Daily Bells Newspaper, Author at Business Bells — Page 9 of 31

Author: Daily Bells Newspaper

N69.4bn Debt: AMCON Takes Over NICON Insurance, Nigeria Reinsurance From Jimoh Ibrahim

In a bid to bring stability in the operation of organisations, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has taken over the major investor’s interests in NICON Insurance Limited and the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation (Nigeria Re).

The two companies belonging to the embattled businessman and politician, Jimoh Ibrahim, were taken-over over an alleged N69.4 billion debt.

National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), however, approved the new board and management of the two firms.

According to AMCON, reason for the changes in the board and management of the two insurance firms is sequel to the takeover of the major investor’s interests in the two organisations.

The new board of NICON Insurance Limited has Mr. Lamis Shehu Dikko FIoD as Chairman, Dr. Henry Uko Ationu, ACIIN as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Mr. John Abuh Oyidih FCA ACIIN as Executive Director, Finance & Admin.

The insurance firm also has Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh, the Director-General of Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) as Non-Executive Director and Mr. Ahmed Dahiru Modibbo FIBA ACIS as Non-Executive Director (Independent).

Similarly, the board and management of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation has Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe SAN as Chairman, Mr. Olugbenga Falekulo ACII serves as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Olusegun Ilori FCA ACIIN comes in as Executive Director, Finance & Admin.

Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh, the Director-General of Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) comes in as Non-Executive Director while Mrs. Yvonne Isichei MIoD, FCIB joins as Non-Executive Director (Independent).

The reconstitution of the board and management team of two insurance institutions in Nigeria is to ensure that the firms continue in their quest for transparent and accountable management of insurance in the country and continue to deliver value to its stakeholders.

NICON Insurance Limited, which is one of Africa’s leading Insurers in the country was originally owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Corporation was established by Decree No.22 of 1969 (now Cap 263 law of 1990 as amended) with the main objective of assisting in the development of the insurance industry in Nigeria and specifically to ensure that Federal Government assets and property are fully protected by way of insurance.

However, consequent upon the commencement of the second phase of the Federal Government Privatisation Policy, NICON Insurance was privatised in December 2005.

With an asset base of N46.9bn gathered over a 50-year period of operation, many branches, and regional offices, it is therefore modest to classify NICON as a colossus in the insurance and other financial services sector.

Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation on the other hand was established under the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation Act No. 49 of 1977. It commenced operations on January 1st, 1978, as Nigeria’s flag reinsurer, wholly owned by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In 2002, the Corporation was transformed from being a Federal Government wholly owned Corporation to a privatised company with the government retaining some shares.

The Corporation, which has over 40 years of operations is in the business of assuming risks, providing reinsurance services and risk management solutions to its clients.

27 July 2021
Coscharis Motors Flaunts Locally Assembled Renault Vehicles At Lagos Motor Fair

Coscharis Motors Plc, a subsidiary of Coscharis Group recently showcased two locally assembled Renault automobile models amongst others during the 15^th Lagos Motor Fair held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Speaking at the Fair with various stakeholders in attendance, the Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Abiona Babarinde said “If you recall in July 2019 we formally announced our partnership with the Renault Group to represent their auto brands in Nigeria. We equally showcased our ultra-modern Semi-Knocked-Down Assembly Plant located at our Group Head office in Awoyaya, Lagos. As at today, we are excited to say that Coscharis Motors has since been rolling out two name plates of the Renault Brand, namely Renault Logan and Renault Duster, from the assembly plant. These two locally assembled nameplates are among the five models that include Renault Kwid, Renault Koleos and Renault Oroch respectively on display here today under the Renault brand.”

Commenting on the locally assembled vehicles, an obviously elated Director General of Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council, Dr. Jelani Aliyu said, “I am excited to see that Coscharis Motors has assembled these vehicles in Nigeria. The NADDC and other relevant agencies of government are willing to support you to do more in this regard. I commend and congratulate the leadership and entire Coscharis team and their Renault partners for this great feat and assure the Company of government support towards the growth of local assembling of more Renault models in your plant”

R – L : Abiona Babarinde, GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group; Dr. Aliyu Jelani, DG, National Automotive Design and Development Council; Sola Adigun, General Manager Sales, Renault, Coscharis Motors; Olayinka Oladipo, Sales Manager, Renault, Coscharis Motors, during the exhibition of Renault brand of vehicles at the 15th Lagos Motor Fair held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, last week

Coscharis Motors equally used the Fair to further remind the market on the ongoing ‘Giveaway’ promotion for any purchase of the Renault Kwid and Renault Koleos that attracts a free Abro Generator, 5% discount, free insurance, free vehicle registration and free vehicle service for the 1^st two service. This is coupled with the ease of purchase through flexible finance schemes from Coscharis Mobility, Polaris Bank and other upcoming finance institutions that are finance partners to Coscharis Motors.

The Koleos

The Koleos is designed with a sense of detail and personality enhanced by its sleek appearance and athletic curves.

Behind its chic urban styling, Koleos has the DNA of a true 4X4. The ALL MODE 4×4-I technology allows you to select the transmission mode that your vehicle will need to be equally at home on dirt, mud or sand as it is on tarmac.

Koleos comes with a range of driver assistance technologies including active emergency braking, blind spot detection system, easy trunk access and R-Link 2 media system.

Duster

Customers can choose from 1.6-Litre to 2.0Litre engine but whichever engine, it is built with a robust off-roader looks. With the superb ground clearance, the Duster is a practical and durable vehicle for the Nigerian road.

The interior of the All-new Duster reflects its generous, adventure-seeking nature. The spacious cabin is bright and reassuring. The driver and passenger seats provide plenty of support to ensure your comfort wherever you go. The upholstery features a high-quality finish, as does the dashboard, where particular emphasis was placed on ergonomic design.

Simple and intuitive, the multimedia system Media Nav with touching screen allows you to navigate through all the different functionalities: navigation, phone, radio, Aux/USB ports and Bluetooth® connection to listen to your favorite music.

It also comes with hands free card to lock and unlock the doors from a distance as well as assist to start the air-conditioning before getting into the car.

Logan

New Renault Logan has an even more modern and dynamic design. With redesigned front and rear end panels featuring the new Renault brand light signature, New Renault Logan is a beauty to behold.

New Renault Logan has 5 generous seats to comfortably accommodate all your passengers. Enjoy useful and smart new storage areas, including a phone pouch and a front passenger side net pouch. There’s a new 12 V output in the rear for charging your devices. There’s also a 1/3-2/3* split-fold rear bench seat and a spacious boot to transport everything you need in the way that suits you. Combine utility and pleasure for a journey you’re sure to love. *Depending on the version.

Logan’s ground clearance level (155-164mm) enhances its capacity to cope with extremely poor road surfaces (potholes, cobbles, uneven surfaces. The mechanics, bodywork (opening panels), air conditioning/ventilation system and passenger compartment all specially designed to cope with certain countries’ environments where dust is omnipresent. Logan has an excellent thermal comfort standard (the vehicle is designed to deal with “extremely hot” conditions.

Kwid

Inside Renault Kwid, there’s plenty of headroom, legroom and elbowroom for the driver plus up to 4 passengers. There are ingenious storage spaces everywhere.

The Renault KWID’s class-leading boot space of 290L can be extended up to 1100L, making it the perfect partner for a long road trip.

Customers can also personise their vehicle with a pack connect that offers you the possibility to integrate a black front grille with a chrome embellisher, a chrome ring around the fog lamps and a black pearl color for side mirrors.

Customers can now contact our dealer outlets across Nigeria or visit www.renault.com.ng for pricing and specification listings.

We also offer trade-in options so that customers can upgrade to newer models by trading in their current vehicles.

Furthermore, Abiona Babarinde reassured on the company’s aftersales commitment stating that “Coscharis is fully equipped to handle all after-sales – services and repairs timeously with the original spare parts. We are continually confident to simply delight our customers with the Renault brand as the exclusive franchise owner in Nigeria”.

We are the sole franchise for Renault brands in Nigeria. Currently, we have top-notch sales and service centres across Nigeria with major dealership outlets in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Uyo respectively.

9 July 2021
Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria PMI: New order Growth Quickens to 17-Month High in June

June data revealed a positive end to the first half of 2021 with a solid expansion recorded in the Nigerian private sector. Greater client demand in both domestic and international markets led to a sharp and accelerated rise in new orders. That said, output, purchasing and employment growth softened during the month.

Meanwhile, firms reduced their backlogs at the second most marked rate in the series. Sentiment regarding output in the year ahead was weak in the context of the historical average, but firms continued to foresee a rise in output by June 2022. On the price front, overall input price inflation was robust, but eased to the softest since December 2020 despite a sharper rise in purchase costs.

The headline figure derived from the survey is the Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®). Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration. At 53.6 in June, down from 54.4 in May, the headline PMI registered a solid rate of growth, but one which moderated from May’s nine-month peak. The latest uptick extended the period of expansion to 12 consecutive months, however. New order inflows rose strongly in June, with the pace of expansion quickening to the fastest since January 2020. Greater client demand was often mentioned by respondents.

International demand for Nigerian goods and services also increased, and at the fourth-quickest rate in the series. Although client demand rose at a sharp and accelerated pace, output growth moderated in June. The rate of expansion was still solid but posted below the long-run series average. Sector data revealed services recorded the sharpest increase in activity followed by wholesale & retail and manufacturing respectively. Agriculture meanwhile registered a fractional rise. To support higher output, firms engaged in buying activity with growth now seen in each month since July 2020. Inventories also rose at a similar pace, though the rate of expansion softened in both.

Workforce numbers rose marginally in June, which coincided with only a slight rise in staff costs. Amid efforts to keep on top of outstanding business, backlogs fell at the second most marked rate in the series, surpassed only by that seen in February. On the price front, higher raw material costs underpinned a rise in purchase prices which quickened to a three-month high. Overall input prices rose sharply, though at the softest rate since December 2020. Higher prices were passed on to clients, with the rate of charge inflation robust overall.

Finally, firms remain optimistic about their output prospects over the year ahead, but the degree of positivity was far below the series average in June.

2 July 2021
Guaranty Trust Bank Dedicates New Training Complex to Memory of Co-founder Tayo Aderinokun

Ten years after the passing of the co-founder and former Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr Tayo Aderinokun MFR, the leading financial institution has opened its new Training Complex at Abeokuta in his name.

The Complex was commissioned on Thursday, June 24, 2021, and will be known as “Tayo’s Plaza.”

Mr Tayo Aderinokun MFR was one of Africa’s most influential and renowned bankers.

Born in 1955, his passion for excellence, entrepreneurial acumen and dedication to service led to his co-founding of Guaranty Trust Bank in 1990.

He became the Managing Director of the Bank in August 2002, leading it to the enviable position of one of Nigeria’s best managed financial institutions until his passing on Tuesday, June 14th 2011.

L – R: Mr Segun Agbaje, CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank; Mode Aderinokun, Daughter of Late Tayo Aderinokun, Co-founder of GTBank; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ogun State; Mrs Osaretin Demuren, Outgoing Chairman, GTBank; Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development and Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to Ogun State Government at the Commissioning of the new GTBank Training Complex in Abeokuta named Tayo’s Plaza in commemoration of the 10th memorial of Aderinokun’s demise recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Situated in the tranquil city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Tayo’s Plaza houses an 8 storey training complex that includes 105 ensuite residential rooms, half a dozen lecture halls, two fully equipped libraries, an amphitheatre and a banking hall with 24 teller terminals amongst other facilities.

All entrants to Guaranty Trust will now pass through Tayo’s Plaza, where they will undergo an intensive screening and extensive onboarding programme on delivering the best customer experience in financial services.

Commenting on the opening of Tayo’s Plaza, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank, Segun Agbaje, said, “Through our new training complex, we will continue to nurture and empower young people to think critically and break new grounds in excellence.”

Renowned for its forward-thinking approach to financial services and customer engagement, Guaranty Trust Bank was recently ranked Africa’s Most Admired Finance Brand in the 10th-anniversary rankings of Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, the pre-eminent survey and ranking of the Top 100 admired brands in Africa.

In 2020, the Bank was awarded the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney Magazine for a record-extending tenth time and the Euromoney Excellence in Leadership Africa Award for its swift reaction in responding to the Covid-19 crisis and for addressing the impact of the pandemic on its customers and communities.

2 July 2021
LG Electronics Offers Smart HVAC Solution

…focuses on African Market

Companies that provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions know it’s crucial to offer products that meet the climate control needs of the respective audiences.

LG Electronics has its Multi V system available in the African markets and representatives say it’s ideal for the region, especially considering that some areas get temperatures upwards of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

LG designs its Multi V unit to address the needs of commercial clients, such as apartment building managers or people who oversee office complexes.

Customizable Coolness for Each Room

The Multi V is a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, which means it uses refrigerant for both heating and cooling purposes. A VRF system has an outdoor condenser unit, then an indoor unit in each room requiring climate control. Manipulating the flow of refrigerant solution through the evaporator coils of the indoor units keeps each room at the desired temperature while using less energy than traditional systems that circulate chilled air or water through ducts in a building. VRF systems still rely on air or water for cooling, but the changeable flow of the refrigerant results in energy-saving benefits. More specifically, they are 20-30% more efficient than conventional HVAC systems.

Standout Qualities of the System

Besides Multi V being a VRF system offering the benefits above, LG engineered specific perks that make these HVAC systems superior to others available to buy. The LG Multi V family of products includes numerous units, and the brand calls attention to the high-tech inverters. They provide maximum efficiency at both full and partial loads.

Additionally, LG discusses the Multi V as a “total HVAC solution.” Many of the notable qualities of the system relate to its sensor technology. For example, there is a dual sensing control that detects both the temperature and humidity in the environment and adjusts accordingly. And, the data from the temperature and humidity sensors relates to a smart load control feature that manages the cooling load for increased energy efficiency based on the conditions.

There is also a Comfort Cooling setting. Once an operator activates it, the system transitions into a “mild cooling” mode without stopping to switch to the lower setting.

Suitable for the Smart Energy Trend

As mentioned earlier, some of the countries within the African and Middle Eastern markets set energy efficiency targets to meet within approximately the next decade. LG believes its Multi V technology will be instrumental in helping those nations reach their goals, particularly because it uses smart technology. Smart HVAC systems collectively represent one of the top trends in the HVAC industry at large. Residential and corporate customers alike appreciate them since the intelligent aspects of such a setup offer benefits such as repair notifications that let users know when it’s time to make service calls. Some units even schedule those appointments automatically. Also, sensors, like the ones LG incorporates into its units, enable self-regulation of HVAC units. They trigger the equipment regarding when and where to operate in a building.

Compatible With a Smart Energy Interface

Customers using a Multi V HVAC system can take advantage of a complimentary intelligent system called Building Energy Control, or BECON. There are reportedly several sites in the Middle Eastern and African regions using BECON for smart energy management. BECON is a cloud-based, Internet of Things (IoT) platform.

Its energy scan feature takes data from all the respective sensors and gives detailed energy usage statuses related to a building’s zones, floors or other parameters. It can also provide a future operation guide that instructs users on how to save energy while continuing to consider the comfort of the occupants.

BECON has diagnostic capabilities too. It looks at past and present data to spot abnormal patterns within it. The technology can also use that information to solve problems associated with equipment in a facility.

When BECON users want to see the impacts of various changes they could make to an HVAC system’s settings, BECON offers simulations that take things such as weather information, past usage and customer preferences about comfort versus efficiency into account.

Comfort and Conservation Combined

LG seems committed to offering its customers solutions that keep them comfortable in extreme temperatures without wasting energy. The Multi V is an excellent example of a system that incorporates several smart features that align with modern energy needs. This system and others similar to it will likely continue to gain momentum, especially with a renewed focus on climate change mitigation and energy efficiency in many parts of the world.

Inside VRF HVAC Systems

At the heart of any building is its HVAC system—that essential collection of compressors, coils, fans, and controls that has such a hand to play in energy costs, air quality, and occupant comfort. LG Air Conditioning Technologies understands this, and when it comes to perfecting all three, it’s hard to beat their LG MULTI VTM VRF series.

VRF—or Variable Refrigerant Flow—systems differ from traditional HVAC solutions in a few key ways. Most importantly, their fans and compressors run on inverter motors attached to computerized control systems, meaning their speed can be precisely controlled. In essence, rather than merely flipping on and off like a typical AC unit, the inverter technology enables VRF systems to respond in real-time to changing conditions in a space and adapt accordingly.

“Imagine a time when you reached for your thermostat to shut off a blast of frigid air only to find the room too warm five minutes later.”

VRFs can even use heat recovered from one room to warm another, an ability that makes for particularly energy-efficient operations in hospitality settings and multi-family housing. A VRF system is up to the task when it comes to pricing, VRF systems may initially appear more expensive, but when life-cycle energy savings and total building expenditures are taken into account, they quickly prove themselves to be the more affordable option. Take, for example, the construction costs incurred by a chilled water system, which requires heavy structural steel and concrete in order to support, or the ductwork utilized by a simple rooftop system, which can take up two to three feet of space between each floor of a building. By contrast, a typical refrigerant line used by a VRF is a mere two to three inches in diameter, allowing for significantly greater architectural flexibility. With the superior performance, comfort, and energy savings VRFs offer, General Manager of the Air Solution Division, LG Electronics West African Operation, Mr. Jung June Yoon says they’re a bit like the Ferraris of the HVAC world—streamlined, powerful, and flawlessly engineered.

1 July 2021
NITDA DG Commends Jumia for Creating Thousands of Jobs in 9 Years

It has been nine years of e-commerce service in Nigeria and Africa in general, with Jumia being the foremost player in the industry.

In his congratulatory message to Jumia in commemoration of her 9th anniversary, Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, commended the company for creating jobs for thousands of Nigerians through its operations in the digital economy ecosystem.

Abdullahi stated that Jumia has had an impressive nine years of e-commerce journey which has seen it expand to several African countries, creating employment opportunities and becoming a good reference for innovative startups on the continent.

He said: “For me honestly, it’s an impressive journey. Jumia started as a startup and in very little time you expanded your operations to many African countries and became the first unicorn company in Africa and you are still expanding.

“These are the kind of startups we are encouraging to try and be an innovation driven enterprise. You look at the global market and huge capital investment and job creation. And also you are innovative and creating a lot of jobs in the ecosystem. Aside from the logistics, I think you have an ecosystem you are working on. So those are the kinds of innovation we encourage our startups with; innovation that creates jobs, wealth and prosperity for all. So I wish you more successful years ahead and congratulations for your 9th anniversary.”

Adbullahi also touched on the impact of e-commerce on everyday life and its crucial space in the digital economy.

“The most profound impact for me is how it makes life more convenient and less disturbing. Before covid, a lot of people didn’t like using online services. When covid came, we were disrupted and the only way to keep going was these online services. E-commerce is critical to any online services or digital economy because when you consume a service, you need to make a payment and you can only do that through e-commerce,” he said.

In its nine years of operation, Jumia has also connected over 11,000 SMEs and brands to millions of consumers in Nigeria, boosted hundreds of independent logistics companies by incorporating them into the Jumia logistics network, and empowered many women-owned businesses through various empowerment initiatives.

30 June 2021
How LG Refrigerators Deliver Smarter Culinary Life and More Hygienic Food Management

Few will likely name the unassuming refrigerator as the item in the home that has transformed family life. But refrigerator innovation over the past 60 years has transformed this appliance from a lowly kitchen box to become highly functional, ergonomic and environmentally-friendly product that it is today.

With the technological advancements in today’s refrigerators, consumers have come to hold these products to a higher standard. And to meet the expectations of today’s demanding consumers, appliance makers are focusing more than ever on enhancing convenience by improving usability and accessibility.

Appliances are evolving to suit consumer needs as they appear, and the most innovative manufacturers are the ones that are able to predict user trends and meet their demands before they arise. Time and time again, LG Electronics has established a reputation as a company that is unafraid to push the boundaries of innovation and challenge convention. Its dedication to consistently work to bring convenience-enhancing features to consumers has resulted in a number of breakout products including the Home Bar and the InstaView Door-in-Door™ with Inverter Linear Compressor to boost overall energy efficiency and performance.

LG Electronics is helping consumers realize their dream kitchens with the InstaView™ Door-in-Door™ refrigerator with UVnano and NeoChef Microwave. Adding to an already comprehensive list of features, these new kitchen appliance models demonstrate LG’s commitment to giving consumers more choice and helping them to live their best hygienic, culinary lives. LG’s newest kitchen innovation uses the power of light to improve health and hygiene.

LG manufactures LG`s own compressor based on durability and high technology. Now we present 10-year warranty not only Inverter Linear compressor but also Inverter, Recipro compressor with our reliable technology. Compressor of the product is made by LG and we manufacture compressors in LG’s own facility. It`s hard to find the brand which manufactures compressors by themselves though.

LG InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator with UVnano utilizes ultraviolet LED light technology to remove up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. Featuring LINEAR Cooling™ and Door Cooling+™, the InstaView creates optimal conditions for fresher food. LINEAR Cooling minimizes temperature fluctuations which is the primary culprit of food spoilage and for more precise control, while Door Cooling+ evenly cools the entire refrigerator by distributing powerful airflow from strategically placed vents.

The unique “Smart Inverter” technology at the heart of LG NeoChef microwave takes the guesswork out of microwaving by delivering precise power for consistent cooking, reheating and defrosting. Unlike ordinary microwaves that alternate blasts of full power or no power until the timer goes off, LG NeoChef uses precise, variable power control between 300 to 1,200 watts to evenly cook or defrost food – helping to eliminate dreaded cold centers and overcooked edges. Plus, its humidity-sensing technology determines when food is cooked and automatically turns off the microwave to help prevent the over- or under-cooking of meals.

According to the General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West African Operations, Mr. Brian Kang said; LG’s iconic InstaView Door-in-Door technology helps to minimize cold air loss and extend food freshness, the LG InstaView panel illuminates the interior of the refrigerator with just two quick knocks on the transparent glass so users can see inside without opening the door, while Door-in-Door technology helps organize everyday favorites for quick and easy access to often-used items without having to open the entire refrigerator.

The NeoChef™ microwave is equipped with an easy and intuitive UI for enhanced user-convenience. The glossy front panel combined with a refined matte exterior highlights the minimalistic design which allows the NeoChef to seamlessly blend in with the décor of any kitchen. Moreover, LG’s Smart Inverter technology reduces cooking time while making it easier for home chefs to create tastier, healthier dishes.

The technology’s linear power control ensures that food can be reheated or defrosted more evenly, also contributing to lower cooking times. The Smart Inverter also allows for creative uses, such as yogurt making, melting chocolate or butter and dough proofing. The Anti-Bacterial EasyClean™ Coating inside NeoChef eliminates 99.99 percent2 of harmful bacteria with just three wipes; he said.

“For many families, the kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, and a place where they often find their hands tied. Now consumers have even more convenience in their homes, all just by using the Wi-Fi-enabled features directly on the refrigerator, connecting on their mobile phone via LG ThinQ App. If the kitchen’s the heart of the home, LG smart refrigerators with ThinQ® are the hub of the family!

They help keep your kitchen, and your life, running more smoothly so you can manage it all—while keeping your cool. Our refrigerators are powered with LG’s intuitively smart ThinQ® technology, which means it goes beyond just being a fridge, to helping you manage your entire kitchen, home and life. Everything about the mobile app is easy to understand and use. Just a few clicks help personalize the app to your preferences and needs. It incorporates artificial intelligence so it can learn your habits and then adapt to suit those. The technology also monitors the energy consumption of your LG appliances to help adjust for the most efficient use

While LG Refrigerators and Neo-Chef Microwaves qualifies for the ENERGY STAR rating, In the long run, you’ll be able to get a significant return for this investment in terms of savings on your energy bill. Plus, it feels good knowing you are helping the environment by lowering your energy consumption.

NeoChef Microwave Oven has Inverter Technology that has enhanced it for better, faster, more efficient cooking performance while saving time and conserving energy at the same time.

29 June 2021
Crusaders Club Holds National Convention, Urges Nigerians To Embrace Peace

A socio-cultural organization, the Crusaders Club of Nigeria, has urged Nigerians to eschew ethnic, religious, political and tribal differences and close ranks with the government and security agencies in the bid in returning peace to the country.

Speaking on the sidelines during the 2021 National Convention of the Club held at Royal View Hotel in Lagos recently, the General Overseer (G.O) of the Club, Chief Nonso Onwuamaegbu said the situation in the country calls for concerted efforts and patriotism on the part of political leaders.

“The situation in the country is much tensed not because it is man-made; it is ethnic and tribal-induced. What Nigeria needs is peace, and we need leaders to start preaching peace instead of making divisive comments. We need ethnic groups to underscore the need to work in synergy to bring peace back to Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s biggest problem now is that we have ethnic and sectional leaders who believe more on their ethnic nationalities than in the unity and greatness of the Nigerian nation. Nigeria does not need leaders who believe in the superiority of their ethnic groups above the Nigerian nation. We need cooperation and unity in Nigeria,” Onwuamaegbu said.

On the activities of Crusaders Club of Nigeria, the G.O. said the Club has a lot of programmes it plans to embark upon that would impact on the larger society. “We have programmes in the areas of welfare, education, hospitality, and health, depending on the priorities attached to those programmes,” he said.

L-R: Mr. Nonso Onwuamaegbu, General Overseer; Chief Chinedu Ndukwe, member; and Barrister Tahill Ochi, founding member, all of Crusaders Club of Nigeria during their 2021 National Convention held in Lagos recently

Onwuamaegbu noted that the Convention was a rebirth of a world-class Club that began on a high note and with great enthusiasm but somewhere along the line, lost the steam as a result of contact loss amongst members.

“We founded this Club when we were virtually nothing in the society but now, by the grace of God, we have grown and are all doing well in our various fields of endeavour and therefore, are ready to take the bull by the horns. It’s a Club borne out of the desire to offer help to each other. We are happy to have this number of people in attendance at the meeting today.

“We have currently as members, accomplished people in their various fields of endeavours. We expect that in the next five years, Crusaders Club will assume its rightful place in Nigeria, producing or help in producing the kind of leaders we are all craving for in the country,” Onwuamaegbu said.

In a similar vein, a founding member of the Club and Chief host of this year’s Convention, Barrister Tahill Ochi described Crusaders Club as a group of like minds who came together over 20 years ago as friends with the sole purpose of helping each other in their businesses and life endeavours.

Cross section of members of Crusaders Club of Nigeria during their 2021 National Convention held in Lagos

“Crusaders Club is a group of like minds who came together some 20+ years ago and started talking about how to help ourselves, and we have been doing that over the years. We are happy that we have come together once more. Some people have not seen each other in the last 20 years but you can see the massive number that came for this Convention today.

“After the birth of this Club, everybody left in search of something better to build their lives. Some went into politics, some into business and some went into government. Thank God to social media that made it possible for us to begin to re-establish contacts. And that is what has culminated today in what you see as the Convention.

“We have come back again and we are going to look at all areas of cooperation, to see how we can help each other. We are saying today that we just need to come together and find ways we can help each other grow in our businesses; that’s the message here today,” Ochi said.

On where the Club will be in the next five years, Ochi who is a former local government chairman was upbeat about the future of the Club especially in the area of making available the human resources needed to fill in the leadership positions required in the country.

“We expect to see this Club produce governors, senators, and leading business tycoons across the country. What we are actually doing in this Club too is to raise the consciousness of our members for them to know that there is a need to serve the people, not just about money,” he said.

Ochi disclosed that as a socio-cultural Club, it is going to address the nation soon and proffer its own solutions to the avalanche of insecurity challenges bedeviling the country, noting that insecurity in the country did not start today.

“Insecurity did not start in Nigeria today, something caused it. There is poverty, lack of education, unemployment all over the country; and these are some of the factors responsible for insecurity in the country. Nigeria has derailed for a very long time. But we shall certainly offer our own help to curb it or possibly eliminate it.

“The fight against insecurity should start from our families, our communities because we know ourselves better. Criminals come from somewhere, not from heaven. Therefore, traditional rulers, community leaders, and political leaders have a lot to do because all of us should be involved in the fight against insecurity,” Ochi stated.

The 2021 Convention of Crusaders Club of Nigeria was attended by members drawn from all parts of the country as well as their members in the diaspora, friends, and well-wishers.

28 June 2021
APCON Inducts 73 Newly Registered Members, Hunts for New Framework for Minimum Standard for Advertising Practitioners

….graduates 172

The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has inducted 73 new members into the professional advertising practice while conducting the graduation ceremony for 172 students from its professional diploma in advertising programme.

The ceremony which held at the Radisson Blu hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State on 21st June, 2021 was graced by the presence of distinguished personalities, and industry players in the sectors. These include, APCON Registrar/Chief Executive, DR. Olalekan Fadolapo; Vice Chairman/Group Chief Executive Officer, Troyka Holdings Limited, MR. Jimi Awosika; Deputy Director, Registration, Career Matters and Corporate License Directorate, APCON, Mr Joe- Eugene Onuorah; and President, Media Independent Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), Femi Adelusi amongst others.

In his special remarks, APCON Registrar, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo while addressing the graduands encouraged them to work assiduously to improve themselves and support the efforts of the approved governing council consciously, and in full knowledge that as a stakeholder, their contributions and support are valuable to the growth of the profession.

His words: “I heartily congratulate the graduates and candidates for induction, as well as the associate registered practitioners who will be upgraded to full membership having satisfactorily fulfilled the requirements in accordance with the provisions of the Advertising Practitioners (Registration Etc.) Act, CAP A7, Laws of Federation of Nigerian 2004.”

He further stated: “It is also important to note that APCON recognizes the importance of continuous training and constant engagement with young professionals in our industry. We encourage you to consider our training programmes a priority for your personal development and to participate in them regularly.”

The guest speaker, Mr. Jimi Awosika commenting on the induction ceremony explained that periodic admission of professional practitioners is the mechanism on which the sustainability or decline of institutions hinge, “much like birth to families keep the human race going”.

The Registrar extended his apologies to the old graduands whose graduation ceremonies have not been conducted.

“The Council sincerely regrets the delay in holding the graduation ceremony earlier for some of the graduates here today. The transitory absence of a Governing Council led to those circumstances which elicited the intervention of the Honorable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to ensure your successful passage into our noble profession. That is why we are putting together all the graduands of the time past, to the most recent people that have graduated from our programme,” he said.

APCON maintains a strong focus on its vision of promoting responsible and ethical advertising practice, acts as the conscience of society in matters of commercial communications and as a watchdog for consumers. It also manages the needs and interests of stakeholders in Nigeria’s advertising industry.

To enroll for the APCON Professional Diploma in Advertising programme, candidates must possess a Degree or Higher National Diploma in any discipline.

A candidate whose degree or HND is in advertising, mass communications, marketing or graphics arts will be exempted from courses they have passed on the presentation of original and valid academic transcripts from the awarding institution.

Successful completion of this programme qualifies the candidate for the APCON Professional Diploma in Advertising, required for registration as an associate member of the advertising profession.

Meanwhile, the advertising regulatory body has announced that it has re-jigged its efforts across a broad spectrum of the council’s influence to bring about operational framework efficiencies across the different sectoral groups.

According to Registrar/CEO, the council has set up a committee made up of all sectoral groups in the industry to produce a suitable framework to define a minimum standard expected in any relationship by the parties playing the industry’s field of business.

“The Standard of Practice Committee has since began work and the outcome of the exercise is expected to be adopted and given the operational force of law. With this, we hope to curb the incessant debt claims and counterclaims between advertisers, agencies, and media houses while making our model the subject of emulation globally,” he further disclosed.

Referring to multiple approaches being deployed, Dr. Fadolapo disclosed, “recent activities which will potentially propel the industry to achieve better positioning and improved value delivery profitable to registered advertising practitioners, as well as advancement in the public interest, has taken place”.

He also alluded to APCON’s participation in the Public Hearing on the Bill to repeal and re-enact an enabling Act for the Council.

“Since the promulgation of Decree No. 55 of 1988 (over three decades) which establish the Council, this is the first major legislative action aimed to improve APCON’s mandates, functions, and powers over advertising and marketing communications in Nigeria”, he said.

Similarly, APCON has also set up a Code Review Committee for the purpose of reviewing the 5th edition of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice, Sales Promotion, and other Rights and Restriction on Practice. The review, apart from bringing the Code up to date, will also upgrade it to be at par with what is obtainable in other countries, in line with international best practices.

27 June 2021
Kaduna State Partners Airtel Nigeria to Deploy Broadband Services, Fibre Network

The Kaduna State Government has announced a strategic and exclusive partnership with leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, to modernize and digitalize its entire telecoms and network infrastructure as well as deploy Broadband services across the State.

Speaking recently during an MOU signing ceremony with the leadership of Airtel Nigeria, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, said the partnership is a significant step in improving the quality of life and boosting productivity in the State as the entire world has gone digital while noting that the government under his leadership is in a hurry to deliver on its electoral promises as well as empowering and transforming lives.

According to El Rufai, the partnership with Airtel “is a major landmark for us as an administration because since we came into office we have identified about 41 locations in Kaduna State that are black-spots that have no telecom services at all. We have been pursuing the NCC to deploy the Universal Service Provision Fund to fill those gaps without much success.

“Our aspiration is for every part of Kaduna State to have minimum of 3G coverage. We are very grateful to Airtel for agreeing to be our partners in achieving this aspiration. 3G coverage is the minimum we need in this century for people to pursue quality lives and livelihoods. We believe in that very strongly and we are prepared work with you to achieve that.”

The Kaduna State governor also noted that the agreement will build even higher levels of penetration of digital technologies to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State while commending Airtel for not only providing services that enhance lives and livelihoods, but also providing timely interventions through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Commenting on the partnership with the Kaduna State Government, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, said: “Today marks an important milestone for all of at Airtel Nigeria. We are not only excited by this partnership with Kaduna State to deploy broadband services across the State but we are inspired as this project aligns with our corporate purpose of connecting people, empowering Nigerians and touching lives.

“With this partnership, Airtel will deploy broadband services in Kaduna and provision 4G services across key cities in the state specifically Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria while also upgrading 3G services and providing Internet access and network connectivity across the entire state.

“I believe that Broadband is a universal human right that should not be denied anyone. It bridges the gap between prosperity and poverty. It lifts so many people out of poverty. So many studies on how broadband can transform life has been done and some of these studies say that for every one or two percentage increase in broadband penetration, it can actually increase GDP by up to 10%. For me, access to broadband is as good as connecting to electricity and water. With this project, many will be lifted out of poverty in Kaduna and I really look forward to this project.”

Following the MOU signing ceremony, Airtel Nigeria will work with Kaduna State Government to immediately commence the project with a timeline of upgrading 3G services across the entire state by end of 2022 and also deploying 4G services across key cities in the state specifically in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.

The project scope also includes deployment of fibre network across the entire state.

27 June 2021