₦airaland Forum

Last weekend, Saturday, May 4th, 2019, a delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone paid an official visit to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd Nnewi. The delegation was led by the Mr Edward A. Soloku- The Honourable Minister of Internal affairs who is the supervising minister in charge of their Police affairs.

The factory visit was in response to an earlier official visit made on April 9th, 2019 to Sierra Leone by Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma OFR on the invitation by the Sierra Leone President, His Excellency, Rtd. Brig. Dr Julius Maada Bio.

During the facility tour of the factory, the head of the delegation, Hon Soloku expressed satisfaction on the facilities he and his team saw on the factory as well as the production capacity of Innoson Vehicles and said: “truly Africa has come of age to take care of itself without foreign aid”. The Hon Minister further requested that Innoson vehicles should come and establish a company in Sierra Leone. Hon Soloku equally assured Innoson Vehicles that the Sierra Leone Ministry of Defence and The Police Department have concluded plans to order Innoson Vehicles for its operational purposes’.

Furthermore on the visit was Mr. Isaac Ken-Green, General Manager of Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation (SLRTC) who requested that Innoson Vehicles should partner with the SLRTC in other for it to render its services more to the country. The SLRTC equally came into Nigeria with samples of their broken down buses spare parts which they want Innoson vehicles to supply them.

Below is the list of the delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DELEGATION

(1) Colonel (Rtd) Simeon Nasiru Sheriff – Deputy Minister of Defense.

(2) Brigadier General Usman Turay – Assistant Chief of Defense Staff Support and Logistics.

(3) Lt Col Muctar S. Tejan – Military Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Defense.

(4) Major Brima Davowah Sama- Commanding Officer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Workshop.

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION

(1) Hon. Minister: – Mr. Edward .A. Soloku
Minister of Internal affairs.

(2) Mr. Patrick A.T. Johnson -Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG)
(Head of Operations)

(3) Mr. Daniel.A. Bongroh – Chief Superintendent of Police CSP
(Head of Transport and Technical)

(4) Mr. Prince Henry Ansumana. – (Assistant Superintend of Police ) ASP.
(Head of Procurement)

SIERRA LEONE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION (SLRTC) DELEGATION

(1) Isaac Ken-Green:
General Manager (SLRTC)

(2) Mohamed Tejan-Kella:
Head of Finance and Manager (SLRTC)

(3) Osman Kanu:
Head of Operations and Technical Manager (SLRTC)

Also in the delegation are Mr Maxwell Lamin Marah (Sierra Leone) and Mr Joseph Emeka Orji (United Kingdom).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/09/government-of-sierra-leone-patronises-innoson-vehicles/

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.

Consolidated vehicle sales totalled 8,976,795 units, an increase of 12,401 units compared to the previous fiscal year. On a consolidated basis, net revenues for the period totalled 30.2256 trillion yen (*$272.30 billion), increased 0.8461 trillion yen (*$7.62 billion). Operating income increased from 2.3998 trillion yen (*$21.61 billion) to 2.4675 trillion yen (*$22.22 billion), while income before income taxes was 2.2854 trillion yen (*$20.58 billion). Net income2 decreased from 2.4939 trillion yen (*$22.46 billion) to 1.8828 trillion yen (*$16.96 billion).

Operating income increased by 67.6 billion yen (*$609.00 million). Major factors contributing to the increase included an increase of 275.0 billion yen (*$2.47 billion) in marketing efforts.

TMC Operating Officer Masayoshi Shirayanagi said: “Excluding the overall impact of foreign exchange rates, swap valuation gains and losses and other factors, operating income improved by 190 billion yen (*$1.71 billion) year on year. While net income decreased by 611.1 billion yen ($5.50 billion) year on year, this is largely due to specified factors that the net income of the same period of the previous fiscal year includes a positive impact of 249.6 billion yen ($2.24 billion) due to the US tax reform and that net income of the fiscal year that ended in March 2019 includes a negative impact of 293.7 billion yen ($2.64 billion) of unrealized gains and losses on securities due to the market deterioration during such fiscal year.”

Regions

North America: Vehicle sales totalled 2,745,047 units, a decrease of 61,420 units. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 11.9 billion yen (*$107.20 million) to 144.1 billion yen (*$1.29 billion).
Japan: Vehicle sales totalled 2,226,177 units, a decrease of 29,136 units. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 28.6 billion yen (*$257.65 million) to 1.6904 trillion yen (*$15.22 billion).

Europe: Vehicle sales totalled 994,060 units, an increase of 25,983 units, while operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 44.0 billion yen (*$396.39 million) to 121.1 billion yen (*$1.09 billion).

Asia: Vehicle sales totalled 1,684,494 units, an increase of 141,688 units, while operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 24.9 billion yen (*$224.32 million) to 453.7 billion yen (*$4.08 billion).

Other Regions (including Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East): Vehicle sales totalled 1,327,017 units, a decrease of 64,714 units, while operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, decreased by 28.5 billion yen (*$256.75 million) to 89.5 billion yen (*$806.30 million).

Financial services operating income increased by 37.2 billion yen (*$335.13 million) to 322.8 billion yen (*$2.90 billion), including a loss of 19.5 billion yen (*$175.67 million) in valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps. Excluding valuation gains/losses, operating income increased by 58.3 billion yen (*$525.22 million) to 342.3 billion yen (*$3.08 billion).

(*all currency translations above are approximate and based on an average 111-yen-to-dollar exchange rate).

Forecast

For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, TMC estimates that consolidated vehicles sales will be 9.0 million units.

In addition, TMC forecasts consolidated net revenue of 30 trillion yen (*$272.72 billion), operating income of 2.55 trillion yen (*$23.18 billion), and net income of 2.25 trillion yen (*$20.45 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, based on an exchange rate of 110 yen to the U.S. dollar and 125 yen to the euro.
(*all currency translations above are approximate and based on an average 110-yen-to-dollar exchange rate).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/08/toyotas-annual-net-profit-drops-by-24-5/

The Lagos State government has declared its intention to initiate legal action against the purported land judgment that ceded a vast portion of Agidingbi and its environs to the Akinole family to ensure that the matter is finally put to rest.

In a statement issued by the State Ministry of Justice on Monday, the government expressed shock to hear that the State allottees on Government acquired land were, and are still being disturbed by the Akinole family who never challenged the land acquisition by the State Government.

According to the document, “On the creation of the Lagos State in 1967, the first global acquisition of land was done in 1969 by the government (Notice No. 236) of the same year which was for 7,300 acres of land including Agidingbi and environ”.

The statement added that the Akinole Family “were not only aware of the 7,300 acres global land acquisition of the land by the Lagos State government in 1969 but are parties in the Originating Summons subsequently taken out by the Lagos State Government in Suit No. LTILS/35/89 to determine the persons entitled to compensation in respect of the 356.442 hectares of land acquired, including the land in Agidingbi Village, under the compulsory public acquisition of 1969”.

The release further expressed surprise that the State government was not made a party to the lawsuit by Akinole family in a deliberate attempt to mislead the Court and get a judgment in its favour.

The statement, however, noted that in order to forestall any breach of the peace which may lead to anarchy or any form of loss of lives and property, the State Police command has been directed to deploy its officers and men to the location.

The government, therefore, assured the populace that it would forestall any further steps by the Akinole family or any other party to intimidate property owners in the affected areas pending final resolution of the matter.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/lasg-to-initiate-legal-action-against-agidingbi-land-judgement/

In line with its drive to provide premium services to its passengers, British Airways has announced the relocation of its terminal to the new Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The change took effect on 30th April 2019.

The move comes after the opening of the new Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a result of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) goal to create an ultra-modern facility which would ensure efficient processing of passengers and improve the experience for travellers flying through Abuja. Both airlines and passengers will experience a vast difference in both space and processing technology for passengers. British Airways new terminal relocation is in line with global efforts to ensure seamless, safe, and convenient travel for passengers.

Speaking on the move, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, Mr Kola Olayinka said, “British Airways is pleased about the new Abuja International Terminal, we embrace any opportunity to improve our services to passengers. Our newly upgraded lounge and the terminal will ensure a seamless travel experience for our passengers. We’re excited to share these new developments with our Abuja passengers.”

Buttressing these sentiments, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Saleh Dunoma, says the newly inaugurated international terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was designed to give maximum comfort to air travellers.

The move officially took place on the 30th of April.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/british-airways-announces-abuja-terminal-move/

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The Mercedes-Benz of electric vehicles is ready for launch. The Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined electrical consumption: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) is produced at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant – and can be ordered now. There the EQC can be flexibly integrated into the ongoing series production of vehicles with a combustion engine or hybrid drive. The high Mercedes-Benz production standards, therefore, ensure top quality across all vehicle models. As a CASE pioneer, the EQC 400 4MATIC offers extensive standard equipment and attractive services.

The Mercedes-Benz of electric vehicles is ready for launch. The new Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined electrical consumption: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) is produced at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant – and can be ordered now.

“With the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are entering a new era of mobility. It is part of the growing family of all-electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz and combines brand-defining features such as quality, safety and comfort. We offer our customers progressive design and unique ride comfort – and this with a range absolutely suitable for everyday use,” states Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.

The Mercedes-Benz of electric vehicles is ready for launch. The new Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined electrical consumption: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) is produced at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant – and can be ordered now.

With its seamless, clean design and colour highlights typical of the brand, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. In combination with the extensive services and a range of 445 – 471 km (NEDC)1, it makes electric mobility convenient and suitable for everyday use. The charismatic EQC impresses with the sum of its attributes. With its effortlessly superior driving impression, high level of acoustic comfort and exciting driving dynamics, the EQC displays all the brand’s hallmark attributes – the Mercedes of electric vehicles. Prices for the Mercedes-Benz EQC start at €71,281[2] for the already generously equipped base version. Its net basic price of less than €60,000 makes it eligible for an environmental bonus in Germany – regardless of individual equipment.

The Mercedes-Benz of electric vehicles is ready for launch. The new Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined electrical consumption: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) is produced at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant – and can be ordered now.
Start of production: EQC ideally integrated into ongoing series production

The first EQC will roll off the production line at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. There it is being produced on the same line as the C-Class Saloon and Estate as well as the GLC and GLC Coupé – digitally, flexible and sustainably. Production of vehicles with various drive systems can be adapted variably and efficiently in line with market demand. This approach is an ideal way to ensure the best possible use of capacity at the plant, and guarantee high Mercedes-Benz production and quality standards.

Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined electrical consumption: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) is produced at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant – and can be ordered now. Markus Keicher, Site Manager Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant.

Digital solutions such as sophisticated mobile devices, driverless transport systems and the ‘paperless factory’ assist the assembly team. Production staff are irreplaceable, even in the age of electric mobility. The use of Big Data and artificial intelligence assists with predictive maintenance, for example. This means the fact that the company made investments in maximum flexibility and hi-tech equipment offering trend-setting Industry 4.0 solutions at an early stage is paying off.

“Flexibility and efficiency are decisive pillars of the strategy in our global production network at Mercedes-Benz Cars. Production of the EQC is a perfect proof of this. The staff in Bremen have many years of experience in the production of vehicles with a wide range of drive types. We are building on this know-how in the electric age, too. With the start of production of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are turning the switch today – for the electric mobility of the future,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain.

A video about the production of the EQC can be found on the Daimler YouTube channel:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52CiFPBASaM

Unique: The “double marriage”

When the body, suspension and powertrain come together in automobile assembly, this is referred to as the “marriage” – in the case of the EQC, this is when the two power packs are installed in the body. One major innovation is the so-called battery joining centre. The second “marriage” takes place here: This is where the EQCs are recognised as electric models with the help of data tags attached to the body, and equipped with a battery. The body is suspended from a carrier and deposited on a frame. Support arms raise the battery to the vehicle’s floor from below. An employee monitors the automatic bolting in place.

Global production network and battery production network

Alongside Bremen, the Sino-German production joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC) will start production of the EQC this year – for the local market in China. As it does for the C-Class and the GLC, Bremen acts as the centre of competence for production of the EQC in other locations. BBAC is part of the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Other production locations for future Mercedes-Benz EQ models are the Mercedes-Benz plants in Rastatt (Germany), Sindelfingen (Germany), Tuscaloosa (USA) and Hambach (France).

The batteries for EQC production in Bremen are produced by wholly owned Daimler subsidiary Accumotive at its site in Kamenz (near Dresden) and delivered partly charged. These batteries are kept near the production line and then delivered to the line flexibly on demand using driverless transport systems. Local battery production is a major success factor in the electric initiative of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The production network for the mobility of the future is well positioned.

All in all, the company will be investing over one billion euros in global battery production with two factories each in Kamenz/Saxony and Stuttgart-Untertürkheim (Germany), and one each in Sindelfingen (Germany), Beijing (China), Tuscaloosa (USA), Jawor (Poland) and Bangkok (Thailand). In future, the worldwide battery production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars will consist of nine plants on three continents.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/06/mercedes-benz-eqc-sales-release-start-of-production-electrified-mercedes-hits-the-road-photos/

- Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene, Yola-Fufore-Gurin, Ado-Ekiti-Igede-Aramoko-Itawure, Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala, Billiri-Filiya-Taraba Border Roads among others included
- 2,750 direct jobs to be generated with over 90 per cent to be taken up by Nigerian workers
- Projects to improve transportation infrastructure, restore the nation’s road network as part of the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan
- Roads will open up settlements, provide access for the evacuation of goods and services and improve socio-economic lives of the beneficiary communities – Fashola

The Federal Executive Council has approved the award of N169.74 Billion contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of 10 roads across the country just as the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN stated that the projects would enhance Federal Government’s objective of improving transportation infrastructure and restoring the nation’s road network as part of implementation of the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

The approval, which was sequel to a memorandum presented to the Council by the Minister on May 2nd, 2019, covers the Rehabilitation of the Umuahia(Ikwuano)-Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia, Umudike in Abia State, Rehabilitation of Calabar-Oban-Ekang Road (Section1) in Cross River State, Construction of Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road in Adamawa State, Rehabilitation of Ado-Ekiti –Igede-Aramoko-Itawure Road in Ekiti State and Rehabilitation of Funtua-Dandume-Kaduna State Border Road in Katsina State.

Others, according to the memorandum, are the Rehabilitation of Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala Road (Yandev-Katsina-Ala Section) in Benue State, Rehabilitation of Old Enugu-Onitsha Road (Opi Junction-Ukehe-Okpatu-Aboh Udi-Oji to Anambra Border), Rehabilitation and Dualization of the 74KM (Approximately) Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road in Abia/Akwa Ibom States, Construction of 4 kilometre Township Road in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State and Rehabilitation of Billiri-Filiya-Taraba State Border Road in Gombe State.

While the Umuahia (Ikwuano)-Ikot Ekpene Road is awarded to Messrs Hartland Nigeria Limited/ Raycon and Company Nigeria Limited in the sum of N13,296,283,958.68 with a completion date of 48 months, the Rehabilitation of Calabar-Oban-Ekang Road (Section1) in Cross River State is awarded to Messrs Setraco Nigeria Limited in the sum of N27,781,851,866.55 with a completion date of 24 months while the construction of Yola-Furore-Gurin Road (approximately 56KM) is awarded to Messrs Wiz China Worldwide Engineering Limited in the sum of N13,643,670,884.81 with a completion date of 12 months.

The Rehabilitation of Ado-Ekiti–Igede-Aramoko-Itawure Road in Ekiti State (35KM approximately), according to the memorandum, is awarded to Messrs Deux Projects Limited/Hitech Construction Company Limited at N14,838,220,269.00 with a completion period of 30 months, while the Rehabilitation of Funtua-Dandume-Kaduna State Border Road in Katsina State is awarded to Messrs Rabash Enterprises Nigeria Limited/Afdin Construction Limited in the sum of N9,887,040,586.50 with a completion period of 24 months.

The memorandum also shows that while Messrs Rockbridge Construction Limited will rehabilitate the 43 Km (approximately) Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala Road (Yandev-Katsina-Ala Section) in 24 months at the cost of N11,892,018,600.00, Messrs Arab Contractors O.A.O Nigeria Limited will rehabilitate Old Enugu-Onitsha Road (Opi Junction-Ukehe-Okpatu-Aboh Udi-Oji to Anambra Border) (Approximately 90Km) in 24 months at the cost of N31,946,055,289.93 and Messrs CGGC Global Project will rehabilitate and dualize the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road in 24 months at the cost of N30,649,735,111.38.

Also included in the award are the construction of a 4 kilometre Township Road in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State by Messrs Birak Engineering & Construction Company Limited in the sum of N1,755,086,798.85 with a completion period of 12 months and the rehabilitation of Billiri-Filiya-Taraba State Border Road by Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited to be completed within 24 months in the sum of N14,048,396,236.88.

Stating that his Ministry, towards the realization of Federal Government’s objectives of restoring growth and investing in the people, decided to initiate the new road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects in some states of the Federation to open up settlements, provide access for evacuation of goods and services as well as improve the socio-economic lives of the people within the stretch of the different communities in the project areas, Fashola said the 50KM Umuahia (Ikwuano)-Ikot-Ekpene Road would create between 180 to 200 jobs with 90 per cent of the jobs for Nigerians and 10 per cent for expatriates.

According to him, while the rehabilitation of the approximately 60 Km Calabar-Oban-Ekang Road (Section1) in Cross River State, will generate between 400 and 500 jobs with 40 per cent of the jobs for Senior Nigerians and 100 per cent for intermediate workers, the construction of Yola-Furore-Gurin Road in Adamawa State, will generate no less than 300 jobs with 90 per cent reserved for Nigerians and 10 per cent for expatriates.

Also while 200-250 workers will be employed in the rehabilitation of Ado-Ekiti –Igede-Aramoko-Itawure Road in Ekiti State with 90 per cent of the jobs to be handled by Nigerians and 10 per cent by expatriates, the rehabilitation of Funtua-Dandume-Kaduna State Border Road in Katsina State will generate 200 jobs with 80 per cent for Nigerians and 20 per cent for expatriates.

In the rehabilitation of Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala Road (Yandev-Katsina-Ala Section)in Benue State, according to the Minister, 100 workers will be employed with 90 per cent of them Nigerians and 10 per cent expatriates while 400-500 workers will be employed in the rehabilitation of Old Enugu-Onitsha Road (Opi Junction-Ukehe-Okpatu-Aboh Udi-Oji to Anambra Border) with Nigerians constituting 90 per cent while expatriates will make up the remaining 10 per cent of the workforce.

The rehabilitation and Dualization of Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road in Abia/Akwa Ibom States will, according to the Minister, generate 200 jobs with Nigerians taking 80 per cent of the jobs and expatriates take 10 per cent. And also while 200 workers will be employed in the construction of the 4 kilometre Township Road in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State with 10 per cent of the jobs to be done by expatriates and 90 per cent by Nigerians, the rehabilitation of Billiri-Filiya-Taraba State Border Road in Gombe State will generate 300 jobs with 90 per cent for Nigerians and expatriates making up the remaining 10 per cent of the workforce.

While itemizing the Scope of Works to be covered in each of the Projects, the Minister also gave extensive details of the procurement processes which began under the 2018 Appropriation with newspaper advertisements in July 2018 and culminated in the certification and issuance of a Due Process Certificate of “ No Objection” for each of the 10 Projects by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/04/fec-approves-contracts-for-construction-rehabilitation-of-10-road-projects-nationwide-at-n169-74bn/

The revised Q3 2018 labour force statistics released by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria’s labour force stood at 90.47 million in Q3 2018 (6.32% up from 85.09 million in Q3 2017).

Further breakdown of the data showed that despite the increase in labour force to 90.47 million, unemployment rate rose to 23.1% in Q3 2018 from 18.8% in Q3 2017 as the classification of those working less than 20 hours a week and those who did nothing together increased the number of unemployed persons to 20.93 million (from 15.99 million in Q3 2017).

Also, 18.21 million persons were underemployed, as they worked less than 40 hours, in Q3 2018 (0.99% up from 18.03 million in Q3 2017). This brought the total unemployed plus underemployed persons to 39.14 million in Q3 2018 from 34.03 million in Q3 2017.

Amongst the 37 states (inclusive of the Federal Capital Territory), five states with the highest unemployment rates – when underemployed and unemployed numbers were combined in the quarter – include; Jigawa State recorded 64.6%, Yobe (58.9%), Rivers (58.1%), Kano (57.8%) and Kaduna (57.8%) in Q3 2018. Comparatively, Jigawa State recorded 62.9%, Yobe (58.1%), Rivers (60.1%), Kano (51.9%) and Kaduna (57.7%) in Q3 2017.

However, the fully employed, 56.73% of the labour force, rose to 51.33 million in Q3 2018 (from 51.06 million in Q3 2017).

We expect a faster rise in demand and production level, given the Presidential assent to the new minimum wage bill and the recently passed 2019 Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly, which is expected to boost spending going forward. High unemployment is likely to persist amid slow economic growth, especially in the northern part of the country due to the incessant insecurity challenges.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/04/unemployment-rate-rises-to-64-6-in-jigawa/

Bolt (formerly Taxify), the leading on-demand transportation platform in Africa, today launched operations in Uyo and Calabar. It is the first ride-hailing service to connect passengers with drivers in these cities.

The expansion move brings Bolt’s cities in Nigeria to a total of seven: the service is already well established in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Owerri and Benin City.

Bolt is a cell phone-based application that lets passengers easily, quickly and cost-effectively request for a driver to pick them up wherever they are, to take them wherever they want to go.

Uche Okafor, Bolt’s Regional Manager for West Africa: “After our successful launches in Nigeria’s main centres, expanding to Uyo and Calabar is a natural next step for Bolt as it further reinforces our position to make urban travel easier, quicker and more reliable. We are also looking forward to introducing flexible employment opportunities to thousands of drivers and vehicle owners in both cities”.

Bolt service is easy to use: passengers simply download the Bolt app from the iOS or Android app stores and set up a user profile. When they’re ready to ride, users open the app, set their location and their intended destination. The app will then give a cost estimate for the trip. Once passengers request the ride, the app alerts drivers nearby who accept the ride.

Once a driver has accepted the ride, passengers will be able to see their driver’s name, photo, car make and model, and registration, as well as be able to track the driver making his or her way towards them in real time – all of which makes it easy to be sure that they get safely into the correct vehicle with the correct driver. Passengers can also share their trip details using the “share your ETA” function on the app, as an extra layer of security. When the ride is complete, payment is made with cash, or via the debit card details, the rider entered into the app.

To celebrate Bolt’s launch in both cities, Bolt will be offering a 20% discount on all fares for the launch period and passengers can enjoy a free first ride up to N2000 with the promo codes BOLTUYO and BOLTCALABAR when they apply the promo codes using their debit cards.

Bolt has already signed drivers up to the platform in both cities, who all receive 85% of all fares paid by passengers. What’s more, drivers using the platform are their own boss, as they can choose how many hours they drive, there are no monthly dues, and they can work in whichever areas they want to.

How do drivers in Uyo and Calabar join Bolt?

If you want to become a Bolt driver, you will need a valid Nigerian driver’s license, an Android or iOS smartphone with GPS, and undergo an onboarding/training program.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/04/bolt-launches-in-uyo-and-calabar/

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Vice President Prof Osinbajo with Minister of Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola and Governor Willie Obiano inspects the Second Niger Bridge in Asaba, Delta State.

The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo on Friday reassured the people of South East and South-South geopolitical zones that the Federal Government would complete the second Niger Bridge on schedule.

While describing the second Niger bridge project as a priority to President Muhammadu Buhari, Osinbajo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the country remained united, where nobody would be oppressed.

He said, “We are all brothers regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

“We want to make sure that even in terms of execution of projects, we are fair and just, which is the commitment that the president has made.

“The President is committed to ensuring that he brings this to fulfilment.”

The VP, who inspected the Delta State axis of the Second Niger Bridge, reassured the people that the Federal Government was committed to completing the project and the access roads.

He said,” We want to make sure that we complete it because of its economic benefit to the zone and the entire country.

“The Second Niger Bridge is among the five projects where money has actually been set aside under a Presidential funding initiative to ensure completion.

“So, we have no fears that it will be completed as promised and scheduled,” he added.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/04/images-at-the-ongoing-construction-of-second-niger-bridge-at-asaba-delta-state/

Ondo state outrun thirty-five other states in the country in the accrual of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2018, latest states IGR data by the National Bureau of Statistics have shown.

Ondo grew its IGR by more than double to N24.79 billion in 2018 from N10.93 billion achieved a year earlier, causing the state to jump 11 steps to become ninth-highest revenue-generating state of the federation after Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Delta, Kano, Kaduna and Edo state which sustained their positions.

Lagos generated N382.2 billion as revenue in 2018, representing a 14.4 per cent increase compared with N333.97 billion realised in 2017.

Rivers recorded a 26 percent growth in its IGR to N112.8 billion from N89.5 billion, while Ogun raised N84.55 billion as IGR in 2018, about 13 percent higher than N74.84 billion recorded in the previous year.

As a result, the combined revenue received by the three states accounted for 52 percent of the total revenue of N1.10 trillion generated by all the Nigerian states in 2018, which is 17.8 percent more than N936.47 billion recorded in 2017.

The total growth was driven by increases in the IGR of thirty-two states that recorded growth, even as four other states comprising Osun, Benue, Cross River and Abia recorded worse revenue performance in the review year compared with 2017.

Osun’s IGR fell the most to N10.38 billion from N11.73 billion. Benue followed closely with a 9.55 percent decline to N11.22 billion from N12.4 billion, Cross River was down by 3 percent to N17.55 billion from N18.1 billion, while Abia recorded a marginal drop of 0.55 percent to N14.83 billion in 2018 compared with N14.92 billion received in the previous year.

However, the revenue generated by each of the four states in 2018 was more than Yobe, Kebbi, Taraba, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Ekiti, Borno, Katsina, Gombe, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Jigawa and Bauchi.

Yobe recorded the lowest IGR of N4.38 billion. Kebbi trailed with a total internally generated revenue of N4.88 billion, while Taraba generated the third-lowest revenue of N5.97 billion in the country in 2018.

Also, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja generated N65.52 billion as IGR in the review period.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/03/ondo-records-fastest-igr-growth-as-nigerian-states-generate-n1-1tn-in-2018/

The Ogun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that no fewer than 7,698 traffic offenders were arrested across the state in the first quarter of 2019.

The Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Clement Oladele, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun State, on Thursday.

Oladele explained that the number of erring drivers arrested reduced by two per cent with 7,698 from 7,868 during the same period in 2018.“A total of 7,698 offenders were booked for various offences in the first quarter of 2019,” he said.

The sector commander listed the prevalent offences among the erring drivers to include speed limit violation, tyre violation, non-use of seat belt and speed limiter device violation.

He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring that highways were safe for the public through intensive public enlightenment campaign.Oladele also warned motorists to desist from driving against traffic and adhere strictly to the average speed limit, especially when approaching construction sites.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/02/frsc-arrests-7698-traffic-offenders-in-ogun-in-q1-2019/

According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global smartphone shipments fell 4 percent annually to reach 330 million units in Q1 2019. Global smartphone shipments are showing signs of stabilizing and the outlook is improving for later this year. Samsung maintained first position with 22 per cent global smartphone market share in the first quarter of 2019, staying ahead of Huawei in second, followed by Apple in third place.

Linda Sui, Director at Strategy Analytics, said, “Global smartphone shipments dipped 4 percent annually from 345.4 million units in Q1 2018 to 330.4 million in Q1 2019. The global smartphone market has declined again on an annual basis, but the fall was less severe than before, and this was the industry’s best performance for three quarters. Global smartphone shipments are finally showing signs of stabilizing, due to relatively improved demand in major markets like China. The outlook for later this year is improving.”

Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, added, “Samsung shipped 71.8 million smartphones worldwide in Q1 2019, dipping 8 percent annually from 78.2 million units in Q1 2018. Samsung remains the world’s number one smartphone vendor, but it is coming under growing pressure from Huawei, who has a larger presence in the huge China market. Huawei surged 50 percent annually and outgrew all major rivals to ship 59.1 million smartphones worldwide during Q1 2019, up from 39.3 million in Q1 2018. Huawei captured a record 18 percent global smartphone market share in Q1 2019. Huawei is closing in on Samsung and streaking ahead of Apple, due to its strong presence across China, Western Europe and Africa.”

Woody Oh, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, “Apple iPhone shipped 43.1 million units to capture 13 percent global smartphone market share in Q1 2019, dipping from 15 percent a year ago. Apple lost ground in China during the quarter and is struggling to make headway in price-sensitive India. However, decent price cuts in China and India during recent weeks indicate the iPhone will bounce back slightly in those two countries in the next quarter.”

Linda Sui, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, “Xiaomi returned to fourth place, capturing 8 percent global smartphone market share in Q1 2019, broadly at the same level from a year ago. Xiaomi is very strong in India, but it is struggling in China. OPPO held the fifth position with 8 percent global smartphone market share during the quarter, rising from 7 percent a year earlier. OPPO is now expanding hard into Western Europe, with new models like the Reno 5G, and this should help OPPO’s worldwide presence to improve in the coming months.”

Exhibit 1: Global Smartphone Vendor Shipments and Marketshare in Q1 2019

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/02/global-smartphone-sales-down-4-in-q1-to-330-million-report/

Nigerian computer programmer creates Spotify rival with over 45 million songs, calls it Playfre

Nigerian computer programmer; Chika Nwaogu has successfully created the first Indigenous music streaming platform with over 45 millions songs that can really compete with the likes of Spotify and Deezer.

“Spotify and many other big music streaming platforms have not yet opened their doors to most African countries because of the weak intellectual property laws in these parts of the world, thus making these awesome apps unavailable to the African demographic. Those who have opened their doors to us, still charge monthly to stream unlimited music” Chika said while speaking on why he embarked on creating Playfre.

“We have been developing what will become Africa’s first real answer to Spotify. We at Playfre are trying to bring the over 45 million songs on Spotify to you at no charge, with the same Spotify experience and guess what? We did it!” Chika added.

Launched on May 1, 2019, Playfre lets its listeners play over 45 million songs for free while still keeping that awesome Spotify experience everybody loves. Playfre (pronounced play-free) is the first African music streaming platform that has over 40 million songs.

Playfre is a Nigerian based audio streaming platform that lets users listen to millions of music for free. With over 45 million songs in its database, Playfre is Africa’s largest music streaming platform.

Before Playfre, Chika Nwaogu has created, grown and sold two successful internet startups which include LAGbook; the African social network that hit a million registered users in 2013.

Playfre will be releasing it’s Android and iOS apps later in the month and will also be rolling out services like “Playfre for Artists” which will let musicians get their songs on Playfre at no cost.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/05/02/nigerian-computer-programmer-creates-spotify-rival-with-over-45-million-songs-calls-it-playfre/

Rugby Africa has confirmed Nigeria’s participation at this year’s Olympic Qualifiers to be held in South Africa in November following Nigeria’s superb performance at the Africa North regional 7s tournament in Cote d’Ivoire and a massive 59 – 13 test match win against the Niger Republic in Niamey last year.

Acting NRFF Technical Director and Teams Manager; Dele Coker announced the news on Monday in Lagos. ‘’We are happy for the chance to participate in the Olympics qualifiers: Africa Men’s Sevens later this year. We will ensure our best players are available, ensure proper preparations and aim to go far at the tournament’’ says Coker.

This competition will allow one of the participating teams to qualify for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020. The participating teams are Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco, Namibia, Ghana, Botswana, Mauritius, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

South Africa is presently competing in the HSBC World Sevens Series and may not participate at the Africa Sevens if they amass enough points and qualify for the Olympics automatically. Burkina Faso is waiting on the sidelines to fill in the gap should South Africa excel at the HSBC.

The competition will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa on 9th – 10th November 2019.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/30/nigeria-rugby-sevens-to-play-in-2020-olympic-qualifiers/

The Federal Government is expected to take delivery of the first batch of 10 Coaches, out of the 64 coaches expected from China in June 2019 to augment the available Coaches at the Nigerian Railway Corporation and for deployment to the Standard Gauge Rail lines in the Country, particularly, Abuja-Kaduna rail line to reduce the congestion created by the activities of Bandits and Kidnappers on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on Saturday, April 27, 2019, when he led a delegation to China to inspect the pace of work on the construction of those Coaches at the Chinese Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Tangshan Co., Ltd, China.

The Federal Government entered into a contract agreement with the company in December 2017 to produce 64 coaches to serve the immediate needs of the Standard Gauge Rail Lines in the Country and 10 out of the agreed N0s are ready for delivery.

The Minister requested that the available 10 coaches be delivered to Nigeria latest June 2019 for deployment to the various Standard Gauge Rail lines in the Country.

According to him, “We need Coaches by June latest. We need Coaches that can carry men from one point to another and we need a minimum of 10 coaches now out of the 64”.

“I requested for 10 coaches now because we need to improve on Abuja-Kaduna line. If the 10 doesn’t come, there is nothing I can do but it has to come because they have to manufacture for us to use on the Abuja-Kaduna Line and again, on Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line which will soon be ready pending when the construction of the remaining Coaches will be completed”.

Amaechi, however, noted that the pace of work is slow and urged the manufacturers to improve on it, adding that the contract which was signed in December 2019 to manufacture 64 Coaches for Nigeria was supposed to have expired in February 2019.

“The pace of construction is slow and they need to improve on it. In fact, the contract has expired, we may not have paid all the money but we paid quite a substantial sum and therefore they should construct speedily”, he said.

On his part, the General Manager, CRRC Tangshan Co., Ltd, Mr. Zhou Junnian expressed excitement over the visit of the Nigerian delegation to the CRRC and for their trust.

Mr. Junnian explained that the passenger coach components are 100 percent from China, adding that materials for works depend on the speed of the product and the customer requirements.

In the same vein, the Minister also visited the CRRC Shandong, to inspect the Cargo Wagons being built for Nigeria, where he disclosed that there was a verbal agreement with the CCECC to localise the Railway industry in Nigeria which was supposed to produce 15% of the Coaches, Locomotives and Wagons.

He said, “We had a verbal agreement for them to produce 15 % of the Coaches, Locomotives and Wagons, they came back and said it was too expensive to establish Locomotives and Coaches factory and that we can start with Wagon and do 100 % assembly in Nigeria for the first five (5) years, after which, they will now build a factory that will manufacture wagons in Nigeria.

“It is not part of the contract we signed in 2017 but I insisted that for me to sign, they must localise it to create more jobs and reduce the expenditure of foreign exchange.

“We have to go further to ask them if we can own it, we have not talked about ownership but what we said is, localise it. Even though they are using their profit to build it, you can make them hand over the ownership to Nigeria and for the Assembly plant, Kajola in Ogun State has been chosen for the factory”, he said.

Amaechi further directed that the Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Engr. Fidet Okhiria ensures that land is made available to CCECC before May 8, 2019, for the Wagon factory.

Earlier, the Chairman CRRC Shandong, Mr Wang Zichong while speaking on the progress of the Nigerian Wagon design and manufacturing, noted that the design has been completed and have also procured some materials and prototype and manufacturing will start as early as possible, adding that the specification for Nigeria’s localisation workshop has been completed.

On when the Assembly plant workshop can be completed, he stated that it can be done in six months if given the land on time.

The delegation to China who visited the CRRC Tangshan Steel Structure Workshop, General Assembly Workshop 1, Commissioning workshop and the Engineering Experiment Centre, as well as the CRRC Shandong Wagon workshop include; the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Sen. Olugbenga Ashafa, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okhiria, Director, Rail and Transport Services in the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Muhammed Babakobi and other important dignitaries.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/30/fg-to-take-delivery-of-10-coaches-from-china-in-june/

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has raised the alarm over the fresh plots being deployed by fraudsters to dupe unsuspecting candidates.

The Registrar of the Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who disclosed this in a weekly news bulletin, released yesterday by the organisation’s Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin, advised all candidates to “jealously guard their UTME registration numbers and profile codes to avoid falling victim of this latest scam.”

The candidates, he added, “should know that what these fraudsters do is to take advantage of their naivety and subsequently obtain their registration numbers with which they print their examination notification slips, which contain the candidates’ phone number and other vital data.

“These fraudsters then use this information to send messages to same candidates disguising as officials of the board or persons who have special information, access and capacity to inflate the candidates’ scores among other things.

”Their strategy is akin to that of a police officer who is unmindful of the fact that he is wearing his name tag on his uniform and when you address him by his name, he is surprised that you know his name.”

He added that the fraudsters use the information deprived of the examination notification slip printed, using the candidates’ registration number to open up a line of communication with candidates to dangle the enticing offer of awarding them higher scores in the yet-to-be-released 2019 UTME results among other mouth-watering promises.

The registrar advised candidates to disregard messages or calls from anybody claiming to have access to the board’s classified information.

“The board wishes to state emphatically that the results of the 2019 UTME have not been released,” the registrar added.

It also urged the public, particularly parents and candidates, to be wary of these dubious elements and disregard any overtures made by anybody touting their power or influence to inflate any candidate’s score.

“The board will make it public when the results are ready. As such, the channel through which candidates can view their results has been communicated to them.

” In the meantime, security operatives have picked up some of these nefarious characters and they are on the trail of others still at large,” it further added.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/29/utme-jamb-uncovers-new-scam-urges-candidates-to-keep-registration-number-secret-personal/

With the mobile game market booming, one company has taken the next step in portable gaming: it’s created a phone with an internal cooling fan.

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Nubia has announced the latest refresh for its popular mobile gaming device, the Red Magic 3. Judging by its specs, the phone is about to provide some real extra competition in a fast-growing space.

Nubia’s latest flagship gaming device is the first mobile phone with a built-in fan. The company says the fan is quiet and can spin up to 14,000 rpm. Along with the fan, the Red Magic 3 will utilize a liquid cooling system which has become popular with its competitors.

Speaking of the competition, the smartphone comes with a Red Magic Game Space 2.0 dashboard that sounds reminiscent of the Razer Cortex Mobile. With this feature, users can easily access their video game library as well as customize cooling fan controls and other phone settings for optimal gameplay.

The Red Magic 3 is powered by a Snapdragon 855 CPU along with an Adreno 640 GPU. The phone will also come in three different storage and memory options, bringing accessibility and affordability to an array of gaming customers. A maxed out Red Magic 3 will boast 256GB of storage and a whopping 12GB of RAM.

The Android smartphone also has a 6.65-inch FHD+ AMOLED display which supports HDR content and eliminates lag with its 90 Hz refresh rate. There are front-facing speakers with DTS:X surround sound and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Gamers will be able to get an hour of playtime after just 10 minutes worth of charging thanks to the phone’s 5,000mAh battery featuring 27W quick charging. The phone can apparently record 8K video as well.

The Red Magic 3 will first launch in China on May 3, with a release later that month in the U.S., UK, Canada, and EU.

Pricing for the China launch starts at around $430 for the 6GB RAM model with 64GB of storage. The maxed out Red Magic 3, with 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage will cost about $640.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/29/nubia-presents-red-magic-3-first-gaming-phone-with-internal-cooling-fan/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the issuance of a Clean Note Policy and Banknote Fitness Guidelines.

The guidelines would be launched in Lagos tomorrow. The documents would be unveiled by the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

The Clean Note Policy provides a uniform standard for the circulation of only clean and fit banknotes in Nigeria; while the Banknote Fitness Guidelines provide the industry with clear and acceptable criteria for determining the quality of banknote in circulation.

These documents were developed after extensive collaboration and engagements with key industry stakeholders under the auspices of the Nigerian Cash Management Scheme, a Bankers’ Committee initiative.

“The intention of the Bank is to ensure that unfit, dirty, mutilated and counterfeit banknotes are not in circulation in Nigeria. This is in pursuant to Section 18,20 & 21 of the CBN Act 2007, which prohibits the counterfeiting, sale and abuse of the Naira.

“The Bank cannot achieve these objectives without the collaboration of deposit money banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, government agencies, Cash-in-Transit (CIT), cash processing companies (CPCs), market associations, merchants/retailers, chambers of commerce and industry, security agencies, currency management equipment manufacturers , bank customers and the general public.

“The Bank has developed a mechanism to ensure full compliance with the documents by stakeholders. Compliant channels such as phone and emails would be provided to enable the general public to provide information on infractions of the two documents,” a statement from the CBN explained.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/29/cbn-set-to-launch-clean-note-policy-banknote-fitness-guidelines/

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Spanish Football league, LaLiga recently hosted British football journalist who covers Spanish football, Sid Lowe in Nigeria to engage with the media and stakeholders on the importance of sports journalism and highlight the international character of LaLiga. Being a renowned international columnist and journalist for LaLiga, Sid Lowe discussed the emotions and passion attributed to playing in the best league in the world.

The insightful session showcased what it meant to be an international columnist for LaLiga and his journey towards achieving fame in that sector. Stakeholders at the event called ‘Inside LaLiga with Sid Lowe’ received further insight into the long, proud history of the competition and the world-class teams who bring their talent and heart to every crucial, reputation-defining encounter. Engaging Nigerian media with insights from a world-class reporter is part of LaLiga’s commitments to inspire new fans of the beautiful game in an exciting way.

Speaking at the event, Sid Lowe said, “I am excited to be in Nigeria, to engage, interact and forge meaningful conversations with like minds and colleagues in Nigeria. This has been a very valuable experience with lovers of football – sharing experiences in our profession. LaLiga has been a source of extreme happiness to millions of people across the world, and I am happy to have been able to share amazing insights into the culture, style and peculiarities of the amazing football league”.

Also commenting at the event, Managing Director LaLiga Nigeria, Javier Del Rio said, “We are excited to be creating premium experiences for our partners and we are certainly hearing from a professional reporter has been exciting. We saw this as an opportunity to showcase insights from the league through the view of a professional reporter, in a bid to educate them on the culture and passion of LaLiga. As one of the best journalists reporting for LaLiga worldwide, Sid Lowe allows us to connect with the Nigerian media, through the view of an industry analyst.”

LaLiga continues to build it’s brand’s presence in Nigeria through events such as this one. Nigerians are becoming more and more familiar with LaLiga and its various big games which has garnered them more Nigerian supporters. Along with supporting the growth of grassroots football in Nigeria, LaLiga is committed to inspiring new fans of the beautiful game, introducing them to the Spanish league and the best in world football while expanding their worldviews.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/28/laliga-brings-renowned-journalist-sid-lowe-to-nigeria-photos/

- British Airways is the first UK airline to use biometric technology to board flights from the US

- More than a quarter of a million British Airways customers have now successfully used their face as their identity on flights from the US

- More than 3m customers have used the tech on UK domestic flights – international flights from the UK are on the way

More than 250,000 British Airways customers have experienced a glimpse of the journey of the future by using their face as their identity to board a flight from the US in the last 18 months.

The introduction of new biometric facial recognition technology has transformed the airport experience for customers travelling from Orlando, Los Angeles and New York, JFK by streamlining the boarding process and halving the amount of time it takes to board an aircraft.

The technology means that customers no longer need to present their passport or boarding pass at the departure gate – only when they check in and go through Security. Instead, travellers simply look into a camera prior to boarding, wait for their biometric data to be verified and then walk onto the aircraft.

The commitment to this technology is part of the airline’s £6.5bn investment for customers. British Airways was the first UK airline to use biometric technology to board flights from the US, working in close partnership with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement the technology, which has enabled the airline to hugely speed up its boarding process.

At Orlando, British Airways is boarding almost 240 customers in 10 minutes – becoming the first carrier to set up permanent facial recognition gates at the airport.

Heathrow

British Airways was also the first UK airline to use the technology on domestic (UK) flights. More than three million customers have boarded an aircraft this way – with all domestic departures from the airline’s home hub at Heathrow Terminal 5 now boarded biometrically.

For international flights, self-service boarding gates have now been installed at the terminal, allowing customers to scan their own boarding cards to gain access to their flight. It’s the first step towards biometric boarding on international flights from the UK.

Investment in technology

Raoul Cooper, British Airways’ Senior Digital Design Manager, said:

“We are continuing to pioneer the use of technology and automation to enhance the airport experience and ensure that our customers’ flights depart on time.

“The airport of the future will be built upon biometric technology, from check-in and baggage drops to security checks and boarding. These days, automation is a part of everyday life, as is biometric technology via our mobile phones. We’re working with our technology partners and the US government to explore how we can use this technology in new and innovative ways to give our customers the stress-free, easy airport experience they tell us they want while ensuring security is always our top priority.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/27/biometric-boarding-no-need-for-passports-as-heathrow-goes-hi%e2%80%91tech-international/

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the donation of $500,000 to Guinea Bissau to support the country’s election process.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

He explained that the approval was in response to an urgent request for assistance by the Government of Guinea Bissau.

Shehu added that the President supported the country with 350 units of electoral kits, 10 motorcycles, five Hilux vans, and two light trucks.

According to him, this will ensure that legislative elections, which should help in stabilising Guinea Bissau, hold in the country.

Read: Senate Suggest Amending The Constitutional Bills

Read the full statement below:-

In his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, President Muhammadu Buhari, this morning, directed the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama to undertake an urgent mission as his Special Envoy to Guinea Bissau, in the company of ECOWAS Commission President, Jean-Claude Brou.

President Buhari had in response to an urgent request for assistance by the Government of Guinea Bissau graciously approved support to the country’s election process including three hundred and fifty (350) units of electoral kits, ten(10) motorcycles, five(5) Hilux vans, two(2) light trucks and Five hundred thousand US Dollars ($500,000).

This vital assistance ensured that legislative elections held in Guinea Bissau, which should help in stabilising the country.

In a separate development, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister will also undertake a mission to Cotonou, Benin, to deliver a personal message to President Patrice Talon from President Buhari.

The visit is in the context of the brewing political crisis ahead of April 28, 2019, legislative elections in the country.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/26/president-buhari-donates-500000-vehicles-to-guinea-bissau-for-elections/

The Lagos State Government has empowered about 200 Guardians of Orphans and Vulnerable Children with tools to enhance their economic status in fulfilment of the present administration’s promise to reduce poverty in the State.

Speaking during the presentation of the empowerment tools to representatives of the various beneficiaries at the Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Birrel Avenue, Yaba, the State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Agboola Dabiri said the economic empowerment initiative had been an ongoing programme to assist different vulnerable households across the State.

According to the Dabiri, the empowerment exercise is the third phase of a process aimed at reducing families’ vulnerability to social challenges while increasing their economic independence, access to food security as well as the provision of schools and essential health services for their children.

“It is the desire of the State Government to ensure that all households in the State have sustainable income to meet the basic needs of life in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals on poverty alleviation”, he emphasised.

While reiterating the commitment of the current administration to economically strengthen each household in the State, Agboola pointed out that government, having identified the challenges posed by poverty within families, concluded that the challenge can only be eradicated through such empowerment projects.

He implored the beneficiaries to inculcate a savings habit and advised them to put into use all the work tools presented to them in order to reduce the hardship within their families.

Speaking in the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs) Bola Balogun, explained that the Empowerment Programme will ultimately improve the economic capacity of families.

Dr. Balogun assured that the State government will ensure the empowerment programme reached as many households as possible in its continual efforts to give succour to the socially excluded households.

She urged the recipient households to appreciate the efforts of the government by focusing on the improvement of life of the children in their care.

A beneficiary of the second phase of the empowerment exercise in November 2018, Kudirat Alabi, who shared her success story, said empowerment tools she received have improved her standard of living and provided income to cater for her children.

“I appreciate the effort of the State Government in empowering households in Lagos State; the empowerment tools given to me have enabled me to feed myself and family. I have also enrolled my children back into school, hence, life has become bearable for me and my household”, she asserted.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/26/lagos-empowers-200-households/

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown that 316,365kg of drugs were seized in 2018. A total of 271,812 kg of Cannabis was seized in 2018. This represents 85.9% percentage of the total drug seized within the period under review.

Tramadol followed closely with 22,562kg seized representing 7.1% of the total drug seized.

According to the data, Edo State recorded the highest kg (42,402) of drug seizure while Borno State recorded the least with 147.54kg of drugs seized.

Similarly, Special Enforcement Team made 9,824 arrests in 2018. 9,122 were male while 702 were female. 1,236 were convicted in 2018 while 1,002 were on counselling. 267,635 kg of exhibits were destroyed while 3,660 hectares of farmland were also destroyed.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/24/nigeria-records-316365kg-of-drug-seizure-9824-arrests-in-2018-nbs/

Disturbed by the deplorable condition of the Igbara-Oke / Ibuji / Ekiti state boundary road, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reconstructed the road, which links Ondo State with the neighbouring Ekiti State.

The 8.1km road, which was practically impassable before now, has been reconstructed to further open up the sunshine state and promote economic growth between the state and its neighbouring Ekiti state.

You will recall that for over eight years, residents of Igbara-oke, Ibuji and other road users suffered untold hardship following the deplorable state of the Igbara-oke-Ibuji road.

The bad condition of the road forced road users, who find it convenient and faster to travel from Ekiti state to Ondo via the road, to seek other routes.

Luck, however, smiled on the people when Governor Akeredolu visited the road sometime last year. The Governor said his administration could no longer sit and watch the citizens suffer and endangering their lives.

Few months after that promise, the road has become another promise fulfilled by the Akeredolu administration. The government has shown total commitment to the welfare and comfort of the people of the state.

The Igbara Oke/Ibuji road is wearing a new look and the people now feel safe travelling between the two sister states.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/24/odsg-fixes-crucial-igbara-oke-ibuji-ekiti-boundary-road-photos/

The consistent network upgrade by the digital transformational leader, Globacom, has paid off with the giant telecommunications company recording the highest number of subscribers in the industry in February 2019.

Globacom, while responding to the new NCC release on its website, has attributed its growing subscriber base to its consistent network upgrade, leading to overall increase in quality of service.

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC recorded that the organization gained 400,879 subscribers to top the gainers’ table for the month under review.

It was followed by 9mobile, which gained 345,264 subscribers to take the second spot on the table, just as Airtel took the third spot on the gainers’ table by attracting only 4,559 new users in the month of February 2019.

On its part, MTN suffered a massive loss of 1,099,480 subscribers in the month under review. With the recent NCC statistics, Globacom has narrowed the gap between it and MTN and widened its lead over Airtel and 9mobile.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/24/glo-gained-over-400000-new-subscribers-ncc/

-NGN 130 billion (US$ 361 million) transaction for 100% equity ownership

-Complementary flour and pasta manufacturing capabilities would serve consumer demand for bakery, snacks and pasta products

-Deal subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals

Global food and agri-business Olam International (Olam or the Company) has submitted a binding offer to acquire 100% equity ownership of Dangote Flour Mills Plc (DFM), a leading flour and pasta manufacturer in Nigeria, for an enterprise value of NGN 130 billion (approximately US$ 361 million) on a debt free, cash free basis.

The proposed transaction would include DFM’s five strategically located facilities engaged in flour and pasta manufacturing, as well as its logistics capabilities including access to the ports of Apapa and Calabar.

This acquisition is part of Olam’s strategy to strengthen its portfolio by investing in proven businesses where it has consistently performed and gained market-leading positions.

“The acquisition of DFM supports the strategy of the Grain and Animal Feed business, one of Olam’s prioritised platforms for growth, to expand our wheat milling capacity in high-growth markets, such as Nigeria,” said K.C. Suresh, Managing Director and CEO of Olam Grains and Animal Feed. “We are confident about the growth prospects in this country and this acquisition, doubling our installed capacity here, is evidence of our long-term commitment to the Nigerian economy.

“Since 2010, when we first acquired Crown Flour Mills in Nigeria, Olam has invested in and grown a world-class wheat milling franchise with a strong regional footprint across four countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Bringing together Olam and DFM would provide enhanced manufacturing capacity and create synergies with our existing business to deliver improved products to meet customers’ needs in the market,” he added.

The demand for high-quality flour is expected to continue to grow, driven by increased consumption of convenient and affordable wheat-based products, such as bakery, snacks and pasta, which are popular amongst many Nigerian consumers. Olam’s and DFM’s complementary manufacturing footprint would allow a broader reach across the Nigerian population. Olam will further leverage its strengths and scale in global sourcing, freight, risk management and operational excellence to deliver operational and cost efficiencies which in turn would deliver higher value to the Nigerian consumers by supplying them food staples manufactured in Nigeria, at a lower cost.

The proposed transaction would mean Olam acquiring all the outstanding and issued shares of DFM that it does not currently own through a Scheme of Arrangement. As per the offer terms, the final equity price per share payable to shareholders will be arrived at after adjusting for relevant net debt and net working capital of DFM.

The transaction is subject to, amongst others, the approval of DFM’s shareholders, regulatory approvals, the sanction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, as well as the absence of a material adverse change in DFM. Upon satisfactory fulfilment of the conditions, DFM would be delisted from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/23/olam-international-submits-binding-offer-to-acquire-dangote-flour-mills-plc-in-nigeria/

Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) has notified its shareholders, The Nigerian Stock Exchange and the investing public that the board of the company has received a binding offer from Olam International Limited, to acquire all the outstanding and issued shares of DFM that are not currently owned by Olam through its subsidiary, Crown Flow Mills Limited. As at the date of this announcement, Olam, through its subsidiary, holds 5,113,229 shares in the issued share capital of Dangote Flour Mills.

The total consideration offered by Olam and being considered by the board of Dangote Flour Mills for the entire 5,000,000,000 issued shares of the company is 130,000,000,000.00 NGN (One Hundred and Thirty Billion Naira Only). The consideration represents the enterprise value on a debt-free,cash-free basis, payable in cash at the closing of the proposed transaction. This consideration will be adjusted for the net working capital and net debt as of 31 March 2019 or any other later date that may be agreed by Olam and the Board of Dangote Flour Mills to arrive at the final price payable to equity shareholders.

It is intended that the transaction will be executed through a scheme of arrangement, under section 539 of the Companies & Allied Matters Act Chapter C20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria of 2004 and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

The Offer is subject to amongst other things, shareholders’ approval, regulatory approvals, the sanction of the Federal High Court, as well as the absence of a material adverse change in Dangote Flour Mills. If the conditions of the transaction are satisfied and the same is sanctioned by the court, the company would be delisted from The Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The Board will review the Offer in the best interest of the shareholders. The Board will keep both the capital markets and the public updated on tangible development in the regard, in line with the applicable regulatory requirements.

Shareholders and potential investors are advised to exercise caution in dealing with DFM’s shares until a further announcement is made.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/04/23/olam-international-offers-to-buy-nigerias-dangote-flour-mills-for-n130bn/