₦airaland Forum

Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the much-awaited bitumen development in the state come to fruition without rancour between the host communities and the investors.

The state Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Prof. Bayonile Ademodi stated this at the weekend, during an interactive session with bitumen-bearing communities in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State held at the local government secretariat hall in Okitipupa.

According to him, the interactive session became imperative, considering the recurrent crisis in the Niger Delta region of the country as a result of the unhealthy relationship among the communities and investors which had culminated in all manners of criminal activities.

He stressed that the government was highly committed to peaceful exploitation of the bitumen resources in the state, noting that a similar interactive session had been carried out in Irele local government.

The commissioner, who informed the gathering that the ministry had concluded arrangement with the state ministry of Environment to work out modalities for evolving effective environmental protection strategies that the license bitumen companies must comply with, posited that they would do everything possible to ensure that the companies observe all the internationally accepted practice of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencing operations.

While assuring the Royal Fathers and the community leaders that their views would be adequately captured and implemented to the best level of practice as the process move forward, he said there are immense benefits the development of bitumen will bring to the host communities ranging from direct and indirect employment to physical development.

The commissioner added that the Federal Government, who has the responsibility of awarding bitumen blocks, has allocated blocks to five companies within the bitumen belt of the state.

He equally disclosed that they had concluded arrangement to formally form a Bitumen Production Advocacy Club (B-PAC) where members will cut across the various bitumen-bearing communities with their roles well spelt out.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Ebenezer Ogunsanmi, informed that the present government in the state was committed to the development of the industrial sector, hence the need for communities to create enabling the environment for investors to operate.

The Consultant to the Ministry, who is a retired Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Dele Ogunwolere allayed the fear that their farmland would be destroyed without compensation, noting that the EIA would capture the compensation of the farm owners, while there will be yearly Environmental Impact Auditing to take care of the environment.

The Chairman Caretaker of the local government…. who was represented by Mr David Ojajuni said the gathering was a prerequisite to the commencement of the long-awaited project which he affirmed could be found in all Ikale land.

Responding, the Abodi of Ikale Land, Oba George Babatunde Faduyile commended the state government for organising the programme and its commitment to the project.

To him, the project, if well executed will bring a lot of relieving and income to the State.

“The project will change the standard of living of our people. It is now the duties of we the monarchs and community leaders to sensitise the youths in their area to ensure peace”, He said.

Various stakeholders who spoke at the event stressed the need to duly compensate them because of the cash crops on their lands which is their means of livelihood, emphasising that their unemployed youths should be considered for employment when the project commences.

They, however, promised to give their maximum support towards the development of the project.

Those who attended the meeting include, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, Oba Michael Adetoye ,the Majuwa of Ilu-titun, Oba Adeoye Idepefo, The Oniju of Iju Odo, Oba Festus Olumoyegun, Halu of Aye kingdom, Oba N. Akinlade, The Regent of Ode - Erinje, Oba Adekoye Ipinsanmi, and various heads of host communities in the area among others.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/11/bitumen-exploration-will-not-breed-violence-in-ondo-state/

The 2019 General Elections are slated to hold on Saturday, February 16, 2019. This translates to a whole lot of things.

First of all, there will be no movement during the elections, so everyone is expected to have a polling unit at a walking distance from their houses. This may be a huge inconvenience for a lot of people, so it is best to prepare, not only for the election but for other circumstantial events as well.

So in order to prevent being caught unawares, here are things you can do to stay prepared during the elections:

- Get your PVC: We should not even need to still be saying this anymore, but it cannot be stressed enough. Today (Monday, February 11, 2019) is the deadline for collection of Permanent Voters Cards, the date was extended from last week Friday, so please take advantage of the extension, so that you can exercise your civic duty and secure your future and that of your children.

- Get informed: Don’t just go out and vote based on what other people have told you. Google each candidate and vote wisely.

- Stock up: Stock up on supplies, groceries and all things necessary. It is a weekend and there will be no movements at all, so be sure that you have food stock at home for yourself and your family.

- Start shopping now: So you have to shop, but please do not put off your shopping for Friday, the day before the elections, because a lot of people will be doing the same. Try to do your shopping as quickly as possible so that you won’t be stuck in traffic and the last minute rush.

- Keep your home secure: Election periods in Nigeria are a very fragile period. You have to be careful where you go, who is around you and what you are doing per time. People get agitated about election issues, and electoral violence erupts quite easily. So besides ensuring that you go back home as soon as you are done placing your vote, ensure that your home is secure and stock up with enough food to last at least the weekend, just in case anything happens. You can’t be too careful.

- Stay with a loved one: If you live alone, it could get boring real quick being locked up alone at home all day. So try to stay with someone, family member, girlfriend, friends, who could be a good company during your homestay.

- Reschedule all appointments and events: If you have forgotten, Elections hold this Saturday. So if you have a wedding planned or an event, now is a good time to cancel last minute. Reschedule for another time.

So there you have it. If you can check yes to all the above-mentioned, then you are truly ready for the elections and we can’t wait to see your smile when you secure your future in the safest, most comfortable way possible.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/11/7-tips-to-prepare-you-for-the-upcoming-elections/

Last night, Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya remained unbeaten in the octagon after he beat middleweight legend, Anderson Silva, in the main event at UFC 234 in Melbourne, Australia.

Silva’s fight with Israel Adesanya was bumped up to the main event earlier in the day when the originally scheduled bout between middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and challenger Kelvin Gastelum was cancelled when the champion suffered a hernia.

Put into the main-event spot, the duo dazzled in a bout filled with flashy strikes, head games, and near knockouts that barely missed. And while Silva had more than his fair share of moments, Adesanya is the one in his prime. And that showed as the bout wore on.

Adesanya was faster and simply landed the bigger shots as he went on to a unanimous decision victory at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. The judges’ scores were 29-28 and a pair of 30-27s for the victor.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/11/nigerian-fighter-isreal-adesanya-defeats-his-mentor-anderson-silva/

Mazda Motor Corporation today showcased the global unveiling of the Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition at the Chicago Auto Show, which runs from Feb. 7-18.*

After 30 years and with more than 1 million examples sold, Mazda feels that the MX-5 is no longer its own creation. It belongs to the fans around the world who have supported the development of the model. To express its gratitude, and its high hopes for the future of the MX-5, the company developed Racing Orange, an exclusive body colour that evokes the breaking dawn of an exciting new day.

In addition to the new colour, the MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition features forged aluminium wheels (Rays ZE40 RS30) developed exclusively for the MX-5 in cooperation with Rays Co., Ltd. and a 30th Anniversary badge that displays the model's serial number. Sales will be limited to 3,000 units worldwide, including both soft-top and retractable hardtop models.

Mazda will continue to make cars that exceed expectations and provide driving pleasure in everyday driving situations. The company aims to build a strong bond with customers and become an indispensable presence in their lives.

Exclusive Features

- Racing Orange body colour
- Rays forged aluminium wheels (Rays ZE40 RS30)
- 30th Anniversary badge (with serial number)
- Orange brake callipers and orange accents on the seats, door trim, dashboard and shift lever
- Recaro seats
- Bilstein dampers (manual-transmission models only)
- Brembo front brake callipers (in orange)
- Nissin rear brake callipers (in orange)
- Bose® sound system (AudioPilot™2) with nine speakers
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™(in select markets)

Note: Brembo: Brembo S.p.A/Bilstein:HYSSENKRUPP BILSTEIN GMBH/NISSIN: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd./RECARO: RECARO Automotive Seating

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/11/mazda-unveils-mx-5-miata-30th-anniversary-edition-in-racing-orange-pictures/

Land Rover revealed the next generation Range Rover Evoque for the first time in the U.S. at the Chicago Auto Show. In true Land Rover fashion, the new Evoque made its dynamic debut on an indoor off-road experience course at the McCormick Place convention centre.

The 2020 Range Rover Evoque sets new standards of refinement, capability and sustainability in the compact SUV segment, created from an all-new vehicle architecture.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/11/new-range-rover-evoque-makes-dynamic-u-s-debut-pictures/

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reminded interested indigenes of the State that the online registration for the 2019 Nigerian Navy Recruitment exercise which had commenced on Monday, January 21, 2019, is scheduled to close by Monday, March 4, 2019.

A statement issued from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, advised indigenes who are interested in the exercise to register online at www.joinnigeriannavy.com before the closing date.

While noting that the cost of registration is free, it implored prospective candidates to ensure strict compliance with the registration guidelines.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/07/online-registration-for-nigerian-navy-recruitment-ends-march-4/

CPC cautions Nigerian consumers on suspected contaminated of Johnson’s Baby Powder in circulation

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has become aware that a credible judicial process recently decided that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Talc (Baby/Body) powder may be harmful and injurious to users. The product is popularly known as Johnson’s Baby Powder (product of Johnson & Johnson).

In pursuant to Sections 2(b) and 2(c) of the Consumer Protection Council Act (CPCA) the council seeks to limit the spread in the Nigerian market.

Specifically, a court in the United States decided that the company failed to warn consumers about the potential health risks associated with using its baby and body powder products. The Plaintiffs alleged that asbestos (a known carcinogen, allegedly present in the talc-an ingredient of the products) caused them to develop ovarian cancer.

Although this case is subject to appeal, and J & J has expressed its intention to appeal accordingly, the Council considers it important to alert and educate consumers as they make choices with respect to baby and body powders. Indeed, regulatory documents filed in the United States reveal that there are more than 9,000 plaintiffs against the company in cases involving their talc body powder.

The Council noted that scientific findings in support of the decision of the court above are otherwise inconclusive. Regardless, a consumer advisory in this regard is appropriate.

The according to the Director General of CPC, Babatunde Irukera, the Council recognizes that the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) are relevant and key regulators with respect to food and drug safety and standards. The Council is in communication with both regulators accordingly.

Consumers are encouraged to proceed with an abundance of caution, and to contact NAFDAC, SON or the Council with any questions while considering alternatives such as face/skin powders containing corn starch instead of talc.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/07/cpc-cautions-nigerian-consumers-on-suspected-contaminated-of-johnsons-baby-powder-in-circulation/

In furtherance of the Federal Government’s quest to promote agriculture as the bedrock of the economic diversification agenda, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has coordinated the drafting of five new standards on indigenous foods.

The ongoing development of the Standards also promotes the application of research and technology to boost the production of foods for local consumption and export.
Disclosing this view at the first technical committee (TC) meeting on food technology standards in 2019 held in Lagos, SON Director General, Osita Aboloma Esq. stated that the development is to further the Nation’s quest to be at the forefront of promoting indigenous production of food.

According to him,  the technical committee meeting is to also reiterate Nigerian stakeholders’ relevance in food standardization.

Represented by Dr Mrs Omolara Okunlola,  SON Group Head, Food Technology,  he advised the TC members bring their expertise and rich experience to bear on the drafting of the Standards in order to make them practical and easily implementable by Stakeholders after approval and publishing.

These according to him will provide the necessary guide to manufacturers, promote fair trade practices and assist statutory regulatory activities.

Aboloma enjoined the committee to critically consider issues bothering on food safety, food quality and fair trade practices so as not only to strengthen the economy but to enhance the productivity of the food sector.

Dr Okunlola listed the five new standards as;• Standard for packaged Millet flour for pap

- Standard for Corn Pap powder
- Standard for packaged Sorghum powder for pap
- Standard for Fonio flour (Acha flour)
- Standard for Acha

The TC Chairman, Prof Charles Ariahu of the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Markurdi promised that the committee will carry out its responsibilities diligently.

He enjoined members of the TC to ensure strict compliance with the Standards development guidelines and endeavour to contribute their opinions and positions freely.

According to him, some of the products to be considered are indigenous, have been in existence over the years and are already being traded across borders thus necessitate approved specifications to serve as benchmarks.

Institutions represented at the TC meeting include Promasidor, Federal Produce Department, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Osodi (FIIRO), NASCO Foods and the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Others were the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,  OLAM Foods, Institute of Public Analyst of Nigeria (IPAN), Nestle Foods and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) while the SON provided the Secretariat.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/07/nigeria-develops-five-new-standards-for-indigenous-food-products/

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, thereby making it the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2019. 

By this, Nigeria has promulgated perhaps the most prolific legislation for promoting consumer confidence, choice and fair pricing.   By the same token, the law deepens the framework for encouraging and supporting small and medium scale businesses by ensuring a playing field that eliminates entry barriers and operational obstacles which prevent sustainability and profitability.

By this law, the federal government has cemented the most needed efficient and transparent framework for meaningful and credible disposition of public enterprises, expanding economic growth and assuring shared prosperity.

As a leading market in Africa, a vibrant competition framework is a key tool in reducing poverty, increasing value for money and ensuring consumer satisfaction.

This demonstration of fidelity to consumers and citizens while continuing to promote Nigeria as a leading destination for investment is an outstanding achievement and a historic milestone in the development of Nigeria and prioritisation of her people both from consumer protection and economic competitiveness standpoints.

“We at the Consumer Protection Council will engage every tool and provision in this new law, and any other enactment for the protection of consumers to ensure fair treatment and respect for Nigerian consumers,” the CPC Director General, Babatunde Irukera said.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/07/buhari-assents-to-federal-competition-and-consumer-protection-bill/

Charts...

Hey guys. So I was playing around using Twitter API to stream-listen random tweets and I thought of takings it further by stream-listening tweets as regards 2019 presidential election in Nigeria with focus on ‘Buhari’ and ‘Atiku’. Thereafter, I carried out sentiment analysis and basic exploratory data analysis.

I will keep things really simple by just explaining the whole workflow and my result (Hey! It is basic!!!).

So before I start with what I did, I will like to mention that this is a flawed analysis, as I stream-listened just 3 times within 2 weeks with a total time of 4 hours. Also, the majority of Nigerian voters are not on twitter, so to say, so an analysis using tweets is not representative of the Nigerian population. Last, some tweets contained both names of ‘Buhari’ and ‘Atiku’, making it difficult to classify.

The first thing that most likely comes to mind is ‘How is this possible?’. Anyway thanks to Twitter for approving my developer account after much scrutiny, and giving me limited access to stream tweets from Twitter’s API(Application Program Interface) using Python programming language.

Below are the python modules I used in achieving everything I did:

- Tweepy: Has the StreamListener library for real-time stream-listening.

- Textblob: Has TextBlob library to carry out sentiment analysis based on subjectivity and polarity(ie how bad or good is the tweet, 1 means totally positive, -1 means totally negative and 0 means neutral).

- Dataset: Used for saving the tweets to an SQLite database, as SQLite is supported in python without 3rd party installation(s).

- Data freeze: Has freeze library for converting the database contents into the comma separated values saved in a csv file.

- Pandas: Let us just call it the Microsoft Excel of python, for data wrangling and basic analysis.

- Matploblib: Has Plotly library use for data visualization.
- Seaborn: A powerful easy-to-use data visualization module built on Matplotlib.

The stream-listening was done with the help of tweepy’s library called StreamListerner, this allowed the real time streaming of tweets containing words such as ‘buhari’, ‘pmb’, ‘atiku’, and ‘abubakar’. You can use other terms such as 2019presidentialdebate etc.

Then, the dataset module(hey it is more than this, but…) inserted some of the basic information of each tweets into the SQlite database in real time as well as the subjectivity and polarity of the tweets performed by the textblob, a library in TextBlob. After which the datafreeze module converts the content of the database into a comma separated value with the help of the freeze library.

BASIC EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS:

Oh boy! Sorry, the article is this long but this is the fun part!!!

So the csv file containing information such as the text, the user age, user location, subjectivity, polarity etc, was read into a pandas DataFrame using pandas module, and a new column containing the names of the candidate on each tweet was created from the text column, as shown below;

I was interested in knowing who had the highest mentions in tweets between Buhari and Atiku, so I checked this using value_counts() on the candidate column and plotting this result on a bar-chat, as shown in the result below;

President Buhari had the highest number of tweets having his name, this could be bad or good, as we will later discover.

I also checked the users’ location of the persons that tweeted the most about President Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, and most resided in Lagos, Nigeria, as expected.

I was prompted to check how long the Twitter users’ accounts that tweeted about either Buhari or Atiku joined Twitter. This is to check for fraudulent accounts created just for the purpose of election to make or mar a particular candidate, I got the result below;

The cruise of my analysis was to check the average sentiment about each candidate, though it seems to be similar, if we should re-scale it by a factor 100(because sentiments are scored between -1 and 1), there would be a significant difference. The higher the average sentiment of a candidate the better the tweets about the candidate. This is shown below;

As shown above, Atiku had a clear higher average sentiment polarity with lesser average subjectivity (average polarity of 0.047073 and average subjectivity of 0.255).

Meanwhile Buhari had lesser average polarity (average polarity of 0.029322), though with a higher number of tweets, showing most tweets about him were negative and more subjective(average subjectivity of 0.30).

Thanks for reading.

Feel free to comment and criticize.

Thank You…

Analysis done and prepared by Ighodaro Emwinghare, Data Analyst

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/02/analysis-of-2019-presidential-election-using-tweets/

Our attention has been drawn to the exploitation of unsuspecting members of the public by some Entrepreneurship Development Institutions (EDIs), purporting to be Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-accredited EDIs for our AgriBusiness Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS).

These unaccredited bodies have continued to defraud and exploit members of the public by advertising for courses and charging training fees ranging on the
pretext that the training is endorsed by the CBN and therefore would guarantee easy access to AGSMEIS loans.

For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN has neither appointed nor accredited any organization to conduct any training on its behalf for the purpose of applying for AGSMEIS loans.

The Public is therefore advised to beware of the activities of these nonaccredited private and public organisations and report anyone or group that approaches them for these illegal and unauthorized training, to the law enforcement agencies.

The Public is also advised to contact the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 07002255226 or send an email to contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng for any clarification.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/06/cbn-warns-public-to-beware-of-fraudulent-edis/

Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce giant, has extended its Payment On Delivery (POD) option to its teeming customers in Abuja, the nation’s capital effective Monday, February 4th 2019.

The payment service, which was relaunched on August 1st, 2018 started with customers in Lagos, with plans to extend the same service to other states and locations nationwide. This development will come as thrilling news for millions of Nigerians, especially after Konga effectively achieved same day delivery of over 99 per cent of product orders in major cities in the last three months.

Confirming the development, co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Konga Offline, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, disclosed that the extension of the Payment on Delivery (POD) option to Abuja was a fulfilment of the commitment made to customers, even as he disclosed the determination of the company to cover more states in the country and improve overall customer experience.

“Customers in Abuja and environs can now enjoy the payment on delivery which we have now extended to cover the Federal Capital Territory and beyond. Internally, we have repositioned our delivery infrastructure and significantly improved our technology, staff capacity and processes to meet and exceed the expectations of our teeming customers. This has resulted in growing levels of satisfaction and positive feedback received from our customers, an overwhelming majority of whom now enjoy same day delivery irrespective of their locations nationwide.

“Through Kxpress, our logistics arm in which we have invested substantially with the acquisition of new line-haul trucks, delivery vans and motorbikes, Konga possesses the capacity to not only meet the commitments of POD in Lagos and Abuja but also achieve the extension of the service to other states across the country.

We also have a target to ensure the achievement of 100 per cent same day delivery of major product categories/orders across the country before the end of 2019,” he disclosed.

“This ambition is already taking shape with the acquisition and set-up of mega warehousing facilities with cutting-edge technologies across major parts of the country.

“In addition to pre-payment and payment on delivery, you have the additional option of ordering online to pay and collect from the nearest Konga retail store. Our customers can also walk into any of our stores nationwide and with the help of our staff, order products we do not have in store, then pay and collect when it is delivered at the store or we deliver it at their door-steps. At Konga, our motivation revolves around simplifying the challenges of the peculiar Nigerian market and offering our customers multiple platforms,” he affirmed.

Under its new management, Konga has set about improving standards and renewing customer and investor confidence in the Nigerian e-commerce landscape with a series of strategic initiatives that have seen the business grow its offline presence to reach more Nigerians, while simplifying the thorny issues of logistics, delayed delivery, payment and warehousing challenges that have encumbered other players in the sector.

According to Prince Ekeh, Konga’s omnichannel strategy which is quite difficult to replicate has seen the company expand its retail network nationwide with the rollout of new stores nationwide to reach the under-served and capture more Nigerians in the e-commerce net.

“The long-term vision of the management of the new Konga is to establish at least a Konga retail store or presence in each of the 774 local government areas in the country. We are focused on that mandate and will continue to work hard behind the scenes to make it a reality,” he concluded.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/05/konga-extends-pay-on-delivery-to-abuja/

Many young Nigerians who have attempted the irregular travel to Europe, through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean sea, are back home and campaigning against the practice...

“Don’t assume if you attempt the journey your fortune will change for the better,” a woman says over the public address system in the crowded Uselu market in Benin City, the capital of Nigeria’s Edo State. “Many embarked on the journey and never made it. Many people are dying in the Sahara Desert.”

She was speaking of a journey that many here in this West African nation have sought to go on in the hope of making a better life for themselves and their families. But it entails embarking on a route of irregular migration reportedly fraught with danger, trauma and abuse.

But in an ironic twist of fate, many young Nigerians who have attempted the irregular travel to Europe, through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean sea, are back home and campaigning against the practice.

Using experience to teach about the dangers of irregular migration

Known as Volunteer Field Officers, VFOs, a group of 15 returnee migrants are working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), under its Migrants as Messengers (MaM) Programme in Nigeria.

These VFOs were among the Nigerian migrants the IOM brought home from Libya and other transit countries under the European Union-IOM Joint Initiative For Migrant Protection and Reintegration. Since the beginning of the project in April 2017 more than 11,500 migrants have been returned home after their failed attempt to reach Europe.

Marshall Patsanza of the IOM  described it as a peer to peer advocacy programme under which “migrants who embarked on the journey to Europe through Libya are sharing their experiences, thus informing others of the dangers of the journey.”

It includes a series of messages and videos posted on social media, interviews on community radio stations, and community screenings of a movie on irregular migration.

The campaign has also taken place in the media, at schools and in public places like on busy highways and markets.

A dangerous journey and a sensitive subject

The Uselu campaign starts with the female VFO addressing traders and customers in the market over a public address system.

She tells her audience that irregular migration through the desert to Libya and then over the Mediterranean sea to Europe is highly dangerous and no one should undertake it, irrespective of the hardships they face at home.

But the market turns rowdy when she criticises the widespread practice in Edo State where poor mothers encourage their children to embark on the dangerous journey, hoping that they will earn a lot of money abroad to lift their families out of poverty.

Edo is the Nigerian state with the highest incidence of irregular migration.

Data gathered from the IOM under the EU-IOM Joint Initiative shows that about 50 per cent of migrants returned from Libya under the initiative since April 2017 are from Edo State.

It is here that the VFOs are most active, many times going the extra mile to ensure a successful campaign. And it is what they do now in Uselu market.

“Many of our mothers here, some of them have sent their children to the Libyan route, it is bad, you should advise yourselves because there is nothing in the Libya route,” the female returnee migrant says.

Economic recession leads to support for irregular migration

But angry women shout her down and engage the VFO team in a war of words. They insist that irregular migration has become inevitable in the face of the economic situation in the country, which has left many families extremely poor. In 2017 the country began recovering from the worst economic recession in a quarter of a century. But rising inflation and a slowdown in the oil sector are among the contributors to sluggish growth.

“Many of the good houses in Benin [City] were built with money sent home by those who went abroad through Libya,” one woman says. Another argues that it is unfair to ask people not to travel to Europe through the desert and the sea when they are not allowed to travel by air.

Such deep support for irregular migration from parents accounts for the widespread practice of it in Edo State.

This and the long history of irregular migration in the state, which started in the 1980s following a downturn in Nigeria’s economy, makes the work of the VFOs challenging at times.

Personal, traumatic stories and photographic evidence change minds

But the personal stories of the VFOs remain an effective tool in their campaigns. They are also armed with posters and handbills that illustrate their near-death experiences when they attempted the journey to Europe.

VFO Jude Ikuenobe says when confronted with a situation similar to the one faced at Uselu Market he always tells people about his imprisonment in Libya. He supports this by showing people photos, taken shortly after his return from Libya, of how emaciated he was due to his imprisonment.

He also tells people how his friends died while crossing the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean sea.

Because traditionally people from Edo State are buried near their loved ones, Ikuenobe often tells people how sad it is to die in a place like Libya or how tragic it is to have their bodies thrown away in the desert, rather than being buried by their loved ones at home. He says when people hear his first-hand experience and see his photographs they often become discouraged to attempt irregular migration.

The VFOs use their new communications skills with a good result at the Uselu market. Tensions soon calm down after people see the photographs, posters and handbills.

A safe space to share own stories of tragedy

Some people in the market even feel safe enough to share their own stories. One lady admits her young, beautiful friend drowned at sea as she attempted to cross from Libya to Europe.

One man, Chinedu Adimon, says two of his friends also drowned making the same crossing. “One of them had two young daughters,” he recalls.

Many in the market whose relatives have embarked on irregular migration, and whom they have not heard from since are sobered by the reality of the dangers. They wonder what could have happened to their loved ones.

Pius Igede bursts into tears.

He says his daughter recently made the irregular journey to Europe and he does not know her whereabouts.

“She only made a phone call that she is out of the country. I don’t even know where she is now, whether it is Libya or any other place I don’t know,” he explains.

He adds that he suspects some of his other children are planning to travel to Europe as well.
And for him, the VFO’s posters and handbills may be the saving grace to convince them to remain at home.

“I want to collect the posters to show my children to discourage them from going to Libya,” he says. “I got scared when I saw the posters. I am frightened [that] my children will secretly travel without my knowledge.”

Closing a vital information gap

Osita Osemene of the Patriotic Citizen Initiatives, a non-governmental organisation campaigning against irregular migration, says the VFOs were able to convince people in the market about the dangers of irregular migration because they have the first-hand experience.

“It would have been very difficult to convince anyone in the market if the VFOs were just ordinary people who had no experience of irregular travels,” says Osemene, who is himself a returnee migrant.

He explains that lack of information about the true impact of irregular migration is a serious problem as many people assume those who attempt the dangerous journey to Europe actually arrive there and attain success.

“They were surprised when we showed them some of the things people go through, how people cross the sea in boats that can easily sink,” he says.

Ikuenobe says as VFOs they are working to close a vital information gap.

“So many mothers are not educated, so many mothers are desperate to see their children succeed, but we have to make them understand that irregular migration would not bring success,” Ikuenobe says.

For Patsanza the performance of the VFOs at Uselu Market shows how effective they can be in the fight against irregular migration.

Ikuenobe says the campaign is being conducted continuously in order to educate as many people as possible.

“The message is that even if things are bad at home, that is no justification for people to go and commit suicide. It is like going to kill yourself when you attempt to travel to Europe through the desert and sea.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/05/nigerians-hear-how-migrating-irregularly-is-like-killing-yourself/

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has announced the official liquidation of Fortis Microfinance Bank and its branches nationwide.

The corporation made this known in a press statement posted on its official website.

It assured insured depositors of the repayment of their monies.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the Official Liquidator of Fortis Microfinance Bank whose license was recently revoked, has concluded arrangement to close the bank and its branches and pay the insured Depositors."

“We are therefore calling all depositors of the bank to visit the bank’s branches and meet NDIC officials for the verification of their claims, commencing from Monday, 4th February 2019 till Friday, 8th February 2019.”

It would be recalled that Fortis Microfinance Bank, which was licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2007 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as the first private sector-led Microfinance Bank in 2012, had its shares suspended from being traded on the floor of the NSE for failing to adhere to standard corporate governance and extant post-listing requirements that make it mandatory for quoted companies to submit their financial statements within stipulated timelines.

It had also been grappling with protracted governance crisis and internal breakdown of management controls which ultimately led to the resignation of its interim Managing Director, Mrs Bunmi Lawsan; now the eventual collapse of the bank.

In 2017, the banks nine month’s interim results clearly showed that with a customer deposit of about N7.9 billion, it only had less than 10 per cent of its total deposit which amounted to N440 million in its bank accounts.

The bank’s depositors are advised to check the NDIC’s official website for more information on how they can reclaim their funds.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/04/ndic-shutdowns-fortis-microfinance-bank/

Others.

Over the past 5 years, the volume of POS transactions has posted a 69% CAGR making the sector an active contributor to CBNs drive towards a cashless Nigeria. The global POS terminals market is expected to post a 8% CAGR over the next 5 years (Source: Technavio)*. This growth is expected to further increase the volume of POS transactions over the same period.

Active sectors in the economy still remain the Retail, Wholesale and Fast Food recording a growth of 86%, 134% and 67% respectively when compared to 2017.

However, we have seen major growth in Fuel Stations with a 159% growth as POS adoption continues to increase amongst Fuel Stations.

Mastercard remains the card brand of choice as 57% of transactions were carried out using the brand. However, we observed marginal gains with Verve and Visa with an additional 4% and 1% respectively when compared to 2017.

Lagos State remains the top destination for POS transactions; accounting for 53% of total volume. Rivers State and FCT have also witnessed marginal gains when compared to 2017.

15% of POS transactions failed in 2018. While this figure is quite high based on regulatory requirements, it is worth noting that 63% of these transactions were caused directly or indirectly by customer errors. This errors span from customers selecting the wrong account option to debit to insufficient funds in the chosen account type. 46% of the total failed transaction was caused by the error “Not Sufficient Funds”. Without these errors, the industry failure rate would drop drastically to 5%.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/04/pos-transactions-in-nigeria-reached-n2-3-trillion-in-2018-nibss-infographics/

Nothing quite beats that feeling when you walk out of an interview room. The thorough preparation, interview nerves, and the fact that you’ve had to talk yourself up for the best part of an hour can really take it out of a person, so it can be quite a relief when it’s over. That is until you start to wonder how the interview actually went.

This limbo period following your interview is tough, and whilst you may have a gut feeling, you may still be second guessing how you performed. I wouldn’t recommend reflecting on every answer that you gave, or worse, harassing the company for an answer. What you can do, is consider the below signs that your interview went well and make an educated guess.

1. You were in the interview for longer than expected

Your recruiter may have specified how long the interview will last for. If you were in the interview for this amount of time or longer, then this is a good omen. A hiring manager’s time is precious especially during a recruiting period. If they choose to dedicate this time to learn more about you, then this is one of the signs that they are clearly interested.

2. The interview felt conversational

Did you find it relatively easy to talk to the interviewer? Did the interview feel like it was more of a conversation than a sterile Q&A session? If so, then you more than likely successfully built up a good rapport with the interviewer and demonstrated some strong interpersonal skills. More so, by gelling well with the interviewer, you have made it easier for them to imagine you getting on well with the rest of the team.

3. You are told what you would be doing in this role

By this, I mean that the interviewer says things like “In this role, you would be expected to…” as opposed to “The successful candidate would be expected to…”.

Following this, the interview went into great detail about the ins and outs of the role. This is one of the signs that they are already imagining you in this position, and now want you to get the full picture of the role and what it entails.

4. The interviewer seemed engaged

As you answered their questions and spoke about yourself, did you feel like the interviewer was interested? Consider their body language and their responses. If they leant in, nodded, smiled and agreed with what you had to say, then chances are the interviewer was engaged with what you were saying. More so, they were encouraging you to keep talking, because they liked what they were hearing.

5. You feel sold on the company and the role

Did you walk out of this interview feeling convinced and excited about the opportunity? And is this because the interviewer talked animatedly about all of the best aspects role and organisation – from what you could gain from it career-progression wise, to the rewards and benefits on offer?

If so, then the interviewer obviously felt sold on your suitability for the opportunity and wanted this feeling to be mutual.

6. Your questions are answered in full

On a similar note, because the interviewer wanted you to be sold on the opportunity, the interviewer would have been eager to provide full answers to all of your questions. If they provided enthusiastic and detailed answers to the questions you asked and checked with you that these answers were clear, then this is a good sign that the hiring manager wanted to impress you just as much as you wanted to impress them.

7. You were introduced to your potential colleagues

If the hiring manager introduced you to other employees towards the end of the interview, then, again, this is an encouraging sign.

Better still, if you felt like you got on well with these colleagues and made a good impression, then this will put you in good standing.

8. You were introduced to senior decision makers

Like I said, the hiring manager isn’t going to take the time to introduce you to other people in the business unless they already have a good feeling about you. This is especially true if these people are senior stakeholders.

If you were introduced to a director or c-suite executive, then this is a sign that the interviewer knows these people will need to sign off their final hiring decision. Therefore they wanted to speed up the process by arranging a face-to-face introduction so that they can see for themselves why you are the right choice.

9. You are asked “closing questions” at the end

These include questions surrounding notice period and possible start dates. This can be a good sign that the interviewer is thinking ahead to the next stage.

You may have also been asked if you are still interested in the role and if you have any other interviews coming up. This suggests that the hiring manager is keen on you, they want you to feel the same way, and that they don’t want to lose out to the competition.

10. The interviewer is clear about the next steps

As the interview came to a close, did the hiring manager tell you what the next stage would be (i.e. – a second interview), and when you could expect to hear back? In doing this, they are saying that you are in with a chance of making it to this stage, so don’t lose interest.

11. The interviewer gave good feedback to the recruiter

When you spoke to your recruiter afterwards, did they provide you with positive feedback? If the organisation took it upon themselves to give good feedback to the recruiter shortly afterwards, then this implies that, yes, they have to continue interviewing other candidates, but they want you to know that your chances are strong.

A final point I will make is that you shouldn’t take the above signs as absolute confirmation that you have made it to the next stage of the process, and you certainly shouldn’t halt your job search because of this. Hopefully, you will get some good news soon, but if not, don’t lose heart.

The above signs show at the very least that you did something right, and were probably a strong contender. Find out from your recruiter what you did well, and more importantly, what you could improve on, so that next time, all of these signs point to a job offer.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/02/11-signs-your-interview-went-well/

Okoro was busy talking to himself, murmuring in his room after looking at his investment portfolio and reviewing the current situation in the country. What do I do now? Election is coming up in few weeks – will the incumbent be retained, or will a new president be voted into power? There is so much uncertainty. Where do I keep the funds I intend to invest, and where do I transfer my existing investment portfolio to maximize returns? Okoro was disturbed.

Just before the last election, he withdrew his investments from the stock market only to hear that there was a growth of 12.5% over a 3-day period immediately after the announcement that a new president was voted into power as well as the peaceful transition that followed.

Okoro wants to know how he can manage the situation this time to get the best value from his investment portfolio and ensure he never gets broke?

Hmmm… Let’s try to provide some solution to Okoro’s dilemma…

Election comes every 4 years but we have financial goals to achieve regardless of who wins- incumbent continues with the existing policies or a new winner emerges and promotes new policies to better the achievement of the previous government.

These actions are not expected to influence your investment goals if you always apply the five investment principles highlighted below;

1. Be clear on your financial goals – Why are you keeping the funds away? How long are you looking at? Apply the SMART acronym to your goals- ensure that your goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound.

2. Know your financial status – What is your Net worth? Deduct your liabilities (what takes money away from you) from your assets (what makes money for you). Measure your cash flow and expenses with the help of a Budget. All of these would help you create a convenient savings plan towards achieving your financial goals.

3. There are so many goals running through your mind. Therefore, it is required that we split our goals into 3 different categories namely: Short term (those you want to achieve in 2 years), medium term (those you want to achieve between 2 to 10 years) and long term (those you want to achieve above 10 years).

4. Implement your strategies – You need to understand that the different financial instrument available are suitable for the specific category of goals identified above. For instance, short term instruments are Treasury bills, the Money Market Fund. Medium Term is Balanced mutual fund while long terms are Stocks and real estate. You might need a Financial Advisor to help out.

5. Review your investment – Align your investment plan with new policies to ensure you are making the most value for yourself. Always review your short-term investment every 3 months, medium-term goals every 6 months, Long term goals annually.

These are tested and trusted principles that will provide the hedge required on your investment portfolio at all times regardless of what changes in the economy.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/02/5-investment-principles-to-use-during-an-election-period/

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The Mercedes-Benz GLE has marked a new era for the mid-sized SUV segment. Years after getting a new identity with a change from the M-Class nomenclature to the GLE, the best-selling Mercedes-Benz SUV continues to set the pace. In October 2018, the latest installment of the GLE was presented to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show with a number of mouthwatering innovations that are revolutionizing the premium SUV segment. Weststar Associates Limited, authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria will be introducing the new GLE to the market by 1st quarter, 2019.

The new GLE comes with a handful of innovations that have completely reconceived the SUV trendsetter. Features like the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz assistance systems, 4MATIC which makes the GLE more off-road capable than ever, seating comfort with corresponding interior spaciousness and MBUX have been highlighted as the most important innovations in the new GLE.
The exterior design of the new GLE exudes a powerful presence. The front emphasizes this with the upright radiator grille in an octagonal SUV interpretation, the prominent chrome-plated underguard and the bonnet with two powerdomes. The distinctive headlamp design is another key feature; this comes with MULTIBEAM LED lights; the brightness of the main beam headlamps covers over a distance of more than 650 metres. The side view highlights the wide C-pillar typical of the GLE, large wheels in sizes from 18 to 22 inches and the pillared roof rails or the optional illuminated running boards. While the rear stands out with the rear lights, reflectors and chrome plated underguard.

The interior design of the new GLE is luxuriously elegant and powerfully progressive. It comes with a sporty and stylist cockpit design in the dashboard. The dashboard support flows into the door panels, and the integral trim element likewise extends around the driver and front passenger areas to meet the doors. There is a new sport steering wheel with a striking, sculptured spoke design emphasizing the impressive appearance of the SUV's interior. Other features include good ergonomics, flowing leather surfaces, a broad area of trim and flush-fitting sunblinds. All the controls and displays are now in a new design.

The new GLE also comes with more space, it has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor (2995 mm, plus 80 mm). This creates significantly more space, especially for passengers in the rear. Legroom in the second seat row has increased by 69 mm to 1045 mm. Headroom in the rear with the standard, fixed rear seat unit and 40:20:40 split backrest has been increased by 33 mm to 1025 mm. As a world first in the SUV segment, a second seat row with 6 fully electric adjustments is now available. Another key highlight is the luggage capacity which is up to 825 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2055 litres when the second seat row is folded down.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is one of the key highlights in the new GLE, it makes its debut in a Mercedes-Benz SUV after its successful introduction in the A-Class last year. This latest generation multimedia system comes with even more improved functions when compared to the first edition in the A-Class. Improvements that this revolutionary system debuts include two large 12.3-inch/ 31.2 cm screens as standard, which are arranged side-by-side for an impressive wide-screen look. The information from the instrument cluster and media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. Showcasing elements in an emotively appealing manner underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure and impresses with brilliant graphics. Users can set up the MBUX with four different styles from Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive and Discreet style. Key features of the MBUX in the GLE include; the widescreen cockpit, navigation services, smartphone integration, vehicle set up app, LINGUATRONIC voice control, LTE communications module for Mercedes me connect services and Burmester surround sound system.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC comes with a 6-cylinder petrol engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology. It has an estimated output of 270 kW (367 hp) and torque of 500 Nm. In the new GLE, 4MATIC comes with fully variable all-wheel drive that controls the torque distribution between the front and rear axle from 0‑100 percent depending on the selected driving mode, this greatly enhances the off road capacity of the new GLE. In all variants of the new GLE, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the broad ratio spread of gears 1 to 9 allows a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy, efficiency and ride comfort. The driving experience in the new GLE is further enhanced with the E-ACTIVE Body Control 48-volt suspension.

The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz assistance systems have been introduced in the new GLE. Boasting of unrivalled functions in its segment like the Active Brake Assist which helps the driver to brake in good time when approaching the end of a tailback. Other assistance systems include the Active Steering Assist, Active Stop-and-Go Assist and the Active Blind Spot Assist which helps lower the risk of a collision with other road users, it monitors the blind spot when at standstill, and can warn the driver of approaching vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles when opening the door.

Mr. Mirko Plath, Managing Director, Weststar Associates Limited, has described the new GLE as one of the welcome innovations in the global automobile industry. He pointed out that with features like the MBUX the world continues moving towards a more digitalized era and that Nigeria isn’t left out. With the growing demand for Mercedes-Benz cars in Nigeria, he believes the new GLE will be well received.

The new GLE remains an iconic member of Mercedes-Benz SUVs and its newest installments has largely exceeded expectations. With first of its kind innovations and an even more personal interaction between the driver and car, customers can look forward to a futuristic driving experience. The driving performance has also been further enhanced with 4MATIC which ensures great agility on the road and superior performance off the beaten track. The new GLE is expected to be at Weststar’s authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Nigeria by beginning of April, 2019.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/01/the-new-gle-suv-trendsetter-set-to-debut-in-nigeria-pictures/

Itel Mobile has praised its rating as the 16th most-admired brand in Africa in 2018 by branding advisory and rating firm, Brand Africa.

The mobile phone manufacturer noted that since the company was founded in 2007, it had maintained a customer-centric brand that set itel from its competitors.

It said apart from its high rating, its best-selling monster battery smartphone, itel P32, was also honoured as the best big battery smartphone by United States-based tech media firm, Android Authority.

The company noted that although the product has always been the buzzword for itel Mobile, its consumers remain the core focus of the brand.

“Itel also continues to reinforce its commitment to giving back to society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign tagged “Love always on”, an initiative that tackles social issues such as a child’s right to education, fight against hunger and poverty alienation,” it said in a statement.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/02/01/itel-mobile-is-16th-most-admired-brand-in-africa/

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Style and value appeal of the Mercedes-Benz MPV are ground-breaking in the segment – and a major contributing factor to its success to date. By means of a series of targeted adjustments, the designers in Stuttgart have now given the V-Class a new look as part of its facelift. The model finds design inspiration from the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series – for example with: an even more present front design as well as new colours and materials.

A further highlight of the new V-Class comes in the form of the luxury seats in the rear which offer a special spa-like experience.

New front design with high recognition value

Thanks to its new front end, the new V-Class has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. In this way, the new V-Class presents itself as a member of the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car family. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines continue to exist, while the AMG Line will become visually more powerful: besides the familiar bumper with AMG body styling, it now features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins. The AMG Line thus instantaneously demonstrates its sportiness and dynamism.

On the sides, the design of the new V-Class remains unchanged compared with the predecessor. It is made up of two drawn and taut lines. Concave and convex surfaces interplay with one another, forming a sculpted and sensual character. Both lines continue the prominent contours of the new front bumper and rise gently towards the rear. Accordingly, the side view appears stretched and continues the dynamism of the new front design. An optional chrome trim strip on the window line further emphasises this impression. A harmonious conclusion is formed by the proven, attractively styled rear lamps featuring LED technology. Upon request, the rear end design can be further highlighted by means of a chrome trim element on the lower edge of the rear window.

New paint colours and light-alloy wheels

The new V-Class now has four new paint colours to show off. While graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic expand the palette of black and white tones, the hyacinth red metallic so popular in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range makes for a highly emotive highlight. Equally new is the optional paint colour steel blue.

The light-alloy wheels available for the MPV have also been given a restyling as part of the facelift. The following are available with the new V-Class: a black-painted and high-sheen finish 19-inch light-alloy wheel with 10-spoke design as well as two 18-inch light-alloy wheels with either a 5-twin-spoke design in tremolite grey and with a high-sheen finish or a 5-spoke design in black with a high-sheen finish. Plus, a 17-inch black-painted and high-sheen finish light-alloy wheel in 5-twin-spoke design is also newly available. The design of this light-alloy wheel is not just striking and avant-garde, it is also especially aerodynamic and thus serves to reduce the cd value of the V-Class even further.

Interior in new colours and materials

The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity. In line with the facelift, the V-Class facelift presents itself with new air vents in a more sporty turbine look familiar from the A-Class as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the reduced design, drivers can orientate themselves much more simply. The new upholstery and equipment colour Tartufo Nappa leather, as familiar from the E-Class and G-Class models, now also makes a modern and elegant statement in the new V-Class. With Lugano leather and Nappa leather, each available in black and silk beige, not to mention Santos black fabric, a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colours is available. Modern and elegant can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look which is used on the instrument panel and in the side trim elements. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain.

Luxury seats are a new, comfortable highlight

Comfort oblige in the MPV segment. To date, the V-Class has impressed passengers with such comforts as the biggest panoramic sliding roof in the segment, a broad centre console with integrated coolbox and LED-illuminated temperature-controlled cup holders or discreet ambient lighting with three colours and five dimming levels available. And with the new V-Class, passengers in the first rear row of seats can now also enjoy a further optional highlight. As in the S-Class, optionally available luxury seats with fully reclining function, back massage and climatisation now also pamper vehicle occupants. Passengers can choose from three different massage intensities and three climatisation stages. A journey in the new V-Class as a VIP shuttle thus feels more like a spa treatment after a stressful flight or business meeting.


The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class – Exterior, Design and equipment line EXCLUSIVE, selenit grey metallic
Variable and simple loading and unloading of the new V-Class is made possible by means of the familiar optionally-available separately opening rear window, load space divider and the electric EASY-PACK tailgate – a true gain in comfort, be it for use as a shuttle, for a trip to the supermarket with the family or when transporting bulky sports equipment.


The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class – Interior, design and equipment line EXCLUSIVE, Tartufo Nappa leather, Trim element in twin-strip look
Almost unlimited seating configurations and flexible luggage space

The seating in the rear of the new V-Class continues to allow a multitude of configuration options for the most varied of requirements. As standard, the MPV comes with four individual comfort seats in two seat rows. Upon request, between the individual seats, a folding table can also be installed. Alternatively to the individual seat for the first rear row of seats, a two-seater bench seat with two-piece folding backrest is available, not to mention a three-seater bench seat with two-piece seat cushion and three-piece backrest. The outer right-hand seat of the three-seater bench seat can be folded forwards or

separately removed and the whole bench seat can be folded in order to make space for large luggage. This bench seat is also optionally available for the second row of seats. Anyone who wishes to have the possibility of sleeping in the V-Class can also order the rear seat row with a comfort berth three-seater bench seat.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/01/31/mercedes-benz-mpvthe-new-v-class-new-design-and-even-greater-comfort-pictures/

DStv debuts two explosive shows this February on Crime + Investigation. The six-part series “Surviving R. Kelly,” and the crime documentary will chronicle the saga of Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein in The Harvey Weinstein Scandal.

Surviving R. Kelly premieres with a double bill on Wednesday, 6 February delving behind one of the biggest scandals in music to date — with women emerging from the shadows and uniting their voices to share their stories of abuse at the hands of musician R. Kelly. The show has already aired in the US this January and has met with reaction from international stars like Lady Gaga apologising for once collaborating with the singer (in 2013) to SA’s Pearl Thusi and Jimmy Nevis calling out for a boycott on him and for his music not to be downloaded or live-streamed.

Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, the 52- year old’s career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumours of abuse, predatory behaviour, and paedophilia. In 2002 he was indicted on 21 counts of child pornography but was acquitted of all charges in 2008.

For the first time ever, survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle, are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental, and physical abuse. With over 50 interviews including civil rights activist Tarana Burke, musicians John Legend and Sparkle, talk-show host and former DJ Wendy Williams, ex-wife Andrea Kelly, brothers Carey and Bruce Kelly, and many others, the true story of R. Kelly’s controversial past is revealed beginning in 1970 through present day.

The premiere episode in the six-part series explores R. Kelly’s rise to fame and power as an R&B icon where he formed relationships with younger singers and dancers including marriage to his then 15-year old protege Aliyah. Single episodes air weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm WAT culminating in the final episode titled Black Girls Matter on March 6, which sees figures from women’s groups come forward to take aim against the sexually brazen superstar. Will R. Kelly now wish he could “turn back the hands of time?”

The Harvey Weinstein Scandal premieres on 13 February and will examine the rise and fall of Hollywood media mogul Harvey Weinstein and other men in power. This documentary explores milestones from Weinstein’s life, career, relationships and rise to mega-stardom. It reveals the creation and many successes of Miramax and The Weinstein Company.

On October 4, 2017, a New York Times article lit the spark detailing the personal stories of sexual assault victims of Harvey Weinstein. Now that spark has become a blaze and is shedding light on three decades of abuse by Weinstein and other dominant figures. The documentary takes a deep look inside Hollywood and the abuse by powerful men in the industry and includes exclusive interviews with people who knew Weinstein, women who have come face to face with him and exclusive re-enactment scenes.

Weinstein is to stand trial in New York this May on five charges including rape. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted over 70 women dating back decades. He has denied all these accusations citing that any sexual encounters were consensual.

Uncover the truth exclusive to Crime + Investigation, DStv channel 170.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/01/31/dstv-debuts-the-controversial-r-kelly-and-weinstein-scandals-on-crime-investigation/

Statement by Eric Batonon, Country Director in Nigeria for the Norwegian Refugee Council...

"The Norwegian Refugee Council is alarmed by the massive displacement of 30,000 people from the Nigerian town of Rann into Cameroon, less than one week after 9,000 Nigerians fled a deadly attack in the city.

Last week, the Nigerian refugees who had crossed into Cameroon were forced to return.

We call for Cameroon to keep its borders open. It is crucial that the Nigerian and Cameroonian authorities offer assistance to those fleeing the violence, in compliance with international agreements and the Tripartite agreement signed between the two countries and the UNHCR. The women, men, and children fleeing are not opportunists; they are civilians fleeing for their lives.

Since November 2018, there has been a steep surge in displacement in northeast Nigeria, triggered by a spike in attacks. More than 100,000 people have been forced to flee, many for the second time. This is creating vast humanitarian needs and stretching the capacity of already congested camps and sites across the region.

However, by denying assistance and protection to those fleeing, needs are exacerbated and affected communities will continue to rely on humanitarian assistance.

The humanitarian community launched a plan this week to assist 2.5 million people displaced across the Lake Chad Basin. The Norwegian Refugee Council calls for donor countries to step up their support to countries in the region hosting a large number of refugees and displaced people."

Source: https://brandspurng.com/2019/01/30/nrc-alarmed-by-displacement-of-30000-people-from-nigeria-to-cameroon/

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- Largest Kia ever provides comfortable seating for up to eight occupants (includes the driver)
- Potent 3.8-liter GDI V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque
- Powerful exterior design and premium, well-appointed interior
- Loaded with technology to enhance comfort, convenience, utility and the driver and passenger experience

Large, bold, capable and comfortable, the midsize Telluride SUV opens the door to exploring in a whole new way. Imagined in America, designed at Kia’s design studio in California, and assembled in Georgia, the Telluride is all about big skies, desert roads, mountain passes, shady forests, smooth highways, and long coastal drives. The largest Kia ever, it provides comfortable seating for up to eight, a powerful 291-hp 3.8-litre V6, available active on-demand all-wheel drive, and an inspiring view of the world. In short, the Telluride offers the potential for exploration and adventure every time it’s on the road.

Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the U.S. and is a product of the Kia Design Center in Irvine, CA. From the first pencil stroke it was meant to convey the kind of presence associated with the original legendary SUVs – big, bold and boxy – and the go-anywhere, do-anything attitude their square, burly-shouldered shapes suggested. The Telluride’s sophisticated exterior accents also hint at its interior luxury.

Main design cues include:

- Long, broad hood and wide grille
- Bold, stacked headlamps convey power and stability
- Upright windshield and clean side profile conveys muscular tension
- Inverted “L” tail lamps with LED stripes (standard on EX and SX trims)
- Elongated nameplates on the leading edge of the hood and on the liftgate provide a distinctive identity for flagship SUV
- Sculpted rear skid plate with integrated twin exhaust tips reference off-road ability and power (standard on S, EX and SX trims)

The Telluride interior is designed to continue the impression of upscale exploration:

- Grab handles integrated into the centre console suggest journeys off the beaten path
- Wide console with emphasis on the horizontal through artistic use of premium trim features to convey spaciousness – more “luxe living room” than “utility vehicle”
- Spacious cabin for generous hip, shoulder, leg and headroom, including in the third row

Born for Adventure in Luxury

Planning the Telluride interior, Kia designers set out to create an upscale cabin with an abundance of premium materials, attention to detail, and an array of convenient features including:

- Available double-stitched, quilted and extra-padded Nappa leather trim upholstery
- Simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood
- Interior hooks to keep packs and bags off the floor and away from feet
- Available heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats
- Ceiling-mounted second-row climate control
- HVAC diffusing ceiling vents provide a wider spread of airflow for increased comfort
- Reclining third-row seats
- Leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel
- Available heated steering wheel

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/01/30/introducing-the-all-new-2020-kia-telluride-pictures/

The long overdue Ondo-Ore road will be dualised if President Muhammadu Buhari is voted into office as the president for the second term. The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo made the promise when he paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo yesterday.

Osinbajo also promised to ensure the upgrading of Adeyemi College of Education to a Federal University of Education.

Osinbajo who stated that the administration investing massively in infrastructure, revealed that the present administration has spent N2.7 trillion on infrastructure since assumption of office, saying it is the highest in the history of the country.

According to him, the Lagos – Ibadan Railway line project embarked upon by Buhari-led administration would be commissioned in a few days time.

He explained that grand corruption perpetrated by the past administration was a major hindrance to the development of the nation.

“They claimed to have spent Nigeria’s resources on infrastructural development, yet there was the decay of infrastructure in almost every part of the country.

“President Buhari was able to bring succour to the citizenry by rebuilding the nation through infrastructure and was committed to fighting corruption to save Nigeria’s economy from total collapse”, he said.

Osinbajo reminded the people that only an honest and selfless leader like Muhammadu Buhari can be trusted with the country’s common wealth and bring about the needed development.

Osinbajo enjoined Nigerians to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari in order for him to take the nation to the next level of economic rejuvenation.

He urged the people Ondo to vote massively for the truthfulness of President Muhammadu Buhari and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the forthcoming 2019 general elections to achieve the dream of saving the nation from total collapse.

Earlier, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo appreciated the Vice President for giving the Yoruba people a true representation and assured him of the prayers and support of the people of Ondo Kingdom.

He described Prof Osinbajo as a good ambassador of the entire Yoruba race, saying Nigerians are proud of him.

Osemawe commended the Federal Government’s anti-corruption crusade which has sanitized the nation as well as its efforts at ensuring that the country witnessed massive infrastructural development especially in the area of railway and road construction.

The Monarch also made case for the upgrading of the Adeyemi College of Education to the Federal University of Education and the dualisation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure expressway.

According to Osemawe, if the road is dualised, would expose the kingdom to investors.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/01/30/ondo-ore-road-to-be-dualised-osinbajo/

All is set for the nationwide auditions for the fourth season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) holding on the 1st and 2nd of February, 2019.

In Lagos, auditions will hold at D Podium Event Centre in Ikeja while the Hotel Presidential is the centre of attention in Port Harcourt. In Warri, auditionees can show up at the Deluxe Garden Suites while the Venetian Arena is the audition venue in Calabar.

Oaklands Hotel and Park will serve as the audition centre in Enugu while Mauve 21 Event Centre is the place to be in Ibadan. Abuja residents can visit the MultiChoice Office in Maitama, and residents of Edo State and environs should show up at the Uyi Grand Event Centre in Benin.

Interested Nigerians above 21 years of age with valid International Passports are eligible to audition in any of the listed cities nearest to them. Registration for the audition remains free to all participants.

The Big Brother Naija show which follows the format of the internationally acclaimed Big brother franchise, is known to offer young Nigerian contestants a solid and credible ladder to stardom by providing a platform to showcase their abilities and actualize their dreams.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/01/29/auditions-for-bbnaija-starts-on-february-1st/

- Project To Create 200,000 Jobs, Provide Housing Schemes For Lekki FTZ

- Lagos Gov’s Policies Are About Economic Prosperity, Development, Says Audu Ogbeh

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday launched a 1000-hectare modern satellite city in Epe-Ibeju Lekki axis projected to create over 200,000 jobs and housing schemes for all the major projects coming on board within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Named Alaro Satellite City, Governor Ambode described the unveiling of the project as a major milestone in his administration’s vision of making every part of the State economically viable and livable, adding that the development was a dream come true.

He said with major projects in the works in the Lekki-Epe corridor such as the Free Trade Zone, largest Deep Sea Port in Africa and International Airport, among others, a new city to provide housing schemes and other facilities for workers, investors and the people generally was desirous, hence the need for the initiative.

Giving details, Governor Ambode said: “The Alaro Satellite City was conceived to provide housing schemes to a broad spectrum of income earners, industrial workspaces, warehouses, hospitality and commercial office facilities amongst others.

“The project would not only open up the corridor but would transform its economic landscape by providing jobs, reducing poverty and contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the State, especially in terms of the GDP of the State in particular, and the country in general.”

While commending the private sector especially Rendeavour Group and North West Quadrant Company for partnering with the State Government to deliver the new city, the Governor said the successful launch of the project was a demonstration of the confidence the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and foreign investors have in viability of doing business in the State, adding: “The Alaro Satellite City is a strong statement that our Lagos is still attracting more direct foreign investment.”

The Governor, who assured the partners of the State Government’s unshaken commitment to the success of the project, also expressed strong optimism that the initiative would be continued by successive administration being that it is about creating jobs and scaling up the GDP of Lagos.

He said in anticipation of an increase in human and vehicular movement within the axis as a result of ongoing gigantic projects, the State Government would construct a road to link Shagamu-Benin Expressway from Lekki Deep Sea Port and a 50-hectare truck park.

According to him, “We are aware that the increase in construction and industrial activities are already taking its toll on the road networks and other complementary infrastructure along this corridor.

“In order to forestall future chaotic traffic log-jams within this corridor and avoid similar incidences such as is being experienced in the Apapa axis, we have initiated the process of constructing the 7th Axial Road from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, en route the Lekki Free Zone to the Shagamu-Benin Expressway.

“The design for the construction of a 50-hectare truck park within the Lekki-Epe corridor is also in progress.”

Besides, Governor Ambode lauded the host communities for their trust and forbearance, revealing that the State Government had approved 750 hectares of land as resettlement land for communities displaced from Parcel B of the Lekki Free Zone namely Yegunda, Abomiti and Eyin-Osa.

He said the Lands Bureau had also been instructed to expedite action on the enumeration of the land in question to accelerate payment of compensation and the issuance of the C of O, just as he assured all stakeholders of the commitment of the government towards ensuring the security of all investments and maintaining good harmonious relationships between the investors and the host communities.

Speaking earlier, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh commended those behind the project particularly Governor Ambode, saying his politics were about development and economic prosperity.

“I am particularly happy to be here for the launch of this project. Lagos is Nigeria’s New York and I am told that nearly 72 per cent of Nigeria’s currencies circulate in Lagos and I am even happier because I like the politics of Governor Ambode because though you are a much younger person than I am, I can assure you that you have a big future ahead.

“The biggest responsibility of a governor in any country and in Nigeria in particular where we are struggling to build an economy is to develop the economy of the State; every other thing comes after. We have to create jobs; there are too many of our young people graduating from school looking for jobs and so when you find that an investor and a governor are investing and creating those jobs you desperately need, you definitely would put your hands together for them,” Ogbeh said.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2019/01/29/lasg-launches-1000-hectares-modern-satellite-city-in-epe-pictures/