₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s leading Pay-TV service provider, MultiChoice Nigeria is bringing some exciting news to existing subscribers on the DStv & GOtv platforms this festive season. The company recently announced the launch of new packages on the DStv and GOtv platforms namely; DStv Confam, DStv Yanga, GOtv Jolli, and GOtv Jinja.

“We recently introduced brand new packages to our DStv and GOtv offerings. They are DStv Confam, DStv Yanga, GOtv JOLLI, and GOtv JINJA. The objective of the launch of the new packages is to offer our customers new lower and higher tier packages for DStv and GOtv at affordable prices,” said Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria.

MultiChoice customers with active subscriptions on DStv Family, DStv Access, GOtv Plus and GOtv Value will enjoy a two-week free trial from December 1 – December 15, 2019, on the new packages, at no extra cost.

Mabutho further stated, “Our key priority is to put subscribers’ needs at the heart of every new offering. From time to time, MultiChoice reviews the packages available on our platforms that may result in the addition or removal of packages.”

With more package options available on both the DStv and GOtv platforms, subscribers can easily choose the subscription plan that best fits the budget and viewing needs of their families. DStv Confam offers entertainment with channels like BET, Da Vinci, TNT Africa* and more for your viewing pleasure. With DStv Yanga, viewers enjoy all things Nollywood on, Africa Magic Epic, ROK 2 and Ebony Life, and get the best of local and international music on MTV Base.

GOtv JOLLI lets viewers treat their family and friends to exciting Naija drama, reality shows, news and kid shows on ROK2, CBS Reality, FOX, TNT Africa*, and Da Vinci. And on GOtv JINJA, get to enjoy a local drama on Africa Magic Epic, international shows, and movies on FOX Life and other shows on Real-Time.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/12/05/multichoice-gives-subscribers-2-weeks-free-trial-of-new-dstv-gotv-packages/

Best of luck...

Football's world governing body has announced plans to raise $1bn dollars to build at least one stadium meeting Fifa standards in each African country.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino was talking in Lubumbashi during the 80th-anniversary celebrations of DR Congo side TP Mazembe.

He insisted that Fifa wants African football to shine and will work with the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and other stakeholders to improve refereeing, infrastructure and competitions on the continent.

"We want to bring it (Africa) to the highest of heights and show the world the outstanding talent and amazingly gifted players your continent possesses," he said.

"To do this, we want to implement a three-pillar approach: refereeing, infrastructure and competitions, in close cooperation with Caf, all of its 54 member associations across Africa and other stakeholders.

"I am positive that we will make African football reach the top level where it should be because the quality and potential are definitely here."

One of the plans is for Fifa to create a professional and elite group of African referees who will be independent of the administration and political bodies.

This follows on from the decision taken in the last executive committee meeting of Caf where a decision to implement reforms in the refereeing sector was approved.

On infrastructure, Infantino said Fifa would mobilize companies and entrepreneurs to raise around $1bn with the objective of building at least one stadium that complies with Fifa's standards in each African country.

He said Fifa will focus on developing new and better competitions to generate more revenue so that the African clubs can retain talented players.

Infantino hinted at the possibility of creating an African League that would see the best clubs from the continent play against each other, without giving further details or outlining how the plan might impact the Champions League.

He also talked about plans to organize regional competitions and youth tournaments to further help the development of young players in Africa.

Infantino is touring along with his general-secretary-turned-African-delegate Fatma Samoura, Caf president Ahmad Ahmad and African legend Samuel Eto'o among other people.

He then took part in a commemorative match that featured Eto'o, Zambian legend Kalusha Bwalya and TP Mazembe owner Moise Katumbi.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=56006&action=edit

Nigeria Rugby names squad, arrive in Antananarivo for 2023 Pre World Cup Qualifiers

This encounter is the last match of elimination stage of the Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) 2020 and kicks off on Sunday, 1 December at 15:00 local time (14:00 CAT)

LAGOS, Nigeria, November 30, 2019 - Coach Bronson Weir announced the Nigeria Rugby Men’s Fifteens squad that will be on duty against Madagascar in Antananarivo on Sunday.

This encounter is the last match of elimination stage of the Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) 2020 and kicks off on Sunday, 1 December at 15:00 local time (14:00 CAT) at the Mahamasima Stadium in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

"The boys have worked hard all through training in Kano and Lagos. Madagascar plays a unique band of Xv's Rugby. We will concentrate on our game and do what we have to do to get the result. We look forward to seeing what the team can produce on Sunday,” says Coach Bronson Weir.

SQUAD:

Forwards

1. Godwin Otoro -.Italy(C)
2. David Oyekanmi - Racing
3. Praise Asiedu - Australia
4. Sunday Bassey - Cowrie
5. Ricky Nwagbara - South Africa
6. Ibrahim Suraj - Barewa
7. Samuel Ekpo - Cowrie
8. Obi Wilson - Barewa
9. Alex Onome Richard -.Barewa
10. John Kurah - Racing
11. Olatunde Sulaiman - Cowrie
12. Jude Abrakson -.Barewa
13. Emmanuel Chukwudi - Abia Buffalo's

Backs

14. Azeez Ladipo - Cowrie (vC)
15. Nuhu Ibrahim - Barewa
16. Monday Omorogieva - Racing
17. Joshua Etim - Barewa
18. Jeremiah Peters - Kings College Old Boys
19. Daniel John - Cowrie
20. Isah Omale - Barewa
21. Ezekiel Tom - Gosar
22. Gabriel Etim- Barewa

The match will be broadcast live and for free on Rugby Africa’s Facebook page @RugbyAfrique (http:///37QnZdc)

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/30/nigeria-rugby-names-squad-arrive-in-antananarivo-for-2023-pre-world-cup-qualifiers-photos/

The attention of the Federal Road Safety Corps has been drawn to an online publication where the Sector Commander, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Corps Commander Wobin Ayuba Gora was quoted out of context on the use of google map app while driving, during the 2019 'Ember Months' flag-off held in Lugbe, FCT on Wednesday.

According to the writer, the FCT Sector Commander while delivering his ember months address stated that driving with the aid of Google map using a mobile phone is a serious traffic offence.

The Corps wishes to state that the Sector Commander must have been misquoted and his statement outrightly misrepresented because the Federal Road Safety Corps as a technology-driven organisation is not and has never stood against the use of google map by motorists.

To state the obvious, we have always enlightened the public on the position of the law on the use of phone while driving which the Sector Commander tried to emphasize during the flag off.

The statement he made during the flag off buttresses the position of the Corps, which is that any driver who intends to deploy the use of Google map while driving must have it set on the phone before embarking on the journey, not while the vehicle is already in motion as this could be dangerous to the driver and other road users, and can lead to road traffic crash.

We say this because, available records have shown that use of the phone for whatever purpose; be it text, voice calls, chats, browsing, setting google map to find location etc while driving could be distractive and can easily lead to loss of concentration. This has led to many road traffic crashes with attendant loss of lives and properties.

On the strength of this, the Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to reiterate its position on the use of phone while driving as a dangerous and hazardous road traffic behaviour which has led to unwanted and avoidable road crashes.

We, therefore, call on all motorists who intend to deploy the use of google map on their phone especially during the festive season when traffic density is high, to activate such before setting the vehicle in motion so as to ensure 100 per cent concentration on the wheels.

Road Safety is State of Mind, Road Traffic Crash is Absence of Mind. Stay Alert, Stay Alive! FRSC Cares for Your Safety.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/28/use-of-phone-to-access-google-map-app-while-driving-frscs-true-position/

Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola in a circular dated November 27, 2019, confirmed the decision of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to pay above even the Federal Government.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/27/its-now-official-lagos-civil-servants-to-get-above-new-minimum-wage/

A leaked mail emanating from the Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), Ziad Maalouf, stating his determination to stop at nothing, to crush the dreams of Nigerians has begun to raise questions and generating controversy.

The leaked e-mail sent to Pepsi’s Heads of Depot across the country on November 13, 2019, was categorical in its intention to engage in battle with local soft drink manufacturers.

Below are excerpts of the leaked mail, and nagging issues that bug the mind:

“After our sales workshop day (Friday, November 1) and finance workshop day (Saturday), I decided to test our system in terms of readiness to go for War.”

“It is extremely obvious to me that we are not yet ready for war By Any Means”

Continuing Maloof’s statement said: “Let me start by explaining the competitive playground once again. This season is not like any other, so the mindset of growing vs last year, achieving budget, business as usual cost management, Will Not Work!!! The outcome of this season must write the future and destiny of the 3 major competitors, along with the future of B-Brand industry (Bigger pack and lower price concept) disruptions in Nigeria.”

“One company will flourish. One company will diminish. One company will finish. B-Brand disruptive business model will either become a temptation for anyone who has a bit of money to start own brand in Nigeria, or it will be a curse that ensures no one takes such a decision again.”

With these, the leaked mail has begun to raise concerns among other Nigerians who expressed extreme discomfort at the tone of violence conveyed in the mail.

A sampled opinion of the public revealed the following, Aloysius Igwe, a trader said “How open-ended is that statement? This is campaigns of dangerous dis-information.? This is physically harmful actions capable of undermining his supposed enemies.? How far would he be willing to go, to take down Nigerians who have dared to push the envelope and pursue dreams that have given them results.?”

Another Nigerian, Olawale Odulade, a civil servant said: “At what point does achieving critical benchmarks in a business year, become less important? The point at which one is consumed by the malicious desire to achieve the absolute destruction of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit, even if it means applying dirty tricks and underhanded tactics? Where?, he queried.

Continuing, he said: “Why will anyone be disdainful of Nigerians? Why one believe Nigerians are not worthy of jumping into the serious end of entrepreneurship, and when they do, must be attacked most vehemently by any means necessary, to give way for our guests, most of whom are only here to do business and repatriate funds?, making it a curse for Nigerians who dare to dream in their homeland?

Like an aggrieved Nigerians said, “this is a dangerous step towards modern-day slavery and racism. At this point the general consensus appears to be that this leaked mail must be seen beyond being just another leaked information by a man feeling threatened by his position in the market space, but as a Hate Speech directed against a nation and its people, whose successes have justifiably come from simply making smart decisions, while operating within the guides of best practices, and reinvesting for further growth and expansion within the country, Alhassan Abdullai said.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/27/seven-up-bottling-company-sbc-managing-directors-fiery-mail-unsettles-nigerians/

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MTN Nigeria PLC (MTN) announced that Nigeria has become the first country in West Africa to trial 5G technology and applications. The result of a strong collaboration between the Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission, MTN and Huawei (Abuja), ZTE (Calabar) and Ericsson (Lagos.) This immersive demo and experience will travel across three Nigerian cities to showcase the capabilities of 5G and its potential to enable economic growth, and social inclusion.

By working together, MTN and its partner — Huawei, were able to provide a glimpse into a range of 5G use cases and applications at a testing Lab designed to show proof-of-concept in Abuja. Standing alongside former Super Eagles captain, legendary Joseph Yobo, attendees got to match their skills against an artificial-intelligence powered goalie; immerse themselves in a high-speed, low-latency virtual reality gaming world; experience ultra-high-speed streaming and downloads on 5G devices; and engage in discourse with life-like holographic projections.

3D holographic communication has potential applications for education, medical imaging, video conferencing and gaming, and requires about four times as much data as a streaming 4K video. That means that 5G is best suited to support this kind of application on a mobile network and to enable its use. It also demonstrates how 5G has the potential to support key socio-economic objectives Nigeria has set for itself and to be a key contributor to the emergence of a fully digital economy.

MTN was honoured to host the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami; the Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, and the Chairman, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Garba Danbatta; House of Representatives, Committee on Communications, Honourable Akeem Adeyemi at the launch event, without whom the demo would not have been possible.

Speaking shortly after taking a tour of the exhibition booths, Dr. Pantami underlined the potential of 5G for sustainable growth. “I believe as long as we are able to handle the potential challenges, the deployment of 5G is very critical to our economy, because of so many advantages of 5G, the issue of latency, speed and many more.”

Stressing the importance of an enabling regulatory framework and protecting telecommunications infrastructure, Dr. Pantami stated that on the instruction of the President, he has signed a draft Executive Order declaring telecommunications infrastructure ‘critical national infrastructure’ which has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for review. The Minister referred to the proposed Executive Order as a short-term measure, stressing that the President has instructed that proper legislation be facilitated to deal conclusively with threats to telecommunications infrastructure.

Highlighting the importance of partnerships, Ferdi Moolman, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria said “Pushing boundaries is easier when your aspirations are supported by likeminded people. We are here today because of the support and guidance of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission who provided the trial spectrum used for this.”

Also, the key to this achievement is our equipment vendors who shared our vision, and whose capabilities were brought to bear in making the 5G trials across the country a reality. We are grateful for these partners, our customers and everyone who made it possible. Today’s success underlines the fact that we are good together.”

Mazen Mroue, Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria stated that “In collaboration with our technical partners and the support of the Federal Government, we are proudly putting Nigeria on the 5G technology map. As we continue to invest in technology solutions to meet the wide needs of our customers, MTN will continue to strengthen these partnerships as we move to build our 5G capacity in future, guided by the standards and spectrum set by the Nigerian Communications Commission.”

In addition to the bandwidth increase for seamless video streaming or the next social application playground, 5G technology supports real-time, ultra-reliable communication between massive numbers of devices.

It creates vast possibilities in innovation and transformation, and will immensely improve quality of living, as users gain a better experience of services and technology in general — from financial services, healthcare, education, and even public service delivery to more leisurely purposes, such as video streaming services, gaming and even self-driving cars.

“5G offers tremendous benefits in terms of speed, latency (fewer delays), efficiency and security. This pilot offers a unique opportunity for us to explore use-cases and applications in Nigeria, and we are excited about its potential for our country and our company” noted Mohammed Rufai, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria.

Following the successful demonstration in Abuja, the 5G-demo train moves to Calabar and Lagos. In addition to which 5G trials will be run in four other cities across the country. The 5G trial will run for three months utilizing the trial spectrum allocated to MTN by the NCC.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/26/nigeria-becomes-first-in-west-africa-to-trial-5g-technology-powered-by-mtn/

The Managing Director of Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Engr Mohammed Lawal Magaji, has promised that the new Kawo flyover will be pulled down to make way for the construction of a better one.

The Managing Director said the base of the flyover is still strong hence only the top part will be pulled down and reworked completely.

Engr Magaji, who was speaking to stakeholders at a community engagement programme over the weekend, said the present flyover in Kawo is too narrow to accommodate the volume of traffic that passes through it.

He further said that additional roads and three roundabouts will be constructed apart from the flyover and assured commuters and drivers that alternate roads will be provided which will ease traffic congestion during the 20-month construction period.

‘’A U-turn will be constructed at the last bus stop so that vehicles don’t need to go to the bridge site before turning. Lafiya road will be the alternative road for Kawo residents who want to go to town. This will reduce traffic pressure at the construction site,’’ he explained.

He said compensation will be given to all those whose property will be affected by the project, provided they have valid documents.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Political Adviser, Mr Ben Kure, pleaded with the people of Kaduna state to be patient with the inconveniences that they will experience during the construction of the flyover.

He said the contractors ‘’have already mobilised to the site on Friday, after winning the bid on Thursday,’’ adding that the Kaduna Urban Renewal Project “will change the face of the state in the next few years.’’

The District Head of Kawo, Alhaji Jibrin Magaji, on his part said it is the lack of community engagements with relevant stakeholders that brought about the shoddy implementation of projects in the past.

He thanked Governor El-Rufai for initiating the new Kawo flyover project, adding that the project is not just for the people of Kawo District but it will serve the entire north because it is a major gateway to the region.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/26/kaduna-flyover-to-be-pulled-down-for-a-better-one-kadra-boss/

Transport for London (TfL) ruled the ride-hailing app does not meet the “fit and proper” requirements for private hire operators and so is not extending its licence beyond midnight tonight.

A spokesman for the transport body said “several breaches that placed passengers and their safety at risk” were identified.

Uber said the decision was “extraordinary and wrong” and said it would be appealing.

The ride-hailing app firm’s existing licence expires at 11.59 pm on Monday but it will be allowed to continue to operate pending the appeal.

It is the latest development in a two-year battle between TfL and the company over its operation in the capital.

TfL had refused to give Uber a five-year licence in September 2017 due to safety and security concerns. But in June 2018 a judge granted it a 15-month licence.

In September this year, TfL gave the company a two-month extension to its licence.

Helen Chapman, director of licensing, regulation and charging at TfL, said: “Safety is our absolute top priority. While we recognise Uber has made improvements, it is unacceptable that Uber has allowed passengers to get into minicabs with drivers who are potentially unlicensed and uninsured.

“It is clearly concerning that these issues arose, but it is also concerning that we cannot be confident that similar issues won’t happen again in future.

“If they choose to appeal, Uber will have the opportunity to publicly demonstrate to a magistrate whether it has put in place sufficient measures to ensure potential safety risks to passengers are eliminated. If they do appeal, Uber can continue to operate and we will closely scrutinise the company to ensure the management has robust controls in place to ensure safety is not compromised during any changes to the app.”

Responding to TfL’s decision Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager for Northern & Eastern Europe, said: “TfL’s decision not to renew Uber’s licence in London is extraordinary and wrong, and we will appeal.

“We have fundamentally changed our business over the last two years and are setting the standard on safety. TfL found us to be a fit and proper operator just two months ago, and we continue to go above and beyond.

“On behalf of the 3.5 million riders and 45,000 licensed drivers who depend on Uber in London, we will continue to operate as normal and will do everything we can to work with TfL to resolve this situation.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I support the decision by TfL’s licensing officials today in relation to Uber and completely understand why the decision was taken. Keeping Londoners safe is my absolute number-one priority, and TfL has identified a pattern of failure by Uber that has directly put passengers’ safety at risk.

“Only in the last few months, it has been established that 14,000 Uber journeys have involved fraudulent drivers uploading their photos to other driver accounts – with passengers’ safety potentially put at risk getting into cars with unlicensed and suspended drivers. At this stage, TfL can’t be confident that Uber has robust processes in place to prevent another serious safety breach in the future.

“I know this decision may be unpopular with Uber users but their safety is the paramount concern.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/25/uber-stripped-of-licence-to-operate-in-london-by-tfl/

Fresh statistics released by National Bureau Of Statistics (NBS) on Monday revealed that the bulk of capital importation into Nigeria declined by 7.7%.

The report shows that the total value of capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5,367.56 million in 2019 third quarter (July to September).

The total value of capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5,367.56 million in the third quarter of 2019. This represents a decrease of -7.78% compared to Q2 2019 and 87.99% increase compared to the third quarter of 2018.

The largest amount of capital importation by type was received through portfolio investment, which accounted for 55.88% ($2,999.50m) of total capital importation, followed by Other Investment, which accounted for 40.39% ($2.167.98m) of total capital, and then Foreign Direct Investment FDI, which accounted for 3.73% ($200.08m) of total capital imported in Q3 2019.

By sector, Capital importation by banking dominated Q3 2019 reaching $1,756.83 million of the total capital importation in Q3 2019.

The United Kingdom emerged as the top source of capital investment in Nigeria in Q3 2019 with $2,011.14 million. This accounted for 37.47% of the total capital inflow in Q3 2019.

By Destination of Investment, Lagos state emerged as the top destination of capital investment in Nigeria in Q3 2019 with $4,976.40 million. This accounted for 92.71% of the total capital inflow in Q3 2019.

By Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc emerged at the top of capital investment in Nigeria in Q3 2019 with $1,630.91 million. This accounted for 30.38% of the total capital inflow in Q3 2019.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/25/capital-importation-into-nigeria-drops-by-7-7-in-q3-2019/

Reactions have continued to trail the purported indictment of the Chairman of Nigeria's leading Airline, Air Peace, Chief, Barr Allen Onyema by the United States government, over issues of money laundering. Latest to react is the National Committee of Yoruba Youth (NCYY) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Socio-cultural Association groups,  which says it is disturbed by the allegations coming out of the United States regarding the purported indictment of Barr Allen Onyeama.

Speaking through a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Comrade Odeyemi Oladimeji and Engr. Saleh Alhassan the National Secretary, the groups said the sudden purported indictment of Barr Allen Onyeama who has been doing business for decades in the US, and for many years he has never been found wanting until now, raises fundamental questions about the bad timing and the growing suspicion of many Nigerians over the motive behind targeting our own distinguished Allen Onyeama.

The groups said it sees a pattern that portends international conspiracy to rubbish one of the few outstanding entrepreneurs in Africa.

The groups  further said Onyeama has over the years built a reputation of integrity, a promoter of peace and a hard-working man, and cannot be allowed to be dragged in the mud by what they called "a western conspiracy.”

The groups also said the airline boss has been impacting the continent with a footprint of integrity as a Nigerian dedicated to the service of Nigeria and Nigerians in difficult situations at various points in time, using his hard-earned income and God-given wealth of wisdom.

"As law-abiding citizens, we will not object to any process aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. Yet, we will not fold our arms akimbo and watch helplessly  and hopelessly as one of our finest is being coerced and pulled down in broad daylight, without an iota of any subsisting clear evidence from a joint investigation between the US law enforcement agencies and Nigeria counterparts to determine the veracity of the claims before unleashing this dreadful movie, deliberately aimed at tainting the image of Onyeama."

The group finally urged Nigerians, to rise up to this new attempt to destroy one of Africa's fastest-growing airline, just as it appealed to the Federal government of Nigeria to urgently intervene and approach this matter diplomatically.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/25/yoruba-youths-miyetti-allah-kautal-hore-socio-cultural-association-stands-with-barr-allen-onyema/

DarkandHandsome:
Nooooo. It's a name of a biscuit �

LOL

Dottore:
What a beaut. But funny enough in 15 - 20years time you'd be marveled at how old fashioned it will look. I remember when people where going crazy about Benz 500sel

True

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.28% (year-on-year), in real terms, in the third quarter of 2019. Compared to the third quarter of 2018 which recorded a growth of 1.81%, the real GDP growth rate observed in the third quarter of 2019 indicates an increase of 0.47% points. Relative to the second quarter of 2019, which recorded a growth rate of 2.12%, Q3 2019 represents an increase of 0.17% points.* On a quarter on quarter basis, however, real GDP grew by 9.23%. The growth rate in Q3 2019 represents the second-highest quarterly rate recorded since 2016.

In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N37,806,924.41 million in nominal terms. This performance is higher compared to the aggregate of N33,368,049.14 million recorded in the third quarter of 2018, representing a year on year nominal growth rate of 13.30%. The growth rate is, however, lower relative to rates recorded in the third quarter of 2018 by –0.28% points and the rates recorded in the preceding quarter by –0.71% points. For better clarity, the Nigerian economy has been classified broadly into the oil and non-oil sectors.

The Oil Sector

In Q3 2019, Nigeria recorded average daily oil production of 2.04 million barrels per day (mbpd), its highest in more than three years. This output was 0.1mbpd higher than the daily average production of 1.94mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2018 and 0.02mbpd higher than the revised oil production levels in Q2 2019 of 2.02mbpd.

The real growth of the oil sector was 6.49% (year-on-year) in Q3 2019 indicating an increase of 9.40% points relative to rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2018. The rate was lower by –0.68% points when compared to Q2 2019 which was 7.17%.* Quarter-on-Quarter, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of 18.88% in Q3 2019. The sector contributed 9.77% to total real GDP in Q3 2019, up from figures recorded in the corresponding period of 2018 as well as the preceding quarter, when it accounted for 9.38% and 8.98% respectively.

The Non-Oil Sector

The non-oil sector grew by 1.85% in real terms during the reference quarter. This is –0.48% points lower when compared to the rate recorded in the same quarter of 2018 but 0.20% points higher than the second quarter of 2019. During the quarter, the sector was driven mainly by the Information and Communication sector. Other drivers were Agriculture, Mining and Quarrying, Transportation and Storage, and Manufacturing. In real terms, the Non-Oil sector contributed 90.23% to the nation’s GDP, slightly lower than the share recorded in the third quarter of 2018 (90.62%), and in the second quarter of 2019 (91.02%).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/22/nigerias-gdp-rises-by-2-28-y-o-y-on-the-back-of-oil-gas-telecoms-sectors-in-q3-2019/

The 2019 edition of the annual Jobberman Best 100 Companies to Work For features Shell in the top spot as the number one best company to work for while Chevron was voted the most ‘desired’, and ‘respected’ brand.

As always, the report is a compilation of the best and most sought-after employers across Nigeria, as voted by current, former, and prospective employees on the parameters they consider important. 

This 5th edition of the ranking considered a total of 3,148 valid respondents, consisting of career professionals and employees from two survey sets of external and internal. The external survey targeted the general public while the internal survey focused on employees working at numerous companies in Nigeria.

Majority of the respondents are aged between 25-35 and 18-24 and hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. A key theme in this years edition of the Best 100 Companies to Work For in Nigeria is ‘employee satisfaction and happiness levels’.

We congratulate the winning companies that made this year’s list. Below is an infographic highlighting the companies that made the 2019 Jobberman Best 100 Companies to Work for in Nigeria report.

A key theme in this edition is ‘employee satisfaction and happiness levels’. It was discovered that Nigerians are not entirely happy with their current work situations, with most willing to switch jobs, however, they are willing to provide positive recommendations of their current employers. This could be due to the fact that most Nigerians rate ‘Strong, Relatable Company Values’ highly as a sought after trait and most companies in Nigeria are only beginning to adopt strong company values.

Another key insight is that the gender pay gap still exists and this is affecting the satisfaction levels amongst women in the workplace, who feel less valued and more likely to switch jobs.

This report not only features the nation’s most prestigious companies from various industries, as voted by Nigerians but also serves as a staple benchmark for all prospective employees to assess the key characteristics that make companies top of mind for current and future employees.

In addition, the report also provides a comprehensive invaluable market insight which can be used to inspire changes towards a better workplace for both employers and employees.

CONCLUSION

Shell was voted the best company to work for while Chevron was the most respected and admired as well as the most desired company to work for in Nigeria.

It is vital for employers to understand that employee satisfaction is a major factor that can help determine the organisation’s overall well-being; thus, rigorous strategies to ensure, measure, track, and improve employee satisfaction should always be held in high regard.

In Nigeria, employees are most satisfied when they can relate to a company’s vision, have full transparency with management, and have flexibility in the execution of their tasks. A company is only as good as its employees on any given day, so, ensuring your employees are happy and satisfied not only increases your company’s productivity but your company’s reputation as well.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/21/these-are-the-100-best-companies-to-work-for-in-nigeria/

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The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 12.0-11.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 273‑266 g/km) represents a new form of luxury in the SUV segment. It extends the portfolio of the Mercedes-Maybach brand by combining the body design and technical basis of the GLS with the luxury of a top-class saloon car. Its spacious interior with the highest-grade materials and extremely effective noise insulation creates a stylish, cocoon-like feel-good atmosphere. From their pleasantly elevated seating position, thanks to electrically operated roller sunblind on the two rear side windows, the passengers can decide for themselves how much of their surroundings they want to see. The AIRMATIC suspension included as standard or the optional, fully-active suspension with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL effectively keep the road bumps at bay. For the first time, there is a dedicated Maybach drive program that ensures even more comfort in the rear. Access and egress are also highly convenient: when the doors are opened, the vehicle is lowered slightly, and an illuminated running board quickly and silently emerges on the access or egress side. The running boards are made of anodised aluminium. The V8 engine with a displacement of four litres, which can develop 410 kW (558 hp) and 730 Nm of torque, is an engine variant developed exclusively for Maybach and moves the car discreetly and powerfully. The engine is combined with the 48-volt system EQ Boost. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC will enter the market in the second half of 2020.[/b]

The Mercedes-Benz star surmounts the bonnet in a classic way, while the fine, vertical chrome struts of the Maybach radiator grille create a pinstripe effect. Effective chrome highlights around the side windows and the chrome inserts in the side sill panels lend dignity and elegance to the profile. The 22 or 23-inch wheels were developed exclusively for this model, with the 23-inch version echoing the pinstripe theme. The tailpipe trim elements with a small cross rib emphasise the model's identity as a Mercedes-Maybach. The same applies to the brand emblem, which is positioned at various points such as on the D-pillar. As a special, Maybach-specific feature, two-tone paintwork is planned in eight different, elegant colour combinations.


Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 12.0-11.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 273-266 g/km**Figures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the Technical Service for the certification process in accordance with the WLTP test method and correlated into NEDC figures. EC type approval and a certificate of conformity with official figures are not yet available. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.

Another eye-catching feature of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS are the electrically extending running boards. They make accessing and leaving the high seating position both convenient and safe. With surfaces of anodised aluminium laced with black rubber strips, illuminated in the dark and particularly wide in the area of the rear doors, they ensure a very special visual appeal. When in their retracted state, the running boards are concealed behind the side sill panels. If a rear door is opened, the running board on the side concerned automatically swings into position in around one second. This default setting can be changed using a special menu in the MBUX infotainment system. In the interests of spaciousness in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is only available with two seat rows.

The equipment features: luxury, leather and reclining seats

The appointments of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC are already decidedly luxurious as standard. The two outer rear seats can be electrically converted into reclining seats. Padded areas and the dashboard are finished in fine nappa leather as standard, with a range of further cushions and leather interior linings available on request. An electrically opening panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof with an opaque roller blind is standard equipment, as are climatised massage seats. Obtainable on special request, the fixed centre console transforms the car into a spacious four-seater whose rear is just as suitable for working as for relaxing. This console is available with extending, folding tables, even a refrigerator with space for champagne bottles. Suitable silver champagne flutes for this are available from the accessories range.

A dedicated fragrance was developed for the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS for active fragrancing as part of the optional AIR-BALANCE package: the white osmanthus blossom, floral and light, is rounded off by a gentle leather note and spicy tea.

From the power transfer and suspension to the headlamp technology, the technical systems of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS at least correspond to the most comfortable equipment level of the technically related Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Starting from this basis, the added value that is typically Maybach is often a further result. For example, noise insulation in the interior has been raised to an even higher level by installing a rigid partition and a fixed parcel shelf behind the rear seats, separating the interior from the luggage compartment. A separate air conditioner for the rear seats is standard, and features additional outlets and heater boosters with which temperature control is even faster and draught-free. There is a dedicated Maybach drive program for the suspension and powertrain; its settings offer rear-seat passengers, in particular, the ultimate in ride comfort.

With the standard MBUX Rear Tablet in the centre console or the armrest between the rear seats, the extensive comfort and entertainment functions can also be intuitively controlled from the rear seats. The integration of digital devices used by passengers comprises all of the common standards.

Selected technical data

Successful sub-brand: Mercedes-Maybach

The Mercedes-Maybach brand stands for exclusive luxury, maximum comfort and state-of-the-art technology in automotive engineering, services and accessories. It is seen as a trailblazer in defining style and status. The maxim of its name-giver Wilhelm Maybach was to create the very best from the very best. In 2014 Mercedes-Maybach was established as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz as part of a brand realignment. Since its market launch in 2015, more than 45,000 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have been delivered worldwide. In 2018 more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cars were sold than ever before: one in seven S-Class models sold was a Maybach.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/21/the-new-mercedes-maybach-gls-a-new-form-of-luxury-photos/

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the average price of some selected food items in the country increased in October.

NBS said this in its “Selected Food Price Watch (October 2019)’’ report released on its website.

Selected food price watch data for October 2019 reflected that the average price of 1 dozen of Agric eggs medium size decreased year-on-year by -4.23% and increased month-on-month by 1.24% to N462.46 in October 2019 from N456.81 in September 2019 while the average price of piece of Agric eggs medium size (price of one) decreased year-on-year by -2.91% and month-on-month by -1.90% to N40.51 in October 2019 from N41.30 in September 2019.

The average price of 1kg of tomato decreased year-on-year by -23.88% and increased month-on-month by 2.58% to N233.38 in October 2019 from N227.50 in September 2019.

The average price of 1kg of rice (imported high quality sold loose) increased year-on-year by 2.55% and month-on-month by 3.08% to N382.57 in October 2019 from N371.13 in September 2019.

Similarly, the average price of 1kg of yam tuber decreased year-on-year by -28.73% and month-on-month by -5.51% to N179.75 in October 2019 from N190.23 in September 2019.

The NBS said in arriving at the report, fieldwork was done by more than 700 NBS staff in all states of the federation supported by supervisors who were monitored by internal and external observers.

It said the NBS audit team subsequently conducted randomly selected verification of the prices recorded.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/20/prices-of-selected-food-stuff-increased-in-october-nbs/

There are 47 countries currently designated by the United Nations as least developed countries (LDCs) to which UNCTAD devotes its annual Least Developed Countries Report published today.

They are:

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia.

This list is reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development Policy, a group of independent experts that reports to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In reporting to ECOSOC, the committee may recommend countries for addition to, or exclusion from (so-called “graduation” from), the list of LDCs.

The committee used per-capita income, human assets, and economic vulnerability criteria in its most recent review in March 2018 (see box below). For all three criteria, the committee uses different thresholds to identify countries to be added to the category and for countries which will graduate.

A country will qualify to be added if it meets the addition thresholds on all three criteria and does not have a population greater than 75 million. Qualification for addition to the list will effectively lead to LDC status only if the relevant country accepts this status.

A country will typically qualify for graduation from LDC status if it has met graduation thresholds under at least two of the three criteria in at least two consecutive triennial reviews of the list.

However, if the three-year average per-capita gross national income of a least developed country has risen to a level at least double the graduation threshold (i.e., $2,460), and if this performance is considered sustainable, the country will be deemed eligible for graduation regardless of its score under the other two criteria.

The overall graduation landscape following the March 2018 review comprises:

- Five cases of graduation: Angola, Bhutan, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, of which two have a known graduation date: Vanuatu (December 2020) and Angola (February 2021);
- Two cases in which a decision by member States in ECOSOC has been deferred to no later than 2021: Kiribati and Tuvalu
- Two cases in which the Committee for Development Policy deferred consideration of the question of graduation to 2021: Nepal and Timor-Leste
- Three cases of pre-eligibility for graduation (and likely full eligibility in 2021): Bangladesh, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar

This means that as of 2018 there were 12 countries eligible or pre-eligible for graduation from LDCs. Adding these 12 qualifying cases to the two countries that have graduated since 2011 (Samoa and Equatorial Guinea) – and considering the addition of South Sudan in 2012 – the overall graduation performance by 2018 amounts to a 29% qualification ratio.

This will remain unchanged until 2020, as the next review by the Committee for Development Policy is scheduled for 2021.

This graduation/qualification performance falls short of the vision expressed by the international community in 2011 of “enabling half the number of LDCs to meet the criteria for graduation by 2020”.

Five countries have graduated from LDC status since the United Nations devised the category in 1971:

- Botswana in December 1994
- Cabo Verde in December 2007
- The Maldives in January 2011
- Samoa in January 2014
- Equatorial Guinea in June 2017

UNCTAD’s annual Least Developed Countries Report provides a comprehensive and authoritative source of socio-economic analysis and policy recommendations on the LDC category.

The following three criteria were used by the Committee for Development Policy in its latest review of the Least Developed County category in March 2018:

- A per-capita income criterion, based on a three-year average estimate of the gross national income per capita, with a threshold of $1,025 for identifying possible cases of addition to the list, and a threshold of $1,230 for possible cases of graduation

- A human assets criterion, involving a composite index (the human assets index) based on indicators of nutrition (percentage of undernourished population); child mortality (under 5 years of age, per 1,000 live births); maternal mortality (per 100,000 live births); school enrolment (gross secondary enrolment ratio); and literacy (adult literacy ratio)

- An economic vulnerability criterion, involving a composite index (the economic vulnerability index) based on indicators of natural shocks (index of instability of agricultural production; share of victims of natural disasters); trade-related shocks (index of instability of exports of goods and services); physical exposure to shocks (share of population living in low-lying areas); economic exposure to shocks (share of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in gross domestic product; index of merchandise export concentration); smallness (population in logarithm); and remoteness (index of remoteness).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/19/what-are-the-least-developed-countries-2/

E-commerce company, Jumia Technologies on Monday, November 18 shut down its operations in Cameroon without notice just as it did in Gabon and Congo Republic; sparking fears and anxiety on the state of its health in other African countries.

Rebecca Enonchong, a Cameroonian-based tech entrepreneur, disclosed that the development is emblematic of Jumia; which she described as a badly-run business which is only in Africa to rip off Africans.

‘Beyond #JumiaIsNotAfrican, Jumia is simply a badly run business that is incapable of understanding its market, refuses to act as a good corporate citizen and thinks Africans are simply a commodity, a means to an end. No business with that attitude can succeed in the long term,’ Enonchong disclosed.

Likewise, an ex-employee of Jumia affirmed that the company is not much different from a Ponzi scheme. The former staff, who pleaded anonymity, noted that most ex-Jumia staff are not surprised at the development in Cameroon, even as he noted that it could happen even in Nigeria.

‘Jumia is run like a Ponzi scheme. Some of us were poached from rival companies with mouth-watering salary offers and laid off after six months. It is a standard Jumia practice to destabilize its competitors. What happened in Cameroon can happen anywhere, even in Nigeria. When it does, you cannot hold anyone there to account. The owners of the business are foreigners. Right from the period, it went public, I knew it was just a matter of time before the fraud that is Jumia would be uncovered.’

Meanwhile, Jumia revealed in a statement that its e-commerce platform activities in Cameroon were not suitable for the African state.

“We came to the conclusion that our transactional portal as it is run today is not suitable to the current context in Cameroon,” Jumia said in a statement to announce that its e-commerce operations in that country had been suspended.

However, the company said it would continue supporting buyers and vendors in Cameroon using its classified portal Jumia Deals.

The shut-down of its Cameroon operations makes it the third African country in which Jumia has folded up operations. It had earlier closed shop in Gabon and Congo Republic.

Meanwhile, a source at the company in Cameroon told Reuters that Jumia had chosen to prioritize growth over profitability; a move that had back-fired.

“We wanted to see how the business evolved. We can come back, but for now we’re closing to have time to study the market,” the source; who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed to Reuters.

The announcement of the suspension of its operations in Cameroon sent Jumia’s share price tumbling. Specifically, the shares hit a record low of $4.96.

Jumia had seen off a much-publicised listing on the New York Stock Exchange in April 2019. However, the company’s shares nose-dived after a report by US research firm, Citroen which declared the shares ‘worthless’. Equally, Citroen had claimed that Jumia had inflated the figures quoted in its prospectus.

‘“In 18 years of publishing, Citron has never seen such an obvious fraud as Jumia. “That is the Jumia way. To cover up and to commit fraud,” the report said.

Meanwhile, analysts and e-commerce watchers have reacted with dismay and shock to the Jumia shut-down in Cameroon. There are concerns that the same issues that had plagued Jumia in the three African countries it closed shop in were still ever-present in its other operational locations.

‘The Jumia strategy is one that has serious question marks hanging over it,’ disclosed Bode Akinpelu, an e-commerce enthusiast. ‘It has consistently prioritized growth over profitability and this has been touted as the reason for its failure in Cameroon. But the problem is the same in other countries in which Jumia operates, including Nigeria.

‘In fact, no one knows where the next shut-down will happen. It could be Nigeria, its biggest market or Ghana or Egypt. The situation is approaching critical, especially when one considers the impact on its investors, merchants, staff, creditors, suppliers and other stakeholders in the markets where Jumia folds up without warning.’

Jumia Technologies AG is a German-based e-commerce outfit. It was founded in 2012 in Berlin, Germany, and shareholders include the Berlin-based incubator and venture-capital firm Rocket Internet SE. Other early investors include French insurer Axa AXAHY, +0.04% and French telecoms company Orange ORA, +1.86%.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/19/jumia-shuts-down-in-cameroon/

Hong Kong

The Government of Ekiti and Ondo States have secured Federal Government’s approval to reconstruct and toll Akure-Ikere road.

This was disclosed via the Twitter account of the Ekiti state government on Friday.

The approval was secured by the governments of Ekiti and Ondo states, led by Kayode Fayemi and Rotimi Akeredolu respectively.

The Federal Government had earlier hinted on its plan to reintroduce toll gates, fifteen years after the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo scrapped them.

https://brandspurng.com/2019/11/09/fg-grants-ondo-ekiti-permission-to-reconstruct-toll-akure-ikere-road/

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LAGOS, Nigeria, 30 October 2019 – Coscharis Motors Plc, a leading automobile dealership and exclusive dealer of Ford in Nigeria has launched the new Ford Edge into the Nigerian market. The launch took place at the ongoing 20th Abuja International Motor Fair in Abuja on October 30, amidst pomp and pageantry.

Speaking during the launch, Abiona Babarinde, General Manager Marketing and Corporate Communications at Coscharis Group said, “Ford has continued to thrill the world with enhanced new products born out of deep-rooted research into the desires of automobile consumers around the globe. We at Coscharis will always see to it that our market never misses the opportunity to get its fair share of such highly innovative products.”

Abiona described the new 2019 Ford Edge as “an upscale sport utility vehicle (SUV) defined by modern sophistication.”

Concluding his speech during the launch, Abiona said, “With this launch today, Coscharis has once again enlarged the coast for SUV vehicles and increased the options for our customers to choose from a wide range of Ford SUVs, including Expedition, Explorer, Escape, EcoSport and now, the new Edge.”

There are plenty of smart new features in the New Ford Edge which stands it out in its class. Starting with Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of standard driver-assist technologies designed to help you confidently navigate your world. You will also find a smooth-shifting rotary gearshift dial that puts you in control of the 8-speed automatic transmission. Also, there is a wireless charging pad that makes recharging your mobile phone hassle-free. Music lovers are not left behind as the new Edge now has available B&O Sound System with 12 high-performance speakers.

Stop-start-go

Experience quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and standard Auto-Start/Stop technology, which reduces fuel consumption during stop-and-go city driving. You’ll find these drive enhancement features in both of the EcoBoost engines which are available in the new 2019 EDGE. Ford’s SelectShift® capability enhances your driving experience on the all-wheel-drive (AWD) new EDGE derivatives with racing-inspired paddle shifters.

A NEW CLASS STANDARD. FORD CO-PILOT360™

All it takes is a few seconds to lose focus, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94% of serious crashes are due to human error. To help you drive with confidence, the new 2019 EDGE comes with Ford Co-Pilot360™. This suite of 5 standard features start helping the moment you begin backing out of your driveway

Rear-View Camera with Washer shows you what’s behind the new EDGE as you slowly back up. When it gets dirty, spray it clean with the touch of a button.

BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert warns you if it detects a vehicle in either of your blind spots while attempting to change lanes, or approaching from either side while in Reverse.

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking can automatically apply the brakes to help reduce the severity of, and in some cases potentially eliminate, a frontal collision with a vehicle travelling in the same direction, or a pedestrian detected ahead.

Lane-Keeping System alerts you with steering wheel vibration if it detects you drifting out of your lane, and can even apply steering wheel torque to help direct you to return to your lane.

Auto High-Beam Headlamps can help detect vehicles and street lights ahead of you, automatically switching between low and high beams as a convenience to you, and a courtesy to other motorists.

FORD CO-PILOT360 ASSIST+™

When your new EDGE is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, you’ll also benefit from these additional technologies.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering can bring your vehicle to a complete stop when traffic slows and can accelerate back to its preset speed within 3 seconds. Lane Centering reads the lane markings to help you keep your new EDGE centred in its lane.

Evasive Steering Assist, also part of the package, helps avoid a collision with a stopped vehicle ahead by providing steering support when a collision can’t be avoided by braking alone.

SYNC®3. STAY CONNECTED ON THE MOVE.

It all starts here. This vibrant 8” touchscreen is the command centre of SYNC®3 voice-activated technology, which integrates your paired mobile phone with the new EDGE as soon as you start your vehicle. Make calls. Send and receive text messages. And so much more. Just swipe left or right, or use simple voice commands, to help ensure that your life doesn’t miss a beat. SYNC®3 also features 2 smart-charging USB ports to help keep your devices powered up.

Link Your Apps

SYNC®3 AppLink® links your favourite compatible mobile apps with your voice, giving you convenient control. iPhone® users can view the Waze™ app’s community-based navigation and traffic features on the large SYNC®3 touchscreen CONNECT YOUR iPHONE Apple CarPlay™ compatibility displays the iPhone interface on your vehicle’s touchscreen. Send and receive text messages by voice. Get directions. Access playlists from Apple Music®. Just ask Siri® for help. She already knows your voice.

Connect Your iPhone

Apple CarPlay™ compatibility displays the iPhone interface on your vehicle’s touchscreen. Send and receive text messages by voice. Get directions. Access playlists from Apple MusicR. Just ask SiriR for help. She already knows your voice.

Connect Your Android Phone

Android Auto™ compatibility displays the Android™ interface on your vehicle’s touchscreen.

Get voice-guided navigation from Google Maps™ and Waze™. Access your favourite music from your apps. Make calls. Send and receive messages. Just talk to Google Assistant™ and go.

Map Your Route

Voice-activated navigation delivers turn-by-turn directions and vivid 3-D maps on the SYNC®3 touchscreens. The pinch-to-zoom capability allows for a closer look.

Style and function meet to make perfection

From the Intelligent Access key fob that gets you into the push-button start that gets you going, the new EDGE interior has it all. Experience true control: Check out the new rotary gearshift dial in the centre console, a new wireless charging pad and B&O Sound System. No doubt you’ll find every aspect of the interior is designed to indulge, pamper and please you.

Maximize space – never compromise on comfort

With its rear 60:40 split seat folded flat, the new EDGE converts to a cargo haulier with ease. A convenient EasyFold® seat release for the rear seat lets you maximize cargo space with the touch of a button. Fold both sides of the seatback down for large objects. Or leave one side up to carry cargo and passengers side by side. And if your hands are full as you approach the rear liftgate, just kick your foot under the rear bumper. The hands-free foot-activated liftgate will rise on its own. This new EDGE is as versatile as you are.

PUSH START AND GO IN THE NEW EDGE AMBIENTE

Assert your presence wherever you go in the Ambiente. Boasting Ford Co-Pilot360™, all-new EDGE derivatives are equipped with a standard suite of driver-assist technologies like Intelligent Access to get you in, Push-Button Start to get your engine going, and the new rotary gearshift dial to make it happen.

Upfront, Ambiente exhibits the freshened fascia, wider grille and redesigned hood of the new

EDGE that helps it cast a more planted stance on the road. Outside, low- and high-beam bi-LED headlamps illuminate your view, 18” Sparkle Silver-painted Aluminum wheels fill the wells for a solid finish, and the 4-wheel disc Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) helps bring them to a halt.

STAY SHARP – LEAD IN THE TREND

A long list of Trend standards includes: Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, SYNC®3, LED fog lamps, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 6-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Reverse Sensing System.

LUXURY YOU CAN SEE AND FEEL – TITANIUM

Add refinement to your driving experience in the well-appointed Titanium which offers the ultraconvenient hands-free foot-activated liftgate, a new 12-speaker B&O Sound System; new wireless charging pad; 10-way power-adjustable, heated, leather-trimmed driver and front-passenger seats, SYNC®3 and more.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/10/31/coscharis-motors-launches-the-new-ford-edge-into-the-nigerian-market/

Kasapreko Company Limited, is the manufacturer of Alomo Bitters, a beverage widely consumed by Nigerians. The company is also Ghana’s largest local beverage manufacturer. It has lost about $2 million in revenue following the border closure by the Nigeria government.

This was made known in by Francis Holly Adzah, Kasapreko’s Head of International Business Development when he stated in an interview with a Ghanaian news website, JoyBusiness that they have lost about $2 million in revenue following the action of the Federal Government of Nigeria to close borders with neighbouring countries.

The beverage company according to the report was able to transport three trucks before the border closure. But now, the company has exhausted its products in the Nigerian market.

“[We] managed to send in three trucks of products to the Nigerian market moments before the border was closed,” Adzah said.

Four other trucks loaded with products, one at the border and the others at the premises of the manufacturing company, have been left grounded due to the border closure by Nigeria, according to report.

“In September, we lost $1 million to the closure. October is almost ended and our checks show a loss of another million dollars. The situation is getting out of hand and very serious,” Adzah told JoyBusiness in an exclusive interview.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/10/22/we-have-lost-2m-already-to-border-closure-ghanaian-alomo-bitters-manufacturer-laments/

Highlights

- Interest Income decreased by 2.99% to N327.47bn from N337.56bn in Q3 2018
- Profit before Tax increased by 16.92% to N60.03bn from N51.34bn in Q3 2018
- Profit after Tax increased by 28.16% to N51.75bn from N44.89bn in Q3 2018
- Total Equity increased by 14.0% to N604.93bn from N530.65bn in Q3 2018

FBN Holdings Plc said it recorded N439.9bn gross earnings, flat year-on-year, from January to September 2019 from N441.5bn in the corresponding period of 2018.

In a statement on its unaudited results for the nine months ended 30 September 2019, it said its net-interest income was N211.4bn in the period under review, down 4.6 per cent y-o-y from September 2018 figure of N221.5bn.

The group said its non-interest income of N98.8bn rose by six per cent y-o-y from N93.2bn in the corresponding period of last year.

Its operating income fell by 1.4 per cent y-o-y to N310.2bn from N314.7bn; while impairment charge for credit losses of N28.5bn improved by 62.6 per cent y-o-y from N76.2bn in the corresponding period of 2018.

The operating expenses rose by 18.4 per cent y-o-y to N221.7bn, from N187.2bn as of September 2018.

Profit before tax of N60bn in September 2019 rose by 16.9 per cent y-o-y from the corresponding period of 2018 which was N51.3bn.

Its profit after tax rose by 15.3 per cent y-o-y to N51.8bn in Q3 2019, from N44.9bn as of the end of third quarter 2018.

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director, UK Eke, said, “Our performance in the third quarter reflects the growth trajectory over the first nine months of the year, with significant strides made in transforming the group’s asset quality and diversifying our revenue streams across the board.

“During the third quarter, our NPL declined further to 12.6 per cent as we approach the end of the curve in the resolution of our legacy portfolio and are confident of further reducing this to under 10 per cent by the end of the current financial year."

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/10/22/fbn-holdings-plc-declares-n51-75bn-pat-in-q3-2019-results/

Ever wondered what the most used emoji is?

Well, the Unicode Consortium, or emoji overlord if you will, has now revealed exactly that.

“The Consortium has been working to assemble information about how frequently various emoji are used and is making that data available to the public,” the company explained on its website.

In revealing the information, Unicode intends to help people who submit new emoji for approval better understand what users prefer.

And it turns out, everyone’s favourite emoji is the laughing-cry face, with the red heart following closely behind.

After love and laughter, the heart eyes, prayer hands, crying face, and flame, all take up spots on Unicode’s top three rankings.

The top emoji also include the cool face, confused lady, rainbow, water droplets and different coloured hearts.

Interestingly, the least used emoji are country flags and the couple with children variants.

The Unicode Consortium based the findings on emoji that have been used across various platforms and devices.

A report by Facebook back in 2017, however, revealed that over five billion emoji were sent on Messenger that year.

In more recent times, sites like Emoji Tracker and Emoji Stats both keep live updates of emoji use on Twitter and iOS devices respectively.

Information on both sites confirms that the laughing face and heart emoji remain the most used emoji.

Earlier this year, the Consortium added over 200 new emoji to the Unicode Standard, including a yawn face, hearing aid and waffles.

SOURCE: Earlier this year, the Consortium added over 200 new emoji to the Unicode Standard, including a yawn face, hearing aid and waffles.

… Rolls out 4G in Over 100 Cities, Towns

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced a massive increase in data allowance on its weekly and monthly data tariff plans in a new move that will enable mobile internet consumers to enjoy more value at heavily discounted rates.

The new data tariff review applies to most of the weekly and monthly data plans of the telco including its mega plans.

Under the new tariff, customers who subscribe to the N3,000 monthly plan will get 8GB data; consumers who buy the N5,000 monthly plan will get 15GB of data while customers who subscribe to the N20,000 Megaplan will be credited with 110GB of data, valid for 30 days.

Airtel also introduced a new data plan specifically designed for heavy data users, seeking more value to stream online, chat and download movies. The new plan gives 6GB of data weekly for only N1,500.

The telco said the reviewed data tariff plan will ride on its expansive 4G network, which covers over 100 major cities and towns.

Commenting on the new data plans, the Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said prevailing consumer trend indicates a growing demand for data/mobile Internet and Airtel is well-positioned to take the lead in providing the right value offerings as it currently has the largest 4G network in the country.

“As the preferred mobile internet services provider, Airtel is committed to offering superior value to telecoms consumers across the country and our newly revamped data plans is a testament to our commitment to empowering our customers. With the same price, our customers now have higher data allowance to do much more and get more out of life; to succeed, to become more productive and to do so much more” he said.

To activate the Airtel data plans, customers are advised to dial *141#. The data plans are available to all prepaid and postpaid customers on the Airtel network.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/10/20/airtel-nigeria-unveils-new-cheap-data-plans-to-satisfy-consumers-growing-demand-for-mobile-internet/

Mercedes-Benz further increased its brand value and is once again the world's most valuable luxury automotive brand. In the latest "Best Global Brands 2019" ranking by the renowned US brand consultancy Interbrand, the brand reaffirmed last year's result by taking 8th place. Mercedes-Benz continues to be the only European brand in the top ten. Compared to 2018, the brand value of the star increased by a further five per cent to 50.832 billion US dollars. This is the continuation of an unbroken success story, as Mercedes-Benz has continuously increased its value since 2009.

"We are proud to have achieved 8th place in the 'Best Global Brands 2019' again, with a further increase in our brand value. This is a magnificent achievement by the entire Mercedes-Benz team – and by this, I mean every individual who strives for the success of our brand on a daily basis," says Bettina Fetzer, Head of Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "This result is both a confirmation and an incentive. Alongside the best products and services for our customers, we are developing Mercedes-Benz into a sustainable luxury brand – after all, the star is our most valuable asset."

The Mercedes-Benz brand stands for a long tradition and great innovative strength. It is driven by the desire to continuously develop further and offer sustainable solutions for the future of mobility – reflected in both the products and services and in the business strategy. The focus is on the customer more than ever before, while the brand is becoming tangible and awakens emotions. Modern luxury must be sustainable – but above all sustainably fascinating.

The transformation in society is also changing the role of brands: successful brands create trust and show a clear attitude both inside and out. Mercedes-Benz is driven by innovation, responsibility and purpose, and systematically seeks to develop intuitive, seamless and sustainable mobility solutions. The "purpose" of the brand is "First Move the World". At Mercedes-Benz, this is the meaning behind the work, the motivation and the "why". "First Move the World" stands for the ambition to pursue more than the directly achievable. This pioneering spirit is part of the brand's DNA.

Best Global Brands - Interbrand ranks the best worldwide brands with surveys

This year the 20th "Best Global Brands" study was conducted. Interbrand, a US brand consultancy, assesses the 100 most valuable brands in the world according to three aspects: "financial performance of the brand's products or services", "role of the brand in the buying decision process" and "strength of the brand with a view to safeguarding the future revenue of the company". A certified methodology acc. to ISO 10668:2010 enables the monetary value of a brand to be determined.

The Interbrand ranking can be found at: www.bestglobalbrands.com