₦airaland Forum

Lagos State Government, on Monday, began the training of no fewer than 450 young entrepreneurs in a five-week intensive training on the use of coconut waste in arts and crafts under its waste to wealth initiative.

A statement issued by the Office of the State Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, explained that the waste to wealth initiative was in line with the State Government’s developmental T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy as well as contributing to the tourism potentials of the State.

Olusanya stated that the objectives of achieving the goals of sustainable development and waste management were the outstanding global challenges, stressing that finding innovative solutions for effective management of waste remained difficult as the breakdown of waste required special processes that involve time, energy and expense.

According to her, coconuts have the potential to produce electricity, heat, fiberboards, organic fertilizer, animal feeds, fuel additives for cleaner emissions, eco-friendly cutlery, health drinks, and many more.

The Acting Commissioner averred that most people saw coconut shells as waste and as such disposed of them carelessly while others in the rural areas used them as firewood, adding that the shells can, however, be recycled into artistic products such as jewellery, cutlery, indoor and outdoor decorative items and many more.

In her words: “The Lagos State Government, through Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, LASCODA, is commencing a five-week training on the use of coconut waste in arts and crafts. It is a waste to wealth initiative in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration”.

“The coconut tree, also known as the tree of life, is said to have no single part of it wasted. This training puts this fact to use, while also empowering the participants so that they can begin to immediately earn a living from skills they would be taught”, she asserted.

Olusanya noted that the training would hold in five batches of five days each, with 18 trainees per batch, beginning from Monday, 13th July 2020 to 14th August 2020, where participants would be taught how to make various artistic items and practicals, marketing and credit acquisition.

She stated further that the training would serve as a waste to wealth opportunity and a worthwhile venture for selected young entrepreneurs, while fully entailing theoretical concepts and detailed practical sessions which, when concluded, would optimise the use of coconut shells, a major waste product in coconut processing.

“Coconut is abundant in our country Nigeria and consumed by most people but we are not aware of its great potential of creating wealth. The coconut shells which most people see as waste and dispose of them improperly can be recycled into artistic products.

This also helps in sustaining the environment. As we are acquiring skills, we are also learning to sustain our environment. Sustainability of the environment is our goal. To achieve this, we are converting waste into valuable items for our use”, the Acting Commissioner explained.

She added that the training was part of the Ministry of Agriculture's contribution to the development of the tourism sector in the State as the production of some of the artistic products from coconut shells would reflect the rich cultural heritage of the people.

Olusanya, therefore, encouraged other sectors where waste can be recycled to embrace the waste to wealth initiative as it could bring back discarded waste products into economic use and lead to a reduction of pressure induced by waste on the environment while also creating opportunities for income and employment generation in a relatively new area, thereby enhancing economic activities.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/14/lagos-trains-450-entrepreneurs-in-coconut-waste-to-wealth-initiative/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all authorised dealers to immediately discontinue the processing of Forms M for maize/corn importation into the country.

The CBN gave this directive in a notice that was addressed to authorised dealers and signed by Dr O.S Nnaji, CBN’s Director in charge of Trade and Exchange Department.

The apex bank highlighted four main reasons for the directive to discontinue maize importation into the country.

The stated reasons are:

- To increase local production
- To stimulate a rapid economic recovery
- To safeguard rural livelihoods
- To increase jobs

In line with this, all the authorised dealers have been told to return all the Forms M they have already registered for the purpose of importing maize. They are to return the forms on or before Wednesday, July 15, 2020. 

The notice shared by the Apex bank reads:

“As part of efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to increase local production, stimulate a rapid economic recovery, safeguard rural livelihoods, and increase jobs which were lost as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Authorised Dealers are hereby directed to discontinue the processing of Forms M for the importation of Maize/Corn with immediate effect. 

“Accordingly, all Authorised Dealers are hereby requested to submit the list of Forms M already registered for the importation of Maize/Corn using the attached format on or before the close of business on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Please ensure strict compliance.”

Earlier in the year, the CBN added milk and dairy products to the list of items not eligible for forex. However, the bank exempted six companies from the restriction. The exempted companies have begun investments in local milk production as part of the central bank’s backward integration plan.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/13/cbn-bans-importation-of-maize-into-nigeria/

Diageo has created the world’s first-ever 100% plastic-free paper-based spirits bottle, made entirely from sustainably sourced wood. The bottle will debut with Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky, in early 2021.

It has been created through a new partnership with Pilot Lite, a venture management company, to launch Pulpex Limited, a new world-leading sustainable packaging technology company.

To ensure that the technology can be used in every area of life, Pulpex Limited has established a partner consortium of world-leading FMCG companies in non-competing categories including Unilever, and PepsiCo, with further partners expected to be announced later in the year.

The consortium partners are each expecting to launch their own branded paper bottles, based on Pulpex Limited’s design and technology, in 2021.

“WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE CREATED THIS WORLD FIRST. WE ARE CONSTANTLY STRIVING TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES WITHIN SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING AND THIS BOTTLE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE TRULY GROUND-BREAKING. IT FEELS FITTING THAT WE SHOULD LAUNCH IT WITH JOHNNIE WALKER, A BRAND THAT HAS OFTEN LED THE WAY IN INNOVATION THROUGHOUT ITS 200 YEARS EXISTENCE.” - Ewan Andrew
CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER, DIAGEO PLC

Pulpex Limited has developed a ‘first-of-its-kind’ scalable paper-based bottle designed and developed to be 100% plastic-free and expected to be fully recyclable. The bottle is made from sustainably sourced pulp to meet food-safe standards and will be fully recyclable in standard waste streams.

The technology will allow brands to rethink their packaging designs, or move existing designs into paper, whilst not compromising on the existing quality of the product.

Pulpex Limited’s technology allows it to produce a variety of plastic-free, single mould bottles that can be used across a range of consumer goods.

The packaging has been designed to contain a variety of liquid products and will form part of Diageo’s commitment towards Goal 12 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/13/diageo-to-unveil-johnnie-walker-whisky-in-paper-bottles-in-2021/

Domestic debt service increased by 295% from Q4 2019 to ₦609 billion in Q1 2020. FGN bonds made up 80% of the domestic debt service. Total debt increased by 4% from last quarter to ₦27.4 trillion, made up of 65% domestic debt and 35% external debt.

According to the Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt Q1 2020 report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s total public debt showed that N9.99trn or 34.89% of the debt was external while N18.64trn or 65.11% of the debt was domestic.

Of the domestic debt of N18.64 trillion, the federal government’s share alone is N14.53 trillion compared to Q4 2019 when the total domestic debt was N18.37 trillion with the federal government accounting for N14.27 trillion.

Similarly, States and FCT domestic debt was put at N4.11trillion with Lagos state accounting for 10.8% of the total domestic debt stock while Yobe State has the least debt stock in this category with a contribution of 0.7%.

Federal government’s domestic debt service for Q1 also increased to N609.13 billion compared to N254.04 billion in Q4 of 2019.

Abia State accounted for N69.63 billion of the domestic debt stock of states, Adawawa N101.58 billion, Akwa Ibom N240.03 billion, Anambra N33.91 billion, Bauchi N100.40 billion, Bayelsa N154.95 billion, Benue N116.19 billion, Borno N83.38 billion and Cross River N165.91 billion within the review period.

Others include Delta N230.75 billion, Ebonyi N42.41 billion, Edo N84.76 billion, Ekiti N77.89 billion, Enugu N62.98 billion, Gombe N82.50 billion, Imo N163.99 billion, Jigawa N36.02 billion, Kaduna N78.69 billion, Kano N107.75 billion, Katsina N66.16 billion, Kebbi N69.26 billion and Kogi N128.91 billion.

Others are Kwara N62.89 billion, Nasarawa N60.99 billion, Niger N59.83 billion, Ogun N143.53, Ondo N65.29 billion, Osun N137.30 billion, Oyo N100.59 billion, Plateau N130.72 billion, Rivers N266.93 billion, Sokoto N47.74 billion, Taraba N81.26 billion, and Zamfara N70.84 billion as well as the FCT with N106.80 billion.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/13/domestic-debt-service-increased-by-295-in-q1-2020-nbs/

Only 5.7% of households in Nigeria were recipients of remittances from international sources between 2018 and 2019, while 52.7% of Nigerian households received their remittances from within the country.

This was reported in the "Household data for the Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS), NLSS 2018-19" collected for the first large scale household survey in a decade, focusing on measuring living conditions of the population between September of 2018 and October of 2019, by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Nigeria Living Standard Survey (NLSS) is a nationwide intervention and a collaborative effort of multiple agencies. The intervention has been led by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with technical assistance from the World Bank.

The average national remittance stood at ₦84,841, with over 80% of the funds being used for consumption. Kebbi, Edo and Ogun state received the highest amounts.

The state of Kebbi has the largest share of household-remittance-recipients – 81.4 per cent and the state of Sokoto has the lowest number, only 5.6 per cent receive any remittance.

The average value of domestic remittance is 62,492 Naira and of international remittance is 84,741 Naira. More than 80 per cent of households who receive remittance report using the transfers for consumption purposes.

It also noted that the highest household size is in Jigawa state at 8.15 persons and the lowest is in Ekiti state where on average the household is composed of 3.5 family members NBS further stated: “On average 18.8 percent of households in Nigeria is headed by female household member. That share is generally higher in urban areas at 21.4 percent as against 17.1 percent in rural areas. “The lowest share of female headed households is in Niger state with only 1.9 percent and highest is in Ebonyi State with 36.0 percent.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/09/only-5-7-of-nigerian-households-received-remittances-from-abroad-nbs/

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Housing, is set to renovate, beautify and upgrade its existing Estates to meet 21st Century standards.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola, who disclosed this at a virtual meeting with the Residents Associations and Facility Managers of various State-owned Estates on Wednesday, decried the present state of some of the Estates, saying that the faded externals do not befit the Greater Lagos image.

Akewusola, represented at the virtual meeting by the State Director of Estates, Mrs. Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi, revealed that the State Government is considering the systematic upgrade of the aesthetics of existing estates in order to enhance the quality of life of the residents.

“The Lagos State Government is committed to making the environment livable for all the residents of the State-owned estates. We are working out a plan through which a sinking fund comprising of contributions by residents is made available for the upgrade”, he said.

He appealed to the Residents' Associations and the Facility Managers assigned to work in each Estate to do so harmoniously in order to achieve the set goals and objectives of the exercise, noting that, henceforth, both the Residents' Associations and Facility Managers will be signatories to the bank accounts meant for the maintenance of the joint facilities in the Estates.

While seizing the opportunity of the online forum to appeal to residents who are in default of their payments to the State Government to pay up, Akewusola hinted that a Taskforce will soon be empowered to commence enforcement on outstanding payments.

“I am aware of the economic situation of the country and the setback the pandemic has caused various businesses but l wish to solicit that those with outstanding payments should strive to pay up. Very soon, a Taskforce will visit the Estates to enforce payments and or penalise defaulters”, the Permanent Secretary said.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/08/lasg-to-renovate-upgrade-its-housing-estates/

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday restated his administration's commitment to the continued provision of adequate security of lives and properties of Lagosians, saying it remains a major priority of his government.

The Governor stated this at the State House, Marina when he received 16 security operations vehicles donated to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls in the State.'

Speaking during the handing over of the security operations vehicles to LSSTF, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured SNEPCo that the vehicles would be put to good use.

He said the presentation of the 16 vehicles was in fulfilment of the promise SNEPCo made to Lagos State Security Trust Fund during a dinner held a few months ago by Lagos State Government to seek support from the private sector.

He said: “We are excited because this is another confirmation of collaboration, another promise kept and another public-private partnership that is working for us in Lagos State.

“A couple of months back, even way before COVID-19, we had met at a dinner where we asked and solicited for support from our private sector operators in Lagos and SNEPCo was present at that dinner and they humbly committed to providing something for the state.

“So this was a commitment that was made to us months back but we are indeed happy that despite the very difficult terrain all of us have gone through, they have been able to make it, together with their joint partners - NNPC, Exxon Mobil and other partners.

“They are doing this because we as a government have shown consistent transparency in how we deal with them. We have shown that each time they support us, the support gets to the people and we get to use it for what the support is meant for.

Sanwo-Olu further assured the oil conglomerates that the State Government will continue to see them as development partners in the project of Lagos.

“We have different roles to play but we will continue to collaborate.

“We can assure you that the men that continue to keep us save will get these vehicles. We will determine how they go round. But you can be assured that none of them will be kept in governor’s residence. It will go to the people that truly require them and they will be used for the reason for which they were given.” Sanwo-Olu said.

Speaking on behalf of NNPC, the Group General Manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, said the presentation of the operations vehicles is to support the unrelenting effort of Governor Sanwo-Olu in keeping over 20 million residents of Lagos State and their properties safe.

Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Clementina Arubi, also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team for their commitment in the fight against COVID-19 in Lagos State, the epicentre of coronavirus in Nigeria.

“Today in line with our GMD’s principles of Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE), which are to be delivered in a safe and secure environment, leveraging technology and innovation, we are very proud to handover 16 security operations vehicles to Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to support the unrelenting effort of the Governor in keeping over 20 million residents of Lagos State and their properties safe,” she said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mr Bayo Ojulari, said the presentation of the 16 security vehicles to Lagos State Security Trust Fund is to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls, which are considered to be critical to crime prevention.

His words: “SNEPCo and indeed Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) recognise the tremendous work the Lagos State government is doing to strengthen security in the state amidst limited resources. Our keen and constant evaluation of the state of our community always helps to identify gaps where we believe we can intervene to make a difference.

“In this instance, we recognise the need to support the government's efforts in keeping the state safe, just as we have continued to support the state in two other areas- education and health. This, to a large extent, aligns with our priority of safety, health and development of our people and communities where we operate.

“Therefore, the 16 units of security vehicles being presented to the state's security trust fund is to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls which are considered to be critical to crime prevention.

Ojulari added that his company will continue to work with the state to seek other areas of collaboration and partnership.

Also speaking, the representative of one of the co-venture partners, Exxon Mobil, the Senior Manager, Security External Relations of Exxon Mobil, Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to continue to do the good work he is doing to ensure that the people of Lagos State are secured and safe.

Other members of the executive at the event include the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folasade Jaji and the Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Abdulrazaq Balogun, among others.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/08/sanwo-olu-security-remains-our-priority-as-nnpc-snepco-donate-16-vehicles-to-lsstf/

Nigeria's most innovative Non-Interest Bank, TAJBank, has announced the highly anticipated launch of TAJMall, the nation's first ethical online shopping mall.

The highly anticipated launch of the e-commerce site, which held recently, is coming close on the heels of the commencement of its Agency Banking Network which began in June across thirteen (13) states in the country.

To celebrate this milestone, the brand will be holding a week-long TAJMall campaign from 6th – 11th July 2020 to sensitize and also reward its new customers to its platform.

"This is a great milestone as we present a fully customer-focused e-commerce platform offering 100 per cent authentic brands from highly vetted vendors. Our mission is to rebuild trust in the online shopping niche, hence the emphasis on our platform being an ethical shopping mall. We want to deliver on our promise and make this an enjoyable and safe experience not just for our customers, but also for our numerous trusted vendors as well," said Founder/COO TAJBank, Hamid Joda.

"Our customers place absolute trust that goods will be delivered exactly as requested, and we do not take that trust lightly, he added.

The brand expressed commitment to continuously deploy technological tools on its new e- platform to maintain optimal customer service delivery and ensure shopping on TAJMall remains a productive and hassle-free experience.

Customers who log onto the tajmall.ng platform (or download the app), will have the opportunity to enjoy massive price slashes, shopping coupons, free shipping and other incredible offers. The Bank also intends to offer to finance to its customers who shop on the mall.

"Well beyond our exciting line up of activities, they have assured the highest level of value each time they make a purchase on TAJMall. Our marketing insights have shown that there is an increasing need to match the kind of variety in product offerings that customers yearn for with the exceptional shopping experience that may at times be lacking. We aim to make that an unmatched experience right from the moment our customers visit our mall to the receipt of their items," affirmed Co-Founder/CMO, Mr Sherif Idi.

Customers shopping on TAJ Mall are guaranteed 100% authenticity, official warranties from the brands, and a 5 day return policy at no extra cost to the customer.

About TAJMall

What is TAJMall? It is an ethical shopping mall with a carefully curated selection of local and international brands sold by strictly vetted brands.

Why shop on TAJMall? Shopping on TAJMall is an incredibly rewarding online shopping experience. As they can enjoy shopping for a wide assortment of authentic brands from authorized vendors.

Enjoy an incredible 10-day hassle-free return policy: If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase return your products within 5 days of delivery, with proof of purchase, at no extra cost.

What is an Ethical Online Mall? It's a shopping platform that offers products to the highest standards. There are no compromises in terms of quality of our products or our signature outstanding customer service delivery.

How to find TAJMall products?  Visit www.tajmall.ng for a full list of products spanning household items, groceries, electronics and so much more.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/08/tajbank-joins-e-commerce-giants-launches-nigerias-1st-ethical-online-mall/

Nigerian operator Globacom has cut international call tariffs by as much as 55 per cent. Globacom said the reduced tariffs come without any subscription fee and cover major destinations such as the UK, France, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Other countries covered by the reduction are Cameroon, Niger, Benin Republic, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire.

“UNITED KINGDOM WHICH USED TO COST BETWEEN N30 AND N130 PER MINUTE NOW COST BETWEEN N24 AND N100 PER MINUTE DEPENDING ON THE NETWORK THE CALL IS LANDING. SIMILARLY, CALLS TO SPAIN AND ITALY HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO N75 AND N60 PER MINUTE FROM N90 AND N130 RESPECTIVELY,”

The company further said that calls to South Africa will now attract N85 per minute instead of N150, while calls to Saudi Arabia will cost N55 per minute instead of the former N60 per minute.

The tariff for France and Ireland has been reduced to N50 and N40 respectively from N65 and N60, while calls to Cote d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Togo and Niger will now attract N150 instead of the old N200 per minute tariff.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/08/glo-cuts-cost-of-international-calls-by-up-to-55/

PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) announced its Board of Directors has elected Segun Agbaje as an independent member of the Board. Mr Agbaje, 56, will join the Board and the Audit Committee effective July 15, 2020. He currently serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, a Nigerian multinational financial institution.

"I am delighted to welcome Segun to the PepsiCo Board," said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO, Ramon Laguarta. "Segun is a well-respected and proven business leader with a deep understanding of complex businesses and fast-growing markets, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa where we recently acquired Pioneer Foods as part of our strategy to expand in the region. His experience in business transformation and passion for delivering consumer value will serve PepsiCo well as we continue our journey to be the global leader in convenient foods and beverages by winning with purpose."

Prior to becoming Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank plc in 2011, Agbaje held several positions at the bank after joining in 1991, including Executive Director and most recently Deputy Managing Director from 2002 to 2011. Previously, Agbaje served as an auditor for Ernst & Young LLP in the United States from 1988 to 1990.

"We look forward to Segun joining the PepsiCo Board and to the valued global perspective he will add to our team," said Daniel Vasella, chair of the Board's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. "His knowledge and experience of embracing and scaling new technologies and critical capabilities will be valuable as we continue to invest in opportunities that create shareholder value and deliver long-term sustainable growth."

Agbaje also currently serves as a director of MasterCard Advisory Board Middle East and Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/07/pepsico-elects-segun-agbaje-to-board-of-director/

Media Entrepreneur and owner of EbonyLife TV, Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu has announced that EbonyLife TV channel will no longer be available on DSTV come July 31.

Mo Abudu made this known via social media when she uploaded that all shows on EbonyLife TV will have all its full series uploaded on EbonyLife ON, a digital video-on-demand (VoD) service available on iOS stores and Google.

She said: “Remember when we used to wait a whole week to watch our favourite TV shows? Well, those days are gone forever! Now, we can binge on the whole series if we want to. Therefore, we have decided that EbonyLife TV will no longer be available on DStv from 31st July 2020.”

MultiChoice Africa launched EbonyLife TV in July 2013 on DStv across Africa, the channel was added later in September 2014.

In 2018, EbonyLife ended the exclusive deal with DSTV and began broadcasting in other mediums such as Startimes.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/07/ebonylife-tv-to-leave-dstv-plans-to-launch-network-ebonylife-studios/

The Federal Government is set to shut the Third Mainland Bridge for six months starting from Friday, July 24.

This was confirmed by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukayode Popoola.

According to him, consultations are ongoing for another phase of repair works to begin on the 11.8km bridge.

Popoola explained that the work will commence on the outward mainland section of the bridge, and the ministry is working with relevant agencies to perfect traffic during the period.

The bridge has gone through a series of repair works and was last shut in August 2018 for a three-day investigative maintenance check.

There have also been reports of some worn-out expansion joints on the structure, raising concerns over the state of the bridge.

This development will force motorists in Lagos who ply the bridge to begin making arrangements for alternative routes.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/06/fg-to-shut-third-mainland-bridge-on-july-24-for-6-months/

BUA Cement...

Images below show the Flood Intervention Abatement Gang of the Office of Drainage Services (EFAG) working and clearing the outflow from Signal Barracks Collector, Mile 2 and Festac Channel that have resulted in the flooding of Mile 2 Bus stop on the Lagos Badagry Expressway on Sunday.

Further pictures show operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) deploying a backhoe to excavate refuse from a collector drain blocked with refuse in Mile 2 area as part of efforts to ease flooding of Mile 2 Bus stop on the Lagos Badagry Expressway on Sunday.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/06/pictures-as-lagos-efag-intervenes-defloods-mile-2-expressway/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced new appointments and redeployments in the National Oil Company, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and reposition NNPC for greater efficiency, transparency and profitability in line with the Next Level Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Mr. Adokiye Tombomieye, the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD), has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Upstream while Mr. Mohammed Abdulkabir Ahmed, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC), has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services, following the retirement of Engr. Farouk Garba Sa’id, last week.

A release by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the change witnessed the redeployment of Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji, the Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, to the Ventures & Business Development Directorate as COO, a position left by Mr. Roland Onoriode Ewubare, who voluntary retired last week.

The top-level staff movement also affected Sir. Billy Okoye who has been redeployed from the NNPC Downstream Company, NNPC Retail Limited, as Managing Director, to replace Mr. Tombomieye as the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division; while Mrs. Elizabeth Aliyuda, the General Manager, Sales and Marketing NNPC Retail Limited, takes over from Sir Okoye as Managing Director.

Similarly, Mr. Usman Farouk, Executive Director Asset Management and Technical Services at the NGMC takes over from Mr. Ahmed as Managing Director.

The release also explained that President Buhari has accepted the resignation of Mr. Roland Ewubare, who was the immediate past Chief Operating Officer, Ventures and New Business Directorate of the National Oil Company while the retirement of the immediate past Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services, Engr. Farouk Garba Said had also received the approval of Mr. President who thanked the two former COOs for their meritorious service to the corporation.

Speaking on the development, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the new appointments would enable the corporation live up to the expectation of her shareholders, Nigerians, and give impetus to the ongoing restructuring within the Corporation, which, he said, was in line with the corporate vision of Transparency, Accountability & Performance Excellence (TAPE).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/05/nnpc-announces-top-management-level-appointments-redeployments/

The Bua Group announced that it is set to establish a three million metric tonnes cement plant and 50 megawatts power plant in Guyuk and Lamurde local governments of Adamawa State in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria.

This was revealed by the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, when he led a management team on a courtesy call to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State at the Government House, Yola.

Speaking during the visit, Abdul Samad Rabiu said preliminary findings show that the two local governments of Guyuk and Lamurde are reputed to have good quality limestone deposits and BUA Cement is ready to begin the investment in the state.

He added that BUA will use new technologies to supply power to the proposed cement plant and communities of Guyuk and Lamurde in addition to providing 3,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs.

The Chairman stressed that the Guyuk Cement Plant will be the major investment in the North-East by BUA and solicited for the support of Governor Fintiri to set up the factory in Guyuk.

Rabiu also said the company made a decision to source its raw materials locally and it has invested billions of dollars in various sectors across Nigeria and, therefore, urged the state government to support BUA to actualise the Guyuk cement project.

In addition, he praised the commitment of the governor to developing many sectors despite the economic challenges in Adamawa.

Responding, Governor Fintiri said his administration’s effort in exploring local content has started yielding results and thanked BUA for showing interest in establishing the cement plant in Guyuk.

He further assured the management team of BUA that the government will make whatever is needed available and provide the necessary support which will create an enabling environment so that the company in Guyuk will become a reality.

He also expressed the readiness of the government to protect the investment once it is established and told them that his administration will maintain a good relationship with the company for the benefit of the state.

BUA is Nigeria’s second-largest cement producer by volume, with cement plants in Sokoto and Edo states.

The company’s newest plant in Sokoto is expected to be operational in 2021. When completed, the Guyuk Cement Plant will bring BUA’s total capacity to 14 million metric tonnes per annum.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/04/bua-group-to-set-up-3-million-metric-ton-cement-company-50mw-power-plant-in-adamawa/

GBfoods, a global leader in culinary product manufacturing, in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kebbi State Government and the Emirate of Yauri recently built a N20 billion Tomato processing factory, in Kebbi State.

The factory is the second largest in Nigeria and the only fully backward integrated plant in ECOWAS – and has the largest single tomatoes farm in Nigeria. When all phases of the project are finished, the factory will be the largest fresh tomatoes processing factory in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The investment, in the world-class factory and adjoining farm, includes drip irrigation and fertigation infrastructure, greenhouses, seed planting robots, an incubation chambers and a plethora of agricultural machinery. The farm will serve a dual purpose, it will produce industrial tomatoes in the dry season and soya beans in the raining season.

The tomato factory will convert fresh tomatoes into tomato concentrate used for producing Gino Tomatoes Paste and Gino Tomato Pepper Onion Paste while the soya bean will be used to process soya-bean oil which is a critical ingredient for GBfoods’ Bama and Jago Mayonnaise.

The project created over 1,000 jobs including 500 farming jobs, 150 factory jobs and 150 construction jobs. GBfoods also engaged many smallholder farmers as out-growers. Apart from training the out-growers on good agricultural practices, GBfoods provided them with tomatoes seedlings, agrochemicals and various equipment such as water pumps and hose pipes, enabling the farmers to access to water in the dry season.

GBfoods also supported the host communities by providing and maintaining 16 boreholes of drinking water, a first for some of the surrounding villages.

The factory is fully backwardly integrated to the company’s farm and dedicated out-growers. In the coming tomatoes season, the plant will also source most of its raw material from out-growers who will grow the tomatoes on their own farms and from GBfoods’ owned and operated farm. The factory is engaging over 5,000 smallholder farmers as out-growers, in the coming tomatoes season, to grow fresh tomatoes.

The CEO of GBfoods Africa, Mr. Vicenç Bosch, commended the Federal Government for encouraging and supporting GBfoods to engage with CBN, Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the successful completion of the factory.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investments, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Kebbi State Government and the Ngaski Local Government Authorities for their tremendous support towards the actualization of the project.

Mr. Bosch added our team of extension workers, consultants and agronomists are ensuring that the Nigerian farmers benefit from the technology transfer of our best practices and know-how built through over 40 years of successful tomato operations in Italy and Spain.

Speaking during the opening of the factory, Mr Vincent Egbe, the Country Manager, GBfoods Nigeria said, “The opening of this processing factory is a great milestone for us. It further demonstrates the company's commitment towards helping Nigeria achieve its food security ambitions, in this case, of self-sufficiency in tomato concentrate production. We will continue to work with the Federal Government towards food security and local production and processing of fresh tomatoes.

The company is dedicated to reducing pre and post-harvest losses and also developing the value chain so as to improve revenue streams for tomato farmers. Over the past three years, in the three states of Kaduna, Katsina and Kebbi, GBfoods has worked with smallholder out-growers to boost their incomes by providing seedlings, fertilizers, training, and irrigation pumps, further to reduce post-harvest losses GBfoods also provided free plastic crates to farmers.”

“GBfoods is working with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the CBN to make Nigeria not only a shining example in food security but also to become the food basket of Africa. He especially thanked the Buhari administration, the Kebbi Governor, His Excellency Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele; and the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi for working tirelessly to create an enabling investment environment for GBfoods backwards integration project in tomatoes,” comments Mr Vincent Egbe, the Country Manager, GBfoods Nigeria.

Additional land is expected in September 2020 to be cleared and prepared for the farming season of October 2021. This expansion will be similarly accompanied by an upgrade in the factory’s capacity.  With the expansion, new jobs will also be created.

GBfoods has a wide range of quality well-established brands in Nigeria such as Gino, Bama and Jago, under which they manufacture a wide range of quality products that make the daily lives of many African families easier. Products under their brands include Gino Tomatoes Mix; Gino Pepper Onion, Gino Thyme; Gino Curry; Gino Chicken and Beef Cubes; Bama Mayonnaise as well as Jago Mayonnaise. GBfoods investments aim to satisfy local culinary habits and preferences whilst offering the healthiest and best ingredients for Nigerian cuisine.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/03/gbfoods-completes-n20-billion-tomato-processing-factory-in-kebbi/

The NPower program was launched a few years ago and became one of the top opportunities for young individuals to begin their careers in the challenging conditions of the Nigerian job market.

The 2020 applications for NPower have just gone live, and here is everything you need to know about applying.

1. NPower 2020 Programs

Over the years, the scope and length of NPower programs have changed several times. Originally, applicants could look forward to at least 2 years of guaranteed employment after successfully going through all selection stages. This year, however, the NPower programs have changed. In 2020, you can apply to one of the following four NPower departments:

- N-Agro, where successful applicants will work as advisers to farmers and researchers of the Nigerian agricultural sector. This program is open to both graduates and non-graduates and is scheduled to last for 6 months.

- N-Teach, where applicants will have a chance to work as teacher assistants in Nigerian primary schools. You need to be a graduate to enrol in this program and its duration is 12 months.

- N-Health, where applicants will work to introduce and strengthen preventive care for vulnerable individuals in communities where preventive care is at its early development stages. This program is only open to graduates and will last 12 months.

- N-Build, Tech, and Creative, a program with the broadest scope of opportunities that will help both graduates and non-graduates improve their skillset for their prospective jobs in the future. The program is scheduled to go on for 6 months.

2. NPower 2020 Requirements

In addition to qualifying as a recent graduate for several programs on the list of NPower opportunities, you also need to follow a few other requirements if you want to try your luck and apply for NPower 2020. Here is the list of requirements you need to fulfil if you want to be considered as an NPower candidate:

- The program is only open to unemployed individuals aged between 18 and 35 at the time of the application, which means you need to be born between 1985 and 2002 to qualify.

- The application is done through BVN to ensure that no one enters the selection process more than once, so make sure you have your valid BVN details at hand.

- You will need a current photograph of your password in a common format in a file that does not exceed the size of 1MB.

- For the programs that are only open to graduates – N-Health and N-Teach – you will need to provide your Degree certificate and NYSC certificate details.

3. How To Apply

Due to the current circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the application for the NPower 2020 program is done exclusively through their official website. Please note that applying for the program is absolutely free and if someone is trying to charge you money to apply, it is likely a step.

The application process will require you to perform the following steps:

- Visit the official NPower 2020 portal, read and agree to the requirements, and click the sign-up button.

- Enter your email address and select your password. You will then need to confirm your email.

- Enter your BVN number and birthdate. This step is very important, as applicants with incorrect BVN details will be excluded from the program.

- Enter your first, last, and middle name the same way they are written on your BVN details.

- Specify whether you have any education at all, and if yes, what kind of degree and in which field it is. If you are applying to one of the two graduate-only NPower programs, you will be asked to upload your certificates.

- In case you have any prior job experience, you will be able to describe it at the next screen. At this stage, you will also be required to upload a photo of your official ID.

- At the final step of the process, you will have an opportunity to check everything you have entered into the system to make sure it is correct. Submit the information and you will receive the unique identification number that you will need to save somewhere safe. Now all that is left is to wait for the next steps of the selection.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/03/how-to-apply-for-npower-2020-recruitment/

Expansion into Nigeria marks a major milestone in Honoris’ mission to provide Education for Impact across the continent

Honoris United Universities, Africa’s first and largest pan-African network of private higher education institutions, today announced its expansion into West Africa by welcoming Nile University of Nigeria, known for its strong academic credentials and best-in-class faculties, into the network.

Established in 2009, Nile University of Nigeria is a fully accredited university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Arts and Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Medical & Health Sciences. Committed to the best development experiences for its students, the university’s campus located in Abuja provides modern learning environments and high-quality facilities, including outstanding sports amenities as well as secure hostel accommodation.

With the largest population and economy in Africa, Nigeria is poised to lead a new generation of African leaders and professionals. As high-quality education in public and private institutions increases in demand, Honoris is partnering with the Nile University of Nigeria to support access, quality, and outcomes while extending its world-class African human talent mandates.

With Honoris United Universities, Nile University of Nigeria students will have access to diverse experiences across the entire network, including 21st century physical and digital learning environments using state-of-the-art professional technologies. Additionally, they will benefit from Honoris’ regional and international network of partners, providing opportunities for student and faculty exchanges and research programs. These experiences will support the growth of highly competitive graduates as well as contribute to the development efforts of Nigerian communities throughout the country.

As Honoris United Universities marks its third anniversary, the addition of the Nile University of Nigeria to the Honoris network is a major milestone in its pan-African expansion. With a footprint that extends from Casablanca to Cape Town, and from Abuja to Tunis, the Honoris network now consists of 11 institutions in 10 countries and 32 cities, amassing significant expertise in contact, distance and online education. Its institutions are well-established authorities within the disciplines of Medical & Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Arts & Design, Media, Political Science and Education.

Commenting, CEO of Honoris United Universities, Luis Lopez, said, “As we welcome the Nile University of Nigeria to the Honoris family of higher education institutions, we are undertaking an important step forward in our pan-African goal of widening access to quality higher education for young people in the continent. In light of Nigeria’s strategic importance to the development of Africa, we are pleased to be making this investment in the educational system of the country. Moreover, the high standards and the accomplishments of the Nile University of Nigeria add significant collaborative intelligence and pedagogical capabilities to our network. I look forward to the contributions Honoris United Universities and Nile University of Nigeria will bring to our communities throughout Nigeria.”

Of note, Nile University of Nigeria’s medical school further strengthens the network’s health sciences vertical and complements the Honoris Medical Simulation Centre in Tunis, which trains more than 3,500 students and upskills health professionals within the wider medical community. Together, these programs highlight Honoris’ focus on professions and skills relevant to the students and to the communities they will impact.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/02/honoris-united-universities-acquires-nile-university/

Zenith Bank Plc has again emerged as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the 2020 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine. Climbing a whopping 29 spots from 415 in 2019 to 386 in the 2020 global ranking of banks, Zenith Bank retained its position as the number one Tier-1 bank in Nigeria with Tier-1 Capital of $2.79 billion, an increase of 16.1% on the $2.40 billion recorded in the 2019 rankings.

The ranking which was published in the July 2020 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, was based on the 2019 year-end Tier-1 capital of banks globally.

According to the Ranking Report, Zenith Bank extended its lead over the second-placed bank in Nigeria. Zenith’s financial performance for the year was underpinned by a 29% increase in non-interest income, with an improved market share in both retail and corporate sectors.

Speaking on the latest rankings, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu said: “This ranking, which further attests to our market leadership, is the outcome of a well-thought-out strategy of always delighting and creating value for our teeming customers through a broad range of superior product offerings, best-in-class service and top-of-the-range technology”.

Tier-1 capital describes the capital adequacy of a bank, and it is the core measure of a bank’s financial strength from a regulator’s point of view. According to the ranking, Tier 1 Capital, as defined by the latest BIS guidelines, includes loss-absorbing capital, i.e. common stock, disclosed reserves, retained earnings and minority interests in the equity of subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned.

Zenith Bank has clearly distinguished itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service quality, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. The bank, with a knack for setting the pace and raising benchmarks, is a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.

As a testament to its resilience and market leadership, Zenith Bank announced an impressive result for the year ended December 31, 2019, with profit after tax (PAT) of N208.8 billion, achieving the feat as the first Nigerian Bank to cross the N200 billion mark.

In the recently released Q1 2020 unaudited financial results, the bank also recorded an improved result over the corresponding period in 2019, with gross earnings rising by 6% to N166.8 billion and profit before tax (PBT) growing 3% to N58.8 billion.

Consistent with this excellent performance and in recognition of its track record of exceptional performance, Zenith Bank was ranked as the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria 2019 by the World Finance and the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto & Co.

The bank was also voted as Bank of the Year and Best Bank in Retail Banking at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Most recently, the bank was recognized as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria, for the third consecutive year, in the Banker Magazine “Top 500 Banking Brands 2020”, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance “World’s Best Banks Awards 2020” and the Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/02/zenith-bank-ranked-number-one-tier-1-bank-in-nigeria/

For most of us the effect of the COVID 19 global pandemic came with a whole lot of confusion and discomfort while for others, it was a chance at clarity, reaching for their passion and doing what they have always wanted to.

This is the case of young filmmaker Chidinma Igbokweuche aka Didi Stories Production and her team of young talented and restless filmmakers, who took the chance amid a global pandemic to virtually create her short film called CHAOS.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OdWMQzs__M

CHAOS is an experiment birthed from the desire of these young filmmakers to find new and innovative ways to create during the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown.

The movie takes a twist on most people’s experience during the pandemic period exploring the extreme lack of emotional connection and nonchalance that comes with Zoom calls.

It is no doubt that the COVID 19 pandemic has brought a halt to our usual daily lives, the world as we know it has had to conform to the effect of the pandemic by adapting to what has been termed the new normal and this is explored in CHAOS, the short film.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/29/nigerian-filmmaker-virtually-directs-short-film-chaos-amid-covid-19-pandemic/

Sequel to a public complaint about the unwholesome activities of a water facility operated by one Mrs. Olufunmilola Salawu, accused of refilling CWay Dispensable Water bottles in Isheri-North, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), on Friday, took samples of the CWay water recovered at her residence for necessary tests to determine its purity.

The General Manager, LASCOPA, Mrs. Kemi Olugbode, said the test will be conducted in the laboratory of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), to ascertain its suitability for consumption.

She explained that the steps were taken after a television broadcast about a tip-off from an anonymous resident in the area that Mrs. Salawu, an alleged agent of the manufacturer of the bottled water, was refilling the CWay Dispenser bottles with content from public sources.

Olugbode averred that LASCOPA commenced an investigation into the matter, in view of section 4 of the Consumer Protection Agency Law of Lagos State, which empowered the Agency to protect consumers from all marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to their wellbeing.

Continuing, the General Manager disclosed that during the facility inspection by the Agency, it was discovered that there was no proper storage system for the water, adding that the products were also displayed outside in an unfavourable condition.

While noting that the facility used for storage of the water is residential, she reiterated the need for consumers to always check for all the required details on products and ensure that the containers are tightly sealed before making any purchase.

The Agency also warned traders and marketers of consumable liquid products, especially water in PET bottles, to desist from displaying the products under sunlight as too much exposure to heat could render some products unfit for human consumption.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/29/lascopa-commences-verification-of-compliants-on-adulterated-cway-water/

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu has extolled the ingenuity of Mr. Kunle Afolayan, a multiple award-winner, filmmaker and producer, for his passion in promoting and reinvigorating indigenous cultural artefacts, as well as positively projecting the State Government in his crafts, artworks and some of his creative content.

Bonu, gave the commendation on Friday when he visited the Cultural Centre established by the filmmaker in Ikeja, describing the initiative as a prodigious representation of what arts, culture and tourism represent.

The Special Adviser stated that Afolayan is a strong promoter of Arts and Culture, urging him to collaborate with the government as part of efforts to reposition the Ministry for its rightful position as a regulator of Culture, Arts Tourism and all entertainment related outfits in the State.

He said, "As a policymaker, the government needs your ideas to make things happen in this sector because we must both work together for the development of this industry. On behalf of Mr. Governor, I can assure you of favourable policies from the government and an enabling environment for you to thrive".

Bonu advised Afolayan to consider specific areas of partnership, assuring him that the Ministry would be ready to work with his outfit in order to put the centre into a more profitable use and also replicate similar initiative from the government's angle.

Noting that although the activities and budget slated for the year 2020 have been distorted by the outbreak of COVID-19, the Special Adviser informed that plans are already being intensified to revive the entertainment industry.

In his response, Afolayan said that apart from being a filmmaker, producer and art lover, he is also a member of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and a stakeholder in the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

He described the centre as a complete entertainment hub, consisting of everything that tourism, arts, culture, film, cinematography, relaxation and many more represent.

In his words, "let me state here that we believe in capacity development for the younger generation and that is why we have classrooms here to teach aspiring practitioners, we have a cinema hall and many more; this is why l referred to this centre as a tourism hub and we hope this represents the State. Although l am already part of the government, I look forward to more partnerships from the Lagos State government".

Afolayan also expressed confidence that the centre, being a multipurpose facility that has a blend of culture, hospitality, tourism, cinema, music, editing and voice-over, among others, will be a one-stop centre for all fun-seekers and entertainment lovers.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/29/governors-aide-commends-kunle-afolayan-on-cultural-renaissance/

Today marks the end of the 10th outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This long, complex and difficult outbreak has been overcome due to the leadership and commitment of the Government of the DRC, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), a multitude of partners, donors, and above all, the efforts of the communities affected by the virus.

WHO congratulates all those involved in the arduous and often dangerous work required to end the outbreak, but stresses the need for vigilance. Continuing to support survivors and maintaining strong surveillance and response systems in order to contain potential flare-ups is critical in the months to come.

"The outbreak took so much from all of us, especially from the people of DRC, but we came out of it with valuable lessons and valuable tools. The world is now better-equipped to respond to Ebola. A vaccine has been licensed, and effective treatments identified,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“We should celebrate this moment, but we must resist complacency. Viruses do not take breaks. Ultimately, the best defence against any outbreak is investing in a stronger health system as the foundation for universal health coverage.”

The outbreak, declared in North Kivu on 1 August 2018, was the second-largest in the world and was particularly challenging as it took place an active conflict zone. There were 3470 cases, 2287 deaths and 1171 survivors. 

Led by the DRC Government and the Ministry of Health and supported by WHO and partners, the more than 22-month-long response involved training thousands of health workers, registering 250 000 contacts, testing 220 000 samples, providing patients with equitable access to advanced therapeutics, vaccinating over 303 000 people with the highly effective rVSV-ZEBOV-GP vaccine, and offering care for all survivors after their recovery.

The response was bolstered by the engagement and leadership of the affected communities. Thanks to their efforts, this outbreak did not spread globally. More than 16 000 local frontline responders worked alongside the more than 1500 people deployed by WHO. Support from donors was essential, as was the work of UN partner agencies, national and international NGOs, research networks, and partners deployed through the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. Hard work to build up preparedness capacities in neighbouring countries also limited the risk of the outbreak expanding.

Work will continue to build on the gains made in this response to address other health challenges, including measles and COVID-19.

“During the almost two years we fought the Ebola virus, WHO and partners helped strengthen the capacity of local health authorities to manage outbreaks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“The DRC is now better, smarter and faster at responding to Ebola and this is an enduring legacy which is supporting the response to COVID-19 and other outbreaks.” 

As countries around the world face the COVID-19 pandemic, the DRC Ebola response provides valuable lessons. Many of the public health measures that have been successful in stopping Ebola are the same measures that are now essential for stopping COVID-19: finding, isolating, testing, and caring for every case and relentless contact tracing. 

In DRC, community workers were provided with training and a smartphone data collection app that enabled them to track contacts and report in real-time rather than fill in laborious paper reports. Even when violence locked down cities, the community workers, many of them local women, continued to track and trace contacts using the application, something that was crucial for ending this outbreak.

While this 10th outbreak in DRC has ended, the fight against Ebola continues. On 1 June 2020, seven cases of Ebola were reported in Mbandaka city and neighbouring Bikoro Health Zone in Equateur Province and an 11th outbreak was declared. WHO is supporting the government-led response with more than 50 staff already deployed and more than 5000 vaccinations already administered.

WHO salutes the thousands of heroic responders who fought one of the world’s most dangerous viruses in one of the world’s most unstable regions. Some health workers, including WHO experts, paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives to the Ebola response. 

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/26/10th-ebola-outbreak-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-declared-over/

In its bid to help in countering the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, Xiaomi has donated the first batch of several tens of thousands of surgical masks to the Ogun State Government.

Xiaomi donates tens of thousands of surgical nose masks to support Nigeria government in containing the pandemic in the country.

Ogun state government received the first batch of surgical nose masks by Her Excellency, Deputy Governor Ogun State, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele in aid of protecting the front line health personnel at the forefront of the pandemic in Nigeria.

This follows Xiaomi’s move of already donating medical supplies, including over one million masks, thermometers, protective gowns, and ventilators, to various markets including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Brazil, Turkey, South Korea and Japan.'

With this donation, Xiaomi hopes to contribute to Nigeria’s efforts in containing the spread of the virus.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/26/xiaomi-donates-first-batch-of-surgical-masks-to-ogun-state-photos/

Like in many continents, the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus is having a negative impact on African economies, changing the overall economic outlook for countries in the region from that of expansion (earlier expected at the beginning of the year) to a broad-based contraction/slowdown.

However, we believe there are lessons for African leaders to learn from this crisis. Herein, we highlight the critical lesson and recommendations.

One key lesson for Africa is finding a way to reduce its huge dependence on external economies. Although African countries were the last to record rapid cases of COVID-19, globally, the economic impact of the virus transcended the outbreak within African countries.

Clearly, the outbreak of the virus within Asia, Europe, and America exposed the overdependence of African countries on trade as well as financial market flows.

Certainly, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was designed with the intent to correct this vulnerability.

As such, as the restriction on the lockdown is increasingly phased out, our view is that discussion on the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement remains a priority while promoting policies to sustain cross border industrialization of the continent.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/26/covid-19-and-africa-any-economic-lesson-for-africa-leaders/

Sony Music Entertainment Africa has just announced two state-of-the-art new features - Real-Time Earnings and Cash Out - that allow their artists to view and withdraw earnings faster than ever before through the Sony Music Artist Portal.

In these unprecedented times where artists need immediate access to funds, the Real-Time Earnings element of the Sony Music Artist Portal is available anytime, anywhere and provides artists with immediate updates about their global earnings and account balances, while also giving them faster insights into their earnings trends.

The Cash-Out element gives artists even greater control over their money by providing them with the ability to request a withdrawal of all, or part, of their payable balance, and there are no hidden fees or charges that are incurred when doing so.

The Sony Music Artist Portal allows artists exclusive access to performance data and insights from digital services like Apple Music and Spotify, that are reporting their consumption patterns on a daily basis so the artist gets to know their fanbase from an analytical perspective too.

“The high level of transparency and efficiency in these tools is aimed at making doing business between us clearer, faster, simpler and more direct for our artists and partners and it comes at a time when we all need as much of that as we can get,” says Sean Watson, Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment Africa.

Sony has also made it easier than ever for their artists to access these functions and data by simply asking them to download the Sony Artist Portal App from either the iOS or Google Play stores.

It’s innovations like these, born out of rapidly advancing technologies, which will ultimately shape the way the music industry does business going forward.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/26/sony-music-launches-a-unique-artist-portal-that-allows-artists-to-view-their-real-time-earnings-and-cash-out/

The Lagos State Health Scheme has produced the first set of civil service beneficiaries to deliver a baby after the commencement of the policy from Monday, June 1, 2020.

Congratulating the parents of the new baby girl, Mr. and Mrs. Adebowale Ademiluyi, the Acting General Manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, during a visit to the new baby born at Blue Cross Hospital, Ogba, said that the birth represents a double significance to the Agency as well as Public Servants in the State because the baby was born on June 23, the Y2020 International Public Service Day.

She said that the baby is a demonstration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment towards ensuring that Public Servants and other residents in the State enjoy good, quality and affordable healthcare while commending the present administration for graciously subsidising the premiums for Public Servants in the State.

The Acting General Manager said that any enrollee on the scheme need not run helter-skelter whenever there is a medical challenge as the scheme is aimed at reducing the financial stress of the enrollees, adding that with N8,500 paid annually, an individual can access the Scheme, while a family of six consisting the father, mother and four children under 18 years old, can also benefit from the Scheme with the payment of N40,000 per annum.

Dr. Zamba, therefore, implored Lagos residents, who have not enrolled on the scheme to do so immediately in order to enjoy the benefits of the initiative, and avoid financial stress during any medical challenge.

While appointing the parents of the new baby, LSHS Ambassadors, she urged them to spread the good news to other residents of Lagos State.

Responding, Mr. Adebowale Ademiluyi, a Public Affairs Officer at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASCODA) and his wife, Mrs. Aminat Ademiluyi, expressed their appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for giving the family the opportunity of having another baby through the caesarian section without paying any money at the hospital.

Mr. Ademiluyi said, “the Lagos State Health Scheme has helped my family a lot, caesarian section costs a lot in the hospital, therefore, paying nothing has seriously helped us”.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/26/lagos-health-scheme-first-civil-servant-to-deliver-baby-emerges-photos/

The General Manager of the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, has disclosed that a total of 47,315 professional drivers have been trained across its five divisional centres in Lagos State.

Speaking at an interview session with the organisers of ‘The City of Lagos’ television show aired on NTA 2, Channel 5, she said the Institute has been working tirelessly on reaching out to all professional drivers in the State, hence the opening of an annexe office at the newly constructed Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) headquarters in Ojodu Berger.

She added that the Institute is also looking at spreading its tentacles to Alimosho Local Government in order to reach more professional drivers along the axis and get them retrained and recertified without having to travel the long distance to the Ikeja Centre of the Institute.

While restating that the Institute is not relenting in its effort to develop a new curriculum for professional drivers, Tiamiyu gave an assurance that most of the training instructors are experienced personnel drawn from Vehicle Inspection Services and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.

In her words: “I believe that what we don’t have, we can’t give, that is why we also train our trainers. We send them on re-fresher courses that will improve their intellectual capability”.

Emphasising the importance of visiting the Institute for training, the General Manager appealed to all professional drivers to take advantage of the training programmes tailored to impart knowledge on rules and regulations guiding transportation and safe driving as required by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

Tiamiyu averred that the Institute is working assiduously at ensuring that its advocacy and public enlightenment programmes reach every part of the State, adding that enforcement agencies like LASTMA and VIS are collaborating with LASDRI to apprehend erring traffic offenders and compel them to undergo recertification at the Institute.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/25/lasdri-trained-over-47000-drivers-in-one-year-general-manager/

Daystar Christian Centre has donated some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), comprising packs of N95 facemasks and surgical gowns, to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to complement government efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

Receiving the donated items on behalf of the hospital, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo expressed his gratitude to the donors as well as his excitement about the donation, stressing that the donors did a good job of researching into the needs of the hospital during this period.

He noted that the country is still in the third phase of the pandemic, which is community transmission, urging individuals to take responsibility in minimising the escalation of the disease by being safety conscious and abiding by stipulated health guidelines.

The CMD also solicited for the continued support of well-meaning individuals and organisations in the ongoing battle against the Coronavirus pandemic, saying that “we are not at the end of the COVID war yet, but l pray that God will continue to enlarge the coast of donors as their assistance is vital to reducing the spread of the disease in Nigeria”.

Responding, the representative of the Church, Pastor Grace Ofili stated that concern of the Church for frontline health workers in the fight against the pandemic reinforced the decision and choice of donation to the hospital.

She thanked the management for the good work done and prayed that God will multiply their efforts.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/06/25/daystar-christian-centre-donates-ppe-to-lasuth/