₦airaland Forum

WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps in the world today and many people have come to depend on it for both personal and business interactions. But some people can also be a nuisance, so we are grateful for the blocking option on the app. In case you have been chatting with someone and your messages just suddenly stopped delivering, you may have been blocked.

Here are ways to find out:

Single tick

Typically, when a message has successfully been delivered to the recipient on WhatsApp, the “ticks” are an indication of your message deliverable status. If you sent a message to a contact and the text stays on just a single tick for a very long time, this means your message has been sent but not delivered to the recipient. And if someone blocks you, your messages will never be delivered to the person. If your message remains on “Message sent” (with a single tick) for a long time, this is the very first (and most obvious) indication that you might have been blocked.

The group test

If after trying all the methods above and you are unsure of being blocked or not, you should carry out the group test. This is the ultimate confirmation. Create a group and try adding the “suspected” contact with the group. If the contact was successfully added to the group, then the user didn’t block you. If, on the other hand, WhatsApp display a “You are not authorized to add this contact” error message when you add the contact to the group, then surely, the person has blocked you.

Static profile

If someone blocks you on WhatsApp, the person’s profile will no longer be updated. This means you see their new profile pictures whenever they upload one. Instead, you’ll keep seeing the old one. There are times when the person’s profile picture disappears and all you’ll be shown is the regular WhatsApp display avatar whenever you try to view the person’s picture. However, this method should not be solely used to determine if you’ve been blocked or not.

Hidden timestamp

If the user’s timestamp no longer appears in the chat window, it could also be an indication that you have been blocked. This method is, however, not an effective confirmation as the user might just have changed his/her “Last Seen” settings in the Account Privacy menu.

Call attempt

Another test to carry out to confirm if you’ve been blocked on WhatsApp is the “Call Test”. Try calling the person either via Voice or Video call, if the call rings, then you have not been blocked. If, on the other hand, all attempts to call the person doesn’t go through (read: ring), it could mean two things: the user has no internet connection or you have been blocked.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/13/how-to-know-when-someone-has-blocked-you-on-whatsapp/

No fewer than 800 companies have bidded for management of 176 gas flare sites in the country, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, had explained.

Dr Kachikwu told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday that government had received bids of 226 bidders that paid the stipulated fees out of the 800 companies that expressed interest in managing the sites.

He said that government was working hard to stop gas flaring in the country by the year 2020, 10 years ahead of the United nation’s deadline.

“Over 800 companies have expressed interest to manage about 176 gas flare sites and out of the total companies, about 226 have paid the stipulated fees and their bids had been received,” he said.

He said that it was unfortunate that Nigeria had over the years failed to properly utilize its gas resources for the development of the economy.

According to him, the country is yet to use the tonnes of gas resources it has to achieve industrialization and agricultural development, especially through fertilizer production.

He bemoaned the fact that a significant volume of gas produced in the country was flared, depriving the country the benefits that could have been accrued from the resources.

“Premised on the foregoing, the policy position of His Excellency, President Muhammad Buhari, is that gas flaring is totally unacceptable.

“In this regard, the Federal Government of Nigeria, initiated a number of actions to reaffirm its commitment to ending the practice of gas flaring in our oil fields.

“Furthermore, in recognition that flared gas could be harnessed to stimulate economic growth, drive investments and provide jobs in oil producing communities and indeed for Nigerians through the utilization of widely available innovative technologies.

“The Federal Executive Council in June 2016, approved the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programme, NGFCP,” he said.

The minister explained that the NGFCP was a key component of the National Gas Policy, which sought to end gas flaring, create an enabling environment for investors, seek value addition for gas and improve governance in the sector.

He further stated that the NGCFP would ensure zero gas flare by 2020.

“We must stop gas flare and other hazards associated with gas flaring in Nigeria. We must also ensure that oil and gas production do not become harmful to our citizens,” he added.

He assured that government would work to grant open access to all pipelines and other essential midstream infrastructure, with respect to pricing of gas for the domestic market, which was largely controlled by the federal government under a transitional pricing framework.

He added that the current framework would be retained for a limited period until a sufficient gas market is established.

“The policy objective is to move to market-led wholesale gas pricing without gas price regulation, except where there are natural monopolies,” Kachikwu noted.

Also, Chairman of the Ministerial Steering Committee of the NGFCP,  Mr Rabiu Suleiman, said the committee shall endeavor to recommend the best governance structure prior to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) carrying on with the programme as a statutory function immediately after the first auction rounds.

He noted that the NGFCP was designed as a strategy to implement the policy objectives of the Federal government for the elimination of gas flares with potentially enormous multiplier and development outcomes for Nigeria.

According to him, the objective of the NGFCP is to achieve the gas flare-out commitment through technically and commercially sustainable gas utilisation projects developed by competent third party investors who will be invited to participate in a competitive and transparent bid process.

Listing the benefits of the project, he said, “Overall, the NGFCP potential GDP impact is estimated at approximately $1 billion per annum. Assuming average project sizes in the range of $10-40 million, the NGFCP has a potential of triggering around 70 to 89 projects.

“And over a 1 – 2 year period, the NGFCP could generate approximately 300,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“Provide six million households with clean energy, particularly in unlocking LPG (cooking gas i.e. produce 600,000 metric tonnes, MT, of LPG per year). Once operational, projects launched under the NCFCP would reduce Nigeria’s emissions by approximately 13 million tons of CO2 per year.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/12/800-organization-scramble-for-76-gas-flare-sites-kachikwu/

China’s Huawei Technologies said on Thursday the security of its telecoms network equipment was as tight as any, and hit back at the US government for briefing Washington’s allies against it.

Huawei, the global market leader, is the target of a campaign by Washington, which has barred it from next-generation 5G networks due to concerns over its ties to the Chinese government and says Western countries should block its technology.

The issue is crucial because of 5G’s leading role in internet-connected products ranging from self-driving cars and smart cities to augmented reality and artificial intelligence.

We are probably the most tested vendor in the world,” Huawei’s cyber-security director Sophie Batas told journalists at its new cyber-security centre in Brussels.

She criticized comments by Robert Strayer, US State Department deputy assistant secretary for cyber, international communications and information policy, who told journalists on Wednesday that countries adopting risk-based security frameworks for 5G would lead to Huawei being banned.

“I have difficulty believing that a government like the United States organised a press conference yesterday to single out one particular company, and I wonder why it is going so far,” she said.

The two countries are also embroiled in a long-running trade dispute.

Batas said there were a range of tests customers could do on Huawei products at the center and similar facilities in several countries, as well as hiring independent third-party evaluators.

She said law firms Zhong Lun, Clifford Chance and Ernst & Young had looked into China’s intelligence laws and concluded that did not allow Beijing to install backdoor features in a company’s equipment.

Last month, Germany set tougher criteria for vendors supplying telecoms network equipment there, but stopped short of singling out Huawei, instead saying the same rules should apply to all vendors.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/12/huawei-aiming-to-be-biggest-smartphone-brand-by-2020/

The Board of the African Development Bank have approved an institutional support grant of $4.8 million to the African Union (AU) to accelerate the momentum of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), which received its 22nd ratification on 2 April, bringing the agreement into force. The board made the approval on Monday, April 1, 2019.

The Bank’s grant is targeted at laying the institutional foundations for the AfCFTA implementation secretariat and the roll out of the implementation programmes.

The AfCFTA is a major force for continental integration. It will expand intra-African trade by up to $35 billion per year and usher in freedom of movement for goods, services and people across the continent’s internal borders, with a regime of reduced tariffs and non-tariff barriers to cut the cost of doing business on the continent. It will also boost agriculture and industrial exports by up to $66 billion per year.

The Bank’s grant is targeted at laying the institutional foundations for the AfCFTA implementation secretariat and the roll out of the implementation programmes.

“The momentum is now in full force”, said Andoh Mensah, Manager, Trade and Investment Climate Division at the African Development Bank, “It is now crucial to establish a robust, efficient, purpose-driven secretariat, capable of addressing improved stakeholder engagement, inclusiveness and ownership in the AfCFTA implementation”.

The grant will also assist efforts towards full ratification of the agreement by all AU member states including the application of tariff reductions and related commitments, while generating stakeholder support for the AfCFTA to ensure inclusiveness and common ownership. This is a decisive response to the call by African political leaders for the Bank and other partners to support the AU Commission and work assiduously towards the realization of AfCFTA objectives.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/11/african-development-bank-board-grant-4-8-million-to-accelerate-african-free-trade/

Highlights the Importance of Government and Traditional Institutions’ collaboration in promoting investments

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife in South West Nigeria has commended the activities of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in supporting Nigeria’s economic development drive.

He made this known in an exclusive interview with the NIPC Intelligence newsletter team at the just concluded 4th edition of the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit (KADINVEST 4.0). NIPC has been “recording mileage of success stories, so all we can do is to continue to support them. I’m very impressed with them, and I know that they will continue to record success stories.”

Speaking on the role monarchs play in encouraging investments in the country, he advised traditional rulers not to leave governance to only elected officials considering that the length of their tenure was not enough to consolidate on policy measures. He enjoined traditional rulers and constitutionally elected officials to work together to promote investments.

Speaking further he encouraged wealthy Nigerians to invest in the country stating that investments mean more jobs for the youths. He disclosed that he was re-orientating wealthy Nigerians with funds within and outside the country to invest in their country stating that the quantum of investment by Nigerians in Nigeria is not impressive and should be harnessed to encourage foreign investments. “Foreign investments will come naturally like smart money; smart money always looks for where it is requested.” He said.

Read: BBM Signs Eskimi As Exclusive Mobile Advertising Partner In Nigeria
In responding to a question about the role he is playing at the KADINVEST 4.0 he stated “anywhere there is support for creating employment and making the youths of this country have pride of place, I’m always very associated with it, hence my sojourn to Kaduna all the way from the western part.

What they’re doing in Kaduna is very impressive and we are feeling the impact, people are feeling the impact. There is investment inflow on a concurrent basis in Kaduna. We are very happy about it. I’m proud to be associated with his Excellency Mallam Nasir El Rufai because I know he will turn Kaduna State around.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is a Nigerian monarch. He has served as the traditional ruler, or Ooni, of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife since 2015.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/11/ooni-of-ife-pledges-support-for-nipcs-investment-promotion-drive/

Sporty, stylish, intelligent and dynamic: The new CLA 35 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption 7.3-7.2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 167-164 g/km) is the latest point of entry to the world of Mercedes-AMG and is more strongly lifestyle-oriented. The four-door coupé shares the progressive technology with the A-Class produced in Affalterbach but is even bolder with its iconic design and the intelligent MBUX interior assistant. The agile high torque 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine delivers 225 kW (306 hp), which is variably distributed to all four wheels via the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the all-wheel drive. The sporty driving performance (acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) is linked with a wide spread of the driving experience – from very sporty to comfortable on long journeys.

“With its iconic design and agile driving dynamics, the new CLA 35 is an attractive offer for a young, active and lifestyle-conscious target group. These customers define their requirements very clearly: They expect exciting design from their vehicle alongside superior performance and inspiring handling characteristics. The new CLA 35 embodies just this attitude to life – and enables stepping into the fascinating world of AMG Driving Performance in a particularly emotional way”, says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Icon with a slim sporty waistline: the exterior design

The iconic design of the CLA Coupé is one of the main reasons for purchasing the car. The AMG designers, therefore, more or less kept the basic form with wide wheel arches and a slim sporty waistline. The two powerdomes on the bonnet were also adopted as sporty details. By way of contrast, the new radiator grille with the classic twin louvres and the AMG Line front apron with flics on the air inlets are typical distinctive features of the CLA 35 4MATIC. Other distinctive features include trim elements in silver chrome on the louvres in the outer air inlets. From a side view, the aerodynamically optimised 18-inch light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design (19-inch optionally available) and the accentuated side sill panels catch the eye. The rear view is dominated by the rear apron with a new diffuser insert, the small spoiler lip on the boot and the two round tailpipe trims on the left and right. The two-piece, narrow tail lamps and the number plate housed in the bumper make the rear of the CLA look especially wide.

Frameless doors open to an interior with a high-tech ambience where quality and elegance meet fully digital displays. This interior optionally stages the ambient lighting in 64 colours. Another characteristic feature is the seat covers which are available in ARTICO man-made leather with DINAMICA microfibre in black with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts or in ARTICO man-made leather in black/digital grey. Red piping on the microfibre DINAMICA trims element and ventilation nozzles with a red ring add further accents.

The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details is also featured in the MBUX infotainment system with its innovative operating and display concept. In the new CLA 35 4MATIC too MBUX replaces the previous COMAND systems and creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. Emotionally appealing presentations underline the clear control structure and feature brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasise the horizontal orientation of the interior design.

With the new optional MBUX interior assistant, select infotainment functions can be operated touchless and the reading light can be switched on and off. The assistant differentiates between driver and passenger interaction and recognises certain hand positions and movements. The interaction area for the MBUX interior assistant is in front of the media display up to the centre console, including the touchpad between the driver and the front-seat passenger.

The MBUX interior assistant recognises movement toward the various operating elements of the infotainment system. The operator’s seat is enlarged on the media display if one’s hand is moved toward the touchscreen. The most suitable operating elements are automatically pre-selected. In the Radio and Media menu, the MBUX interior assistant reduces the number of operating steps. In the Navigation menu, the system fades in the navigation as soon as the hand moves to operate the touchscreen or touchpad, so that a symbol is selected directly. When displaying the camera image, as soon as the hand moves toward the touchscreen the MBUX interior assistant enables the four camera operating symbols from the 360-degree camera to be directly faded in. This means that the front, rear, right or left camera view can be directly selected.

With the new optional MBUX interior assistant, select infotainment functions can be operated touchless and the reading light can be switched on and off. The assistant differentiates between driver and passenger interaction and recognises certain hand positions and movements. The interaction area for the MBUX interior assistant is in front of the media display up to the centre console, including the touchpad between the driver and the front-seat passenger.

The MBUX interior assistant recognises movement toward the various operating elements of the infotainment system. The operator’s seat is enlarged on the media display if one’s hand is moved toward the touchscreen. The most suitable operating elements are automatically pre-selected. In the Radio and Media menu, the MBUX interior assistant reduces the number of operating steps. In the Navigation menu, the system fades in the navigation as soon as the hand moves to operate the touchscreen or touchpad, so that a symbol is selected directly. When displaying the camera image, as soon as the hand moves toward the touchscreen the MBUX interior assistant enables the four camera operating symbols from the 360-degree camera to be directly faded in. This means that the front, rear, right or left camera view can be directly selected.

With the new optional MBUX interior assistant, select infotainment functions can be operated touchless and the reading light can be switched on and off. The assistant differentiates between driver and passenger interaction and recognises certain hand positions and movements. The interaction area for the MBUX interior assistant is in front of the media display up to the centre console, including the touchpad between the driver and the front-seat passenger.

The MBUX interior assistant recognises movement toward the various operating elements of the infotainment system. The operator’s seat is enlarged on the media display if one’s hand is moved toward the touchscreen. The most suitable operating elements are automatically pre-selected. In the Radio and Media menu, the MBUX interior assistant reduces the number of operating steps. In the Navigation menu, the system fades in the navigation as soon as the hand moves to operate the touchscreen or touchpad, so that a symbol is selected directly. When displaying the camera image, as soon as the hand moves toward the touchscreen the MBUX interior assistant enables the four camera operating symbols from the 360-degree camera to be directly faded in. This means that the front, rear, right or left camera view can be directly selected.

And needless to say, the CLA 35 4MATIC also comes with trailblazing voice control, activated with the words “Hey Mercedes”. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.

Fully digital instrument cluster with three AMG display styles

The customer can choose between the three AMG display styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport” for the instrument cluster. The “Supersport” mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter: with a three-dimensional perspective, they reach far into the background to an artificial horizon. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special displays such as Warm-up, Set-up, G-Force and Engine Data.

Touchscreen multimedia display and new centre console

The touchscreen multimedia display also emphasises the dynamic character with individual AMG displays such as visualisation of the driving programs, AMG TRACK PACE and telemetry data.

The AMG-specific centre console in piano lacquer finish with standard touchpad has additional buttons that control the functions ESP®, manual transmission mode and Adaptive Damping System. In conjunction with the optional leather package, it features a silver chrome surround.

New AMG steering wheel generation with optional steering wheel buttons as standard

The new generation of AMG steering wheels provides the perfect link between the driver and the vehicle. The steering wheel rim with a flattened lower section, perforated leather in the grip area and red contrasting topstitching is both attractive and pleasant to the touch. The galvanised steering wheel gearshift paddles allow an even sportier driving style with manual gear shifting.

The built-in Touch Control buttons, familiar from other model series, are a new feature. The active distance assistant DISTRONIC and the TEMPOMAT cruise control can be adjusted on the control panels on the left. The control panels on the right are used to activate the voice control and telephone, and to regulate the sound volume, music selection and other functions of the infotainment system.

The steering wheel with the innovative AMG steering wheel buttons is available as an option. These consist of around controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned colour display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke. The AMG drive programs are actuated directly via the controller. With the two freely configurable display buttons and the additional switches, further AMG functions can be controlled within easy reach, directly on the steering wheel.

Reinforced body-in-white with increased torsional stiffness

Specific measures to strengthen the front section of the bodyshell form the basis for the precise turn-in ability and the toe and camber stability of the chassis components, even when driving at speed. A so-called “shear panel”, a bolted aluminium plate under the engine, increases the torsional stiffness of the front section of the CLA 35, too. Two additional diagonal braces at the front of the underbody also reduce torsion and increase the stiffness.

New four-cylinder turbo engine with an output of 225 kW (306 hp)

The 2.0-litre turbo engine is a new development and is based on the M 260 four-cylinder engine in the new A-Class. The new drive boasts a spontaneous response to accelerator pedal commands, high tractive power (400 Nm max. torque from 3,000 rpm), supremely lively response and an emotional engine sound. The crankcase made of high-strength, lightweight die-cast aluminium reduces the vehicle weight where it matters most for driving dynamics.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is used for turbocharging. It combines optimum responsiveness at low engine speeds with a strong power increase at higher speeds. The housing of the twin-scroll turbocharger is divided into two parallel ducts. Together with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold, this makes it possible to channel the exhaust gases separately on the turbine wheel.

This results in a further advantage of twin-scroll technology, i.e. minimisation of the mutually adverse effects of the individual cylinders on the gas cycle. The exhaust gas back pressure is reduced and gas exchange and engine efficiency are improved.

Numerous engine measures increase efficiency

The high technological standards of the new four-cylinder engine are also underscored by numerous efficiency-enhancing measures. These include CAMTRONIC variable valve control, intelligent thermal management for engine and oil, high-precision piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition. In production, the patented CONICSHAPE®cylinder honing reduces internal engine friction and also increases efficiency.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/09/the-new-mercedes-amg-cla-35-4matic/

Mercedes-Benz closed the first quarter of 2019 with 560,873 passenger cars sold worldwide (-5.6%). For the third year in a row, sales in the first quarter were therefore well over 550,000 units. In March, 227,644 vehicles with the three-pointed star were delivered to customers all over the world (-4.1%). The first three months of the year featured important model changes in the highest-volume SUV and compact-car segments. The company expects an increasing vehicle availability in the next months and therefore global sales to increase slightly overall in 2019. Since the beginning of the year, Mercedes-Benz has maintained its market leadership in the premium segment in Germany, UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Denmark, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Brazil and other markets.

“We are delighted with the best quarter ever for Mercedes-Benz in China and the successful market launch of the new B-Class in Europe. The first three months of the year were challenging worldwide due to the ongoing model changes for SUVs and compact cars,”said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “ In the coming months, further highlights of our current model offensive at Mercedes-Benz will be launched; the CLA Coupé, for example, will be available in our showrooms in May. From the middle of the year, the ungraded generation of our very popular Midsize SUVs GLC and GLC Coupé will then be available at our dealerships.”

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold 103,155 vehicles in March (-5.6%) and as per March, the sales amounted to 224,678 (-5.6%). The discontinuation of the CLA and the GLE due to the model change had an impact on unit sales in many European markets. In Germany, the region’s core market, sales of 70.542 units were achieved in the first quarter (-5.0%). In the United Kingdom, first quarter sales increased by 1.1%, while the best-ever first-quarter unit sales were achieved in France, Poland and Denmark.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Mercedes-Benz delivered 87,509 cars to customers last month (-1.6%). Unit sales reached a new record in China, the region’s core market: 61,913 customers were delighted to receive their new Mercedes-Benz car (+5.9%). Mercedes-Benz concluded the first three months of the year, as the best quarter ever in China (+2.6%) with sales of 174,343 units. The long-wheelbase versions of the C-Class and E-Class Saloon, which are popular in the Chinese market, set new records in both March and the first quarter. Unit sales in Malaysia increased to a new all-time high for the month of March (+40.3%).

Mercedes-Benz sold in total 32,286 vehicles in the NAFTA region in March (-5.0%). In the core market, the United States, a total of 27,004 customers were delighted to receive their new model with the three-pointed star last month (-4.9%). At the end of the first quarter, deliveries in the USA amounted to 71,171 units (-9.3%). In Mexico, sales increased by 1.1% in March.

Mercedes-Benz sold in total 32,286 vehicles in the NAFTA region in March (-5.0%). In the core market, the United States, a total of 27,004 customers were delighted to receive their new model with the three-pointed star last month (-4.9%). At the end of the first quarter, deliveries in the USA amounted to 71,171 units (-9.3%). In Mexico, sales increased by 1.1% in March.

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by model

In the first quarter of 2019, more than 67,077 compact cars were handed over to customers – a new best value in March (+2.3%). Worldwide unit sales of the A-Class increased by 25.6% during the last three months. Never before so many A-Classes have been sold worldwide in the first three months of a year, as in 2019. One month after the market launch in Europe, unit sales of the new B-Class increased in Germany, UK, France, and Spain. Due to the successful market launch of the B-Class, more compact cars were sold in Europe than ever before in the first three months of a year (+5.3%).

The new C-Class Saloon and the new C-Class Estate achieved an increase in unit sales (+2.1%) with 105,708 units sold in the first quarter.  In the Asia/Pacific region, the sales of the C-Class Saloon and the C-Class Estate reached in the first three months of the year a new record level (+9.7%). In the United States unit sales of the C-Class Saloon increased by 10.6% in March and by 12.4% in the first quarter.

More than 20,000 dream cars (coupés, cabriolets and roadsters) from Mercedes-Benz were delivered in March to customers worldwide (+1.9%). Sales of the CLS Coupé continued to grow, with strong increases in March and the first quarter.

smart

Since the beginning of the year, 27,048 customers worldwide were happy to receive a new two- or four-door urban microcar of the brand smart (-12.0%). In Germany, more smart models were sold than ever before in the first three months of a year than in 2019 (+11.1%). First-quarter unit sales increased also in France, Portugal and Switzerland reaching a new record for the first quarter in Portugal. At the end of March, Daimler AG and the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group announced the establishment of a global 50:50 joint venture to further develop smart as a leading brand for electric mobility. According to the joint-venture agreement, the next smart generation will be produced in a new factory in China, with global sales to start in 2022. Until the market launch of the new models, Daimler will continue to produce the current generation of the smart EQ for two [combined power consumption: 20.1-12.9 kWh/100km, combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km]* and smart EQ for four cars [combined power consumption: 20.8-12.9 kWh/100km, CO2 emissions (combined): 0g/km]* at the plants in Hambach, France, and Novo Mesto, Slovenia.

* Mercedes-Benz delivered 227,644 vehicles worldwide in March (-4.1%).

*In China, the strongest-selling quarter of all time was achieved with sales of 174,343 Mercedes-Benz cars (+2.6%).

*In March, the global sales of the new A-Class set a new record for the first quarter with an increase of 25.6%.

*Last month, sales of the new B-Class once again increased in Europe (+5.3%) with growth in Germany, the UK, France and Spain among other countries.

* “We are delighted with the best quarter ever for Mercedes-Benz in China and the successful market launch of the new B-Class in Europe. The first three months of the year were challenging worldwide due to the ongoing model changes for SUVs and compact cars,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/09/mercedes-benz-sells-more-than-560000-vehicles-worldwide-in-q1-2019/

The appointment of three executive directors has been announced by Fidelity Bank Plc.

The three senior executives had their appointments ratified by the board of directors of the bank at its meeting held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

The new directors are Mr Gbolahan Joshua (Executive Director — Chief Operations & Information

Officer), Mr Obaro Odeghe (Executive Director, Corporate Banking), and Mr Hassan Imam (Executive Director, North Directorate).

Gbolahan Joshua

Executive Director, Chief Operations & Information Officer

Gbolahan attended Kings College Lagos, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and is a Chartered Accountant. He has attended a number of executive and banking specific programs in leading educational and professional institutions including Harvard, IMD, and Euromoney.

He has 20 years of comprehensive experience across various areas of Assurance and Banking including, Operations, Technology, Digital Banking, Strategy, Business Transformation, Finance, Treasury, Mergers and Acquisitions

He will be responsible for overseeing the following areas: Operations, Technology, Digital Banking, Investor Relations, Strategy and Business Transformation.

Obaro Odeghe

Executive Director, Corporate Banking

Obaro attended Edo College Benin, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and an MBA. He has attended a number of executive and banking specific programs in leading educational and professional institutions including Harvard, Wharton and Kelloggs.

He has 24 years of comprehensive experience across various areas of Banking including; Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, SMEs, Consumer Banking, Institutional Banking, Trade Finance and Operations.

He will be responsible for the Corporate Banking business covering the following sectors; Energy, Power, Manufacturing, Telecoms, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Construction and Real Estate.

Hassan Imam

Executive Director, North Directorate

Hassan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, two Masters’ Degrees and an MBA. He has attended a number of executive and banking specific programs in leading educational and professional institutions including Harvard, Stanford and Wharton.

He has 25 years of comprehensive experience across various areas of Banking including; Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking, SMEs, Institutional Banking, Trade Finance, Operations, Treasury and Risk Management.

He will be responsible for the Commercial, SME, Consumer and Public Sector business in the North Directorate comprising 18 states and Abuja.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/08/fidelity-bank-announces-the-appointment-of-new-executive-directors/

The actual status of air travel, its traffic and the attendant total ticket sales nationwide are yet a subject of controversy among aviation stakeholders.

While the body of travel agencies, the downstream sector of the industry, has declared N525 billion ($1.5 billion) ticket sales for 2018, suggesting a comparative improvement in traffic, the Global Distribution Service (GDS) providers, the middle men between the airlines and agencies, have shown another five per cent decline in crowd with implications for revenue.

Indeed, the disparity is not new to industry. However, the problem puts the accuracy of figures, revenue estimates, growth projections and potential investments at risk. And as if to worsen the situation, the apex regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has kept mum on the industry’s total revenue for the period under review.

The regulator, which on behalf of other agencies, collects five per cent Passenger Sales Charge (PSC) on every ticket and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC) on freights, estimated that 14.17 million passengers flew last year.

Compared to 2017, where 11.3 million passengers travelled, the 2018 figures represents a 20.8 per cent traffic upsurge.

According to the NCAA, 34 airlines on the international routes operated 15,645 flights and flew 4,079,078 passengers during the period.

Meanwhile, nine domestic airlines operated a total of 59,818 flights and airlifted 10,092,648 passengers across the federation.

The traffic increase notwithstanding, the agency has remained silent on the revenue generated. Unlike previous years where its Director-General, Capt. Mukhtar Usman, at the beginning of a new year, disclosed the previous period’s performance and revenue, the body was yet to make available a comprehensive industry review for the outgone 12 months.

President of Sabre Network West Africa, a leading GDS provider, Gbenga Olowo, insisted 3.6 million international passengers flew in 2018, contrary to NCAA’s four million tally.

Olowo noted that the estimates again “confirmed the five per cent decline in traffic, which has been consistent since 2015.”

Olowo, who is also the President of Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), a think-tank group of the industry, said the last time the industry recorded growth was in 2014, with agency booking volume in excess of four million foreign passengers.

“But since 2015, it has been a continued decline. 2015 recorded 3.79 million, 2016 had 3.99, 2017 was 3.78 million and 2018, 3.6 million, a five per cent decline.”

But the president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bernard Bankole, faulted the claim, stating that it contradicted the sales earnings his members and the revenue figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

He said: “If the industry that made $1.4 billion (N490 billion) in 2017 ticket sales turns in $1.5 billion in ticket sales (N525 billion) in 2018, it means we have made progress and not decline as they (GDS) are claiming.”


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/08/inconsistency-in-nigerias-n525-billion-2018-aviation-ticket-sales-figure/

Ambode performs pre-launch of $50 million factory in lekki Free Zone. Facility to create 1,000 jobs, boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday performed the pre-launch of a $50million manufacturing plant in Lekki Free Zone, expressing optimism that the facility would go a long way to create jobs and boost the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

Speaking at the pre-launch of the factory belonging to Longrich, a Chinese firm, Governor Ambode said the facility was another success story of the efforts of the State Government in attracting investment, as well as an eloquent confirmation of the strategic importance of the free trade zone to the State’s economy.

He said a total of 25 companies were presently setting up manufacturing plants within the zone, saying it was indeed gratifying that the efforts to drive investments were yielding positive results.

He said the most important thing to him is that whether in government or outside of government, factories were springing up in the zone, thereby creating job opportunities for the people and improving the economy of the State.

According to the Governor, “One of the most fulfilling feelings in life is to see one’s efforts yield positive results. It gives me immense satisfaction to be here today to witness this Pre-Launching Ceremony of Longrich Nigeria Manufacturing Plant to be located in the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos State, Nigeria.

“At the inception of this administration, one of our core focus areas was attracting investments to our State; to create employment for our people and wealth for our investors. Today’s event is one of those crowning moments that confirm that our efforts have been rewarded.”

Governor Ambode particularly commended Longrich Group of Companies for the decision to site the $50million factory in Lagos of all the cities and countries in Africa, saying the State and the country stand to benefit immensely from the investment.

“I have been informed that this Lekki Longrich facility, upon completion, would not only be the hub for the distribution of the products to the African sub-region but would provide employment for at least 1,000 new workers in our State and boost the nation’s foreign exchange earnings from exportation of manufactured products to other African Countries.

‘If we go by the success story of Longrich in China and the company’s track record, there is no doubt that Longrich Nigeria would be modelled after the world-class LONGLIQI Bio-Industrial Park in China which covers an area of more than 133 hectares and serves as location of LONGLIQI Bio-Science Co., Ltd,” Governor Ambode said.

While describing the firm as a global brand with range of top class quality products and unique business model, the Governor also lauded the fact that Longrich had created wealth for over 500,000 people who are trading in more than thirty brands of the company, with the majority of the traders residing in the State.

Besides, Governor Ambode assured that the State Government would continue to play its role as business enablers, especially by providing the necessary infrastructure and services required to support all investors and businesses who decide to make Lagos their home.

“Our administration has embarked on massive and ambitious projects. We have introduced public sector reforms and policies aimed at making it easier to do business in our State. Our governmental institutions like the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Office of Public Private Partnership and Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global) are, more than ever before, in the fore front of providing an enabling business environment for local and foreign investments to thrive.

“These are just a few indicators to assure you of our commitment to securing not just Longrich’s investment in the South-West quadrant of Lekki Free Zone but to secure and attract more investments to our State,” he said.

The Governor, who described the Lekki Free Zone as the flagship of the State Government’s industrial development drive, said aside the physical amenities, the facility also comes with a bundle of incentives that propel business prosperity.

He added that with the ongoing gas pipeline laying to the zone nearing completion, power generation costs, which accounts for significant production cost, would soon be significantly reduced, just as he reiterated the commitment of the State Government to sustain the business environment and protect all investments in the State.

Earlier, Chairman of Longrich, Mr. Xu Zhiwei commended Governor Ambode for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State, saying it was on record that the Governor’s efforts made the setting up of the factory which would fully take off in October, 2019 possible.

“I want to thank Governor Ambode. He (Ambode) gave us the enabling environment; he gave us the full support; he embraced our dreams and believe in us.We can also feel the safety and security in Lagos State,” Zhiwei said.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/08/ambode-performs-pre-launch-of-50-million-factory-in-lekki-free-zone/

Johnnie Walker, the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky, in collaboration with HBO Game of Thrones unveiled the new White Walker.

At the launch event held at the FCA Showroom in Victoria Island Lagos, the winter-themed event treated celebrities, media influencers and fans of the hit show to an unprecedented immersive experience with a live orchestral performance of the GOT Theme song as arranged by Johnnie Walker.

Created by whisky specialist George Harper, alongside the small team of expert blenders at Johnnie Walker, guests were treated to the best way to enjoy the innovative whisky directly from the freezer, echoing the chilling presence of the White Walkers.

Speaking of the highly coveted partnership, Guinness Nigeria Plc’s Marketing Director, Adenike Adebola, explained that “At the heart of this innovative new blend are single malts from Cardhu and Clynelish, one of Scotland’s most northern distilleries where whiskies have endured long Scottish winters, not dissimilar to the climate north of the wall.

“White Walker by Johnnie Walker is best served cold directly from the freezer and features an unexpected icy reveal on the bottle when chilled: So enjoy Season 8 of Game of Thrones with some White Walker inspired cocktails.”

Speaking of White Walker by Johnnie Walker as a perfect companion for GOT fans as they enjoy great moments from the final season, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said, “The return of Season 8 of Game of Thrones, and this partnership with Diageo’s White Walker is both exciting and phenomenal for us.

“It’s our own way of delighting our DStv Premium customers and encouraging other subscribers to step up, so they don’t miss out on our exciting and entertaining contents.

“Game of Thrones as we all know is a medieval fantasy epic, which tells the story of powerful families playing a deadly game to sit atop the Iron Throne.

“So, without a doubt, our Premium subscribers are in for a wonderful experience. Game of Thrones premieres Monday 15 April on M-Net channel 101 at 10 pm. That’s 24 hours after it airs in the US and exclusive to DStv Premium customers.”

White Walker by Johnnie Walker is available in Shoprite, Spar, Game or online at drinks.ng and other retail stores near you. The ABV for the blend is 41.7% and is playfully inspired by the show – there are 7 kingdoms, but only 1 Iron Throne.

SOURCE : https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/06/johnnie-walker-introduces-white-walker-pictures/

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), says it has confirmed 16 new cases of Lassa fever in five states in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, disclosed this in Abuja on Saturday while giving an update on the disease and effort by the centre.

He said that the 16 new cases have now brought the number of confirmed cases to 526 out of the 2,034 suspected cases since Jan. 1 in 21 states.

He also said that a total of 121 deaths had been recorded since the onset of the outbreak.

Ihekweazu said Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Plateau, Taraba, FCT, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Kwara, Benue, Rivers, Kogi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Oyo, Kebbi and Cross River States have each recorded at least one confirmed case.

He also confirmed that one healthcare worker was affected in Plateau State, bringing it to a total of 17 healthcare workers in seven states since the outbreak of the disease.

The NCDC boss also said that 29 patients have been hospitalized at the designated centres.

He said that 10 were hospitalized in Irrua, 9 in Owo, three in Abakiliki, two in Bauchi, three in Plateau, and two in Taraba.

Ihekweazu said a total of 6,489 people suspected to have contacts with those infected had been identified across 20 states.

He said that 1,443 of the suspected contacts were being followed up, while 4,983 had completed the mandatory 21 days of follow up to and have been declared symptom free.

He also said that 112 symptomatic contacts have been identified, of which 55 tested positive.

The NCDC boss assured that the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre will continue to coordinate the response activities at all levels.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/06/ncdc-confirms-16-new-cases-of-lassa-fever-in-5-states-in-nigeria/

The Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, one of the country’s crude oil refineries that is run by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is one of the highest tax payers to the government of Kaduna State, Mr. Nasir el-Rufai, the state governor has said.

According to el-Rufai, the refinery which capacity utilization remained at zero for most parts of the months in 2018, and was not refining crude oil despite receiving the commodity from its parent body, the NNPC, pays the state its taxes regularly.

The governor in a statement from the NNPC yesterday in Abuja disclosed this to the corporation’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, during a courtesy call on him, he however did not disclose the type of tax the unprofitable refinery pays to the state.

The NNPC’s monthly operations and financial report for December 2018, indicated that besides a profit of N2.957.33 billion recorded by the Kaduna Refinery in April 2018, all other months, it made losses. Notwithstanding, el-Rufai, said it paid its taxes promptly.

He was also quoted to have stated in the statement signed by NNPC’s Group General Manager Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, that the state would support the NNPC to build its Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project.

The governor described the AKK gas line project as a very important one to Kaduna, noting that the people of Kaduna were happy it would support the state’s power demands.

“Already, we have gone ahead by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OCIP of Morocco for the development of a fertilizer plant in Kaduna State.

“As soon as the gas is here from the AKK Pipeline project, it will open up many possibilities. Therefore we are ready to support you in whatever way we can,” said el-Rufai.

He stated that the state would welcome the emergence of more independent power plants (IPPs) and was ready to provide land to achieve that, just as he called on the NNPC to build more fuel retail outlets within Kaduna.

Baru, in response told the governor that NNPC was open to partnership with the state and other stakeholders to accomplish the AKK gas line project.

He said: “We are very much pleased with the feedback from Governor el-Rufai. We are open to collaborations that will ensure the fast delivery of the AKK Project.”

Aside the AKK project, Baru, said the NNPC was keen on executing other projects that would trigger industrialization and create jobs in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the corporation also said it would support ongoing initiative by the federal government to diversify the country’s economy through agriculture by providing the fulcrum for the attainment of a mutually beneficial relationship between agriculture and industries.

Baru, said at the 40th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna, that the NNPC would continue to provide the enablers for the actualization of Nigeria massive agricultural potentials in line with the aspirations of President Muhammadu Buhari for the sector.

He said on completion, the AKK would deliver gas to Abuja, Kaduna and Kano power plants to power factories in the northern parts of the country and the national grid.

He added that in order to bridge the medium term domestic gas supply deficit by 2020, seven Critical Gas Development Projects (7CGDPs) had also been identified, saying that the desired outcome of this initiative would boost domestic gas supply from about 1.5 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d) to 5bscf/d with a corresponding 500 per cent increase in power generation to buoy capacity utilization of industries.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/06/unfulfilling-kaduna-refinery-among-highest-tax-payers-to-kaduna-state-government/

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has officially presented a brand new Innoson 33-seater bus (IVM 600) to Sunshine Stars FC  for the comfort of the players and their officials.

Presenting the bus to the management of the ODSFA at the Governor’s in Akure , Governor Akeredolu commended the management of the team for making the state proud despite the lean resources at their disposal.

The governor particularly lauded the players and their officials for keeping the state flag flying in their matches and encouraged them to do more to make the state proud.

Arakunrin Akeredolu expressed joy that the team won their last home match against Kwara United played last weekend.

Present at the official presentation of the bus are the Commissioner for Youths and Sport Development, Saka Ogunleye; ODSFA, Chairman, Otunba Tajudeen Akinyemi, among others.

The duo appreciated Governor Akeredolu led government for his unalloyed support for the football team.

SOURCE : https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/06/odsg-presents-33-seater-bus-to-sunshine-stars-fc/

Oando PLC (referred to as “Oando” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy group listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges, today announced that it has divested its residual 25% interest in Axxela Limited (held through Glover Gas & Power B.V.) to Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”), a leading private equity firm with a focus on investments in Africa.

The total purchase price for the transaction was USD $41,500,000, thereby optimizing value from non-core business activity of the Group. The net proceeds of the transaction will be applied in partially prepaying the Group’s Medium-Term Loan (MTL). The acquisition by Helios was effected through HIP GLOVER S.à.r.l, a special purpose vehicle incorporated by Helios, which in 2016 had acquired the initial 75% interest in Axxela for $115.8 million.

Commenting on the divestment, Oando PLC’s Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu said: “The completion of this divestment signifies another win for the Company. We pioneered the development of Nigeria’s foremost natural gas distribution network which has subsequently grown to become the largest private sector gas distributor in Nigeria creating a lasting impact on both the sector and the Nigerian economy. The divestment further reinforces Oando’s ability to create value that can be monetized and the Company’s status as the indigenous partner of choice for international companies looking to invest in Nigeria. This transaction favourably positions us to significantly reduce our debt profile and remain focused on growth through our dollar-denominated businesses. We will continue to maintain a significant presence in the Midstream as well as grow our gas aspirations via our Upstream gas assets in our NAOC Joint Venture wherein we have four gas projects within the NNPC’s Seven Critical Gas Development Projects (CGDPs), which are responsible for almost 50% of the 42 TCF that will be delivered by the seven CGDPs by 2020.”

CEO Axxela Limited, Bolaji Osunsanya added: “As we position to become the preferred and fast-growing gas and power portfolio across sub-Saharan Africa, we pay homage to our origins, legacy, and storied history as an Oando portfolio company. We are immensely proud of our impressive track record of building substantial gas and power infrastructure across Nigeria and implementing essential Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in our host communities. As we commence a new journey, our audacious growth initiatives across Nigeria and the sub-region will leverage our industry expertise, experience, and longevity; while our affiliation as a full-fledged Helios the company will improve our access to capital. The continued growth, robustness, and stability of our business enterprise enable Axxela to provide required efficient and environmentally-friendly energy solutions for industrial and commercial clients, leading to positive socio-economic impact in our markets of operation.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/04/oando-plc-announces-divestment-of-its-residual-25-interest-in-axxela-limited/

Nigeria’s aggregate public debt grew 12.25 per cent or N2.66 trillion year-on-year as at December 31, 2018, totalling N24.387 trillion ($79.437 billion), compared to N21.7 trillion posted over the same period in 2017, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has revealed.

A breakdown of the debts showed that external debt stood at N7.759.23 trillion ($22 billion), while domestic component stood at N16.627.84 trillion ($56 billion).

The DMO’s Director General, Ms. Patience Oniha, who briefed journalists in Abuja, said the debt figure comprised those owed by federal, states and Federal Capital Territory administrations.

She disclosed that the share of domestic debt dropped to 68.18 per cent from 73.36 per cent as at December 31, 2017 thereby achieving a mix of 68.18 per cent and 31.82 per cent in the debt stock.

Of the total debt stock, Oniha disclosed that the federal government loans accounted for 78 per cent of the figure, while states and the FCT accounted for 22 per cent, adding that the federal government has an external debt stock of N6.4 trillion while the domestic component stood at N17.11 trillion.

According to her, this brings the federal government’s debt profile to N19.23 trillion. Similarly, she said the states and the FCT have external debt of N1.25 trillion and N3.85 trillion domestic debt, or a total of N5.15 trillion.

Giving further breakdown, Oniha said that the federal government’s domestic debt stock comprised N331.12 billion Promissory Notes issued to oil marketing companies and state governments in December 2018, noting that the government’s debt strategy of exploring external funds was achieving the expected objectives, some of which were to freeing more space for other borrowers in the domestic market.

“Other objectives are to extend the average tenor of the debt stock in order to reduce refinancing risk and increase external reserves,” Oniha said.

“The share of domestic debt dropped to 68.18 per cent from 73.36 per cent as at December 31, 2017 thereby achieving a Mix of 68.18 per cent and 31.82 per cent in the Debt Stock. According to the DMO the strategy of using relatively cheaper and longer tenored external funds is achieving the expected objectives. Some of the Objectives were: to create more space for other borrowers in the domestic market, extend the average tenor of the debt stock in order to reduce refinancing risk and increase External Reserves.

“The implementation of the strategy led to an injection of N855 billion through the redemption of Nigerian Treasury Bills in 2018 and a general drop in the FGN’s borrowing rate in the domestic market from over 18 per cent p.a. in 2017 to 14 – 15 per cent p.a. in 2018,” she added.

According to her, some of its major plans in 2019 are to undertake more of project-tied borrowing and access more external borrowing from concessional sources, stressing that the DMO announced plans to issue 30-year federal government of Nigeria Bonds (FGN Bonds) for the first time.

“The issuance of the Bond will meet the needs of annuity funds and other long term investors while also developing the domestic capital market and reducing the re-financing risk of the FGN. Another area of focus will be the management of Risks associated with the Debt Stock to mitigate debt service costs.

“Another area of focus will be the management of risks associated with the debt stock to mitigate debt service costs,.” she said, adding that this is captured in the 2019 budget proposal before the National Assembly.

On the deficit of N1.649 trillion in the 2019 budget, she said the federal government would borrow N824 billion of the amount borrowed domestically through federal government Bonds, Sukuk, Green Bonds and Savings Bonds.
The other N824 billion is expected to be financed externally from concessional sources as they are cheaper and are longer-termed funds for infrastructure, she added.

Oniha said that the planned N15 billion Green Bonds and the infrastructure bonds would be issued in the second quarter of 2019. Investments in Sukuk, Green Bond will Boost Financial Inclusion, Said DMO

Meanwhile, Oniha has stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is currently promoting investments in Sukuk and other green bonds to promote financial inclusion as well as reduce poverty in the country.
Speaking in Abuja at the second edition of the Sigma Pensions Business Round table, themed: “Navigating the Frontiers of Ethical Investing”, she noted that previous experience from the issuance of two Sukuk bonds, which were oversubscribed had been beneficial, and further stressed the need for the investment base for ethical products to be broadened.

The DMO boss said: “The experience from the issuance of Sukuk bonds has been beneficial to the government.

The Sukuk is one of the landmark achievement not only in terms of fund but the projects being implemented”.
“We will like to do more with Sukuk because it’s transparent but the major issue for us now is to increase the investor base for ethical products,” she added.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/05/nigerias-public-debt-surges-by-12-25-percent-grossed-n2-66-trillion/

Alhaji Bello Abubakar, the President, Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), says maize production in Nigeria has increased tremendously from eight to 20 million metric tonnes from 2015 to date.

Abubakar made the disclosure in Abuja at the Nigerian Maize Conference organised by BAYER Middle Africa Ltd., to sensitise agriculture stakeholders on global best practices to increase maize yield.

The theme for the conference is: “Integrated Pest Management: Key to profitable Maize Farming’’.

According to MAAN president, the association’s partnership with BAYER since its inception in Nigeria has made a remarkable impacts in area of maize commodity in the country, besides government’s intervention through Anchor Borrowers Programme.

’I can testify that when  BAYER started this programme last year in Nigeria, we in maize association and other farmers can testify the increase in yielding through its programme.

‘’I want to use this opportunity to tell you that maize production in Nigeria has increased from eight to 20 million metric tonnes annually from 2015 to date.

‘’This is because of the supports and some interventions by the present government and the innovative programme in maize production brought by BAYER in partnership with MAAN association,‘’ he said.

Christian Enangbo, the Head of Customer Marketing of BAYER said that the company was into partnership with agric stakeholders across the West African countries to boost maize because of the potential in the commodity.

‘’We are very involved in supporting farmers to improve yield through innovation in area of mechanisation and agronomic practices identified as major challenges and to make life better.

“Ás you know probably in agriculture generally, is not only the inputs that should come to farmers as assistance, you also need to have some integrated programmes like personnel management, weed management programmes and what have you.’’

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/05/nigerias-maize-production-expands-to-20-million-metric-tonnes-maan/

Nestlé Ghana, a leading nutrition, health and wellness company, has launched a new variant of MAGGI known as “MAGGI DeDeeDe” to provide safe and quality nutrition for individuals and families to ensure their well-being at all stages. The product, which is made of shrimp, garlic, fish and other natural ingredients and fortified with micro nutrients, fulfills the brand’s commitment of using familiar ingredients in its production.

Speaking at the launch, Philomena Tan, the Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, explained that the addition signalled the company’s commitment to continuing to provide quality and nutritious choices that would contribute to the growth and wellbeing of Ghanaians.

“As a Nutrition Health and Wellness Company, we have a purpose to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future of consumers. We believe that we can achieve this purpose through the provision of product choices that have been developed through innovation and scientific findings.

She said the company was committed to using local ingredients rich in vitamins needed for the well-being of consumers. Dominique Allier, the Business Executive Officer, Culinary, Nestlé Central and West Africa, reiterated the company’s obligation to raising awareness about healthy lifestyles and improving the nutritional profile of products.

He said the product had been carefully crafted to heighten the taste of Ghana’s favourite dishes while providing natural ingredients that supported the family’s health.

Nestlé wins Supplier Environmental Award
Nestlé’s South Africa business emerged the winner of at the Massmart Supplier Environmental Awards recognising it as the top performing supplier who has demonstrated an industry-led commitment to sustainable supply chain management.

The Massmart awards are part retailer’s strategy in understanding and tracking the progress of their suppliers in ensuring their products are manufactured sustainably.

Speaking during the award ceremony Massmart Sustainability Executive Alexander Haw said: “Nestlé’s Zero Water manufacturing facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape is an incredible example of outstanding environmental stewardship and sets the company apart as a leader in sustainability.

The company saved an impressive 168 million litres of water through this zero water technology dairy manufacturing facility.”

Since 2009, Massmart has profiled and bench marked the environmental practices of more than 2000 suppliers through focused advocacy surveys and environmental assessments.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/04/nestle-presents-new-variant-of-maggi/

WhatsApp Group can be the most annoying thing especially when you don’t know who added you to them and the discussion is not making any sense, this can be very very annoying.

I know countless number of people who stopped using Whatsapp because they are unable to stop/restrict people people from adding them to senseless groups but with this new settings, such won’t happen again and you all can now use the App with rest of mind

NOTE:- In case you can’t find the update option to update WhatsApp on your App store, give it sometimes as they are currently rolling out the updates in batches.

HOW TO ENABLE THE SETTINGS
1. Open WhatsApp on your phone, and go to Settings > Accounts > Privacy.

2. Tap on Groups, and select any of the option below that suits you best.

Below are the options:-

– Nobody (this will prevents anyone from adding you to a group).

– My Contacts (only your contacts can add you to a group).

– Anyone (Anyone can add you to a group without an invitation)

If you value your privacy, you should select either of the first two options.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/04/awesome-whatsapp-finally-lets-you-prevent-people-from-adding-you-to-their-nonsense-groups/

A reassuring development on policy. President Muhammadu Buhari has not assented to the National Housing Fund Act, which was passed in Parliament just before the general election.

President Muhammadu Buhari has also refused assent to the bill seeking for $1 billion for the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The rejected bill with seven others was forwarded to him by the National Assembly in February this year. In separate letters read on the floor of the Senate Tuesday by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Buhari cited several reasons ranging from infractions on extant laws, duplication of responsibilities of existing agencies, to financial constraints for refusing assents on the bills.

The President in his refusal to sign the Ajaokuta Completion Fund Bill as stated in a letter dated March 19, 2018, said appropriating $1billion from the Excess Crude Account ( ECA) as requested for in the bill by the federal lawmakers is not the best strategic option for Nigeria at this time of budgetary constraints.

He said: ” The Nation cannot afford to commit such an amount in the midst of competing priorities with long term social and economic impact that the funds can be alternatively deployed towards.

“Bills which seeks to make an appropriation of revenues to fund public expenditure should be consolidated in the annual Appropriation Act such that these proposals pass through the traditional scrutiny that budget proposals are subjected to by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the National Assembly.

“Furthermore, as the Excess Crude Account Funds belong to the Federation, it would be proper to consult with the National Economic Council where the States are represented.

“Relevant stakeholders such as the Ministries of Mines and Steel Development, Industry, Trade and Investment were not fully consulted. “The inputs of key stakeholders are necessary to create the optimal legal and regulatory framework as well as an institutional mechanism to adequately regulate the steel sector ”

In another letter of refusal of assent dated March 27, President Buhari cited provisions contained in section 32 of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency Bill 2018 as the major reason for refusing assent to it.

He said, “Section 32 of the Bill , introduces (I) a 2.5% levy on the profit before tax of the target companies which will increase the tax burdens of the companies while offering no direct benefit to them : (ii) a1% levy on imports which will also add to the cost of doing business in the country , (iii), a 5% levy on luxury goods which duplicates efforts by the Federal Ministry of Finance to raise excise on such goods in a more sustainable manner to the benefit of the Federal Government treasury “.

He added that if signed into law, the Agency will have similar objectives to the Bank of Industry particularly with regard to the funding of Small and Medium Enterprises.

“Accordingly, it is important to streamline its functions to avoid duplication or overlap of functions with other government institutions performing similar functions aside from the likelihood of increasing public recurrent expenditure by the proposed creation of new public sector bodies “.

Other bills declined assents by the President through separate letters forwarded to that effect to the Senate are, the Nigerian Aeronautical Search and Rescue Bill 2018, Chartered Institute of Training and Development of Nigeria ( Establishment) Bill 2018 and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Bill 2018.

Others are, the National Housing Fund Bill 2018, National Institute of Credit Administration Bill 2018 and National Bio-Technology Development Agency Bill 2018.

Expectations for Nigeria growth remain low and are reflected in valuations and trading volumes considerably lower than the historic average.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/02/buhari-declines-assent-to-controversial-national-housing-fund-bill-ajaokuta-steel-bill/

The management of the leading pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Nigeria says it plans to shut down its production facility located in the Agbara Industrial Estate in Ogun state, Nigeria by the Q3 2021.

According to the company, closing the Agbara plant is part of its plans at restructuring its internal operations.

This was stated in its corporate disclosure issued to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, today saying the company’s Board of Directors approved the plan.

GSK stated that it will transition to contract manufacturing. This means that the pharmaceutical company will work with local contract manufacturers for the supply of the company’s drugs and other pharmaceutical products. GSK’s restructuring would support the building of local expertise, transfer of technical knowledge and improve local production capacities in the country, said its management.

It will also enable the company to focus on the commercial aspect of its business, which basically involves “supporting access to GSK’s consumer health products, medicines, and vaccines.”

Following an extensive review of its product supply operation, the Board of Directors has approved a restructuring of GSK’s current operating model to better serve the Nigerian patients and consumers. The restructuring, which will be effective in Q3 2021, involves working with local contract manufacturers for the supply of GSK’s products, where possible. This will support the building of local expertise, transfer of technical knowledge, and improve local production capacities in the country.

However, part of the statement issued to the NSE said: “the identification of a suitable third party local manufacturer will be the subject of another announcement.”

GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria says the restructuring will affect its commitment to global health issues in Nigeria and elsewhere. It will also continue to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Its Agbara plant will remain functional until the third quarter of 2021, by which time a suitable local contract manufacturer would have been found.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/02/glaxosmithkline-nigeria-is-shutting-down-its-agbara-plant-the-company-explains-why/

Apple will launch the 2019 iPhone generation in September with a series of massive upgrades, including in the battery department.

Top-rated Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says in a note to investors that the Cupertino-based tech giant would use larger batteries on all three models debuting this year.

Apple is expected to stick with the current three-model lineup that includes 5.8-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.5-inch models, and while the design is likely to remain largely the same, more significant improvements are expected under the hood.

The analyst says the iPhone XS, which currently features a 2,658 mAh battery, would come with a battery whose capacity would be increased by up to 25 percent. The iPhone XS Max itself will also get a massive upgrade of around 15 percent, while the iPhone XR, which runs on a 2,942 mAh battery, would receive the smallest increase of just 5 percent.

Enter reverse wireless charging

The reason for these massive upgrades, at least on the iPhone XS and the XS Max, is that Apple wants to add bilateral wireless charging.

Already available on a series of Android devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S10, bilateral wireless charging allows a smartphone to wirelessly charge other devices using their own batteries. On the iPhone, Apple most likely wants to provide users with the added convenience of charging the Apple Watch or the AirPods on the go whenever a standard charger can’t be used.

By increasing the battery capacity, Apple tries to make sure that charging other devices wouldn’t substantially impact the experience with the iPhone.

Apple has already reached out to a series of partners for this iPhone upgrade, including Compeq, Unimicron, and TTM, all of which are supposed to help increase the battery capacity of the 2019 models and make bilateral wireless charging happen.

For now, however, we’re still far away from the moment the new iPhones would get the go-ahead, so anything could change overnight if something goes wrong.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/02/apple-to-increase-battery-capacity-of-2019-iphone-models/

Music sensation Tiwa Savage has been unveiled as brand ambassador for Star Radler. The announcement was made at a special event hosted at Muri Okunola Park, on the 29th of March, 2019.


She becomes the first female to officially represent the beer brand, as she joins an elite group of superstars to be associated with Star.

This follows the announcement in January where pop star Burna Boy was unveiled as Star Lager’s brand ambassador.

Now with Tiwa’s unveil, fans of the Afro-pop sensation will be eagerly anticipating the creative ways the brand intends to exploit this landmark relationship.

Tiwa Savage is no stranger to “firsts”, last year she became the first ever Africa female to win a BET Award, etching her name in the history books in the process.

Since her emergence in the Nigerian music scene, Tiwa has released 3 studio albums which have earned critical and commercial success. Her illustrious career has also seen her rise to becoming arguably the African queen of music.

Commenting on her new position, Tiwa expressed her delight at becoming the first ever woman to be a brand ambassador for Star, “Star is a great brand and I’m thrilled to have joined the Star family.

“I’ve always loved the Radler brand and it’s an amazing opportunity to be the official face of the brand.

“The taste is quite exquisite! The Star brand is all about inspiring people to dream for bigger, greater things.
“Every Nigerian is somewhat aspirational, and this is a theme I try to imbibe in my music. I can’t wait for what the future holds with Star as I urge everyone to be on the lookout for us.” During the special event Star also unveiled its brand new football kit, accompanied with a sporting emblem.

This kit will be worn by the Star football team, which will be made up of professional players like Austin Jay Jay Okocha and fans, in a novelty match on the 16th of April 2019.

Star Lager Beer is brewed by Nigerian Breweries, Nigeria’s pioneer and largest brewery. Incorporated in 1946, Nigerian Breweries introduced Star lager beer into the Nigerian market on June 2, 1949 as the first indigenously brewed beer in a market that was dominated exclusively by imported brands.

Star is largely responsible for the growth of Nigerian indigenous beer industry, as its success story has influenced the introduction of other successful brands.

Star Radler is a variant of the brewer’s iconic Star lager brand, with 2% alcohol volume and blended with citrus fruit flavour.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/01/tiwa-savage-becomes-first-female-star-brand-ambassador/

Bitcoin price jumped higher recently and traded to a new weekly high above $4,140 against the US Dollar.
The price traded as high as $4,142 and it is currently consolidating gains above key supports.
There is a new contracting triangle forming with support near $4,100 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken).
The pair could decline in the short term, but it remains supported near $4,100 and $4,050.

Bitcoin price is trading with a strong uptrend above the $4,040 pivot level against the US Dollar. BTC is likely to break the $4,150 resistance and it could surge above $4,200.

Bitcoin Price Analysis

After forming a strong support near the $4,040 level, bitcoin price climbed above $4,100 against the US Dollar. The BTC/USD pair followed a decent bullish path, with a couple of sharp moves towards $4,060. Finally, the price gained bullish momentum and traded above the $4,100 and $4,120 resistance levels. A new weekly high was formed near the $4,142 level and the price is currently trading in a range.

An initial support is near the $4,120 level and the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent rise from the $4,052 low to $4,142 high. However, the main support is near the $4,100 level. More importantly, there is a new contracting triangle forming with support near $4,100 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. If the pair breaks the triangle support, it could test the $4,060 level and the 100 hourly simple moving average.

On the upside, the triangle resistance is near the $4,145 and $4,150 levels. A clear break above the $4,150 resistance could open the doors for more gains above $4,200. The next significant resistance is at $4,240, above which the price may increase to $4,400. On the flip side, if there is a fresh downside correction, buyers might take a stand near the $4,060 support or the 100 hourly simple moving average.

Looking at the chart, bitcoin price is clearly following a solid bullish path above the $4,100 and $4,060 support levels. In the short term, there could be range moves above $4,100 before the price spikes above the $4,145 resistance.

The most important support is near the $4,040 pivot level. There is also a major bullish trend line in place with support at $4,055 on the same chart. Therefore, there are many buy zones formed, starting with $4,100 and up to near $4,040.

Technical indicators:

Hourly MACD – The MACD is placed heavily in the bullish zone, with positive signs.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is currently moving lower from the 72 level.

Read: Gold Drops Ahead Of Federal Reserve Decision
Major Support Levels – $4,100 followed by $4,060.

Major Resistance Levels – $4,145, $4,150 and $4,200.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/01/bitcoin-inreases-to-4142-investors-positive-for-further-upswing/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) disclosed yesterday that has  heighten its partnership with oil marketers under the umbrella of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) to ensure seamless supply of petroleum products across the country.

It explained in a statement from its Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, that the agreement to reinforce the trade relationship between it and the oil marketers was reached at a retreat held in Abuja by members of MOMAN.

The statement said NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the corporation, as the supplier of last resort, would continue to strengthen its relations with MOMAN to avoid any product supply gap.

Baru appreciated MOMAN for being a dependable ally in the supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide, and noted that the marketers were a force to be reckoned with in the country’s downstream petroleum sector.

He added that other players in the sector like the NNPC Retail Limited were not in competition with MOMAN.

“We maintain good relations with MOMAN which have helped to ensure that there is products availability nationwide during the last Yuletide and the just concluded election period.

“MOMAN is living up to our expectation as partners. NNPC is ready to escalate whatever recommendations the association comes up with at the end of its retreat to appropriate authorities,” said Baru.

He stated that the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), when finally passed,  would further strengthen and boost the business operations of MOMAN across the country, and that the workshop would help it brace up for the imminent reforms in the oil industry.

Baru, also urged MOMAN to always keep its contractual obligations to the NNPC, adding that remittances from it often go into the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to service the needs of the various tiers of government.

The statement also quoted the chairman of MOMAN, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, to have assured the corporation of its commitment, saying it was a dependable ally to NNPC in the supply and distribution of petroleum products.

Oyebanji, pledged MOMAN’s continued collaboration with NNPC, and disclosed that it was repositioning for future changes in the industry.

He said: “We have an outstanding relationship with NNPC and its downstream subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC). We will continue to improve on the relationships to take the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry to enviable heights.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/01/nnpc-increase-partnership-with-oil-marketers-for-efficiency-in-supply-of-petroleum-products/

Hyundai has announced plans to introduce new ‘digital key’ technology on future models, allowing drivers to unlock and start their car via a smartphone. Selected new cars will start offering the technology during 2019. Users will download the digital key as an app, with each car allowing up to four authorized devices.

The system uses highly secure near field communication (NFC) technology, with antennas fitted in the front door handles and in a wireless charging pad inside the car. Users unlock the car by bringing an authorized smartphone close to the door, then start the car by placing it on the charging pad and pressing a start/stop button.

The vehicle will also recognize each user’s preferred settings, such as position of mirrors, seats and the steering wheel, as well as controls for the audio, video and navigation systems, and the head-up display.

“This is a practical application of Hyundai’s connected vehicle technology to create new, genuinely useful functions,” said Mike Song, Hyundai’s Head of Operations for the Middle East and Africa. “Not only will people be able to use their smartphone in place of a key, but they will also be able to authorize other drivers simply by sharing the app, without having to keep track of multiple sets of car keys.”

When sharing the car, a Hyundai owner will be able to limit the functions available for each digital key. This could include placing a time-limit for when the key will expire or setting an alert to warn the owner if the car is being driven too fast or is outside a designated area.

As well as offering convenience for drivers, the new technology also recognizes the changing nature of mobility and car ownership, such as the growing popularity of car-sharing schemes. Once car-sharing becomes more widespread, the digital key will be further programmed to support hassle-free vehicle rental, so the owner and driver can share a key without needing to meet in person.

Conventional or card-type keys will still be provided for those times when sharing the digital key would be impractical, such as when leaving the car in a repair workshop or valet parking.

NFC is a form of Radio Frequency Identification with high levels of security, data transmission only taking place when the device and reader are no more than a few centimeters apart. It is the same technology used for contactless payments via a smartphone.

“The Digital Key will benefit a very wide range of future Hyundai customers, as well as enabling innovative new schemes for vehicle sharing,” said Ho Yoo, Group Leader of Hyundai Motor Group’s Electronics Development Group. “We are studying other ways to harness this type of connected-car technology to greatly enhance the driving and ownership experience.”

Hyundai has also outlined plans to be the first car company to introduce smart fingerprint technology that allows drivers to unlock and start the car. 

Announced late in 2018, fingerprint technology will be introduced for selected markets on the New-generation Santa Fe to be launched during the first quarter of 2019.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/30/hyundai-to-initiate-smartphone-controlled-cars-in-2019/

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said political appointees for his second term will be selected based on merit and national spread.

He spoke when he met religous leaders at the State House in Abuja, and assured them of his commitment to leave Nigeria better than he met it in 2015.

Buhari separately received the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, and Imams and senior Muslim clerics from across the country led by Professor Shehu Galadanci.

He affirmed that his administration would continue to address important national challenges including security, economy and corruption.

“We will continue to strive for peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians irrespective of their religious beliefs. In the area of allocation of political offices, our focus will be on merit and national spread such that every part of Nigeria will have a sense of belonging.

‘‘We remain resolute in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and efforts to bring back all those in captivity and other victims of kidnappings will be intensified,’’ he said.

Commending the important roles religious bodies played in the last four years of the administration, Muhammadu Buhari pledged to continue supporting several programmes anchored by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) geared towards peace, tolerance, unity and harmony.

Speaking after the meeting held behind closed doors, Ayokunle said the association was not under pressure to congratulate Buhari. “This delegation has come on behalf of CAN to congratulate you for victory and for being declared winner by INEC at the just-concluded 2019 presidential election.

“Our prayer for you is that God shall grant you everything it takes to perform hundred times better than your first term. We pray that your administration leads Nigeria to become the glory and pride of nations in Africa and a country many people would desire to be, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

“Please count on this organization as one that has the success of your administration at heart. In that respect, we would not cease in praying for you and speaking out about what is expected to be done from time to time in keeping with the Bible, the word of God,” he said.

The association urged the president to ensure ethnic and religious balance in the selection of the leadership of the National Assembly.

The religious leaders solicited for deliberate and relentless effort to free Leah Sharibu, and the Chibok girls, from captivity.

At a separate meeting, the Muslim clerics urged the president to end kidnapping, illicit drugs consumption, among others in the country.

Galadanci, who led the clerics, said: “Your victory, no doubt, demonstrates that the desire of the majority of Nigerians is to ensure the continuity of your administration to the next level.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/30/president-muhammadu-buhari-disclose-his-next-cabinet/

The Ondo State Government on Thursday closed down an alleged illegal hospital called Arib Hospital in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Area of the state.

Dr Dipo Durojaye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said the hospital was training about 52 auxiliary nurses, not allowed by law.

Durojaye added that other offences allegedly committed by the hospital were running medical services without following laid down regulations and non-registration of the hospital with the state Ministry of Health.

He said it would not be business as usual in the state health sector as the government would descend heavily on quacks and those opening hospitals indiscriminately.

The permanent secretary promised that any private health facility training health personnel would be sanctioned as the government would not allow the life of the people to be endangered.

He decried so much wrong doings in the health sector, saying that the government was poised to sanitise the sector.

Durojaye also warned patent medicine stores operating as hospitals and treating patients to desist from such activities which could pose a great threat to the well-being of the society or face the wrath of the law.

The Director, Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Richard Adesoji, said quacks were dangerous to the health sector as they were not properly trained.

Adesoji said they could not make the correct diagnosis and usually jumped to conclusions, a situation that had caused unnecessary mortality in the country.

Adesoji said in spite of the enormous negative effects quacks had on the society, people still ignorantly patronized them.

He disclosed that hospitals that could not employ qualified nurses, could use the Community Health Extension Workers ( CHEWS) as agreed at the National Council on Health.

The Director Nursing Services of the ministry, Mrs Alice Ogundele, said it was alarming that some hospitals in that locality had more than 50 nurses in training when even some accredited Schools of Nursing and Midwifery were only allowed to admit 50 or less.

Ogundele said the trend was dangerous to the nursing profession, as it would not allow qualified nurses to get jobs.

She said quacks had become a source of cheap labour just wasting their future.

She said the quacks, called auxiliary nurses, constituted a danger to humanity as they were half baked, did not know the rationale behind their actions and perpetrated several wrong doings in the health sector.

They operate Patent Medicine Stores as hospitals.

The director warned the public not to patronize hospitals where there were trainees.

Some other hospitals visited in Okitipupa are St. Peters Hospital, Akingbola Hospital and Oresanya Hospital, where student trainees took to their heels on sighting the monitoring team.

They were served letters of warning to desist from acts that were capable of endangering the health of the people or face serious sanctions and eventual closure.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/30/ondo-state-govt-shuts-down-illegal-hospital-cautions-against-quackery/

It’s the UEFA Champions League season again! As fans all over the world seek to enjoy the thrills and drills of the season, they are also on standby to unleash their frustrations on players, particularly the A-listers who don’t meet their expectations.

For Nigerian fans, making fun of the players come in different ways, one of which is the comical names they give to them.

We have come up with a list of some of the funny names on social media. Check them out!

1. Marcus Rashford aka Brexit Lil Kesh

2. Romelu Lukaku aka Belgium Ayegbeni

3. Alvaro Morata aka Spanish Theo Walcott

4. Kepa Arizzabalaga Aka Arinzeabalaga

5. David De Gea aka Spanish Ike Shoromu

6. Kylian Mbappe aka French Oxlade-Chamberlain

7. Angel Di Maria aka South American Stewart Downing

8. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang aka Phyno

9. Paul Pogba aka Dabbing Mulumbu

10. Eden Hazard aka Big Bumbum FC

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/30/footballers-and-their-funny-names-on-social-media/

Nigerian exporters have raised the alarm that cashew nuts valued at $300 million have been trapped at the Lagos Ports and called on the federal government to come to their aid by addressing the challenges of congestion and inefficiency at Lagos’ ports, which has affected exports.


The exporters said gridlock and inefficiency at the ports of Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos, delayed shipment of 50,000 tonnes of cashew nuts and is threatening this year’s output as traders are cash-strapped.

President of Nigeria Cashew Exporters Association, Tola Fasheru told Bloomberg.com that the fruits from last year’s harvest should have been exported by January; “Instead, they are still in containers on trucks waiting to enter the ports or on wharves.”

“Roads to Lagos ports are badly congested, with hundreds of lorries queuing to enter the premises and either deliver or pick goods. In addition, inadequate capacity and infrastructure, stifling red tape and corruption are hampering export processes.

“There is a palpable lack of synergy among the port operators and this is affecting the business of our members, ”he said.

Some members of the cashew association, he added, have defaulted on contracts to the extent that foreign buyers are now walking away from them.

“They are no longer willing to give us fresh contracts,” said the group’s president. The delay is likely to affect the output target of 260,000 tonnes for the current season, which started in February and will end in July.

“Not one single cashew exporter is in the field now as he is owing on contracts and as a result has no money to operate with,” said Asheru.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/29/inefficiency-at-apapa-port-gridlock-puts-300-million-cashew-export-at-risk/https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/29/inefficiency-at-apapa-port-gridlock-puts-300-million-cashew-export-at-risk/

We grew up with the notion that sex is a secret that should only happen in the bedroom. So, should we go with this flow? HELL NO. Come on, it gets boring saying Hello to the bed all the time. Sex is an art that should be created in places our imaginations take us to. So, reignite your sex life as you learn the best places to turn all your wild thoughts into reality without overthinking it.

At an event: Talk about naughty. Just imagine sneaking out of an event probably a birthday, wedding or just a Saturday Owambe to one of the bathrooms or bedrooms to get down. Always remember the thought of getting caught increases the sexual tension and sensation, so you could try out a quickie and come back to the event as nothing happened but believe me when I say you would always reminisce on the moment. Oya hurry and try out the stand and carry position, ballet dancer position and also the doggy sex position before they catch you.

On the beach:

Talk about romance. Just imagine having sex in the sunset with sand in between your legs, the warmth and cool effect that soothes you while you engage in matters of the privates. People wouldn’t disturb you as it is almost dark so don’t; The only attention you should focus on is attention from your partner. Don’t be too adventurous though, lay a mat or towel on the sand before laying on it to prevent sand from getting where you want to get to before you do. You can even order sex on the beach drink before the act to make it more playful as you become the character you so desire. Ensure you are away from the water as well because salt water isn’t the water that goes down well with sex. You could try the G-whiz style, deck chair style, doggy style and the reverse cowgirl sex positions.

In a Cinema:

I bet this sounds like something we do in the Truth or Dare game, but cinema sex is exciting even if you can only pull off fingering. In between the high-level sounds in the room, your moaning can also add a rhythm, so long as you got the best seats which are the back seats. Ladies, make sure you wear something that makes it easily accessible for his fingers to slide through. In case you are bothered about people noticing, pick a very boring movie you know wouldn’t pull the crowd and enjoy yourselves. You can try out the hot seat sex position right here without attracting much attention to yourself.

In a Hotel:
Sex in a hotel room is Bae. No cleanups after sex, imagine having ice-cream sex or food sex and all you have to clean up after the mess is yourselves? Sex in a hotel can be done occasionally because you don’t have to worry about anything as you have got room service to do all the work from delivering food to cleaning up, all you need do is worry about pleasing each other. You guys can even have sex on the room’s balcony after to make it extra spicy where you know you can get caught but can easily run into your room when you get caught. “No one knows you, so calm down and enjoy the moment.” Here, you can try out all the sex positions you have ever imagined, just be switching them as the inspiration comes.

In the car:
You must have read this in the novels, now you can also have the chance of being that character. Car sex is awesome because you don’t have much space so in between the struggle to take off your clothes or the accidental hitting of your head on the roof of the car, there is glory at the end of it all. You can do it on the driver’s seat, just slide it back and ride him or you both can get in the back seat and try other positions. If you want something snappy yet highly sensual, try this out, the painting you’d have afterwards alone would want you having yet another round. I bet you think there isn’t much to explore here but I tell you that you could try the missionary style, Cowgirl style, Faceoff style and the Speed bump sex position.

The Kitchen table:
This is a great place to have sex, the kitchen is where delicious meals are prepared, but who says you are not more delicious to your partner than that meal you are cooking? Trust me, heat and sex are partners, the heat in the kitchen alone is enough to heighten your sensitivity. So, cook up something really good in the kitchen before adding a topping somewhere else, in case you choose not to end it in the kitchen. Try out the padlock sex position but just make sure there are no sharp objects in the way, we don’t want the story changing to sex gone bad.

In the Shower or Bathtub:
Water and sex are a perfect match. You should try this out in the shower or bathtub. I would have suggested the swimming pool as well, but it makes you more susceptible to all the wrongs we don’t want in our body; that even condoms can’t save us from. The shower is a wonderful idea as water whether warm or cold dripping down your body sends this crazy sensation down your spine as it is wet and slippery or is it the bathtub sex that can send you rays of wild sex creativity? Whichever team you decide to be on, make sure you make me proud. In the shower, you can try the ballet dancer, Doggy style and the stand and carry sex position. In the bathtub, you could try out the hot seat and face off sex position.

On the sitting room sofa:
Wonder why Kiss Daniel sang about the sofa? Watching movies, porn or just plain TV can ignite that passion for sex at times, so instead of holding it till you get to the bedroom, why not just chill overnight on the sofa? The uncomfortable effect makes sex even more daring and if you are lucky, the TV might even decide to add some juice to it by following up with some sounds that would act as your sex beats. You could try the Faceoff, hot seat, G-whiz sex positions.

On top of the washing machine:
Have you ever seen a washing machine vibrate while in use? Oh! Oh!! Oh!!! Now imagine you and your partner on top that. Yass baby!!! To be frank, sex on a washing machine sends all the right sensations to your body and makes the act more intense than normal which is what most of us need, intense sex. When last did you get that feeling? If you don’t have a washing machine to try it out on, give me a call, I won’t mind lending you mine because I want you to try out the padlock sex position.

On the stairs:
=Did you just say How? The stairs are not only there to assist you to go up and down, but it can also be a great place to explore your sexual desires. Here, you could try the standing doggie style, the traditional missionary style and the ballet dancer style, but be careful not to lose grip, you can use the rails or steps as support. After this mischievous act, whenever you see a staircase, down below would always be triggered with sexual excitement.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/29/best-places-to-have-sex-wild-thoughts-beyond-the-bedroom/

The Senate yesterday expressed deep concern over low release of the 2018 Appropriation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), saying some of the agencies received as little as 10 per cent of the approved allocation during the period under review.

But the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, attributed the low performance of the budget to its late passage by the National Assembly as well as revenue constraints encountered by the Muhammadu Buhari administration amid fluctuation in global oil price at its inception.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Suleiman Adokwe (PDP Nasarawa South), who raised the alarm yesterday during the 2019 budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Information, decried the poor implementation of the 2018 budget and blamed the executive arm of government for not releasing adequate funds that could enable the federal agencies to execute developmental projects.

According to him, “Before the budget defence exercise, we have done oversight functions and noticed that releases for capital projects were quite low. Most of the agencies that we visited received between 10 and 15 per cent releases.

“Based on our interactions with the various agencies of government, we have discovered that capital releases are still very low. So far, the highest I have seen, the highest release is 67 per cent.

“Releases to some agencies are hovering between 40 and 45 per cent. So, the 2018 budget implementation, in our opinion is not very encouraging, and capital releases are what really ginger the economy.”

Adokwe said since it is the expenditure arising from capital provisions that put money in the system, which has been very low, only salaries have been paid up to 100 per cent.

He added: “Overhead releases have not been up to 60 per cent in many cases and even most agencies received just for six months for the 2018 financial year, which is not good enough.

“If you look at the 2018 total budget of N9 trillion; it sounds like a big money until when you do a quick conversion in dollars that you will discover that it is actually about $25 billion.”

Nigerians, he explained, are not feeling the impact of government because of the failure of the executive to adequately fund the budget.

Adokwe, therefore, advised the executive to release all the funds that would be appropriated in 2019 for the various ministries, departments and agencies if it wants Nigerians to feel the impact of government.

“The revenue being generated yearly by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Nigerian Customs Service and other collection agencies are even higher than what we are talking about; so, why are we experiencing poor releases?” he queried.

Responding, the committee Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, asked the minister to furnish the committee with detailed breakdown of the budget.

The committee, he said, believed that the revenue capacity of the sector should be raised for the country to benefit, adding that steps should be taken to position the sector to take its pride of place in the scheme of things in the country.

The ministry proposed N20,480,057,749 as its budget estimate for 2019.
Out of the amount the sum of N8,559,365,940 is for personnel cost, N1,726,419,857 is for overhead while N10,194,271,952 is for capital projects.

FG Blames Low Budget Performance on Late Passage, Revenue Constraint

Meanwhile, giving reasons for the low performance of the 2018 budget, the Udoma told the Senate Committee on Finance that the late passage of the 2018 budget by the National Assembly and revenue constraints encountered by the administration amid fluctuation in global oil price at its inception were responsible.

According to him, the overall revenue performance was only 55 per cent of the target in the 2018 budget.

Minister’s spokesman, Mr. James Akpandem, further explained that “Of the total appropriation of N9.12 trillion, N7.24 trillion had been spent by December 31, 2018. This represents 79 per cent performance.

“Debt service and the implementation of non-debt recurrent expenditure, notably payment of workers’ salaries and pensions were on track.”

He said: “Capital releases only commenced after the signing of the 2018 Budget on June 20, 2018. As at January 11, 2019, a total of N1.226 trillion had been released for capital projects.

“Spending on capital has been prioritised in favour of critical ongoing infrastructural projects in the power, roads, rail and agriculture sectors.

“Implementation of the 2018 Capital Budget will continue into 2019 until the 2019 Budget is passed into law,” the document stated.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, had described as unfortunate, how the federal government and many commentators always ignorantly accuse the National Assembly of delaying the Appropriations Bill.

He said it was very unfair for the executive to consistently and repeatedly blame the National Assembly for delaying passage of the budget while failing to address the issue of late budget submission on its part.

He said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 provides that the Appropriations Bill be submitted not later than September of the preceding year, which will give the parliament ample time to process the document and pass it in good time.

Unfortunately, he said, the 2019 Appropriations Bill was submitted on December 19, 2018, just 12 days to the end of the year and the earliest time an Appropriation Bill has ever been presented to the National Assembly in this dispensation was on November 7, 2017.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/03/29/senate-worries-over-inadequate-implementation-of-2018-budget/