₦airaland Forum

Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) reports that US$3.95 billion was tracked as investment announcements for Q3 2020. This represents 57% less than the value tracked in the corresponding period in 2019 (US$9.29 billion). The drop in value can be attributed to the impact of COVID-19 and its global economic impact.  

The Commission publishes NIPC Intelligence Newsletter 6 days a week, and through it, a total of 13 projects across 8 states were tracked. 3 of the investment announcements were start-up enterprises in health care delivery, and information and communication technology (software development).

Kogi State received the largest share of the investments announced with US$1 billion, followed by Lagos State with US$239 million, Ogun State with US$75 million and Cross Rivers State with US$15 million.

On sector basis, the top destinations were the transportation sector which received (66%), manufacturing (27%) while information and communication, and mining and quarrying received 3% and 2% respectively. Other sectors, agriculture, and human health and social services collectively accounted for the remaining 2%.

China accounted for 66% of the investments tracked during the period. The other major sources of the investments tracked were United Kingdom (28%), domestic investors (4%), and United States (2%).

NIPC’s Intelligence Newsletter publishes Nigerian investment-related news culled, from various sources. This Q3 Report is based only on investment announcements cited in NIPC’s Newsletters from July to September 2020; it may not contain exhaustive information on all investment announcements in Nigeria during the period.

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

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/21/kogi-overtakes-lagos-in-investment-flow-in-q3-2020-nipc/

The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation rate increased by 14.89 percent (year-on-year) in November 2020. This is 0.66 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in October 2020 (14.23 percent).

Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline index.

On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.60 percent in November 2020. This is 0.06 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in October 2020 (1.54 percent).

The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending November 2020 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 12.92 percent, representing a 0.26 percentage point increase over 12.66 percent recorded in October 2020.

The urban inflation rate increased by 15.47 percent (year-on-year) in November 2020 from 14.81 percent recorded in October 2020, while the rural inflation rate increased by 14.33 percent in November 2020 from 13.68 percent in October 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.65 percent in November 2020, up by 0.05, from

1.60 percent recorded in October 2020, while the rural index also rose by 1.56 percent in November 2020, up by 0.08 from 1.48 percent recorded in October 2020.

The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index was 13.65 percent in November 2020. This is higher than 13.29 percent reported in October 2020, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in November 2020 is 12.35 percent compared to 12.09 percent recorded in October 2020.

FOOD INDEX

The composite food index rose sharply by 18.30 percent in November 2020 compared to 17.38 percent in October 2020.

This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of Bread and cereals, Potatoes, yam

and other tubers, Meat, Fish, Fruits, Vegetables and Oils and fats.

On a month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 2.04 percent in November 2020, up by 0.08 percent points from 1.96 percent recorded in October 2020.

The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending November 2020 over the previous twelve-month average was 15.75 percent, 0.33 percent points from the average annual rate of change recorded in October 2020 (15.42 percent).

ALL ITEMS LESS FARM PRODUCE

The ''All items less farm produce'' or Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 11.05 percent in November 2020, down by 0.09 percent when compared with 11.14 percent recorded in October 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 0.71 percent in November 2020 representing a sharp 0.54 percentage point decrease when compared with 1.25 percent recorded in October 2020.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Passenger transport by air, Medical services, Hospital services, Repair of furniture, Passenger transport by road, Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, Vehicle spare parts, Hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments, Pharmaceutical products, Paramedical services and Motor cars.

The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 10.14 percent for the twelve-month period ending November 2020 representing a 0.18 percent points increase over 9.96 percent recorded in October 2020.

STATE PROFILES

In analysing price movements under this section, note that the CPI is weighted by consumption expenditure patterns which differ across states. Accordingly, the weight assigned to a particular food or non-food item may differ from state to state making interstate comparisons of consumption basket inadvisable and potentially misleading.

All Items Inflation

In November 2020, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Bauchi (19.67%), Kogi (19.81%) and Zamfara (17.30%), while Abia (13.26%), Delta (13.20%) and Kwara (12.24%) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.

On month on month basis, however, November 2020 all items inflation was highest in Kogi (3.08%), Bauchi (2.33%) and Oyo (2.25%), while River (0.88%), Akwa Ibom (0.77%) and Nasarawa (0.44%) recorded the slowest rise in headline month on month inflation.

Food Inflation

In November 2020, food inflation on a year on year basis was highest in Kogi (24.00%), Sokoto and Zamfara (20.60%) and Ebonyi (20.20%), while Abia (16.20%), Bauchi (15.60%) and Gombe and Nasarawa (15.00%) recorded the slowest rise.

On month on month basis, however, November 2020 food inflation was highest in Kogi (3.37%), Osun (3.08%) and Cross River (2.93%), while Akwa Ibom (0.60%), Edo (0.43%) with Nasarawa recording price deflation or negative inflation (general decrease in the general price level of food or a negative food inflation rate).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/15/november-2020-inflation-rate-rises-to-14-89-as-food-inflation-jumps-to-18-30/

Multiple award-winning artist, Simi will this December perform live in Lagos for the first time since she had her daughter.

The new mum and newlywed who started her music career as a gospel singer gained much prominence with her hit single Tiff. Simi has since gone on to release three albums, winning several awards and launched her own record label Studio Brat in June 2019.

Simi who will join other superstars like Wizkid, Darey, and Yemi Alade on stage, will be performing her smash hit, Duduke and other new songs from her latest EP, Restless II at Livespot X-Clusive with her band, the Banjos.

In a statement, the singer and songwriter said, 

“I really can’t wait to be on stage again. It’s been a while. And I am excited to perform some of my favourite songs to some of my biggest fans from across the world. Everyone knows how much I enjoy live performances and this one will be no exception.”

This December, Simi is giving her fans the chance to see her perform Live In Concert on the 20th of December at Eko Hotel, Lagos or virtually on Livespot Nation. The physical event which will only be open to a select few due to COVID-19 restrictions will be made available via Livestream on Livespot Nation.

Livespot X-Clusive will be an exciting combination of live performances, music, quality sound, great lighting and fanfare for some of the biggest hits in 2020. The two-day event, scheduled to hold on the 19th and 20th of December, will kick off at 6 pm on both days.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/06/simi-to-perform-live-this-december-for-the-first-time-since-childbirth/

Harry Ayoade Akande has died at the age of 77. He died on Saturday morning of an undisclosed ‘brief illness’.  Harry Ayoade Akande was born on the 3rd of March 1943 to Pa Joseph Afolabi at Orita Merin, Ibadan and Chief Mrs. Regina Akande of Olagoke family of Oje.

Harry Akande started his educational career from Sacred Heart Nursery School, Idikan, and continued to St. James Primary School in Oke Bola, Ibadan and later to the Abadina School, also in Ibadan.

He was later admitted into Olivet Heights International School in 1957, and records from that institution show that not only was he brilliant in academics, but also very proficient in sports.

Upon leaving Olivet Heights in 1961, he gained admission on a scholastic bursary from abroad into Hampton University; a private university in Hampton, Virginia in the United States of America. Ayoade graduated in 1967 with a degree in Accounting and Finance with the highest honors.

In 1969, Chief Akande obtained his MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg’s Graduate school of Management to become the prestigious school’s first graduate of African ancestry.

Chief Akande was involved in the execution of infrastructural development projects across Africa and the Caribbean to the tune of over $2 billion in the last 20 years, with business activities cutting across computer, aviation, telecommunications, management and petrochemical industries.

In 1970, Chief Akande returned to Nigeria, having filled positions as financial consultant with KPMG, Peat Marwick and Standard Oil Corporation in the USA.

Chief Harry Akande established AIC Limited and became the president of New African Technical & Electrical Company (NAFTEC); a representative company of General Electric (G.E) America, which subsequently executed the major Gas Turbine Electricity Projects at Ughelli, ljora, and Delta II-IV.

In 1976, his company, Engineering and Power Development Nigeria Limited (EPDN), in association with Balfour Beatty Engineering of UK was established. AIC Limited in conjunction with Wimpey of UK, undertook the Hydroelectric Power Installation & Construction of Oyan dam, and in conjunction with EPDN designed and supervised the Balanga Dam and irrigation scheme in Bauchi in 1980 and 1982 respectively.

Again, his company AIC in conjunction with Costain International was involved in the Osogbo- Ede Water Scheme. It was at the time, the largest water project in Africa at 35mgd capacity.

Among other projects executed by Chief Akande’s company are: The Bauchi Township water supply scheme in 1988, financed by the African Development Bank (ADB) to the tune of $70 million. This project set the precedence for many subsequent schemes. The Benin city and Warri/Effurun 35mgd water supply project in 1989 also financed by the ADB to the tune of $120 million.

AIC in 1991 was appointed to oversee the complete rehabilitation and refurbishment of Nigeria’s National Art Theater. AIC in 1994 appointed consultants for the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ilorin Highway, 136km four-lane dual carriageway, financed by the ADB.

Chief Akande was also associated with the development of the Crystal Palace hotel, a 1,000 bedroom hotel in Nassau, Bahamas as well as Las Cuevas Bay Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago.

Chief Akande was well renowned for turning ideas into reality within and around Africa, Europe and the USA. This has enhanced his reputation among Global Businesses and World Leaders. His ability to lead and execute projects timely is extraordinary.

Chief Akande was the former Chairman of the Board of trustees of All Peoples Party (APP); the second biggest political party in Nigeria. He was the arrowhead of the APP/AD Alliance in 1999.

A patriot of no mean order, Chief Akande was concerned about peace, progress and development of his Fatherland Nigeria. Chief Dr. Harry Ayoade Akande ran for President on the platform of ANPP in 2011. His reputation for initiating projects, sourcing for funds to finance projects and successfully executing projects is second to none.

Chief Akande was married for about 36 years to his wife Chief Mrs. Tolulope Akande, and they have four children, Olumide, Foluke, Atinuke and Olawunmi.

As an active member of his community, Chief Akande was conferred with the honorary chieftaincy title of Agbaoye of Ibadanland in 1979. He is also a highly committed philanthropist and has worked selflessly with AMFAR, International Children Appeal and many other children Charities. In 1987, Chief Akande was selected to receive the outstanding 20 years Alumnus Award from Hampton University, Virginia, USA.

Chief Harry Ayoade Akande was endorsed as the leader of choice in the ANPP across all the geo-political zones, and his pedigree, experience as well as accomplishments over the years show him to be more than suitable to serve our great nation as president.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/05/ibadan-born-billionaire-harry-akande-is-dead/

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc, reports audited results for nine months ended 30th September 2020.

From the result, Ecobank Group’s gross earnings down 5% to $1,613.4 million (up 0.4% to NGN 613.1 billion) while its revenue rose by 4% to $1,213.5 million (up 9% to NGN 461.2 billion).

Key financial highlights:

- Profit before tax and goodwill impairment down 17% to $250.2 million (down 13% to NGN 95.1 billion)

- Profit before tax down 70% to $90.8 million (down 68% to NGN 34.5 billion)

- Profit after tax down 88% to $27.1 million (down 87% to NGN 10.3 billion)

- Total assets up 3% to $24.4 billion (up 9% to NGN 9,430.2 billion)

- Loans and advances to customers down 8% to $8.5 billion (down 3% to NGN 3,294.5 billion)

- Deposits from customers up 7% to $17.3 billion (up 13% to NGN 6,685.8 billion)

- Total equity down 3% to $1.8 billion (up 3% at NGN 708.6 billion)

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/04/ecobank-reports-87-drop-in-profit-after-tax-to-n10-3bn-in-q3-2020/

- The first Lufthansa flight after an eight months suspension arrived in Lagos on Thursday, 03 December 2020 
- Lufthansa offers in December up to eight weekly departures scheduled from Lagos and Abuja Airports to Frankfurt 
- Safety and hygiene on board remain a top priority

On 03 December 2020, Lufthansa again welcomed its passengers at Lagos airport on board of its resumed nonstop flight from Frankfurt/Germany. After having suspended its flight operations to Nigeria eight months ago following the travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Lufthansa is back to Nigeria as the travel restrictions to Nigeria have just being lifted.

The leading German carrier will offer up to five weekly departures from Lagos to Frankfurt and starting on 08 December also connect the capital Abuja with three weekly departures. All long-haul flights depart from Nigeria in the evening as overnight flights, arriving in Lufthansa’s main hub Frankfurt in the early morning.

This allows all passengers from Nigeria to get the full choice of connecting flights to European, American and Asian destinations, leaving all from the same terminal 1.  

‘’Lufthansa always was and will stay dedicated to Nigeria, one of our key markets in Africa. As we have received the final permission to reopen our flight operations, we are happy to be the first airline to reconnect Nigeria directly to the centre of Europe and onwards to all other continents.

We offer a considerable number of flights to the US and Canada, allowing our Nigerian guests to have family members and friends again at reach throughout the world. Health and safety continue to be our top priority and we are committed to maintaining strict adherence to hygiene regulations for all our flights," says Adenike Macaulay, General Manager Nigeria & Equatorial Guinea Lufthansa Group Airlines.  

Lufthansa flight LH568, Frankfurt to Lagos, serviced by an Airbus 330-300, offers passengers seats in all three classes, including Business Class and Premium Economy Class. After its arrival in Lagos, this service will continue to Malabo /Equatorial Guinea.

The nonstop flight will commence with three weekly departures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to be increased to five weekly frequencies every day except Tuesdays and Sundays. The return flight will be scheduled on the same days of operations reaching Frankfurt only after six hours flight.  

LH594 will be the flight number for the resumed connection between Frankfurt and Abuja with three weekly departures. An Airbus 330-300 connects the Nigerian capital to the financial centre of Germany, Frankfurt, also with seats in three classes. Finally, it is planned that this flight will also resume service to Port Harcourt; however, this onward flight is not yet confirmed until the airport is reopened.  

As of now, all flights can be booked immediately through the usual distribution channels and the airlines’ website www.lufthansa.com.   

The Lufthansa Group has taken special hygiene measures to protect passengers and employees. These apply not only on board but also before and after the journey. Details of these measures can be found at www.lufthansa.com/de/en/protection-measures.  Passengers are required to check travel and destination entry requirements before departure.  

SOURCE: https://brandnewsday.com/2020/12/04/lufthansa-resumes-its-flights-to-nigeria-connecting-lagos-and-abuja/

- In December 1980, the first S-Class vehicles (126 model series) fitted with innovative restraint systems were delivered to customers

- Airbags are an elementary feature of the integral safety concept of Mercedes-Benz

- Airbags and other safety systems have saved the lives of many people

Stuttgart, Germany. The innovation made its preview in December 1980: the driver’s airbag and seat belt tensioner (originally termed the belt tightener) was in those days the latest, cutting-edge innovations in safety from Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz launched the driver’s airbag in combination with the seat belt tensioner for the front passenger in series-production cars. The first vehicles with this optional extra were delivered to customers back in December 1980. In February 1981, the brand showcased the systems at the Amsterdam International Motor Show. The front passenger airbag has been available since 1988. (Photo signature in the Mercedes-Benz archive: 83F131)

40 years ago, back in 1980, a limited number of S-Class Saloons (126 model series) were the first cars to be delivered with this new technology and were another milestone in passive vehicle safety in a long line of outstanding innovations from the brand. The airbag was a joint development between the then Daimler-Benz AG and Bosch.

More than 100 S-Class vehicles fitted with the new safety systems rolled off the assembly line in January and February 1981. This ushered in the triumph of a restraint system which was quickly adopted by many automotive manufacturers across the world.

The restraint system celebrated its world premiere at the Amsterdam International Motor Show from 5 to 15 February 1981. Just one month later, Mercedes-Benz presented the driver’s airbag and seat belt tensioner to the public at the Geneva Motor Show. The combination of both systems was initially only available for the S-Class and SEC Coupés as an optional extra costing DM 1,525.50.

The airbag and seat belt tensioner was soon available in 1982 as optional extras for all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. By 1992, the driver’s airbag as standard equipment in all of the brand’s models, followed by a front passenger airbag as a standard safety feature in 1994.

Numerous other airbags followed suit in subsequent years and these protective inflating cushions, fitted at various positions in the vehicle, have long since been an inherent part of the integral safety concept of Mercedes-Benz.

Minimising the impact:

The protective airbag inflates within a few milliseconds in front of the occupants. Sensors detect a particularly strong deceleration, e.g. sudden braking in a severe head-on collision, and trigger the firing of a propellant charge.

The resulting gas mixture, which at the time of the airbag’s invention mainly consisted of nitrogen, inflates a cushion-shaped fabric cover – the airbag. It offers the best possible protection in combination with the seat belt, both deployed to gently cushion the upper body when it is thrown forward by the impact.

Parallel development:

Four decades ago, Mercedes-Benz also had another innovation up its sleeve for the seat belt. At the end of the 1980s, the brand launched the driver’s airbag together with the restraint system for the front passenger, at the time known as the “belt tightener”.

But by 1984, the seat belt tensioner, as this safety feature is now more commonly known, had already become standard equipment for the front seats of all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The seat belt tensioner reacts to the same sensor signal as the driver’s airbag, which is also triggered by controlled pyrotechnics: a propellant charge is fired to tighten the seat’s three-point seat belt within milliseconds.

This eliminates the typical slack between the occupant’s upper body and the seat belt and both drivers and front passenger are held firmly in the seat by the seat belt.

Chain of innovations:

The development was to continue over the following years: From 1995, seat belt tensioners were combined with belt force limiters. In 2002, engineers added an electronic seat belt tensioner to the pyrotechnical belt tensioner with the introduction of the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®.

In contrast to the pyrotechnical seat belt tensioner, the electronic system is reversible: the seat belt is loosened again if no collision occurs.

The invention:

The basic idea for the airbag was attributed, amongst others, to the hobby inventor, Walter Linderer. In the 1950s, he had designed what he described as an “inflatable container in a folded state, which automatically inflates in the event of danger”. On 6 October 1951, the Munich-born inventor filed for a patent for his “device to protect persons in vehicles against injury in the event of collisions” from the German Patent Office.

Although in his application Linderer precisely described the principle of an airbag, the technical requirements for the sensors as well as those for rapid gas generation simply did not exist in those days. Conventional compressed air was not suitable for generating pressure because it took far too long to inflate the airbag.

The elastic and extremely tear-resistant material required to make the airbag was also not available at the time. This remained the case for some years. Mercedes-Benz returned to the idea of the airbag in 1966 and started the initial trials for effective gas generation in 1967. The patent for an “impact protection device for vehicle occupants” (Patent No: DE 21 52 902 C2) was filed by the then Daimler-Benz AG in October 1971.

Continual advancements:

After approximately 250 crash tests, more than 2,500 sledge tests and thousands of trials on individual components, the Mercedes-Benz safety engineers managed to bring the technology to series production maturity over the next fifteen years. “SRS airbag” was the abbreviation initially to be seen on the steering wheels of Mercedes-Benz models equipped with this technology.

SRS stands for “supplemental restraint system” because it supplements the seat belt, which is the primary restraint system. The impact absorbers in these steering wheels were voluminous in size because they had to accommodate a large fabric cover: when inflated, the first driver’s airbags had a volume of between 60 to 70 litres.

The same is true for the development of the front passenger airbag. When it was presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt/Main in 1987, it occupied the entire glove box.

Statistics:

It is very difficult to calculate the positive effect individual systems and safety measures have had on accident statistics. Nonetheless, the figures released by the German Federal Statistical Office speak for themselves: In 1980, 15,050 people were killed on German roads (in both East and West Germany), 6,915 of them were occupants of passenger cars. In 2000, the same figures fell to 7,503 and 4,396 fatalities respectively.

And almost twenty years later: Germany recorded 3,046 road traffic victims in 2019, 1,346 of whom died in a passenger car. Owing to the fact that the number of vehicles on roads is continually rising, these figures are particularly impressive when compared to the number of traffic deaths per 10,000 vehicles. This figure was 4.5 in 1980 compared to 1.4 in 2000 and dropped to 0.5 in 2019.

Low in volume, high in safety:

As airbag components became increasingly smaller over the years without compromising safety, it was possible to incorporate the airbag in other places inside the vehicle, apart from in the steering wheel or glove box.

This was what developers were striving for because although the first airbags could minimise the impact of a head-on collision, there were many other potential accident scenarios.

In 1995, the sidebar was launched in the 210 model series E-Class, the window airbag was added to the extensive protection system in 1998 with the head/thorax sidebag to follow in 2001, the knee airbag in 2009 and the thorax/pelvis side bags, the cushion bag and the very compact inflatable belt airbag in 2013.

Launched in the S-Class of the 221 model series, the gas generators of “adaptive airbags” deployed in two stages depending on accident severity. The 223 model series S-Class, showcased in 2020, includes other new airbags such as the rear airbags, which are celebrating their world premiere.

40 years after the launch of the first-ever driver’s airbag, this new rear airbag uses a radically new inflation concept with a tubular structure, designed to deploy frontal airbags for both outer rear seats for the very first time. In the event of severe head-on collisions, they can considerably reduce the load on the head and neck of passengers restrained by seat belts in these seats.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/02/40-years-ago-mercedes-benz-launched-the-drivers-airbag-and-seat-belt-tensioner-in-series-production/

NIGERIA, 02 December 2020: The 2020 “Soul Train Music Awards” celebrated the best in the soul, R&B and hip hop by highlighting both living legends and breakout stars with unrivalled musical moments and show-stopping performances.

The awards ceremony was hosted by the iconic best friend duo Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold, who also brought their chemistry to the stage as the show’s opening musical acts.

The “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” premiered exclusively on BET Africa (DStv Channel 129) on Monday, November 30th with the one-hour pre-show "Soul-Coming: Countdown to the Soul Train Awards", which was followed by the main show "2020 Soul Train Awards “Presented By BET” and the post-show "DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic: BET Soul Train Edition. 

The awards will repeat this week, on Thursday 03 December at 11:00 WAT, Friday 04 December at 21:00 WAT and Sunday 06 December at 12:30 WAT.

Chris Brown led the pack as the evening’s most awarded artist, dominating in four categories including Best R&B/Soul Male Artist and the shared honours of Song of the Year, Best Dance Performance and Best Collaboration with Young Thug for their hit “Go Crazy.” H.E.R. followed closely with two awards: Best R&B/Soul Female Artist and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award for “I Can’t Breathe.

Honouring artists across 12 categories, the 2020 “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” also recognised Summer Walker (Album of the Year), Megan Thee Stallion (Rhythm & Beats Award), Brandy (Soul Train Certified), Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn & Wizkid (Video of the Year), Snoh Aalegra (Best New Artist) and Kirk Franklin (Best Gospel/Inspirational Award) for their special contributions to the genre.

The hosts kicked things off with an electrifying song and dance tribute to the power of Black women. Brandy performed a medley of her recent hits “Say Something” and “Boderline.” 

Ella Mai sang her latest single “Not Another Love Song.” Lucky Daye shut the stage down with Babyface for a performance of their new collaboration “Shoulda.” Charlie Wilson performed a duet with Smokey Robinson before honouring the memory of gospel legend Rance Allen with a rousing tribute.

Additional performers included Jazmine Sullivan, Snoh Aalegra and CeeLo Green. After accepting the Lady of Soul Award, Monica brought down the house with a jam-packed performance of her chart-topping hits.

In addition to electrifying performances, this year’s highly anticipated Soul Cypher featured R&B stars PJ Morton, Chanté Moore, Shanice and Stokely. Ella Nicole and Moses Sumney took the BET Amplified Music Stage, a platform for emerging artists. Presenters included Andra Day, Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Deon Cole, Nicco Annan, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri and Brandee Evans.

The full winners' list for 2020 “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” is below:

- Best New Artist – Snoh Aalegra

- Soul Train Certified Award –Brandy

- Best R&B/Soul Male Artist – Chris Brown

- Best R&B/Soul Female Artist – H.E.R.

- Video of the Year – Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn & Wizkid “Brown Skin Girl”

- Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Kirk Franklin

- Album of the Year – Summer Walker “Over It”

- Rhythm & Bars Award – Megan Thee Stallion “Savage”

- Song of the Year – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”

- The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award – “I Can’t Breathe,” Written by H.E.R.

- Best Dance Performance – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”

- Best Collaboration Performance – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/02/wizkid-wins-bet-soul-train-music-awards-for-second-time/

What I would do in response to the latest massacre in Borno State

1. Register and licence local vigilante groups

2. Establish 20 Nigerian Army battalions in strategic towns across the northeast

3. Commence building of a fence along the borders with Chad/Cameroon/Niger

4. Offer free uniforms and school meals to all youths in the area to encourage education

5. Get the Lake Chad Basin Authority to create 30,000 jobs in the northeast

6. Build six special high-security prisons for Boko Haram fighters where they can be trained and equipped with vocational skills

7. Establish a special paramilitary force which will be trained in rescue missions to deal with matters like the Chibok girls

8. Establish a special anti-terrorist brigade in say Damaturu, Dikwa or Chibok

9. Double soldiers allowances and offer a special bonus to anyone asked to serve in the northeast

10. Sign foreign defence pacts with say South Africa and China which commits them to assist military, supplying equipment and training personnel

Written by:

Ayo Akinfe, born in Salford, Manchester, is a London-based journalist who has worked as a magazine and newspaper editor for the last 20 years. Ayo attended Federal Government College Kaduna and obtained his first degree in history from the University of Ibadan.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/12/01/what-i-would-do-in-response-to-the-latest-massacre-in-borno-state/

China is imposing preliminary anti-dumping measures on wine imports from Australia including tariffs up to 200%, in a move that Australia has described as unjustifiable.

The announcement was made by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on 27 November, with tariffs between 107.1% to 212.1% coming into force the day after. Despite calling the tariffs temporary, China has announced no fixed end dates.

Australia says the move looks to be about diplomatic grievances rather than any action by winemakers, as reported by Reuters. Australia’s trade minister Simon Birmingham said the tariffs were a devastating blow to businesses who trade with China, as it “will render unviable for many businesses, their wine trade with China”.

The move comes after China launched an anti-dumping probe into Australian wine imports back in August and a build-up of tension between the two countries over commodities trade.

This year, China has imposed tariffs on Australian barley, suspended meat imports, while Chinese importers were told to expect customs delays across seven categories of Australian products from coal to seafood from November.

According to the government, China takes 37% of Australia’s total wine exports, an industry worth AUD 2.9 billion ($2.14 billion).

Importers bringing in Australian wine will now need to pay deposits to China’s customs authority, which will be calculated based on different rates the authority has assigned to various companies.

Treasury Wine Estates – which saw its share price fall more than 13% after the announcement was made – is required to pay 169.3%, making it the highest among all the named wine firms.   

“The Australian Government categorically rejects any allegation that our wine producers are dumping product into China, and we continue to believe there is no basis or any evidence for these claims,” said Australia’s agriculture minister, David Littleproud.

As reported by Reuters, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the measures were in line with Chinese laws and regulations and urged Australia to do more to enhance mutual trust between the countries.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/30/china-imposes-up-to-200-tariffs-on-australian-wine-imports/

NAICOM Officially Issues Operating Licences for Heirs Holdings New Group Insurance Companies

The Nigerian Federal Government, through the insurance regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has officially issued the operating licences for Heirs Holdings new Group insurance companies – Heirs Insurance Limited (HIL) and Heirs Life Assurance Limited (HLA).

This represents a further important milestone in a long-term strategic journey in providing much needed, quality, and valuable financial services, to a broad demographic in Nigeria.

Heirs Holdings Group Chairman and TEF Founder, Tony Elumelu stated,

Insurance should not be a luxury, and just as we have democratised other sectors, we will democratise insurance – applying our tried and tested business philosophies and execution ability.

Fuelled by the determination to improve lives and leave a legacy in the African private sector, we have embarked on this journey to revolutionise the insurance space – deploying technology, customer understanding and operational excellence.

It has been an eight-year-long journey, but with the optimism and the resilience that has brought us this far, it has been worth the wait.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/29/naicom-officially-issues-operating-licences-for-our-new-group-insurance-companies/

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When was the last time you took a break from stressful activities?

As the year finally comes to a much-awaited end, Star Radler will be visiting some offices this week to ease the stress with its recently relaunched look and new flavour. Accompanied by your favs, Erica Nlewedim and Eloozonam, the brand is definitely bringing some of these exciting moments to you.

Here’s why you should follow the tour:

Twice the Refreshment

Erica, Elozonam and Star Radler, will be visiting several offices, across Lagos, encouraging consumers to have fun, while sharing Radler Moments. With its recently relaunched new look and a new variant, Red Fruit, everyone will definitely experience twice the refreshment and catch some good vibes. Add some finger foods to the mix, and you can never go wrong.

The Instagrammable Background

Remember how we talked about taking a little vacay right there in your office? Well, this beautiful instagram-mable background and swing bring you the Greecian experience and with the new Star Radler ‘Red Fruit’ variant, do not miss the opportunity to capture an insta-worthy moment when the tour comes to you.

Radler Moments

The fun thing about the tour is that it goes beyond physical activities, so do not worry if Star Radler does not make it to your office, share your exciting moments with a can or bottle of Star Radler using the hashtag — #RadlerMoments, and they just might find you.

Also, look out for other fun activities that will be announced on the Star Radler’s social media pages.

The Celebrities

Even though we mentioned it, permit us to mention it again!

The Radler Moments tour has your favourite celebrities on it, Erica Nlewedim and Elozonam Ogbolu. Cool right?

With Erica bringing the calm vibes, fun and all forms of playfulness, Elozonam definitely brought the adventure, and fun cruise to the tour, people got to take pictures with them, ask them any fun questions you’ve got, experience the taste of both Star Radler flavours, and discover each other’s favourites.

So there you have it. Join the experience, hop on the tour and share your Radler Moments on social media, using the hashtag #RadlerMomentsTour. Who knows, the brand may have something special planned for you.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/29/radlermoments-5-things-we-totally-love-about-the-star-radler-tour/

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It was the turn of the indigenes of Olooji community, Ijebu-East, Ogun state. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) delivered a 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid designed to adequately serve this off-grid community in Ogun state.

With amazing landscape and welcoming indigenes, Olooji community is actually located 60Km off the city, into the forest reserve of Ogun State.

This intervention was successfully delivered under the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Fund (REF). The Executive Director, REF, Sanusi Ohiare encouraged the indigenes to optimise the impact of this intervention while using this access to clean, safe and reliable energy productively.

The MD/CEO of REA, Ahmad Salihijo, while sharing his remarks, explained to the community members that he strongly believes that the quality of lives will be improved and children will have better learning experiences with access to reliable electricity in Olooji community.

While thanking our Host, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his support and encouragement, and commended the community for their cooperation with the REA team and the Mini-Grid developer, ACOB Lighting Technology Limited.

Hon Commissioner, Rural Development Engr. Oludotun Taiwo, representing His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, officially handed over the intervention to the Olooji Community, which was also witnessed by HRH Oba A. A Oguntayo, Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife land.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/29/solar-hybrid-mini-grid-rea-electrifies-ogun-state-community-after-200-years-photos/

This road project is part of Governor Kayode Fayemi initiatives to improve inter-connectivity of communities, access to markets & industrial enterprises within Ekiti State.

Unlike the existing Ado-Iyin-Igede-Aramoko road which has winding and undulating alignments, the new road being constructed will reduce the carnage, road users’ cost, travel time (less than 15mins) and boost socio-economic activities.

Also, this process guarantees sustained operations of commerce and the provision of jobs and incentives for investments.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6xH4ZVeWPA

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/25/video-construction-of-a-4-lane-dual-carriage-new-ado-iyin-aramoko-itawure-road-is-ongoing/

The Lagos State Examinations Board has rescheduled the Year 2020 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) resit test earlier fixed for Saturday, December 5, 2020, to Thursday, 3rd December 2020.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Board explained that the shift in date became necessary due to the forthcoming by-elections in Lagos East Senatorial District and Kosofe Constituency II fixed for December 5, 2020.

The Board, therefore, implored stakeholders especially School Principals, to take note of the new date and ensure that affected candidates are duly informed.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/25/lagos-examinations-board-reschedules-y2020-bece-resit-test/

Leading smartphone brand, OPPO Mobile Nigeria is set to storm SLOT Ola Ayeni and  SLOT Medical Road with a brand partner, Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe tomorrow, 25th of November, 2020.

Fans and lovers of the brand will get to enjoy multiple jaw-dropping discounts including an instant N10,000 discount when they buy an OPPO A93 and an Enco W31, N5,000 discount when they buy an OPPO phone with an Enco W31 and a N4,000 discount when they buy an OPPO phone and an Enco W11.

The event will be an opportunity for customers and tech enthusiasts to experience the recently launched OPPO A93 first hand alongside other OPPO smartphones whilst they partake in a meet and greet session with OPPO brand partner, Laycon.

OPPO Mobile Nigeria has also reeled out plans to engage customers and create memorable experiences for fans with performances from Laycon and other artistes.

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series.

Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 4 R& Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO’s employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/25/oppo-nigeria-set-to-kick-off-market-storm-with-brand-partner-laycon/

Yes o!

Professional roller-skater Nigerian born British Tinuke’s Orbit (aka Tinuke Oyediran), age 27 years has broken the record for most cartwheels on roller skates in one minute with 30 and the most spins on e-skates in one minute with 70 in celebration of Guinness World Records Day 2020.

A circus performer and skating teacher by trade, Tinuke set herself these challenges at the beginning of lockdown to pass the time and soon realised that her talents could be recorded worthy.

As she progressed with her skills, Tinuke started pushing herself further and used her record attempts as a means of motivation at a time when she really needed some.

"Achieving both of these records has made my lockdown dreams a reality! For anyone who has struggled with lockdown like I did, setting yourself a challenge really can help you get through and I encourage everyone to just go for it," Tinuke said.

"I never thought I would be standing here now with two Guinness World Records titles at the end of this year so I’m so pleased that the practise paid off." Tinuke describes her cartwheel record as “hardcore” due to the fact it relies on her having amazing upper body strength.

She had to put her entire body weight PLUS another 5kg due to the weight of her skates onto one arm throughout her attempt to complete the cartwheel motion. To be able to do this she has to practice once a week. She can't do any more than that, as if she does it more often it can cause pain and put a lot of strain on her muscles. The e-skate spins use a whole different muscle group. Tinuke relies on her inner thighs to be able to do the 360-degree spin trick which leaves them feeling like they are on fire.

In order to spin, she has to bring her legs together tightly and keep them there whilst pushing her toes forward on one foot and pushing back on her heel with the other.

Both records are a serious workout!

Tinuke started off her roller-skating career in a show called Starlight Express which she did in Germany for two years. She describes the show as "the most ’80s, a glam-rock musical on roller skates you have ever seen! It is fab" and this is where she was taught to roller skate - whilst covered in glitter, of course!

Afterwards, she returned to London and joined a group called Marawa’s Majorettes (also Guinness World Records title holders). Marawa’s Majorettes she started to hula hoop whilst roller skating at the same time! Since then Tinuke has skated all over the world and teaches classes on roller skating and hula hooping.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/18/nigerian-born-british-tinukes-orbit-breaks-two-new-records-for-guinness-world-record-day-2020/

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) index, which this year reports the prices of 138 goods and services in about 130 major cities as at September 2020, has risen by just 0.3 points on average over the past year.

The three most expensive cities in the world are Hong Kong, Zurich (Switzerland) and Paris (France). Zurich and Paris have overtaken Singapore and Osaka (Japan), which have slipped down the rankings.

Cities in the Americas, Africa and Eastern Europe have become less expensive since last year, while Western European cities have become costlier. This partly reflects a rise in European currencies against the US dollar.

Of the ten categories covered by this report, tobacco and recreation (including consumer electronics) have seen the biggest price increases since last year, while clothing prices have seen the steepest decline.

The 30th edition of the World Cost of Living Index shows how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the cost of living in 133 cities around the world since the start of 2020. Of the ten categories covered by this report, tobacco and recreation (including consumer electronics) have seen the biggest price increases since last year, while clothing prices have seen the steepest decline.

This report will focus on how the cost of goods has changed—owing to currency volatility, supply chain problems, the impact of taxes and subsidies, and shifts in consumer preferences—and how global consumer goods companies can adapt to the situation.

Overall, the biggest price gains in US dollar terms have been in Tehran (Iran), whose overall WCOL index has risen by ten points amid US sanctions, which have impacted the supply of goods.

However, although Tehran may have climbed almost 30 places, from 106th place to 79th position, prices in the city remain far below those in the three most expensive cities in the world, Hong Kong, Zurich and Paris. Zurich and Paris have overtaken Singapore and Osaka, which have slipped down the WCOL rankings from joint-first last year (with Hong Kong) to numbers four and five.

Prices in Singapore fell as the pandemic led to an exodus of foreign workers. With the city state’s overall population contracting for the first time since 2003, demand has declined and deflation has set in.

Osaka has seen similar trends, with consumer prices stagnating and the Japanese government subsidising costs such as public transport. The biggest price drops have taken place in Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo (both in Brazil), reflecting weak currencies and rising poverty levels.

Local currency exchange-rate movement against the dollar caused many of the shifts in the WCOL rankings, given that cities are compared using an index in which New York City is the base city. In general, currency weakness has followed the pandemic as it spread across the world from Asia to Latin America. By September 2020, when our survey was taken, currencies were weakest in the Americas and strongest in Western Europe.

Supply-chain problems have also affected price trends in our 2020 survey, with shortages of goods such as toilet roll and pasta fuelling price increases in some categories. Tehran’s leap in the ranking is directly linked to US sanctions, which have stopped imports in several categories.

lIn certain cities, government actions have driven price changes. Some countries (such as in Argentina) have imposed new price controls amid high demand from panic buyers. Others have raised taxes to offset revenue shortfalls. For example, the oil price slump led the Saudi government to raise value-added tax (VAT) from 5% to 15% from July 2020.

Many countries have seen a sharp fall in disposable incomes, despite government support. Consumers have responded by increasing precautionary savings and slashing spending.

Changes in lifestyles caused by the pandemic have also influenced prices—for example, stay-at-home shoppers have new views on the goods and services that they see as essential.

The 2020 WCOL survey shows that, while most prices for consumer goods and services have remained fairly flat over the past year in the world’s major cities, the pandemic has impacted particular categories differently. With many shops closed during lockdowns, the prices of essential products have been more resilient than those of non-essential goods, while prices for products that appeal as impulse purchases.

to shoppers browsing retailers’ shelves have been hard-hit. What consumers see as essential has also shifted. Bottled water is not a surprise, but meal-preparation kits have replaced restaurant meals for many middle-class families.

Amid the pandemic, price-conscious consumers have also opted for cheaper products in many countries, increasing-price competition for less-expensive goods. Low demand has had a particular impact on clothing prices, for example.

On the other hand, high-earning consumers have been comparatively unaffected by the pandemic. While they are likely to shop less, prices of premium products have remained resilient. Supply-chain problems have also had differing impacts on different goods, pushing up the price of high-demand products such as computers in some cities.

Prices for consumer staples were flat overall

While the prices of packaged goods, such as coffee, cheese, rice and orange juice, rose across most cities in the latest WCOL survey, the average index for the food and grocery category remained flat. However, the index for the shopping basket, which includes a variety of food items and non-alcoholic beverages, fell in 2020 for 50 of the cities surveyed.

Latin America and Africa accounted for most of the declines, mainly owing to weak local currencies and raised poverty levels. Caracas, Rio de Janeiro and Lusaka saw some of the steepest declines in the shopping basket index. One of the biggest increases was in Tehran, where US sanctions led to supply challenges. All eight Chinese cities saw increases.

Alcohol prices exhibited an upward trend, with prices of local beers holding up better than those for the top brands. While bars are shut in many cities, overall demand remains strong. Online sales are high in cities where they are allowed. In some countries, such as India, prices rose owing to increased taxes.

The mean index for tobacco reported the highest year-on-year increase for any non-durable goods. All five Australian cities saw double-digit increases in the tobacco index, while three US cities— Cleveland, Boston and Pittsburgh—were among those that saw steep falls.

Of the ten product categories covered by this report, clothing was the only one to see an average fall in the index, dropping by more than 1 point. Sales of clothing and footwear plummeted as non--essential stores were shut in most countries during lockdowns. Despite a shift to online retailing, many consumers delayed wardrobe changes. Fast-fashion brands and department stores were the most affected, and the resulting glut weighed on prices. We expect global consumer spending on clothing to fall by over 9% in 2020 and recovery to be slow over the next few years.

What to expect in 2021

Although much will depend on the course of the pandemic, we expect many of the above price trends to continue into 2021. With the global economy unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2022, spending will remain restricted and prices under downward pressure. Many price-conscious consumers will prioritise spending on staples, home entertainment and faster internet access. Big-ticket items, as well as clothing and out-of-home recreation, will continue to struggle.

Laptop and smartphone prices will also bear the brunt of tariff wars, as will many items in the food basket. Imported goods will remain susceptible to currency fluctuations. We expect online sales to continue to expand their share of total retail sales in 2021. However, even online retailers will struggle to find new sources of revenue and will rely on price competition to boost volumes.

Consumer companies looking to establish a pricing strategy must evaluate whether remote working will be a temporary or permanent trend in their markets, as this will determine how they package or sell products. Food sales will focus on family meals, rather than one-person lunches. Safer packaging will win out, as will price and convenience.

Above all, pricing and sales strategies will be driven by lockdown rules. Where only essential retail is permitted, competitive one-stop-shopping destinations, including online marketplaces (such as Tmall, Shopee and Amazon) and real-world superstores (such as Walmart, Costco and Carrefour), will do well.

Until recently, online retail has favoured international brands, but this advantage is now being eroded. direct-to-customer channels will give companies better control over pricing and inventory. Tying up with retailers with omnichannel presence will be key for packaged goods makers.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/18/here-are-the-worlds-top-10-most-expensive-cities-after-covid-19-shuffles-ranking/

Brazzaville/Kinshasa, 18 November 2020 – Today marks the end of the 11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), nearly six months after the first cases were reported in Equateur Province. The outbreak took place in communities scattered across dense rain forests as well as crowded urban areas, creating logistical challenges. These were surmounted due to the leadership of the government and local communities, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners.

WHO congratulates responders and all those who tirelessly tracked cases, provided treatment, engaged communities and vaccinated more than 40 000 people at high risk and thanks to a wide range of partners for their support. Vaccinators used innovative cold chain storage to keep the Ebola vaccine at temperatures as low as -80 degrees Celsius.

The ARKTEK freezers can keep vaccines at very low temperatures in the field for up to a week and enabled responders to vaccinate people in communities without electricity.

“Overcoming one of the world’s most dangerous pathogens in remote and hard to access communities demonstrates what is possible when science and solidarity come together,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“The technology used to keep the Ebola vaccine at super-cold temperatures will be helpful when bringing a COVID-19 vaccine to Africa. Tackling Ebola in parallel with COVID-19 hasn’t been easy, but much of the expertise we’ve built in one disease is transferrable to another and underlines the importance of investing in emergency preparedness and building local capacity.”

The outbreak in western DRC, announced on 1 June 2020, came as another Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country was winding down, and finally declared over on 25 June 2020. The two outbreaks were geographically far apart. Genetic sequencing analysis found that they were unrelated. By the end of the current 11th Ebola outbreak in Equateur Province, there were 119 confirmed cases, 11 probable, 55 deaths and 75 people who had recovered.

Equateur Province was also the site of the country’s 9th Ebola outbreak, which was overcome in a little over three months in 2018 and had half as many cases reported. However, the response to the 11th Ebola outbreak had to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained resources and created difficulties around the movement of experts and supplies.

There were also challenges around a large number of cases in remote communities which were often only accessible by boat or helicopter and at times community resistance hampered response efforts.

Under the leadership of the DRC government, most responders were mobilized locally, and they moved quickly, despite important logistical and access difficulties. Vaccination efforts began just four days after the outbreak was declared. Around 90% of the vaccinators were from local communities. 

The response also tapped into the expertise of local health workers trained during the two recent outbreaks in the DRC. Responders worked closely with community members to increase understanding of the virus by visiting more than 574 000 households and providing more than 3 million people with pertinent health and safety information.

At the height of the outbreak, there were more than 100 WHO experts on the ground, supporting the government’s response. While the 11th outbreak is over, there is a need for continued vigilance and maintaining strong surveillance as potential flare-ups are possible in the months to come. In this regard, WHO and other partners are currently conducting important actions for improving critical operational capacities in Equateur province, including training frontline workers.  

The end of this outbreak serves as a reminder that governments and partners must continue to focus attention on other emergencies, even as the fight against COVID-19 persists. There is a need for greater investment in strengthening the core capacities of countries in the implementation of the International Health Regulations. Enhancing preparedness will lead to an improved response to threats arising from epidemic-prone diseases and result in less social and economic impact.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/18/11th-ebola-outbreak-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-declared-over/

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Okeke (6’8”, 230, 8/18/98) was selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft

ORLANDO, United States of America, November 17, 2020,/ — The Orlando Magic have signed rookie forward Chuma Okeke (CHOO-muh oh-KEE-kee), President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chuma (Okeke) to the team,” said Weltman. “He’s demonstrated all of the characteristics that we had seen in him when we drafted him and we look forward to him starting his career with us.”

Okeke (6’8”, 230, 8/18/98) was selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft. He played and started in 38 games during the 2018-19 campaign as a sophomore at Auburn University, averaging 12.0 ppg., 6.8 rpg., 1.9 apg., 1.82 stlpg. and 1.21 blkpg. in 29.1 minpg., while shooting .387 (55-142) from three-point range.

Okeke led the Tigers in rebounding, steals (third in the SEC) and blocked shots. He was named to the 2019 SEC All-Tournament Team and the 2019 All-Midwest Regional Team.

Okeke helped the Tigers reach the 2019 NCAA Final Four, but sustained a season-ending knee injury (torn left ACL) during their Sweet Sixteen win against North Carolina. During that contest, he became the first Auburn player since 2000 and fifth ever to record 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in a NCAA Tournament game.

Okeke played in 72 career games (38 starts) during two seasons (2017-19) at Auburn University, averaging 9.9 ppg., 6.3 rpg., 1.5 apg. and 1.28 stlpg. in 25.5 minpg., while shooting .389 (89-229) from three-point range.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/17/orlando-magic-sign-rookie-chuma-okeke/

Nov. 17, 2020 – Hyundai was named 2021 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report today. Hyundai has a full lineup of award-winning SUVs including the Hyundai Palisade, Santa Fe, Kona, Kona EV, subcompact Venue, NEXO and all-new 2022 Tucson for a variety of customer preferences.

Hyundai recently announced plans for 12 new and significantly enhanced SUVs through 2021. The Best Vehicle Brands methodology used the combined overall scores from the U.S. News Best Cars rankings across all models in each of the award classes.

The overall ranking scores are based on the U.S. News & World Report’s analysis of published, credible reviews from the automotive press, as well as safety and reliability data. Many of these reviews evaluated the interior, exterior, value, performance and tech features of each vehicle.

“With a fresh and new lineup of SUVs in all sizes, Hyundai wins the Best SUV Brand award for the first time,” said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor, U.S. News & World Report.

“The Hyundai SUV lineup ranges from the large and luxurious Hyundai Palisade to the midsize Santa Fe, compact Tucson and subcompact Venue. With so many updated models, Hyundai SUVs win points for offering buyers the latest in driver assistance and infotainment technology at an affordable price.”

“As Hyundai continues to recognize the needs of our current and future customers, we are elated to receive such a prestigious accolade by U.S. News & World Report for the 2021 Best SUV Brand during one of the most competitive SUV retail markets yet,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America.

“We know that shoppers have different needs, so at Hyundai, we’ve developed an all-encompassing SUV lineup that exceeds those needs.”

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America.

Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car-buying journey, offering advice for researching cars, finding cars for sale near you and getting the best rate on car insurance.

U.S. News Best Cars had more than 73 million visitors over the past year, with the majority actively shopping for a car. Eighty percent of active shoppers reported that the U.S. News Best Cars site influenced their car purchasing decision.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/11/17/hyundai-named-2021-best-suv-brand-by-u-s-news-world-report/