₦airaland Forum

Despite having a bleak outlook in 2020, TikTok ended the year on a good note and has started an upward trajectory in 2021.
According to the research data analyzed and published by Buy Stocks, it was the mobile application that was not a game that won the most worldwide in January 2021. During that month, it entered 128 million dollars thanks to user spending, an increase of 380% of January 2020 revenue.

About 82% of revenue was produced in China through the local version of the app, Douyin. The US contributed 8% of the total, while Turkey contributed 2%.

Piccoma was the second highest-grossing app for the month, generating more than $ 96 million, a 690% year-on-year increase. YouTube ranked third, while Tinder and Tencent Video were fourth and fifth respectively.

TikTok also stood out in terms of downloads, taking second place on the list of the most installed non-game apps in January 2021. It had a total of 62 million installs across the top two app stores. China accounted for 17% of the total number of downloads through Douyin, while the US was second, with 10%.

Telegram led with 63 million downloads across the two app stores. Signal got third place, Facebook fourth and WhatsApp fifth.

The amazing performance of the TikTok mobile app started last year. Throughout 2020, it was the highest-grossing and most downloaded app worldwide. According to Sensor Tower’s annual report, its App Store revenue soared more than 600% to $ 1.2 billion.

According to data from Apptopia, there were a total of 89 million installs of the TikTok app in 2020 in the US alone. The number was far higher than second-ranked Instagram, which had 62 million. Facebook was next, with 53 million, and then Snapchat came, with 51 million.

US Advertisers on TikTok Up 500% in 2020
TikTok has also seen a remarkable increase in its advertising business. According to a Reuters report, the platform managed to increase the number of US advertisers who signed campaigns in 2020 by 500%.

The trend is likely to continue throughout 2021, as TikTok has closed deals with major brands since late 2020. The list includes Chobani, Bose, McDonald’s, and Kate Spade, as well as nonprofits like St. Jude. Children’s Research Hospital. Between September 2020 and mid-February 2021, St. Jude has raised about $ 50,000 through the TikTok donation button.

In 2021, TikTok plans to offer ad packages designed around events and holidays. For example, you plan to celebrate Black History Month through a virtual event with 500 creators of colour. According to Reuters, he hopes to raise $ 750,000 from brands by sponsoring the event. It also plans to bring in $ 1,500,000 from brands sponsoring the event’s live finale on February 26, 2021.

According to The Influencer Marketing Factory, the number of requests from brands wanting to work with influencers on TikTok has increased by five since November 2020.

Considering the level of success TikTok has had in the advertising market, the biggest companies are clamouring to take a piece of the pie.

In addition, Google will launch a rival platform, YouTube Shorts. Like the TikTok experience, Shorts plans to offer videos of only 15 seconds or less. The Indian version of the new platform already has 3.5 billion views per day.

US user penetration on TikTok will increase from 31% in 2020 to 39% in 2024
Douyin, the Chinese sister app of TikTok, is the largest short video app in China. However, it faces fierce competition from a rival to be reckoned with in China.

Kuaishou, backed by Tencent, currently ranks second among short video platforms in China. It recently went public, raising $ 5.4 billion in Hong Kong and becoming the world’s largest IPO in more than a year. After the IPO, its shares nearly tripled from its original price, taking its market value from $ 61 billion to $ 160 billion. From the IPO price of HKD 115 ($ 14.80), the share price has skyrocketed to HKD 320.20.

On the other hand, ByteDance had an average of 426.2 million active users per day between the first and the third quarter of 2020. Each of the users spent an average of 92.2 minutes each day on the platform. By comparison, Kuaishou had an average of 275.9 million daily active users who spent 88.3 minutes each day.

According to eMarketer, penetration of US users on TikTok increased from 17.3% in 2019 to 31.1% in 2020. It is expected to increase to 34.2% in 2021, reaching 39.3% in 2024.

By then, it is expected to be as popular as its rival Snapchat, whose growth is expected to stagnate. On the other hand, Instagram is expected to increase its user penetration from 53.9% in 2020 to 54.9% in 2021. By 2024, it is estimated at 57.5%.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/24/spending-per-user-on-tiktok-soared-almost-400-in-january-2021-to-128-million/

Mouka has presented a customised Wellbeing Regal orthopaedic mattress to Afeez Agoro, Nigeria’s tallest man, for the quality sleep he desires for his 7 feet 4.58 inches frame.
As a company that propagates the importance of quality sleep, Mouka, Nigeria’s foremost manufacturer of branded mattresses and pillows, came to the aid of Agoro, who previously had difficulty finding the right sleep solution.

True to its current marketing campaign, There is a Mouka for Everyone; the brand assures Nigerian’s that Mouka provides the right sleep products to suit an individual based on their age, body build, budget and lifestyle.

The Mouka Wellbeing range of mattresses is endorsed by both the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and the National Association of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists (NAOMT).

Both associations have certified the Wellbeing range as ergonomically compliant, aligning the spine and relieving tension from pressure points around the body. The Wellbeing Regal full orthopaedic mattress is highly recommended for the elderly and those experiencing back pains.

On the gesture, Mouka’s Chief Executive Officer, Raymond Murphy, said the brand is continuously looking at ways to add comfort to Nigerians’ lives, especially those in dire need of relief from body aches and pains.

Other quality brands in its portfolio include Mondeo Plus spring mattress, Flora range of mattresses, Dreamtime water-resistant mattress, and a wide range of pillows to help Nigerians sleep well and wake up refreshed.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/23/nigerias-tallest-man-partners-with-mouka/#respond

Citibank announced today the official launch of Citi Plus®, a digital value proposition offering financial education and a novel banking experience to level-up digital natives through mobile banking.
Citi Plus® clients can obtain personalized wealth management information and knowledge kits to accumulate their wealth and earn more through accomplishing fun tasks.

Having its pilot launch in early December 2020, Citi Plus® accumulated nearly 5,000 registrants, who are interested in the new service, in the first three weeks.

“Citibank Hong Kong has shown strong determination in the development of digital banking in recent years. Citi Plus® is our latest initiative to bring digital natives a banking experience they admire,” said Mr Lawrence Lam, Consumer Business Manager of Citibank Hong Kong.

“Millennials were invited to participate in research and the co-creation process, through which we could better address target clients’ pain points, and help them grow their wealth via the new service.“

Citi Plus® offers a range of investment products to clients including stocks, money market funds as well as an array of mutual funds primarily from Aberdeen Standard Investments, Allianz Global Investors and Franklin Templeton.

One of the key features of Citi Plus® is a series of financial wellness modules specially designed to educate clients and guide their thinking when it comes to making decisions about managing money, building wealth and achieving financial goals.

These engaging modules enhance wealth inclusion, allow clients to build healthy financial habits and achieve targets responsibly.

Wealth Smart: A financial literacy guide covering a series of easy-to-follow courses and quizzes, with bite-sized content that helps clients level-up and approach investments with greater confidence. Clients can learn at their own pace, whilst keeping themselves abreast of the times and acquiring financial knowledge.
Wealth Digest: A personalized series of news, articles and insights on wealth that are updated continually to help clients make informed investment decisions.
Money Goal: A personal goal tracking tool that helps clients define financial objectives and track their progress towards these targets.
Alongside this step-by-step guidance providing clients with financial knowledge and resources, Citi Plus® also offers innovative features that engage clients and help them level-up along their financial journey.

Deposit: “Citi Interest Booster” enables clients to earn additional bonus interest (up to 1.8% p.a.) on savings by completing simple missions. Beginning with a base interest rate of 0.3% p.a., clients can complete “missions” — such as maintaining balance, funding-in, spending with Citi Plus® cards, investment and currency exchange — to boost interest rates up to 1.8% p.a.
The investment: Citi Plus® offers a reliable investment platform that allows clients not only to trade stocks but also to invest in mutual funds. With progressive self-learning resources and low investment thresholds, clients have the flexibility to choose their investment options.

o “Flexi Wealth” allows clients to start investing in money market funds with as little as HK$1, and to conduct transactions at their convenience, without any transaction charges or monthly service fees.

o Our suggested mutual fund portfolios based on clients’ financial goals and risk profiles will also be offered, featuring mutual funds primarily from Aberdeen Standard Investments, Allianz Global Investors and Franklin Templeton at a minimum of HK$100, thus giving clients a hassle-free investment experience.

Spending: Citi Plus® Debit Mastercard® and Citi Plus® Credit Card bring clients a world of privileged shopping rewards while spending with these cards also boosts their saving interest rate by 0.3% p.a.

o Spending with Citi Plus® Debit Mastercard® offers up to 1% cashback, and with Citibank Global Wallet, clients can exchange foreign currencies at preferred rates, and then spend with the debit card for online/ in-store shopping and withdraw cash overseas directly with foreign currency accounts. Citi does not charge any handling fees for cash withdrawals made with the card at any overseas ATMs (including Citi and Mastercard® ATMs).

o Citi Plus® Credit Card is tailor-made for Citi Plus® clients and has no annual fee. Payments for online shopping and fitness memberships can earn up to 3X reward points, while clients can also instantly offset spending anytime with Citi Pay with Points and get free purchase protection insurance.

One App to do it all: Citi Mobile® App enables clients to transfer funds, invest, spend, and more at their fingertips. In-app messaging is also available 24/7 to offer customer support promptly.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/23/citibank-officially-launches-citi-plus-2/

The activities of illegal sand dredgers and gravel miners have continued to pose severe environmental and security threats in Akwa Ibom State.
Critical state infrastructure and assets are currently being threatened, several communities have lost their sources of natural drinking water, farmlands are being devastated with an attendant loss of revenue.

It is even more worrisome that suspicious characters from all parts of the country are beginning to find dwelling places in our state under the guise of sand dredging or gravel mining.

In view of the urgent need to alleviate these concerns, generate a database of practitioners in the state and ensure that all mining activities in Akwa Ibom State are carried out in accordance with the extant laws, please find below an approved checklist for all current and prospective artisanal miners.

1. Formal expression of interest to the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment (MoE)
2. Site verification/Inspection
3. Evidence of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with host communities.
4. Evidence of operational permit/license by the Federal Ministry of Mines & Steel (MoM&S) and National Inland WaterWay Authority (NIWA), where applicable.
5. Acceptable Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
6. Evidence of business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
7. Evidence of up-to-date tax clearance from Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS)
8. Environmental Permit issued by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment (MoE). This is renewable annually while approved locations will be mapped.

It is important to note that all prospective miners and current operators must be certified to have completed this process before the commencement of operation. Furthermore, all operators must subject their sites to mandatory quarterly environmental monitoring as well as an annual environmental audit.

This checklist was developed after due consultation with other relevant regulatory bodies. Implementation takes immediate effect.

We count on the cooperation of all current and prospective artisanal miners, community leaders and related agencies in ensuring the safety of our environment.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/22/checklist-for-sand-dredging-and-gravel-mining-in-akwa-ibom-state/

Mr. Mobolji Ogunlende of RAK Development Foundation has once again set the year running with his unbeatable humanitarian service to the people as residents of Toga-Todovi community in Badagry express joy and appreciation to the foundation for the successful installation and electrification of their community which has been in total darkness for over five years.


Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende while giving his address said “I have always said it is not about me, it is about doing what Almighty Allah asked us to do via quenching thirst, inspiring change and empowering generations which are our guiding principles at RAK foundation.

The Community reached out to me about fourteen (14) months ago and I called them in for a meeting and they said they had a transformer but have not been able to connect it for over 6 years ago. That was how our journey began.

Despite the fact that I am also human and striving to survive, it will only be normal if we can help one another and restore hope to the people. Interestingly when the request was made what came to mind was the Holy Quran Chapter 17 verse 30 Suratul Anbiya” And God said let there be light and there was light ” same was also said in Genesis 1:3″ let there be light and there was light ” I am answering my calling Ogunlende added.

Ogunlende said “for miracles to happen, there must be obstacles, we thank God we are able to overcome the many obstacles as an NGO and as a Community.

I thank God that we’ve been able to power seven (7) Communities, which includes Pogbe CDA, Progressives CDA, Agblemakaku CDA, Achievers CDA, Ifesowapo CDA, Ashiribo CDA and Alafia CDA. Ogunlende mentioned.

I am glad I am answering my calling and I am fulfilled the community is happy.

We are not here to change the whole world but to make a difference” he said.
Mr. Lawal Lukman Olajide, Chairman Transformer Committee, Toga-Todovi Community in Badagry while giving his address said “It was great news when the Lagos State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola gifted us this transformer in 2015, but our happiness was soon short-lived when the transformer was abandoned till then, all effort to power it through letters, calls, visit and the likes were futile, at a time we resigned to fate thinking that some witches and wizards were responsible for our plight.” Lawal said.

“We got to know about RAK during his yearly Ramadan Free Feeding program and something inspired us to reach out for some support. To our greatest surprise, we received his feedback that he is ready to support us, and here we are today, six years abandoned project is now fully funded by an indigenous NGO, indeed we are glad and we cannot but continue to thank this young God sent” Lawal expressed.
Lawal said an average population of not less than five thousand households in the area will be benefiting from this singular act of kindness of Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende.
Todovi community has 7 CDA Chairman, with not less than five thousand households. In it, we have people whose businesses require light and will be resuscitated and the economic viability of the area will be restored to normal.
RAK Foundation Engineer, Mr. Agbeleye Hakeem explained that the entire electrification project is estimated at about ₦5.2 million, which includes the purchase of concrete poles and fixing, aluminium conductor, crossbar, insulators and so on and other administrative charges.
Hakeem explained that at a particular period, hoodlums came to steal the upriser and some of the equipment bought by RAK, but the pioneer was focused and magnanimous enough to have continued with the project even in the face of the challenge.
In his words, Chief S.H Amosu, Baale of Toga said “…today is a great day, it’s a day the Community can never forget in Badagry Local Government and Olorunda LCDA. RAK Foundation and his team have done a wonderful job in this community, the whole people of this Community are all happy today.
He lamented that ‘although the LASG had provided the community with transformer over five years, the community could not afford to power the transformer due to the huge cost involved in the purchase of heavy electrical pieces of equipment, poles and another administrative fee.
About 5 years ago the LASG had donated this transformer but no financial ability to power it, all effort to power the 33KVA transformer proved abortive, but we thank God after writing to RAK Foundation, our dream came into reality. We thank Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende so much. Amosu added.
The Baale of Toga- further said “we cannot compare RAK to other people with means, they have more than enough but they don’t use it.”
Some of them have more than enough but prefer to take their money abroad, some hide it in their houses and when they die, it’s no longer useful to them.
The Baale however charged other well-meaning Nigerians, especially Badagryians to follow the footstep of RAK Foundation pioneer.
According to Chief Mobee Viavo Emmanuel, Baale of APANUKOH, Badagry Kingdom he expressed this;
“The project we are Commissioning today is Electrification of a transformer that has been dropped by the State Government to us and without powering it for about 5 years. After some time we are able to meet Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende of RAK Foundation who helped us, he is a God sent” he said.
RAK has really touched our lives, he has touched our heart because the project is about ₦6m project Chief Mobee added.
This project will go a long way in adding value to our people and improve the healthy living of our children and family. I want to thank the CEO of RAK and pray God will help him in his endeavours.
Another resident of the community who does not want his name disclosed said “it is pitiable that the government who is supposed to be responsible for this had abandoned their primary responsibility”.
He further thanked RAK Foundation for coming to their rescue. The entire community is behind you and we will not stop praying for you” he added
Wuraola Sewenu, a female resident in the area said “before our messiah, RAK came to the rescue we had faced a lot of challenges such as low sales for women who are doing their petty trade and requires light including our husband who does related works like welding, barbing, electrician etc. Also, our children have before now faced certain health challenges. She said
We thank RAK Foundation for his huge support and we pray that God will continue to protect him and lift him high”.
Mrs. Cole Oluwakemi another resident in the area thanked the pioneer, saying;
“We thank our father, RAK Foundation, Mr. Mobolaji, he really tried for us, because for about seven to eight years we relocated to this area, we have been suffering from this light problem.

At a particular time I told my husband that we just came to suffer ourselves here, no cold water, no light, even at night we find it difficult to cook for our husband, but today we thank God it’s a thing of the past.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/22/rak-powers-7-badagry-communities-out-of-darkness/

Premier Plantations Limited, a subsidiary of Nosak Group, a Nigerian industrial conglomerate is seeking to invest in the country’s new investment hub, Ekiti State.
With the recent clamour and drive to make agriculture the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, Premier Plantations majoring in the cultivation of cassava and other feedstocks, is planning to establish a 6,000ha cassava plantation in the Southwest region of Nigeria.

The crust of the plantation is the cultivation of cassava and the conversion of the same into ethanol.

The denatured ethanol derived is expected to feed the 150,000 litres per day ethanol refinery of its sister company, Nosak Distilleries, for onward distillation and supply to the industrial and retail end-users.

For processing, the company will need about 1,200 tonnes of cassava per day. In addition, Premier will explore other opportunities in the cassava value chain including the processing of garri, high-quality cassava flour, and starch production.

With this volume, they will set up an out-grower scheme for smallholder cassava farmers in collaboration with the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA).

The project will mostly target the youth with the potential to create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Ekiti State has been attracting a myriad of investments courtesy of the government’s focus on building an enabling environment for business to thrive.

Just the other day, Promasidor one of Nigeria’s leading dairy processors in partnership with the state government, received 250 new Jersey cows from Texas, USA, an addition to its existing herd of 192 indigenous and crossbred cows available on the Ikun Dairy Farm Limited (IDFL).

IDFL is a joint venture between the processor and the state government initiated in 2019, which saw Promasidor inject US$5m investment to reactivate the farm, as a catalyst that will turn around the economic fortune of the state.

Other agro-allied companies that have invested in the state’s agriculture industry include Stallion Group who have received a Certificate of Occupancy for a US$10 million rice mill in Ado-Ekiti.

In addition, Dangote Group is also finalising plans to locate a US$5 million mill within the same location, which is now being seen as the rice processing hub of the state.

In the cassava value chain, FMS Farms is finalising plans to set up a US$10 million starch processing plant and farm in Ikole council area and has already commenced farming activities.

Another agro-based firm, Promise Point, has also invested US$15 million in its starch processing facility within the same area, which has also been designated as part of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/22/premier-plantations-ventures-into-the-lucrative-agriculture-sector-of-ekiti-state/

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has placed an indefinite suspension on trading on LASACO Assurance Plc after the company failed to complete its share capital reconstruction within the initial stipulated period.
In a circular, the NSE stated that the placement of full-suspension on trading in the shares of LASACO Assurance was to determine shareholders eligibility for the share capital reconstruction as at the qualification date of January 29, 2021.

The statement reads:
Please refer to our market bulletin of 1 February 2021 with reference number: NSE/RD/LRD/MB07/21/02/01, notifying the Market of the placement of full-suspension on trading in the shares of LASACO Assurance Plc (LASACO or the Company), in order to determine shareholders eligible for the share capital reconstruction as at the Qualification Date of 29 January 2021.

Market stakeholders are hereby notified that the full suspension placed on trading in the shares of LASACO has been extended in order to enable the Company to complete the reconstruction exercise and to allot the reconstructed shares to eligible shareholders. The extended period of suspension is from 15 February 2021 till further notice.

LASACO Assurance plans to cancel 5.5 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, 75 per cent of its current issued share capital, under a massive share capital reconstruction plan.

The share capital reconstruction includes the exchange of one new ordinary share of 50 kobo each for every four ordinary shares currently held by shareholders.

The reconstruction will lead to a reduction of the paid-up share capital of the company from its current N3.667 billion divided into 7.334 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each to N916.793 million divided into 1.834 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at the end of the reconstruction.

Shareholders of LASACO Assurance had, at the 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 8, 2019, approved the share capital reconstruction.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/22/nse-places-indefinite-suspension-lasaco-assurance/

The 2020 Financial Markets Half-Year Activity Report is a presentation of activities undertaken by the Department to implement the Bank’s monetary policy measures. It details the span of activities in the money, fixed income and foreign exchange markets to support the policies of the Bank.
The Report is organised into seven Chapters. Chapter one provides an overview of the global economy and the Nigerian financial market operations, while Chapter two discusses the operations in the domestic money market.

Chapter three focuses on developments in the foreign exchange market and Chapter four is on the capital market. The Federal Government domestic debt activities are as presented in Chapter five; stakeholder collaborations and related committee activities are detailed in Chapter six; Major developments in the Nigerian financial markets are contained in Chapter seven.

The Appendix contains the list of guidelines and circulars issued in the first half of 2020 for regulatory purposes.

I commend the extraordinary efforts of the staff of the Department for their continued hard work, dedication to duty and commitment to delivering the mandate of the Bank, especially during the COVID19 crisis.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/18/cbn-publishes-h1-2020-financial-markets-activity-report/

Lagos, Nigeria; 18 February 2021: All is set for the return of popular singing competition show, Nigerian Idol. The organizers of the show, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced that the sixth season of the show will start airing on March 14, 2021, on DStv and GOtv.
The announcement was made at a virtual media session today, February 18, to officially unveil plans for the season.

Nigerian Idol Season 6 will premiere on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29 on Sunday, March 14 at 6 pm with a special airing of the most memorable and entertaining moments from the auditions which took place late last year. The main episodes will air weekly starting Sunday, March 28 at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, Urban and Family.

Speaking during the session, the Chief Customer Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho said,
“This season of Nigerian Idol is like nothing you’ve ever seen. In line with our promise to always bring the best and most entertaining content to our customers, we have put together a show that we’re sure will have viewers on the edge of their seats.

Nigerian Idol is famed for producing superstars and this season, we’re going even bigger – with the grand prize and with everything else. We can’t wait to show you all we have planned.”

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Africa Magic’s Channel Director added,
“We believe that this season’s Nigerian Idol will produce a fresh crop of talent who will be well-grounded to conquer both the local and global music scene. This year, we received over 3,600 entries and I thank our outstanding judges for painstakingly reviewing every participant to ensure we got the best from the pool of entries.”

Mba-Uzoukwu went on to say that the company is following strict COVID-19 guidelines and will implement the necessary safety measures including social distancing, wearing of masks and daily temperature checks for the duration of the show.

MultiChoice Nigeria had previously unveiled the legendary creative entrepreneur, Obi Asika, singer Seyi Shay and celebrity DJ Sose as the judges on this season of the show.

The mix of judges with distinct experiences and backgrounds is one the organisers say will bring a dynamism to the show that the contestants will undoubtedly benefit from. This season of the show will be hosted by popular media personality, IK Osakioduwa.

Nigerian Idol season 6 is sponsored by Bigi and will air on DStv channel 198 & GOtv channel 29 starting March 14. Viewers can watch Nigerian Idol Season 6 via the DStv app on multiple devices at no additional cost. The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.

Nigerian Idol will also be available in the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia and 23 other countries via online streaming service, Showmax. This is in addition to the series being available across Africa on the streaming service.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/19/nigerian-idol-season-6-set-to-hit-dstv-and-gotv-screens-this-march/

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that no fewer than 1.5 million dogs will be vaccinated within the next two weeks, during the free anti-rabies vaccination campaign embarked upon to prevent deaths of animals in the State.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya stated this today at the flag-off of the vaccination campaign held at the palace of Oba Ayangburen of Ikorodu. She noted that Lagos pioneered the campaign exercise in the country, stating that the vaccination would take place yearly for the next three years to be effective on dogs.

Olusanya observed that a lot of the dogs in the State are not registered or licensed hence a lot of rabid dogs could be on the prowl, stressing the need for vaccination to prevent rabies.

The Commissioner urged pet owners as responsible citizens to bring their dogs and cats for the exercise, noting that the State Government, being a responsive government, has made the exercise free of charge for the citizenry.

She said: “Dogs are the major source of transmitting the dreaded rabies disease when unvaccinated. It is, therefore, imperative as a responsible and responsive government under the able leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanw-Olu, to champion the global goal of eradicating the disease, which is majorly curtailed through deliberate annual vaccination of our pets”.

“With an estimated 1.5 million dogs in the State, I hereby enjoin all individuals, corporate organisations, communities to collaborate towards more responsible dog ownership to curb the stray of animals in the environment”, Olusanya noted.

The Commissioner informed that the exercise would take place in the five divisions of the State including Veterinary Clinic, beside LASPOTECH Second Gate, opposite Access Bank, Odogunyan, Ikorodu; Veterinary Centre, Epe Local Government Compound, Orita Marun Epe; Veterinary Clinic, opposite Bethel Church, Beside Alesh Hotel Ajah and the Veterinary Clinic by Randle General Hospital, Benson Street, Surulere.

Others are the Veterinary Clinic at Aiyedoto Farms Settlement, Agric Road, Ojo; Veterinary Clinic on Beach Road, Opposite General Hospital, Badagry and the Animal Hospital on Old Abeokuta Motor Road, beside LSADA’s Office, Opposite DSTV Office, Oko-Oba Agege.

Urging residents to ensure the registration and yearly vaccination of pets and other animals, the Commissioner said the enrolment could be done at government veterinary hospitals, clinics and government registered private animal health care centres.

Earlier, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Olaniran Alabi, noted that an estimated 70,000 people globally die of rabies every year, adding that less than five percent of dogs are vaccinated in Nigeria due to high cost of the vaccines.

Alabi, who was represented by Dr. Mairo Kachalla, revealed that the disease can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or man, with 99% fatality if efficient post-exposure prophylaxis treatment is not instituted early.

He said that rabies is a highly fatal disease affecting all warm-blooded animals but despite the high fatality, the disease is 100% preventable through mass dog vaccination and enlightenment campaigns, pointing out that dogs account for the highest percentage of human deaths resulting from rabies.

Dr. Kachalla said that the World Organisation for Animal Health(OIE) recommends that at least 70% of dogs should be vaccinated annually for three consecutive years in order to break the transmission cycle of rabies and, consequently, eliminate the disease.

According to him, rabies is one of the priorities Transboundary Animal Diseases and has remained endemic in Nigeria since it was first reported in 1912.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/17/rabies-lagos-state-to-carry-out-free-vaccination-for-1-5-million-dogs-photos/

CSL Brokers – Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the establishment of a Public-Private Partnership styled Infrastructure company named Infra-Co with an initial seed capital of N1tn expected to grow to N15tn in assets and capital over time.
The proposed establishment will attract private sector participation in the nation’s quest to bridge its infrastructure deficit necessary for the growth across all sectors of the economy.

According to media reports, the board of Infra-Co will be chaired by the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Managing Director, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA); President, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) as well as representatives of the Nigerian Governors Forum; Ministry of Finance, Budgets and National Planning including 3 independent directors from the private sector.

Nigeria’s growing infrastructure deficit remains a major concern among economic experts and stakeholders as poor infrastructure is one of the biggest impediments to smooth business operations and limiting capital inflows into the country.

There is no gainsaying that the paucity of investment in physical and social infrastructure over the years has continued to limit the growth potential of Africa’s largest economy, restricting its ability to exploit its vast amount of natural and human resources towards achieving a broad-based, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Nigeria’s infrastructure stock of c.25% of GDP remains far below the 70% international benchmark, underscoring the need for the government to consider unconventional methods of financing to bridge this huge infrastructural deficit.

In past times, several actions had been taken by the government in tackling infrastructure challenges with a combination of domestic and external borrowings to finance capital projects. However, this appears unsustainable in the long run.

The continuous underperformance in revenue targets evidenced by weak fiscal purse, elevated recurrent expenditure and high debt servicing costs have further contributed to the government’s inability to self-finance infrastructure projects.

Prior to this, similar policies had been signed in previous years under the current administration but seem not to have achieved the desired impact. For instance, the Road Trust Fund (RTF) that was signed in 2017.

However, as with previous innovative ideas from past governments that have not yielded positive results due largely to poor implementation, we believe effective implementation and continuous monitoring of the arrangement are critical factors that should not be neglected if the government is to realize the full benefits associated with the scheme.

With the recent operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, building its derelict infrastructural base puts the country in a better position in expanding its terrain in other African markets.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/16/fg-looks-to-public-private-partnerships-in-tackling-infrastructure-deficit/

Headline Inflation Rate Increases by 16.47% YoY In January 2021, 0.71% Higher Than December 2020 Rate
The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation rate increased by 16.47 percent (year-on-year) in January 2021. This is 0.71 percent points higher than the rate recorded in December 2020 (15.75 percent).
Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline index.

On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.49 percent in January 2021. This is 0.12 percentage points lower than the rate recorded in December 2020 (1.61 percent).

The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending January 2021 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 13.62 percent, representing a 0.37 percentage point increase over 13.25 percent recorded in December 2020.

The urban inflation rate increased by 17.03 percent (year-on-year) in January 2021 from 16.33 percent recorded in December 2020, while the rural inflation rate increased by 15.92 percent in January 2021 from 15.20 percent in December 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.52 percent in January 2021, down by 0.13 percentage points when compared to the rate recorded in December 2020, while the rural index also rose by 1.46 percent in January 2021, down by 0.12 compared to the rate that was recorded in December 2020 (1.58 percent).

The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index was 14.23 percent in January 2021. This is higher than the 13.86 percent reported in December 2020, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in January 2021 was 13.04 percent compared to 12.67 percent recorded in December 2020.

Food Index
The composite food index rose by 20.57 percent in January 2021 compared to 19.56 percent in December 2020.

This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of Bread and cereals, Potatoes, yam and other tubers, Meat, Fruits, Vegetable, Fish and Oils and Fats.

On a month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.83 percent in January 2021, down by 0.22 percent points from 2.05 percent recorded in December 2020.

The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending January 2021 over the previous twelve-month average was 16.66 percent, 0.49 percent points higher than the average annual rate of change recorded in December 2020 (16.17 percent).

All Items Less Farm Produce

The “All items less farm produce” or Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 11.85 percent in January 2021, up by 0.48 percent when compared with 11.37 percent recorded in December 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 1.26 percent in January 2021. This was up by 0.16 percent when compared with 1.10 percent recorded in December 2020.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Passenger transport by air, Medical services, Hospital services, Passenger transport by road, Pharmaceutical products, Paramedical services, Repair of furniture, Vehicle spare parts, Motor cars, Miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling, Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment,

The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 10.52 percent for the twelve-month period ending January 2021. This was 0.21 percent points higher than 10.31 percent recorded in December 2020.

State Profiles
In analysing price movements under this section, note that the CPI is weighted by consumption expenditure patterns which differ across states. Accordingly, the weight assigned to a particular food or non-food item may differ from state to state making interstate comparisons of consumption basket inadvisable and potentially misleading.

All Items Inflation
In January 2021, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Kogi (21.38%), Oyo (20.17%) and Bauchi (19.52%), while Kwara (13.96%), Abuja (12.96%) and Cross River (12.22%) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.

On month on month basis, however, in January 2021 all items, inflation was highest in Oyo (4.28%), Ebonyi (3.95%) and Lagos (3.33%), while Abuja, Edo and Cross River recorded price deflation or negative inflation (general decrease in the general price level of food or a negative food inflation rate).

Food Inflation
In January 2021, food inflation on a year on year basis was highest in Kogi (26.64%), Oyo (23.69%) and River (23.49%), while Ondo (17.20%), Abuja (16.73%) and Bauchi (16.37%) recorded the slowest rise.

On month on month basis, however, January 2021 food inflation was highest in Oyo (4.47%), Lagos (3.86%) and River (3.11%), while Akwa Ibom (0.25%) and Bayelsa (0.13%) recorded the slowest rise with Edo recording price deflation or negative inflation (general decrease in the general price level of food or a negative food inflation rate).

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/16/january-2021-inflation-rate-rises-to-16-47-as-food-inflation-jumps-to-20-57/

India has become the second country to outrightly ban Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This is coming after the Central Bank of Nigeria instructed all financial institutions in the country to block the accounts of all individuals and entities linked to cryptocurrency transactions.
There has been a lot of drama surrounding India’s cryptocurrency stance. In 2018, the Reserve Bank of India issued a ban on all cryptocurrency transactions. The ban was lifted by the country’s Supreme Court in March 2020.

In December 2020, government officials hinted that they were considering taxing Bitcoin transactions by up to 18%. Barely a month later and there were rumours that the country was mulling over banning all private cryptocurrencies.

Apparently, officials were serious about banning cryptocurrencies. Citing an unnamed senior finance ministry official, BloombergQuint disclosed the government’s move. However, according to the official, the ban would not be imposed overnight, as in the case of Nigeria. Instead, investors would be given three to six months to liquidate their investments.

As per the report, India’s Parliament will proceed to introduce a law that bans the usage of cryptocurrencies in all forms, including restricting trading via foreign exchanges.

On the flip side of India’s ban is Kenya, an East-African country that has proposed to make Bitcoin it’s the base currency.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/13/india-bans-cryptocurrencies-gives-investors-6-months-to-liquidate-their-assets/

MTN Foundation, the social investment vehicle of MTN Nigeria has donated items to orphanage homes across the country through its Orphanage Support Initiative.
Thirty orphanage homes across eight states including:
Courage Orphanage, Edo,
Daisy’s Home, Bayelsa,
Jamiyyar Matan Arewa Orphanage, Kaduna,
Lady Dorcas Orphanage, Abuja,
Tower of Refuge Motherless Babies Home, Lagos and
Grace orphanage Home, Rivers state were provided with food items, beverages, washing machines, televisions, and toiletries.
Others are Eruobodo Orphanage home, Ogun state, Magajin Gari Orphanage, Kaduna, Halal Orphanage Home Abuja, Motherless Babies Home, Abia state, Nassarawa Children’s Home in Kano and Project Charilove Edo state.

Commenting on the Initiative, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma said,
“Orphanages are important in building any society and we are honoured to support them. They ensure children without parents become responsible citizens. We are always happy to see the smiles on the faces of the children and we will continue to make their lives brighter.”

Also speaking during the presentation at Magajin Gari Orphanage in Kaduna State, Hon. Hauwa Yahaya representing Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Minister of State, Budget and National Planning said:
“We are grateful to MTN for the support. These donations will be used judiciously and the children will be the beneficiaries. With organisations like MTN, orphanages are strengthened to keep doing the good works and we are assured that the lives of the children will become brighter.”

Since its inception, over 200 orphanages and more than 20,000 children have benefitted from the MTN Foundation Orphanage Support Initiative.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/15/mtn-foundation-donates-gifts-through-its-orphanage-support-initiative/

11 February 2021 – Visa today announced a partnership with a logistics provider, GIG Logistics (GIGL), to introduce special eCommerce Tariff for Small Businesses in Nigeria. The collaboration allows merchants who have signed up on the Visa Small Business Hub access to a discounted tariff plan for their logistics needs with the foremost logistics provider.

SMEs who wish to enjoy these benefits will be redirected to the GIGL Merchant Portal Page when they visit the Small Business Hub on the Visa Nigeria website.

Additionally, business owners can also access up to 25% discounts on all GIGL tariffs when they fund their wallets with a Visa business or corporate card via the GIGGo App or the GIGL website.

Speaking about the partnership, Kemi Okusanya, Vice President, Visa West Africa, affirmed Visa’s role as a payment enabler and its continued efforts in supporting the recovery and sustainable growth of SMEs. She said,

Visa has continuously shown its support in the recovery of African economies, through strategic partnerships to help reposition small businesses for improved growth and recovery. Our partnership with GIGL seeks to further provide a platform for business owners to enjoy discounted offers to better serve the everyday consumer”.

GIGL continues to validate unflinching support for digital commerce merchants and SMEs by solving the most critical factor with online and offline sales, which is delivered to the end-user. Mosun Suleiman, Merchant Support and Growth Manager, GIG Logistics on her part said,
“powering decentralized commerce and providing adequate support for SMEs through initiatives and strategic partnerships are integral parts of our business culture and we are committed to building practical solutions that simplify logistics by providing timely, cost-efficient and effective deliveries while returning best value to all stakeholders.”

Visa has continued to deploy online resources to empower SMEs across the country with the right tools and knowledge to help them transition to the digital economy and grow their businesses.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/11/visa-and-gig-logistics-partner-to-enable-ecommerce-delivery/

9 February 2021 – Google today announced a number of initiatives across Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bolstering its continued efforts to keep children, young people and families safe online.
Aligning with the theme of this year’s global Safer Internet Day, “Together for a better Internet”, Google has teamed up with several organisations across the continent to boost education efforts and develop programmes around online safety.

“With an estimated 346 million internet users that came online for the first time in the last year, and 376 million new social media users, there is no better time for us to help people stay safe online,” says Juliet Ehimuan, Country Director, Google Nigeria.

“We are working with nonprofits and social enterprises to advance their work through Google.org’s Africa Online Safety Fund, while also working with educational institutions and governments across sub-Saharan Africa in order to have a greater impact.”

Administered as part of the Africa Online Safety Fund, Google.org gave a grant to Impact Amplifier and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, to run an open call across the continent to find the most innovative and impactful nonprofit organisations operating in this space. 26 social impact organisations across nine African countries have been selected to receive grants of up to $100,000 each.

The five selected in Nigeria include Epower, LagosMums, Velma Foundation, Hive Creative Guild and Teens Can Code. This funding will be used to boost projects that work to combat online vulnerabilities, disinformation and extremism aimed at children, the youth, families, schools and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Google has also collaborated with Nigerian author Nomthi Odukoya to create the children’s online safety book ‘How to be Safe Online’. Physical copies of the book will be distributed to 30,000 learners in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa this month, which is also available online on the Read-Along app.

“With more children, young people and families increasingly using the internet to learn and work in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, online safety is a priority for everyone,” continues Juliet Ehimuan.

“We look forward to the continued empowerment of teachers, parents and guardians with tools to keep children safe online. Continued collaboration with government bodies like Kenya’s Communications Authority, Nigeria’s Public and Private Development Centre, and South Africa’s Department of Social Development, among others, will ensure that we have the necessary backing to make the internet better for all users, especially young children and families across the continent.”

Celebrate Safer Internet day with us by using the Password Manager to save your password with your Google account and Security Checkup. To learn more about our resources to help keep you and your family safer, please visit the Google Safety Center.

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/09/google-strengthens-africa-wide-programs-to-keep-internet-users-safe-online/

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed the sum of N604bn to the three tiers of government in November 2020 from the revenue generated in October 2020.

The amount disbursed comprised of N377.15bn from the Statutory Account, N72bn from Distribution of FGN Intervention Fund, Distribution of N20bn from Stabilization Account, N7.39bn from FOREX Equalisation Account and N1bn from Excess Bank Charges Recovered.

Federal Government received a total of N231.29bn from the N604bn. States received a total of N167.17bn and Local Governments received N124.71bn. The sum of N31.90bn was shared among the oil producing states as 13% derivation fund.

Revenue generating agencies such as Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) received N5.19bn, N10.17bn, and N3.87bn respectively as cost of revenue collections.

Further breakdown of revenue allocation distribution to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) revealed that the sum of N158.21bn was disbursed to the FGN consolidated revenue account; N4.05bn shared as share of derivation and ecology; N2.03bn as stabilization fund; N6.81bn for the development of natural resources; and N5.18bn to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/09/fg-states-lgas-share-n604-00bn-faac-allocation-for-nov-2020/

FAO Food Price Index up 4.3 percent to reach the highest level since July 2014, while worldwide cereal stocks are set to drop sharply
Global food prices rose in January for the eighth consecutive month, led by cereals, vegetable oils and sugar, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
FAO’s Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of commonly-traded food commodities and was released today, averaged 113.3 points in January, marking a 4.3 percent increase from December 2020 and reaching its highest level since July 2014.

The FAO Cereal Price Index showed a sharp 7.1 percent monthly increase, led by international maize prices, which surged 11.2 percent and are now 42.3 percent above their January 2020 level, reflecting increasingly tight global supply amid substantial purchases by China and lower-than-expected production and stock estimates in the United States of America as well as a temporary suspension of maize export registrations in Argentina.

Wheat prices rose 6.8 percent, driven by strong global demand and expectations of reduced sales by the Russian Federation when its wheat export duty doubles in March 2021. Robust demand from Asian and African buyers underpinned strong rice prices.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased by 5.8 percent in the month to its highest level since May 2012. Drivers included lower-than-expected palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia due to excessive rainfall and ongoing shortages in the migrant labour force, and prolonged strikes in Argentina reducing export availability for soy oil.

The FAO Sugar Price Index was 8.1 percent higher than in December, as robust global import demand spurred concerns about lower availabilities due to worsening crop prospects in the European Union, the Russian Federation and Thailand, as well as drier-than-normal weather conditions in South America. Rising crude oil prices and a stronger Brazilian Real also provided support to international sugar prices.

The FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1.6 percent, underpinned by China’s high purchases ahead of the country’s upcoming New Year holiday festivities amid seasonally lower exportable supplies in New Zealand.

The FAO Meat Price Index was up 1.0 percent from December, led by brisk global imports of poultry meat, especially from Brazil, amid avian influenza outbreaks that have constrained output and exports from several European countries.

FAO also issued today the Cereals Supply and Demand Brief, a regular update on global production, consumption, trade and inventory trends.

On the production side, FAO’s new estimates for 2020 point to record wheat and rice production. Looking ahead to 2021 cereal output, early prospects indicate a likely modest increase for winter wheat crops in the northern hemisphere, buoyed by acreage increases in France, India, the Russian Federation and the U.S.A.

Maize output in the southern hemisphere is expected to decline somewhat in Argentina and Brazil from record highs but remain above-average levels. The production outlook in South Africa and neighbouring countries are favourable.

At the same time, this month’s forecasts point to larger volumes of world trade and a sharp decline in global cereal stocks.

Globally, cereal utilization in 2020/21 is now forecast at 2 761 million tonnes, up 52 million tonnes from the previous season. Leading the increase is robust use of coarse grains for feed in China. The worldwide utilization of wheat and rice are forecast to rise by 0.7 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively, during the year ahead.

Global cereal stocks are forecast to decline by 2.2 percent to 801 million tonnes, their lowest level in five years. That would bring the world stocks-to-use ratio of cereals down to 28.3 percent, a seven-year low. The new figures reflect a massive downward adjustment to maize inventories in China.

World cereal trade in 2020/21 is now forecast at 465.2 million tonnes, a hefty 5.7 percent expansion from the previous season’s record high. The raised estimates reflect large purchases of maize by China, particularly from the U.S.A. International trade in rice is anticipated to expand even more, by 7.9 percent, reflecting the strong growth of exports by India.

The new FAO forecasts incorporate the results of a review – back to 2013/14 – of the maize supply-and-demand sheet for China. The country’s unexpectedly large purchases of maize in recent weeks point to a much higher demand for feed and lower domestic supplies than earlier anticipated, which is likely linked to the swift recovery in pork production after the African Swine Fever outbreak.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/08/global-food-prices-at-its-highest-level-since-july-2014-report/

Following MTN’s donation of US$25 million towards the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, the ICT company has said that Nigeria will receive a significant volume of the seven million doses of the vaccine to be distributed to health workers across the continent.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is expected to receive the vaccine within the next three weeks. The Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the CEO-designate, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola and Chief Corporate Service Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo on Tuesday, February 2, 2020, made this announcement during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The vaccine to be distributed among health workers in the country is the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was developed in partnership with the University of Oxford and is already being administered across the United Kingdom.

The vaccine works by prompting the immune system to start making antibodies and primes it to attack the virus when injected into a patient. It has been verified to be highly effective as no one given the vaccine at the trial stage developed severe COVID symptoms afterwards or required further hospital treatment.

MTN’s partnership with the AU is in furtherance of the Y’ello Hope package launched in 2020 and driven by its GoodTogether philosophy. The donation will strengthen the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria by ensuring that frontline workers are well catered for and protected.

As the Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe OFR, said during the announcement of the Y’ello Hope package,

The threat that COVID-19 represents to Nigeria requires an unprecedented response from the public and the private sector. We must all work together to develop and deliver the solutions that will allow us to contain this threat and protect the most vulnerable in our communities across the country.”

The donation further establishes the ICT company’s position as a leader in the private sector and a key stakeholder on the African continent. With MTN leading the way, the expectation is that other corporate organisations will join the government’s effort to vaccinate the entire population across Africa.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/05/nigeria-to-receive-largest-share-of-mtn-aus-covid-19-vaccine/

Pandemic Drove Sales of 4G and 5G-Enabled PCs to New Record In 2020
Global sales of cellular-enabled mobile PCs reached more than 10 million units for the first time in 2020 as homeworkers sought improved connectivity in response to the closure of office facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the latest analysis from Strategy Analytics’ Connected Computing Devices program, global shipments increased by 70% to 10.1 million, the highest ever annual total. North America accounted for nearly half of 3G-, 4G- and 5G-enabled PC shipments, while Europe and Asia-Pacific accounted for 45%.

The report, Notebook PC Cellular Connectivity Shipment and Installed Base Forecast estimate that more than 26 million cellular-enabled PCs are now in use worldwide, an increase of 25% in twelve months.

While 4G/LTE standards dominated the market in 2020, accounting for 97% of cellular-enabled PC shipments, 5G notebook launches in 2021 are showing a greater diversity in price points, form factors, and vendor participation, and Strategy Analytics expects 5G to build its share towards 69% by 2025.

The report indicates that this growth will depend on improvements in customer education by vendors, carriers and retailers.

“What form new pricing plans take in the 5G world must be informed by a holistic view of the consumer, which devices they use where, and what they use them for,” says Chirag Upadhyay, Industry Analyst. “In the enterprise space, vendors, carriers and resellers must be able to explain how connected notebooks help save companies money in the field and help reduce security breaches compared to mobile hotspots or dongles.”

Eric Smith, Director, Connected Computing Devices, added:
“We see this is a ‘when’ problem, not an ‘if’ problem. Cellular connected notebooks will become more commonplace over the next decade but the key to when that happens lies in how industry players introduce the idea to consumers. A clear view of how users choose cellular plans is crucial for vendors, carriers, and even retailers to understand how to better educate consumer segments of more cellular-embedded options.”

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/04/pandemic-drove-sales-of-4g-and-5g-enabled-pcs-to-new-record-in-2020/

People make attempts at becoming an Instagram influencer without giving thoughts about what it really means and what role they play.
An influencer is an individual who the skills, resources and capacity to affect the way and manner in which popular culture, news, goods and services are perceived by others due to their popularity, knowledge and position with the audience.

Popular and Powerful influencers with a large following who tends to have the much need amount of followers tend to charge between 500 thousand to one million depending on the nature of what you intend to put across.

The journey to take in becoming an influencer is not as easy as it appears. Here are 5 areas you have to build in order to start your influencer Journey:
1. Content Creation:
Influencers create contents that appeal to their audience and this contents attract the kind of audience needed e.g a Fashion Influencer would attract people interested in fashion or those who want to invest in it.

2. An eye for storytelling through words and images:

Your followers follow you for a reason. They like your stories. They can relate to what you post on social media. Good writing especially in terms of captions for Instagram and tweets would go along way in building your brand.

Another time is the use of visual storytelling to drive home a point. Good quality images and memes in which your target audience can relate with.

3. Niche:
You have to know what kind of contents you like to put out there and be known for and also what interests people. Many people interested in becoming an influencer set their focus on popular areas like comedy and acting.

However, there are areas that can be explored and can easily be dominated if you have the skills and resources. Areas like food, travel, fitness can be tapped into. You can also be an influencer in the form of thought leadership in your industry especially if you are into white-collar jobs. You can write an opinion piece and talk about issues and way forward in your industry.

4. Trust and Credibility
When your content is credible then you build to build trust with your audience.
They begin to trust the content you put out there and even help share or broadcast your message and content to others.

5. Consistency:
Be consistent with your contents and you will slowly build an audience who acknowledges you as the place of reference for a particular type of information or content or resources.

Consistency does not mean posting every day but it means having a particular period you post and following this method through so as people can know when to expect new content.


These steps are going to help build you to the kind of influencers that moves people towards taking a particular action and who knows you can get brands to use you for their product placements.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/04/how-to-become-an-instagram-influencer/

The attention of Nigerian Breweries Plc has been drawn to recent publications in the media on the above subject. The Company hereby confirms that an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure on the 27th of January, 2021 gave a judgment against the Company and in favour of the Ondo State Government in respect of haulage fees assessed at N169 million.
In response to the court ruling, the Company has filed a Notice of Appeal against the said judgment as well as an application for stay of execution of the judgment pending the appeal.

The Company does not engage in haulage business and does not own or operate any haulage truck whether in Ondo State or anywhere else. Haulage fees are by law, paid by companies in the haulage business.

Independent third parties who are in the haulage business are wholly responsible for moving the Company’s products across the country and have always been responsible for the payment of haulage fees to the respective authorities.

Although the Government had initially taken a self-help approach to sealing the Depot on the 28th of January, 2021, the Government subsequently re-opened the Depot on the 2nd of February 2021 following petitions by the Company’s lawyers on the unorthodox steps initially taken to seal the Depot.

The Company is committed to seeing the matter through to its logical conclusion by the courts with a view to preserving its legal rights.

The Ondo State Government is our highly regarded stakeholder and partner in progress.

As a responsible and law-abiding corporate citizen, the Company takes the issue of compliance seriously and will continue to honour all legitimate statutory payment obligations applicable to it.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/05/n169-million-nigerian-breweries-appeals-haulage-fees-judgment-in-ondo-state/

In Marketing Communications, there always talk about plans but what is important is the act of planning. The act of planning means the creation of plans that are continuous due to the fact that situation, context, culture and consumers evolve. This concept of planning while building it around a robust strategy is important.

This concept is also applicable to public relations an aspect of marketing Communications. At the heart of corporate social responsibility or shared values are acts of kindness. This acts of kindness goes a long way in generating good publicity for brands who undertake this path.

Royal Crown Cola recently took this path by simply granting a Nigerian Soldier named Eneh Gozieboy’s wishes to cut a cake and be celebrated.

“I have waited for 26yrs of my life to cut a cake and it happened today cuz of the love my dearest country have for me and my colleagues here in battlefront.

Thanks to @rccolanigeria for locating me no matter how far it was just to celebrate me. In as much as am happy right now, am a bit sad bcuz my Queen mother is not close to celebrating with me but I know she is happy today. I really appreciate u all Nigerians. God bless Nigeria”.

This just showed how appreciation and generosity can go a long way in showing consumers that you care about what they do and it makes them feel that they actually matter. While this acts of generosity are on a small scale. A large scale version can be adopted and directed at tackling societal and cultural issues.

Designing such initiatives would help make customers develop trust and better relationship with brands and yes, most customers don’t care about brands but their attention is drawn to what brands do when it is impactful and is seen as an effort to make customers happy.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/03/how-rc-cola-generated-free-publicity-just-for-its-generosity/

1st February 2021: A new study from Juniper Research has found that biometrics will authenticate over $3 trillion of payment transactions in 2025, from just $404 billion in 2020.
The report found that biometrics, including fingerprint, iris, voice and facial recognition are becoming critical to offering compelling app experiences, as mobile payments dominate the payments landscape.

The extraordinary growth of over 650% will be fuelled by increased use of OEM Pays (such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay), for both remote and in-store payments, as these applications have already embraced biometric authentication methods.

The research recommends that all payment apps take notice of biometrics and build the most seamless user experience leveraging biometric capabilities, or risk losing out to more secure OEM Pay alternatives.

Biometric Usage Lagging Behind Hardware Adoption

The new research, Mobile Payment Security: Key Opportunities, Vendor Strategies & Market Forecasts 2021-2025, found that although biometric capabilities will reach 95% of smartphones globally by 2025, only 35% of these smartphones will be used for making biometric payments in eCommerce in the same year.

The research identified that stored card-on-file payments without biometric security remain common in eCommerce and that it will require significant efforts by stakeholders to transition spend to biometrically-secured methods.

Research co-author Susan Morrow explains:
‘While biometrics is now an established part of the ecosystem, payments and eCommerce apps have not kept pace with the rate of innovation. Merchants must adopt biometric capabilities rapidly and educate users to best secure the increasingly massive eCommerce market.’

Contactless Payments Driving Biometrics Use, but Card a Limiting Factor
The research also found that contactless mobile payments are a major driver of increased biometrics use, with the number of contactless mobile transactions secured by biometrics increasing by over 520% between 2020 and 2025.

The research identified contactless cards as the main threat to this, as they do not require the extra verification step, meaning that payment vendors need to incentivise wallet use to drive greater adoption of biometrics.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector; providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/01/biometrics-to-secure-over-3tn-in-mobile-payments-by-2025-driven-by-shift-to-app-based-mcommerce/

Zenith Bank Plc has again emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2021. For the fourth consecutive year, Zenith Bank has been ranked as the number one banking brand in Nigeria with a brand value of $275 million, moving up two places from 392 in 2020 to 390 in the 2021 global ranking of banks.
Notably, Zenith Bank is the only Nigerian bank among the first 400 banks in the global ranking.

The ranking was published in the February 2021 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group in conjunction with London-based Brand Finance. According to the publication, brand value is the licensing rate that a third-party would need to pay to use the bank’s brand.

Commenting on the latest ranking, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu said that:
“This ranking is a further affirmation of the bank’s resilience given the very challenging macroeconomic environment brought about by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic”.

He added that “Zenith Bank remains committed to sustaining the superior performance which has earned it this recognition as Nigeria’s Most Valuable Banking Brand, thus building on the legacy of its visionary Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, whose pioneering and foundational role in building the structures and laying the foundation ensured an enduring and very successful institution.

Zenith Bank places a premium on its core business strategy anchored on People, Technology and Service, to create value for its numerous clienteles. With a team of dedicated professionals, the bank leverages its robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to provide cutting-edge solutions and products through its network of branches and electronic/digital channels.

Zenith Bank’s emergence as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria is coming on the heels of several awards and recognitions in 2020 for its track record of excellent performance.

Zenith Bank was voted as Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020 and Best Corporate Governance ‘Financial Services’ Africa 2020 by the Ethical Boardroom.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine “Top 500 Banking Brands 2020” and Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2020 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine.

Similarly, the bank was recognized as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Retail Bank of the year at the 2020 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards, and Best Company in Promotion of Good Health and Well-Being as well as Best Company in Promotion of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2020.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/01/zenith-bank-emerges-nigerias-most-valuable-banking-brand/

British American Tobacco (BAT) is proud to announce that it has been named as a Global Top Employer for the fourth year running by the Top Employers Institute.
BAT is just one of 16 companies to receive Global Top Employer status for 2021, which is based on an extensive review of employer practices across nine broad topics: Talent Strategy; Performance Management; Learning & Development; Leadership Development; Career & Succession Management; Workforce planning; On-boarding; Culture; and Compensation and Benefit.

The award follows BAT being certified as a Top Employer for 2021 in 34 countries across five regions: Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East, and recognises the company’s commitment to attracting the best talent, investing in its people and being a great place to work.

Hae In Kim, Director, Talent, Culture and Inclusion at BAT, comments:
“Receiving Global Top Employer certification for the fourth-year running is a fantastic achievement as it acknowledges our commitment to creating an inclusive and innovative working environment that our employees enjoy being a part of.

“Our employees are our most important asset, and we are particularly proud of the resilience and determination they have displayed during the pandemic. Without doubt, they are a key driver in our continued strong performance as we transform our business and build A Better Tomorrow for all our stakeholders.”

BAT is committed to its purpose to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of its business through providing a range of enjoyable and less risky products.

Fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to develop and grow in a diverse and inclusive environment has always been important to BAT and is playing an important role in accelerating this transformation.

BAT has been certified as a Top Employer in various regions around the world since 2009 and the ongoing recognition reflects its continued efforts to develop and foster the potential of its 53,000 employees around the world.

David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, says:

“Despite the challenging year we have experienced, which has certainly made an impact on organisations around the globe, our regional Top Employers have continued to demonstrate the power of putting their people first in the workplace. As a global Top Employer, BAT has shown its dedication to its employees on an international level across numerous countries and we congratulate them for their global certification.”

The Top Employer certification process is conducted annually by the Top Employers Institute, an independent organisation that studies the employee offerings of major employers around the world.

Certification recognises employers that provide best-in-class employment practices that allow employees to develop themselves personally and professionally, while driving business results.

Participating companies undergo a very rigorous assessment process which includes an extensive review of employer practices across nine broad topics. Several validation sessions are held where evidence of these practices is provided, and an independent audit of the findings is also carried out.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/30/bat-recognised-as-global-top-employer-for-4th-consecutive-year/

In the just concluded week, Naira appreciated against the USD at the Investors and Exporters window as the exchange rate moderated by 0.01% to settle at N394.13/USD amid CBN redemption of USD500 billion Eurobond which matured in the course of the week.
Nevertheless, Naira weakened against the USD at the Bureau De Change and parallel (‘black’) market by 0.21% and 1.05% to close at N473.00/USD and N480.00/USD. Notably, NGN/USD closed flat at N380.69/USD at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market amid weekly injections of USD210 million by CBN into the forex market: USD100 million was allocated to Wholesale Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS), USD55 million was allocated to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and USD55 million was sold for
Invisibles.

Elsewhere, the Naira/USD exchange rate rose for all the foreign exchange forward contracts: 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months rates rose by 0.40%, 0.53%, 0.44%, 0.60% and 0.31% respectively to close at N399.85/USD, N403.82/USD, N407.41/USD, N418.73/USD and N436.65/USD respectively.

Meanwhile, the spot rate remains flattish at N379.00/USD.

In the new week, we expect Naira/USD to further stabilize at the I&E FX Window as the price of Nigeria’s crude oil variant Bonny light stays above USD50 per barrel level.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/30/naira-strenghtens-against-the-usd-at-investors-and-exporters-window/

The Government of Ogun State and Fan Milk Plc (Danone) officially sealed partnership agreement on Dairy Value Chain activities in Ogun State, at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony held at the Governor’s Office Oke-Mosan, on Thursday, 28th January 2021 and subsequent groundbreaking (foundation laying ceremony) at Odeda Farm Institute, the site of the proposed Fan Milk & Danone Model Dairy Farm & Dairy Training Institute where construction work is already ongoing.

The partnership agreement is a significant step in actualizing the Backward Integration Plan (BIP) of Fan Milk Plc (Danone), which aims to improve the local farmer and community participation in dairy farming, with a target production of 1.4million litres of milk in the next 24 months.
The Project, among other things, involves the establishment of a Model Dairy Farm and Dairy Training Institute at Odeda Farm Institute, Odeda LGA, Ogun State.

Speaking, His Excellency, Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun, MFR, acknowledged the contribution of Fan Milk Plc to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, while expressing his firm belief in the impacts the project would have on the overall well-being of the people of Ogun State.
The Fan Milk/Danone Backward Integration Plan aligns with the Ogun State Agricultural Agenda of Support to Smallholder farming and Linkage to Industrial Process, Job Creation, Agricultural Industrialization, Food and Nutrition, Support to Private Sector, Food Security and a strong resolve to connect all Agencies and Multi-National/International Development Partners, who have the mandate to support Agriculture and Value Chain Actors.

Dignitaries at the event included the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jerome Pasqueir; Consul General of France Lagos, Mrs Laurence Monmayrant, Regional Agricultural Counsellor, Dr. Sonia Darracq; Economic Counsellor, Mr Pascal Furth; Chairman of Fan Milk, Olayinka Akinkugbe; Managing Director of Fan Milk; Ferdinand Moukwa, Company Secretary and Legal Adviser of Fan Milk, Mr Olakunle Olusanya; Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; Chief of Staff to the Govenor, Alhaji Shuaib Afolabi Salisu;
Commissioner for Finance/Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr Dapo Okubadejo; Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mrs Kikelomo Longe; Ogun Agric team, led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina; comprised of the Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Adelaja Kuye and Hon. Tolu Bankole; Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke; Director of Administration, Director of Agricultural Services; Programme Manager, Ogun State Cassava Revolution Programme; Programme Manager, Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme, and the Principal of Odeda Farm Institute, Ogun State.

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/29/ogun-state-and-fan-milk-plc-seal-partnership-deal-on-dairy-value-chain-opportunities-photos/

More Pictures...

Eko Atlantic City, officially known as Nigeria International Commerce city, is located in Lagos, one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world. This cutting edge coastal city is being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic ocean and is designed to help stop the erosion of the Lagos City coastline.
The land being reclaimed was lost to the surge of the sea which started around 1912. In 1905, the authorities saw that the commodore channel was too shallow resulting in a tedious process of delivering cargo to the Lagos port.

The larger vessels anchored at about 3km offshore where they were met by smaller vessels who delivered the cargo to the port. This affected trade and economic growth. It was therefore decided that a channel would be created to allow larger vessels to enter the port.

The construction of the East and West Moore started, and it was completed in 1912. These structures worked effectively to protect the channel and trap sand.

However, the structures also led to interruptions in the littoral drift which allows for transportation of materials, like sand, from coast to coast. It resulted in large sand deposits in some areas like Victoria Island and the complete erosion of land in other areas like the Bar beach.

By 2005, the Bar beach was lost, leaving Victoria Island exposed to heavy ocean surge. The Island( which is a key financial centre in Lagos), and consequently other densely populated areas of Lagos, were in danger of being lost to the sea. To prevent this imminent ecological disaster, the Eko Atlantic City project was born.

The project started in 2003 and is being carried out as a public-private partnership with the Lagos State Government (backed by the Federal government) acting as a strategic partner while the private companies and investors, both local and international, are involved in the designing, building and funding.

There are several features that make the Eko Atlantic city appealing for accommodation, business and tourism. This article will take a look at them.

ADVANCED INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES
There is an impressive well-planned road network with fifteen bridges in place, a 1,500m long 8-lane boulevard and tree-lined streets. Plans have been made for a tree nursery with a capacity to produce a minimum of 250, 000 trees. Walkways are also being constructed with extensions overhead to provide shelter from rain and sun.

The city would have an independent clean and treated water supply that meets the WHO standard. Considering the challenges of flooding in Lagos, the developers have also designed proper drainage and waste system.

A canal system would run through the middle of Eko Atlantic City and receive all the stormwater flowing from the street into an underground drainage network. The technology used in designing the drainage network in the city follows best practices used worldwide.

STATE OF THE ART UTILITIES
The city will have its own power generating plant that will provide 24/7 electricity. The Eko energy plant will serve the oil and gas sector and adequate power will be produced at a reasonable price. Eko Atlantic City will not operate on the national grid.

The concept of a smart city is reinforced by the proposed city-wide fibre optic communications network. There is a possibility of a tech village in the city and services such as IT services will be made accessible.

The city also has plans for first-class schools (from nursery classes to university standard) and libraries, global standard health facilities, shopping and recreational centres in close proximity with the residents. One of the largest shopping malls in sub-Saharan is deliberately located at the northern boundary of the city and will act as an entertainment centre.

EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Eko Atlantic City is described as a city of the future and so the earlier plans for light railway have been jettisoned for the more future-oriented electronic powered buses. There are plans to erect a central bus station where buses come every night and are recharged.

The developers describe this as the future of mass transportation worldwide. The city also plans to take advantage of the Lagos State water transportation scheme. The intention is to use water taxis on the corridor as this mode of transportation is a lot faster than the road.

SECURE ENVIRONMENT
Security cameras would be connected to the fibre optic network. The mobile patrol connected to the main control centre would also be used within the city and at the six main entrance into the city.

The concept of the Eko Atlantic is a mixed fuse combining residential and business buildings, and the developers have noted that a district with round the clock activities will put a check on security issues.

STANDARD PLANNING REGULATION
The prices of plots of land differ based on district. For developers interested in land, they would be given a proposal based on their plans. International regulations would be complied with, having studied international cities like New York and London.

The contractors are rigid on planning regulations, not trying to debar people from achieving their plans but to keep to the master plan and build a city of recognized international standard.

Adequate car parking facilities for both tenants and tourists would also be provided with basement parking facilities. The land developers would have to ensure the parking lot has the capacity to fit the tenants and the visitors anticipated for the building.

The city is specifically planned for medium to high-density development. The cost of building in the city is cheaper than in Banana island or Victorian Island.

In addition to the above, Eko Atlantic City is protected by a coastal revetment known as the great wall of Lagos, a planned 8.5km long barrier made from rocks and concrete accropodes, it will act as a protection for the coastline and solve the problem of erosion.

The emblem of Eko Atlantic City will be put out for competition of architecture engineers. Just like the Eiffel Tower represents Paris, this proposed emblem would represent the Eko Atlantic City anywhere in the world.

Eko Atlantic City is geared to be the new financial hub in West Africa and the entire Sub-Saharan African region, with a dedicated and conducive business district and offers businesses the advantages of operating in a designated free zone.

The city is open to all major cooperations to come in and develop their headquarters. This environment will be economically driven. The Eko Atlantic City is benefiting Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. Effort is being made to encourage local companies as raw materials used for the project like the cement, sand, and labour are largely local.

Upon completion, the Eko Atlantic City is anticipating a population of 300,000 permanent residents and 200,000 commuters. Standing on 10 million square metres of land reclaimed from the Atlantic ocean and with a modern and efficient master-plan, this city of the future will satisfy the residential, tourism, commercial and financial needs of people.


SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/29/the-eko-atlantic-city-all-you-need-to-know/