₦airaland Forum

KaiOS enables a new category of affordable smart feature phones that require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience...

TECNO, the leading mobile phone brand in Africa, today announced the launch of the latest 3G smart feature phone T901, the first TECNO device running on KaiOS, the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones. This is a significant step for both companies in closing the digital divide by bringing users–previously inhibited by device affordability–online for the first time. Priced at $ Bleep, the T901 will be available in three colour options: gold, blue and black.

“With the arrival of T901 powered by KaiOS, users gain access to apps such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Google Maps, and others on an affordable TECNO smart feature phone for the first time. The phone also supports GPS, Wi-Fi, and 3G, with significant network speed growth and better anti-signal interference performance as well as faster signal reception in call mode than those in 2G. T901 also comes equipped with the Google Assistant, allowing users to operate the device with their voice. With all these features, TECNO is practising our commitment to allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities.” says Stephen Ha, Managing Director of TECNO Mobile.

“Launching with TECNO is a significant milestone for both our companies,” adds Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “The digital divide in Africa remains large, and we’re thrilled to be working side-by-side with TECNO to eliminate it. Visit any African city and you will understand how important TECNO is on the continent, with stores on nearly every corner; we can’t wait to see the KaiOS-enabled T901 show up in all of these outlets.”

Device Features and Specifications

T901 is equipped with a hybrid dual-SIM slot which can support two SIM cards and with 512MB +256MB memory for more spaces to save users precious memories. It boasts a 2.4-inch QVGA display with 240x320 pixels resolution and a powerful 1900mAh battery which enables 25 days of standby time and up to 19 hours of non-stop calling

The new device comes embedded with both a front and a rear camera with built-in flashlight, which enables clearer photos even at night and in other dark environments.

KaiOS enables a new category of affordable smart feature phones that require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience. It supports 3G and 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC. KaiOS-enabled phones come with popular apps and services like WhatsApp, the Google Assistant, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps, as well as a store for apps called the KaiStore.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/15/the-first-tecno-device-running-kaios-is-here-meet-the-t901/

Ever wondered how the concept of Value Added Tax (VAT) works? or wondered why you have to pay an additional 5% charge on the cost of a good or service?

VAT is a consumption tax payable on the goods and services consumed by any person whether government agencies, business organizations or individuals. The target of VAT is the consumption of goods &services unless an item is specifically exempted by law, the final consumer pays the VAT.

VAT can also be defined as a tax on spending/consumption levied at every stage of a transaction but eventually borne by the final consumer of such goods and services. In Nigeria, it is currently levied at a rate of 5%.

Although VAT is a multiple-stage tax, it has a single effect and does not add more than the specified rate to the consumer price no matter the number of stages at which the tax is paid.

The yield from VAT is a fairly accurate measurement of the growth of an economy since purchasing power (which determines yield) increases with economic growth. The input-output tax mechanism in VAT also makes it self-policing.

Input VAT is paid by any registered person on goods/ services for the purpose of resale. While Output VAT is charged by any registered person on goods and services sold and are borne by the final consumer.

At the moment, there are some categories of goods and services that are exempted VAT. These goods and services are referred to as NON-VATable. The goods and services that are NON-VATable are:

Goods exempt

-All medical and pharmaceutical products.
- Basic food items.
- Books and educational materials.
- Baby products.
- Fertilizer, locally produced agricultural and veterinary medicine, farming machinery and farming transportation equipment.
- All exports.
- Plant, machinery and goods imported for use in the export processing zone or free trade zone: Provided that 100 per cent production of such company is for export otherwise tax shall accrue proportionately on the profits of the company.
- Plant, machinery and equipment purchased for utilization of gas in downstream petroleum operations.
- Tractors, ploughs and agricultural equipment and implements purchased for agricultural purposes.

Services exempt

- Medical services.
- Services rendered by Community Banks, People's Bank and Mortgage Institutions.
- Plays and performances conducted by educational institutions as part of learning.
- All exported services.

Zero-rated goods and services

- Non-oil exports.
- Goods and services purchased by diplomats.
- Goods purchased for use in humanitarian donor-funded projects.

"humanitarian donor-funded projects" includes projects undertaken by Non- Governmental Organisations and religious and social clubs or societies recognized by law whose activity is not for profit and in the public interest".

Every other item not listed above is regarded and treated as VATable goods and services.

VAT Returns

A manufacturer or supplier of taxable goods or services is to render a return to the tax authority on or before 21st day of the month following that in which the supply was made.

Thus, every VATable person must keep records of all supplies made and received. He must also make a return on form VAT 002. He has to fill in details of supplies made and received during the period and pay the net VAT due to the tax authority.

Every importer of goods into Nigeria is required to pay VAT on imports while compliance is to be enforced by the Nigeria Customs Service before releasing the imported goods.

Offences and penalties:

There are various offences with very stiff penalties. Some of the offences are:

(i)failure to register;

(ii)Failure to keep proper records of accounts;

(iii)Failure to issue a tax invoice;

(iv)Failure to collect tax;

(v)Failure to submit VAT returns;

(vi)Failure to notify change of address;

(vii)Furnishing of false documents;

(viii)Resisting an authorized officer.

These offences carry penalties ranging from fines of up to N 10, 000 to various terms of imprisonment. In some cases, the fines or penalties depending on the amount of evasion involved. The law is even stricter in dealing with officers of the Board. Any officer of the Board who aids or abets the commission of any of the offences under the VAT law will be liable to a fine of N 50, 000.00 and/or imprisonment for five years.

VAT RATES AND PENALTIES

The World Corporate and Income Tax Comparison Rates, VAT/GST rates around the world range from 5% to 21%. Nigeria’s VAT rate is one of the lowest in the world at 5%. Entities that charge and receive VAT are expected to file/remit it to the Federal Inland Revenue Service through the tax authority on or before the 21st day of the month following that in which the purchase or supply was made.

Section 35 of VAT Act stipulates a penalty of N 5,000.00 every month that returns are not made.

Failure to register with FIRS within the specified time attracts a penalty of N10,000 for the first month in which the failure occurs & N5,000 for the subsequent months in which the failure continues. If this persists, the premises where the business is carried out may be sealed.

Illustration:

If a product moves from Raw Materials Producer

(A) to Manufacturer

(B) at N1,000.00 then to wholesale

(C) at N1,500.00, then to Retailer

(D) at N2,000.00; and finally, to the consumer who pays N2,500 to the Retailer, VAT payable on the product at 5% is as follows:

The DUE DATE for filing returns and remitting VAT is 21st day of the month following the month of transaction i.e 21st day of every month. Failure to file returns and remit VAT attracts penalties as stipulated in the VAT Act.

A pictorial illustration of how VAT works

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/14/what-you-should-know-about-valued-added-tax-paying-as-you-consume/

StarTimes has secured transmission rights for UEFA Euro 2020 as well as Qualifiers to EURO 2020, UEFA Nations League 2020/21 and European Qualifiers to FIFA World Cup 2022, between 2019 and 2020 for countries across sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, and on all media platforms.

StarTimes sports director, Shi Maochu said: “StarTimes is proud to announce the acquisition of UEFA National Team Football rights. Euro 2020 will be the No.1 football competition next year; it will feature some of the best teams in the world, including both finalists of last World Cup, France and Croatia. And to make sure fans get fully ready, we’ll broadcast all European qualifiers matches starting from the coming match day on September 5.”

StarTimes will broadcast European Qualifiers on its five sports channels, as well as on StarTimes ON streaming application, live and in HD in all Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We always seek to bring the best sports content to our subscribers like Copa America we broadcasted last month or ICC which is airing at the moment. And by acquiring all UEFA national team football events, we make sure our subscribers can enjoy the best matches up to the next FIFA World Cup.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/14/startimes-to-broadcast-uefa-euro-2020-in-sub-saharan-africa/

I'm a barbie gurl

This is good

Mr. P himself

Hit music for Lagos

To sustain the spirit of celebration and cultural heritage, Goldberg, the premium quality beer which has become a cultural staple for pleasure-seekers for years, today, launched a new golden look that speaks to its respected status in the beer community as a cultural symbol.

With its refined, classy look, Goldberg was relaunched on August 9, 2019, at the finale of the brand’s talent hunt show, Ariya Repete, at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos with the theme, “The Mark of Respect.’’

For years, Goldberg has retained its spot as the regional mainstream brand for South-West Nigeria. Like the traditional talking drum, Goldberg has commanded attention at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other parties across the cities in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo as well as Kwara. From its towering look of effervescence to the lingering bitter-sweet taste, this larger beer from the leading brewer, Nigerian Breweries Plc is brewed for quality enjoyment.

Goldberg represents cultural heritage and excellent craftsmanship. It is also a common find in any cultural gathering such as festivals where oral poetry tradition is celebrated. Its panegyric element is synonymous with the Yoruba’s oral tradition which is passed down from one generation to another to preserve history and culture. To bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, Goldberg’s new look appeals to the next generation of consumers who share the values of respect, enterprise and dignity.

It is for this reason that Goldberg earns the title of “Omoluabi’’ which conveys the value of good character, respect, enjoyment, dignity and integrity. Over the years, Goldberg has stayed true to its core value of reverence and quality enjoyment which makes it different from other mainstream beer brands in Nigeria. As a beer that treasures tradition, Goldberg has a competitive edge of restoring the true communal spirit as the toast of socialites in the South West region. Indeed, Goldberg is an iconic beer that has defined and still redefines the cultural landscape for beer consumers who cherish and relish traditional values.

The Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg and Life, Maria Shadeko in her remarks noted the distinctive elements of the Goldberg brand that has made it a market leader in the beer industry and how the new look will impact on the consumers.

“Goldberg beer is an ideal complement to consumers who place value on tradition, respect and culture. With its new look, Goldberg offers more than just high-quality taste for pure enjoyment but an enhanced visual delight which will make it the choice lager beer for every connoisseur.’’

Speaking to the new theme, Shadeko added that,

“With the new theme “mark of respect”, we will be speaking to the excellent craftsmanship and impeccable quality of Goldberg, elevating its credentials to a position of reverence and admiration. While ‘Omoluabi’ encapsulates the ethos of the Yoruba people and their values of “Respect, Enterprise, Dignity” (R.E.D), of which enjoyment is a manifestation.”

It’s been an eventful year for Goldberg Lager. 2019 has seen the brand unveil a new brand ambassador, successfully sponsor the 2019 edition of Ariya Repete as well as re-invent itself in a new and exciting way. With a new label, a new crown cork and a newly formulated Lager which promise a great tasting experience, Goldberg seeks to further establish itself as the market leaders.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/10/omoluabi-goldberg-unveils-a-new-revered-look-photos/

Dakore Egbuson Akande

Adesua Etomi Wellington & Dakore Egbuson Akande Are Breathtaking In the August Edition of Accelerate TV's Online Magazine

This month of August, Nollywood goddesses Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Adesua Etomi-Wellington grace the cover of Accelerate TV’s online magazine, The Cover.

They share their journey Nollywood, their most outrageous on set experiences and their unique roles in the new movie, The Setup. Check out these screen goddesses as you have never seen them before.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/10/adesua-etomi-wellington-dakore-egbuson-akande-are-breathtaking-in-the-august-edition-of-accelerate-tvs-online-magazine/

A girdle is one of the most popular types of shapewear. When you think about the benefits of wearing a girdle, you normally think about the effect it has on your appearance. However, regularly wearing a girdle has both health benefits and side effects that you need to know about.

1. Health Benefits Of Wearing A Girdle

Besides the positive changes in the appearance of your figure, you can also look forward to the following benefits of regularly wearing a girdle:

- Breast support. If you have a large bust, you are probably very familiar with back pains and other uncomfortable sensations. A girdle offers additional support to your bust, relieving the stress on your back.

- Better posture. Most people today are prone to bad posture, and wearing a girdle is an easy way to correct it. A girdle will help you keep your back straight without restraining it too much, so you’ll enjoy both a better posture and more room for movement.

- Weight loss. While a girdle does not directly influence your weight, it makes you appear smaller on your weight loss journey, thus giving you the confidence to continue. Plus, regularly going out in a girdle helps you keep your abdominal muscles tight.

- Stress. It turns out that wearing a girdle can help with not only physical but mental health. Being in a girdle all day long is a certain type of pressure that is very therapeutic and can even feel like a hug, giving you the strength to combat stress and anxiety.

- Headaches. Bad posture and unnecessary strain on the back and shoulders can lead to frequent headaches. A girdle offers your back and shoulders extra support, relieving your headaches and preventing migraines.

2. Side Effects Of Wearing A Girdle

Wearing a girdle has numerous benefits for your health and emotional well-being, but if you wear your girdle 365 days a year, there are certain side effects that can also happen:

- Heart problems. Due to being rather restricting, a girdle can lead to problems with blood circulations, which, in turn, will cause your heart to work harder with negative consequences.

- Digestive problems. Most girdles feel rather tight on your abdomen and often compress your stomach, intestines, and colon. As a result, you may experience heartburn and other problems with your digestion.

- Bladder pressure. If you have ever worn a girdle for an extended period of time, you know that going to the bathroom in a girdle can be rather uncomfortable. As a result, women keep from relieving their bladder on time, which, over time, can lead to incontinence and leakage.

- Breathing problems. Breathing deep is an essential requirement for the normal operation of every system in our bodies. Wearing a tight girdle constrains your diaphragm, making your stomach flare up when you are breathing, which results in shallow breaths.

- Varicose veins. If you are genetically predisposed to the varicose vein problem and have multiple women in your family suffering from the disease, there is a big chance that wearing a girdle every day will make the blood circulation in your legs worse and lead to the formation of varicose veins.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/09/health-benefits-and-side-effects-of-wearing-a-girdle/

Legendary ex-Super Eagles footballer and former Assistant Manager of the Nigeria National Football Team Daniel Amokachi A.K.A "The Bull" was on Thursday unveiled as the Ambassador of new sports betting brand called betBonanza in Lagos, to a group of newsmen, bloggers and influencers.

Amokachi was introduced at the official Press Conference to launch the brand in Lagos. Daniel Amokachi enjoyed a tremendous footballing career; he was the first Nigerian player to score in the UEFA Champions League. He has contributed significantly to the Super Eagles top three tournaments in the 1990s including winning the Olympic Gold Medal in ’96.

The new Brand Ambassador, Daniel Amokachi, said, “I am glad to join a company that believes in getting better. This is because getting better at whatever one does is a continuous process. My career has been a constant learning curve and road to becoming better. There are lessons and opportunities for growth with every “ups and downs” one encounter.  Honestly, there are great moments that I can never forget, but being better than I was yesterday has always been my watchword”, the former Olympic Gold Medalist said.

I believe that if you are ready to take that one step, you can always become a better person. This is the value that I passionately share with betBonanza. I am thrilled to be part of betBonanza, and I believe in what they represent”, the African legend concluded.

Managing Director of betBonanza Adekunle Adeniji, who is an influential figure in the African gaming industry, revealed that betBonanza has spent both time and resources to develop a world-class platform as well as the right team behind it.

“We as a company, believe in the need to continue to get better, that's the reason behind our slogan which says "be better". We have built a state-of-the-art platform, using modern technology which none of our competitors possesses. Our mission is to be the best-loved betting company in Nigeria through innovations, trust and transparency", he said.

The gaming expert continued, “Our primary focus is to create more than 15,000 jobs in the next 12 months in Nigeria through the agency model we are launching. There is also an opportunity for our agents and super agents to get loans periodically to improve their existing shop or to start a new one. In the next 18 months, we are looking at creating more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs”, the betBonanza M.D. projected.

“As our customer, you should, of course, expect a very wide variety of betting opportunities on our state-of-the-art platforms, but you should also expect very good service, including fast payments, and service with transparency that shows you we’re listening to you. Together we can be better.” Mr. Adeniji assured.

The Marketing & Social Responsibility Manager of the firm, George Mbam, also reiterated the plan of the company to support grassroots sports; and not only football but other games that are not getting enough funding as betBonanza's own contribution to create a better environment for the sport-loving youths of Nigeria.

Apart from sports betting, customers can also bet on betBonanza’s state-of-the-art virtual football, a wide range of casino and number games. betBonanza is now open to online customers everywhere in Nigeria with exciting offerings and bonuses. New customers get a 100% welcome bonus of up to N100,000 on their first deposit to bet.

betBonanza is currently licensed by the Lagos State Lottery Board (LSLB) and across many other states in Nigeria.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/09/daniel-amokachi-becomes-betbonanzas-brand-ambassador-photos/

Four months after a landmark launch on the New York Stock Exchange, e-commerce giant, Jumia’s shares has crashed below its IPO price. After launching its IPO at $14.50 per share, the mid-point of its initial share price range, Jumia’s shares reached an all-time low of $14.02 before recovering to close at $14.57 on Monday, August 5th.

By Tuesday, it continued to fall by 1.7% to $14.31.

The price dip comes after a weak run for most of July which resulted in a downward price trend and several days of consecutive losses.

The trend suggests that the stock price is unlikely to rally with more trades below its IPO launch price imminent.

That outlook contrasts sharply with Jumia’s early-day run on the New York Stock Exchange, given a strong opening fortnight amid the novelty of its listing as the first major Africa-focused tech company on the exchange.

At one point in the period, Jumia’s shares were seen trading at three times its IPO launch price. This matched predictions from investors versed in backing e-commerce companies that Jumia would be subject to high interest.

But, as the stock price trend reflects, the positive run and investor enthusiasm has proved ephemeral.

Ominously, Jumia’s share price slide first came amid claims of fraud by Citron Research, a known short stock seller.

Citron alleged fraud, citing discrepancies in Jumia’s S1 IPO filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and an earlier confidential investor presentation.

In response during its first quarterly earnings call following the IPO, Jumia stood by its prospectus and transparency.

However, the company’s operating loss widened year-on-year with the $51 million (€45.5 million) operating loss recorded in the first quarter of 2019 meaning that, Jumia had accumulated over $1 billion in losses since inception in 2012.

But the company’s stock has not been able to shake off speculation with at least two law firms issuing press releases claiming Jumia is under investigation and trying to organize class-action lawsuits. Neither Jumia nor the SEC has disclosed any investigation in this period.

One obvious way to ensure the long-term health of its stock is for Jumia to show a sustainable path to profitability.

Even though the objective of profits is unlikely to be achieved soon as Jumia maintains expensive operations across 14 different African markets, the company is taking steps towards growing its customer base to impact revenues. Last week, it launched a partnership to set up pick-up stations at Vivo Energy’s over 2,000 fuel station outlets across African countries.

The move essentially extends Jumia’s retail network beyond online-only customers by allowing customers to place and pick-up orders through physical stations.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/07/jumia-shares-fall-below-ipo-price-on-new-york-stock-exchange/

The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has announced a temporary suspension of the ongoing recruitment of teachers into public primary schools in the state.

This followed the huge crowd of job seekers that thronged the headquarters of the board in Ado-Ekiti on Monday. A good percentage of the applicants do not fall into the category of personnel advertised by the board.

The Chairman of the Board, Prof. Francisca Aladejana disclosed the postponement in an interview with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, hours after the commencement of the exercise. She said the recruitment process was put on hold in order to prevent stampede among the thousands of applicants that thronged the SUBEB office to collect the application forms.

Aladejana who said that the Board is re-strategizing to make the employment forms easily accessible to applicants stated that SUBEB may opt for the use of electronic application process so that applicants can download their forms without necessarily coming to SUBEB office.
The Board chairman disclosed that no fewer than 10,000 applicants had registered their names to collect the forms in the first day of the two-day exercise; adding that the Board cannot afford to let the applicants rush and injure one another in the process of jostling for the forms.

“Before the applicants came, we had made solid arrangements for the distribution of the forms. We had 16 centres, one for each local government so that we won’t have reasons for applicants rushing to collect the forms and to forestall too much crowd, we specifically indicated that we want only NCE holders and graduates with teaching subjects in the primary school. This had gone round but to our amazement this morning, we had unprecedented crowd; the crowd was unimaginable.

“The whole place was filled up. The candidates were rushing and were out of control.  We had pregnant women, nursing mothers carrying babies and women holding young children; all of them in the crowd. It was at that stage that we thought if we start distributing forms and people are rushing, there could be a stampede. We don’t want any casualty”, she said.

Aladejana who thanked Governor Fayemi for approving that the employment forms be made available to applicants free of charge said the governor was concerned about the unimaginable crowd and had directed the Board to re-strategize to ensure that all applicants get their forms without hitches.

The SUBEB boss who said the suspension was temporary disclosed government’s intention to conclude the recruitment process by the middle of September.

She advised applicants to be on the lookout for further information from SUBEB on how applicants can get their forms and its submission.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/07/employment-ekiti-subeb-suspends-recruitment-process-opts-for-electronic-application/

Sixteen Years After Enacting the Child Rights Acts, Child Labour Remains a Major Issue in Nigeria

Given that the dangers associated with child labour in Nigeria, NOIPolls presents findings from its past poll on “Child Labour in Nigeria”. The poll which was conducted in the week commencing June 3rd 2019, assessed the opinions of Nigerians regarding the prevalence, knowledge, possible causes of child labour in the country as well as various ways to curtail this menace.

The finding revealed that most Nigerians (84 percent) believe that the issue of child labour is prevalent in the country. The poll further showed that 8 in 10 Nigerians claimed that they normally see children engage in various forms of labour in their respective localities. Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that the number of working children under the age of 14 in Nigeria is estimated to be 15 million. According to the Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Dennis Zulu, during a two-days’ workshop on ACCEL Africa on Friday, May 3rd in Abuja, statistics revealed that about 43 percent of children in Nigeria aged between 5 to 10 years were involved in child labour.

Despite several measures to combat child labour, it continues to remain a great concern in Nigeria. The Child Rights Act which was passed into law in 2003 defines a child as one who is below the age of eighteen years and it categorically provides that such a child’s best interests shall remain paramount in all considerations. Sixteen years after being incorporated into Nigerian law, the child labour situation has remained a major issue as millions of children are still engaged in child labour activities. For instance, the poll revealed that children are often seen engaged in street hawking (58 percent), domestic work (11 percent) and street begging (10 percent) amongst other labour activities within their localities. Perception on street hawking showed that it is most predominant in the Southern region (79 percent on the average) than in the Northern region (43 percent on the average). However, opinions revealed that street begging and domestic work are highest in the Northern region than in the Southern region.

Interestingly, Nigerians blamed the prevalence of child labour on poverty (58 percent), parental neglect (16 percent) and bad economy (10 percent). Moreover, most of the respondents (27 percent) from the poll recommended that more jobs should be created as the rate of unemployment in the country could be a contributing factor in the issue of child labour. In addition, 21 percent suggested that the government should improve the economy, 18 percent advocated for free education amongst other recommendations. It is, therefore, important that the government and concerned stakeholders’ work together to tackle the issue of child labour by implementing more programmes to eradicate poverty and improve the conditions of workers. The government should also create an enabling environment for small scale businesses to thrive in Nigeria to improve the economy and increase employment opportunities.

The first question gauged the prevalence of child labour in Nigeria and findings from the poll are particularly worrisome as a large share (84 percent) of respondents nationwide believe that the issue of child labour is prevalent in Nigeria. This corroborates findings from the International Labour Organization (ILO) which revealed that the number of working children under the age of 14 in Nigeria is estimated to be 15 million.

Furthermore, trend analysis revealed a 10 percent decline when the current finding is compared with the result obtained in 2013. This suggests that concerned stakeholders could have embarked on several awareness campaigns that enlightened the public on the negative effects of child labour in society at large. However, 84 percent is still high thus a need for more eff­ort to further reduce this figure drastically.

Subsequently, the poll revealed that the larger proportion of respondents (80 percent) disclosed that they have observed children engage in one form of labour in their respective localities. Analysis by region revealed that averagely, more respondents from the Northern region (84 percent) than the Southern region (74 percent) made this assertion. Trend analysis also revealed an 8 percent increase in the number of children seen engaged in various forms of labour when the 2019 result is compared to the findings obtained in 2016.

Respondents who indicated that they see children engaged in di­fferent labour or jobs were further probed and asked to mention some of these labour or jobs they have seen children engaged in. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents (58 percent) specifically mentioned that they have seen children engage in street hawking in their various localities and the South-South zone accounted for the larger share of Nigerians in this category. This is followed by Nigerians who cited domestic work (11 percent) and street begging (10 percent) amongst other mentions. Perceptions on street hawking showed that it is most predominant in the southern region (79 percent on the average) than in the Northern region (43 percent on the average). However, opinions revealed that street begging and domestic work are highest in the Northern region than in the Southern region.

Trend analysis showed that the proportion of Nigerians who mentioned street hawking increased from 47 percent in 2016 to 58 percent in 2019 whereas, there is a decline in the number of those who cited domestic work (from 16 percent in 2016 to 11 percent in 2019).

Furthermore, poverty (58 percent), parental neglect (16 percent) and bad economy (10 percent) were the top three factors mostly blamed for the incidence of child labour in Nigeria. While poverty seems to be the major factor Nigerians attribute to the prevalence of child labour, trend analysis revealed that this perception has declined in 2019 when compared to 2013.

Perceptions on how to curb the incidence of child labour in the country were gauged and a larger share of the respondents (27 percent) believe it is by creating more jobs. This will go a long in reducing poverty across the country, thereby reducing the need for children to complement family income. 21 percent suggested that the government should improve on the economy while 18 percent recommended free education.

In conclusion, the poll has shown that the menace of child labour is indeed an issue that needs to be taken more seriously in order to reduce the e­ffect on both the children and the society at large. The various government agencies and stakeholders need to be fully involved in dealing with the issues associated with child labour. The Child Right Act which was passed into law in 2003 in order to curb the menace of child labour has not been implemented by about 11 states in Northern Nigeria. The diff­erent states that have not adopted the Act should be compelled upon to ensure that the Child Right Act is given utmost concern in order to curb the dangers associated with child labour.

The government should also create an enabling environment for small scale businesses to thrive in Nigeria in order to improve the economy and increase employment opportunities. Furthermore, the role of education in reducing the issue of child labour cannot be overemphasized as education remains the basis of growth and development. Additionally, 5 percent of the respondents recommended birth control as a measure to curb child labour. Hence, parents should employ e­ffective family planning methods to have a limited number of children they can e­ffectively take care of. The government on its part could put mechanisms in place to ensure public enlightenment and implementation of family planning while health workers could also be saddled with the strategies for implementation.

Finally, the poll has clearly shown that the incidence of child labour is grossly under-reported as 82 percent of the respondent are not aware of the reporting channels. Therefore, it is important for government agencies and concerned stakeholders to embark on an intense awareness campaign on the various ways to report the incidence of child labour.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/06/sixteen-years-after-enacting-the-child-rights-acts-child-labour-has-remains-a-major-issue-in-nigeria/

FRSC Deploy 35,000 Personnel, 736 Patrol Vehicles, 120 Ambulances, 25 Tow Trucks And 204 Bikes

With the declaration of Sunday, 11th as the day of Eid-el Kabir in Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced massive Mobilisation of its personnel for the Sallah special patrol aimed at ensuring safer road environment during the festive period and beyond. This was disclosed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem who said no fewer than 35,000 of the FRSC Regular and Special Marshals, 736 Patrol Vehicles, 120 Ambulances, 25 Tow Truck And 204 Bikes would be on the road during the special operation that would commence from 9th to 16th August 2019.

The Corps Public Education Officer stated that the special patrol operation has become necessary following the Corps’ commitment to its 2019 Corporate Strategic Goals of reducing Road Traffic crashes (RTC) by 20% and fatality by 25%.

He said, “FRSC has a tradition of always organising special patrols during festive periods as a way of averting the chaos that characterises the road during the celebrations, as such, this year’s Eid-el Kabir would not be an exemption. Motorists must endeavour to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the Corps, but falling prey to avoidable road crashes”.

In addition, “the mission of the special operation is to ensure free flow of traffic, provide prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country before, during and after the festive period as well as minimizing the occurrence of road traffic crashes on the nation’s highways through effective patrol operations and sustained public enlightenment campaigns”.

To ensure the effectiveness of the operations, Kazeem revealed that the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi directed commanding officers operating across various formations nationwide to ensure that the 52 corridors are properly manned throughout the period of the operations. He, however, appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties, saying Mobile Courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.

The Corps Marshal, also directed that the operatives pay first-rate focus on Effective Traffic Control, Wrongful Overtaking, Use of Phone while Driving, Drivers Licence Violation, Lane Discipline, Removal of Rickety vehicles on the road, Driving with Expired/ worn-out tyre and without spare tyre etc.

To achieve this fit, the Corps has deployed operational pieces of equipment in the categories of Radar Guns, Breathalysers to put a check on drunk driving, operational logistics materials are also to be fully deployed for this exercise. More so, the Corps Marshal has equally directed that all Zebras must be active 24/7 and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.

Kazeem noted that among the 52 corridors to be covered are: Akwanga-Lafiya-Makurdi, Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, amongst others.

In line with the foregoing, the patrol is to run in shifts as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs, and Night Rescue teams to be on standby at all operational Commands. The Corps will go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration with Military Units en-route or resident, The Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security, State-owned/NGO’s Ambulance service providers, National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS) and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The Corps Marshal is by this advising all motorists to be patient on the road and ensure that they operate within the ambit of the law as the Corps is out to ensure compliance of established traffic laws by all. He, therefore, wished all travellers safe trip to their destinations as he felicitates with Muslim faithful.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/07/frsc-deploy-35000-personnel-736-patrol-vehicles-120-ambulances-25-tow-trucks-and-204-bikes/

Sighs...

Tu baba himself!

Congratulations.

I tap into your glory and blessings...

The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday – August 12 and 13 – as public holidays to mark the 2019 Eid-Al-Kabir celebrations.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, declared this in a statement on Tuesday on behalf of the government.

She made the declaration in a statement signed by Mohammed Manga, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the office.

Ehuriah congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion and called on all Nigerians, at home and in the diaspora, to use the period to embrace the virtues of love, humility, peace and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

She also urged Nigerians to shun any form of disruptive tendencies and join hands with the government to build a peaceful, strong and united Nigeria for the growth and development of the nation.

The permanent secretary reaffirmed the determination of the Muhammadu Buhari led the administration to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.

She added that security agencies under the Ministry have been directed to ensure the provision of adequate security, before, during and after the Eid-Al-Kabir celebrations.

Ehuriah also stated the government’s desire for all citizens to live a life of sacrifice, charity, and love for one another.

She wished Nigerians a happy, peaceful and fulfilling celebrations.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/07/fg-declares-august-12th-13th-as-public-holidays-for-eid-el-kabir/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has for the umpteenth time assured stakeholders in Delta State and the Niger Delta in general that it has no plan to relocate the headquarters of its subsidiary, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) from its present location in Delta State to somewhere outside the region.

The NNPC in a press release issued by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu described as unfortunate statement credited to Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege where he reportedly condemned alleged moves by the Corporation to relocate NGC headquarters from the Niger Delta region.

While calling on the NGC host communities and other stakeholders to disregard the relocation tale which it described as totally false, the Corporation maintained that the Deputy President of the Senate may have either been misinformed or was quoted out of context noting that the subject of relocation of NGC was never on the table for deliberation by the NNPC management.

The Corporation assured that the focus of the current NNPC management under the headship of Mallam Mele Kyari is to ensure a harmonious relationship with stakeholders and host communities in such a way as to entrench a win-win scenario for all concerned.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/05/no-plan-to-relocate-headquarters-of-nigerian-gas-company-from-niger-delta-nnpc/

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has said its tax dispute with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is before the Tax Tribunal set up by FIRS Chairman, Tunde Fowler and Minister of Finance, and are awaiting a decision.

In a statement, the telco said: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports regarding the status of taxes relating to the 2015 fine imposed on MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN). We acknowledge that there is a technical disagreement between MTN and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as to how the fine should be treated for tax purposes. However, while the monies have been paid to FIRS, we have taken the disagreement to the Tax Tribunal set up by FIRS Chairman and Minister of Finance, and are awaiting a decision.”

“MTN remains fully compliant with Nigerian tax laws and will abide by the findings of the tribunal. The company is committed to meeting its fiscal responsibilities and contributing to the social and economic development of Nigeria.”

Since incorporation in 2001, MTN has invested more than N2 trillion into the economy and has paid more than N1.7 trillion in taxes, levies and other regulatory fees.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/05/mtn-nigeria-drags-firs-to-tribunal-over-taxation-of-n330bn-fine/

Gratuities are 100% Tax-Exempt Under Personal Income Tax – Know Your Right. A Must Read.

The Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT or “the Tribunal”) sitting in Enugu recently delivered judgement in the case of Nigerian Breweries Plc (“the Appellant”) and Abia State Board of Internal Revenue (“the Respondent”) to the effect that gratuities are wholly tax-exempt under the Personal Income Tax (PIT) Act 2004 (as amended).

Background

Section 3 of PIT Decree 104 of 1993 (now PIT Act, Cap. P8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004), included gratuities as an income chargeable to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax. However, Paragraph 18 of its Third Schedule exempts gratuity up to the only N100,000 from tax and thereby makes gratuity above N100,000 liable to PAYE tax.

Following amendments introduced by the Finance (Miscellaneous Taxation Provisions) (No. 3) Decree 1996 (“the 1996 Decree”), the term “gratuities” was deleted from the list of chargeable incomes under Section 3 of the PIT Decree. This was reflected in the PIT Act LFN 2004 and retained in the PIT Act 2011 (as amended). Nonetheless, the provision of Paragraph 18 of the Third Schedule to the PIT Act remained unchanged.

Facts of the case

Nigerian Breweries Plc (“the Appellant”)

Abia State Board of Internal Revenue (“the Respondent”)

The Respondent imposed additional PAYE tax liabilities, inclusive of interest and penalties, on the Appellant following a tax audit conducted for the 2014 and 2015 tax years. The additional PAYE tax liabilities arose because the Respondent subjected gratuities paid by the Appellant to its retired employees to tax. The Appellant objected to the Respondent’s revised assessment, after which the Respondent issued a Notice of Refusal to Amend the alleged liabilities.

Dissatisfied with the Respondent’s action, the Appellant filed an appeal at the TAT arguing that gratuity is no longer taxable under the PIT Act since the 1996 Decree deleted it from the list of chargeable incomes and introduced a new exemption for all compensation for loss of office, thereby, rendering the provisions of Paragraph 18 of the Third Schedule to PIT Act redundant. The Appellant further argued that where there is a conflict between a section of a statute and a schedule thereto, the section will override the schedule.

On its part, the Respondent argued that the 1996 Decree is not part of the LFN 2004 and that only gratuities paid to serve employees through approved schemes are exempt from tax in accordance with Paragraph 2 of the Sixth Schedule to the PIT Act. The Respondent further contended that gratuities paid to retired employees are regarded as income on the last day of employment and taxable where it exceeds N100,000.

Issues for determination

The issues for determination arising from the submissions of both parties are:
a) whether the Appellant is liable to pay penalty and interest in the circumstances of this appeal; and
b) whether gratuities are wholly tax-exempt under the PIT Act, 2004 (as amended).

TAT’s decision

After considering the arguments of both parties, the TAT entered judgement in favour of the Appellant to the effect that:
a) penalty and interest are not applicable as the Appellant objected and appealed against the assessment within the statutory period;
b) gratuities are wholly tax-exempt under PIT Act as it has been deleted from Section 3 which is the charging section of the Act, and the provisions of a schedule to a statute cannot override the plain words in a section of the statute.

Consequently, the TAT discharged the Respondent’s revised assessment notice issued to the Appellant.

See KPMG Comments below

i. The failure of the legislative arm of the Government to delete the restriction on tax-exempt gratuities under Paragraph 18 of the Third Schedule to the PIT Act is an obvious omission given that the subject was deleted in the charging section of the PIT Act in 1996.

ii. Hence, the TAT’s decision that gratuities are wholly tax-exempt under the PIT Act is a step in the right direction which should put an end to the controversy on the matter. The judgement conforms with the provisions of Paragraph 2(e) of the Sixth Schedule to the PIT Act 2011 (as amended) which grants unqualified tax exemption to gratuities paid to employees.

iii. The TAT’s affirmation that the provisions of schedules in a statute cannot override the plain words in the body of the statute, has effectively eliminated the gap in the law that some tax authorities often capitalize on to impose income tax on gratuities paid by employers. For instance, the judgement effectively addresses taxpayers’ concerns arising from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS)’ Public Notice on “Exemption of compensation for loss of employment” wherein the LIRS posited that gratuity payments are only tax-deductible subject to the limitation imposed in Paragraph 18 of the Third Schedule to the PIT Act.

iv. The judgement further reinforces the position of the Joint Tax Board that any end-of-service benefit paid to employees and described as “gratuity” will qualify for full tax exemption under the PIT Act.

Barring any contrary decision of a higher court, it is expected that concerned tax authorities, who held divergent views on the tax treatment of gratuities before this TAT judgement, would align with the judgement of the Tribunal.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/05/gratuities-are-100-tax-exempt-under-personal-income-tax-know-your-right-a-must-read/

Again, ICPC Recovers N117m Worth Of Constituency Project Items From Another Senator (Photos)

IN its continuing effort at ensuring the satisfactory execution and completion of all Constituency Projects across the country through the Constituency Projects Tracking Group (CPTG) initiative, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has again recovered items worth N117,123,375.44 million from the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State.

The items covered by this amount and recovered from the legislator are 168 and 51 numbers of motorcycles and tricycles respectively.

According to a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, a copy of which was made available to the Tribune Online in Abuja, on Sunday, said the projects were discovered to be stashed away in a compound in Mkpologu town of Uzo-Nwani Local Government Area, believed to be owned by the Senator.

She said ICPC findings indicated clearly that the contract for the procurement of the items was awarded on 23rd January 2018, under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the Senator’s constituency projects.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/04/again-icpc-recovers-n117m-worth-of-constituency-project-items-from-another-senator-photos/

Justice B.F.M. Nyako of Federal High Court has ordered Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to take over Bao Yao Futurlex Iron & Steel Company Limited in the FCT & Bao Yao Huan Jian Iron & Steel in Calabar, Cross River.

The order, therefore, mandates AMCON to take over all the assets of Bao Yao Huan Jian Iron & Steel Company Limited promoted by Mr Shen Yaozhang and General Idris Garba retired over a staggering indebtedness of over N3.6billion.

The order also froze all accounts of the companies in any financial institution belonging to the defendants, which include Bao Yao Futurlex Iron & Steel Company Limited; Bao Yao Huan Jian Iron & Steel Company Limited, Mr Shen Yaozhang, Mr Ji Yunfeng & Gen. Idris Garba (Rtd.).

It would be recalled that VP Osinbajo, Board Chair of AMCON, Muiz Banire and MD/CEO, Ahmed Lawan Kuru have repeatedly reiterated the fact that AMCON would collaborate with relevant Govt agencies to intensify its chase on recalcitrant obligors over a debt profile of >N5trillion.

The court also granted AMCON possessory order over all that piece of land consisting of buildings/factory and situated at Esuk Utan Village, Calabar, Cross River State, more particularly described as Plot A23 – A30, Calabar Export Processing Zone; All those chattels consisting of five Oil Tank Barges and seven Tug Boats etc.; as well as all piece of land consisting of an acre and situated at Kaduna in the Kaduna Local Government Area, more particularly described as Plot No. 13, Idoma Close, amongst others assets.

Justice Nyako also sanctioned AMCON’s appointment ofMr. Robert Ohuoba, as Receiver over the business and stock in trade and overall fixed and floating assets of both Bao Yao Futurlex Iron & Steel Company Limited and Bao Yao Huan Jian Iron & Steel Company Limited, wherever they may be found within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

The Court also directed the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, in all the state of the federation to assist and protect the Bailiffs of the Federal High Court and the Receiver, Mr Robert Ohuoba to carry out the takeover.

Confirming that AMCON had already taken over the assets/properties as directed by the Court, Jude Nwauzor, Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON said, “We saw it coming because the said debt is long overdue. Like we have always said, going to court with obligors is usually the last resort for us as a corporation.

Whenever you see us take over the company as is the case in this instance, it means we must have patiently tried to resolve the matter without going to court.

“Taking over the firm as directed by the court is an indication that all efforts by AMCON to get the obligor to amicably repay the indebtedness have proved abortive. If you have exhausted all avenues of peaceful resolution, there is no other option available to the AMCON than to commence enforcement action against Bao Yao Futurlex Iron & Steel Company Limited as well as Bao Yao Huan Jian Iron & Steel Company Limited as directed, which is also provided under Section 49-52 of the AMCON Act.”

It would be recalled that both the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Board Chairman of AMCON, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, AMCON, Mr Ahmed Lawan Kuru have repeatedly reiterated the fact that AMCON would collaborate with relevant government agencies in the country to intensify its chase on recalcitrant obligors of the corporation over a debt profile of over N5trillion.

Expectedly, AMCON has continued to sustain its high tempo of recoveries, which actually began last year when the government agency strategically refocused its recovery activities to more of enforcement.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/04/n3-6-billion-debt-amcon-takes-over-bao-yao-firms-in-abuja-calabar/

The Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) has condemned the viral video on social media of a queer display of semi-nude women in an outdoor Mobile advertising truck around the Lekki/Ikoyi tollgate this weekend.

According to a statement issued by the association signed by its President, Mr Emmanuel Ajufo that OAAN does not subscribe to the show of shame on the streets of Lagos by ladies dressed in nudity.

The statement reads: ‘’OAAN is a responsible association and our members are disciplined and would not be involved in the unprofessional campaign such as seen in the viral video.

 ‘’In strong terms, we condemned with all sense of sincerity the Indecent Advertising campaign and its content. We as an association do not subscribe to the show of shame on the streets of Lagos by ladies dressed in nudity.

The association said that is fully ready to work with appropriate authorities to ascertain the brain behind of the show of shame.’’

The mobile truck was spotted around Lekki /Ikoyi tollgate this weekend with Lagos State plate number APP713XL.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has said that the full weight of the law, as enshrined in the Agency's extant law, will be meted on the company owning this erring outdoor mobile truck.

LASAA has assured members of the public that the Agency shall henceforth scrutinize activities of mobile trucks to forestall a recurrence of such an avoidable obscenity.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/04/oaan-dissociates-self-from-indecent-advertising-truck-at-lekki-toll-gate/

Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike-Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State is now 'free' from the national grid

Vice President Osinbajo, today inaugurated the first solar hybrid power plant at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University at Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) in Ebonyi State.

The Federal Government made the project possible, under its Energising Education Programme (EPP), a federal intervention aimed at developing off-grid, dedicated and independent power plants, as well as revamping infrastructure to supply constant power to 37 federal varsities and seven affiliated teaching hospitals.

the project was a collaboration between Rural Electrification Agency, Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Federal Ministry of Environment, as well as National Universities Commission.

Besides the 2.8MW solar hybrid power plant, other programmes include the launch of 7.5 km of solar-powered street lights, as well as a world-class renewable training centre.

It was executed by Sterling & Wilson, a solutions and services provider that gives business solutions for solar, wind energy, transmission and distribution, hybrid energy storage and turnkey data centres to organisations worldwide.

Breakdown of the Hybrid Solar Plant

- 3,500 solar panels installed
- To serve 7,700 students & 1,819 staff
- Total installed capacity = 2.8MW
- 108 jobs created
-2 Hostels
- 68 Academic Buildings
- 287 Street Lights Installed
- 7.5Km Street Lighting Installed
- 2 Transformers

SOURCE: https://twitter.com/brandspur_ng/status/1157239423798534146

More photos

Disregard list of Ministers-designate and assigned portfolios trending on social media - Presidency

The presidency has dismissed a purported list of ministers-designate and assigned portfolio for them circulating on social media.

Bashir Ahmad, the personal assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on new media, urged Nigerians to disregard the purported list in a tweet via his official Twitter handle, @BashirAhmad.

"So someone makes a list of Ministers-Designate and assigned portfolio for them. The assigned list is now trending on WhatsApp as usual.

"DISREGARD any list pls. The portfolio will be announced by Mr President after their inauguration as Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he tweeted.

Another presidential aide on digital media, Tolu Ogunlesi, also said that the "genuine list of ministerial portfolios will be announced by the president, after he has sworn them in", cautioning Nigerians against "falling for" the fake list.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/02/disregard-list-of-ministers-designate-and-assigned-portfolios-trending-on-social-media-presidency/

A US gospel rapper whose song was partially copied by Katy Perry was awarded $2.7 million in damages by a federal jury Thursday in the latest high-profile copyright ruling to rock the music industry.

Perry herself was ordered to pay just over $550,000 to Marcus Gray — who performs as “Flame” — after the jury found that a beat used in her 2013 song “Dark Horse” constituted copyright infringement.

The ruling followed a weeklong trial in Los Angeles where Perry took the witness stand and said she had never heard of Gray’s 2009 rap “Joyful Noise.”

Perry’s representatives immediately vowed to appeal if the case is not dismissed pending a defence motion.

“The writers of ‘Dark Horse’ consider this a travesty of justice,” attorney Christine Lepera said outside court.

Gray’s lawyers had argued for a far higher penalty of around $20 million.

“These defendants made millions and millions of dollars from their infringement of the plaintiffs’ song,” attorney Michael Kahn told the court.

During the trial, Perry’s lawyers said the two songs’ underlying beat was “commonplace” and therefore cannot be copyrighted.

But Gray’s lawyers said the defendants had “copied an important part” of his song, referring to a 16-second instrumental section.

Perry’s label Capitol Records was ordered to pay $1.2 million of the damages. Her producers will also pay toward the sum.

Perry performed a version of “Dark Horse” at the 2015 Super Bowl, while “Joyful Noise” has been viewed more than 3 million times on YouTube.

Gray’s team first brought the litigation against Perry in 2014.

The number of copyright lawsuits has been proliferating in recent years in the US.

The case follows a long-running copyright dispute by the family of Motown legend Marvin Gaye who won a nearly $5 million judgment against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams.

Thicke and Williams were accused by Gaye’s estate of copyright infringement for their 2013 hit because of similarities with the late singer’s “Got to Give It Up.”

The initial judgment against Thicke and Williams sent shockwaves through the songwriting community, which has been accustomed to lawsuits alleging musical similarities but never expected courts to take such claims seriously.

British rock group Led Zeppelin is facing another trial over claims they copied part of “Stairway to Heaven” after a US appeals court last year overturned a 2016 judgment.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/02/gospel-rapper-awarded-2-7m-for-song-copied-by-katy-perry/

In furtherance to its mandate, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) presents the report on investment announcements for the first half of 2019.

In the period, US$15.15 billion of announcements were tracked through the NIPC Intelligence Newsletters, which are issued 6 days a week.

The report showed that a total of 43 projects across 12 states and Federal Capital Territory were announced from investors in 20 countries. Comparatively, the announcements made in the first half of 2019 were 67% less in value than the announcements in the same period of 2018. This was probably due to many investors waiting for the conclusion of national elections and handover in the first half of 2019.

The major announcements were from Royal Dutch Shell Plc with US$10 billion in crude exploration, Moroccan OCP Group’s plan to build a US$1.5 billion ammonia plant in 3 states and the joint venture contract between Malaysian partners and Nigerian oil company, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Ltd worth $901.79 million for the exploration of crude oil at the Anyala and Madu oil fields.

Announcements from the Netherlands accounted for 66% by value, followed by Morocco at 14%, and Nigeria at 9%. The report also showed that mining & quarrying sector accounted for 81%, the manufacturing sector was 14%, and finance & insurance was 2%.

The major destination was the Niger-Delta region with 77%, followed by Ondo State at 7%, and Lagos State at 4% of the value announced.

NIPC’s Intelligence Newsletter publishes Nigerian investment-related news culled, from various sources. The Report is based only on investment announcements cited in NIPC’s Newsletters from January to June 2019; it may not contain exhaustive information on all investment announcements in Nigeria during the period.

Nevertheless, the Report gives a sense of investors’ interest in the Nigerian economy. NIPC did not independently verify the authenticity of the investment announcements but is working on tracking the announcements as they progress to actual investments.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/08/01/nigeria-records-15bn-investments-in-the-first-half-of-2019/

Aziwe is 19 years old and lives with her mother, Phatiswa, in an informal settlement called Umlazi, near Durban, South Africa. Both women are living with HIV and both are full of energy, love, hope and optimism for the future.

Aziwe didn’t find out she was HIV positive until she was about 14 years old. She had already been on treatment for five years but her mother had decided not to tell her that she was HIV positive, even while making sure that her daughter stayed healthy by taking her medication every day.

When the doctor asked her if she wanted to know why she had to take medicines so regularly, Aziwe did not hesitate. As she had grown older, so had her curiosity. When the doctor told her that she was living with HIV she broke down. Her mother too.

Aziwe is 19 years old and lives with her mother, Phatiswa, in an informal settlement called Umlazi, near Durban, South Africa.

Now, five years later, Aziwe is a happy, confident teenager who is highly articulate as she tells the family story to the UNAIDS Executive Director a.i. Gunilla Carlsson ahead of the launch of UNAIDS global report on the state of the AIDS epidemic.

Phatiswa lived in the Eastern Cape in 1999 but, like many women, left to find work as a domestic worker in Durban. She’s good at her job and has been working for the same family for 19 years.

The children stayed behind in the Eastern Cape at first. But Aziwe was a sickly child and came to live with her mother a few years later. In 2009, she became very ill and was rushed to hospital where she would remain for 2 weeks. It was there that she was tested for HIV and found to be positive. Phatiswa also tested positive for the virus.

Today, the women take their treatment and encourage others at community support groups to keep taking their medicines so that they stay well. Aziwe also challenges the stigma and discrimination that still surround HIV and has spoken about living with HIV at a church group. She says there is still too much ignorance about the virus and it sometimes upsets her. But she and Phatiswa support each other.

“I have days where I just want to cry but she speaks to me as a mother. I have good family and friends who are always there for me.”

Aziwe explains that she values life so much more because she has lost loved ones to AIDS.

“I want to live because there are so many things that I want to achieve in life—for my mother and for myself.”

Like many young people, she wants to travel and later to work as a talk-show host on television. In the future, she wants to have a family of her own.

“I’m just a normal teenager living with HIV,” she explains.

SORCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/07/31/im-just-a-normal-teenager-living-with-hiv/

CHINESE FRAUDULENT BUSINESS MODEL IN NIGERIA EXPOSED…How they are Killing the Economy

A fresh strategy in the Chinese weird business model in Nigeria aimed principally at sabotaging the nation’s economy has been uncovered in Lagos. The latest drive has been described by multiple sources in business and security circles, as a direct assault on the nation’s economy and security.

The latest culprit, Zhe Long, owned by two Chinese: Wang Fuzeng and Chen Yuping, has as its main objective: “to carry on business as a manufacturer, buyers, sellers, traders, importers, exporters and merchant exporters.”

The company, according to search at the Corporate Affairs Commission, was incorporated in Nigeria on the 11th January 2018 with an official address at 4, Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos.

Investigation revealed that the perfidy from Zhe Long ranges from false declaration, security breaches, tax evasion, forgery, illegal immigration, concealment and customs duty evasion.

For instance, security agencies have discovered that the commercial that sales invoices of the company are not VAT compliance since there are no VAT number and amount declared on the document. This to tax experts constitutes a serious breach of the law by Zhe Long and its customers.

Apart from this, the investigation also revealed that there are about 30 Chinese semi-skilled/manual workers operating in the company. A source in the company revealed that none of these workers has a formal Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, CERPAC documentation, which is a clear breach of the nation’s immigration law by both company and the illegal immigrants.

The CERPAC GREEN CARD is a bonafide document that allows a non-Nigerian to reside in Nigeria and carry out an approved activity as specified in the permit, or to accompany a resident or citizen of Nigeria as a dependant.

In the areas of import and shipping documentation, sources revealed that Zhe has been falsely declaring a chemical known as Polyol as Polyacetals. Polyols are a group of low-digestible carbohydrates derived from the hydrogenation of their sugar or syrup.

Polyols react with isocyanates to make polyurethanes, which find use to make mattresses, foam insulation for refrigerators and freezers, home and automotive seats, elastomeric shoe soles, fibres (e.g. Spandex), and adhesives.

On the other hand, polyacetal is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. It is among plastic materials, with the most crystalline structure. It is also is known for its good fatigue/creep resistance, low friction and good performance in cold temperature.

Sources at the Customs explained that the reason for this false declaration is that Polyacetals global pricing is US$600/metric tonnes as against US$2,000 Polyol.

Similar to the above, the company is also accused of declaring a chemical called TDI as Toluene. Global pricing of Toluene is US$600 as against TDI’s US$2,300

The consequence of this false declaration according to experts, is duty under-payment and the consequent defrauding of the government of necessary duty and VAT on these transactions.

Aside from the loss of revenue accruing to the government, there is a major security implication for the false declaration of TDI. Apart from a chemical used in the production of polyurethanes, primarily for flexible foam applications including furniture, bedding and carpet underlay, as well as packaging applications, TDI is also used in the manufacture of coatings, sealants, adhesives and elastomers.

But due to TDI’s potential explosive properties, the material is a controlled substance that requires an End User Certificate, EUC issued by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA for its importation to Nigeria.

Sources close to the company alleged that presently there is no evidence to support that Zhe Long has EUC for its TDI’s importation, which according to security experts, constitute a serious national security breach.

In Nigeria, as in much of Africa, Chinese investment provokes suspicion. But according to Mr Ye Shuijin, President, China Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria, the quantum of investment in the Nigerian economy by Chinese companies has hit $20 billion U.S dollars. This I from160 Chinese firms operating in the country which also employed over 200,000 Nigerians

There is also a large population of Chinese people in Nigeria which comprise Chinese expatriates and descendants born in Nigeria with Chinese ancestry. As of 2012, there are approximately 20,000 Chinese in Nigeria.

Like many Nigerians, John Bolton, President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, has accused China of using “bribes, opaque agreements and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing’s wishes and demands”

The Chinese, however, countered that “Nigeria has the most thieves in the world,” says Thomas Liu, who runs the medicine company, using the sort of uncompromising language that grates from Accra to Kinshasa. “You have to avoid being tricked.”

Chinese businessmen also claimed they have to negotiate past Nigeria’s bureaucratic gatekeepers for permits and licences. “To visit a government official here, you best have around $6,000 to $10,000 with you,” says Mr Ban, a miner. “Otherwise, forget about getting an appointment.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/07/30/chinese-fraudulent-business-model-in-nigeria-exposed-how-they-are-killing-the-economy/

A piece of equipment that will process crude oil for Nigeria’s Dangote refinery set sail on Monday from China, oil company Sinopec said in a tweet.

The 650,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery near Lagos is set to be Africa’s largest and could transform the country from a fuels importer to a net exporter.

“On July 29, the world’s largest atmospheric tower built by Sinopec slowly left a wharf in Ningbo,” the Sinopec tweet said. “Following the Maritime #SilkRoad, it will travel to #Nigeria and be installed at the world’s biggest single-train facility - Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery.”

The atmospheric tower is the primary unit processing crude oil into fuels, Citac analyst. This was disclosed by Jeremy Parker to Reuters. It will likely take at least a month to reach Lagos.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/07/29/worlds-largest-atmospheric-tower-for-nigerias-dangote-refinery-sets-sail-from-china-photos/