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 Business › NTA To Display NSE Ticker Tape Across Its Network by rodeo0070(op): 1:44pm On Feb 18, 2021 |
Investors and viewers of the Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA) will now be able to see the daily price information of securities listed on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on the various stations.https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/18/nta-to-display-nse-ticker-tape-across-its-network/
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| Politics › Taraba Government Warns Against Indiscriminate Bush Burning by rodeo0070(op): 6:27pm On Feb 17, 2021 |
The Taraba State Government has warned people of the state especially residents of the state capital and its suburbs against Indiscriminate bush burning. The warning is imperative to avert any outbreak of fire disaster in the state during this dry season often accompanied by a windstorm. The Government has also directed the leadership of hunters Association to stop their members particularly those always on hunting expedition to guide against setting fire to bush to avert the spread of wild bush fires to nearby vulnerable communities. According to the Government, anyone caught violating its directive will be treated as saboteur and punished accordingly. It advised farmers of economic trees including those engaged in dry season farming to do fire tracing to protect their farms from bush fires. Similarly, parents have also been cautioned on the need to monitor the activities of their children with a view to stopping them from playing with fire for any purpose during this dry season. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/17/taraba-government-warns-against-indiscriminate-bush-burning/
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| Celebrities › Your Life Is An Artwork, Paint It To Your Taste - Nengi by rodeo0070(op): 5:59pm On Feb 17, 2021 |
According to a 2018 research by Harvard Business Review, the number of articles that mention the word “authenticity” in headlines or lead paragraphs has risen dramatically since 2008. Being authentic doesn’t mean you can be held up to the light and people can see right through you. It is simply being true to yourself and maintaining strict coherence between what you feel and what you say or do. Entrepreneur and ex-Big Brother Naija contestant, Nengi recently took to her Twitter page, to share her inspiring story of courage, selflessness, and determination. Recounting how she followed her passion, she makes bold to say that she has learned not to worry about public perception because the key to success lies within each individual. Authenticity is often what makes a person different and it should not be overlooked. Living an authentic life is an essential step to being happy and fulfilled. Being authentic means being in sync with who you are. It means sticking up for yourself when the going gets tough. According to Nengi, a lot of people thought they knew how her life would play out, but she chose to follow the positive path to success and has charted a course for herself, staying true to her beliefs. She encouraged young people to embrace authenticity, live their passion and push for their dreams. “Remember your life is an artwork, so paint it to your taste. Choose the best strokes because, in the end, you and you alone would be judged for it. so, #DoYou” Admonishing young people to drown the noise and choose positivity, she reiterated that staying true to oneself is all the uniqueness a person needs. She shared this, following the launch of the new MTN Pulse #DoYou television commercial. The revamped Pulse Proposition empowers young people with lower call and data rates and with social media bundles starting from as low as N200. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/17/your-life-is-an-artwork-paint-it-to-your-taste-nengi/
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| Celebrities › Banker Turned Superstar, Mayorkun Urges Fans To Stay Authentic & Live Their Drea by rodeo0070(op): 5:45pm On Feb 17, 2021 |
Banker turned Superstar, Mayorkun Urges Fans to Stay Authentic and Live their Dreams Dreams don’t come true, They ARE true. Dreams tell you what you know. Some years ago, a John Hopkins University study found that pregnant women who had an intuition about the sex of their baby were correct 70% of the time- but women who had a dream about the sex of their baby were correct 100% of the time! Dreams point you toward what you need for growth, integration, and expression. “No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid” Lupita Nyongo This assertion holds for popular Nigerian singer and songwriter, Mayorkun, also known as the ‘Mayor of Lagos’. Sharing his inspiring story in a video he recently posted on Twitter, the musician narrated his time as a banker, a job he never liked. He resolved to pursue his passion for music and admits he has never been happier. According to him, it is easy to lose yourself in the crowd in school, at your job, within your group of friends, or even in a relationship but we must constantly make a resolve to stay authentic and follow your innate dreams. Dreaming is ultimately about awakening the unconscious. To ignore one’s dreams is to tear out pages from an unfolding story, he reiterates. We all want to fit in and be liked, but it is important to stay original, so we don’t get lost in the crowd. The world needs your dreams and ambition; this is why we have to dare to be ourselves. He further recounts that during the pandemic induced lockdown, he discovered that he could edit videos through zoom calls. He tried it and the results were excellent. Not only do dreams respond to attention, but they also respond to direct requests. This means that you do not have to wait for your dreams to appear, you can make them happen by going after them and seeing them to fruition. Authenticity is about living in the moment, with the future in mind and confidence to stay true to oneself. An authentic person puts the people around them at ease. Asking his fans to talk about the new things they learned during the lockdown, he encourages them to #DoYou. He shared this following the unveiling of the new MTN Pulse plans with lower calls and data rates. Pulse is all about being true to who you are and what makes you unique. If you can’t blend in, stand out. Dial *406# to get started. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/17/banker-turned-superstar-mayorkun-urges-fans-to-stay-authentic-and-live-their-dreams/
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| Celebrities › 9-year Old Ryan Kaji Is Highest Paid Youtube Star For 2019-2020 – $30M by rodeo0070(op): 7:47am On Feb 17, 2021 |
Once seen as merely a hobby and a way to express creativity, content creation video streaming platform YouTube has become a lucrative source of income for those who find success. In 2020, according to data presented by Safe Betting Sites, YouTube’s top earner earned a staggering $29.5M and even more unbelievably, the top spot belongs to 9-year old Ryan Kaji. Youtube – Hub for Talented Content Creators Youtube is one of the most well-known and most visited websites in the world. The company was founded in February 2005 and has since become ubiquitous in the online world. In October that same year, Youtube introduced the ability to subscribe to different channels which made it a viable platform for content creators to showcase their talents. By 2006, established music labels from Hollywood had begun to establish formal partnerships with “homegrown” Youtube talent. One of the biggest names to come out of Youtube’s talent pool is Canadian pop-singer, Justin Bieber. Youtube’s early success and potential attracted the likes of Google, which acquired Youtube in 2006. In 2007 Youtube established its “Partner Program” which allowed Youtubers to monetize the videos they upload to Youtube. As of 2020, there are hundreds of thousands of channels hosted on Youtube with a plethora of creators and forms of content to choose from. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/17/9-year-old-ryan-kaji-is-highest-paid-youtube-star-for-2019-2020-30m/
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| Health › WHO Launches Consolidated Guidelines For Malaria by rodeo0070(op): 8:32pm On Feb 16, 2021 |
16 February 2021 – The WHO Guidelines for malaria, launched today, bring together the Organization’s most up-to-date recommendations for malaria in one user-friendly and easy-to-navigate online platform. They are designed to support malaria-affected countries in their efforts to reduce and, ultimately, eliminate a disease that continues to claim more than 400 000 lives each year. Through the new platform, MAGICapp, users will find: All official WHO recommendations for malaria prevention (vector control and preventive chemotherapies) and case management (diagnosis and treatment). Recommendations for elimination settings are in development. Links to other resources, such as guidance on the strategic use of information to drive impact; surveillance, monitoring and evaluation; operational manuals, handbooks, and frameworks; and a glossary of key terms and definitions. Users can access the evidence that underpins each WHO recommendation through the new web-based platform. There is a feedback tab to help identify recommendations that may need an update or further clarification, and inputs from stakeholders are also welcome by email (gmpfeedback@who.int). Delivering timely, evidence-informed guidance “These consolidated guidelines represent an important step in our efforts to deliver timely, evidence-based guidance to malaria-endemic countries,” said Dr Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “They will soon become a living resource that is updated periodically as new evidence becomes available, and as WHO guideline development groups bring forward proposals for new or revised recommendations,” he added. The first version of the Guidelines for malaria – available online only – is a compilation of existing WHO recommendations on malaria and supersedes 2 previous WHO publications: the Guidelines for the treatment of malaria, third edition and the Guidelines for malaria vector control. Four WHO guideline development groups focused on vector control, chemoprevention, treatment and elimination are currently convening to develop new or updated recommendations, and other groups will convene this year to address additional relevant topics. Recommendations on malaria will continue to be reviewed and, where appropriate, updated based on the latest available evidence through WHO’s transparent and rigorous guidelines review process. Any updated recommendations will always display the date of the most recent revision in the MAGICapp platform. With each update, a new PDF version of the consolidated guidelines will also be available for download on the WHO website. Clear, evidence-informed WHO recommendations guide managers of national malaria programmes as they develop policies and strategic plans to combat the disease tailored to the local context; they support decisions around “what to do”. WHO also develops implementation guidance – such as operational and field manuals – to advise countries on “how to” deliver the recommended tools and strategies. The consolidation of WHO’s malaria guidelines is one of a number of actions the organization has undertaken in recent years to make its guidance more accessible to end-users in malaria-endemic countries. The overall aim is to deliver timely, high-quality recommendations through processes that are more transparent, consistent, efficient and predictable. Key definitions A WHO guideline is defined broadly as any information product developed by WHO that contains recommendations for clinical practise or public health policy. A recommendation tells the intended end-user of a guideline what he or she can or should do in specific situations to achieve the best health outcomes possible, individually or collectively. It offers a choice among different interventions or measures having an anticipated positive impact on health and implications for the use of resources. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/16/who-launches-consolidated-guidelines-for-malaria/
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| Business › January 2021 Inflation Rate Rises To 16.47% As Food Inflation Jumps To 20.57% by rodeo0070(op): 8:52am On Feb 16, 2021 |
The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 16.47 percent (year-on-year) in January 2021. This is 0.71 percent points higher than the rate recorded in December 2020 (15.75 percent).https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/16/january-2021-inflation-rate-rises-to-16-47-as-food-inflation-jumps-to-20-57/ 2 Likes 1 Share
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| Agriculture › US Mission Shares Photos Of Ikun Dairy Farm In Ekiti State by rodeo0070(op): 3:58pm On Feb 15, 2021 |
On Monday, the United States Mission in Nigeria shared photos of the Ikun dairy farm in partnership with Promasidor Nigeria Limited at a ranch in Ekiti State.https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/15/us-mission-shares-photos-of-ikun-dairy-farm-in-ekiti-state/ 13 Likes 2 Shares
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| Phones › Blackberry 5G Phone With Physical Keyboard Set To Launch This Year by rodeo0070(op): 8:59am On Feb 15, 2021 |
New BlackBerry 5G smartphone will be publicly available in the first half of 2021. CEO Peter Franklin, OnwardMobility (new operators of BlackBerry) announced agreements with BlackBerry and FIH Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, to deliver a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a physical keyboard, in the first half of 2021 in North America and Europe. Working closely with OnwardMobility, BlackBerry and FIH Mobile will ensure world-class design and manufacturing of these devices. After failing to meet with the trend of smartphones, BlackBerry was first acquired in 2013. After that, it reached an agreement with TCL and BlackBerry Mobile in 2016 and launched several new phones. At the beginning of 2020, the cooperation between the two companies ended, and OnwardMobility took over. Now, BlackBerry 5G phone, its first 5G device will come from OnwardMobility. As of now, there is no official launch date for this device. However, OnwardMobility hopes to release it as soon as possible. Franklin also said, “We are promoting to customers and sellers around the world, introducing product sales plans.” SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/15/blackberry-5g-phone-with-physical-keyboard-set-to-launch-this-year/ 1 Like
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| Politics › BUA Cement Declares Profits Of N95billion In FY2020 by rodeo0070(op): 9:56pm On Feb 14, 2021 |
BUA Cement Plc, Nigeria's second-largest cement company, has announced full-year revenues of N209billion in its unaudited 2020 Full Year financial accounts representing an increase of 19% from the corresponding period in 2019. Highlights. - Revenue rise 19% to N209billion (FY2020) - Gross Profits increase by 16% to N95.4billion (FY2020) from N82.4billion Naira (FY2019) - PBT rise by 19% to N79.06billion (FY2020) from N66.23billion (FY2019) - Sales Volumes rise to 5,100,232tons (FY2020) from 4,501,150tons (FY2019) SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/14/bua-cement-declares-profits-of-n95billion-in-fy2020/
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| Health › New Ebola Outbreak Declared In Guinea by rodeo0070(op): 9:48pm On Feb 14, 2021 |
14 February 2021 – Health authorities in Guinea today declared an outbreak of Ebola in the rural community of Gouéké in N’Zerekore prefecture after three Ebola cases were confirmed by the national laboratory, marking the first time the disease has been reported in the country since an outbreak ended in 2016. Initial investigations found that a nurse from the local health facility died on the 28 January 2021. Following her burial, six people who attended the funeral reported Ebola-like symptoms and two of them have died, while the other four have been hospitalized. Guinea was one of the three most-affected countries in the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak which was the largest since the virus was first discovered in 1976. “It’s a huge concern to see the resurgence of Ebola in Guinea, a country which has already suffered so much from the disease. However, banking on the expertise and experience built during the previous outbreak, health teams in Guinea are on the move to quickly trace the path of the virus and curb further infections,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “WHO is supporting the authorities to set up testing, contact-tracing and treatment structures and to bring the overall response to full speed.” During the West African outbreak, WHO and partners supported Guinea to build up its capacity to respond to Ebola and the country has developed crucial expertise. Guinean health workers played a key role in supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with its recent outbreaks, with teams of vaccinators helping to train health workers in the DRC. WHO staff are already on the ground. In addition to surveillance, they will help with ramping up infection prevention and control of health facilities and other key locations and reaching out to communities to ensure they take a key role in the response. WHO is also supporting the country to procure the Ebola vaccine which has proven instrumental in controlling outbreaks in the DRC. Samples of the confirmed cases have been sent to the Institut Pasteur in Senegal for a full genome sequencing to identify the strain of the Ebola virus. With the epicentre of the current outbreak in a border area, WHO is already working with health authorities in Liberia and Sierra Leone to beef up community surveillance of cases in their border districts as well as strengthening their capacity to test for cases and conduct surveillance in health facilities. WHO is reaching out to Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal and other countries at risk in the sub-region. During the West Africa Ebola outbreak, there were 28 000 cases, including 11 000 deaths. The outbreak started in Guinea and then moved across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/14/new-ebola-outbreak-declared-in-guinea/
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| Car Talk › Mercedes Benz Crosses 50 Million Vehicle Production Landmark by rodeo0070(op): 12:50pm On Feb 13, 2021 |
Anniversary and premiere at Mercedes-Benz: The first new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class from Factory 56 is also the 50-millionth car from Mercedes-Benz to roll off the line in the global production network.https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/13/mercedes-benz-crosses-50-million-vehicle-production-landmark-photos/ 15 Likes 2 Shares
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| Business › India Bans Cryptocurrencies, Gives Investors 6 Months To Liquidate Their Assets by rodeo0070(op): 10:50am On Feb 13, 2021 |
India has become the second country to outrightly ban Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This is coming after the Central Bank of Nigeria instructed all financial institutions in the country to block the accounts of all individuals and entities linked to cryptocurrency transactions.https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/13/india-bans-cryptocurrencies-gives-investors-6-months-to-liquidate-their-assets/ 27 Likes 5 Shares
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| Politics › APC Party Registration: A Time To Get Involved by Hon. Babajimi Benson, MHR by rodeo0070(op): 2:12pm On Feb 12, 2021 |
Every politics is local and democracy only works when the people actively participate. There is no dispute that our democracy is currently nascent and growing. The ongoing party registration and revalidation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is an opportunity for young people, independents, and progressive-minded citizens to get involved in the substructure of our political system upon which the path to attaining power is built. Our young people, particularly the #SoroSokeGeneration need to understand that the purpose and drive of a people-oriented democracy are to create a political system that allows people to participate competitively, within a striving ideological context codified in the doctrine of a political party structure. They also need to know that the primary agenda of a political party is to control the seat of power both politically and economically which is actualised through the selection of candidates and campaigning for such candidates to project and protect the ethos of its ideology. Today in Nigeria, there is no provision for independent candidacy (though there are ongoing constitutional amendments by the National Assembly to address this), so any individual who desires to participate in practical politics, must belong to a political party. It is the party that gives the candidate a platform and structure to introduce himself/herself to the people. In every democracy, the people who control the political party will determine those to be put forward to represent the people, after all, every leader is a reflection of its people, hence the significant importance of a political party in the area of governance. As I have often highlighted in the past, the people outside of power are more powerful than the people in power because every ounce of power weighed by those in power is handed over to them by that outside of power. The strength of the people to demonstrate the powerlessness of any government or those in power lie in the mobilisation and participation, which starts by identifying with a structured political party. According to Britannica, political parties “have one function in common: they all participate to some extent in the exercise of political power, whether by forming a government or by exercising the function of opposition, a function that is often of crucial importance in the determination of national policy.” The political party as an institution of selection and nomination of persons for political representation is created to accomplish this essential task of mobilising the mass of voters to attain political control. As of today, I believe our youth demography despite constituting over 45 percent of the total population is insufficiently represented in party membership, leadership, and legislatures. To change the narrative, the youth must see it as a sense of duty to participate in the process and align their strength within the progressive fold of APC to make a decisive impact in the representation of our dear country. I am calling on all to see the ongoing registration process as an opportunity to drive the process of a resilient democracy and remodel the quality of representatives the party would be putting forward at every poll. Let’s get involved to participate in the decision-making process. Let’s join the progressives’ party, let’s join APC. Written by: Honourable Babajimi Benson, member of the House of Representatives, on party registration of the APC. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/12/apc-party-registration-a-time-to-get-involved/
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| Health › Rising Mortality As Africa Marks One Year Of COVID-19 by rodeo0070(op): 7:57am On Feb 12, 2021 |
11 February 2021 – Deaths from COVID-19 in Africa have surged by 40% in the last month, pushing Africa’s death toll towards 100 000 since the first reported case on the continent on 14 February 2020. This comes as Africa battles new, more contagious variants and gears up for its largest-ever vaccination drive. Over 22,300 deaths were reported in Africa in the last 28 days, compared with nearly 16 000 deaths in the previous 28 days. The continent is expected to reach 100 000 deaths in the coming days. Thirty-two countries reported a rise in deaths in the last 28 days, while 21 reported flat or falling rates. Africa’s COVID-19 fatality rate rose to 3.7% during the last 28 days compared to 2.4% in the previous 28 days and is and is now well above the global average. This spike in mortality comes as Africa’s second wave of cases which began in October 2020 seems to have peaked on 6 January 2021. The second wave spread much faster than the first and is far more lethal. “The increasing deaths from COVID-19 we are seeing are tragic but are also disturbing warning signs that health workers and health systems in Africa are dangerously overstretched. This grim milestone must refocus everyone on stamping out the virus,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. In the second wave as cases surged far beyond the peak experienced in the first wave, health facilities have become overwhelmed. Preliminary reports which WHO has received from 21 countries show that 66% reported inadequate critical care capacity, 24% reported burnout among health workers and 15 countries reported that oxygen production, crucial for severely ill COVID-19 patients, remains insufficient. The one-year milestone comes as the continent faces the spread of new strains of virus. Variant 501Y.V2 (also known as B1.351), first identified in South Africa, has been detected in eight African countries, while the VOC202012/01 variant (also known as B1.1.7) initially identified in the United Kingdom has been detected in six countries on the continent. This week South Africa announced that it will pause the roll-out of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine because of a study indicating that the vaccine is less effective in preventing mild and moderate infection with the 501Y.V2 variant that is dominant in the country. “This is obviously very disappointing news, but the situation is very dynamic. While a vaccine that protects against all forms of COVID-19 is our biggest hope, preventing severe cases which overwhelm hospitals is crucial,” said Dr Moeti. “If cases remain mostly mild and moderate and don’t require critical care then we can save many lives. So, my message is, go out and get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available in your country.” On 10 February 2021, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, known as SAGE, strongly recommended that countries use the AstraZeneca vaccine, for priority groups, even if variants are present in a country. These preliminary findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of variants and their potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. WHO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new data become available. New variants are likely to emerge as the virus continues to spread so preventive measures must be maintained even as Africa gears up to start vaccinations against the virus. “The pandemic is far from over, and vaccines are just one crucial tool in our fight against the virus. We must boost investments and support for our health workers and health systems by sticking to mask-wearing, regular hand cleaning and safe social distancing,” said Dr Moeti. Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Her Excellency Dr Hala Zaid, Minister of Health and Population, Egypt and Professor Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Professor of Global Health and Special Advisor to the President of the European Commission on COVID-19. Also on hand to answer questions were Dr Richard Mihigo, Immunization and Vaccine Development Programme Coordinator, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and Dr Nsenga Ngoy, Emergency Response Programme Manager, WHO Regional Office for Africa. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/12/rising-mortality-as-africa-marks-one-year-of-covid-19/
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| Sports › FIFA And WHO #actogether To Tackle COVID-19 by rodeo0070(op): 5:32pm On Feb 01, 2021 |
Star footballers, competing team captains will promote equitable global access to vaccines, treatments and diagnostics Monday 1 February 2021, Geneva: FIFA is teaming up with the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the need for fair access to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics, and to encourage people to keep practising life-saving, everyday public health measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to protect health. In conjunction with the FIFA Club World Cup 2020, being held in Qatar from 4 to 11 February 2021, FIFA and WHO is launching a public awareness campaign involving star footballers, through TV and in-stadium messaging, to further promote the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator initiative launched in April 2020, and to urge people to practice mask-wearing, physical distancing and hand hygiene. “We all have to play our part in the battle against the coronavirus. We are also calling on the international community to #ACTogether to ensure a level playing field in relation to access to vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests across the globe,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said during a video conference prior to the kick-off of the FIFA Club World Cup. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, thanked FIFA and the players for helping raise awareness on life-saving interventions that all people can follow, and of the importance of intensified global support for the ACT Accelerator to ramp up development and equitable allocation of vaccines, treatments and tests to reduce severe disease and deaths caused by the coronavirus pandemic. “Fairness is the foundation of football and all other sports, and this also must be the same when it comes to health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The rules of the COVID-19 challenge are simple: all people at risk from the coronavirus in all countries must have equitable access to life-saving vaccines, treatments and diagnostics. In just nine months, the world has established these three powerful lines of defence against COVID-19. But our goal now is to ensure equitable access and continued refinement of these tools.” Dr Tedros added: “WHO is grateful to FIFA for teaming up with health partners around the world to promote the need for the fair distribution of the tools needed to defeat the coronavirus.” The new FIFA-WHO collaboration will amplify life-saving messages to a global audience with a series of promotional videos being broadcast during the FIFA Club World Cup. In the videos, competing club captains reiterate the key steps for everyone to follow in order to tackle and defeat the coronavirus by focusing on hands, elbow, face, distance, symptoms, masks and opening windows. “It is important that we do not forget that health comes first,” said the FIFA President. “Only by following the advice of our medical professionals will we be able to eliminate the threat posed by COVID-19, and I call upon everyone to follow these steps in their daily lives. This advice not only protects you but also protects your loved ones and those around you. In delivering these messages during the FIFA Club World Cup, I appreciate the support given by the participating teams and their players, coaching staff and other officials in respecting the protocols that need to be followed in order to play this tournament, and to ensure that we keep the football flame flickering brightly during these challenging times.” The video awareness campaign will feature players and head coaches from the competing teams at the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 together with FIFA Legends and will be published on various FIFA, WHO and club digital channels, with the support of broadcasters worldwide. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/01/fifa-and-who-actogether-to-tackle-covid-19/
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| Business › Zenith Bank Emerges Nigeria's Most Valuable Banking Brand by rodeo0070(op): 11:46am On Feb 01, 2021 |
Zenith Bank Plc has again emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2021. For the fourth consecutive year, Zenith Bank has been ranked as the number one banking brand in Nigeria with a brand value of $275 million, moving up two places from 392 in 2020 to 390 in the 2021 global ranking of banks. Notably, Zenith Bank is the only Nigerian bank among the first 400 banks in the global ranking. The ranking was published in the February 2021 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group in conjunction with London-based Brand Finance. According to the publication, brand value is the licensing rate that a third-party would need to pay to use the bank's brand. Commenting on the latest ranking, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu said that: "This ranking is a further affirmation of the bank's resilience given the very challenging macroeconomic environment brought about by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic". He added that "Zenith Bank remains committed to sustaining the superior performance which has earned it this recognition as Nigeria's Most Valuable Banking Brand, thus building on the legacy of its visionary Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, whose pioneering and foundational role in building the structures and laying the foundation ensured an enduring and very successful institution. Zenith Bank places a premium on its core business strategy anchored on People, Technology and Service, to create value for its numerous clienteles. With a team of dedicated professionals, the bank leverages its robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to provide cutting-edge solutions and products through its network of branches and electronic/digital channels. Zenith Bank's emergence as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria is coming on the heels of several awards and recognitions in 2020 for its track record of excellent performance. Zenith Bank was voted as Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards 2020, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards 2020 and Best Corporate Governance 'Financial Services' Africa 2020 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine "Top 500 Banking Brands 2020" and Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the "2020 Top 1000 World Banks" Ranking by The Banker Magazine. Similarly, the bank was recognized as Bank of the Decade (People's Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Retail Bank of the year at the 2020 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards, and Best Company in Promotion of Good Health and Well-Being as well as Best Company in Promotion of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2020. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/01/zenith-bank-emerges-nigerias-most-valuable-banking-brand/
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| Politics › Julius Berger Records 8.35% And 86.83% Drop In Revenue And Profit In 2020 by rodeo0070(op): 9:26am On Feb 01, 2021 |
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a planning and constructing a group of companies with a market capitalization of more than ₦30 billion, involving in all kinds of civil engineering works with seven subsidiaries, released its Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements the year ended 31st December 2020 to the investing public on January 26th, 2021.https://brandspurng.com/2021/02/01/julius-berger-records-8-35-and-86-83-drop-in-revenue-and-profit-in-2020/
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| Politics › Chevron Announces Q4 Loss Of $665M; Annual Capital Spending Down 35% by rodeo0070(op): 6:46pm On Jan 30, 2021 |
January 29, 2021 — Chevron Corporation today reported a loss of $665 million ($(0.33) per share - diluted) for fourth quarter 2020, compared with a loss of $6.6 billion ($(3.51) per share - diluted) in fourth quarter 2019. Included in the current quarter was a charge of $120 million associated with Noble Energy, Inc. acquisition costs. Foreign currency effects decreased earnings by $534 million. Adjusted loss of $11 million ($(0.01) per share - diluted) in fourth quarter 2020 compares to adjusted earnings of $2.8 billion ($1.49 per share - diluted) in fourth quarter 2019. Chevron reported a full-year 2020 loss of $5.5 billion ($(2.96) per share - diluted), compared with earnings of $2.9 billion ($1.54 per share - diluted) in 2019. Included in 2020 were net charges for special items of $4.5 billion, compared to net charges of $8.7 billion for special items in 2019. Foreign currency effects decreased earnings in 2020 by $645 million. Adjusted loss of $368 million ($(0.20) per share - diluted) in full-year 2020 compares to adjusted earnings of $11.9 billion ($6.27 per share - diluted) in full-year 2019. Sales and other operating revenues in fourth quarter 2020 were $25 billion, compared to $35 billion in the year-ago period. “2020 was a year like no other,” said Mike Wirth, Chevron’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “We were well positioned when the pandemic and economic crisis hit, and we exited the year with a strong balance sheet, having completed a major acquisition and increased our dividend payout for the 33rd consecutive year." “When market conditions deteriorated, we swiftly reduced capital spending by 35 percent from 2019 and also reduced operating costs, demonstrating our commitment to capital and cost discipline,” Wirth added. Excluding severance expense, 2020 operating expenses were down $1.4 billion from the prior year. Chevron also completed an enterprise-wide transformation program and the integration of Noble Energy, positioning the company for the future. “The acquisition of Noble Energy was completed in October, adding high-quality assets, opportunities and people to Chevron,” Wirth said. The company also generated asset sales proceeds of $2.9 billion in 2020, including the sale of its Appalachia natural gas business in December. For 2018 through 2020, the company generated asset sales proceeds of $7.7 billion, in the middle of its guidance range of $5-$10 billion. Chevron added 832 million barrels of net oil-equivalent proved reserves in 2020. These additions, which are subject to final reviews, are net of reductions associated with lower commodity prices, decisions to reduce capital funding for various projects and asset sales. The largest net additions were from the acquisition of Noble Energy and from assets in Kazakhstan. The largest net reductions were from assets in Australia, Venezuela, and the Permian Basin and asset sales in Appalachia. The company will provide additional details relating to 2020 reserve additions in its Annual Report on Form 10-K scheduled for filing with the SEC on February 25, 2021. “In 2020, we increased production of renewable products and investments in low-carbon technologies, consistent with our commitment to succeed in a lower carbon future,” Wirth stated. During the year, the company announced first gas production at its CalBioGas renewable natural gas (RNG) joint venture in California, formed a new RNG partnership with Brightmark and announced first production of renewable base oil through its Novvi joint venture. The company also entered agreements to invest in carbon capture and other emerging low carbon technologies through its Future Energy Fund. At year-end, balances of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $5.6 billion, a decrease of $0.1 billion from the end of 2019. Total debt at December 31, 2020 was $44.3 billion, an increase of $17.3 billion from a year earlier, including $9.4 billion from Noble Energy. UPSTREAM Worldwide net oil-equivalent production was 3.28 million barrels per day in fourth quarter 2020, an increase of 6 percent from a year ago. The increase was largely due to the Noble Energy acquisition, partially offset by production curtailments. Worldwide net oil-equivalent production for the full-year 2020 was 3.08 million barrels per day, an increase of 1 percent from the prior year. U.S. upstream operations earned $101 million in fourth quarter 2020, compared with a loss of $7.47 billion a year earlier. The increase was primarily due to the absence of fourth quarter 2019 impairments of $8.2 billion, partially offset by lower crude oil realizations. The company’s average sales price per barrel of crude oil and natural gas liquids was $33 in fourth quarter 2020, down from $47 a year earlier. The average sales price of natural gas was $1.49 per thousand cubic feet in fourth quarter 2020, up from $1.10 in last year’s fourth quarter. Net oil-equivalent production of 1.20 million barrels per day in fourth quarter 2020 was up 197,000 barrels per day from a year earlier. The increase was due to 231,000 barrels per day of production from the Noble Energy acquisition. Additional production increases from shale and tight properties in the Permian Basin were more than offset by normal field declines, weather effects in the Gulf of Mexico and a 25,000 barrels per day decrease related to the Appalachian asset sale. The net liquids component of oil-equivalent production in fourth quarter 2020 increased 14 percent to 880,000 barrels per day, while net natural gas production increased 39 percent to 1.89 billion cubic feet per day, compared to last year’s fourth quarter. International upstream operations earned $400 million in fourth quarter 2020, compared with $731 million a year ago. The decrease in earnings was primarily due to the absence of a 2019 gain of $1.2 billion on the sale of the U.K. Central North Sea assets, lower crude oil and natural gas realizations and lower crude oil sales volumes. Partially offsetting the decrease was the absence of fourth quarter 2019 write-offs and impairment charges of $2.2 billion along with lower operating expenses. Foreign currency effects had an unfavorable impact on earnings of $158 million between periods. The average sales price for crude oil and natural gas liquids in fourth quarter 2020 was $40 per barrel, down from $57 a year earlier. The average sales price of natural gas was $4.23 per thousand cubic feet in the fourth quarter, compared with $5.71 in last year’s fourth quarter. Net oil-equivalent production of 2.08 million barrels per day in fourth quarter 2020 was flat relative to fourth quarter 2019. Higher production due to 124,000 barrels per day of production from the Noble Energy acquisition and favorable entitlement effects were offset by production curtailments associated with OPEC+ restrictions and market conditions, asset sale-related decreases of 82,000 barrels per day and normal field declines. The net liquids component of oil- equivalent production decreased 2 percent to 1.10 million barrels per day in fourth quarter 2020, while net natural gas production of 5.90 billion cubic feet per day increased 3 percent, compared to last year's fourth quarter. DOWNSTREAM U.S. downstream operations reported a loss of $174 million in fourth quarter 2020, compared with earnings of $488 million a year earlier. The decrease was mainly due to lower margins on refined product sales and lower sales volumes, partially offset by lower operating expenses and higher earnings from 50 percent-owned Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC. Refinery crude oil input in fourth quarter 2020 decreased 17 percent to 806,000 barrels per day from the year-ago period, as the company cut refinery runs in response to the weak refining margin environment. Refined product sales of 1.02 million barrels per day were also down 17 percent from fourth quarter 2019, mainly due to lower jet fuel, diesel and gasoline demand associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. International downstream operations reported a loss of $164 million in fourth quarter 2020, compared with earnings of $184 million a year earlier. The decrease in earnings was largely due to lower margins on refined product sales, partially offset by lower operating expenses. Foreign currency effects had an unfavorable impact on earnings of $108 million between periods. Refinery crude oil input of 541,000 barrels per day in fourth quarter 2020 decreased 6 percent from the year-ago period, primarily due to the economic slowdowns in response to the COVID- 19 pandemic, partially offset by the absence of the fourth quarter 2019 major planned turnaround at the Star Petroleum Refining Company in Thailand. Refined product sales of 1.23 million barrels per day in fourth quarter 2020 were down 4 percent from the year-ago period, mainly due to lower jet fuel demand associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by higher diesel sales resulting from the second quarter 2020 acquisition of Puma Energy (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd. All Other consists of worldwide cash management and debt financing activities, corporate administrative functions, insurance operations, real estate activities and technology companies. Net charges in fourth quarter 2020 were $828 million, compared to $548 million a year earlier. The increase in net charges between periods was mainly due to higher pension expenses and Noble Energy acquisition costs, partially offset by favorable tax items. Foreign currency effects increased net charges by $12 million between periods. CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS Cash flow from operations in 2020 was $10.6 billion, compared with $27.3 billion in 2019. Excluding working capital effects, cash flow from operations in 2020 was $12.2 billion, compared with $25.8 billion in 2019. CAPITAL AND EXPLORATORY EXPENDITURES Capital and exploratory expenditures in 2020 were $13.5 billion, compared with $21.0 billion in 2019. The amounts included $4.0 billion in 2020 and $6.1 billion in 2019 for the company’s share of expenditures by affiliates, which did not require cash outlays by the company. Expenditures for upstream represented 81 percent of the company-wide total in 2020. Included in 2020 were inorganic capital expenditures of $350 million primarily associated with the downstream acquisition of Puma Energy (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd. The acquisition of Noble Energy is not included in the company’s capital and exploratory expenditures. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/30/chevron-announces-q4-loss-of-665m-annual-capital-spending-down-35/
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| Celebrities › Xiaomi Unveils Mi Air Charge, Wireless Charging From Across The Room by rodeo0070(op): 7:17pm On Jan 29, 2021 |
January 29, 2021 – Global technology leader Xiaomi today introduced a brand new form of charging – Mi Air Charge Technology. Revolutionizing the current wireless charging methods, Mi Air Charge Technology enables users to remotely charge electronic devices without any cables or wireless charging stands. Today, we enter a true wireless charging era. Mi Air Charge Technology – 5W remote charging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsFHKCcV2rg The core technology of Xiaomi’s remote charging lies in space positioning and energy transmission. Xiaomi’s self-developed isolated charging pile has five phase interference antennas built-in, which can accurately detect the location of the smartphone. A phase control array composed of 144 antennas transmits millimetre-wide waves directly to the phone through beamforming. On the smartphone side, Xiaomi has also developed a miniaturized antenna array with built-in “beacon antenna” and “receiving antenna array”. Beacon antenna broadcasts position information with low power consumption. The receiving antenna array composed of 14 antennas converts the millimetre-wave signal emitted by the charging pile into electric energy through the rectifier circuit, to turn the sci-fi charging experience into reality. Currently, Xiaomi remote charging technology is capable of 5-watt remote charging for a single device within a radius of several meters. Apart from that, multiple devices can also be charged at the same time (each device supports 5 watts), and even physical obstacles do not reduce the charging efficiency. Future living rooms will be fully wireless In the near future, Xiaomi’s self-developed space isolation charging technology will also be able to work with smartwatches, bracelets and other wearable devices. Soon our living room devices, including speakers, desk lamps and other small smart home products, will all be built upon a wireless power supply design, completely free of wires, making our living rooms truly wireless. This is a revolutionary innovation of wireless charging. This is also a bold attempt to turn the whole house wireless. It’s not science fiction, it’s technology. This is Xiaomi’s self-developed remote charging technology. Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is an internet company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an Internet of Things (IoT) platform at its core. With an equal emphasis on innovation and quality, Xiaomi continuously pursues high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology. Xiaomi is currently the world’s third-largest smartphone brand and has established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform with 289.5 million smart devices connected to its platform, excluding smartphones and laptops. Xiaomi products are present in more than 90 markets around the world. In August 2020, the company made the Fortune Global 500 list for the second time, ranking 422nd, up 46 places compared to the previous year. Xiaomi also ranked 7th among internet companies on the list. Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and Hang Seng TECH Index. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/29/xiaomi-unveils-mi-air-charge-wireless-charging-from-across-the-room/
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| Phones › How To Move Your Whatsapp Chats To Telegram On Ios & Android by rodeo0070(op): 7:03pm On Jan 29, 2021 |
The update of the privacy policy of WhatsApp has increased the growth of Telegram as over 100 million users have joined Telegram. In order to increase the adoption of Telegram by users of WhatsApp. Telegram has made a move that enables people to feel more comfortable in migrating digitally from WhatsApp to Telegram. Telegram is introducing the ability to import your chat history including videos and documents from other apps including WhatsApp. This means that you get to retain past conversations from your Whatsapp if you feel uncomfortable using WhatsApp. You can import your chats as long as you have an account on both WhatsApp and Telegram. The feature is available on both Android and IOS. This move by Telegram reduces the cost of switching from WhatsApp to Telegram thereby eradicating one of the barriers that users can face. Here is how to move your chats from WhatsApp to Telegram: On iOS: - Open WhatsApp on your iPhone. - Head to the chat and click the contact or group name at the top to open the Group/ Contact Info screen. - Click on Export Chat. - Now, select Telegram and click Import when prompted. On Android: - Launch WhatsApp on your Android phone. - Open the chat and click the three-dot menu at the top right corner. - Click on More and select Export Chat. - Tap Include Media if you want to add images, videos, and other files. - In the share sheet, tap on Telegram. - Now, select the Telegram chat or contact where you want to copy your WhatsApp chats. Also, any messages imported into chats have a small “Imported” label on them noting when they were originally sent, and when they were brought into Telegram, and messages are visible to all chat participants. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/29/how-to-move-your-whatsapp-chats-to-telegram-on-ios-android/
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| Health › What You Need To Know About The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine by rodeo0070(op): 2:59pm On Jan 29, 2021 |
The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization has issued Interim recommendations for use of the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine against COVID-19 in people aged 18 years and older. Here is what you need to know. Who should be vaccinated first? As with all COVID-19 vaccines, health workers at high risk of exposure and older people should be prioritized for vaccination. As more vaccine becomes available, additional priority groups should be vaccinated, with attention to people disproportionately affected by COVID-19 or who face health inequities. Who else can take the vaccine? The vaccine is safe and effective in people with known medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled. Although further studies are required for immunocompromised persons, people in this category who are part of a group recommended for vaccination may be vaccinated after receiving information and counselling. Persons living with HIV are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Known HIV-positive vaccine recipients should be provided with information and counselling. Vaccination can be offered to people who have had COVID-19 in the past. But individuals may wish to defer their own COVID-19 vaccination for up to six months from the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The vaccine can be offered to a breastfeeding woman who is part of a group recommended for vaccination (e.g. health workers); discontinuing breastfeeding after vaccination is currently not recommended. Who should not take the vaccine? While pregnancy puts women at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, the use of this vaccine in pregnant women is currently not recommended, unless they are at risk of high exposure (e.g. health workers). Individuals with a history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not take this or any other mRNA vaccine. While vaccination is recommended for older persons due to the high risk of severe COVID-19 and death, very frail older persons with an anticipated life expectancy of fewer than 3 months should be individually assessed. The vaccine should not be administered to persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies. What’s the recommended dosage? SAGE recommends the use of the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine at a schedule of two doses (100 µg, 0.5 ml each) 28 days apart. If necessary, the interval between the doses may be extended to 42 days. Compliance with the full schedule is recommended and the same product should be used for both doses. Is it safe? While this vaccine has yet to be approved by WHO for an Emergency Use Listing, it has undergone review by the European Medical Agency (EMA) and consequently meets WHO’s criteria for SAGE consideration. The EMA has thoroughly assessed the data on the quality, safety and efficacy of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and authorized its use across the European Union. SAGE recommends that all vaccinees be observed for at least 15 minutes after vaccination. Those who experience an immediate severe allergic reaction to the first dose should not receive additional doses. Longer-term safety assessment involves continued to follow up of clinical trial participants, as well as specific studies and continued surveillance of secondary effects or adverse events of those being vaccinated in the rollout. The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, a group of experts that provides an independent and authoritative guide to the WHO on the topic of safe vaccine use, receives and assesses reports of suspected safety events of potentially international impact. How efficacious is the vaccine? The Moderna vaccine has been shown to have an efficacy of approximately 92 per cent in protecting against COVID-19, starting 14 days after the first dose. Does it work against new variants? Based on the evidence so far, the new variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the B.1.1.7 and the 501Y.V2, do not alter the effectiveness of the Moderna mRNA vaccine. The monitoring, collection and analysis of data on new variants and their impact on the effectiveness of COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines continue. Does it prevent infection and transmission? We do not know whether the vaccine will prevent infection and protect against onward transmission. Immunity persists for several months, but the full duration is not yet known. These important questions are being studied. In the meantime, we must maintain public health measures that work: masking, physical distancing, handwashing, respiratory and cough hygiene, avoiding crowds, and ensuring good ventilation. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/29/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-moderna-covid-19-vaccine/
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| TV/Movies › Multichoice Announces Price Slash On Dstv, Gotv Decoders by rodeo0070(op): 2:03pm On Jan 29, 2021 |
Leading video entertainment provider, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced a price slash on its DStv and GOtv decoders starting Monday, February 1st, 2021. The price slash will see the DStv HD decoder, dish kit with Compact package subscription drop from N18,600 to N9,900 on Confam package, while GOtv decoder, GOtennae with GOtv Jolli package subscription will go from N8,400 to N6,900. DStv Confam is one of two recently improved DStv packages specially designed for the Nigerian family. With over 120 channels, DStv Confam offers the best of family time with international entertainment, kids, news and sports boasting of a range of channels including SuperSport La Liga, CBS Reality, FOX, BET and Cartoon Network. GOtv Jolli, also a recently improved package on the DTT offering, offers a broad selection of over 68 local and international channels to choose from. Some of the channels available include SuperSport Football, ROK 2, Telemundo, FOX, Davinci Learning and Africa News. Speaking at a virtual media briefing held on Friday, 29 January, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, explained that the price slash is part of MultiChoice’s long line of efforts to lessen the economic impact of COVID on customers and a reflection of its commitment to making quality entertainment more accessible to Nigerians. “With this discount, we are lowering the entry barrier for new customers to get a DStv or GOtv decoder as staying connected to credible information and another quality programming can be comforting for many families during these trying times,” said Mabutho. Mabutho also listed some of the company’s relief strategies deployed during the first wave of the pandemic which includes cash donations of N200 million and N50 million to the Federal Government and Lagos State Government respectively, N400 million to the creative industry, whose professionals experienced disruptions in productions; donation of 30,000 Personal Protective Equipment and 30,000 face masks to hospitals and Non-Governmental Organisations as well as an approved inventory worth over N550m highlighting NCDC’s COVID-19 helplines and PSA materials on over 10 channels on DStv and GOtv. “In addition to the discount we are currently running our DStv Step-Up offer which gives our customers on lower packages an opportunity to experience programming on higher packages, and a GOtv Max offer which sees customers on Jolli and Jinja enjoy a special discount of N2,999 instead of N3,600 per month,” Mabutho added. The discounted DStv and GOtv bundle offer will be available from Monday, February 1st 2021 for a limited time only. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/29/multichoice-announces-price-slash-on-dstv-gotv-decoders/ 9 Likes 6 Shares
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| Politics › Airtel Africa Pays ₦71.61 Billion To Renew Nigeria Licences by rodeo0070(op): 12:55pm On Jan 28, 2021 |
28 January 2021: Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, today announces that the application for renewal of the spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria), has been approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). These spectrum licences were otherwise due to expire on 30 November 2021. Following the application, the NCC subsequently offered Airtel Nigeria the opportunity to renew its spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a period of ten years with effect from 1 December 2021 until 30 November 2031, which Airtel Nigeria has accepted. Under the terms of the spectrum licences, Airtel Nigeria has paid 71.611 billion naira ($189 million) in respect of the licence renewal fees. Raghunath Mandava, CEO of Airtel Africa, commented: “I am pleased to announce that our application in Nigeria to renew our spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a ten-year period has been approved by the NCC. This is our largest market and we remain focused on bridging the digital divide and expanding our broadband capability in the country. On behalf of Airtel Nigeria and the Group, I would like to thank both the government of Nigeria and the NCC for their cooperation and support in this important process.” Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries in Africa, primarily in East Africa and Central and West Africa. Airtel Africa offers an integrated suite of telecommunications solutions to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally. The Group aims to continue providing a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined customer journeys. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/28/airtel-africa-pays-%e2%82%a671-61-billion-to-renew-nigeria-licences/ 1 Like
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| Politics › Smartphone Market Returns To Growth In Q4 As Apple Becomes World's Biggest Selle by rodeo0070(op): 10:33am On Jan 28, 2021 |
The global smartphone market returned to annual growth of 4.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, to 385.9 million shipments in total, according to IDC. The market strength was led by Apple, which took the top spot for shipments from Samsung thanks to the popularity of its iPhone 12 series. The recovery in Q4 was attributed to pent-up demand and excess savings among consumers after the coronavirus restrictions earlier in the year. Vendors also appeared better prepared to meet customer needs during the second lockdown, IDC said. Apart from the growth figures, the main surprise of the quarter was Apple vaulting into the first position. The release of its first 5G phones helped the company grow shipments over 22 percent to 90.1 million, and its market share rose to 23.4 percent from 19.9 percent a year ago. Samsung also showed annual growth, but at a much lower rate of 6.2 percent, giving it a market share of 19.1 percent, up slightly from a year ago. Xiaomi confirmed its position as number three in the market, after strong growth of 32 percent in shipments to 43.3 million. Its market share increased to 11.2 percent from 8.9 percent in Q4 2019. Oppo came fourth with an 8.8 percent share after an estimated 10.7 percent increase in shipments, and Huawei dropped to fifth place with an 8.4 percent share and 42.4 percent drop in shipments. Over the full year 2020, the smartphone market contracted 5.9 percent to 1.292 billion devices. The main winners were Apple, up 8 percent to 206.1 million phones shipped and a 15.9 percent market share, and Xiaomi, up 17.6 percent to 147.8 million phones and a 11.4 percent market share. Samsung remained in first place with a 20.6 percent share, after an estimated 10 percent fall in shipments, and Huawei took third with a 14.6 percent share and a 21.5 percent fall in shipments. SOURCE: Smartphone market returns to growth in Q4 As Apple Becomes World's Biggest Seller
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| Politics › Union Bank Dismisses Report Of Plans By Principal Owner To Sell 50% Stake by rodeo0070(op): 5:51pm On Jan 27, 2021 |
Union Bank Dismisses Report Of Plans By Principal Owner To Sell 50% Stake as Rumours January 27, 2021 - Atlas Mara Limited, the sub-Saharan African financial services group and Union Bank of Nigeria, today issued the following statement in response to media reports incorrectly stating that "Atlas Mara has received offers from local banks wishing to buy over Union Bank." Atlas Mara and Union Bank Dismiss Report of plans by the principal owner to sell 50% stake as rumours In an official statement released by Union Bank of Nigeria, signed by Somuyiwa Sonubi, Company Secretary said the unsubstantiated report was based on mere rumours and speculations. "Our attention has been drawn to an online publication by Premium Times dated 23rd January 2021, captioned “Union Bank’s Principal Owner considering the sale of 50% stake”. Please note that the unsubstantiated report is based on mere rumours and speculations." “The Nigerian Stock Exchange, other regulatory agencies and members of the public are hereby advised to disregard the publication in its entirety,” the lender said. While it is the Atlas Mara's practice to refrain from comment on market rumours or speculation, we believe it is important to note that Atlas Mara has not received any offers from any local Nigerian bank or other bank wishing to acquire the Company's stake in Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN). As previously announced to the market in 2019, the Board of the Company has been exploring a wide range of strategic options with the assistance of external advisers. That process is still underway and the Company's strategic objectives have not changed. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/27/union-bank-dismiss-report-of-plans-by-the-principal-owner-to-sell-50-stake-as-rumours/
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| Politics › Nigeria Joins Forces With World Economic Forum To Fight Plastic Pollution by rodeo0070(op): 12:14pm On Jan 27, 2021 |
Geneva, Switzerland, 27 January 2021 – Nigeria will officially join the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), a platform that works with governments, businesses and civil society to translate plastic pollution commitments into concrete solutions. The announcement emerges from a week of virtual dialogues during the Davos Agenda, a global summit where heads of state, CEOs, civil society leaders, activists and media have convened to choose bold and innovative solutions to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure a green and inclusive recovery in the years to come. Nigeria is the largest economy on the African continent as well as home to one of the largest youth populations in the world. The pandemic has slowed economic activity in this diverse and entrepreneurial nation and contributed to a depressed labour market, creating highly challenging setbacks for human and economic development efforts. Mismanaged plastic waste and unsustainable plastics production are commonplace in the West Africa region. Challenges include thin capacity and investment in waste collection and recycling, varying levels of awareness of sustainable practices among businesses and consumers, and the niche nature of innovative and alternative models supporting reduce and reuse. In 2018, Nigeria was estimated to have discharged around 200,000 tonnes of plastic waste into the ocean per year, while its annual plastics production is projected to grow to 523,000 tonnes by 2022. In joining GPAP, Nigeria will work with the World Economic Forum to launch a National Plastic Action Partnership, based on a promising model that has been piloted in Indonesia, Ghana and Viet Nam. Its principal mandates will include creating and working with locally-led, locally driven platforms, such as the Federal Ministry of Environment and the African Development Bank-coordinated Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group (NCEWG), to bring together the country’s most influential policy-makers, business leaders and civil society advocates. The goal is to deliver a national action plan for radically reducing plastic pollution, connecting high-potential solutions with strategic financing opportunities. In Indonesia, the national partnership has launched action and investment roadmaps that could prevent 16 million tonnes of plastic leakage into the ocean, create 150,000 jobs, and generate $10 billion a year in revenue from investment in waste management, plastics substitution and innovative business models. Similar ambitious blueprints for action are under development in Ghana and Viet Nam and will be initiated in Nigeria on the partnership’s formal launch in early 2021. “With this partnership, Nigeria is further reinforcing its commitments and efforts towards addressing plastic pollution and safeguarding the environment,” said Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Nigeria’s Environment Minister. “From co-founding the African Circular Economy Alliance and establishing a Nigerian/AfDB Circular Economy Working Group to joining the Global Plastic Action Partnership, Nigeria is determined to unleash the full potential of our young generation of innovative and passionate leaders so that we can work together towards a future free of plastic pollution and waste. We look forward to strengthening our engagement with the World Economic Forum on this effort and to formally launching the partnership in the coming months.” “Amidst the myriad economic and social challenges that nearly every nation is facing, Nigeria has recognized plastic pollution as an urgent priority that cannot be sidelined,” said Kristin Hughes, Director of the Global Plastic Action Partnership and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum. “Plastic waste and pollution are not issues that exist in a vacuum – they are deeply and intrinsically tied not only to the health of our environment but also the well-being of women and children, the livelihoods of communities and informal workers, the creation of new jobs and ways of working, and a nation’s ability to build a sustainable and thriving economy that leaves no one behind. We are honoured to support the Nigerian people in their fight to turn the tide on plastic pollution.” Nigeria is also one of the founding members of the African Circular Economy Alliance, alongside South Africa, Rwanda, the African Development Bank, the UN Environment Programme and the World Economic Forum. The regional platform has mobilized a multi-donor trust fund of €4 million, which will fund circular economy entrepreneurs and initiatives with the potential to be replicated in African nations. “The World Economic Forum is delighted to build on and strengthen its existing collaboration with the Government of Nigeria with this new partnership,” said Chido Munyati, Acting Head of Africa, World Economic Forum. “The transition to a circular economy will be a crucial part of Nigeria’s global recovery and addressing plastic pollution, in particular, will have a visible impact on its natural environment, quality of life and opportunities for young people. Through this partnership, we will see Nigeria make a clear case for why economic growth and sustainable development go hand-in-hand.” The Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilization of global leaders aimed at rebuilding trust to shape the principles, policies and partnerships needed in 2021. It features a full week of global programming dedicated to helping leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery over the next year. Heads of state, CEOs, civil society leaders, and global media will actively participate in almost 100 sessions across five themes. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/27/nigeria-joins-forces-with-world-economic-forum-to-fight-plastic-pollution/ 1 Like
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| Politics › Nigeria: VAT Revenue Grew By 29.3% To ₦1.53 Trillion In 2020 – NBS by rodeo0070(op): 9:34am On Jan 27, 2021 |
The Nigerian government generated a total sum of 1.53 trillion naira revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2020, up by 29.3% when compared to 1.18 trillion naira recorded in 2019. This is according to the Sectoral value-added tax report, recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Sectoral distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) data for Q4 2020 reflected that the sum of N454.69bn was generated as VAT in Q4 2020 as against N424.71bn generated in Q3 2020 and N308.48bn generated in Q4 2019 representing 7.06% increase Quarter-on-Quarter and 47.39% increase Year-on-Year. Further Breakdown - Professional Services generated the highest amount of VAT with N42.38bn generated and closely followed by Other Manufacturing generating N39.45bn, Commercial and Trading generating N21.15bn - Mining generated the least and closely followed by Pioneering and Textile and Garment Industry with N58.88m, N185.72m and N353.75m generated respectively. - Out of the total amount generated in Q4 2020, N212.52bn was generated as Non-Import VAT locally while N143.35bn was generated as Non- Import VAT for foreign. The balance of N98.81bn was generated as NCS-Import VAT. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/27/nigeria-vat-revenue-grew-by-29-3-to-%e2%82%a61-53-trillion-in-2020-nbs/
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| Politics › Re: 14.7km Ijebu Ode-itamapako-epe Road Reaches 65% Completion - Contractors (PICS) by rodeo0070(op): 9:20am On Jan 27, 2021 |
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| Politics › 14.7km Ijebu Ode-itamapako-epe Road Reaches 65% Completion - Contractors (PICS) by rodeo0070(op): 9:20am On Jan 27, 2021 |
Following the relentless efforts of the State Government towards ensuring the Speedy Completion of the Ijebu-Ode-Itamapako-Epe road, contractors have confirmed that the State of the road has reached 65% Completion Stage. In an interaction with newsmen, the Project Manager, Craneburg Construction, Engr. Amine Tawk disclosed that barring any unforeseen circumstances, the road will soon be completed as it is presently 65% ready for use, adding that when completed, not less than 30 communities stand to benefit from the economic proceeds of the road. It will be recalled that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun during one of the inspection tours of roads across the State pledged that the 14.7km Ijebu-Ode-Epe road would be commissioned in the second half of 2021. In his reaction, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya pointed out that the move to construct the road was borne out of the desire to stimulate economic activities, secure and create a safe environment for business to thrive, as well as improve the quality of life of the people. He added that the road when completed in the second quarter of the year would enhance accessibility to different communities along the area and reduce the burden of vehicle maintenance. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/27/14-7km-ijebu-ode-itamapako-epe-road-reaches-65-completion-contractors-photos/
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| Education › LBS’ Full-time MBA Ranked Top 100 In The World By The Economist by rodeo0070(op): 2:56pm On Jan 26, 2021 |
The Full-time MBA programme of Lagos Business School (LBS) has been ranked among the top 100 in the world according to The Economist’s WhichMBA? 2021 ranking. Released on Thursday, 21 January, The Economist 2021 ranking evaluated full-time MBA programmes from 90 business schools across the world based on four broad criteria, including Open new career opportunities, Personal development and educational experience, Salary, and Potential to network. The Economist collated data from eligible schools on areas such as the percentage of graduates who receive a job offer after 3 months of graduation, the ratio of faculty to students, average GMAT score, student and faculty gender diversity, among others. Current MBA students and recent alumni are also contacted to rate their school on areas such as faculty quality, post-MBA salary, salary increase, etc. According to Lagos Business School’s MBA Impact Report, its Full-time MBA graduates record an 87 percent increase in their salary upon completing the programme. 83 percent are promoted after the programme, 50 percent get jobs three months after the programme, and 73 percent get their first post-programme jobs through the School’s Career Office. Lagos Business School’s Full-time MBA is the only programme and business school in Africa to be ranked on the 2021 list and was well rated in categories such as a number of overseas alumni chapters, diversity of recruiters, and student-faculty diversity. Dean, Professor Chris Ogbechie said, “This ranking is a fantastic way to begin the year at Lagos Business School. We are happy to be recognised for maintaining the quality of our MBA programmes despite the challenges of the previous year. This recognition challenges us to intensify our efforts towards developing responsible business leaders who will solve Africa’s business, economic, social and institutional challenges.” “I congratulate every member of the LBS community who has worked arduously to ensure that we have, yet again, gained another international recognition. We, at the MBA department, are intent on creating and delivering transformational experiences to our participants and this ranking is fuel to our fire”, MBA Director, Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie added. This is the first time the Lagos Business School Full-time MBA programme would be ranked by The Economist. However, its Executive MBA has been ranked for two years in a row and emerged among the top 50 in 2019. Other top business schools on the list include IESE Business School, which was ranked number one. Lagos Business School’s range of MBA programmes equip students with a thorough knowledge of the main business disciplines, analytical competencies and problem-solving capabilities in addition to strong industry engagement. SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/26/lagos-business-schools-full-time-mba-ranked-top-100-in-the-world-by-the-economist/
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| Celebrities › Re: Joeboy Announces Debut Album, ‘somewhere Between Beauty & Magic’ by rodeo0070(op): 4:19pm On Jan 23, 2021 |
LMS1:yeah |
