₦airaland Forum

The Presidency has said there is no truth in reports that the Federal Government is considering shifting the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari for the second term from May 29 to June 12.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made the clarification in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday.

Media reports last week claimed Buhari would be inaugurated on June 12, the day the government has declared as the country’s new Democracy Day.

But Shehu told our correspondent that the President’s first term would expire on May 29, 2019, having been inaugurated on May 29, 2015.

He said those who were behind the reports were only attempting to cause confusion in the polity.

The presidential spokesman promised that the Presidency would soon issue a statement on the matter.

He said, “There is no truth in that report. As a matter of fact, we will soon issue a statement on it to clear the air.

“The President was inaugurated for his first term in office on May 29, 2015. He ceases to be President on May 29, 2019, if he is not inaugurated for his second term on that day.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no plan to shift the President’s inauguration to June 12. The inauguration will hold on May 29. Those claiming that the inauguration will be shifted to June 12 are only trying to cause confusion in the polity. It is not true.”

Buhari had last year changed the nation’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 of every year.

A bill he sent to the National Assembly to amend the nation’s Public Holidays Act had since been passed into law.

The declaration was part of the decision taken to honour the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

The President had also at the time honoured Abiola with the highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, posthumously.

He also honoured Abiola’s running mate in the election, Babagana Kingibe, with the second highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of Niger.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/13/buharis-inauguration-still-holds-may-29-not-june-12-presidency-claims/

Bariga Waterfront Jetty an initiative of the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to further scale up the integrated transportation system of the State Govt. aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity within the state will be commissioned on Tuesday, May 14th, 2019.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/13/pictures-newly-built-bariga-waterfront-jetty-ilaje-road-ready-for-commissioning-by-governor-ambode/

The Federal Government will welcome collaboration with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in key aspects of improving the economy including the Ease of Doing Business, the privatization of public enterprises, amongst others, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in Abuja today when a delegation from the Nigerian Stock Exchange led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar Onyeama, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.

The Vice President said the proposed NSE collaboration with the Federal Government important programmes of the Buhari administration would enhance service delivery and improve transparency in public governance.

According to him, “The collaboration with the Federal Government in the Ease of Doing Business, government’s privatization programme and even in the innovation hubs programme is a good thing, and I think it will be very helpful.

“The NSE’s participation and collaboration in our Quarterly Business Forum and the competitiveness council will also be very useful. So, generally, I think collaborating with the NSE in different initiatives is a good idea.”

Speaking further on the benefits derivable from such collaboration, the Vice President said, “the participation of the NSE will bring about more transparency and credibility in the sale of public enterprises, and we will look into that aspect”.

Prof. Osinbajo said the Federal Government would make efforts to further improve the ease of doing the business environment and also key into any initiative that promotes innovation and creativity.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar Onyeama briefed the Vice President on the proposed collaboration with the Federal Government in the operationalization of the Exchange’s innovation hub and other initiatives of the Federal Government, to which the NSE is willing to support.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/12/fg-nse-collaboration-useful-says-vp-osinbajo/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday assured the federal government was determined to tackle the problem of youth unemployment in the country through education.

The president who spoke at the 13th convocation ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State said his government would achieve this through steady funding of education, which he identified as the bedrock of the socio-economic development of society.

Buhari who is the institution’s visitor spoke through the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, at the event during the conferment of the award of postgraduate and honorary degrees to beneficiaries.

The President said the federal government would remain undaunted in tackling youth unemployment, assuring that he would give maximum attention to education. He said, “Let me at this point restate the conviction of the federal government that education is the bedrock of the socio-economic development of society. Consequently, within the limits of available resources, this government will continue to give primacy of place to education.

“The federal government will remain undaunted in tackling the challenge of youth unemployment and underemployment through a matrix of initiatives: N-power, the Bank of Industry ‘s Youth Entrepreneurship Support  (YES) Programmes and the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Africa Support Schemes. Please explore such opportunities.

“As part of its continuing efforts to stave off the menace of youth employment, the government has put in place a number of initiatives to boost the employability of graduands of our tertiary institutions, either as employees or in self-employment.

“These initiatives include, but not limited to, the Energising Education Programme,  through the Rural Electricity Agency, the intent of which is, inter alia,  to provide captive power plants for selected tertiary institutions, thus providing them with much needed uninterrupted power supply;  and the Skill G project by TETFund which provides computers, laboratory equipment and other learning resources to tertiary institutions.

“I congratulate Nnamdi Azikiwe University for being a beneficiary of these two landmark projects, which it attracted through its commendable track record in infrastructural development.”

In his address, the Chancellor of the University and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang  Buba charged the graduands to make the difference for good in any endeavour and communities they found themselves in having been equipped with knowledge, skills and values.

Commending Vice Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ahaneku whose five-year tenure would end next month, the Chancellor said, “Your administration has moved the university tremendously forward in all facets of the university: academic, infrastructural and administration.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ahaneku who reeled out his achievement which elicited applause from the people thanked the federal government for the opportunity given him to serve.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Sir Emeka Offor of Chrome Group of companies and Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, presidential running mate to Chief MKO Abiola in the 1991 election were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/11/fg-will-use-education-to-tackle-unemployment-president-buhari-assures/

China would invest $250 million on a dry port in Ibadan that will decongest the ports in Lagos and speed up clearance of goods by the Customs Service.

The Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), Mr Fenjian Chen, said on Friday when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari.

Chen, who led a high-powered Chinese team to meet with the President, said CRCC is an international company operating in 124 countries, with 18,000 local employees in Nigeria.

According to him, part of projects CRCC includes railway, dry port, free trade zone, and building of highways, adding that about 40,000 more jobs are to be created from these.

He commended President Buhari for the war against corruption and insecurity, expressing confidence that Nigeria would soon become a much better country.

Earlier, President Buhari expressed appreciation to China for what he described as its “genuine efforts to improve Nigeria’s infrastructural development.

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Femi Adesina, the president that Nigeria’s infrastructure had depreciated and deteriorated over the years, affecting the standard of living, and leading to loss of lives through avoidable accidents.

“We are very grateful to China for the effort to rebuild our infrastructure, and for bringing technical expertise to the country.

“We will give the required support and cooperation, so that our old, out of date, and collapsed infrastructure might be turned around.’’

He promised to personally pay attention to the many projects being undertaken in the country, for the good of Nigerian people.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/11/crcc-to-decongest-lagos-ports-with-250-million-dry-port-in-ibadan/

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Thursday, released its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019, showing impressive revenues in service delivery, voice, data, fintech, including earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).

The results also contributed to an increase in its subscriber number by 2.1 million, thus bringing the total number of subscribers on its network to 60.3 million as of March 31, 2019.

In a statement signed by its Senior Manager, Investor Relations, Chima Nwaokoma, and its Senior Manager, External Relations, Funso Aina, the telecoms company attributed the increase in revenues to the IFRS 16 accounting standards it adopted in 2019, in line with global best practice and adjustments.

The telecoms company, however, said it had a shortfall in its digital revenue, which decreased by 68 per cent.

According to the statement, the unaudited Q1 results showed that service revenue increased by 13.4 per cent; voice revenue increased by 12.7 per cent; data revenue increased by 32.4 per cent; digital revenue decreased by 68.0 per cent; revenue increased by 22.9 per cent; EBITDA margin increased by 11.5pp to 53.3 per cent; while Mobile subscribers increased by 2.1 million to 60.3 million.

Commenting on the results, CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr Ferdi Moolman, said: “Our first quarter performance was in line with expectations, as service revenue remained resilient with double-digit growth on the back of improvements in voice and data revenues. We connected a further 2.1 million people to our network, providing them access to worldwide communication services, while an additional 1.7 million people are able to access the possibilities that the internet provides.

“This growth is built on our focus on customer-centric delivery and in particular on improved customer retention, our continuous focus on value for money propositions and further network roll-out and enhancement.”

According to Moolman, Q1 2019 saw a significant increase in the telecom company’s capital expenditure programme, with focus on Long Term Evolution (LTE) services, where the company rolled out 1,188 sites across its key focus cities. In addition, the successful transfer of our 800MHz spectrum from Visafone to MTN Nigeria will further enable improvements to network coverage and service quality.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/10/mtn-releases-q1-results-as-subscribers-reaches-60-3-million/

The payment of N 2.5 billion to Pinnacle Communications Limited by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) did not violate any provision of the Federal Government’s 2012 White Paper on Implementation of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.

An Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigator, Charles Adama, admitted this on Thursday while testifying before the Federal High Court hearing the matter in Abuja.

The investigator, who had earlier maintained that the payment of N2.5billion seed grant to Pinnacle Communications Limited by NBC was contrary to the recommendations of the White Paper, could not cite the particular section violated when asked to point it out from a copy of the White Paper given to him during cross-examination.

Adama also disclosed that, although the ICPC normally acts on petitions received,  there was no petition against Pinnacle Communications Limited and neither has the Presidency, which approved funding for the DSO project, lodged any complaints about the company, but he said there was a petition against ITS, the government-licensed signal distributor for DSO that was paid N1.77 billion.

 ICPC investigator revealed that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, did not make a written statement on the matter when ICPC investigators visited him for questioning, saying he needed clearance from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Adama further told the court that the Minister had still not made a written statement and had not withdrawn his approval of the payment to Pinnacle Communications Limited.

The ICPC investigator claimed he did not know that the National Launch of the DSO was performed by  Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari on the site of the Pinnacle Broadcast Centre on Mpape Hill, Abuja in December 2016, months before the payment made to Pinnacle Communications Limited because they did not visit the site or the Kaduna Broadcast Centre during investigations.

He said he was aware that Pinnacle Communications Limited paid over N600 million for the signal distributor licence in 2014 but did not know that it subsequently took NBC to court for breach of the licence agreement which was withdrawn following negotiations initiated by the Buhari administration in 2016 to resume DSO implementation.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/10/digital-switch-over-payment-of-n2-5bn-to-pinnacle-didnt-violate-fg-white-paper-icpc-investigator/

Everybody knows Nigerians love their football, and at any given time, we are either playing it, watching it, talking about it or in clothes that connote our support for one team or the other. Lots of memories have been built over these games, as well as folklore that has been passed down from generations to generations, even if they never happened.

The true beauty of the game is the emotions it evokes, the loyalty it breeds, and the entertainment it provides. The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious competition in European football and beyond just the viewership numbers, fans are constantly reminded through matches like Tottenham’s 7-goal quarterfinal thriller against English rivals, Manchester City, and Barca’s 3-goal brilliance against Liverpool why they love the beautiful game and the UCL.

Heineken, who has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with UEFA for more than 20 years have selected fans who they have given the unique opportunity to watch the UCL Semi-Final live in Liverpool. The game which was the 8th time Liverpool FC faced FC Barcelona, was a must-see for football fans world over, as Liverpool repeated A.S. Roma’s showing in the 2017/2018 Champions League season where they overturned a 3-goal advantage to see Barca off at the quarterfinals.

The fans being sponsored by Heineken enjoyed a complete UCL cracker as the semi-final game had a lot of high points — from witnessing an attempt by the Reds to repeat that night in Istanbul, to just watching Lionel Messi play. It was also interesting to see how Liverpool fans reacted to having their former players Luiz Suarez and Philippe Coutinho back at Anfield.

Beyond the euphoria of the game, the lucky fans had the opportunity to visit Manchester United’s Theatre of Dreams for a stadium tour and other important sites while on the trip. They also got the chance to join other English fans who cheered Tottenham Hotspur as they worked hard to secure their first UCL final spot when they face Ajax in Amsterdam.

For the first time in a long while, England had all four representatives in the quarterfinals and are now left with two in the semis, both with an uphill task of getting to the final.

Heineken Brand Manager, Olaoluwa Babalola has described the trip as an amazing opportunity saying –

“We are taking these fans to witness the UCL in England at a time when fans everywhere will be ecstatic and in full support of their teams. We know how special football is to Nigerians and we are using one of the biggest platforms to show that we share that special love”

After Liverpool faced Barcelona on Tuesday, Ajax will welcome Spurs to Amsterdam with their 1-away goal advantage, hoping for another win or at least a draw, which will see them through to the finals for the 7th time. On the other hand, Tottenham will hope to imitate Ajax who has beaten huge odds by knocking out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus and current UCL champions Real Madrid.

Heineken is recognized for developing interactive and innovative campaigns and breaking new ground in its approach to marketing. These innovative strategies not only create revolutionary experiences but also deepen connections with consumers.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/09/unmissable-heineken-thrills-consumers-with-an-all-expense-paid-trip-to-the-ucl-semi-finals/

Online marketplaces such as Jumia, Uber and Travelstart could create 3 million new jobs in Africa by 2025 according to a report by the Boston Consulting Group, in which e-commerce firm made some significant contributions to the report, and has already created 5,000 direct jobs on the continent.

According to the World Bank, unemployed youths in Africa account for about 60% of the continent’s unemployed workforce. With a growing population of 1.3 billion people whose average age is 20 years and a snowballing middle class expected to reach 1.1 billion out of the 2.5 billion Africans by 2050, there’s no doubt about the importance of creating more jobs on the continent.

A new report released recently by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), dubbed “How Online Marketplaces Can Power Employment in Africa”, shows that online digital platforms, such as Jumia, which match buyers and providers of goods and services, could create about three million new jobs in Africa by 2025. These online marketplaces could also boost inclusive economic growth with minimal disruption to existing businesses and workforce norms, according to the report.

The report stated that platforms such as Jumia, Konga.com, and Takealot.com can serve as both B2C and B2B marketplaces. ­Classified-ad sites OLX and Avito are C2C platforms. South Africa’s Thundafund, a crowdfunding platform for entrepreneurs, is an example of a C2B marketplace.

In addition to job creation, online marketplaces contribute to skills development programs and are encouraging entrepreneurship. “We have observed that many Jumia alumni have started their own startup companies. We very much believe that we can all benefit from a strong ecosystem of startups in every country and we are proud to bring our contribution to the development of this ecosystem through our training,” noted Juliet Anammah, CEO Jumia Nigeria.

Of the 420 million Africans aged 15 through 35 years, one-third were unemployed as of 2015 according to estimates by the African Development Bank. Around 58% of the total job gains generated by online marketplaces will be created in the consumer goods sector, while the mobility services will generate 18% and the travel and hospitality sector 9%, the report states.

“We are very excited about our impact on job creation in Nigeria. As we continue to grow the number of our sellers and customers, we will simultaneously need more talents on board to help us deliver on the company’s objectives,” said Tolulope George-Yanwah, Country Manager, Jumia Services.

Jumia’s impact on job creation already includes 5,000 direct jobs across the 14 African countries it operates in, and indirect job creations with sellers, logistic partners, commercial agents, marketing partners. The study highlights the example of two Jumia sellers in Nairobi, Kenya, who have been able to create new jobs and increase their sales and revenues significantly.

The study finally highlights other positive economic impacts of online marketplaces in Africa: multiplying vendors’ income through increased demand for goods and services in locations currently beyond the reach of conventional retail networks, as well as bringing more women and youth – who in some countries have been excluded from the labor market – into the formal workforce.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/08/jumia-uber-travelstart-others-to-create-3-million-new-jobs-by-2025-report-claims/

The Chinese smartphone giant OPPO Mobile finally made its debut in Nigeria last week. Expected to closely compete with Xiaomi and other popular Asian brands, OPPO unveiled several of its most successful recent releases. Find out more about the event and the new OPPO smartphones available in Nigeria right now!

Even though OPPO Mobile phones haven’t been officially made available in Nigeria until last week, it is very unlikely that you have never heard about this brand before. OPPO is known for producing cutting-edge smartphones with numerous advanced features.

Currently, there are 6 series of OPPO smartphones being produced and distributed around the world. While a typical OPPO phone is slightly more expensive than the phones you’re used to seeing in the local market, like Tecno and Infinix, owners of OPPO Mobile creations say their phones are worth every naira.

The event where OPPO Mobile was finally officially launched in Nigeria took place on April 26 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. The presentation was headed by the top officials of OPPO Mobile Nigeria, as well as several representatives of the global office of OPPO Mobile.

During the event, the speakers once again reminded the audience what OPPO is known for, which is innovation and striving to be the first one to include lots of important features in the smartphone industry. Some of the recent innovations unveiled by OPPO Mobile are 5G technology and the Internet of Things, which is why the launch of the brand’s smartphones in the Nigerian market means more Nigerians will get access to these groundbreaking technologies.

The OPPO Mobile event was intended not only to present the new brand to the Nigerian audience but also to unveil two of OPPO’s 2019 flagship devices. The two new phones shown by OPPO are OPPO F11 Pro Avengers limited edition.

The OPPO F11 Pro was described by the event speakers as an impressive camera phone, but while this device truly shoots fantastic photos in any lighting, it also has much more to offer to its buyers.

Here are the most essential specs of the OPPO F11 Pro:

*Display size: 6.53 inches
*Display resolution: 1080×2340 pixels
*Build: plastic with glass front
*Colours: Thunder Black and Aurora Green
*Chipset: Octa-Core MediaTek Helio P70
*RAM: 4GB/6GBInternal memory: 64GB/128GB
*OS: Android 9.0 Pie
*Main camera: 48MP + 5MP with LED flash
*Front camera: 18MP
*Battery: 4000mAh with fast charging

The dual main camera setup has been widely praised by amateur and professional photographers – it is able to shoot portraits as good as an average DSLR camera. Other specs of the OPPO F11 Pro are equally impressive and the phone is guaranteed to win the hearts of Nigerian buyers.

Timed with the release of the final chapter of the Avengers, the OPPO F11 Pro Avengers limited edition device is the ideal way for the fans to become one step closer to their favourite franchise. On the inside, the phone is identical to the main version of the OPPO F11 Pro. On the outside, however, the device is packed with the Avengers symbols and offers a range of Avengers accessories for further styling your device.

The two devices are already available in select Nigerian stores. The original OPPO F11 Pro smartphone will cost you around ₦139,000, while the Avengers edition is slightly more expensive and retails for about ₦149,000.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/07/oppo-mobile-officially-launches-in-nigeria/

Congratulatory messages are in order for MTV Base VJ, Nenny B, as she won the award for ‘TV Personality of the Year’ at the recently concluded Nigeria Hype Awards. The award ceremony that took place at Jevinik Place, Ikeja GRA, was hosted by Henry Emeka. Nenny was part of a winner’s list that included Nkechi Blessing Sunday, CDQ, Efa Iwara, Small Doctor, Zlatan Ibile, T Classic, Zainab Balogun, Olumide Oworu and many others.

Born Nnenna Egwuekwe, Nenny B captivated many Nigerians during her time as OAP on HotFM Nigeria’sTraffic Drivetime Show. Not a newbie to the world of television, Nenny proved that she knows her onions as a presenter for major television shows like ‘My Big Nigerian Wedding’ and ‘La Belle Africa’.

Here’s what Nenny had to say about her win:

“Working on television has always been a dream of mine. Being able to live out my dream is still surreal to me, so to be recognized for living my dream is truly a blessing I do not take for granted. I would like to thank my MTV Base family at Viacom International Media Networks Africa for being my wings and my heart. I am truly grateful for all the support and love.”

Nenny has been recognized repeatedly for her impressive work a plethora of times. She has won the “Best Female On-Air Personality” award at the Peace Achievers Awards. She has also been nominated for the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award as the ‘Sexiest Female On-Air Personality’ as well as ‘Best Radio Show’. Nenny now works as a VJ with MTV Base where she hosts a number of shows such as Celeb Living amongst others.

Catch Nenny B in action as she presents Word On The Street and Event Specials on MTV Base Channel 322 (DSTV) and Channel 72 (GOTV).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/07/mtv-base-vj-nenny-b-bags-award-for-tv-personality-of-the-year-at-nigeria-hype-awards/

The Federal High Court (presided over by the Honourable Justice Aneke), has delivered its ruling, rejecting the Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the AGF in response to MTN’s lawsuit. The substantive case is now scheduled to be heard on June 26.

MTN took legal action after receiving a demand notice from the AGF alleging unpaid duties and taxes between 2007 and 2017. Their suit challenges the authority of the AGF to deal with issues around tax and customs duties. According to the law, oversight for this is the responsibility of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

The court heard arguments on the AGF’s preliminary objection on March 26, 2019. At the time, the AGF requested that MTN’s suit be dismissed because it was not filed within the appropriate timeframe, which the AGF asserted was within three months of receipt of the initial request for a self-assessment. Having considered the matter, the judge determined that MTN’s suit was not statute-barred, as the company was only required to file its case within 3 months of receipt of the actual demand notice, which it did.

It is important to note that even if the court ultimately rules that the AGF is within its rights to assess taxes and duties, it does not imply that the assessment that has been made is legitimate.

MTN maintains that it is fully compliant with Nigerian tax laws. The company remains committed to meeting its fiscal responsibilities and contributing to the social and economic development of Nigeria.

Since incorporation in 2001, MTN has invested more than NGN2 trillion into the Nigerian economy and has paid more than NGN 1.7 trillion in taxes, levies and other regulatory fees.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/07/court-rejects-agf-objection-in-mtn-case/

More pictures...

The all-new Honda HR-V assembled in Nigeria at the Honda Assembly plant in Lagos has been presented to the Federal Government regulatory agency for the automotive industry, the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC.

The new vehicle was brought from Lagos to Abuja by the Managing Director of Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited, Mr. Akihiro Daido accompanied by the Marketing and Sales Manager, Mr Remi Adams and other senior officers of the company.

On hand to receive this latest Nigerian auto product were the Board Chairman of NADDC, Senator (Chief) Osita Izunaso, NADDC Director General, Mr. Jelani Aliyu and the entire Management team of NADDC as well as an array of journalists with their cameramen from radio, television, newspapers and online publications.
The new bride, Honda HR-V was welcomed ceremoniously at the Abuja City Gate and led through the city in a carnival-like motorcade to the NADDC Headquarters in Gudu District.

Mr. Remi Adams of Honda Automobile W.A. briefed the NADDC top-shots and the mass media extensively on the special features and modern technology embedded in the all-new HR-V which comes with a 1.8-litre engine.

NADDC Board Chairman, Senator Osita Izunaso drove the car around the Council’s premises while Mr Jelani Aliyu inspected its special features.

Chief Izunaso remarked, “I have driven it around, all I can say is that it is a very good one, it is luxurious. It has some distinctive features which similar vehicles in its class do not have. It is a way of making available to the middle class some of the super luxuries that the big boys enjoy in the big SUVs. However, Honda needs to combine luxury with affordability. If it is good and it is affordable, then it is truly good.”

In his comments, Mr. Jelani Aliyu said,“This is Honda itself in Nigeria producing for Nigeria. We are happy Honda is producing in Nigeria a new vehicle, the same class you can find in Japan or elsewhere in the world.”

“We are excited because this is a great milestone not just for Honda but for the entire automotive industry in Nigeria for some reasons: it is good for this environment with higher ground clearance, it has good features, it is a vehicle that is right for Nigeria at an affordable price and it coincides with the time NADDC is getting ready to roll out a vehicle finance scheme at a single digit interest rate.”

“The only way we can provide jobs for our teeming citizens is by boosting industries and supporting those local and international investors coming into Nigeria to produce.” He remarked.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/honda-presents-the-all-new-honda-hr-v-assembled-in-nigeria-to-naddc-photos/

Our latest look at the three stock markets we track in sub-Saharan Africa shows that the JSE (Jo’burg all-share) has raced ahead of both Nairobi (NSE20) and the NSEASI, having posted double-digit growth ytd since mid-April. Jo’burg has been a beneficiary of the signals that the normalization of US monetary policy has stalled.

Emerging markets have seen a turnaround in foreign portfolio investor (FPI) sentiment. In contrast, daily turnover on the two frontier exchanges has disappointed, averaging US$9.4m in Lagos and US$6.2m in Nairobi this year.

The relief rally on the Lagos exchange after the elections in February and March was negligible, perhaps because the outcome was widely anticipated. In South Africa, legislative elections are due this Wednesday, and the market has taken little notice. There is little doubt that the African National Congress (ANC) will be re-elected under the reform-minded Ramaphosa presidency: debate centres on a possible decline in the ANC’s share of the vote.We struggle to identify a trigger to boost the Lagos market. The Q1 2019 reporting season was underwhelming with a few exceptions. Nor has the recovery of the crude oil price helped despite the established linkages between the price and the non-oil economy. We would welcome signs that the banks are achieving the loan book growth of around 10% for the year, which has been their guidance. Sizeable new listings could also energize FPIs.

Performance of three SSA stock market indices (% change ytd, local currency units)

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/the-jse-accelerates-past-lagos-and-nairobi/

As part of its Education Revitalization Programme, the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative(PCNI) has presented Educational and Instructional materials to about 67,500 pupils /students and 6,750 teachers in schools across the states in the North East.

It was revealed that in Bauchi state alone, about 7,500 pupils /students and 750 teachers were to benefit from the programme aimed at supporting learning and teaching in the state.
The chairperson, Education Sub -Committee of PCNI, Professor Hauwa Biu, disclosed this during the Launch and Presentation of Educational Support Materials to primary and secondary schools in Bauchi state by the committee held at Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi last week.
Professor Biu said the launch of the educational support items was part of the PCNI project aimed to overcome the challenges that near absence of quality learning and Instructional materials poses to the educational attainment of the children in the state.
The chairperson also explained that the purpose of the intervention is not only to reverse the negative performance of the education sub-sector in the North East sub-region before the insurgency but to also invest in future of the Children, describing education as the key to the complete recovery of the North East.
According to her, Learning and Instructional materials are also important requirements for the revitalization of Education, pointing out that PCNI is open to suggestions and partnerships that will assist in fast-tracking these interventions.
She, however, lamented that “2,295 teachers had been killed and 19,000 others displaced in Bornu, Yobe and Adamawa states in the last nine years while an estimated 1,500 schools had been destroyed since 2014, with over 1,280 casualties among teachers and students.
While acknowledging the efforts of stakeholders in rebuilding education in the North East and facilitating access, she particularly appealed to the government of the North Eastern states, Donors and Government of friendly countries in revitalizing the education sector.
She, however, revealed that under the PCNI education revitalization programme, the PCNI has trained over 3,000 primary school teachers in the North East to boost teachers’ capacity in Pedagogy, Safety and trauma counselling skills, maintaining that preparation are underway to train secondary school teachers as well , stressing that under the project about 67,500 pupils and 6,750 teachers are to be supported across the North Eastern states.
In a goodwill message at the occasion, the State Commissioner for Education, represented by the Director, School Services, Ministry of Education, Hajiya Talatu Ahmad, acknowledged the efforts of the PCNI in reversing all the negative indices associated with education in the northeast.
While highlighting the various achievements recorded by the State government in the education sector, the commissioner commended the PCNI for the support to the state government in the education sector.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/pcni-presents-educational-materials-to-67500-pupils-6750-teachers-in-north-east/

Nigeria suffered a net deficit of N26.6 billion in foreign portfolio transactions in the first quarter (Q1) of this year amidst fears of political and macroeconomic uncertainties.

A report on foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) obtained over the weekend indicated that the country recorded a negative balance of N26.6 billion in inflow and outflow transactions by foreign portfolio investors in Q1 as against a positive balance of N30.88 billion recorded same period last year.

The report also showed that foreign portfolio transactions dropped by N159.95 billion in Q1, representing a decrease of 41.89 per cent from the turnover in Q1 of last year. Total foreign portfolio transactions dropped from N381.82 billion in first quarter 2018 to N221.87 billion in first quarter 2019.

Foreign outflows surpassed inflows in 2019 with the sellers accounting for N124.24 billion as against N97.63 billion by the buyers. In Q1 last year, foreign inflows had outpaced outflows with N206.35 billion and N175.47 billion respectively.

The FPI report, coordinated by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), aggregates transactions from major custodians and capital market operators and it is widely regarded as a credible measure of the FPI trend. The report uses two key indicators-inflow and outflow, to gauge foreign investors’ mood and participation in the stock market as a barometer for the economy.

Foreign portfolio outflow includes sales transactions or liquidation of equity portfolio investments through the stock market while inflow includes purchase transactions on the NSE. Segmental analysis delineates the proportion of foreign to local participation, institutional to retail investors as well as the momentum of activities among others.

Market analysts attributed the decline to political risk and the fluctuations in the global financial markets. Analysts, however, differed on the outlook for the investment market.

Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Capital Assets Limited, Mr Ariyo Olushekun said political risk contributed to the decline in the first quarter, expressing optimism that the successful completion of the electioneering period will lead to a rebound in the investment market.

“We expect to see a rebound, a gradual recovery. With political stability and the continuation of the economic programmes of the government, which should see improved investors’ confidence and long-term development of the economy,” Olushekun said.

“Given the sluggish recovery of the economy, we anticipate that the lingering bearish sentiments will remain in the near term as foreign investors continue to stay on the sidelines,” Afrinvest Securities stated at the weekend in a review of the Nigerian equities market.

“We reiterate our view that the blend of a compelling valuation story, together with positive macroeconomic picture poses an upside for market recovery in the medium term. However, we guide investors to tread the cautious trading path in the short term,” Cordros Securities said, reinforcing its confidence in the recovery of the investment market.

However, foreign investors sustained their dominance of activities at the Nigerian investment market during the three-month period, continuing the trend that started in 2018. A full-year analysis had shown foreign portfolio investors overtook Nigerian investors as the dominant bloc at the Nigerian equities market in 2018, ending a two-year dominance of Nigerian domestic investors in the stock market.

Foreign portfolio investors traded about N1.22 trillion on Nigerian equities in 2018, a marginal percentage point increase on about N1.21 trillion traded in 2017.

However, transactions tended towards outflows than inflows, reversing the positive net foreign portfolio investments of N336.94 billion recorded in 2017 with a negative net foreign portfolio deficit of N66.2 billion in 2018.

Total FPI transactions for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2018, stood at N1.219 trillion as against N1.208 trillion recorded in 2017. Total transactions at the Nigerian equities market had declined from N2.543 trillion in 2017 to N2.404 trillion in 2018. With these, foreign investors accounted for 50.87 per cent of total transactions at the equities market in 2018 compared with 47.49 per cent in 2017.

Nigerian domestic investors reduced their transactions to N1.185 trillion in 2018 as against N1.335 trillion in 2017, thereby accounting for 49.13 per cent of total transactions in the equities market in 2018 compared with 52.51 per cent in 2017.

While total transactions at the equities market declined in 2018, FPIs showed sustained growth at N1.219 trillion in 2018, building on the 133 per cent growth that saw total FPI transactions rising to N1.208 trillion in 2017. Foreign investors had accounted for the largest transactions at the stock market between 2011 and 2015 but were overtaken by domestic investors in 2016, who sustained their marginal lead in 2017.

Foreign transactions, which stood at N1.54 trillion in 2014, had declined considerably to N518 billion in 2016, before making a remarkable recovery to N1.208 trillion in 2017. Conversely, domestic investors, which had traded a high of N3.55 trillion in 2007, had shown considerable slowdown over the past 12 years, dropping by 66.67 per cent to N1.185 trillion in 2018.

However, the report showed net FPI deficit of N66.2 billion in 2018 as against a surplus of N336.94 billion in 2017. Total foreign inflows in 2018 stood at N576.45 billion compared with outflows of N642.65 billion. Foreign inflows had in 2017 outpaced outflows at N772.25 billion and N435.31 billion.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/nigerias-foreign-portfolio-deficit-hits-n27-billion-in-q119/

The Nigerian Army (NA) over time has observed the use of motorcycles by armed bandits, kidnappers, criminal elements and their collaborators as enablers to perpetrate their heinous crimes especially in the states within the north-west geopolitical zone of the country.

This informed the decision and directive to ban the use of motorcycles within the hinterland particularly around the Forests where the armed bandits, criminals and kidnappers hibernate and all around where troops are conducting operations alongside other security agencies.

While this may cause some inconveniences to some law-abiding citizens in the area, the need to use all means possible to stop the dastardly activities of these bandits across the North West part of Nigeria needs no emphasis.

The general public, particularly in the North West and some parts of North Central in Nigeria where Ex HARBIN KUNAMA is ongoing are enjoined to bear with the NA as concerted efforts are being made to combat the insecurity menace ongoing within the area.

In this wise, it is hereby reiterated that the use of motorcycles remains banned within the forest areas in KANO, KATSINA, ZAMFARA, SOKOTO, KADUNA, KEBBI and NIGER States. Anyone caught using motorcycles within the named areas will be taken for an armed bandit, criminal and kidnapper with dire consequences.

The respective State Governments are enjoined to please disseminate the ban on the use of motorcycles in the named areas and enforce the ban in conjunction with the Security Agencies.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/army-bans-use-of-okada-in-kano-zamfara-sokoto-kebbi-katsina-kaduna-niger-states/

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday in Abuja approved a total of N9.2 billion for the construction of model schools, the design and construction of sewage in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the purchase of anti-retroviral drugs.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting which commenced at 4 pm and ended at about 10 pm, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said N4.6 billion was approved for the construction of model schools in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country and the FCT.

The council also approved N3 billion for the construction of sewage in the FCT and another N1.6 billion for the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for the purchase of anti-retroviral drugs for victims of HIV/AIDS.

Mohammed listed the states and geopolitical zones where the model schools would be cited as the FCT Nasarawa (North-central), Katsina (North-west), Bauchi (North-east), Lagos (South-west), Imo (South-east) and Edo (South-south).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/03/fec-approves-n9-2-billion-for-model-schools-others/

On April 30, 2019, 37.8 million of Dangote Flour Mills’ shares changed ownership.  

This is a record level for the firm since December 14, 2015, when 63.4 million shares were negotiated. It is also the first time since 2014 that the share is recording 11 straight days up with an average of 8.4% increase daily.

In those eleven days, the firm’s market capitalisation went 124% up to NGN94 billion for NGN18.8 of the share. This is the highest price ever reached.

This performance on the Nigerian Stock exchange is achieved despite the firm’s flat financial performances in 2018 and the mixed outlooks till 2020. The dynamic can therefore only be related to the attractive offer made by Singaporean agribusiness Olam that made a full acquisition offer for NGN130 billion ($362 million at the official exchange rate).

For long-time shareholders, this is an excellent opportunity to realise an attractive plus-value. The current offer will cover periods when dividends were not distributed. For instance, for those who have been holding the firms’ shares since April 2, 2014, the plus-value is 124.5%.

According to analysts, growth prospect is still high for the firm. Its current market capitalization offers a profit potential estimated at 38.2% but, Olam’s acquisition offer is yet to be approved.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/03/dangote-flour-mills-records-higher-highs-on-the-nse-following-olams-acquisition-offer/

Hulu announced at a presentation to advertisers Wednesday that it now has 26.8 million paid subscribers. It’s also introducing new advertising features and several new shows, including two new series featuring Marvel Comics characters.

Hulu said its total customer base is now made up of 26.8 million monthly paid subscribers, with 1.3 million promotional accounts, reaching a total of more than 28 million. The company had said in January that it had 25 million total subscribers.

Meanwhile, competitor Netflix said in April that it had reached 148.8 subscribers globally and 60.2 million subscribers domestically. Disney, which owns 60% of Hulu, will pull content from Netflix this year to stream on its own new service, Disney+, which launches in November.

The service is expected to become a key part of Disney’s streaming strategy. At an investors’ presentation last month, Disney said it would offer Hulu as a bundle if people subscribe to Disney+ and ESPN+. Last month reports came through that Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, was in talks with Disney to sell its 30% stake in Hulu.

Hulu’s new “binge advertising” experience comes as advertisers are increasingly seeking to reach customers in a way that doesn’t annoy them or disrupt their experience. This new format will “make it possible for marketers to target binge viewers with a creative that is situationally relevant to their viewing behaviour,” the company said in a statement.

Peter Naylor, Hulu’s SVP and head of ad sales, said the platform will identify when someone is “binge viewing,” or watching at least three episodes of the same series, and will serve tailored messages to that viewing behaviour. He said it could take the form of a message saying a viewer can watch the next episode for free or a personalized offer from a brand.

On the screen at the presentation, the company showed a sample message from Starbucks: An ad for a S’mores Frappuccino with the words, “S’more of this. Watch the next episode for free. Brought to you by Starbucks.”

Hulu also offers “pause ads,” which are static advertisements that appear when a viewer pauses their content on Hulu. The company said it’s expanding the availability of those pause ads to all its advertisers beginning in August, following a beta test with Coca-Cola and Charmin.

Naylor also said the company is now capping every or ad break at 90 seconds. He said users will not see the same ad more than twice in an hour, and said no ad will run more than four times a day per viewer. This comes after some viewers have bemoaned the number of times they’ve seen certain ads on the platform.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/02/hulu-reaches-28-million-total-subscribers-announces-new-marvel-shows-and-ad-format/

International Workers’ Day (also known as Labour Day or May Day) is observed on 1st May every year. It is celebrated across the world to promote and encourage the international labour associations while honouring the struggles of the working class and efforts of labour unions. The theme for this year’s Workers’ Day is “Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement”.

In commemoration of this year’s Workers’ Day, NOIPolls presents a 4-year average (2016-2019) on public opinion polls on issues facing Nigerians. Findings revealed that employment remains among the top three areas Nigerians expected the government to focus its attention on over the period in view: Security (29 per cent), Employment (28 per cent) and the economy (21 per cent).

Although the issue of unemployment is second on the list, this area has been one of the greatest challenges crippling the Nigerian economy as it has maintained an upward trend within the years in view. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate in the country increased from 22.70 per cent in the 2ndquarter of 2018 to 23.10 per cent in the 3rd quarter of 2018.

In view of the Workers’ Day celebration, the onus is on the government and other stakeholders to create jobs for Nigerians especially through creating an enabling environment for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to thrive. This will go a long way in ensuring that Nigerians explore various opportunities in tackling the issue of unemployment. Also, it is vital to reflect on workers’ welfare specifically on the issue of the minimum wage as it plays an important role in income distribution as well as the poverty rate. Although the minimum wage in Nigeria has recently been increased from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000, this amount may be negligible in raising the standard of living of the beneficiaries considering the economic situation of the country. For instance, a public opinion poll conducted by NOIPolls on workers’ welfare in 2011 revealed that Nigerians believed that the minimum wage of ₦18,000 was inadequate, hence they clamoured for an upward review to ₦56,000 as at 2011. Again, while the Federal Government has signed the new minimum wage of ₦30,000 into law, it is important for an urgent implementation process.

In summary, as Nigerians join the world in celebrating Workers’ day, it is pertinent for the government to address issues pertaining to job creation and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Job creation challenge in Nigeria can be effectively tackled through strict adherence to and execution of the different strategies and policy framework that have been put in place to move the employment drive in the country forward. Some of these strategies and policy documents include the National Employment Policy (NEP) of 2002, the National Action Plan on Employment Creation (NAPEC), National Youth Policy (NYP) of 2009 as well as the National Policy on Education (NPE)


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/01/may-day-2019-unemployment-is-still-a-major-challenge-in-nigeria-report/

Smile Nigeria has assured its customers of the security and safety of their connectivity on its network, despite the malware attack on some notable broadband service providers in Nigeria recently.

The company implored its customers currently experiencing service disruption caused by the malware attack to visit their nearest Smile shop for immediate attention and solution. Acknowledging that some of its customers’ devices were affected by the reported malware believed to have been instigated by Jisatsu, Smile Nigeria noted that the bulk of customers on its network were unaffected by the malware as a result of its timely identification of the malware activities through its firewall.

The company said it regretted any inconvenience caused by the incident and advised those that have noticed any service disruption to contact the nearest Smile shop or call the Call Centre.

Smile, said it would continue to protect businesses on its network, using the latest technologies.
Managing Director of Smile Nigeria, Mr Godfrey Efeurhobo, reassured customers that it has always adopted the best technologies in enhancing its network infrastructure so as to withstand any attack.

The quick response from Smile and its willingness to support customers on its network who experienced service disruption due to the malware has received commendation from industry analysts. Secretary of Business Renaissance Group (BRG), Dr Funsho Akomde, commended Smile for its swift response and willingness to stand by its customers at all time. In a similar view, President of The Telecoms Collective, Smart.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/01/smile-assures-customers-of-stable-network-despite-malware-attack/

Oil prices on Tuesday reversed earlier losses after Saudi Arabia said a deal between producers to withhold output that has been in place since January could be extended beyond June to cover all of 2019.

The statements by Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih came despite pressure by U.S. President Donald Trump to raise output to make up for a supply shortfall expected from tightening U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Brent crude futures were at $72.25 per barrel at 0701 GMT, up 21 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their last close.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $63.67 per barrel, up 17 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their previous settlement.

Prices had come under downward pressure earlier on Tuesday after data on China’s factory activity weighed on financial markets, including crude oil futures, as it suggested Asia’s biggest economy is  still struggling to regain traction.

Despite a shaky global economy, oil prices have surged by almost 40 per cent since January, lifted by supply cuts led by the Middle East-dominated producer club of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as by U.S. sanctions on producers Iran and Venezuela.

Matt Stanley, a broker with Starfuels in Dubai, said oil prices had risen this year due to the “choking” of supply rather than because of strong demand.

The Saudi statements appear to defy calls by Trump late last week for OPEC and its de-facto leader Saudi Arabia to raise output to meet the supply shortfall caused by the tightening Iran sanctions.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch said: “Iranian oil production will fall to 1.9 million barrels per day in 2H19 from 3.6 million barrels per day in 3Q18 as U.S. sanctions kick in and waivers eventually expire.”

In spite of this, the bank said it expected “a nearly balanced market in 2019” as output from OPEC and also the United States will rise.

French bank BNP Paribas said it expected oil prices “to rise in the near-term” as crude producers were “over-tightening the market in the face of unplanned supply outages and resilient oil demand”.

The bank said it expected crude markets to climb until the third quarter of 2019, adding that prices would then “start to become vulnerable to a sharp rise in U.S. exports of light crude thanks to pipeline and terminal capacity expansion”.

U.S. exports exceeded three million barrels per day (bpd) for the first time in early 2019 amid a more than two million bpd production surge over the past year, to a record of more than 12 million bpd.

BNP Paribas said it saw WTI averaging $63 per barrel in 2019, up $2 from its previous forecast, while Brent will average $71 per barrel, up to $3 from an earlier estimate.

“In 2020, we see WTI averaging $64 per barrel and Brent $68 per barrel,” the bank said.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/30/opec-may-extend-supply-cuts-as-oil-prices-remain-firm/

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stated that Nigeria’s population currently stands at an all-time high of 201 million, representing an increase of 5.1 million from the 195.9 million it said the country had in October last year.

The UNFPA in its 2019 State of the World Population report published on its website, said the country’s annual growth rate has been at an average of 2.6 per cent from 2010 to 2019.

According to the report, fertility rate among Nigerian women has dropped from 6.4 in 1969 to 5.3 in 2019; meaning that an average Nigerian woman gives birth to at least five children.

It said global fertility rate or the average number of births per woman stood at 4.8 in 1969; 2.9 in 1994; and 2.5 in 2019.

The report further said contraceptive prevalence rate among Nigerian women aged 15-49 is only 19 per cent, adding that decision making on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights among these women has averaged at 51 per cent between 2007 and 2018.

The report, however, implies that 49 per cent of Nigerian women still does not have the power to decide on their sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

The UN agency estimated that Nigeria’s population has grown from 54.7 million in 1969 to 105.4 million in 1994 and 201.0 million in 2019.

It explained that of this 201 million, 44 per cent or 88.44 million are between the ages of 0 and 14, while 32 per cent, 64.32 million are within the ages of 10 and 24.

The report said: “Reproductive rights are still out of reach for too many women, including the more than 200 million women who want to prevent a pregnancy but cannot access modern contraceptive information and services.

“Ultimately, almost all of the 4.3 billion people of reproductive age around the world today will have had inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health services at some point.”

In 1969, the world population reached 3.6 billion, up about 1 billion from only 17 years earlier, leading to the establishment of UNFPA.

The UN agency has succeeded in reducing fertility rates worldwide by about 50 per cent.

In the least developed countries, fertility was about six births per woman in 1969.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/30/nigerias-population-now-201-million-un/

More...

The third episode of Game of Thrones’ eighth season, “The Long Night,” promised an epic battle, and it delivered. The episode featured the longest battle in film and television history and took the show 11 weeks of gruelling night shoots to complete.

And as predicted, the deaths were a lot. If the battle was too dark and too fast-paced for you to catch up on all the deaths, we got you covered.

Melisandre

The Red Witch finally succumbed to old age after removing her enchanted necklace following the Great Battle Of Winterfell. She survived the longest battle in history, only to kill herself at the end. Sounds messed up, but we can assume that she had fulfilled her purpose to the Lord of Light. After all, that’s what she said when Lord Beric died.

Edd Tollett a.k.a. Dolorous Edd

Stabbed in the back by a Wight during the battle, then killed again in wight form by proxy of the Night King’s Death. (We blame Sam for his death, but we’ll let y’ all be the judge).

Lyanna Mormont


The brave little ruler was crushed by a Wight giant during the Great Battle, but she did not go without doing something heroic. She stabbed the giant in the eye with the dragon glass, as he crushed her in his hands and that made her brave even in death. Unfortunately, she was killed again in Wight form by proxy of the Night King’s death.

Lord Beric Dondarrion

He was stabbed multiple times by Wights while protecting Arya Stark, during the great battle. He literally sacrificed himself so that Arya and Clegane could survive the rush of White Walkers.

Theon

After pledging to protect Bran at godswood forest, he did just that until he was killed by the Night King himself. He stood next to Bran, until he ran out of arrows, fought with his bow until the Night King arrived and he charged at him. Of course, the Night King took him out quite easily, but we consider him brave for having stood his ground that long. So he was impaled with a shaft by the Night King while defending Bran Stark during the Great Battle of Winterfell.

The Night King

The Great Battle ended with his death, obviously and the best part is that he was stabbed in the heart with a Valyrian Steel dagger by Arya Stark during the great battle. She snuck up on him and stabbed him. Of course, he caught her, but her wisdom led her to drop the dagger into her second hand as she stabbed him. Of course, with his death came the automatic death of the entire dead army, including the dragon.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/30/most-epic-deaths-recorded-in-game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-3-the-full-list/

This is the new Emure – Owo Road dualized by the Ondo State Government.


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/29/photo-news-newly-dualised-emure-owo-road-in-ondo-state/

Drivers will be able to earn cryptocurrency and make payments on the move using innovative connected car services being tested by Jaguar Land Rover.

Innovative ‘Smart Wallet’technology will let drivers earn cryptocurrency on the goCredits can be earned for sharing information about traffic jams and potholes and used to automatically pay for tolls, parking and electric chargingConnected services are part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero vision – zero accidents, zero congestion and zero emissionsTechnology on test at new Jaguar Land Rover software engineering centre in Shannon, Republic of Ireland

Drivers will be able to earn cryptocurrency and make payments on the move using innovative connected car services being tested by Jaguar Land Rover.

Using ‘Smart Wallet’ technology, owners earn credits by enabling their cars to automatically report useful road condition data such as traffic congestion or potholes to navigation providers or local authorities. Drivers could then redeem these for rewards such as coffee, or conveniently use them to automatically pay tolls, parking fees and for smart charging electric vehicles. ‘Smart Wallet’ removes the need for drivers to hunt for loose change or sign up to multiple accounts to pay for a variety of everyday services.

‘Smart Wallet’ uses the latest cryptocurrency technology and Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with the IOTA Foundation to harness ‘distributed ledger’ technologies to make and receive these payments. Unlike other similar systems, due to its structure, it requires no transaction fee to operate and over time transactions will get faster across the entire network, forecast to include some 75 billion connected devices by 2025*. Drivers could also top-up the ‘Smart Wallet’ using conventional payment methods.

The advanced connected technology is being trialled at the new Jaguar Land Rover software engineering base in Shannon, Republic of Ireland, where engineers have already equipped several vehicles, including the Jaguar F-PACE and Range Rover Velar, with ‘Smart Wallet’ functionality.

The leading technology research forms part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero strategy which aims to achieve zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion. Part of reaching this target is developing a shared economy where the vehicle plays an integral role as a data gatherer in the smart city of the future. For example, the connected ‘Smart Wallet’ services will promote a reduction in congestion with the sharing of live traffic updates and offering alternative routes to drivers, reducing tailpipe emissions from idling in traffic.

The connected car technologies we are developing will be transformative and truly turn your Jaguar or Land Rover into a third space, in addition to your home or office. In the future an autonomous car could drive itself to a charging station, recharge and pay, while its owner could choose to participate in the sharing economy – earning rewards from sharing useful data such as warning other cars of traffic jams.

RUSSELL VICKERS

JAGUAR LAND ROVER SOFTWARE ARCHITECT

Our Shannon software development centre is advancing the use of cryptocurrency to make people’s lives better, by allowing drivers to safely share data and make payments from their vehicle. Working with our engineering hub in the UK, the team in Shannon are pioneering and testing these sophisticated connected technologies that will help people to make the most of the time they spend in their car.Jaguar Land Rover is embracing autonomous, connected, electrified and shared mobility technology as we endeavour to make cars safer, cleaner and smarter for everybody.

NICK ROGERS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT ENGINEERING, JAGUAR LAND ROVER

Our distributed ledger technology is perfectly suited to enable machine-to-machine payments for smart charging, parking and tolls, in addition to creating opportunities for drivers to earn their own digital currency. We are excited to partner with Jaguar Land Rover in implementing its IOTA-powered car wallet, delivering a major convenience benefit for their customers worldwide.

HOLGER KÖTHER

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS, IOTA FOUNDATION

Experts at the innovative Shannon R& facility, are developing new technologies to support electrification and self-driving features on future Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. Supported by the Irish Development Agency, the Shannon team is also developing the next generation of electrical architecture as well as exploring advanced driver assistance systems features for future vehicles.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRVCgL_BQGY


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/29/on-the-money-earn-as-you-drive-with-jaguar-land-rover/

First Bank of Nigeria has said that its efforts to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria, has grown its network of mobile money agents to over 22,000 agents.

The bank also said the agents had processed over $490 million worth of transactions monthly.

Mr Gbenga Shobo, Deputy Managing Director, First Bank, who stated this in Lagos during the Future of Finance West Africa Conference at the weekend, said his bank got a mobile money licence in 2012  to support the federal government’s objectives to deepen financial inclusion in the country.

He noted that its Firstmonie wallet platform had over four million customers and a spread of agent network that was expected to grow to 50,000 in 2019.

“Firstmonie has had a transformational impact on reaching low-income and historically unbanked households in Nigeria.

“It is integrating them into the wider financial system by providing access to a range of banking services including account opening, fund transfer capabilities, Identity management (BVN) and savings.


SOURCE : https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/29/first-bank-mobile-money-agents-process-490-million-monthly/