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TravelMotorcycle “Okada” Commuters Paid More (102.46%) in March 2021 – NBS by rodeo0070(op): 5:51pm On Apr 21, 2021
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report for the month of March 2021 on transport watch, the average fare paid by commuters for journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop increased by 1.76% month-on-month and by 102.46% year-on-year to N271.44 in March 2021 from N266.74 in February 2021.

Further analysis by Brand Spur revealed that states with the highest journey fare by motorcycle per drop were:

- Rivers - N420.35
- Taraba - N420.15
- Yobe - N420.10

While states with the lowest journey fare by motorcycle per drop were:

- Adamawa - N90.43
- Katsina - N147.64
- Niger - N159.20

Bus Transport Fare

The average fare paid by commuters for bus journey within the city increased by 4.42% month-on-month and by 82.50% year-on-year to N377.27 in March 2021 from N361.31 in February 2021.

- States with the highest bus journey fare within the city were Zamfara (N618.23), Bauchi (N597.14) and Ekiti (N500.15)
- States with the lowest bus journey fare within the city were Oyo (N197.55), Abia (N209.87) and Borno (N258.14).

The average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity increased by 1.62% month-on-month and by 42.58% year-on-year to N2,411.29 in March 2021 from N2,372.87 in February 2021.

- States with the highest bus journey fare intercity were Abuja FCT (N4,576.28), Lagos (N3,425.18) and Sokoto (N3,380.20)
- States with the lowest bus journey fare within the city were Bayelsa (N1,700.19), Enugu (N1,720.45) and Bauchi (N1,725.35).

Air Transport Fare

Average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey increased by 0.10% month-on-month and by 18.71% year-on-year to N36,495.41 in March 2021 from N36,458.11 in February 2021.

- States with the highest air fare were Anambra/Lagos (N38,600.00), Delta/Jigawa (N38,500.00), Bauchi (N38,450.00)
- States with the lowest airfare were Akwa-Ibom (N32,700.00), Sokoto (N33,200.00), and Katsina (N35,150.00).

The average fare paid by passengers for water way passenger transport increased by 1.81% month-on-month and by 43.52% year-on-year to N808.38 in March 2021 from N794.02 in February 2021.

- States with the highest fare by water way passenger transport were Bayelsa (N2,300.80), Delta (N2,300.60) and Rivers (N2,285.67)
- States with the lowest fare by water way passenger transport were Borno (N250.30), Gombe (N320.15) and Abuja FCT (N350.79).

WaterwayTransport Fare

The average fare paid by passengers for waterway passenger transport increased by 1.81% month-on-month and by 43.52% year-on-year to N808.38 in March 2021 from N794.02 in February 2021.

- States with the highest fare by waterway passenger transport were Bayelsa (N2,300.80), Delta (N2,300.60), and Rivers (N2,285.67).
- States with the lowest fare by water way passenger transport were Borno (N250.30), Gombe (N320.15), and Abuja (N350.79).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/21/motorcycle-okada-commuters-paid-more-102-46-in-march-2021-nbs/

BusinessSamsung Named No.1 Global TV Manufacturer For 15 Consecutive Years by rodeo0070(op): 4:51pm On Apr 21, 2021
New industry report affirms 15 years of industry-leading innovation, positioning Samsung at forefront of the TV industry

20 April 2021 – Samsung has topped the global TV market for the 15th consecutive year, according to the market research firm, Omdia. Newly released data published on February 23 notes that Samsung recorded 31.9% in global TV market share by revenue in Q4 2020 and retained the largest annual category market share by revenue in 2020, at 31.9%.


Samsung’s growth across the Visual Display Business reflects a commitment to the most premium at-home viewing experiences, coupled with the fast-growing QLED portfolio, category leadership in the ultra-large screen segment over 75-inches, the introduction and expansion of a Lifestyle TV portfolio, and a series of industry, category and product “firsts” made possible thanks to Samsung’s constant drive for innovation.

“Consumers use screens every day to entertain, connect with loved ones, work, exercise from home and do much more. And we have seen how different lifestyles and routines have not only evolved but converged,” said Nivash Ramsern, Head: Visual Display at Samsung South Africa.

“We continue to be incredibly humbled by the trust placed in our vision and products; it is what drives our relentless pursuit to deliver cutting-edge innovation and a best-in-class screen experience that meets the needs of the modern-day consumer.”

Looking back over the last 15 years, Samsung’s innovation-led growth agenda has incorporated ground-breaking new technologies, while spanning multiple categories, reaching a wide range of consumers and use cases.

In 2021, Samsung expects to maintain its industry-leading market position with the introduction and expansion of core products and by incorporating proprietary technology and features across all TV line-ups. This includes Samsung’s new Neo QLED line-up along with Samsung’s MICRO LED, Lifestyle TVs and a company-wide alignment of operations through long-term sustainability programs.

Over the next few years, Samsung will also continue to invest in R&grin and product development in strategic business areas to strengthen its core and emerging technology offers.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/21/samsung-named-no-1-global-tv-manufacturer-for-15-consecutive-years/

BusinessAmazon Set To Open African Headquarters In South Africa by rodeo0070(op): 11:19am On Apr 21, 2021
Just as Twitter opened its headquarters in Ghana, Amazon is also tolling that path with concluded plans to open its African headquarters in South Africa with a real estate investment of over R4 billion ($279 million).

Authorities in Cape Town noted that Amazon would be occupying a new development in River Club, a prime section of the city, local media reported.

This new development will create 5,239 jobs in the construction phase alone. Along with 19,000 indirect and induced jobs.

The 15-hectare parcel of land will cost R4 billion and include two precincts. Authorities said the first precinct of 60,000sqm would occupy different layers of development, while the second section of 70,000 will hold Amazon headquarters in Africa.

"US retail giant, Amazon, will be the anchor tenant, opening a base of operations on the African continent," Cape Town city officials said in a statement. "The development is envisaged to take place in phases, with construction set to take place over three to five years.

"It is clear that this development offers many economic, social, and environmental benefits for the area. We are committed to driving investment to revitalize the economy, which is slowly recovering following the impact of Covid-19.”

Brand Spur recalls that few weeks ago, Twitter picked Ghana for its first African office and headquarters. Twitter said Ghana's democratic and economic strides made the West African country a highly competitive destination over Nigeria and other countries.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/21/amazon-set-to-open-african-headquarters-in-south-africa/

PhonesTECNO Mobile Launches The New-gen Spark 7P For Gen Z With Cutting-edge Innovatio by rodeo0070(op): 11:23am On Apr 20, 2021
Equipped with 16MP AI Triple Camera, mighty Helio G70 chipset, the Super Night Mode and blazing-fast 90Hz/ 6.8-inch edge-to-edge display the Spark 7P will be available at retail store soon

April 20, 2021 - TECNO mobile, a global premium mobile brand, has freshly launched the innovative Spark 7P smartphone for Gen Z. Packed with the dynamic 16MP AI Triple Camera and new Helio G70 chipset, the Spark 7P delivers the most captivating cinematic experience simulated through its BIGGER and BETTER 6.8-inch edge-to-edge display with an unprecedented Super Night mode.


Enabled through its micro intelligence integrant which grants the rising generation access to an innovative tool, allowing them to streamline many imperative tasks, creating the most rewarding experience yet. The Spark 7P will be welcomed in the global market soon.

Stephen Ha, General Manager of TECNO Mobile, commented on the launch, "TECNO is always bearing the young generations’ demands in mind to provide them with the best of contemporary technologies in artistic designs. With the popularity in over 60 markets, TECNO showcases its mastery of serving the youth-generation consumers who are "young at heart", and inspires them to never stop pursuing excellence.

TECNO SPARK 7 series are the ones that reflect our promise to the Gen-Z the most with the most advanced technologies like the BIGGER and BETTER display to bring them immersive cinema experience at the fingertips, and the ungraded 16MP AI Triple Camera for them to embrace a clearer world.”

The Spark 7P brings comprehensive updates on its exceeding visual performance. Users can enjoy the smooth, snappy, and refreshing experience with a 6.8-inch clear screen at a blazing-fast 90Hz refresh rate. The 6.8-inch edge to edge display is also equipped with ample room to navigate through multiple applications with prompt accessibility to different functions, that too within paramount time. Users also earn the privilege of experiencing the new technology of the 90Hz refresh rate at this accessible price.

Spark 7P’s ingenious 16MP AI Triple Camera is an additional compelling feature that will enable the new breed of innovational youth, to capture every minute detail of their busy lives through acute technological advances ensuring no occasion goes a miss be that day or night. The newly added AI lens enables users to take striking portraits even in the dimmest of surroundings.

With its shallow depth of field, the super night mode helps capture exclusive moments most effortlessly with exemplified images, enabling the users to always see their world in the brightest of lights. The 16MP AI Triple Camera is also accompanied by Smile Snapshot, powered by the AI Portrait which incorporates facial recognition intelligence allowing the users to capture that perfect smile or a glimpsing moment in an instant.

Meanwhile, Video Bokeh, natural Video Beautify and a Slow Motion shooting at 240fps provide the current, technologically savvy generation with the chance to channel their inner photographer through these intelligently adapted and enjoyable features.

An all-new 2.0GHz, Octa-core processor and dedicated 820MHz graphics unit, SPARK 7P benchmarks at twice the speed of the previous generation. Animations are smoother, Apps load quicker, and photos are sharper, helping connect with the world around Gen Z faster than ever before.

128/64GB ROM + 4GB RAM memory and 5000mAh battery enable the Spark 7P long-lasting storage and power. It promises fewer lags, fewer prompts about “Storage Almost Full” and more space for snapping as many photographs as you need.

The 5000mAh battery holds the exceptional capability of retaining power on your phone for 14 days without any recharging. Gone are the days when the users have to run around the street panicking and trying to find a charging station because SPARK 7P just never goes off easily.

Other highlighted features packed the competitive smartphone including:

- Bluetooth Audio Share 2.0: With the newly updated Bluetooth Audio Share 2.0, users will be able to share their music and get the party started whenever and wherever it's convenient for their friends and family to join in the fun.
- Dirac Stereo Sound Effect: Meticulous acoustic measurement allows users to play audios and video with acute clarity alongside providing them with a unified and much more enjoyable cinematic experience where both sound and picture are of optimal quality.
- The new HiOS 7.5: the Auto Dark Theme peculiarity allows users to customize settings so as to transition from bright to dark theme once night falls.

With the help from Instant Chat Bubble, users don’t need to switch between Apps. All one would do is, press the bubble to start a conversation with a friend and continue communicating with another. With App Twin, social media fans can run two social accounts simultaneously and switch between different platforms fast and smoothly.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/20/tecno-mobile-launches-the-new-gen-spark-7p-for-gen-z-with-cutting-edge-innovations/

Foreign AffairsDrilling Of First Well At Jubilee Offshore Field In Ghana Commences by rodeo0070(op): 11:03am On Apr 20, 2021
Tullow Oil plc, a leading independent oil and gas exploration, and production company announced the start of a multi-year, multi-well drilling campaign offshore Ghana with the commencement of drilling of the first well at the Jubilee Offshore Field on Monday the 5th of April 2021.

The London, United Kingdom, headquartered multinational company, Tullow Oil is a well-established and recognised oil explorer and producer, operating across Africa and South America.

As previously announced, the Maersk Venturer, which has been contracted for four years, is expected to drill four wells in total in 2021, consisting of two Jubilee production wells, one Jubilee water injector well and one TEN gas injector well. 

The 2021 drilling campaign is the first part of Tullow’s 10-year Business Plan which was presented at Tullow’s Capital Markets Day in November 2020. The Ghana portfolio has a large resource base with extensive infrastructure already in place.

Through a rigorous focus on costs and capital discipline, Tullow believes that these assets have the potential to generate material cash flow over the next decade and deliver significant value for Ghana and investors. 

Throughout this campaign, Tullow will continue to implement its Shared Prosperity strategy through a strong local content programme with suppliers in Ghana, the professional and technical development of Ghanaian nationals and continued investment in STEM education, enterprise development and shared infrastructure.

Rahul Dhir, Chief Executive Officer, Tullow Oil plc, commented: 

“Today is an important milestone in the implementation of our long-term Business Plan. Working closely with the Government of Ghana and our joint venture partners in Ghana, I am confident that we will unlock the full potential from the Jubilee and TEN fields through this multi-year, multi-well drilling programme.” 

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/20/drilling-of-first-well-at-jubilee-offshore-field-in-ghana-commences/

BusinessRe: UBA’s Profitability Rises 27% to ₦38 Billion in Q1 2021 by rodeo0070(op): 7:17am On Apr 20, 2021
Solsix:
I want to know the contribution of various countries to UBA profit, op do you know where I can get the info
You mean like contribution of each branch in other countries?
BusinessUBA’s Profitability Rises 27% to ₦38 Billion in Q1 2021 by rodeo0070(op): 2:29pm On Apr 19, 2021
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has released its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2021, showing impressive double-digit growth across most of its major income lines.

UBA leveraged on modest growth in both interest and non-interest income as well as increased efficiency to deliver an impressive 24% year-on-year growth in Profit Before Tax in the first three months of the 2021 financial year, to N40.6 billion compared with N32.7 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2020.

Profit After Tax also grew by 26.8% from N30.1 billion in March 2020 to N38.2 billion in the period under review.

Interestingly, UBA again sustained its strong profitability recording an annualised 20.5% Return on Average Equity (RoAE) compared to 19.9% in the same period of 2020.

Highlights

- Gross Earnings grew by 5.6% to N155bn from N147bn in the previous quarter.
- Profit before tax grew by 24% to N40.6bn.
- Profit after tax grew by 26.8% to N38.2bn.
- Net Assets grew by 5.3% from N724bn to N762bn.

Driven by year-on-year growth in interest income, UBA Group recorded another impressive 5.5% per cent year-on-year growth in Gross Earnings to close at N155.4 billion for the three month period ending March 2021, compared to N147.2 billion recorded in the first three months of the last year 2020.

The bank’s total assets also rose by 2.5% to N7.9 trillion in the period under review, compared to N7.7 trillion recorded at the end of the 2020 financial year whilst shareholders’ funds grew to N762.4 billion up by 5.3% from N724.1 billion as at FY 2020.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, expressed satisfaction with the Bank’s performance in the first quarter of 2021, stating that the result reflects UBA’s capacity to sustainably grow earnings even in a highly uncertain macroeconomic environment.

He added that the robust capital and liquidity positions have positioned the bank as it continues to support its customers across diverse sectors and markets, guided by prudent risk management practices.

“These impressive 2021Q1 results reflect the capacity of our business to sustainably grow earnings even in a highly uncertain macroeconomic environment. We remain upbeat on the macroeconomic outlook of the countries in which we operate, especially as the COVID-19 vaccine distribution gains traction globally, whilst commodity prices and currencies continue to stabilise. Our robust capital and liquidity positions have positioned us to continue to support our customers across diverse sectors and markets, guided by prudent risk management practices,” the GMD said.

Uzoka pointed out the bank’s effort towards diligently executing its priorities for the year 2021, as it leverages people, process, and technology to deliver the best customer experience across all its channels and touchpoints, achieving industry leadership and dominance, adding, “The bank is making strong progress in Nigeria where our continuous market share and efficiency gains are translating into higher profits.

“We are committed to sustaining this strong start throughout the year, leveraging our customer-First (C-1st) philosophy and unparalleled execution to deliver even stronger returns to our esteemed shareholders in 2021 and beyond;” Uzoka said.

Further breaking down the figures, UBA’s Group Chief Finance Officer, Ugo Nwaghodoh, said,

“I am particularly pleased with our annualised return on average equity of 20.5% and return on average asset of 2.0%, as these indices buttress our commitment to delivering sustainable value to our stakeholders.

“We continued to deploy our balance sheet efficiency and digital-led cost optimisation initiatives to achieve desired outcomes. The cost-to-income ratio improved by 200bps to 60.4% during the period, whilst the cost of funds settled at 2.0%, a 130bps reduction from 3.3% in 2020Q1.

Nwaghodoh expressed confidence that the bank will meet and surpass its target for the remaining three quarters of the year, adding that, “We are confident on the strong prospect for earnings growth, particularly as we are better positioned to consolidate recent market share gains in Nigeria and other geographies where we operate.

This result is a strong start for the year, and we are optimistic about sustaining the exciting performance throughout the year and beyond.”

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-one million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touchpoints, in 20 African countries.

With its presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/19/ubas-profitability-rises-27-to-%e2%82%a638-billion-in-q1-2021/

PoliticsNigeria’s Total IGR Drops By 1.93% To ₦1.31trillion In 2020 - NBS by rodeo0070(op): 11:11am On Apr 16, 2021
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Published Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) at the State level for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020. The 36 states and FCT IGR figure hits N1.31trn in 2020 compared to N1.33trn recorded in 2019. This indicates a negative growth of -1.93% year on year.

Similarly, the Q4 2020 states and FCT IGR figure hits N335.25bn compared to N338.57bn recorded in Q3 2020. This indicates a negative growth of -0.98% quarter on quarter.

Lagos State maintains the first spot

Lagos state has the highest Internally Generated Revenue with N418.99bn recorded, closely followed by Rivers with N117.19bn while Yobe State recorded the least Internally Generated revenue. Highest YOY % growth in Kebbi, Ebonyi & Lowest in Benue & Sokoto.

Performance across the country

- FCT IGR up 23.46% YOY
- Osun IGR up 9.74% YOY
- Taraba IGR up 24.21% YOY
- Yobe IGR down -7.87% YOY
- Zamfara IGR up 20.0% YOY
- Oyo IGR up 42.23% YOY
- Plateau IGR up 16.03% YOY
- Rivers IGR down -16.53% YOY
- Sokoto IGR down -37.93% YOY
- Abia IGR down -2.66% YOY
- Adamawa IGR down -14.17% YOY
- Akwa Ibom IGR down -4.94% YOY
- Anambra IGR up 6.22% YOY
- Kebbi IGR up 87.02% YOY
- Kogi IGR up 5.91% YOY
- Kwara IGR down -36.03% YOY
- Lagos IGR up 5.08% YOY
- Nasarawa IGR up 14.90% YOY
- Niger IGR down -17.55% YOY
- Ogun IGR down -28.44% YOY
- Ondo IGR down -17.55% YOY

States IGR data is computed by the National Bureau of Statistics and the Joint Tax Board from official records and submissions by the 36 State Boards of Internal Revenue. These submissions are then validated and authenticated by the Joint Tax Board which is chaired by the Federal Inland Revenue Service and has the National Bureau of Statistics and the 36 State Boards of Internal Revenue as members.
https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/16/nigerias-total-igr-drops-by-1-93-to-%e2%82%a61-31trillion-in-2020-nbs/

BusinessRe: Nigerians Paid More For Cooking Gas, Diesel, Kerosene And Petrol In March – NBS by rodeo0070(m): 3:58pm On Apr 15, 2021
Na wa o
BusinessMarch 2021 Inflation Rate Rises To 18.17% As Food Inflation Jumps To 22.95% by rodeo0070(op): 9:28am On Apr 15, 2021
Headline Inflation Rate Increases by 18.17% YoY In March 2021, 0.82% Higher Than February 2021 Rate

The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 18.17 percent (year-on-year) in March 2021. This is 0.82 percent points higher than the rate recorded in February 2021 (17.33 percent).

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

On month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.56 percent in March 2021. This is 0.02 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in February 2021 (1.54 percent).

The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending March 2021, over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 14.55 percent, representing a 0.50 percent point increase over 14.05 percent recorded in February 2021.

The urban inflation rate increased by 18.76 percent (year-on-year) in March 2021 from 17.92 percent recorded in February 2021, while the rural inflation rate increased by 17.60 percent in March 2021 from 16.77 percent in February 2021.
On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.60 percent in March 2021, up by 0.02 compared to the rate recorded in February 2021, while the rural index also rose by 1.52 percent in March 2021, up by 0.02 compared to the rate that was recorded in February 2021 (1.50 percent).

The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 15.15 percent in March 2021. This is higher than 14.66 percent reported in February 2021, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in March 2021 is 13.99 percent compared to 13.48 percent recorded in February 2021.

Food Index

The composite food index rose by 22.95 percent in March 2021 compared to 21.79 percent in February 2021.

This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of Bread and cereals, Potatoes, yam and other tubers, Meat, Vegetable, Fish, Oils and fats and fruits.

On month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.90 percent in March 2021, up by 0.01 percent points from 1.89 percent recorded in February 2021.  

The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending March 2021 over the previous twelve-month average was 17.93  percent, 0.68  percent points from the average annual rate of change recorded in February 2021 (17.25) 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 12.67 percent in March 2021, up by 0.29 percent when compared with 12.38 percent recorded in February 2021.

On month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 1.06 percent in March 2021. This was down by 0.15 percent when compared with 1.21 percent recorded in February 2021.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Passenger transport by air, Medical services, Miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling, Passenger transport by road, Hospital services, Passenger transport by road, Pharmaceutical products, Paramedical services, Vehicle spare parts, Dental services, Motor cars, Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, and Hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment, 

The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 10.01 percent for the twelve-month period ending March 2021; this is 0.76 percent points lower than 10.77 percent recorded in February 2021.

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 March 2021, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Kogi (24.51%), Bauchi (22.24%) and Sokoto (20.70%), while Imo (16.08%), Kwara (15.34%) and Cross River (14.45%) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.

On month on month basis however, March 2021 all items inflation was highest in Rivers (2.62%), Gombe (2.14%) and Niger (2.12%), while Zamfara (0.60%), Yobe (0.26%) and Kebbi (0.45%) recorded the slowest rise in headline month on month.

Food Inflation

In March 2021, food inflation on a year on year basis was highest in Kogi (29.71%), Sokoto (27.02%) and Ebonyi (26.59%), while Abuja (20.10%), Kebbi (19.98%) and Bauchi (18.61%) recorded the slowest rise .in year on year inflation.

On month on month basis however, March 2021 food inflation was highest in Rivers (3.52%), Niger (2.92%) and Gombe (2.85%), while Zamfara (0.51%) recording the slowest rise in month on month food inflation with Yobe and Kebbi recording price deflation or negative inflation (general decrease in the general price level of food or a negative food inflation rate).
https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/15/march-2021-inflation-rate-rises-to-18-17-as-food-inflation-jumps-to-22-95/

BusinessBurger King Announces Grand Entry In To Nigeria, Promises 1st Restaurant In Aug by rodeo0070(op): 4:46pm On Apr 14, 2021
Allied Food and Confectionary Services Limited announced exciting plans to launch and grow the Burger King® brand in Nigeria, the largest country in Africa.

Antoine Zammarieh, Managing Director from Allied Food and Confectionary Services Limited said,

“We are proud to bring this iconic brand to Nigeria, and believe that our Nigerian guests will love Burger King flame-grilled sandwiches and other famous Burger King® menu items, that guests can have their way,”

“I am pleased that with the new agreement we can not only offer our guests great-tasting Burger King® food but also contribute significantly to the economy of Nigeria by creating hundreds of new jobs.”

This launch will be a big step towards serving budding food lovers and consumers of quick-service restaurants in Nigeria with more exciting flame-grilled and speciality meals. Nigerian guests can soon look forward to enjoying world-famous Burger King® products, such as the brand’s signature Whopper® Sandwich. 

“We’re excited to share big news from Nigeria, where we have announced ambitious plans for one of our iconic brands – Burger King®,” said David Shear, President International Restaurant Brands International Inc., the parent company of Burger King®.

“Nigeria has a thriving quick-service restaurant industry, and our partner has a deep understanding of the infrastructure and supply chain strategy needed in the market, which we believe will position the Burger King®brand  well for success in the country.”

The first Burger King® restaurant in Nigeria is expected to open in autumn this year and the announcement reflects the global appeal of Burger King®, contributing to the brand’s expansion strategy in Africa. 

Image Caption: L-R: Executive Vice Chairman, Funds and Electronic Transfer Limited, Prof. Mustapha Akinkunmi; Group Managing Director, Allied Food and Confectionary Services Limited (franchisee of Burger King), Mr Antoine Zammarieh; Marketing Coordinator, Burger King, Ms. Ibukun Aiyemo; and Operation Coordinator, Burger King, Ricardo Minaise at the Burger King pre launch media briefing in Lagos today April 13th, 2021. | Brand Spur Nigeria

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/14/burger-king-announces-grand-entry-in-to-nigerian-market-promises-first-restaurant-in-august-2021/

PoliticsEstablishing Twitter's Presence In Africa, Why Ghana? by rodeo0070(op): 8:28pm On Apr 12, 2021
In line with its growth strategy, Twitter has announced that it is now actively building a team in Ghana. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, via a tweet, announced that the company would be setting up a presence in Africa. “Twitter is now present on the continent. Thank you, Ghana and Nana Akufo-Addo,” he said.

According to the statement issued by the social media giant, Twitter stated that:

"Twitter’s mission is to serve the public conversation, and it’s essential, for the world and for Twitter, to increase the number of people who feel comfortable participating in it. To do this, we need to make it easier for everyone to join in and provide more relevant experiences for people across the world."

"Today, in line with our growth strategy, we’re excited to announce that we are now actively building a team in Ghana. To truly serve the public conversation, we must be more immersed in the rich and vibrant communities that drive the conversations taking place every day across the African continent."

"We are looking for specialists to join several teams including product, design, engineering, marketing and communications."

Twitter indicated several roles from product and engineering to design, marketing, and communications for job openings in the company. However, individuals will fill these roles remotely as Twitter makes plans to establish an office in the country later.

"Full details on current job openings can be found on the Twitter Careers site. Aligned with our existing WFH policies, we look forward to welcoming and onboarding our new team members remotely so that we can make an immediate impact while we explore the opportunity to open an office in Ghana in the future."

Why Ghana?

According to Twitter, the decision to kick off its African expansion with Ghana stems from the country’s dealings with AfCFTA and its openness towards the internet.

"As a champion for democracy, Ghana is a supporter of free speech, online freedom, and the Open Internet, of which Twitter is also an advocate. Furthermore, Ghana’s recent appointment to host The Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area aligns with our overarching goal to establish a presence in the region that will support our efforts to improve and tailor our service across Africa."

"Whenever we enter new markets, we work hard to ensure that we are not just investing in the talent that we hire, but also investing in local communities and the social fabric that supports them. We have already laid foundations through partnerships with Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Afrochella in Ghana, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) in Nigeria, and The HackLab Foundation in Ghana."

"As part of our long-term commitment to the region, we’ll continue to explore compelling ways we can use the positive power of Twitter to strengthen our communities through employee engagement, platform activation, and corporate giving."

"We still have much to learn but we are excited to listen, learn, and engage. Public conversation is essential to solving problems, building shared ideas, and pushing us all forward together. We can’t wait for the next step on that journey."

The World Bank placed Ghana 13 places over Nigeria in its 2020 international ease of doing business rankings. Nigeria ranks 131st behind Ghana, the 118th in the world. These ratings come at a time when Ghana lost 4 points from its ranking in the previous year 2019 and when Nigeria just gained 15 places from 146th in 2019 to its current 131st worldwide.

The ease of doing business report is released by the World Bank each year. The ratings inform potential foreign investors of the costs they may encounter when setting up their businesses in a country and the likely risks that entrepreneurs and employees alike may face in the course of their business in various countries. All things being equal, investors choose destinations that present greater ease of doing business over those that present greater costs and risks.

True to the ranking, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) contributions to Ghana’s economy is higher in proportion than that in Nigeria, data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed. With regards to FDI contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Ghana trailed behind Nigeria for 6 years (2000-2005) before it took over, and has since led Nigeria for 14 years (2006-2019), Dataphyte’s analysis shows.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/12/establishing-twitters-presence-in-africa-why-ghana/

BusinessAppzone Secures $10mn Series A Funding by rodeo0070(op): 9:36am On Apr 12, 2021
CardinalStone Capital Advisers lead funding to build “the Operating System for Africa’s financial services industry”

12 April 2021. Appzone, the Pan-African fintech software provider building proprietary solutions for the continent’s banking and payments industries, has today announced the close of its $10mn Series A round.

Led by CardinalStone Capital Advisers with participation from V8 Capital, Lateral Investment Partners, Constant Capital, and Itanna Capital Ventures, the new round will bolster investment in Appzone’s core technologies and kick off a wave of new country expansions in a drive to build out a financial operating system intended to completely digitise and automate the delivery of financial services on the continent.

Launched in 2008, Appzone delivers best-in-class products for digital core banking and interbank transaction processing with clients across seven African countries including high-profile names like Access Bank, GT Bank and Zenith Bank.

Since its inception, the company, also an alumnus of the Google launchpad accelerator, has led Africa’s fintech sector through radical innovation that resulted in a number of global firsts from the continent, including the world’s first decentralised payment processing network, the first core banking and omni-channel software on the cloud and the first multi-bank direct debit service based on single global mandates.

To date, the company’s platforms have served 18 commercial banks and over 450 microfinance banks, amassing a yearly transaction value and yearly loan disbursement of $2bn and $300mn respectively.

As Africa’s traditional banks and fintech startups grapple with the increasing threat from telco companies and big tech players, Appzone’s products effectively and affordably equip them to deal with the sector’s most pressing challenges including legacy cost structures and a major lack of operational efficiency.

Currently, due to a severe dearth of high-quality localised solutions that address these problems, traditional and challenger banks in Africa are limited to using foreign technology solutions tailored for Western markets - many of which are plagued with the huge stumbling blocks of prohibitive pricing, insufficient flexibility to innovate and a lack of local tech support.

Speaking on the fundraise, Appzone’s Co-Founder and CEO Obi Emetarom says:

“We’re excited not only to be securing a significant capital raise, but also welcoming on board some strategic investors whose support will be key to our growth journey. Today’s news allows us to scale Appzone’s products and services rapidly.

For the last 12 years, we’ve worked in stealth mode, building the really complex infrastructure to power the continent's growing digital financial services space and forging partnerships with the continent’s biggest financial institutions. 

In terms of the next steps, we are now looking to hire from Africa’s top 1% to grow our team of elite talent who have proven themselves to be true  African builders; the brightest senior software engineers and domain experts, doing the incredibly hard work of building the backbone and next-generation infrastructure for digital financial services at a level beyond world-class.

We are seeking out gifted and audacious engineering and entrepreneurial minds, hungry to accelerate economic prosperity and tackle challenging technology with us. We are not just trying  to bring African fintech on-par with the rest of the world - we exist to make our financial sector the most innovative and technologically advanced on the globe through solutions built for Africa by Africans.”

Currently, Appzone’s clients spread across Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), Tanzania, Senegal and Guinea and to date, the company has raised $15mn in equity funding with previous investors including Lateral Capital, GreenHouse Capital, Timon Capital and Itanna.

In 2018, the company obtained official approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria to operate as a Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) and has been the recipient of a number of industry awards including the Frost & Sullivan Award, NAMB (National Association of Microfinance Banks) and CeBIH (Committee of eBusiness Industry Heads) awards.

Yomi Jemibewon, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cardinal Stone Capital Advisers said:

“Our investment in Appzone is further proof of Africa's potential as the future hub of world-class technology. Appzone is building a disruptive FinTech ecosystem that will be the backbone of Africa's finance industry with products across payments, infrastructure and Software as a Service.

The impact of Appzone's work is multifold - the company's products deepen financial inclusion across the continent whilst providing best-fit and low-cost solutions to financial institutions. Its emphasis on premium talent also helps stem brain drain, rewarding Africa's best brains with best in class employment opportunities."

Despite its challenges, Africa’s banking sector is projected to reach a total market valuation of $129bn by 2022 according to McKinsey & Co. As the industry struggles to serve Africa’s huge unbanked population, there has been a growing influx of fintech platforms filling the gap. In recent years, these startups have attracted major interest from investors across the globe and in 2020, the sector accounted for over a third of the total $1.3bn in funding secured by African tech startups.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/12/appzone-secures-10mn-series-a-funding/

PoliticsTop Trading Partners For Nigeria's Exports And Imports In Q4 2020 by rodeo0070(op): 9:20am On Apr 12, 2021
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed Nigeria’s major trading export and import partners for the fourth quarter of 2020.

According to the recent data from the bureau, which provides the breakdown of the biggest sources of Nigeria’s total imports and destinations of export shows that India has the highest percentage share in export trade for the fourth quarter in 2020, while Nigeria’s biggest imported goods came from the Netherlands.

Below is a list showcasing 5 of Nigeria’s top trading partners (Merchandise Trade By Top Five Partners And By Major Commodities (N'million) Q4, 2020)

Top 10 destinations for Nigeria’s export


1 . INDIA

Total exports to India in Q4 was valued at N547.02 billion or 17.12% of total export. The largest export commodity to India was Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude valued at N516.82 billion, followed by Natural gas liquefied and Leather further prepared after tanning/crusting,incl. parchment-dressed leather of sheep/lam valued at N26.66billion and (N2.13billion) respectively.

2. SPAIN

The value of total exports to Spain stood at N313.38billion or 9.81% of total export. The dominant export product was Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude valued at N243.02billion accounting for 77.54% of total export.

This was followed by Natural liquefied gas worth N63.81 billion and Leather further prepared after tanning/crusting without wool on goats or kids valued at N3.02 billion.

3. THE NETHERLANDS

Nigeria's export trade with the Netherlands in Q4 2020 was valued at N194.50 billion or 6.09% of total exports. Major export products were: Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude valued at N190.74 billion, followed by Superior quality raw cocoa beans, and Good Fermented Nigerian Cocoa Beans valued at N1.93 billion and N1.38 billion respectively.

4. THE UNITED STATES

In Q4 2020, Nigeria's export trade with the United States was valued at N170.36 billion accounting for 5.33% of total exports. The major commodities exported during the period were Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude; Other petroleum gases etc in a gaseous state and Natural gas, liquefied, valued at N142.60 billion, N22.92 billion and N2.58 billion respectively.

5. CHINA 

Exports to China were valued at N156.78billion or 4.91% of total exports during the period. This was largely dominated by Crude (N57.5billion), Natural Gas liquefied (N45.83billion) and Sesamum seeds, whether or not broken (N18.13billion). On the other hand, the value of imports from China stood at N1,675.55 billion representing 28.28% of total imports.

Top 10 sources of Nigeria’s import

1 . INDIA

On the other hand, the value of import trade from India was valued at N506.00 billion, accounting for 8.54% of total imports. The import trade was dominated by imported motorcycles and cycles, imported CKD by established manufacturers >50cc<=250cc, valued at N87.95 billion, followed by Gas Oil (N55.97 billion) and Other Antibiotics (N40.30billion).

2. THE UNITED STATES

On the import side, the value of imports amounted to N448.64billion, with the main commodities imported being Used Vehicles, with diesel or semidiesel engine, of cylinder capacity >2500cc, amounting to N155.13billion. Other products imported were Other Durum wheat (Not in seeds) (N54.61 billion) and Used Vehicles, with diesel or semidiesel engine, of cylinder capacity >1500=<2500c (N 35.12 billion).

3. THE NETHERLANDS

However, the value of imports stood at N424.49, with the main commodities imported being Motor Spirit ordinary, which amounted to N165.50 billion, Other Antibiotics (N108.78billion) and Gas oils (N47.12 billion).

4. SPAIN

However, the value of imports during the quarter stood at N84.90billion. Motor Spirit ordinary billion ranked at the top of imports, valued at N29.05billion, followed by Mixed alkylbenzenes & mixed alkyl naphthalenes, valued at N15.74billion and Gypsum; anhydrite whether or not coloured, with/without small quantities of accelerators, worth N5.61billion.

5. CHINA 

The largest import commodity from China was Machines 4 the reception, conversion & transmission or regeneration of voice, images or...; Bending, folding... machines (incl. presses), numerically controlled; and Air conditioning machine, Window/wall types, self-contained/split system, presented CKD valued at N53.13 billion, N41.08billion and N35.14 billion respectively.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/12/top-trading-partners-for-nigerias-exports-and-imports-in-q4-2020/

BusinessLafargeholcim Proposes Reducing Company Name To Holcim by rodeo0070(op): 9:11pm On Apr 10, 2021
The world’s largest cement maker, LafargeHolcim is proposing to simplify its name to Holcim Limited, reverting to the name of the dominant partner in the 2015 merger that formed the company.

This was made know in the LafargeHolcim's agenda for the 2021 Annual General Meeting. The LafargeHolcim Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on May 4, 2021, at 10 am CEST. Due to the ongoing exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the personal attendance of shareholders on-site will unfortunately not be possible.

At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), shareholders will be asked to vote on changing the Group company name from LafargeHolcim Ltd to Holcim Ltd. As the company transforms to become the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, the Board of Directors recommends simplifying its name for efficiency and impact, while building on the Group’s legacy.

This name change concerns only the Group company name. All market brands will remain in existence, as the drivers of the company’s market success, building value and trust for its customers and partners around the world.

LafargeHolcim has also proposed Olsen’s successor Jan Jenisch as a member of the board of directors in addition to his CEO role, an unusual move for a Swiss company where executives do not usually sit on supervisory boards.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/10/lafargeholcim-proposes-reducing-company-name-to-holcim/

PoliticsRe: Tourism Development: LASG Identifies New Sites Along Epe/badagry Waterways (PIX) by rodeo0070(op): 6:01pm On Apr 10, 2021
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PoliticsTourism Development: LASG Identifies New Sites Along Epe/badagry Waterways (PIX) by rodeo0070(op): 6:00pm On Apr 10, 2021
In order to establish the Lagos State Government's vision to develop domestic tourism and discover potential sites across the State, top officials of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture recently embarked on a two-day tour across the Epe and Badagry waterways corridors and identified new tourism locations.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, who led the officials of the Ministry on the tour, explained that the trip was necessitated by the need to explore the waterways and make them viable and sellable assets to tourists visiting the State.

She said that while the Ministry was keen on discovering new potentials, the State Government was also determined to rebuild tourism infrastructure in the two communities in order to attract more visitors to the Slave Trade relics and other historical spots in the coastal city.

Akinbile-Yussuf averred that the present administration under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sees tourism as a veritable tool to enhance the economy of riverine communities in the State and also bring about needed development to them, stressing that the new tourism locations discovered in Olomo-metta and Ilase riverine communities would be nurtured and developed by the State Government.

While assuring residents of the coastal city that all abandoned tourism projects would soon be re-validated and assigned to different contractors for completion, she described the tour as an eye-opener for the Ministry, adding that the officials were able to discover new tourism potentials around the two coastal communities.

"For instance, we are looking at having a befitting jetty at Gberefu in Badagry, we have visited the place now to assess what was on the ground. The Lagos Theatres are in the two communities, Badagry and Epe, so the next step we are taking now is how to ensure we make them tourism products", the Commissioner said.

She added that the State government would improve the infrastructure at Gberefu and ensure that the Jetty is of international standards, promising to equip the slave market at Vlekete and Heritage Museum as well.

During her visit to Epe Resort, the Commissioner said that the government will continue to provide a good atmosphere for tourism establishments to thrive, assuring that the tourism assets in the two communities would be connected to create a fun experience for tourists who visit Lagos.

While receiving the Commissioner in Badagry, the Supervisor for Tourism and Environment, Badagry Local Government, Mr. Samson Apata said the visit by the officials from the State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was a welcome development.

Apata disclosed that Lagos recently won some awards at the just concluded Abuja-Jabamah 2021 tourism event and commended the State Government for boosting the tourism sector, particularly in Badagry.

Other officials of the Ministry on the tour included the Permanent Secretary, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi and the Director of Hotel and Tourism Establishments Licensing, Mr. Jobi Ibraheem among others.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/10/tourism-development-lasg-identifies-new-sites-along-epe-badagry-waterways-photos/

PoliticsSupersport Scores FIFA World Cup 2022™ Pay TV Rights by rodeo0070(op): 10:09am On Apr 09, 2021
All 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, to be held in Qatar, will be broadcast live on SuperSport

April 9, 2021 - All 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, to be held in Qatar, will be broadcast live on SuperSport after the World of Champions concluded a broadcast deal with FIFA.

This continues SuperSport’s long-standing association with football’s governing body and reaffirms SuperSport as Africa’s home of world football. SuperSport’s pay-TV broadcast rights extend to all platforms across sub-Saharan Africa and represent even more opportunities to provide fans with compelling live content.

High Definition coverage will be across multiple channels with expert analysis, in-depth digital offerings, supplementary programming and much more in keeping with the grand scale of the event.

To be contested by 32 teams, including champions France, the World Cup will be held for the first time from November 21 to December 18, and the first to be held in one city.

The FIFA acquisition sits alongside SuperSport’s already substantial offering that includes all the major football leagues from around the world.

“This is fantastic news, especially after the success of the 2018 tournament, a fitting celebration of the beautiful game,” said Marc Jury, Chief Executive of SuperSport. “The FIFA World Cup™ always excites fans and the kick-off times will be most convenient for our viewers, given friendly broadcast time zones.”

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/09/supersport-scores-fifa-world-cup-2022-pay-tv-rights/

PoliticsRe: NADDC Commissions 1st Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station (PICS) by rodeo0070(op): 5:11pm On Apr 08, 2021
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PoliticsNADDC Commissions 1st Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station (PICS) by rodeo0070(op): 5:10pm On Apr 08, 2021
Nigeria’s First Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station has been commissioned by the Federal Government through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) today, 8th April 2021.

The Solar Powered EV Charging Station was set up by NADDC under the Electric Vehicle Pilot Project in Collaboration with Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

With the commissioning of the charging station, Nigeria will join the rest of the world in embracing the recent innovation in energy mobility towards renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Jelani Aliyu, DG NADDC stated that, 

This is testimony to the government's commitment to the adoption and promotion of advanced technology for safer, cleaner and cheaper transportation solutions.

I wish to thank the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, for all the support so far, especially the donation of land, and we look forward to an exciting Research and Development collaboration with the university.

"100% renewable energy, 100% clean energy to power 100% Electric Vehicles. Absolutely zero emissions, zero waste: from energy generation to energy utilization."

"This Charging Station is an important component of our national Vehicle Electrification Program. We are collaborating with 3 universities. Usmanu Danfodio, Sokoto, University of Lagos and University of Nigeria, Nsukka."

Why is the NADDC collaborating with academia?

This strategy is important because it is not just a charging station but a platform and a springboard for advanced research and development: to study, monitor and evaluate the entire system: the solar cells, storage units and electric vehicles in various climatic and usage conditions and hopefully develop even more effective solutions for Nigerian and African applications.

The monitoring and evaluation team shall consist of experts from NADDC, Usmanu Danfodio University, Hyundai and relevant Stakeholders.

The installed solar arrays (panels), have a capacity of 86.4 kilowatts per hour, they are coupled to three online-offline Hybrid Inverters, each one is 5KVA, they are synchronized to give a combined output of 15 KVA/48 WATTS. The systems' energy storage is made up of 36 units of deep-cycle gel batteries with an output of 48 volts/1980 amperes.

"I urge the students to see this as an unparalleled opportunity to fully understand Vehicle Electrification and all related renewable energy technologies so as to develop better and better solutions for the betterment of Nigeria," he said.

In this regard, the electric vehicles will be charged accordingly based on the charging system adopted. There are two types of charging systems as far as this configuration/system is concerned.

1. The high-level charging system is referred to as the fast charging system which charges a vehicle within 22 hours period and also which gives a total coverage after a full charging of 482 Kilometers.

2. The second level of the charging system takes 9 hours to fully charged.

A protective device is also installed on the system to give total protection to both the equipment and the cars to be charged. There is a provision of highly flexible software that gives room for locking and unlocking the charging system with the advantage of having charging schedules for each vehicle.

The installation of the solar arrays (panels), that have a capacity of 86.4 kilowatts per hour, the online-offline 3 numbers 5KVA Hybrid inverters that are synchronized together to give 15 KVA/48 WATTS and 36 units of the deep circle, gel batteries with an output of 48 volts/1980 amperes.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/08/jelani-aliyu-dg-naddc-commissions-first-solar-powered-electric-vehicle-charging-station/

PoliticsAn Average Nigerian Shouts When Speaking Because Of The Heavy Presence Of Noise by rodeo0070(op): 8:43pm On Apr 07, 2021
The heavy presence of noise pollution around us has been attributed to the reason why the average Nigerian shouts while speaking. Sola Salako-Ajulo, President and Founder of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), alluded to this fact as a result of the voice density of the average Nigerian when speaking.

Salako made the submission recently in Lagos while delivering her keynote address at the World Consumer Rights Day Symposium 2021, organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN).

Speaking on the title: “Tackling Plastic Pollution: Challenges, Opportunities And Solutions”, Salako said sound pollution is one of the pollutants that make the environment unhealthy and because we live in the same environment it tends to affect some of our lifestyles.

According to her, any sound that will have to force one to raise his or her voice before speaking- that is sound pollution and unfortunately, all that is present in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State and we have not been paying particular attention to that.

“For us in Nigeria, we don’t know that the density of our voices is higher, which is as a result of what is called sound pollution. And, there is a lot of that going on in Lagos especially,” she said, adding; “because of the pollution that we live with, the average Nigerians scream”.

Continuing she said, you know all those people who put out loud sound, churches and mosques included, they all constitute what is known as noise pollution, such are not helping the environment and that is why there are laws against those actions, she observed.

She defines pollution as the introduction of harmful materials into the environment, called pollutants and pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash, or they can be created by human activities. “A whole lot of the ones we are dealing with now are created by human activities, especially the household waste generated by individuals,” she said.

The consumer rights activist noted that, as the world becomes ‘westernized’, coupled with the ‘on the go lifestyle’ which requires easily disposable products, more waste are being generated. And if innovative ways are not created to mop up these wastes from the system, they find their way to the environment destroying the ecosystem and putting animals and human life at risk.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/07/the-average-nigerian-shouts-when-speaking-because-of-the-heavy-presence-of-noise-pollution-ajulo/

BusinessRite Foods Seeks Court Order Committing NBC’s MD to Prison by rodeo0070(op):
Rite Foods Limited, a Nigerian Foods and Beverages Company, has filed an application of committal against the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) and its Managing Director at a Federal High Court in Lagos, for contempt of court. 

The Rite Foods' application for committal states that the contemnors, the NBC and its Managing Director (MD), Mathieu Seguin, have disobeyed interim injunctions granted by Hon. Justice Aneke of the Federal High Court on 9th February 2021. 

This is in accordance with the case of trademark infringement and passing-off of its Predator energy drink on the mark of Rite Foods’ Fearless Energy drinks, with the likely intent of confusing consumers to make the wrong choice.

In the application for committal, which was published in the ThisDay and Guardian Newspapers of April 6, 2021, the plaintiff, Rite Foods is seeking an order committing the contemnors to purge themselves of the contempt of court. 

The court papers filed by Rite Foods through its lawyer, Muyiwa Ogungbenro of Olajide Oyewole LLP, shows that the court would be moved at the instance of Rite Foods for an order committing the contemnors to prison for disobeying a court order.

According to the application of committal in both national newspapers, NBC and its MD are restrained from promoting or using any material for its Predator energy drink in a manner that infringes or passes off Rite Foods' Fearless energy drinks. 

The documents also state that NBC and its MD are in breach of the court order for failing to remove from the public domain, promotion materials already released including those released through Taaooma.

It further mentioned that NBC's boss is responsible for the company’s breach of the court orders, as Rite Foods alleges that Seguin has the power to command its obedience. 

On Form 48 of the Federal High Court, as published on Friday, March 19, 2021, in ThisDay and Guardian Newspapers, there was a notice of consequences of disobedience of the order of the court issued to the NBC’s MD and ex parte order restraining the company from promoting or using any sales promotion material for its Predator energy drink in a manner that infringes or passes off or that is capable of infringing or passing off the plaintiff’s Fearless energy drink, until the interlocutory application for an injunction is determined. 

In suit No: PHC/L/CS/92/2021, the plaintiff, Rite Foods Limited, alleged that NBC has infringed on its trademark over its Predator energy drink, with a lion insignia in resemblance of the mark on its Fearless energy drinks. 

The alleged trademark infringement, according to Rite Foods, has damaged its goodwill and it is seeking reliefs which include injunctions and damages for its loss. 

And according to the provision of the Trade Marks Act, Cap T 13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and the Trademark Regulations 1990, the alleged infringement is against the holder’s right of Rite Foods Limited, as the exclusive owner of the mark for identification of its products within the country. 

However, investigation reveals that the Plaintiff, Rite Foods' Fearless energy drinks, which consist of the Red Berry and Classic brands, were launched into the Nigerian market in June  2017,  and has gained a wider market share before NBC’s Predator brand which made entrant in June 2020.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/06/rite-foods-seeks-court-order-committing-nbcs-md-to-prison/

PoliticsTaraba State Capable of Supplying Nigeria With Rice - Governor Darius Dickson by rodeo0070(op): 1:49pm On Apr 01, 2021
Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku has said that the state was potentially capable of supplying Nigeria with the needed quantity of rice if the federal government supports the state with funds and farm implements.

The Governor disclosed this while playing host to the market enterprise adviser of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – Value Chain Development Program (VCDP), Hajiya Fatima Buhari at the Government House Jalingo.

He explained that the statistics of rice production in Nigeria in the last six years have shown that Taraba state can supply Nigeria with the needed rice and end the idea of rice importation into the country if supported and empowered by the federal government.

According to the governor, the IFAD-VCDP transformation system in the production of rice in the country which Taraba is currently amongst states, has made him to go on more research work where he realized the potential and capacity the state has in the production of rice.

Earlier, Haj. Buhari disclosed that Taraba has been the pride of Nigeria in rice production since the coming of the IFAD-VCDP program.

She noted that Taraba has been top in payment of counterpart fund which gives farmers in the state advantage over others.

“We are proud of Taraba state, you have distinguished yourself among rice-producing states to be the pride of Nigeria.

“For past six years now, Taraba has been to in terms of rice production since the intervention of IFAD-VCDP program and we want to appreciate the governor for being prompt in the payment of counterpart fund which is giving farmers in the state advantage over others”, she expressed.

She commended Governor Ishaku’s administration for the efforts being made in ensuring the success of the IFAD-VCDP program in the state and boosting the rice production level of Nigeria.

Mr. Irimiya Musa, the state coordinator IFAD-VCDP, expressed that the administration of Governor Ishaku has made the IFAD-VCDP program proud in Taraba.
https://brandspurng.com/2021/04/01/taraba-state-capable-of-supplying-nigeria-with-rice-governor/

BusinessJameson Whiskey Makes Surprise Move Into Beauty; Launches Skincare Range by rodeo0070(op): 12:55pm On Mar 29, 2021
Jameson Whiskey Makes Surprise Move Into Beauty; Launches Skincare Range With Ayanda Thabethe

Jameson Irish Whiskey has announced the unexpected launch of a skincare range called Beatha.

The new skincare line is designed for both men and women and is said to be specially crafted to leave the skin hydrated, revitalised and "twice as smooth". The products are made using Jameson whiskey, barley (which is beneficial for skin and hair) and "other quality skin ingredients", Jameson says in a statement.

Getting the brand in the hands of consumers

According to the 243-year-old premium whiskey brand, the move into beauty comes at a time when the liquor industry has been faced with many challenges on how it can reinvent itself in the midst of uncertainty. Jameson says it has acknowledged the call for the industry to pivot and sees this as "a major game-changer" that it anticipates consumers will be excited about.

“We are incredibly proud of our new Beatha offering which we believe will expand our territory in such a profound manner. Not only is the beauty space one that is ever commercially thriving through demand, it also contributes meaningfully to consumers' lives which is what we are about as a brand,” says Beatrice Marfleet, marketing manager of Jameson and Irish Whiskeys.

Marfleet adds, “Jameson is also a brand that has a strong base with women and this offering would not only reach them but would ensure that should there ever come a time the industry needed to shut down again, we would always be able to get our brand in the hands of the consumer."

Skin trio

The Beatha range includes a Restorative Facial Mousse, a Hydrating Facial Oil and a Beard Oil. Jameson is launching this skin trio with TV host and model Ayanda Thabethe.

“I am super excited to announce my partnership with Jameson that has been months in the planning. This skincare range comprises some of my favourite products that I have been using over the years but is different because of our secret ingredients to ensure all my beloved supporters get to experience the Beatha magic,” says Thabethe.

TravelMotorcycle “okada” Commuters Paid More In February 2021 - NBS by rodeo0070(op): 6:13pm On Mar 24, 2021
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report for the month of February 2021, the average fare paid by commuters for journey by motorcycle per drop increased by 2.86% month-on-month and by 97.68% year-on-year to N266.74 in February 2021 from N259.33 in January 2021.

Further analysis revealed that states with highest journey fare by motorcycle per drop were:

- Taraba - N436.20
- Yobe - N425.02
- Kogi - N400.12

While states with the lowest journey fare by motorcycle per drop were:

- Adamawa - N86.47
- Katsina - N140.12
- Kebbi - N155.90

The Transport fare watch report for February 2021 covers the following categories namely bus journey within the city per drop constant route; bus journey intercity, state route, a charge per person; airfare charge for specified routes single journey; journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop; and waterway passenger transport.

Other highlights of the Transport fare Watch report

- The average fare paid by commuters for bus journey within the city increased by 2.60% month-on-month and by 78.08% year-on-year to N361.31 in February 2021 from N352.15 in January 2021.

- States with the highest bus journey fare within the city were Zamfara (N620.15), Bauchi (N530.10) and Ekiti (N475.25) while States with the lowest bus journey fare within the city were Oyo (N190.45), Abia (N208.55) and Borno (N250.72).

- Average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity increased by 1.13% month-on-month and by 39.85% year-on-year to N2,372.87 in February 2021 from N2,346.41 in January 2021.

- States with the highest bus journey fare intercity were Abuja FCT (N4,500.88), Sokoto (N3,350.60) and Lagos (N3,340.60) while states with the lowest bus journey fare within the city were Bayelsa (N1,650.32), Bauchi (N1,690.80) and Enugu (N1,700.00).

- Average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey decreased by -0.02% month-on-month and increased by 17.97% year-on-year to N36,458.11 in February 2021 from N36,463.65 in January 2021.

- States with the highest air fare were Delta/Lagos (N38,600.00), Anambra/Bayelsa (N38,500.00), Bauchi (N38,400.00) while States with the lowest airfare were Akwa-Ibom (N32,500.00), Sokoto (N33,600.00), and Gombe (N35,000.00).

- The average fare paid by passengers for water way passenger transport increased by 1.00% month-on-month and by 39.63% year-on-year to N794.02 in February 2021 from N786.19 in January 2021.

- States with the highest fare by waterway passenger transport were Rivers (N2,299.35), Delta (N2,280.33) and Bayelsa (N2,258.49) while states with the lowest fare by waterway passenger transport were Borno (N240.55), Gombe (N297.23) and Abuja FCT (N340.22).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/24/motorcycle-okada-commuters-paid-more-in-february-2021-nbs/

Education2021 UTME: JAMB Announces Registration Date, Makes NIN Compulsory by rodeo0070(op): 5:42pm On Mar 24, 2021
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced registration dates for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration.

The exam body in a statement issued in Bwari, FCT, by its Head, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, on Wednesday said the registration exercise will start on Thursday, April 8 and end on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“Registration will take place in 700 centres across the country; the list is available in all the state offices of JAMB and on its website at www.jamb.gov.ng.

“Candidates are also to note that the registration for Direct Entry applicants will run concurrently with that of UTME candidates.

“There will be no extension of time for the sale of the UTME or DE application documents.

“Mock examination will be held on Friday, April 30 for those who indicate interest and are registered before April 24.

Fabian also announced that UTME will hold from Saturday, June 5 to Saturday, June 19, 2021.

NIN Compulsory For 2021 UTME Registration

According to the spokesperson, NIN is mandatory for participation in the 2021 registration exercise.

The NIN, which is a unique number that identifies individuals, is issued by the country’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) upon enrolment.

“For any person to be registered for UTME/DE, he/she must supply his/her National Identity Number (NIN). It is therefore mandatory for participation in the 2021 Registration Exercise,” the statement reads in part.

JAMB had in the past made the NIN mandatory for the candidates willing to register for its examinations but later announced the cancellation of the policy following the harrowing experiences of the candidates at the various registration centres.

The exam body explained that information regarding the registration processes and requirements would be made available on the board’s official website and also advertised in the electronic and print media from April 5.
https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/24/2021-utme-jamb-announces-registration-date-makes-nin-compulsory/

BusinessStanbic IBTC Records ₦83bn PAT In 2020, Proposed ₦3.60K Final Dividend by rodeo0070(op): 5:08pm On Mar 24, 2021
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, financial institutions in the Financial Services sector has announced gross earnings increased by 0.27%, profit before tax increased by 4.17% and profit after tax increased by 10.90% by for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The directors' recommended the approval of a final dividend of 360 kobo per share (31 December 2019: 200 kobo per share) for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Highlights of the operating results for the year under review are as follows:

- Gross Earnings grew by 0.3% to N234bn from N234bn in the previous quarter.
- Profit before tax grew by 95% to N91bn.
- Profit after tax grew by 11% to N83bn.
- Net Assets grew by 25% from N302bn to N379bn.

Dividend history and unclaimed dividend as at 31 December 2020

The total unclaimed dividend fund as of 31 December 2020 amounted to N3,183 million (Dec. 2019: N2,711 million).

A sum of N1,394 million of the fund balance is held in an investment account (money market mutual fund) managed by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited (Dec. 2019: N1,239 million), while the balance is held in demand deposits maintained with Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC.

Total income earned on the investment account and recognised by the company for the year ended 31 December 2020 was N54.5 million (Dec. 2019: N149 million).

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/24/stanbic-ibtc-records-%e2%82%a683bn-pat-in-2020-proposed-%e2%82%a63-60k-final-dividend/

BusinessRe: Dangote Cement Generated ₦276.1B PAT; Proposed Dividend Of ₦16 Per Share by rodeo0070(m): 8:47am On Mar 24, 2021
16 Naira dividend! That's a good one!
PhonesOPPO Launches Reno5 Series Today & Here Is A Quick Look by rodeo0070(op): 1:50pm On Mar 17, 2021
OPPO is unveiling two new models in the Reno5 Series, with the Reno5 and Reno5 F packing massive improvements over the previously released Reno3 Series. The global smartphone giant doesn’t look like it is slowing down anytime soon, as it makes yet another statement by these Flagship killers into the Nigerian market at very reasonable prices. 

The Reno5 series smartphones are designed for trend seekers looking for powerful, yet durable devices that boast a mix of fun, new video features that enable them to capture memories and moments from more than one perspective.

While continuing to introduce industry-leading technological innovations into its products, OPPO has also incorporated highly artistic aesthetic concepts into the designs of its products. Inheriting the complete integration of fashion and technology that has come to define the Reno family of phones, OPPO has given the new generation Reno5 Series a more fashion-forward charm. 

In addition to the unique design of the Reno5 and Reno5 F; the Reno5 is 171g light and 7.7mm thin while the Reno5 F is 172g light and 7.8mm thin. Both smartphones pack cutting edge technology.

As high-tech devices, the Reno5 series' integrated technology not only delivers a superb user experience, it also contributes to the compact design of the phone itself. The Reno5 boasts of a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen that offers an even more stunning visual experience by supporting a 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate, making every interaction extremely vivid and smooth. Additionally, the display is truly edge-to-edge, featuring a screen-to-body ratio of 91.7%.

On the body, the Reno5 introduces the "ever-changing colour" effect using the first diamond spectrum process in the industry; combining 3 different layers of Picasus Film, Fresnel Lens Texture and Reflective Indium Coating. With this innovative industry technique, the Reno5 Fantasy Silver can project thousands of different colours when it is viewed from different angles. Each of these colours shines and sparkles in a way that is distinctive and full of life in its own right.

OPPO also introduced its brand new Flowing Light Design concept on the Reno5 F, which this time adds depth to what might deceivingly appear to convey a single colour at first glance. Flowing Light Design on OPPO Ren05 F showcases a gentler and warmer look to the phone in contrast to the colder colours and textures of the Reno Series. 

Reno5 & Reno5 F are now available on pre-order nationwide at all our accredited online and offline locations. All you need to do is either visit www./mlp-oppo-store/ to pre-order NOW and win an instant OPPO branded gift or you can walk into any accredited dealership near you to pre-order NOW. 

For every pre-order of the Reno5, you get FREE Enco W11 wireless earphones worth N19,900. For the Reno5 F pre-order, there is a FREE power bank worth N15,900. 

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/17/oppo-launches-reno5-series-today-here-is-a-quick-look/

AutosRe: A Glimpse Of The First Ever All-electric BMW I4 At The BMW Annual Conference by rodeo0070(op): 10:20am On Mar 17, 2021
First-Ever All-electric BMW I4

AutosA Glimpse Of The First Ever All-electric BMW I4 At The BMW Annual Conference by rodeo0070(op): 10:19am On Mar 17, 2021
At today’s BMW Group Annual Conference the upcoming BMW i4 was revealed.

At today’s BMW Group Annual Conference the upcoming BMW i4 was revealed. “With its sporty looks, best in class driving dynamics and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales.

The BMW i4 is a fully electric 4 door Gran Coupé and will enter the market during the course of 2021, including a BMW M Performance model. Its refined balance of BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance is unique in its segment.

The BMW i4 model line will be available in different versions covering ranges of up to 590km (WLTP) and up to 300 miles* (EPA). With a power output of up to 390kW / 530HP, the BMW i4 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in around 4 seconds.

Full details on the BMW i4 will be released over the next weeks.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/17/a-glimpse-of-the-first-ever-all-electric-bmw-i4-at-the-bmw-group-annual-conference/

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