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  • Goldberg Unveils DJ Kaywise As Brand Ambassador

    Goldberg Unveils DJ Kaywise As Brand Ambassador

    Nigeria’s turntable sensation Ayorinde Kehinde Okiki, also known as DJ Kaywise, has just secured an ambassadorial deal with one of Nigerian Breweries Plc foremost beer brands, Goldberg Lager Beer.

     

    The announcement was made official after fans and followers called on the brand to sign the DJ.

     

    DJ Kaywise is joining superstars Olamide and Odunlade Adekola, as Goldberg Brand Ambassador.

     

    The talented artist, who kicked off his career professionally in 2010, gradually climbed through the rungs of the music ladder to work with top acts like Olamide, Phyno, Tiwa Savage, Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile and Niniola.

     

    Using his style of music production, Kaywise projects African and Nigerian cultures and values through Afrobeats to the rest of the world. This quality is synonymous with the Goldberg brand, hence its choice to unveil the renowned DJ as brand ambassador comes as no surprise.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, DJ Kaywise expressed gratitude to the brand saying, “I started out in the industry in 2010, putting in my blood and sweat to ensure I produce sounds that people around me and those in the diaspora could identify and connect with. There are a couple of acts out here in the industry and Goldberg reaching out to me, shows that all of my hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

     

    Click to continue to read here: Goldberg Unveils DJ Kaywise As Brand Ambassador | Daily Bells Newspaper (mydailybells.com.ng)

     

  • SAB Resumes Production As South Africa Again Lifts Alcohol Ban

    SAB Resumes Production As South Africa Again Lifts Alcohol Ban

    The South African Breweries (SAB) has announced the resumption of production, sales and distribution trade following the decision of the South African Government to partially lift its latest alcohol sales ban, which was initially imposed to combat the Covid-19 health crisis.

     

    The Brewer tweeted: “SAB welcomes the resumption of trade, a positive step towards rebuilding the economy Together, we can create collaborative solutions for a better, sustainable future, which balances lives and livelihoods. This can only happen when we are responsible together.”

     

    The alcohol bans which resulted in job losses, increase in illicit trading, and a significant decline in economic contributions, prompted major companies like Heineken and Glass manufacturing company—Consol Holdings Limited to halt investments and suspend production. Heineken also announced a 7% trim of its workforce and a necessary move to restructure its operations.

     

    In late March 2020, the country implemented the first ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol and tobacco as a way of curbing the spread of the covid-19 pandemic. The ban was re-imposed in July, reversed in August; and in December, a third ban was announced.

     

    The third ban was actively opposed by South African Breweries as the Company was set to contest the constitutionality of the re-ban in court, stating that the ban would be putting over 1 million livelihoods across its value chain at risk.

     

    The United States, amongst others has placed a travel ban from South Africa in an effort to stop the spread of the highly infectious 501Y.V2 variant, which is believed to have originated there and which is suspected to be more resistant to vaccines. South Africa’s active coronavirus cases are beginning to decline, although with reported deaths and hospitalizations starting to follow suit. The country is the hardest hit on the African continent, with more than 1.45 million cases identified to date.

     

    New restrictions have also been imposed as retail outlets will now sell alcohol between 10:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Thursday, and licensed outlets can serve drinks on-site from 10:00 to 22:00.

  • Jumia Brings Fitbit Devices Into Nigerian Market

    Jumia Brings Fitbit Devices Into Nigerian Market

    A leading digital marketing operator in the country, Jumia has finally brought in Fitbit devices to Nigeria.

     

    Fitbit innovative products are sold at a wide range of accessible price points in nearly 39,000 retail stores across more than 100 countries worldwide.

     

    Head of Consumer Electronics, Jumia Group, Sandeep Narayanan said: “We are seeing increasing consumer demand for wearable technology on our platform, and bringing Fitbit products to our customers in Nigeria is an important step for us to address this demand and help Fitbit expand its reach across the country. Jumia delivers a seamless online shopping experience for consumers and from our platform with a dedicated official store on Jumia.”

     

    Fitbit with its supports for healthier living, is committed to inspiring those who want to lead a healthier and more active life through its range of innovative smartwatches and trackers that are compatible with most Android and iOS platforms, including Fitbit Versa 3, Fitbit Versa 2, Fitbit Charge 4, Fitbit Inspire 2 and Fitbit Ace 2.

     

    Users of Fitbit products in Nigeria is said to now benefit from purchasing a membership to Fitbit Premium. Users new to Fitbit Premium can benefit from the 90-day free trial through the Fitbit App.

     

    In making the products more available, Fitbit Health Solutions is said to be offering corporate product discounts to local businesses through Fitbit’s distributor Redington Gulf.

     

    Fitbit, Inc. is an American consumer electronics and fitness company with headquarter in San Francisco, California. Its products are activity trackers, smartwatches, wireless-enabled wearable technology devices that measure data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal metrics involved in fitness.

  • FG Approves N1.3bn Surveillance Equipment For Lagos, Abuja Airports

    FG Approves N1.3bn Surveillance Equipment For Lagos, Abuja Airports

    The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved a contract worth about N1.3bn for the design, supply, and installation of PTZ long-range tarmac camera surveillance system at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

     

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja after a meeting of the council presided over by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

     

    Mohammed briefed the journalists on behalf of the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

     

    “The total sum of the contract is N1,278,594,250. This is in order to upgrade and provide security and safety for the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, especially to avoid incidence on the air site and runway,” he said.

     

    Mohammed added that the council approved a contract worth N783,521,275 inclusive of 7.5 percent VAT for the procurement of two hydrographic survey boats for the National Inland Waterways Authority.

     

    The minister who briefed journalists on behalf of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the contract was awarded in favour of Messrs First Index Project and Services Limited with a completion period of six months.

     

    Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, on his part, said the council approved N35bn for the building of a power station by the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority in Akamkpa, Cross River State.

     

    Adebayo said the contract for the power station, which to power the Calabar Export Processing Zone, was awarded to Messrs Mutual Commitment Nigeria Limited.

     

    According to him, the exact contract sum is N35,411,119,159.47 and the contractor will finance 75 percent of the project, which is in the sum of N26,558,339,337.10 while the NEPZA would finance 25 percent which translate to N8,852,779,792.37.

     

    He said the council approved a payback period of 10 years of the contractor’s portion.

     

    Adebayo said on completion after 11 months, the plant will be operated by the contractor for five years during which it will build local capacity that will take over the running of the plant.

     

    He said, “The whole intention of the upgrade of the two zones is to create zones with world-class standards. The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment is desirous of making Nigeria a manufacturing hub, especially now that we have signed on to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

     

    “So, by putting 24-hour power in the two processing zones, it will make it more attractive to foreign investors to come and set up manufacturing concerns here in Nigeria.”

  • Adhering To Safety Guidelines By Adopting Digital Services Such As Food Delivery

    Adhering To Safety Guidelines By Adopting Digital Services Such As Food Delivery

    The second wave of the covid-19 led by the more deadly variants of the virus is a serious cause of concern for authorities across the globe. Though vaccines have been devised for curing covid-19 infections, prevention is still recommended as the best antidote to the virus. Hence, individuals are urged to adhere strictly to preventive measures to limit spread.

     

    In Nigeria, business activities are still encouraged by the government to keep the economy afloat as the country could not afford the economic implications of a total lockdown. To keep this window of activities open, Nigerians need to keep to safety measures. One of the ways to avoid crowded places and risk of transmission is to embrace digital services that help keep up with daily needs without physical contact.

     

    With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for online food delivery is rising significantly as a result of the lockdown and social distancing guidelines. Consumers who embrace the growing trend can continue to stay safe with comfort and convenience while shopping for food and other essentials for daily upkeep.

     

    Food is essential to survival, and the growing trend of foodservice delivery will help limit the speed of transmission. To help widen the online food delivery experience and promote safety in these times, online retails stores are partnering with restaurants to make local intercontinental dishes available to customers. Fast food brands like The place, Chicken Republic, Sooyah Bistro, Sweet Sensation, Drum Stick and others are making their services available for order and delivery on the Jumia platform.  KFC, Cold Stone as well as Pizza Hut are also available for order.

     

    Likewise, groceries and beverage products are not left out. Renowned beverage producers such as Nestle are making their products available on the Jumia platform. With Jumia Food, groceries are also available for order and safe delivery through the contactless delivery option for customers who want to subscribe to the service.

     

    According to Jumia Nigeria CEO, Massimiliano Spalazzi, online shopping will help promote the adoption of social distancing measures and eliminate the contact risk associated with brick and mortar stores, as people can purchase different products of their choice and get them delivered from the safety of their home.

     

    “Covid-19 pandemic is showing the importance of online marketplace and why it should be part of people’s lifestyle at this time. As the world battles with the realities of the second wave of the virus, people are being urged to avoid large gatherings, limit human contact as much as possible and observe strict hygiene practice. And it is becoming increasingly obvious that online shopping remains one of the ways individuals can take precautions to limit the spread.”

     

    To further drive the growth of online food and beverage delivery in the country, Jumia recently extended its food delivery services to more states in Nigeria. The new cities on the Jumia Food map include Minna, Benin City, Kaduna, Abeokuta, Kano, and Ilorin. For a better customer food delivery experience, Jumia also recorded a major service improvement in its existing footprints in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Ibadan by increasing its speed of delivery, with an average delivery time as fast as 26 minutes in Port Harcourt, 27 minutes in Lagos, 28 minutes in Ibadan, and 30 minutes in Abuja.

  • NIN-SIMs Linkage: Bilesanmi Blows Hot, Urges Buhari, Pantami to Stop Sacrificing Subscribers’ Lives

    NIN-SIMs Linkage: Bilesanmi Blows Hot, Urges Buhari, Pantami to Stop Sacrificing Subscribers’ Lives

    • Says NIN/SIM Deadline Extension Should Be for Six Months, Not 8 Weeks

     

    By Adejuwon OSUNNUYI

     

    With the ongoing NIN-SIMs linkage deadline extended by eight weeks, the Association of Telephone, Cable TV & Internet Subscribers (ATCIS) has again challenged Nigerian authorities for its continued indifference attitude of exposing Nigerians to the risk of losing their lives while trying to register for the National Identity Number as well linking same to their SIM cards.

     

    The concern of the association becomes imperative in the light of growing cases of Coronavirus pandemic in the country and the sad loss of lives recorded on daily basis to the dreaded disease.

     

    Speaking at a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the National President of ATCIS, Prince ‘Sina Bilesanmi said while the NIN-SIM harmonization could be said to be important, the lives of subscribers are more important.

     

    Bilesanmi said President Mohammadu Buhari should heed the voice of reason by suspending the NIN registration in the face of rising cases of the Covid-19.

     

    According to the ATCIS President, “It is very disheartening that at a time when people are encouraged to stay at home and stay safe; when social distance has been acknowledged as the most potent prevention of further spread of the virus, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has thrown caution into the wind by forcing the subscribers to fight for their SIMs from being blocked, while in the process get their lives endangered.”

     

    “Honestly, I don’t know the reason behind this call for registration at this odd period of coronavirus pandemic. Our government must put health and safety of our people into consideration because COVID-19 is real.

     

    “COVID-19 is not a glamorous disease, neither is it a hoax. Except our government is deliberately trying to endanger the lives of Nigerians, the exercise should be suspended immediately.”

     

    The Business Bells recalls that the NIMC staff had embarked on strike action over what they described as exposure to risks of COVID-19, among other demands.

     

    Before the suspension of the strike, many Nigerians had expressed frustration while trying to get enrolled for their NIN, just as some alleged that they were asked by NIMC staff for financial inducement before they could be registered.

     

    Speaking further, Bilesanmi said, “More importantly, we expect the government to do better and abolish the fear around NIN-SIM harmonization by extending the deadline as recommended to avoid losing the gains of the exercise to a possible explosion in Coronavirus cases which is more life  threatening than a SIM without a NIN.

     

    He noted that the NIN/SIM deadline extension should be for at least six months, and not the 8 weeks as announced by the Minister of Technology and Digital Economy.

     

    In the opinion of ATCIS, the insistence of the government on the new deadline, April 6, 2021 for the full linkage of NINs to the over 208 million active telephone subscribers in the country has led to human deluge at various NIN registration centres in the country.

     

    The association said since the government made the irrational decision to disconnect all telephone subscribers without NIN on the stipulated deadline, it has observed from its visitations to different state centres of the National Identity Management Commission that the centres have become a breeding ground to COVID-19.

     

    “We find it rather absurd for the government to insist on ‘NINing’ of all subscribers within such can unrealistic deadline, given that NIMC had only managed to issue about 43 million NINs even with its about 14-year hard work.  Does the Minister really want Subscribers to sacrifice their lives to retain their telephone lines? We wonder!”

     

    “Minister, NCC and the MNO’s disclosed that so far, about 56.18 million NINs have been collected by telcos. This may be seen as an achievement on the part of the government and its agents. However, given the current precarious state of public health in the country, ATCIS’s concern goes beyond how many NIN-SIM linkages have been achieved, but at what human cost?”

     

    The National President of ATCIS however urged the 106.2 million subscriber members yet to be linked  to submit their NINs before April 6, 2021 deadline.

     

    According to him, subscribers should act responsibly by observing COVID-19 preventive protocols as they go out to enroll at various NIN registration centres across the country.

     

    While speaking on the license granted some other private and public organisations by the commission to provide NINs in order to address the crowds at commission’s offices, the ATCIS  urged the federal government / NIMC to compel the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to ensure that personal data of subscribers are safe with its members ( telecom operators).

     

    “ALTON should assure ATCIS that subscribers’ NIN-data are safe with its members,” he said.

     

    Speaking on his determination to continued speaking and fighting for the rights of Nigerian telephone and cable subscribers, Bilesanmi said over the years, in its sustained effort in protecting the interest and right of telecoms subscribers in Nigeria, the association, ATCIS has spent about N367million since 2014 till 31st January, 2021which has basically been on self-sponsored by members without government agency like NCC, NBC and NIMC input.

     

    The association has made over 630 newspaper publications, both local  and international  as well as online news publication, Radio and National Television Station Interviews with about  95 landmark achievements so far.

     

  • Davido Plans To Invest in Bitcon Company

    Davido Plans To Invest in Bitcon Company

    Popular Nigerian singer, Davido, has taken to his verified Twitter account to reveal that he intends to float a bitcoin company.

     

    He tweeted, “Thinking of starting a bitcoin trading company… let’s see…”

     

    The FEM singer has always made it known that he plans to retire from music in future and it appears he is taking steps towards that goal.

     

    Recently, the father of three took to his page on Twitter with a tweet in which he noted that he is gradually becoming a member of his father’s Pacific Holdings company.

     

    He wrote, “Omo nah 2021 I don Dey Chook head small small.”

     

    Although the pop star is one of the biggest singers in Nigeria and Africa at the moment, he has always hinted that he will not do music forever.

     

    About a month ago, his tweet revealed that he contemplated quitting music, “I go leave this music for una,” he wrote.

     

    After much persuasion from his fans, he rescinded on his decision.

  • FG, Labour To Consider Electricity Tariff, Fuel Price Reports Feb 22

    FG, Labour To Consider Electricity Tariff, Fuel Price Reports Feb 22

    The Federal Government and the organised labour will reconvene on February 22 for the consideration of the reports of the bipartite technical committees on fuel price and electricity tariff.

     

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, disclosed this Monday night while briefing journalists after a bipartite meeting between the FG and the organised labour at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

     

    Ngige said they received and adopted the report of the Technical Committee on Premium Motor Spirit Pricing Framework, while that of the Electricity Tariff Committee was expected in a week’s time.

     

    He explained that the organised labour requested for some time to subject the report on PMS pricing to their organs for further investigation.

     

    “It is a technical report, so they needed further investigation of the report by their own technical research team. The Technical Committee on electricity tariff has not finished. We expect the report in a week’s time. So, cogently, we are reconvening on 22nd of this month to take both reports,” Ngige noted.

     

    The report of the Technical Committee on PMS Pricing was presented at the meeting by the Chairman of the Committee, Onochie Anyaoku, a former Executive Director, Refineries Operations and Petrol Pricing in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

     

    Anyaoku explained that the committee at its meeting on December 16 developed guiding principles and a work schedule, distinct from the primary function of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency to develop a transparent methodology and a template that will serve as the guide on realistic PMS pump price and benchmark all pricing elements of the PMS pricing template with neighbouring countries.

     

    He stated, “Based on extensive review of the pricing framework and in line with the terms of reference of the committee, the following recommendations were proposed and adopted:

     

    “PPPRA to convene periodic meetings with PPMC and other importers to ensure actual cost of supply reflective determination as an interim solution.

     

    “NLC, TUC, PENGASSON and NUPENG to witness the transparent determination at the periodic meeting.

     

    “PPPRA frequently monitor data of Rotterdam supply chain values. This should continue to form the basis of price determination until the West African basket is liquid and transparent enough to warrant its adoption in the pricing template.

     

    “All importers including NNPC to adopt the same forex window used by PPPRA to ensure alignment and accurate pricing. PPPRA board to adopt weighted average as the basis of determination.

     

    “Government to enforce immediate collection of NPA and NIMASA charges in naira to reduce pressure on forex demand and pump price hike.

     

    “To develop adequate communication strategy on the necessity of deregulation and the benefit to the people, to create public awareness and gain acceptability of deregulation, which will reduce the pressure on labour to react to fuel increase.”

     

    “Deregulation is a huge change in national policy but highly desirable in this stage of our national development policy, for which its implementation requires trust building steps and commitment to visible frugal spending by government.”

  • CCECC Completes Apapa Port Link To Lagos-Ibadan Railway

    CCECC Completes Apapa Port Link To Lagos-Ibadan Railway

    The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) says the Lagos-Ibadan rail line has been fully connected to the Apapa port in Lagos.

     

    The CCECC is the construction firm handling the over $1.6bn Lagos-Ibadan railway project currently on trial run and awaiting the official inauguration by President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

    The Chinese firm said in a statement on Monday that the linking of the port to the rail track was completed on Monday, January 25, 2020.

     

    It said, “On the morning of January 25, 2021, with the successful pouring of the last 25-metre monolithic track-bed superstructure of Apapa port break bulk line, the Lagos-Ibadan railway was officially connected to the Apapa port in Lagos,” the statement said.

     

    “The Apapa port spur line of Lagos-Ibadan railway starts from the Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta and extends southward to Apapa port, with a total length of 8.72km.

     

    “As a crucial channel linking the main line of the Lagos-Ibadan railway to the port, it has become an important transportation passage for the import and export of goods and now serves as a significant guarantee with regard to the comprehensive operational efficiency of the railway.”

     

    The idea of extending the new standard gauge rail line to the Apapa port was an addendum to the project. It is meant to ease the Apapa gridlock by taking containers in and out of the port using the rail.

     

    A terminal operator, APTM had initially had issues with the contractor, CCEECC, preventing the latter from penetrating the port on the account that the work was impeding port activities.

     

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had to lead a high-powered government delegation to the spot and ordered the terminal operator to cooperate with the Chinese contractor to enable it to deliver the project in January for the inauguration.

     

    He had said, “I have a meeting with Mr. President on Monday and it is at that meeting that we would fix any day in January for Mr. President to commission this project. That is not debatable and that is why we must ensure that this work is delivered before then.”

     

    The message was echoed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, as she told the APTM, “Why the minister is here is to enforce the presidential directive to get the rail tracks into Apapa. It is you that must build your operation round the construction work plan to ensure that your operations are not hindered and hampered by the construction of the standard gauge.

     

    “The construction is of top priority to the government and all operators must ensure that we cooperate to get it done.”

  • Just In: Respite As FG Extends NIN Registration to April

    Just In: Respite As FG Extends NIN Registration to April

    In what could be seen as a big relief to most Nigerians, the federal government has again extended the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) integration exercise by eight weeks, with a new deadline of April 6, 2021.

     

    In statement issued by the Public Affairs Director of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, said the decision was taken during the meeting of the Ministerial Taskforce on NIN-SIM registration held on the 1st of February, 2021.

     

    Pantami stated that the extension is to give Nigerians and legal residents more time to integrate their NIN with their SIMs.

     

    The minister reiterated the need for Nigerians and legal residents who are yet to register for the NIN to be diligent and take advantage of the extension to enroll for their NIN and link with their SIMs.

     

    The meeting was chaired by the Minister and attended by key stakeholders, including the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), DG/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

     

    Others include the MD/CEOs of MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile, Ntel, Spectranet, SMILE, as well as the COO of Globacom.

     

    It was reported that a total of 56.18 million NINs have been collected by the mobile network operators.

     

    Each NIN is usually tied to an average of 3 to 4 SIMs and this infers that the current figure accounts for a significant portion of the existing SIMs.

     

    This number of NINs collected represents a significant increase when compared with the 47.8 million reported by the Technical Committee on January 18, 2021.

     

    Furthermore, over 1060 registration centres for NIN have been activated and made operational by NIMC across the country, while Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have opened hundreds of centres and are rapidly deploying resources to open thousands of other NIN enrolment centres across states of the country.

     

    This is in line with the policy of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to enhance security and make the process of obtaining NINs easier for Nigerians.

     

    The CEOs of the Telcos and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Organisation of Nigeria commended the Honourable Minister for his stellar leadership and commitment to the rapid development of the sector.

     

    It would be recalled that the 4th of February, 2020 was the initial date of the commencement of the National NIN-SIM Registration Policy.

     

    The Federal Government applauds all Nigerians and persons of other nationalities for their understanding, cooperation and for enthusiastically participating in the exercise.

     

    The Minister also commended the efforts of NIMC, NCC, MNOs and all other relevant government and private sector organisations for their unflinching support towards the success of the exercise.

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his satisfaction with the progress made regarding the NIN-SIM linkage and commended the Honourable Minister and all stakeholders for their roles.

     

    He encouraged citizens to take advantage of the extension to fully participate in the process.

     

    The Honourable minister implores applicants to follow the safety guidelines at all the NIN enrolment centers and ensure compliance with the booking system in place.

     

    This protocol is in line with the Executive Order on COVID-19 2020 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 27th of January 2021, in keeping with the provisions of the Quarantine Act 2004.

     

    It is noteworthy that Sections 27 and 29 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 provides for the mandatory use of National Identity Number for transactions, including application and issuance of a passport, opening of personal bank accounts, purchase of insurance policies, voter registration, obtaining credit, among others.