or slip. Alongside our funders, our role is to ensure this doesn’t happen because the problems the healthcare space is facing will not be solved on its own. This is where Field, and its funders, come in and we’re excited to get to work on this technology-powered infrastructure blueprint for public health services”.

In addition to this new initiative, Field continues to grow and scale its technology solutions across the continent. In Field Supply, it has created the largest pharmaceutical supply chain platform in Africa. Its distribution service Shelf Life distributes over 3,000 quality products across more than 50 therapeutic areas, reaching over 2,500 pharmacies and hospitals in 24 cities in Nigeria and Kenya, including government facilities, large hospital systems, retail chains, insurance companies and family-operated drug stores. The platform also provides trade financing solutions for priority therapies and equipment that addresses working capital constraints that often hinder investment in new medical interventions.

About Field

Field Intelligence is the leading pharmaceutical supply chain provider within Nigeria and Kenya, that aims to reshape the pharma value chain by turning the supply chain underlying it into a strategic tool for access and growth. Founded in 2015, Field Intelligence works collaboratively with African governments by delivering and scaling healthcare programs, catering for Africa’s small private pharmacies, and providing data-led technology that aids inventory management and access to products.

About Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/10/field-launches-service-to-tackle-maternal-mortality-crisis-in-africa-with-11m-backing/

Almost seven months after its founding, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has awarded three telecom licenses to Airtel Nigeria Telesonic Limited, the company’s fibre service arm.

Three licenses were awarded to the network operator: one for Internet Service Provider, one for Sales and Installation Major, and one for National Long Distance.

The National Long Distance licence will go into effect on July 1, 2024, and expire on June 30, 2044. It will be valid for 20 years. The Sales and Installation Major licence and the Internet Service Provider licence, on the other hand, are valid for five years, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029.
With the NLDO licence, Telesonic will be able to provide long-distance phone services within Nigeria, enabling the business to set up and keep up the infrastructure required to connect calls and data across the nation.

On the other hand, the licence prohibits the holder from providing Internet access to end consumers directly or from providing international long-distance services. This license was also granted to Bayobab, an MTN Group subsidiary that specialises in digital infrastructure, in 2023.

With the Internet Service Provider license, the business will be able to compete with other providers like Spectranet and FibreOne by providing Internet services to clients. It enables holders to set up and run their own separate networks for the provision of these services.

There were 242 active Internet service providers in Nigeria as of July 2024, down from 252 in May 2024, after 12 allegedly neglected to renew their licenses, BrandSpur telecom and IT news reports.

Continuing, the telco can sell, install, and maintain telecom equipment thanks to the Sales & Installation Major licence.

Following a statement: “The principal activity of the company is to carry on business as manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors and sellers of all types of fibre optic systems and networks, including cables and equipment used in a telecommunication network, multi-channel video communication, data network and all other forms of communication and electronic, medical or industrial applications.”

CEO of Airtel Africa Segun Ogunsanya said that the project would offer “cutting-edge fibre-optic solutions” to meet Africa’s digital needs in a variety of industries when the company announced the start of Telesonic in February 2024.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/05/ncc-issues-airtel-nigeria-telesonic-limited-3-telecom-licenses-in-7-months/

Through the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the Nigerian government has declared its intention to impose a zero-rated tax on food items. This was revealed by Committee Chairman Taiwo Oyedele in a Channels Television broadcast.

He claims that the nation intends to lessen the Value Added Tax’s impact on the most vulnerable citizens.

According to him: “Even the VAT system was placing too much burden on the poorest people.

“For example, you had food items, some of them were exempted.


Adding, he said: “So we’ve decided that food should not just be exempted, it should be zero-rated.”

Oyedele, in the meantime, disclosed that preparations are on to put out a bill raising the VAT from 7.5 percent to 10 percent.

BrandSpur national news stories report that he made this comment on Tuesday when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited raised the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) from N617 per liter to N897 and N855.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/04/federal-government-discloses-plan-to-impose-zero-rated-tax-on-food/

Encomiums have continued to pour in on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for the sustainable implementation of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiatives aimed at mitigating the current economic challenges experienced not only in the state, but across the country.

The ‘Eko Cares’ Initiatives, launched in April this year by Governor Sanwo-Olu, is the umbrella signature for several poverty-alleviating campaigns by the Lagos State Government, namely: ‘Alafia Eko’, ‘Ounje Eko’ Sunday Market, ‘Eko Fund Me’, ‘Alaafia Eko’, ‘Owo Isowo Eko’, and ‘Edinwo Owo Oko Eko’, all focused on lessening the burden of more than 500,000 Lagos households amid the current economic hardship in four critical sectors including transportation, education, health and agriculture.

These interventions are in line with the Lagos government’s undertaking to better the lives of its citizens in the 20 LGAS, and 37 LCDAs.


The Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District 1, Dr. Funmilayo Bankole and other health practitioners who coordinated the campaigns in different locations noted that the ‘Alafia Eko’ is aimed at ensuring the health and wellbeing of Lagosians. “What we do here is to screen Lagosians for silent killers such as hypertension, diabetes, etc., and prevent these conditions from causing complications”, she said.

At the’ Alafia Eko’ intervention held in Mushin LGA, one of the beneficiaries, Mr Tajudeen Adebowale, expressed excitement, saying, “We are very happy about this initiative. May God continue to bless the governor to do even more, especially programmes like this healthcare initiative”.

Another beneficiary at the Meiran intervention outreach, Alhaja Ajani Badru could not hold back her joy saying, “We are grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for the free healthcare brought to us. Medications these days are very expensive and today, we got sufficient treatment at no cost”. Another beneficiary, Mr. Adekojo Samuel expressed similar sentiments, thanking the Governor for the eye tests, drugs, and eye glasses received.

Another beneficiary at the Isolo outreach, Mr. Iyanu Temituro said: “The programme is excellently beautiful, organised, and the medical personnel were very approachable. I’m enjoying two medical services for stooling and blood pressure”.

Mr. Abiodun Ayodele, a beneficiary from the Surulere outreach was also full of commendations. “I appreciate what the Lagos Governor has done. See the lots of drugs they gave me; at the same time, I got brand new eye glasses”.

Other beneficiaries from Apapa LGA were also full of praise for the Governor, dedicating songs in Yoruba to Governor Sanwo-Olu, describing him as a promise keeper. Among them were Mrs. Tawa Yusuf and Mrs. Oloofa Bola who got free eye glasses. Others were Mrs. Aremu Lateefat, Mr. Rasheed Raheem, and Mrs Saratu Ishola, who all got free drugs and medicals. They described the health initiative as a huge achievement and a big relief for them.

On the success of the programme, Dr. Saheed Tajudeen, a volunteer at the Igbogbo, Ikorodu outreach expressed excitement with the turnout for ‘Alafia Eko’ initiative. “Lots of people in the community don’t usually visit our Primary Health Centre, and Lagos State has deemed it fit to bring medical care to their doorsteps. This is laudable”, he said.

Other locations visited in this phase of the ‘Alafia Eko’ health initiative include Ikorodu North LCDA and Ikotun LCDA.

‘Eko Cares’ is supervised by the Special Dispensation Advisory Committee on Social Interventions (SPEDAC), a non-partisan body set up to advise the government on the various initiatives lined up to help the poor weather the current economic hardship in the country.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/03/eko-cares-grateful-beneficiaries-praise-lagos-governors-economic-hardship-alleviation-initiatives/

While some global corporations are pulling out of Nigeria, others are finding chances in the largest economy in Africa. For example, Nutrify, a division of Tolaram Group, which made an investment in the nutraceutical health sector six months ago, intends to build a multi-million Naira factory in Nigeria.


According to Ehimenv Oaikhena, regional sales manager for the health company Nutrify Nigeria, the ambitious concept not only satisfies the growing demand for its goods in Africa but also generates employment and stimulates the local economy.

Oaikhena did nothing to disclose the location of the factory when she was interviewed last weekend in Lagos at the Young Pharmacists Group’s health event, which was held in association with Nutrify.



The choice is further influenced by research, knowledge of the size and market for nutraceuticals in health in Nigeria, familiarity with the country’s regulatory framework, and knowledge of the raw material supply.


Similar to the crude oil industry, in which Nigeria imports refined products and exports crude, Nutrify currently sources its raw materials from various African nations, including Nigeria, but transforms them into finished products in Asia.

According to Oaikhena, the company expects that local production in the upcoming two years will result in more cheap items, taking into account importation logistics and exchange rates.

Oaikhena disclosed: “We source most of the raw materials in Nigeria and Africa. The plan in the next two years is to have the supplements produced here in Nigeria”

According to the regional sales manager, the company now uses roughly 65% local content in its nutraceutical goods supplied throughout Africa because some of its raw ingredients are sourced outside of Nigeria.

Nonetheless, he stated that the organisation intends to raise the local content to 90%, BrandSpur local news brand reports.

Oaikhena noted that affordable and suitable medications are the gaps in the market for healthy supplements, but Nutrify is filling these gaps thanks to its robust R& team.

“We have been on this journey of the plan to produce supplements for about 5 years as we did not just wake up to start manufacturing,” he declared, adding that the company is aware of the market.

He explained that the goal of the wellness retreat is to educate customers and chemists about certified nutraceutical goods and raise awareness of the preventive approach to health. He claimed that Nutrify formulas have ISO certifications and NAFDAC approval.

During the panel discussion, Tolulope Ajayi, the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, explained the purpose of the retreat as enhancing the NUJ knowledge and skills of pharmacists, who are healthcare providers and not just businesspeople but also the gatekeepers of the healthcare delivery system.

He explained that the goal of the wellness retreat is to educate customers and chemists about certified nutraceutical goods and raise awareness of the preventive approach to health. He claimed that Nutrify formulas have ISO certifications and NAFDAC approval.

During the panel discussion, Tolulope Ajayi, the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, explained the purpose of the retreat as enhancing the knowledge and skills of pharmacists, who are healthcare providers and not just businesspeople but also the gatekeepers of the healthcare delivery system.

Abimbola Adebakin, who subscribes to the theory that prevention is preferable to cure, stated in her opinion that Africa may find preventative health solutions through technology and artificial intelligence (AI). She asserted that when advancements in health are made, power can be transferred to Africa.

She claimed that the answer to the world’s health problems is in Africa, stating that by combining the continent’s conventional medical practices with AI’s ability to lower the cost of drug research, the success rate of newly discovered medications may rise from 15% to 70%.

Consumers should always enquire pharmacists about their licenses and get advice from them when needed, according to Nmesoma Ohakwe, State Coordinator, PSN-YPG, Lagos.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/02/nutrify-reveals-plan-to-build-multi-million-naira-factory-in-nigeria/

Arik Air’s dedication to quality and innovation in the aviation sector has been recognised with the Bizz Award 2024 in the inspirational company category.


Global industry leaders met at the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa in Singapore on Tuesday for the award ceremony, BrandSpur digital news platform reports.

Along with the award, Arik Air was inducted as a platinum member of the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB), a designation that carries substantial duties and benefits, the airline said in a statement on Thursday.



The announcement states that the airline received this award after a thorough assessment by the WORLDCOB evaluation committee.


The statement partly reads: “During the event, Arik Air was presented with THE BIZZ 2024 trophy, a symbol of business excellence.”


“Additionally, the airline received the World Business Leader award, acknowledging its leadership in operating with innovation, knowledge, and systematic efficiency.

Continuing, the company went on to say: “Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, and Chief Operating Officer, captain Adetokunbo Adekunbi, were both recognized for their Excellence in Business Leadership, affirming their roles in steering the airline towards continued success.

“Captain Adekunbi, accompanied by Arik Air’s Head of Corporate Communications, Adebanji Ola, accepted the awards from Mr. Michael Bellido, Vice President of WORLDCOB,” it added.

Adekunbi praised the entire Arik Air crew for their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence in his acceptance speech, dedicating the prize to them all. He also expressed his appreciation for the prestigious recognition to the board of directors of WORLDCOB.

In light of the accomplishment, Ilegbodu stated that the award is evidence of the staff’s tenacity and diligence in continuously maintaining the greatest levels of excellence. He said: “We are also deeply grateful to our loyal customers for their continued support over the years.”

WORLDCOB is a global organisation based in Houston, Texas that serves more than 3,500 companies in over 130 nations.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/09/02/arik-air-bags-bizz-award-2024-gains-recognition-as-platinum-member-of-worldcob/

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has tasked tertiary institutions in the country to run entrepreneurship courses and skills acquisition programmes for self reliance of their products. This is as the Abia State Government has warned private universities operating in the state against compromising standards.

JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Olyede, who gave the charge during a one-day, Stakeholders’ Forum of Amadeus University, Amizi in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, said society was in dire need of job creators and not job seekers.

“We envision a university that would not only educate but also inspire; we envision a place where students would be turned to leaders, entrepreneurs and change makers; a place that will not be reckoned with cultists, notorious boys and girls;

The head of JAMB, who declared that Amadues University possessed all the licenses and approvals required to function as a private university, pledged cooperation with the school.

Professor Olyede declared: “Amadeus university is NUC approved and accredited, JAMB approved, JAMB accredited, and enjoys JAMB partnership.” Prof. Olyede was speaking through Juliet Anikwe, the Abia State JAMB Coordinator.

He conveyed optimism that the university would fulfill its primary responsibility.

Addressing the Forum, the State of Abia

Prof. Eme Uche Eme, Commissioner for Postsecondary Education, declared that the State would not accept any departure from the current norms but rather an enhancement to fortify the educational field.


She tasked the newly established university billed to take-off September, to key into the ongoing transformation of the Alex Otti-led administration which has for the first time, since the history of the state, met the 25% budgetary threshold for Education.


Prof. Eme said the state was committed to upholding the highest standards with regards to education at all levels.

“As we look ahead to the official commencement of academic activities in September 2024, I want to emphasize we are committed to upholding the highest standards of education”.

The Commissioner urged the Management of Amadeus University to engage qualified personnel, especially lectures who would have time for the students, maintain zero-tolerance for cultism and other anti-social behaviours and ensure round-the-clock security.

She commended the Founder for the establishment of the university which according to her “represents an investment in the future of youths and the advancement of education”.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/29/jamb-request-universities-to-offer-entrepreneurship-course/

Global pioneer in cutting-edge consumer electronics, LG Electronics, showcased its state-of-the-art OLED technology to the gaming community by hosting the Gaming Finale in Lagos, Nigeria.


Top gamers and fans of esports gathered for the tournament, which used LG’s OLED TVs as its official display displays. Both players and onlookers were engrossed in the game activity because of LG’s OLED screens’ breathtaking graphics and lightning-fast response times.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Paul Mba, Senior Marketing Manager at LG Electronics Nigeria, said that the main motivation behind it was to highlight the features and benefits of the LG OLED TV as one of the greatest options for gamers. It also aimed to provide a venue for gamers to participate in competitions that prepare them for more difficult challenges both domestically and internationally.



LG’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s and Africa’s expanding gaming industry was demonstrated during the Lagos Gaming Finale. LG wants to enable gamers and esports pros to compete at their best by offering superior display solutions, BrandSpur technology, and information news reports.

Mr. Choongbae Seok, General Manager, of LG Electronics Nigeria’s TV Division’s Home Entertainment, remarked during the product and trophy presentation: “LG is committed to delivering the ultimate gaming experience with its OLED TV and our OLED technology offers unparalleled picture quality, speed, and responsiveness, making it the perfect choice for gamers.”

Continuing, Seok said: “Building on the momentum of our successful Instore Gaming competition, we’re excited to announce its expansion across West Africa! LG is committed to bringing immersive gaming experiences to our customers in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and beyond. Stay tuned for more details on how to participate and win big!”

After winning the best-of-three final matches, Ifeanyi Esenwa (Gamer Tag: Boyd) took home the LG 55-inch OLED TV as the top prize, along with a gold trophy and bragging rights. Flick took second place and won an LG 43-inch UHD TV; third-place finisher Afolarin Teluwo received an LG LK72B Speaker; further prizes were given out to other gamers and fans present.

About LG OLED TVs

Modern OLED TVs from LG Electronics are renowned for their amazing picture quality, deep blacks, and lightning-fast response times, which guarantee that every move you make with the controller is immediately displayed on the screen, providing you a significant advantage over rivals and a higher chance of winning.

Beyond gaming, the LG OLED TV’s light-emitting pixels produce an incredibly gorgeous picture that elevates your home entertainment experience to a whole new level with its perfect black, over a billion vibrant hues, and limitless contrast.

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Clearer sound and picture with refinements by the Alpha 11 AI Processor 4K.
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One Wall Design that merges seamlessly against the wall with a zero-gap mount.
4 years of upgrades guaranteed over 5 years with WebOS Re: New Program.
Incredible movies and gaming enhanced by Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, VRR, G-Sync, and Freesync.
The LG OLED TV blends seamlessly with your wall, is thinner than any phone, and its high-end appearance elevates your decor.

Please visit OLED TVs for additional information regarding LG OLED TVs. LG Africa | Ultra Slim & 4K OLED TVs

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/28/lg-electronics-showcases-state-of-the-art-oled-technology-host-gaming-finale-in-lagos/

As the only airline in the world to have won the Skytrax World’s Best Business class 11 times, Qatar Airways announces further enhancement to its business class service with the introduction of caviar service on its menu offering.
Starting with 13 routes from 15 August, caviar lovers can experience the luxurious service onboard Qatar Airways business class between Doha and Boston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, and Washington.



Qatar Airways’ award-winning Business Class service features extensive food and beverage options, as well as on-demand dining where passengers can dine at their preferred meal time. The new caviar service can be enjoyed as a standalone option or part of the onboard meal courses.


Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Product Development and Design, Ms. Xia Cai, said: “As the world’s only 11-time winner of the Skytrax ‘World’s Best Business Class’ award, Qatar Airways takes pride in providing the best premium business class travel experience. The introduction of caviar service, commonly available only in first class cabins, further elevates Qatar Airways’ award-winning business class experience. We are committed to continuously enhance our onboard services to elevate the industry’s standards and delight our passengers.”


SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/27/qatar-airways-introduces-caviar-to-business-class-elevates-onboard-experience/