₦airaland Forum

Just a couple of days ago, the world’s second largest diamond – created in Earth’s core – was discovered in Botswana. The largest diamond was unearthed by miners more than 100 years ago – in 1905. The newly mined diamond, weighing just about a pound, was a 2,492-carat stone. It was discovered by Lucara Diamond Corp. of Vancouver, British Columbia, which owns the mine in Botswana.

Mined about 300 miles north of the capital of Botswana in the Karowe mine, which has produced other large rough stones of significance (including the 813-carat Constellation diamond), the rough stone plays second only to the famed 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond that was mined in South Africa in 1905.


The Cullinan diamond — named after Thomas Cullinan, chairman of the mining company that found it — was a sensation when it was discovered. The stunning blue-white stone, with incredible clarity, was later cut into multiple stones – a feat that took more than eight months. Those stones were all assigned a number and several were eventually put into the British Crown Jewels. In fact, the Cullinan I and II were set into the Sovereign Scepter and the Imperial State Crown in 1910 and remain so today.

The diamond was discovered by Lucara using advanced high technology X-ray devices that have recently been employed by diamond miners. That technology, Mega Diamond Recovery (“MDR”) X-ray Transmission (“XRT”) technology, along with a new grinding process that is designed to more easily separate diamonds from rock slabs, has propelled Lucara to the top of the list when it comes to finding big stones.

According to an article in the New York Times, in 2015, Lucara unearthed a 1,109-carat diamond, and in 2019, it found a 1,758-carat black diamond.

Both of those stones were magnificently cut into multiple diamonds and sold to a luxury brand for inclusion in its exquisite jewelry. It is expected that this newest diamond could have the same fate. It is also estimated that it could sell for tens of millions of dollars.

The diamond, which has not yet been named, was presented first to the world from the office of President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi.

In a press release issued by Lucara, William Lamb, President and CEO, said “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492 carat diamond. This find not only showcases the remarkable potential of our Karowe Mine, but also upholds our strategic investment in cutting-edge XRT technology. The ability to recover such a massive, high-quality stone intact demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach to diamond recovery and our commitment to maximizing value for our shareholders and stakeholders.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/26/second-largest-diamond-2492-carats-unearthed-in-botswana/

MTN Communications Nigeria Limited, Havenhill Synergy, Golden Penny Power Limited, and other parties have been granted license by the federal government to generate energy using a mini-grid.


In the first quarter of 2024, the government issued three new trade licenses and nine new off-grid generation licenses with a combined gross capacity of 109.69 megawatts through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, or NERC.

MTN was given permission to construct four 15.94 MW captive power plants around Lagos State, BrandSpur telecom and IT news reports

Captive power generation was authorised for Armilo Plastics Limited, SweetCo Foods Limited, West African Ceramics Limited, African Steel Mills Nigeria Limited, and Royal Engineered Stones Limited.


A licence to construct six off-grid gas plants in the states of Oyo, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos was given to Golden Penny Power Limited. There is a 100MW overall capacity.


The license showed: “Captive power generation permits are issued to entities that aim to maintain and own power plants for generating power for consumption and not for sale to a third party. The commission issued nine captive power permits in 2024/Q1 with a total nameplate capacity of 52.57MW.”

Daybreak Power Solutions, Auro Nigeria Private Limited, TIS Renewable Energy Limited, Watts Exchange Limited, Centum Dopemu Energy Services Ltd, and DMD Electric Limited Lagos State are additional licensed enterprises that benefit from mini-grids.

According to Section 165(1)(m) of the Electricity Act 2023, renewable energy companies may be granted licenses for mini-grid concessions by NERC, allowing them to exclusively serve a particular geographic area.

These concessions indicate that aggregate electricity will be generated and distributed from a site, and the companies will be required to serve customers who request service.

According to the commission: “Following the satisfactory evaluation of mini-grid applications, NERC issued three mini-grid permits and 2 registration certificates in 2024/Q1.”

SOURCE:

To lower the cost of staple foods, the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that duties on imports of essential food will be waived starting on July 15, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2024.


As part of steps to combat rising food inflation, the federal government authorised a 150-day duty-free window in July to ease the importation of wheat, husked brown rice, and maize.

Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada made this announcement regarding the timing for the implementation of the duty waiver in a statement reached by BrandSpur national news story, that was made public on Wednesday.



Although the policy went into effect on July 15, 2024, the Customs Service has just announced it, giving clarity on the specifics and framework for its implementation, which will continue through December 31, 2024.


The statement outlines the guidelines for the duty waiver, covering items such as husked brown rice, grain sorghum, millet, maize, wheat, and beans.

The statement reads: “Drawing from the Presidential directives aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians due to the high prices of essential food items, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is pleased to announce that His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun has approved the regulation for the implementation of a Zero percent duty rate and Value Added Text (VAT) exemption on selected basic food items. This policy is effective from 15th July 2024 and will remain in force until 31 December 2024.”

The statement also mentioned how the duty waiver on these particular imports of vital food will lower the high cost of food in Nigeria by lowering the price of necessities for Nigerians. It further stressed that, despite being a short-term solution to deal with current issues, this step does not undermine the long-term plans put in place to safeguard regional farmers and manufacturers.

The announcement also included comprehensive qualifying standards for businesses looking to take advantage of the zero import tax policy on necessities.

Companies must be incorporated in Nigeria, have been in business for at least five years, continuously file financial statements and annual reports, and have paid all applicable taxes and payroll duties during this time to be eligible.

Additional requirements for importers of husked brown rice, grain sorghum, or millet include having a milling plant capable of processing at least 100 tonnes of grain per day that has been in operation for at least four years and an adequate amount of farmland for cultivation. In a similar vein, businesses that import beans, wheat, or maize must be farming operations with sufficient farmlands or feed mills/agro-processing facilities that sustain a network of out-growers for cultivation.

Under the guidelines of this strategy, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would receive a list of approved importers and their quotas from the Federal Ministry of Finance regularly to help with the seamless importation of these staple foods.

The regulation also requires that at least 75% of the imported goods be sold through reputable commodities exchanges, with complete documentation of all transactions and storage.

Businesses must keep thorough records of all associated actions, which the government may ask to verify compliance with.

The corporation will lose any waivers and be obliged to pay the relevant import duties, levies, and VAT if it doesn’t fulfil its requirements under the import authorization.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/16/federal-government-to-remove-import-duty-on-food-staples-seek-to-cut-market-price/

The 2024 Hyundai STARIA has been released into the Nigerian market by Hyundai Nigeria Limited. The incredibly cosy and adaptable STARIA, one of the safest Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) on the planet, is currently offered in every Hyundai dealership showroom nationwide.


Despite having been hatched in waggon, Premium, Cargo, and Hybrid types, the STARIA Waggon, which comes in 9- and 11-seater versions, is the one that is now on sale in Nigeria. The 2024 STARIA waggon is designed for large families and schools, but it’s also a great option for executive shuttle services and corporate executive pool transport facilities.

Like other models, the STARIA Waggon is outfitted with best-in-class safety equipment to protect rear-row passengers, such as twin giant curtain airbags and front and side airbags. All seats have headrests and three-point seat belts, and STARIA allows you to add up to six more airbags.



In addition, the MPV has additional active safety packages that include Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind-Spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA).


Hyundai’s most sophisticated technology, HTRAC AWD (Hyundai TRACtion All Wheel Drive), is also included with the 2024 STARIA. This intelligent multi-mode system offers all the advantages of all-wheel drive traction when extra grip is required.

Hyundai Nigeria launched the STARIA in response to demand from its target market for comfort as well as an additional assurance of safety and peace of mind, according to Mr. Gaurav Vashisht, Head of Sales and Marketing for the company.

STARIA’s sleek external design is strikingly futuristic and makes use of subtle lines for maximum visual impact. It is characterised by a single, flowing arc that extends from front to back, and the business claimed in a statement that it was inspired by the halo that, when viewed from space, brightens Earth’s horizon at daybreak.

Customers can choose from a variety of colours, including Creamy White, Abyss Black Pearl, Graphite Grey Metallic, Moonlight Blue Pearl, Olivine Grey Metallic, and Dynamic Yellow, BrandSpur national news brand reports.

The interior of STARIA, which draws inspiration from the design of cruise liner lounges, offers a luxury and tranquil atmosphere. It welcomes guests with an amazing sense of openness and clever technologies that make travelling and driving much easier.

STARIA’s cockpit features a 10.25-inch central screen that serves as the focal point of the high-tech interior design. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for phone mirroring.

With a 3.5-liter, 272 horsepower Smartstream engine paired with a 6- or 8-speed automated gearbox that produces 331 Newton meters of torque, the 2024 STARIA can reach 100 km/h from takeoff in 8.9 seconds, compared to 17 seconds for the Toyota Hiace.

Like every Hyundai, the STARIA is constructed to the greatest standards of quality and comes with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, allowing you to focus on the things you love rather than worrying about your car.

Vashisht said: “And, like other models on sale across the country, Hyundai STARIA MPV also benefits from the over 30 years of nationwide aftersales network facilities of Stallion Group, of which Hyundai Nigeria is a subsidiary.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/18/hyundai-released-its-2024-staria-into-the-nigerian-market/

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, has revealed that his organisation has drafted an Executive Bill that will be submitted to the National Assembly to reform Nigeria’s revenue administration system, including regulation of the cryptocurrency sector.


At a stakeholders’ engagement with a joint committee of the National Assembly on Finance on Saturday at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, Adedeji disclosed the information.

The FIRS chairman was quoted in a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Adedeji’s Special Advisor on Media, available to BrandSpur national news brand, as stating that the bill’s objectives include streamlining tax laws, harmonising revenue collection, and attempting to replace outmoded tax laws with new ones that are in line with contemporary economic realities.



According to Adekanmbi: “By the special grace of the Almighty God, we will bring a bill for a law to overhaul the whole process of revenue administration in Nigeria. Part of what we intend to achieve with this is to harmonise revenue collection, making tax laws very simple to understand and to be in tune with our current realities.


“For example, the Stamp Duty Act was made in 1939 when there was no Internet connectivity or any of the features of modern society as we have it now. Even in 1939, states and local government councils had not been created,” Adekanmbi added.

Continuing, he went on to say: “So, we need to bring that law up to date. This is one of the reasons President Bola Tinubu set up the Taiwo Oyedele-led Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee to look into all these laws and make recommendations.

“Today, we cannot run away from the cryptocurrency ecosystem because it is the in-thing. But as it stands in Nigeria today, no law regulates cryptocurrency operations. We need a law that regulates that area of our economy. This is why we are having this engagement with the legislators. We will regulate it in a way that is not injurious to the economic development of Nigeria.

“These are some of the things we are bringing together in an Executive Bill to overhaul revenue administration for the development of the country,” he added.

Adedeji said the revenue-collection agency is on track to meet the N19.4 trillion income target set for FIRS in 2024.

Adedeji had this to say: “We set a target of N19.4 trillion for ourselves. We are almost in the third quarter of the year and with the figures we are seeing so far, I can say we are on the path of achieving our target.”

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, praised FIRS for setting up the stakeholders’ meeting and expressed the opinion that FIRS ought to be in charge of overseeing and collecting taxes for the Federation. He pointed out that the National Single Window program will help to solve the inefficiencies in revenue collection within the nation.

Musa disclosed: “This is another opportunity for us as lawmakers to listen, learn, and contribute on how best to support the FIRS to achieve its target. It is also an opportunity for FIRS to share its challenges, successes, and strategies for the future.

“By working together, we can ensure that FIRS is fully equipped to maximize not only the collection but also provide the needed resources for national development and public welfare,” Musa added.

The Adedeji’s leadership at FIRS was praised by his colleague in the House of Representatives, Honourable James Faleke, who was represented by Honourable Kalejaiye Paul. He thinks it’s a positive thing that FIRS and the National Assembly’s joint committee on finance work well together.

According to Faleke: “It is very important to note that everyone wants to go to heaven, but they don’t want to die. Everyone wants improvement and development in the Federation, but nobody wants to contribute to the purse. We are much more interested in sharing, but nobody wants to contribute, forgetting that the developed nations we talk about today were developed based on the resources that every citizen put into their purse.

“That, of course, is a task that is challenging for the FIRS. But I must commend the civility and professionalism by which the FIRS carries out its responsibilities because, in a time like this, the most difficult thing to do is to ask people to pay,” he added.

He went further to state: “Like the Chairman Senate Committee said, I want to say that the House of Representatives will be there for you all the time. We will cooperate and collaborate with you in moving Nigeria forward.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/19/firs-drafts-executive-bill-to-give-national-assembly-seeks-to-reform-the-revenue-system/

Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), a leading manufacturer of fruit juices, value-added dairy and snacks, has reaffirmed its market leadership by clinching top honours at the prestigious Africa’s Most Admired Brands Awards. The event, held at the Civic Center in Lagos, recognized brands within the Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) portfolio.


Chivita 100% was celebrated as the Most Admired Natural Juice Brand, lauded for its exceptional quality and pure fruit extracts, free from added sugars, artificial flavours, and preservatives. Chivita Happy Hour a was honoured with the Most Admired Children’s Drink Brand award, while Hollandia Evaporated Milk was named the Most Admired Milk Brand of the Year.

The awards, organized by African Brands magazine, which is renowned for its impartial analysis and insights into African brands, the awards highlighted the significant achievements of the Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) brands.

Chivita 100% fruit juice exudes the essence of nature in its most wholesome form, blending the convenience of modernity with nature’s bountiful offerings. Chivita Happy Hour is a range of refreshing fruit drinks that ensure every sip bursts with flavour guaranteed to keep you smiling. While Hollandia Evaporated Milk is made from the finest quality milk and provides a source of essential nutrients for daily nutritional needs, ensuring you stay ahead with dairy power.

Mrs. Toyin Nnodi, Marketing Director at Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that the awards reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence in product quality and consumer satisfaction.

“These awards inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries to meet consumer needs, align with their lifestyles, and enhance their experiences,” Nnodi stated.

The success of CHI Limited brands at the awards, underscores its dedication to quality, innovation, and customer-centricity, with a diverse range of products that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/13/chi-limited-sweeps-top-honours-at-africas-most-admired-brands-awards/

The most successful company during the week of trading that concluded on August 9, 2024, was Oando Plc, which saw its share price settle at N40.60 after posting a 60.47% increase.


This comes as the NGX Banking Index increased by 5.14% over the course of the week, resulting in a N316.4 billion equity gain for banking equities.

The All-Share Index closed at 98,592.12 points this week, up 0.84% from previous week’s closing of 97,745.73, while the NGX gained 0.84% over the week. The NGX has had its finest week in the last three weeks this week.



Over the course of the week, 47,451 deals totaling 2.679 billion shares valued at N49.017 billion were transacted on the market. This is less than the N52.304 billion in shares that were traded in 44,814 trades last week, which totaled 3.393 billion.


The NGX Banking Index according to BrandSpur banking and finance news, had the best return throughout the week, with all other indices recording gains saved from the NGX Main Board and NGX Industrial Goods, which fell by 0.09% and 3.67%, respectively.

Oando’s 60.47% rise was not reflected in the growth of the NGX Oil and Gas Index, which increased by 0.97% over the course of the week.

Best-performing stocks this week:

Oando Plc, whose share price increased from N25.30 to N40.60, was the best-performing stock this week. The stock has gained 62.40% in August alone, and has gained 287% year to date, ranking it as the second-best gaining stock in the NGX this year.
Subsequently, RT Briscoe Plc had a 51.19% rise, Japaul Gold & Ventures saw a 35.80% gain, and Academy Press saw a 34.58% gain.
At 15.95, United Capital closed with a 31.28% gain. United Capital has gained 44.34% after the share price reconstruction brought about by the bonus share issuance that occurred on August 1.
Skyway Aviation Handling Company gained 26.47%, while Industrial and Medical Gases (IMG) Nigeria Plc gained 30.57%. Veritas Kapital Assurance ended the week at N1.18, having gained 24.21%.

Veritas Kapital Assurance is currently the third-best performing stock on the NGX for the year, having gained 219% so far. Mecure Industries gained 15.92%, and Nigerian Breweries gained 19.23%.
Top unprofitable: With a 15.68% drop in share price to settle at N2.77, Champions Breweries Plc was the biggest loser on the NGX during. Over the course of the week, BUA Cement saw a 9.99% loss in share price, closing at N128.90, while University Press saw a 9.92% decline, closing at N2.18.

Deap Capital fell by 9.62% to complete the week with a share price of N0.47, while Union Dicon Salt fell by 9.88% to close at N7.30.

AXA Mansard Insurance dropped by 6.85% to settle at N5.03, while Ikeja Hotel Plc lost 7.48%. Thomas Wyatt lost 6.25%, Fidson Healthcare lost 6.78%, and Sunu Assurances Nigeria dropped 6.67%.

Updates on SWOOT and FUGAZ

Zenith Bank gained 7.92% throughout the week, while GTCO Holdings had a 2% increase in share price, going from N45 to N45.90. MTN Nigeria recovered during the course of the week, gaining 5.16%. But BUA Cement suffered a 9.99% loss.

There were no price movements during the week for other stocks valued at over one trillion, including Airtel Africa, BUA Foods, Dangote Cement, Geregu Power, Transcorp Power, Transcorp Hotels, and Seplat Energy.

However, the overall sentiment among tier-1 banks was strong, as seen by UBA’s 14.71% weekly appreciation. FBN Holdings gained 9.76% and Access Holdings gained 5.38% respectively.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/12/oando-witnesses-60-47-increase-in-the-first-trading-week-of-august/

On Thursday, August 8, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma CON, the founder and CEO of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, had a fruitful meeting in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.


Chukwuma spoke about the future of Nigerian transport at the private discussions and reaffirmed his support for the Bola Tinubu administration’s Presidential CNG Initiative.

Chukwuma, who led the way in Nigeria’s production of CNG-powered cars, thinks the program is the best course of action for the nation.



He was excited about the government’s intentions to install CNG-powered buses, saying that the public will have more affordable transport options.


Chukwuma also pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration and to give them time to carry out their policies.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/09/innoson-vehicles-ceo-meets-president-tinubu-shows-support-over-presidential-cng-initiative/

On July 27, Golden Penny Soup Festival 2.0, which was supported by Golden Penny Semovita, My Soup’s top pick, turned the Ibadan Recreation Club into a gastronomic paradise and drew over 8,000 visitors.

With a variety of soup stalls serving beloved Nigerian dishes like Egusi, Banga, Ila Alasepo, and Efo Riro, all coupled with Semovita, the festival highlighted Nigerian cuisine.


In addition to food, the festival featured a wide range of events. The masses were amused with cooking and dancing competitions, and they learned culinary skills from workshops offered by famous chefs Geena, Amaka, and Dee. Fun for all ages was guaranteed with face painting and bouncy castles in a separate kids’ arena.

Along with musical performances by Crayon and Segun Johnson, hosts KieKie and Password further enhanced the event’s mood. In a Christmas lottery draw, a few lucky participants won cash, kitchen appliances, and gift packages.


The Golden Penny Soup Festival according to BrandSpur’s report, now in its second year of success, has made a name for itself as a lively celebration of music, community spirit, and Nigerian culinary traditions.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/10/golden-penny-soup-festival-2-0-witnesses-over-8000-visitors-served-numerous-nigerian-foods/

Underscoring its unwavering commitment to high operational standards and quality management systems, Egbin Power Plc, Nigeria’s largest power generation company, has been certified to three ISO standards.


The certifications are ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environment Management System), and ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System). According to the Genco, the certifications further endorsed the management’s dedication to exceptional operations and processes.

The Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power, Mokhtar Bounour, described the certification as a pivotal achievement for Egbin Power, as it further strengthens its position as a responsible corporate organisation and demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment, implementing environmentally friendly initiatives, and delivering best-in-class service in the power sector.

“This certification is a testament to our robust compliance with global best practices, as we implement and adhere to the highest standards in our operations, and also establish a comprehensive framework for managing occupational health and safety, environmental impacts, and quality processes,” Bounour said.


Speaking further, he reaffirmed that Egbin Power remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and will continue to invest in initiatives that enhance its performance in the power sector, noting that the company is committed to leveraging these certifications to drive continuous improvement and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

According to the Genco, the ISO 45001:2018 certification validates Egbin Power’s robust occupational health and safety management system, ensuring the well-being of its employees and contractors. The ISO 14001:2015 certification recognizes the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, while the ISO 9001:2015 certification underscores Egbin Power’s dedication to delivering consistent, high-quality services.

The company’s Head of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE), Egbin Power, Julius Akpong, said the company has a deeply entrenched safety culture and effective management system that guide employees and the company’s operations, thereby ensuring excellence at all times.

“At Egbin Power, we have instituted a structured approach to occupational safety management over the years, while upholding workplace safety not just as a priority but as part of our core value, which affirms our Safety culture, Professionalism, Integrity & Discipline as well as Commitment to Stakeholders, Environmental Consciousness and Sustainability).

“We continuously standardise our processes and procedures as part of the effort towards strengthening operational safety and ensuring due diligence. Our focus has been the safety of people, equipment, environment, and materials, thereby leading to improved governance, enhanced operational excellence, and sustainability,” Akpong explained.

Egbin Power Plc is Nigeria’s largest power generation company, committed to providing reliable and sustainable electricity to the nation. With a focus on operational excellence and environmental responsibility, the company is driving the country’s power sector towards a brighter future.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/07/egbin-power-bags-triple-iso-certifications-reinforces-commitment-to-operational-excellence/

Amo Byng Nig Limited, a leading producer of poultry feed and concentrates, has commenced a strategic partnership with the Kwara State Government to bolster local soybean production, addressing the current shortage that is impacting poultry feed production across Nigeria. This collaboration was formally launched on July 16, 2024, and marks a significant step towards revitalizing the soybean industry.

The soybean shortage has led to increased feed production costs for poultry farming, as much of Nigeria’s soybeans are being exported. In response, Amo Byng Nig Ltd. is stepping in to support local farmers by providing essential farming inputs and committing to purchase the soybean at harvest. This initiative aims to stimulate local production, improve raw material availability, and reduce production costs.


As part of this pilot program, Amo Byng Nig Ltd. has equipped 300 farmers with inputs to cultivate soybean across 1,500 hectares in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The program encompasses four communities within the local government area. In support of this initiative, the Kwara State Government has allocated tractors to assist farmers with land preparation, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the farming process.

Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, Group Managing Director of Amo Byng Nig Ltd., emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Addressing the soybean shortage is crucial for the poultry industry, as it directly impacts feed production. This partnership is vital for providing farmers with the necessary inputs and ensuring the purchase of their harvest. Our goal is to stimulate local production and alleviate the raw material shortage.”


Dr. Ayoola Belgore, Managing Director of Amo Byng Nig Ltd., highlighted the broader vision of the initiative: “While this pilot program marks a significant step forward, our vision extends beyond this initial phase. We are committed to expanding its reach and bringing its benefits to other states in the near future.”

Mr. Adedamola Adeyeye, Head of Business at Amo Byng Nig Ltd., underscored the comprehensive support provided to farmers: “Alongside providing essential inputs, we are dedicated to offering technical support and training throughout the production period to ensure farmers are well-equipped for success.”

Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, showed appreciation to the company and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the project and local farmers.

The event also saw the presence of key stakeholders including Mrs. Funke Sokoya, Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Shuib Alawaye, Coordinator of Farmers Group, and Mr. Solomon Olawoyin, Kwara State Chairman of the Soybean Growers Association.

This partnership represents a significant advancement in agricultural collaboration and holds promise for revitalizing soybean production in Nigeria, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective poultry feed industry.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/06/amo-byng-nig-ltd-partners-with-kwara-state-government-to-support-soybean-farmers/

SmartPay has introduced a new payment system that is expected to completely change the financial industry in an effort to revolutionise transaction processing.

Odebode Samuel Aderogba, the founder and CEO of SmartPay Digital Solution and Financial Services Limited, stated that the creative platform was created to solve the drawbacks and inefficiencies of conventional payment methods and to give people and companies a quicker, safer, and more convenient way to handle their money.

At the weekend’s SmartPay launch in Ibadan, Samuel Aderogba discussed the inspiration behind the development of the system.

According to him: “In an increasingly digital world, the need for secure, efficient and user-friendly payment solutions has never been more critical. SmartPay is not just another payment platform; it is a comprehensive solution designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses alike.”

Speaking further, he revealed SmartPay is: “A revolutionary step forward in how we manage and experience transactions,” adding that “our journey has been one of relentless innovation, rigorous testing and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Aderogba went on to say that SmartPay wants to improve banking for both urban and rural residents.

He had this to say: “The future of banking in Nigeria is now beyond the four walls of the banks. As innovative technology emerges every day, financial technology is out to take over financial services.”

Claims hold that SmartPay, a payment solution that consists of a mobile payment software and point-of-sale (PoS) terminal, offers improved security, a user-friendly interface, and widespread accessibility.

Mukhtar Aderogba, who saw a live demonstration of the payment method, commented on the debut, saying: “Quality service delivery is the gap that SmartPay has come to bridge.”

BrandSpur banking and finance news discloses that Bictech Investments and Solutions Limited’s subsidiary is SmartPay Digital Solution and Financial Services Limited.

According to stakeholders, Nigeria’s electronic payments system can be used using electronic platforms such wire transfers, e-purse, debit and credit cards, automated teller machines (ATMs), point-of-sale (PoS) terminals, online payments, and mobile payments.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/08/05/smartpay-introduces-cutting-edge-payment-system-to-ease-transaction-process/

In a groundbreaking move to enhance food security and economic development, the Federal Executive Council has approved the Greener Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (GHAPP). Spearheaded by Origin Tech Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, GHAPP aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, boosting productivity and creating sustainable growth.

The GHAPP programme, approved on June 25, 2024, signifies a quantum leap for Agriculture and it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order declaring a state of emergency on food security. This programme targets the cultivation of 500,000 hectares of arable land, the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, and the promotion of agro industrialization, while encouraging youth participation in agriculture.

The programme will establish modern agricultural mechanization service centres and hubs across 37 farming clusters. These centres will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery provided by Origin Tech Group’s subsidiary, Origin Automobile Works. The programme will leverage technical partnerships from South Korea, Taiwan, and Brazil to produce and supply agricultural machinery and establish enterprise centers nationwide.



A key component of GHAPP is the comprehensive training and support of youths on modern agricultural techniques and equipment. This training will be conducted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the National Security Adviser. Additionally, a digital gateway for tractor hailing and recruitment will be developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications.

The programme emphasises modern infrastructure, including high-powered tractors, dozers, sprayers, drones, and large-scale silos. It will also establish equipment centres, data centers, and spare parts shops to ensure efficient management and maintenance. To ensure Sustainable Growth and Development the programme aims to be replicable and sustainable, extending support to smaller farms and involving international partners like Campo Brazil for expertise and assistance.

The programme presents as opportunity for economic and social impact, a significant step in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, addressing the gaps left by previous administrations. By promoting advanced mechanization and capacity building, the programme aims to increase farmers’ wealth, mitigate urban migration, and secure Nigeria’s food future.

For over 25 years, Origin Tech Group has been a leader in providing innovative solutions across various economic sectors, including food systems, automotive, civil engineering, and construction.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/31/nigeria-embarks-on-agricultural-transformation-with-the-greener-hope-national-agricultural-mechanisation-programme-ghapp/

To strengthen agricultural extension officers and agents in Kwara State, Olam Agri, a Nigerian company in the integrated feed and protein business, is organising a two-day workshop called Agri-Extension Capacity Building Workshop in collaboration with the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture.


On July 15 and 16, 2024, the workshop took place in Ilorin as revealed on the agricultural news in Nigeria.

An important step towards the general development of Kwara State’s agricultural industry was made possible by the platform it offered for giving extension agents the real-world information and abilities they need to assist farmers. Support was given at the workshop by high-ranking state government representatives, including Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Commissioner for Agriculture; Mrs. Funke Sokoya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Afolabi Temple, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; and other directors. A total of 118 extension officers received training.



The significance of this empowerment was emphasised by Mr. Seyi Adesomi, Vice President of Manufacturing & Technical Services at Olam Agri, who said: “This workshop equips extension agents with the necessary skills to train farmers on essential practices like sustainable agriculture, post-harvest loss reduction, and farm mechanization.”


Continuing, he pointed out that the emphasis on soybean production is consistent with Olam Agri’s dedication to fostering the expansion of this important commodity in Nigeria.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, reaffirmed the state government’s steadfast dedication to guaranteeing food security and encouraging sustainable practices. She said: “We are committed to supporting our agricultural extension agents, who are critical in empowering our farmers. This workshop provides them with the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver effective extension services, particularly in soybean production.”

However, Olam Agri plans to commission a new soybean crushing facility in Kwara State in the upcoming months in addition to these initiatives. This facility will demonstrate Olam Agri’s dedication to promoting agricultural development and economic prosperity in the area by significantly increasing the local capacity for processing soybeans, generating employment, and strengthening the agricultural value chain in Kwara State.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/24/olam-agri-teams-with-kwara-state-ministry-of-agriculture-hosts-agri-extension-capacity-building-workshop/

Africa Oil Week (AOW) – an Africa-hosted oil and gas conference – will be acquired by Sankofa Events, a London startup created in July 2024, led by Paul Sinclair – former Government Relations Executive of Africa Oil Week.


Aimed at transforming the event, the acquisition will see the conference take a new direction as it continues to promote investment and development across the African energy sector. Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) views this strategic acquisition as a critical step towards creating more inclusive dialogue regarding African energy matters. Under new ownership, AOW has the chance to redefine itself as an event that is not only African-based but African-driven.

For over 25 years, AOW has held an annual event in South Africa centered around supporting investment in African oil and gas projects. While the event has played a role in facilitating dialogue between African and global stakeholders, the decision to move the event to Dubai following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 brought to attention the lack of respect for the continent. While Africa – specifically South Africa – was well-equipped and fully capable of hosting an international conference in a safe and productive manner, the decision to take the conversation about African energy out of the continent effectively silenced and marginalized African voices. This was especially devastating given the fact that at a time when Africa most-needed investment, it was left out of the discussion.

The repercussions of AOW’s decision were far-reaching and damaging. It perpetuated the notion that African issues are better addressed outside of Africa, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and power dynamics. Moreover, it deprived African energy professionals, entrepreneurs, key players, policymakers and African citizens of a critical platform to drive progress. By prioritizing convenience and profit over principle and solidarity, AOW betrayed its commitment to Africa’s energy development. Despite the focus on many African countries and their potential in energy, most were unable to travel to the event due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. As such, the move to Dubai was a painful reminder of the industry’s historical exploitation and neglect of African interests.


“To achieve its goals of becoming an electrified and industrialized economy, Africa needs collaboration, unity and partnerships. The decision to move AOW to foreign soil directly opposed all of these aspects. Sankofa Events has a unique and strategic opportunity to turn this conference around, addressing polarization and divisions perpetuated by previous ownership,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.


Now, Sankofa Events – through its acquisition of AOW – aims to address this unjust decision head-on by transforming the event into an African-led platform. The acquisition not only creates the opportunity for a change in ownership but the introduction of fresh perspectives that align closely with Africa’s goals as a continent. Led by an African startup, AOW has the chance to redefine its narrative and play a more central role in driving impactful change in Africa.

“As a leading advocate for Africa’s energy development, the AEC looks forward to working with Sankofa Events to promote the continent’s energy potential, foster economic growth and enhance cooperation among African energy stakeholders. We believe that this new chapter for AOW will contribute to a more unified and prosperous energy community in Africa,” added Ayuk.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/20/sankofa-events-to-acquire-africa-oil-week/

By implementing USSD codes, banks like Moniepoint MFB have improved customer accessibility and made banking more easy for consumers around the country. You can always complete your financial tasks with a few taps, regardless of whether you have access to the internet or your mobile app.


You may bank anywhere, at any time, using the USSD code. It allows you to make seamless transfers, purchase airtime or data, check your balance, and block or unblock your account.

Is Using the Moniepoint USDD Code for Money Transfers Safe?



The digital news platform reports that by utilising the Moniepoint USSD code *5573#, you can send money to friends, family, or vendors without risk.


Do you have reservations about using your phone to do sensitive bank transactions? When utilising a USSD code for transactions, keep the following in mind:


Make sure your PIN is secure and don’t divulge it to any parties.
Make sure to conduct USSD transactions using the phone number you have registered.
To prevent erroneous transactions, make sure you verify the recipient’s information when using the USSD code.

The Moniepoint USSD code is a safe and secure method to transfer money, top-up airtime or data, check your account balance and block or unblock your account when used properly.

Why You Should Use the USSD Code for Moniepoint.

Using the USSD code *5573# for Moniepoint has numerous advantages. Among them are a few that are:

Convenience: Nothing ought to go in the way of a smooth transaction. You can carry out your intended financial activity using Moniepoint’s USSD code even if you don’t have access to a smart device or the internet.
Security: Moniepoint’s USSD code allows you to conduct secure transactions using your verified phone number and PIN. If you believe there has been fraudulent activity on your account or if you misplace your debit card, you can also block your account.
Reliability: You can use the USSD code to consistently access our dependable services, so you can relax.

Instant – Processing: To transact and see your funds reflected instantaneously, utilise Moniepoint’s USSD code.
Speed: When transacting, there is no need to wait around for longer than is necessary. In only a few minutes, you can transfer money, pay bills, and get in touch with customer service by calling the Moniepoint USSD code.
Cost-Effective: When doing transactions, you don’t have to worry about the price of data. To conduct activities without the internet, just dial *5573#.
How to Transfer using Moniepoint’s USSD code *5573#

Use the Moniepoint USSD code to conduct simple transactions by doing the following steps:

Enter your registered phone number when dialling the USSD code *5573#. – From the menu options that appear on your screen, select the Transfer option. – Enter the destination bank’s details together with the desired transfer amount.
You can search by inputting the bank’s first three letters or by scrolling through the list if you are unable to locate the desired bank on the list of banks.
You may verify the transaction information, including the amount, bank name, account name, and account number, if the phone number is linked to a single account. You then choose the account number to debit from a list of accounts if the phone number is linked to multiple accounts.
Proceed to input your PIN for the domain that the account is associated with.

After completing the process, a text message verifying the successful transfer will be sent to you.
The USSD number *5573# is just one of the convenient ways that banks like Moniepoint MFB are able to provide people with simple access to financial operations, all thanks to digital developments.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/17/moniepoint-adopts-ussd-code-improves-customer-accessibility/

Swedfund invests USD 30 million in Access Bank Nigeria Plc to reach underserved MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) at scale. By providing long-term capital and capacity building to unbanked and under-banked companies in Nigeria, the investment is expected to support sustainable private sector development and inclusive growth.


Nigeria, with a population of 230 million, has an unemployment rate at a staggering 33%. Additionally, over half of the rapidly growing population is below the age of 30, which further exacerbates the need for job creation and workforce development. As Nigeria also copes with a multitude of crises, including insecurity, food shortages and inflation, the resilience and power of MSMEs is critical to driving sustainable development and reducing poverty.

— Swedfund’s investment aids in advancing sustainable private sector development, encouraging inclusive growth, and expanding access to finance. Access Bank, known for its strong market presence and with a committed MSME strategy, serves as an effective partner to reach MSMEs in need of financing in Nigeria, says Kitanha Toure, Regional Director of West Africa at Swedfund.

Access Bank is systemically important and well-positioned to reach a significant number of MSMEs in Nigeria. Swedfund’s investment will contribute to direct and indirect job creation and other tax-generating activities as well as improved access to finance for rural and underserved groups, female- and youth-owned companies.


Access Bank is eligible to meet the 2X Criteria, a global baseline standard for gender finance, and recognised as the best SME bank for women entrepreneurs in Africa.


The loan is part of a syndicate led by the Dutch development finance institution, FMO, with a total value of USD 295 million. The syndicate consists of other Nordic and European development finance institutions such as BII, BIO, Finnfund och Norfund.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/16/investment-for-enhanced-access-to-finance-for-msmes-in-nigeria/

Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja GRA, Lagos has been voted the Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year 2024. In a keenly contested nationwide voting process with nominees including several prominent and high-profile Nigerian hospitals, Duchess Hospital came first in the private tertiary healthcare facility of the year category. This award comes less than three years following the opening of the state-of-the-art medical facility, an indication of the remarkable achievement and hard work of the staff and management and their dedication to providing access to affordable quality healthcare on behalf of Nigerians.

The Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA), established in 2014, is an initiative of Global Project and Resources in partnership with the Anadach Group. It was designed to celebrate distinguished personalities and organizations who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian healthcare sector. The Duchess Hospital’s achievement as the Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year was presented to the hospital at a the Awards’ 10th anniversary celebration on the 21st of June 2024.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Duchess International Hospital on the 9th of July, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey said the Duchess Hospital set out in October 2021 with a clearly articulated vision to become “Africa’s favourite hospital” and a mission to “reverse medical tourism by delivering the highest standards of care”.



He highlighted the hospital’s key strategic priorities aimed at delivering “access to affordable world-class healthcare” and noted that Duchess, as a tertiary care hospital offers “the most advanced technology and treatments” and provides a range of specialized diagnostic and treatment interventions that enable it to serve as a hub for inbound medical tourism and a referral centre for complex medical care from primary and secondary care centres and hospitals across the country and abroad.

Describing the capacity and range of facilities available at the Duchess Hospital, Dr Shitta-Bey explained that the state-of-the-art, multi-specialist 100-bed hospital houses 36 clinical consulting rooms, five operating theatres, 22 critical care beds distributed across adult, paediatric, neonatal and cardiac intensive care, 21 dedicated cardiac beds and eight dialysis beds. He listed some of the hospital’s important milestone achievements in the last three years to include a groundbreaking 12-hour complex breast reconstruction, routinely performed reconstructive Plastic surgery and complex Orthopaedic surgery procedures, including knee and hip replacements and trauma, complex operations on the brain and spine and a thriving and highly successful Open Heart Surgery programme.

Shitta-Bey reiterated the hospital’s commitment to delivering access to affordable world-class healthcare for all Nigerians, regardless of socio-economic status. He stated, despite these achievements, that patient registration at the Duchess Hospital has remained N5000 (five thousand Naira) since the inception of the hospital and will continue to be charged at N5000 for all patients and for the foreseeable future.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, Dr Adeyemi Onabowale, Chairman of the Duchess International Hospital and the Reddington Hospital Group remarked: “I am delighted that Duchess has been able to transform the lives of numerous Nigerians, brought joy to homes through providing affordable quality healthcare and reduce the trend of medical tourism abroad in less than three years of its operation and existence”.

He further stated that “this was achieved in a difficult operating environment marked by high inflation, high cost of electricity, and low purchasing power affecting many Nigerians”. Dr Onabowale commended the staff and management of the Duchess International Hospital for their dedication and charged them to continue to put the selfless service of saving lives above any other consideration.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/16/duchess-hospital-wins-2024-private-tertiary-healthcare-facility-of-the-year-award/

Under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), the Federal Government on Thursday unveiled a list of locations where owners of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles can convert them to compressed natural gas (CNG) for free.


Michael Oluwagbemi, the P-CNGi Chief Executive and Programme Director, revealed this after concluding contracts with several auto conversion firms.

In an interview with journalists, Oluwagbemi emphasised that the initiative would help commercial transporters from a variety of unions, such as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN). He added that the plan included ride-sharing companies.



A list of CNG conversion centres can be found below:


Akwa Ibom State:


NIPCO GAS LTD ORON, Edikor Village, Balika Road, Lidurig Uko LGA, Oron, Akwa Ibom

Delta State:

NIPCO GAS LTD WARRI, Wam-Sapele Road, Okolavu, Delta

AUTOLUBRICITY – Lagos Expressway, Asaba, Delta

Edo State:

NIPCO GAS LTD EVEAN-17, Benin-Auchi Road, Adjacent Zatike Hotel, Eyaen, Benin City

NIPCO GAS LTD LAGOS ROAD 1, Uselu, Lagos Road, Benin City

NIPCO GAS LTD 2ND EAST CIRCULAR ROAD, East Circular 2nd Road, Avbiana, Benin City

NIPCO GAS LTD AGBOR ROAD STATION, Urualla Street, Agbor Road, Benin City

NIPCO GAS LTD LAGOS ROAD 2, Lagos Road, Oluku, Benin City

NIPCO GAS LTD SAPELE ROAD, KU Plaza, Benin-Sapele Road, Opposite P2 Junction, Benin City

NIPCO GAS LTD TEXTILE HILL, Canaan Street, Textile Mill Road, Benin City

Kogi State:

NIPCO GAS LTD AJAKUTA, Ghumene, Ajaokuta, Kogi

NIPCO GAS LTD OKENE, Okene-Lokoja Road, Okene, Kogi

Lagos State:

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibafo, Ogun

AXXELA LTD, Block M, Plot 22, Isolo Industrial Area, Ilasa Maja, Lagos

MEZOVEST, KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, Opposite Kilimanjaro, Beside Libmat Motors, By Abraham Adesanya Bus Stop, Lagos

MECHO, Yaba, Lagos

AUTOGIG, Gbagada, Lagos

NENIS ENGINEERING, Ikorodu, Lagos

FG AUTOCLINIC, Ikeja, Lagos

FIXITRITE, Abule-Egba, Lagos

PORTLAND, Opta Interchange Terminal, Bayo Shodipo, Ojota, Lagos

MBH POWER LIMITED, Lagos State

Oyo State:

NIPCO GAS LTD IBADAN, Mobil Filling Station, New Toll Gate, Ibadan-Lagos Road, Ibadan

AUTOCLINICNG SOLUTIONS LIMITED, NNPC Service Station (Queen Elizabeth II), Agodi, Ibadan

AUTOMATION AUTOGAS LTD, Plot 2, Block 7, Podo Industrial Village, Ibadan

Rivers State:

TOTAL SUPPORT, Rumuokwurusi, Elelenwa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Federal Capital Territory, Abuja:

SALMA AUTO, By AFDIN Filling Station, Opposite House on the Rock Church, Airport Road, Abuja

NIPCO GAS LTD DEALER 72, Dealer 73, Umaru Musa Yaradua Road, Abuja

NIPCO GAS LTD KUBWA, Cadastral Zone 07-05, Alang Kubwa Expressway, Abuja

RT BRISCOE NIGERIA PLC, Plot 410 Cadastral Zone, Opposite NPC Filling Station, Airport Junction, Jabi, Abuja

PORTLAND, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja

HOUSE 27, Apo, Abuja

FIXIT 45 – (AUTOHUB), Abuja

CNG TECH/ZITAJ AUTOMOBILE – Plot C15, Sabon Lugbe, By Wood and Frame, Airport Road, Abuja

According to the national news brand, NNPCL and NIPCO Gas have forged a strategic alliance to increase the number of CNG stations in Nigeria as part of the Presidential CNG Initiative. Twelve of the 35 CNG stations that the partnership plans to build nationally were put into service last week in Lagos and Abuja.

Adding, the endeavour was a component of the government’s reaction to the notable surge in fuel prices, which shot up from N197 per litre to N617 per litre following President Tinubu’s announcement on May 29 of last year, hence driving up transportation expenses.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/16/fg-discloses-locations-for-free-conversion-of-diesel-powered-vehicles-to-cng/

Many billionaires and millionaires have emerged as a result of the rise of cryptocurrencies. These individuals understood the promise of the technology and took measured risks in order to amass their fortune.


A select group of people have emerged as major actors in the cryptocurrency sector since its inception, amassing substantial fortune in the process.

The cryptocurrency boom has created more billionaires this year than in 2023, with 17 emerging, according to Forbes’ 2024 World Billionaires List, up from nine in 2023.



The top 10 of them are as follows, gathered by the digital news platform:


Changpeng Zhao (Binance)
Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, is a well-known Chinese-Canadian businessman who founded and acts as CEO of Binance. Based on trading volume, Binance is currently the biggest cryptocurrency exchange globally.


Based on company records and interviews with former staff members, CZ’s share in Binance is valued at approximately $33 billion, or a startling $32.5 billion.

Brian Armstrong (Coinbase)
Armstrong, who together with Fred Ehrsam co-founded Coinbase in 2013, owns the largest share (18%) in the business.

Brian Armstrong’s fortune has expanded thanks to Coinbase, which has benefited from the growing acceptance and value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin through larger trading volumes, transaction fees, and exchange commissions.

Giancarlo Devasini (Tether)
In addition to holding the position of Chief Financial Officer, Devasini is most likely the biggest individual stakeholder in Tether, the biggest cryptocurrency issuer (Stablecoin).

Stablecoins are virtual currencies that are mostly used as a medium of exchange and are based on the value of regular assets like the US dollar. $9.2 billion is his estimated net worth.

Michael Saylor (MicroStrategy, Bitcoin)
As the leading cryptocurrency billionaire of the year with MicroStrategy, Michael Saylor has made enormous gains thanks to the roughly 500% increase in MicroStrategy’s shares after he turned the company into a bitcoin-focused organisation.

Currently, the company is the world’s largest corporate bitcoin holder with over 193,000 bitcoins, while Saylor expects to sell about $200 million worth of MicroStrategy stock. Saylor personally has 17,732 bitcoins.

Paolo Ardoino (Tether)
Paolo Ardoino, who has about a 20% ownership position in Tether, serves as the company’s CEO and public face.

After developing his computer programming skills at several businesses, he first worked as a senior software developer at Bitfinex, Tether’s sister company, in 2014.

Jean-Louis van der Velde (Tether)
The current CEO of Tether, Paolo Ardoino, and Van der Velde, the former CEO of Tether, are estimated to have the same net worth and ownership.

Both are thought to own 20% of the company and are vital in overseeing Tether’s strategic ties with banks and regulators. Van der Velde is a well-known representative of the corporation.

Chris Larsen (Ripple, XRP)
The estimated net worth of the co-founder and ex-CEO of Ripple is $3.2 billion. In addition to purportedly possessing over 2.8 billion XRP tokens and close to $1 billion in cash assets, he apparently owns an 18% share in the business.

Fred Ehrsam (Coinbase, Paradigm)
Along with Brian Armstrong, Fred Ehrsam co-founded Coinbase in 2012. He still sits on the board and owns roughly 5% of the company’s equity despite departing in 2017. He was a co-founder of Paradigm in 2018, a cryptocurrency investment firm that currently oversees more than $8 billion in assets.

Coinbase returned to profitability with $100 million in net profits last year, despite revenue dropping to $2.9 billion from $7.8 billion during the previous cryptocurrency price bubble in 2021. This contrasts significantly with a $2.6 billion net loss in 2022.

Matthew Roszak (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Since 2010, Matthew Roszak has been one of the early adopters of Bitcoin and has earned an estimated net worth of $3.1 billion, mostly from his early investments in different cryptocurrency businesses.

Jed McCaleb (XRP sales)
The first significant Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox, was formed in 2010 by early cryptocurrency pioneer Jed McCaleb, who later sold it before it was compromised.

He made the majority of his money by selling the 9 billion XRP tokens he was given when he co-founded Ripple in 2012, but he left the company due to conflicts with other founders. After creating Stellar, a rival to Ripple, in 2014, McCaleb sold his last XRP holdings in 2022 and is now concentrating on funding Vast, an initiative to explore space.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/16/top-10-cryptocurrency-billionaires-across-the-globe/

Bühler, in collaboration with Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, has opened a grains application center in Nigeria dedicated to processing local and ancient grains. This sustainable and transformative commitment was made based on the need to address food insecurity, not just in Nigeria, but progressively across the African continent. Today around 2.3 billion people in the world live in food insecure conditions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. With their specific advantages, local grains such as sorghum and millet can play a vital role in improving food security, particularly in Africa. Use of these raw materials is at a low level today, and processing is not developed. To address this challenge, Bühler is opening a dedicated Application & Training Center with research and development capabilities in Kano, Nigeria, together with its founding partner, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), and its collaborating partners, such as Olam Agri.

Addressing food security in Nigeria and beyond


The main goal is to bring industrial processing of these grains to the next level and thereby contribute to affordable nutrition. “Sustainable food value chains utilizing local grains are the number one priority to develop Africa,” says Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains & Food segment.


“In addition to improving the food value chain, we see great business opportunities with a new category of processed food,” says John Coumantaros, Chairman of the Board of Flour Mills of Nigeria. Commenting on the foreseeable impact of the Application & Training Center, Coumantaros stated: “FMN has always been at the forefront of driving food self-sufficiency in Nigeria and progressively across the continent. The application center is well positioned to sustainably develop local grains, create business opportunities, and provide viable alternatives to some imported raw materials used in production. Therefore, this partnership further demonstrates our consistency in developing local content and in our commitment to feeding and enriching lives, every day.”


Local grains and crops offer many benefits and are therefore a key tool in improving food security. They have high nutrient density with valuable vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, are climate tolerant and able to withstand high temperatures and arid conditions, and require less fertilizer and pesticide than other grains. “With these characteristics local grains are ideal plants to be cultivated in Africa, specifically under the conditions of accelerating climate change,” says Ali Hmayed, Head of Bühler’s new Grain Processing Innovation Center (GPIC) in Kano. The main reasons these local grains and crops have not yet been integrated into industrial solutions are complex, ranging from low farming volumes and short shelf life to a lack of process knowledge and equipment. Together with its partners, Bühler is now taking a major step to break through this blockage and is open to further collaborations.


The GPIC is a three-floor building spanning an area of 480 square meters, housing pilot-scale production facilities, research and development labs, and classrooms. The production facility includes all steps of processing, from cleaning and sorting to dehulling, tempering, and milling. The heart of the plant is Bühler`s high-compression AlPesa grinding system. The GPIC will empower customers, researchers, and partners to collaboratively explore cost efficient food processing solutions for local grains such as sorghum, millet, maize, soybeans, and other local crops such as cassava, different types of beans, nuts, and seeds.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/11/bg-titan-group-and-veea-inc-form-a-strategic-partnership-to-bring-internet-connectivity-and-acutely-needed-services-to-underserved-communities-in-north-africa/

In close collaboration with the Bühler African Milling School in Nairobi, Kenya, the GPIC also offers training and education courses on local grains and their advantages and requirements in cultivation and processing. Additionally, this new Application & Training Center will enable Bühler to optimize its processing portfolio for local grains in terms of both performance and cost efficiency. The GPIC is embedded in Bühler’s global network of 25 Application & Training Centers. The first series of trials with customers has already been agreed upon.

Strengthening food security and economy

One key reason for the challenging food situations in Africa is that many regions of the continent are strong importers of grains, mainly wheat and rice. This makes them vulnerable to trade disruptions and foreign exchange rate fluctuations. “Local grains offer many opportunities, not only to increase food security but also to generate new jobs in agriculture and adjacent markets, as well as enabling countries to become more independent from imports,” states Ali Hmayed.

The transformation of the food supply chain in Africa will not happen overnight. “This requires concerted efforts across numerous sectors, including agriculture, processing, recipe development, end-product innovation, and consumer engagement,” says John Coumantaros from FMN.

“Together with our partners, we at Bühler are happy to now contribute to this system change with the aim of ensuring that more people in Africa have access to affordable and healthy food, thereby reducing hunger and malnutrition,” says Bühler’s Johannes Wick.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/12/buhler-opens-application-centre-for-local-grains-in-nigeria-together-with-flour-mills-of-nigeria/

Mobile devices have made it possible for employees to work and communicate from just about anywhere. But that convenience comes at a price. The rise of mobile devices and the rise of mobile security threats have gone hand-in-hand. Mobile devices like phones, tablets, and ChromeOS devices present an incredible vector for phishing, social engineering, and malware distribution — and threat actors are keenly aware of that fact.


If a threat actor compromises an employee’s mobile device, the fallout could affect your entire organization. More than 90% of employees use personal devices for work purposes, meaning that a single ill-gotten password could give an attacker access to a wealth of sensitive resources.

To protect against potential cyberattacks, you should understand how threat actors target mobile devices, learn proven ways to mitigate these risks, and implement effective security measures to counteract the threats.



Smartphones and tablets are versatile tools, and modern mobile security threats are equally versatile. Threat actors can compromise mobile devices through phishing, malware, social engineering, other networked systems, or even physical theft. Any one of these methods could threaten both individual and organizational data.

1. Mobile phishing scams


Most readers are probably familiar with phishing, where a threat actor impersonates a trusted entity to glean compromising information. Attackers often want passwords, banking details, or social security numbers, but they could also be after organizational data. Impersonating a boss or coworker and asking for sensitive information is a tried-and-true social engineering trick.

Smartphones make phishing easier to pull off for threat actors, and harder to spot for potential victims. Email is still a common vector for phishing, but attackers can also leverage SMS messages, chat services, social media sites, dating applications, and even QR codes. Furthermore, phishing scams that are obvious on a computer may be hard to spot on a mobile device. Smaller screens and less detailed interfaces make it more difficult to verify a sender’s identity.

2. Risky and malicious apps

Some apps request permissions well beyond what they actually need to run, then harvest clerical details and metadata from unsuspecting users. Others can actually steal sensitive information or install malware. These apps can deceive even experienced users by mimicking safe, well-known programs.

Employees who download unvetted apps on a company device or personal device with access to company information may introduce potential cybersecurity risks. This is a common issue associated with “shadow IT,” or the use of unauthorized apps at work.

3. Device theft and data breach risks

Stealing a desktop computer in a company office is relatively difficult; stealing a smartphone in a crowded restaurant is relatively easy. Some device thieves simply want to wipe phones and tablets before reselling them. But others want to extract any valuable information from the gadget first. That information could easily include company passwords or documents, either in phone storage or an easily accessible cloud app. Furthermore, imitating someone via email or SMS is trivial if an attacker has their phone in hand.

4. Operating system and app vulnerabilities

No operating system is perfect. Security researchers find new vulnerabilities in Android and iOS, and the apps on each platform, every month. (And that’s the best-case scenario — sometimes, threat actors find those vulnerabilities instead.) Most of the time, Google, Apple, and other developers patch these vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. But users often have to download these patches manually, and they don’t always do so in a timely manner. This is particularly troublesome in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) workplaces, as administrators rarely have direct control over personal devices. Additionally, employees might own outdated hardware, which won’t receive any new security patches.

5. Network threats

Even if an employee locks down their phone, downloads patches as soon as they’re available, and eyes every new message with suspicion, there are other ways to compromise a mobile device. One common method is a man-in-the-middle attack, where a threat actor acquires data while it’s in transit. Public Wi-Fi networks and unsolicited Bluetooth connections are common attack vectors. Even encrypted files are not totally safe from man-in-the-middle methods, as threat actors can often find the decryption key on the same machine that sent the file.

6. Weak passwords

Using weak passwords anywhere is a problem, and that’s doubly true for mobile devices. If a thief gets their hands on a mobile phone, an easily guessable PIN or password may grant them full access to the device. Weak passwords on Wi-Fi networks can provide a clear window into mobile device traffic; weak passwords in iOS or Android accounts make it easy to install shady apps remotely; weak passwords in social media apps make it easy to impersonate an employee. If your username or password has ever been involved in a data breach, it’s time to change it.

7. IoT device vulnerabilities

“Smart” devices are often anything but. While Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets don’t usually contain much sensitive data, they can serve as excellent gateways into otherwise secure networks and devices. Furthermore, since IoT products come from so many different manufacturers and employ so many different connection protocols, it can be difficult to determine which ones are reputable, if they have any existing vulnerabilities, and how often new patches come out.

Take Charge of Your Mobile Security Measures

Educate users on common mobile security threats

One of the best ways to protect mobile devices, and your organization’s data, is to teach your staff about common mobile security threats. Show them what a phishing message looks like. Suggest that they visit the App Store or Play Store today, and see how many of their apps need updating. Ask them when they last changed their password, and whether that password was any good.

Employees should also have a clear procedure for reporting cyber threats to either IT or a dedicated security team. There should be methods for logging suspicious emails, as well as SMS messages, chat requests, and even phone calls.

Create common sense BYOD policies

Employees are going to use their own devices for work, whether you want them to or not. Rather than trying to ban personal devices outright, work with your employees to create smart, reasonable BYOD policies. To enhance BYOD security, you can limit sharing of sensitive data, containerize cloud apps, and monitor user behavior for irregularities. Of course, the best thing you can do is teach your employees how to recognize and avoid common threats, touting the benefits if they do and the consequences if they don’t.

Safeguard sensitive data

Depending on what your organization does, your employees may not actually store much sensitive data on their mobile devices. However, they almost certainly have access to your organization’s cloud services, such as email, file storage, and employee directories. That’s a gold mine for potential threat actors.

A data loss prevention (DLP) solution can be especially helpful here. These technologies can track how your employees access, store, and share data, and flag any irregular patterns. A good DLP program can monitor these patterns on mobile devices as well as desktops and laptops.

Go beyond one-time authentication

One-time authentication grants users access to apps and services as long as they have the correct credentials. This is convenient but presents a number of potential cybersecurity holes. With stolen devices or credentials, threat actors could easily log into an employee’s account and stay there undetected for weeks or months.

A zero-trust approach is a safer alternative. Zero-trust systems require frequent logins, strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) protections, and secure internet connections. A zero-trust architecture also requires organizations to continuously track the changing risk levels of users and devices to determine whether they’re accessing sensitive data in a responsible manner.

Implement comprehensive mobile endpoint security

A mobile device management (MDM) solution for your corporate-owned mobile devices is a good place to start, but an MDM may not provide enough protection by itself. While MDM systems can track and monitor mobile devices, they can’t detect threats or prevent real-time attacks. They also can’t secure BYOD devices.

A mobile endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution can complement an MDM and fill in the gaps. A good mobile EDR program can integrate with your existing MDM systems and will enable you to manage and apply security policies on both managed and unmanaged devices.

Take advantage of mobile threat intelligence

Mobile security threats are constantly evolving, which means your countermeasures have to evolve as well. Lookout Threat Intelligence is a great resource for learning about the latest trends in phishing, vulnerabilities, malware, and more. Understanding the latest threats is the first step toward devising effective mitigation strategies.

Implementing Comprehensive Mobile Device Protections

Mobile devices are a part of your organization’s everyday workflow. Whether company-issued or employee-owned, smartphones and tablets can access, modify, and share sensitive data. That’s why your organization needs to safeguard mobile devices with the same diligence as it would desktops and laptops.

Lookout Mobile Endpoint Security can help. Our comprehensive software package provides scalable EDR protection for Android, iOS, and ChromeOS devices. This service also helps protect employees from phishing attempts, malware distribution, and unsecured network connections.

For a useful primer on the subject, download The Mobile EDR Playbook: Key Questions for Protecting Your Data from Lookout. This e-book discusses how mobile devices factor into your overall cybersecurity strategy, as well as how to mitigate common mobile risks. With the right information at hand, you can make your company’s mobile devices an asset rather than a liability.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/12/7-top-mobile-security-threats-safeguard-your-device/

The Nigerian company Olam Agri, which transforms food, feed, and fibre, has further cemented its standing as a top investment in the development of human capital.

The company, which runs a 215K MT rice milling facility and 4,451 hectares of rice farm in Rukubi, Nasarawa State, granted scholarships to 87 underprivileged kids on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, during an event held at the rice farm.

The Seed for the Future (SFTF) initiative, an agribusiness’s Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CSR) endeavour, includes this scholarship programme.



The programme encourages women’s empowerment, improves health and nutrition, lowers carbon emissions in corporate operations, and aids farmers and farming communities by empowering youth and encouraging skill development.


Every year, the company gives scholarships to Nasarawa State University students as seen on the agricultural press release, who meet certain academic requirements, with the goal of encouraging greater education and skill development among young people in the host community.


Continuing, to further their academic objectives, more than 700 students have benefited financially from the programme since its launch in 2014.

The Head of Operations at Olam Agri in Nigeria, Brijesh Nandal, said during the scholarship presentation: “We are delighted at the growing participation in our annual scholarship program. This reflects our deep commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education. By supporting these students, we are investing in their future and the future of Nigeria.”

Furthering, Country Head of Olam Agri in Nigeria, Anil Nair, said: “We remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals who will contribute to the growth of our communities and the country. Our scholarship program aims to inspire students in our host communities and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations.”

Nair congratulated and showed faith in the scholarship recipients for this year. He urged them to put forth a lot of effort so that they could make their communities proud.

Veronica Elagbaye, a beneficiary of one of the scholarships, commended Olam Agri for its awareness of the needs of the kids in its host community. She claimed that the financial support would go a long way towards meeting her needs in school.

However, as part of its efforts to promote academic and economic development in Nigeria, Olam Agri also granted scholarships to fifteen University of Lagos students in 2023.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/09/olam-agri-awards-scholarship-to-87-underprivileged-children/

Ikeja, a busy city, is the site of a new multimillion-naira project. This four-story structure houses the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrations of Nigeria’s (ICSAN) main secretariat.

The Institute’s management, which is renowned for elevating the standing and application of public administration and corporate governance, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility last weekend.

Local brand news holds that on the first day of construction for a building or other project, a symbolic shovel dig is done to officially mark the start of the construction project. This event is called a groundbreaking, or sod-turning as it is more commonly known.



The Institute’s president, Funmi Ekundayo, stated during the sod-turning ceremony that the organisation has been fostering the notion of building a suitable National Secretariat for the Institute for many years.


With the cooperation and support of our stakeholders, she added, “we believe it is a dream possible.” The present prototype, she explained, is envisioned as a modest four-story building with modern and state-of-the-art facilities.

She said that although the Institute is well-known in Nigeria as a leading authority on corporate governance and has had a significant impact through a variety of contributions, the majority of its income—which primarily comes from member subscriptions and training fees—is regularly allocated towards funding a wide range of initiatives and operational expenses.

She claimed that over time, the institute hasn’t been able to amass the kind of funds that would easily support the project, which explains the current delay

She said: “Now, we have decided to take the bull by the horns and start off with whatever resources we can muster, hoping to succeed by all legitimate means and by the help of God.”

“We hereby once again call on all our members, all those who have made diverse promises and undertakings and indeed all stakeholders harbouring our goodwill not to forget to come to our aid.The Institute will appreciate sincerely all kind gestures in whatever forms towards the successful completion of this all-important project,” she added.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/09/icsan-begins-gigantic-secretariat-construction-project-in-ikeja/

Beta Glass has expanded the Agbara manufacturing factory in Ogun state, Nigeria, to increase glass container output and better service the West and Central African markets.


According to Beta Glass’s COO, Jagdish Agarwal, the GF1 Furnace at the Agbara factory will undergo a cold repair and upgrade that will boost output by 30 tonnes and prolong its lifespan by 8–10 years for only 30% of the price of a complete rebuild.

He points out that this accomplishment demonstrates Beta Glass’s capacity to expand profitably and sustainably while also carrying out cost-cutting measures to better serve clients in West and Central Africa.



With a daily capacity of 720 tonnes and an annual production of 650+ million bottles and jars, in addition to the ability to create 5.5 million crates and 3.2 billion crowns, Beta Glass presently runs three best-in-class manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.

Over 1,500 workers are employed by the company across its locations, and it is run by a vibrant and experienced Management Team, which was recently reorganised on the Board of Directors.


The newly appointed Chairman, Vitus Ezinwa, stated on his first formal visit to the Beta Glass Agbara Plant: ” This significant milestone celebrates our Company’s unwavering commitment to expanding production capacity and capabilities while maintaining the highest product quality.”

“We are not just suppliers; we are partners in progress, dedicated to setting new standards in the glass container manufacturing industry,” Darren Bennett-Voci, CEO of Beta Glass, his this to say in regards to the company’s sustainability initiatives.

Expanding its output will allow the company to best service the markets in West and Central Africa. In the glass container production sector in West and Central Africa during the last fifty years, Beta Glass Plc has become a major participant and industry leader.

Some of its major achievements over the past 50 years since its formation as Delta Glass Company LLC in 1974 as available to the local brand news, include starting production in 1979, going public in 1986, and joining forces with Guinea Glass Company to establish Beta Glass PLC in 2000. The business expanded its Guinea plant in 2002 by adding a second furnace. In 2021, a furnace extension project increased daily output from 200 to 300 tonnes. Most recently, the Agbara plant’s GF1 Furnace underwent a quick upgrade.

With the ability to create 3.2 billion crowns and 5.5 million crates annually, in addition to an annual capacity of 720 tonnes per day, Beta Glass currently runs three manufacturing units in Nigeria.

However, with more than 1,500 employees spread across several locations, the company is run by a dynamic and experienced management team under the direction of a recently reorganised board of directors.

In West and Central Africa, Beta Glass has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences. To this end, the corporation has increased the scope of its campaigns to promote a greener Nigeria, concentrating on sustainability, recycling, and public education on environmental responsibility.

In order to create glass aggregator facilities in key Lagos sites, this involves working with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and the Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE).

Also, this dedication is demonstrated by the recently announced collaboration between Beta Glass and Wecyclers, a reputable waste management business in Nigeria, for the introduction of trucks to gather cullet, or recycled broken or waste glass, for recycling and reuse in the glass manufacturing process. This will preserve priceless and limited raw materials and further reduce the environmental impact of the business.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/04/beta-glass-expands-its-agbara-factory-in-ogun/

The NNPC Ltd and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), through its Joint Venture partnership, have reiterated their commitment to impact on lives through sustainable development projects in Nigeria.


This was disclosed by the two companies during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG), built by the NNPC/SPDC JV, on Thursday.

Speaking during a colourful commissioning ceremony held at the university in Gadau, Bauchi State, NNPC Limited’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO) Mr. Bala Wunti said CSR has always been the hallmark of the NNPC-SPDC JV CSR commitments.



“Today’s historic commissioning of this ultra-modern ICT Centre at the BASUG is a testament to the positive and sustainable impact of the oil and gas industry on Nigerians,” Wunti, who was represented by the Head, Business Services, NUIMS, Mr. Sani Kabo, said.


He observed that for several decades, the JV has consistently invested in impactful CSR initiatives across the length and breadth of the country.


Wunti further noted that the successful completion of the ICT centre exemplifies NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development, improving access to quality education and fostering innovation in Nigeria.

While commending the impact of the JV on the community, Wunti also thanked the locals for their tremendous support and hospitality towards the project.

He called for continuous support from the Bauchi and Gombe State governments, traditional institutions and members of the various host communities in the area especially towards the Kolmani Integrated Development Project.

On his part, the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor described the commissioning as another crucial social investment project completed by the JV in the North-East Nigeria.”

Osagie, who acknowledged the collaborative effort of both parties in the JV, observed that the journey to establish the facility was driven by a vision to enhance critical educational infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills, and inspire the growth of the IT ecosystem in Bauchi State and northeast Nigeria.

The state-of-the-art facility houses a Wi-Fi lounge, computer laboratories, conference rooms, lecture halls, office spaces, and a combined 3D printing and hardware lab.

The centre is also equipped with smart interactive boards and high-performance computers for students, creating a conducive environment for learning and innovation.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/05/nnpc-spdc-jv-builds-commission-ict-centre-at-bauchi-state-university/

SpaceX is on the verge of launching the highly anticipated Starlink Mini dish. This revolutionary device promises to transform internet availability, particularly in underserved areas. It is set to provide satellite-based internet connectivity to people in remote locations where physical connections are impossible and mobile connections offer limited bandwidth.

The Starlink Mini is a game changer. With dimensions measuring 11.4 inches by 9.8 inches, it is significantly more compact and portable than the current 23.4-inch by 15.07-inch Starlink dish. The device is designed to fit comfortably in a backpack, providing users with unprecedented flexibility and convenience. This portability makes it an ideal companion for remote workers, travelers, and those living in isolated areas.

The integrated Wi-Fi router in the Starlink Mini supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11b/g/n/ax) and operates over the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. It features 3×3 MIMO built-in antennas, enhancing the connectivity experience. The device has only two connectors: a DC barrel for the external power source and an RJ45 network connector, allowing users to connect up to 128 devices. Weighing only 2.4 pounds (or 3.4 pounds with the kickstand and DC cable), the Starlink Mini is lightweight and easy to set up.


Since TD Africa, the leading distributor of tech products in Africa and the major distributor of Starlink products in Nigeria, introduced Starlink into the Nigerian market, the company has captured the public’s interest with its ubiquitous satellite service. In fact, the latest Internet Service Provider (ISP) data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that Elon Musk’s internet company, Starlink, has emerged as Nigeria’s third-largest ISP by subscriber number in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023.


For Nigerians eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Starlink Mini, the wait is almost over. Immediately after Starlink launches the Mini, Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce group and Starlink’s exclusive shop-in-shop retailer, will ensure it is available nationwide. The device will be offered on konga.com at the best prices. This partnership underscores Konga’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions at affordable prices.

Rest assured, the Mini delivers impressive performance. Based on a speed test screenshot shared by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the Starlink Mini offers a robust 100 Mbps download speed and a respectable 11.5 Mbps upload speed with a latency of 23 ms. These capabilities are more than enough to power multiple 4K video streams, video calls, seamless voice chats, and speedy file downloads. Users can expect a seamless and high-quality internet experience, regardless of location.

For users needing to extend coverage to a broader area, the Starlink Mini is compatible with Starlink mesh, allowing it to pair wirelessly with another Starlink router. There is also an Ethernet port for those who prefer a direct connection. This versatility ensures that the Starlink Mini can adapt to various user needs and environments.

One of the most attractive aspects of the Starlink Mini is its affordability. The device is likely to be sold at half the price of the standard dish, making it accessible to a broader audience. This pricing strategy is expected to significantly boost adoption rates, particularly in Nigeria, where cost has been a barrier to accessing high-speed internet.

The launch of the Starlink Mini signifies a significant step forward in democratizing internet access. Whether you reside in a remote location, crave internet on the go, or simply yearn for a more affordable and reliable internet solution, the Starlink Mini is here to bridge the gap. With TD Africa and Konga at the helm, a brighter and more connected future awaits Nigerians.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/07/02/starlink-mini-dish-revolutionizing-internet-connectivity-in-nigeria/

In honour of World Environment Day, stakeholders across Nigeria gathered to discuss the importance of a circular economy and policies for the nation’s environmental sustainability. The event featured key stakeholders from Tetra Pak West Africa, and Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) who spoke on the challenges and solutions to the environmental sustainability in Nigeria.


Currently Nigerians consume on average 100 million units of packaging. There is an imminent environmental crisis on packaging format pollution. If not recycled, the longer various packaging formats disintegrate could pose as a threat to the health of the people, damage vital ecosystems, and undermine the country’s well-being. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, PET takes roughly 500 years to disintegrate; and Beverage Cartons mostly made of paper and a small component of plastic and aluminium take about five years, while it takes glass thousands or even millions of years to go through the process of devitrification.

To deepen sustainability conversations and in commemoration of the World Environmental Day, The Greenpreneurs, a Green Economy and Climate Exclusive programme, in partnership with FBRA recently gathered key industry stakeholders to discuss the importance of sustainability and circular economy. The event featured key stakeholders from Tetra Pak West Africa, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Nestle, among others.



Speaking on the importance of sustainability, Marketing and Portfolio Director for Tetra Pak West Africa, Clement Sunday, reiterated that it is necessary for everyone to be involved in climate change to ensure a sustainable environment for all, while also stating the organisation has increased its environmental footprint in turn doubling its collection rate. “At Tetra Pak, we are working on building the circular economy in Nigeria and helping to close the loop. So, we are working together with our partners, first to raise awareness, to let people know that beverage cartons are recyclable.”


“Tetra Paks focus is to provide access to safe and nutritious food for billions of people around the planet, in a way that protects the planet. The principles of circularity at the core of its operation with its value chain approach and partnerships driving this.”


“Circularity is a journey; it is not something one partner can do alone, so we collaborate across the entire value chain. We have partners that can recycle all beverage cartons that are being produced in the country, about 11,000 tons. Together with our biggest partner in Sub- Saharan Africa, Chivita Hollandia we are already recycling locally. Recently, we signed an investment with a new collector to increase recycling rates of beverage cartons in Nigeria.” he concluded.

The Executive Director, The Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Agharese Onaghise, who focused on the environmental policy detailed FBRA’s remarkable growth since its inception in 2018. The alliance has expanded its membership from 4 PET-centric companies to 34, with a wider range of packaging materials like flexible plastics, cartons, glass, and aluminium cans. This diversification has resulted in a significant increase in collection rates across six waste streams, exceeding 75,000 metric tons of recyclables collected in total.

Onaghise said, “Most African countries have common challenges. Although, policies are in place, they are not readily implementable and are not having extensive stakeholders’ engagement, which is very critical. There is a need for policy advocacy and what that simply means is just creating awareness about aspects of the policies that we know can affect the different stakeholders in the food and beverage industry.

Also speaking at the program, the Head Corporate Communications, Public Relations and Lead Sustainability, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Victoria Uwadoka highlighted how they are committed to promoting a circular economy for PET in Nigeria thereby increasing collection rates and creating a robust recycling setup.

All stakeholders agreed that true development requires a delicate balance. It must not come at the expense of a nation’s environmental well-being. When a country’s environmental resources are depleted, its economic prosperity, social cohesion, and political stability are all at risk. This emphasises the critical need for sustainable development practices. These practices prioritize long-term environmental health while promoting economic growth and social progress. By protecting our environment, we safeguard the foundation for a secure and prosperous future for all.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/06/29/stakeholders-in-nigeria-convene-discuss-sustainable-packaging-and-impact-in-nigeria/

The report as of June 26, 2024, obtained from Companies Market Cap, covers up to a 100 large companies situated across the world, including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Taiwan, and China among others.


Companies are working tirelessly to make it to the top of the chart.

Nivada’s market value has risen by 154% ($1.87T) YTD, making it the 3rd most valuable company in the world and here it is among the top today.



Top Companies and Market Capitalization:


Microsoft $3.36T
Apple $3.27T
Nvidia $3.11T
Alphabet (Google) $2.28T
Amazon 2.01T
Saudi Aramco $1.79T
Meta Platforms $1.30T
TSMC $892B
Berkshire Hathaway $887B
Eli- Lilly $812B
Broadcom $741B
Novo Nordisk $644B
TESLA $626B
JPMorgan Chase $567B
VISA $560B
Walmart $549B
ExxonMobil $513B
Tencent $456B
UnitedHealth $446B
Mastercard $421B
Other companies include; ASML, Samsung, Oracle, Costco, Johnson and Johnson, Merck, Bank of America, Netflix, Chevron, Totoya, Coca-Cola, Nestle, and a host of others.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/06/27/the-20-largest-companies-in-the-world-and-their-market-capitalization/

During the group’s inaugural annual general meeting, major shareholders of Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC, one of Nigeria’s top financial conglomerates, expressed their satisfaction with the group’s financial performance and leadership. Despite a difficult macroeconomic climate, the group managed to post impressive growth numbers in its first full year of operations, which prompted the comments.


The holding company produced N 221 billion in earnings, a 26.6% increase, and a 36% increase in assets, reaching N 2.5 trillion. The group’s performance as reported in its annual report and financial statements for the fiscal year 2023 is significantly higher than both figures indicate.

Analyzing the numbers in more detail, the group’s interest and non-interest income came to N 156 billion and N 65.7 billion, respectively, from the 2022 financial year’s numbers; this was achieved while N 1.8 trillion in customer deposits were brought into its two banking subsidiaries, Sterling Bank and The Alternative Bank. Together, these contributions enabled the group to post N 21.6 billion in profit and an impressive 75 kobo in earnings per ordinary share for 2023—numbers that indicate continued growth of 11.8% and 11.9% for the corresponding performance metrics from the publicly traded company’s 2022 postings.




Yemi Odubiyi, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Sterling HoldCo, addressed the company’s immediate plans in a statement to its shareholders. He said, “We will be seeking shareholders’ approval to raise up to N200 billion from the market in line with evolving regulatory standards and the recent introduction of minimum capital requirements by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).” This financial injection will fortify and put us in a position for long-term success.

The holding company’s current subsidiaries, Sterling Bank, a conventional bank, and The Alternative Bank, an ethical banking company, were also emphasized by Odubiyi, who also informed shareholders of the group’s plans to develop non-banking revenue lines in order to accelerate the company’s rapid growth and increase shareholder value by providing a wider range of services.




According to the CEO of the group, the company will stick to its current course and continue to prioritize the needs of its customers while strategically investing in environmentally friendly businesses that share its core values.

The results that have been made public continue the upward trajectory that Sterling has attained in spite of macroeconomic challenges that have negatively impacted the profitability of both small and large enterprises in Nigeria.

As industry watchers will remember, Sterling HoldCo recently achieved a major milestone in its evolution from a bank to a fully-fledged financial holdings company. This was accomplished by delisting, transferring, and relisting all of the company’s shares on the NGX floor to become Sterling Financial Holdings Company.

Through the holding company, Sterling can take advantage of its successful HEART strategy, which has allowed the group to make coordinated investments in the transportation, health, education, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors, increasing the company’s yearly profits to all-time highs in recent years.



Now that the Holdco structure has been fully implemented, Sterling has the flexibility to expand into other financial services sectors, including real estate, pensions, asset management, payment services, and other verticals. Additionally, the commercial and ethical banking subsidiaries, Sterling Bank and The Alternative Bank, which will function as limited liability companies within the publicly traded holding company, hold the necessary banking licenses.

Sterling has demonstrated remarkable growth in the past few years. It was named Africa’s Most Valuable Commercial Bank Brand for 2023 in a survey by GeoPoll and Kantar for African Brand Magazine, and it was included in the esteemed Financial Times’ list of the 100 fastest-growing companies in Africa for 2023.



Prominent for its cheeky brand voice and impressive talent management strategies, Sterling was most recently recognized with three citations from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) at the Gender Leader Awards 2023 for Company Leadership Gender Diversity, Gender Diversity in Supply Chain, and Family-Friendly Workplace.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/06/26/the-growth-of-sterling-holdco-to-n2-5-trillion/

“The company’s Network Division has decided to transfer approximately 700 out of its 4,000 domestic employees to other departments,” a representative of South Korea’s ICT industry was quoted as saying in the report.

South Korean Samsung is reassigning as many as 700 employees from its Networks Division of its total local headcount of 4,000 to other departments in response to saturation in 5G deployments and the lengthy transition to the sixth-generation (6G) networks, Business Korea reported recently.

“The company’s Network Division has decided to transfer approximately 700 out of its 4,000 domestic employees to other departments,” a representative of South Korea’s ICT industry was quoted as saying in the report.

This contrasts with the strategy adopted by its European counterparts, Nokia and Ericsson, which have also announced job cuts in thousands as 5G equipment sales slow down in markets such as India and North America.

Swedish Ericsson this year said it would reduce its domestic headcount by 1,200 amid “challenging” conditions in the mobile networks market, an announcement that came after it already said it plans to cut 8,500 jobs.
Nokia’s chief executive Pekka Lundmark has previously said the company aims to reduce the headcount to between 72,000-77,000 employees by the end of 2026.

As per the report, Samsung’s Network Division sales were 3.78 trillion won in 2023 – down by 29.7% year-over-year.

US-based Light Reading, citing a source, reported separately that the local employment laws make it difficult for companies to cut jobs in a straightforward manner. As per a second source quoted in the report, the reassignment program also affects a quarter of engineering jobs, as well as, a tenth of roles in North America.

Representatives from the South Korean company confirmed the existence of such a program to the telecom publication, but declined to divulge further details.

A third source cited in the Light Reading report said that the research & development (R&) department at Samsung’s networks business has been cut by 20%.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/06/26/samsung-reassigns-700-employees-to-diverse-departments-over-lengthy-transition-to-6g-networks/

Leading ride-hailing company Bolt will hold its second “Bolt Driver’s Football League” in Lagos on Wednesday, June 12, in an effort to deepen its relationship with driver partners.


The goal of the second edition event, with the theme “Fostering Unity and Inclusion,” was to improve communication between Bolt and its driver partners. The occasion emphasised the platform’s dedication to its drivers’ welfare and acknowledged the vital part they play in the ride-hailing industry.

The event, which was co-organized by AXA, Oraimo, Mycovergenius, and the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, was a huge success.



Following the local news brand, Bolt driver-partners from all across Lagos demonstrated their athletic prowess in a spirit of healthy rivalry and camaraderie during the little football event, which was a huge success. In the knockout stages, four teams comprised of the drivers themselves participated.

Along with the football games, the event offered families of the drivers and their children a safe and enjoyable playground. During the Democracy Day holiday, everyone who attended had a great time playing games, having fun, and enjoying entertainment.


The introductory remarks were given by Public Transport and Commuter Services (PTCS) Director Engineer Olusoji Adebayo.

He said, “I would like to thank Bolt for organising this brilliant initiative. It is indeed an opportunity for Bolt drivers to meet and relate with transport regulators in an atmosphere that encourages cohesion and exchange of ideas, challenges and solutions that is peculiar to Bolt drivers in Lagos State. I hereby express my sincere appreciation for the efforts of the Bolt team for organising this event which is important to portray and ensure an attitude of excellence and professionalism among the e-hailing operators in Lagos State.”

Adding, Bolt’s Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed, stated, “We believe in fostering a strong sense of community and building meaningful relationships with our drivers. Through initiatives like this, we are not just a ride-hailing platform; we are a supportive and vibrant community that values the contributions of our drivers. Together, we are driving towards a future of excellence in service and driver empowerment. I am thrilled to witness the incredible comradeship and passion displayed by our drivers today. This event exemplifies Bolt’s unwavering commitment to driver engagement and satisfaction”

“We are thrilled to host this novelty football competition as a way to bring our driver community together in a spirit of unity and inclusion. Our drivers are the backbone of our service, and this event is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication. By creating opportunities for our drivers and their families to connect and engage in a fun, relaxed setting, we aim to strengthen the bonds within our community and celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger,” Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Acting Head of Regulatory & Policy Africa at Bolt had this to say following the excitement of the occasion.

The top three teams received medals and trophies, and there were outstanding prizes for participants as well. The winning team got N500,000 in cash plus an additional N200,000 from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the runner-up team received N350,000 plus an additional N150,000 from Oraimo, and the third-place team received N250,000. The cash prizes totaled N1.3 million naira. During the raffle draw, female drivers and other attendees won exciting prizes.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2024/06/24/bolt-hosts-second-drivers-football-league-in-lagos/