The Top 6 Altcoins To Buy In 2023

August 27, 2023

The crypto market is recovering after the catastrophic events towards the end of 2022. This growth period has led more people to start looking to buy or invest in cryptocurrencies. Many of them are looking for alternatives to Bitcoin that are growing quickly or will do in the coming years.

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These altcoins allow traders and investors to diversify beyond Bitcoin and open up additional investment opportunities. Below, we will look at six of the most interesting altcoins to watch in 2023.

1 Eth

Eth is the main cryptocurrency tied to the Ethereum network, although most people use the two terms interchangeably. Developers use Ethereum to run numerous applications on the blockchain, including games, smart contracts, and financial transactions. It is also the go-to option for storing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and mining.

With a market capitalization of about $210 billion, it is the biggest competitor to Bitcoin and, therefore, the second most popular cryptocurrency. The extensive range of applications that can run on the Ethereum network makes it an excellent investment opinion.

With its growth expected to continue in the following years, you can follow its progress and even trade it on easyMarkets, where you can also see how it is performing and will continue performing against Bitcoin.

2 Tether

Tether was launched in 2017 and is considered an altcoin and one of the most popular stablecoins. Its stablecoin claim comes from the fact that it is tied to a fiat currency, the US dollar.

When a new Tether coin is issued, the creator keeps $1 in their reserve. They then destroy one Tether for each dollar an investor decides to cash out. Because of this, Tether always has a value of around $1.

Its stability also makes it an excellent option for transferring value since it is likely to retain its value compared to other more volatile coins whose value depends on supply and demand movements.

3 Litecoin

Litecoin was launched to address the many flaws and weaknesses people saw with Bitcoin. It is, therefore, one of the first altcoins to enter the market. Its main advantage is that it has faster processing times and lower transaction fees compared to Bitcoin. Litecoin users also want to break up the mining monopolies that typically exist in Bitcoin mining.

Litecoin has followed a different path compared to Bitcoin, even though it wanted to be its alternative. Bitcoin has transformed into an excellent store of value, and Litecoin has positioned itself as the best way to facilitate transactions and exchanges in today’s economies and those of the future.

Bitcoin has an 84 million coin cap, which affects its price dynamics and scarcity.

4 Binance Coin (BNB)

This altcoin is issued by Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency trading platforms in the world. It uses the Ethereum blockchain; Binance introduced it in 2017. The exchange issued 200 million coins in its initial coin offering, and it regularly buys and destroys some of its cryptocurrencies.

By burning cryptocurrencies like this, the platform reduces supply, which causes the price to increase. The price increases create additional demand, triggering the price to increase even further.

Traders and Investors can buy the coin through Binance. It has a market capitalization of about $30 billion.

5 Cardano

Cardano is very similar to Ethereum in many ways. Firstly, it is one of the earliest advocates for the proof-of-work mechanism, as Ethereum was in the past. It is also a very popular option for creating smart contracts, something the Ethereum blockchain has been used for since its inception.

Like Ethereum has ETH, Cardano has ADA, which offers very low fees and much better security compared to most other altcoins.

Investors should keep an eye on Cardano because there is so much going for it right now, and its increased utility is likely to see it grow by a few orders of magnitude in the next five years.

6 Tron (TRX)

Ton is the cryptocurrency tied to the Tron blockchain. This blockchain was conceptualized for use as a content-sharing platform in 2017. Its main use is allowing users to share Dapps (Decentralised Apps). It also uses a proof of stake consensus, like Ethereum started doing after it made significant changes to its network.

Tron remains an option for those looking for profitable altcoins, and its price is rallying in mid-2023. However, it remains one of the more volatile altcoins. Its huge price swings could mean massive profits or massive losses. It is one to keep an eye on and even invest a little in, but also to be overly cautious about.

Conclusion

Bitcoin remains the most popular cryptocurrency in the world; it is also the one with the most demand. Altcoins have emerged to address different issues with Bitcoin, such as its perceived slow transactions and high transaction speeds, and to perform different functions compared to Bitcoin, such as enabling smart contracts. These altcoins can be great investment options if you know where to look and when to invest, but they present the same investment risks that all other investments and Bitcoin come with.

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Economy: ‘War With Niger Is Not Ideal’ – Tinubu

August 27, 2023

Nigeria Ready To Welcome All Citizens - Tinubu — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu stated that war with Niger Republic is not ideal for Nigeria’s economic reforms.

Tinubu stated on Saturday during a meeting with Molly Phee, the United States presidential envoy and assistant secretary of state for African affairs, according to Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity.

The Niger Republic crisis began on July 26 when a group of the country’s military deposed democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup and levied sanctions on the new regime while calling for the restoration of constitutional order.

Tinubu told the US envoy on Saturday that, while he is preventing ECOWAS from intervening militarily in Niger Republic, preserving democracy in the area is sacred.

“We are deep in our attempts to peacefully settle the issue in Niger by leveraging on our diplomatic tools. I continue to hold ECOWAS back, despite its readiness for all options, in order to exhaust all other remedial mechanisms,” Tinubu said.

“War is not ideal for my economic reforms, nor for the region, but the defence of democracy is sacrosanct. The ECOWAS consensus is that we will not allow anyone to insincerely buy time.

“Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the U.S. Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for U.S. industrial investment in Nigeria. Under my leadership, Nigeria stands ready to address its specific regulatory, tax and environmental concerns. I am determined to create prosperity for all Nigerian families.”

The US envoy extended an invitation from President Joe Biden to Tinubu for a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September to “advance discussions”.

“We know there is more we can do to incentivize large-scale American investment in Nigeria and we are committed to working closely with you to achieve that, as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy and the regional economy,” the US special envoy said.

“We appreciate your willingness to create an enabling environment for that. President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership.”

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Remi Tinubu Gives Scholarships To 46 Students

August 27, 2023

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has granted scholarships to 46 Nigerian students enrolled in higher institutions around the country as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

Busola Kukoyi, Special Adviser to the First Lady on Media, said in a statement on Saturday that the beneficiaries were picked from the federation’s 36 states and the FCT.

Other recipients were nominated by several women groups, including the National Council for Women groups and the Defence Staff and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), according to Kukoyi.

The recipients were announced in the Presidential Villa during the launch of the National Scholarship Programme for Tertiary Education.

See the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

46 Nigerian students in tertiary institutions across the country have emerged the first set of beneficiaries as the Renewed Hope Initiative, an initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen.Oluremi Tinubu, flags off the National Scholarship Programme for Tertiary Education.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, while others were nominated by various women societies, including National Council for Women Societies, and Defence Staff and Police Officers Wives Association DEPOWA.

At the ceremony held in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, the First Lady and National President of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu CON, congratulated the beneficiaries, noting that the gesture is part of efforts by the initiative to ensure that no willing student is left behind.

‘With the National Scholarship Programme (NASP), we envision a Nigeria where every child , regardless of their circumstances, can access the best education available. It is not just about textbooks and classrooms, it is about igniting curiosity, speaking innovation and fostering a love of learning that will transcend generations..

“The inaugural National Scholarship Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative is a four year scholarship programme of One Million Naira per year and a laptop for each beneficiary. Today we are empowering 46 students from across the states’.

While urging the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously as their GPA will be taken into consideration in subsequent years, the First Lady also encouraged them to take on vocational skills.

RHI Director of Education, Prof Hafsat Ganduje in an address of welcome identified intervention in education as one of the five pillars of the initiative.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu and Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmood.

SIGNED
Busola Kukoyi
SA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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The Luis Rubiales Fiasco

August 27, 2023

Luis Rubiales, the Spanish football chief has been in the news for his wrong doings. The publicity has been negative and many have called for his resignation.

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Let’s take a look at the fiasco; how it started, the reactions, investigations and Rubiales’ statements.

Sexual assault

Spain’s soccer federation president ruined the country’s Women’s World Cup victory by kissing a player on the lips at the medal ceremony, drawing criticism for unacceptable behavior in a sport that has struggled to overcome misogyny.

On Monday, a day after Spain’s 1-0 win against England, the Spanish government and the world players’ union denounced Luis Rubiales’ behavior. The football federation managed by Rubiales attempted to downplay the event by releasing a statement attributed to the player he kissed, followed by a video in which Rubiales apologized.

Rubiales grabbed his crotch in celebration immediately after Spain’s victory, reportedly oblivious of 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofa standing nearby.

He later kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal and trophy ceremony on the field, bringing undesired attention away from the joy and tainting the country’s biggest day for women’s soccer.

“It is a form of sexual violence that women suffer on a daily basis, which has been invisible thus far, and which we should not normalize,” Irene Montero wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday.

Union

FIFPRO, the Netherlands-based players’ union, took a harsh view of Rubiales’ actions.

“It is deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team that was taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility,” the union said in a statement.

“Uninitiated and uninvited physical gestures towards players are not appropriate or acceptable in any context. This is especially true when players are put in a position of vulnerability because a physical approach or gesture is initiated by a person who holds power over them.”

FIFA’s response

On August 24, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee informed Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Association, that it is initiating disciplinary procedures against him in connection with the incidents that transpired at the final of the FIFA Women’s World CupTM on August 20, 2023.

The occurrences may represent violations of FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will publish additional information on these disciplinary processes once a final verdict has been issued.

FIFA reiterates its steadfast commitment to the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behavior that contradicts this commitment.

Luis Rubiales

Despite the outcry for his resignation and the reactions, the Spanish football chief has refused to resign.

Luis Rubiales declined to resign on Friday, despite global condemnation for his uninvited kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory.

Rubiales, 46, was expected to retire as head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after government ministries and sports figures demanded his resignation and FIFA launched disciplinary proceedings against him.

In a speech before the football federation’s emergency meeting, he was defiant.

“I will not resign, I will not resign, I will not resign,” shouted Rubiales

“A consensual ‘peck’ is enough to get me out of here? I will fight until the end,” he added.

Rubiales claimed this week’s pressure from lawmakers and clubs was an attempt “to publicly assassinate me,” and vowed to protect himself by “taking action” against those responsible.

“It was a spontaneous kiss, mutual, euphoric, and consensual,” said Rubiales.

“When I make a mistake it hurts me and I ask for forgiveness without softening it, but I do not deserve this hunt that I have been suffering for five years, every day for five years.

“I’m going to keep fighting like my parents taught me, like my coaches, my teammates.

“For god’s sake, what will women think who have really been sexually assaulted?” said Rubiales.

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FG Will Work With Others To Update Social Registry – Betta Edu

August 26, 2023

Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said the Federal Government (FG) aims to cooperate closely with state governors, local governments, and community leaders to check and update the country’s social registry.

Edu said this on Channels Television’s program on Friday, stressing that it is part of the Humanitarian Ministry’s mission to pull millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

“We are going to verify and update, and we are going to work with the governors and local governments so that they can own it,” she said.

According to the minister, “The very first thing which we are starting almost immediately is the verification of the social register. We are going to first carry out full verification of the social register to ensure that truly it is the poorest of the poor – those who deserve to be on that list.”

She added that there has been back and forth with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and various other interested parties for weeks, noting, “The social register is okay, it is not okay.” People who are legitimately impoverished are not on the list, there is some political influence involved, and so on.”

The National Executive Council (NEC) governors had previously criticized the current social register, claiming that it lacked integrity and was unsuited to carry out any social action.

She stated, “One of the challenges which they raised was that they were not involved in the process of really getting the poorest of the poor.

“As a country, we have to have ownership of whatever data that we are bringing out from the grassroots,” adding that, “the local government people, the governors must be involved, traditional rulers and even the religious leaders should be involved.”

Working with this strategy, she claims, will enable leaders attest that “yes, indeed, these are poor people in our communities, and we know them.” We can identify them as human people, not simply numbers and names, and this is what we believe that we are comfortable working with.”

She went on to say that if the ministry begins working with the NEC, “they will accept it because it is their own product now.”

According to Edu, the ministry would work closely with the NEC to check, remove, update, and reintroduce it so that the national, state, and local governments can proudly declare ownership, simplifying other social safety net initiatives for disadvantaged Nigerians.

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FG Did Not Apply To Join BRICS – Shettima

August 26, 2023

Nigeria, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima, did not apply for membership in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

Shettima remarked just hours after the economic bloc announced six new members: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

While many questioned why Nigeria did not join the organization, Shettima stated on Friday that the government never requested for BRICS membership.

“So far, we have not applied for the membership of BRICS. And it is majorly informed by the fact that my principal President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a true democrat that believes in consensus building,” he said on the sideline of the BRICS Summit which was held in South Africa.

“There are so many variables that need to be taken into cognizance. We have to evaluate so many tendencies and issues that require engagements with the economic advisory council, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and even the National Assembly before an informed decision towards joining the BRICS would be taken.”

Shettima, the Nigerian representative to the conference, has a message for Nigerians in South Africa.

He is urging them to obey the law and respect the host citizens wherever they live.

From January 1, 2023 the newly inducted countries will become full members.

“This membership expansion is historic,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose nation is the most powerful in the group of large and populous non-Western economies.

“The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. It will bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development”.

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Port Harcourt Refinery Will Be Operational By December – FG

August 26, 2023

The Federal Government (FG) has reiterated that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Ltd will be operational again by December.

This is part of the government’s pledge to eliminate petroleum product imports as soon as efforts to rebuild the nation’s domestic refining capability are redoubled.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), said this, according to a Friday statement by Garba Deen Muhammad, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

He cited the Minister as saying this during an inspection trip of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Ltd. plant in Port Harcourt on Friday.

“Our objective in coming here today is to ensure that in the next few years, Nigeria stops fuel importation. From what we have seen here today, Port Harcourt Refinery will come on board by the end of the year.

“Warri will come on stream by the end of the first quarter of next year, and Kaduna will also come on board towards the end of next year.

“If you add that to the Dangote Refinery, we will be able to stop fuel importation, and Nigerians will enjoy the full benefits of deregulation,” the Minister assured.

He also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing restoration work at the Port Harcourt refinery, stating that once all of the refineries are operational, Nigerians will have a greater supply of petroleum products and foreign exchange will be domesticated, resulting in an enhanced economy.

During Friday’s visit, Mr. Mele Kyari, Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., stated that restoring the refineries to their optimal levels is a national goal that the Company is committed to achieving.

“We are aware of our nation’s challenges in terms of fuel supply. But we are not here to give excuses. We are focused on delivering this rehabilitation project, our two other refineries, and all other investments towards revamping the nation’s refining capacity.

“We are hopeful that in 2024, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products,” Kyari stated.

“We are here to go into the field,” remarked Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas). Subsidies were popular a few years ago. Subsidies do not exist today.

“People today are in a desperate condition to breathe a sigh of relief and figure out how to live. You are all aware that gasoline is critical to our economy. “All hands must be on deck to ensure the refineries are operational,” he said.

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25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars: Rekik Bekele

August 26, 2023

The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars is a list celebrating the remarkable achievements of a select group of women across Africa’s energy sector, such as Rekik Bekele.

Table of Contents

With the objective of providing access to electricity to Ethiopia’s population, Bekele founded Green Scene Energy, and serves as a source of inspiration for many across the industry. The African Energy Chamber spoke to Bekele about her success and future aspirations.

Please share a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?

With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Electrical Engineering from Addis Ababa University, I have been actively engaged in the sector since 2010. My commitment to professional development and industry engagement is demonstrated by my role as a board member of the Ethiopian-Solar Energy Development Association and her participation as an Acumen East Africa fellow.

In 2016, I founded Green Scene Energy PLC, where I currently serve as the CEO and co-founder. The company has made remarkable achievements in expanding access to clean energy, creating job opportunities, and driving positive change within the industry.

I take pride in providing solar home lighting solutions to over 9000 households, installing over 85 pumps, and implementing productive use solutions, thereby improving the lives of numerous individuals and communities.

My dedication to creating a sustainable energy future is further exemplified by my active participation as a keynote speaker in major off-grid energy events.

Through these engagements, I share valuable insights and promote sustainable solutions, inspiring others and fostering dialogue within the renewable energy sector. I also take part in speaking engagements at universities and other events, where I aim to motivate and empower young women engineers.

The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?

In the renewable energy industry, I have indeed faced several significant challenges along the way. The complexities within the energy industry have required careful navigation and innovative strategies to overcome.

Limited Access to Funding: One of the major challenges has been the limited availability of funding and financial resources. Building and scaling renewable energy projects require significant investments, and securing adequate funding can be a daunting task.

To overcome this challenge, I actively sought out partnerships with investors, financial institutions, and international organizations that share our vision of sustainable energy solutions.

Regulatory Environment: Policies and regulations in the energy industry sometimes do not adequately support the growth and development of renewable energy projects. This creates hurdles for implementation and slows down market growth. To address this challenge, we actively engage with government agencies, policymakers, and industry associations to advocate for favorable policies and regulations.

Availability of Foreign Currency: Another challenge we encountered was the availability of foreign currency. This affected the importation of necessary equipment, materials, and components required for renewable energy projects.

To navigate through this challenge, we worked closely with financial institutions and partners to explore alternative financing options and strategies for sourcing essential resources locally. This helped us overcome the limitations posed by currency availability.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the renewable energy industry. It disrupted supply chains, leading to delays in project implementations and hindering access to necessary materials and resources. Additionally, the closure of construction sites and limitations on international travel also affected progress.

To navigate through this challenge, we adapted our operations by implementing remote working arrangements, exploring local supply chains, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of our employees.

Internal Conflict: The internal unrest between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front further added to the challenges faced in the industry. This conflict disrupted operations, hindered project progress, and impacted stability in the region.

To navigate through this challenge, we closely monitored developments and made necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of our staff and projects.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

What advice would you give to young females aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?

As a young female aspiring to excel in the energy sector, I would advise you to:

Embrace Challenges: Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on challenging roles or projects. Sometimes, it’s in these unfamiliar territories that you discover your true passion and purpose.
Seek Opportunities to Learn: Look for opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in the energy sector. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the industry. Continuous learning will help you stay ahead and excel in your field.
Build a Strong Network: Connect with professionals in the energy sector, both male and female. Networking can provide you with mentorship, guidance, and valuable connections that can help you overcome obstacles and reach your goals.
Be Resilient: Overcoming obstacles is a part of any career journey. Develop a mindset of resilience, tenacity, and determination. Learn from failures, adapt and keep moving forward towards your goals.
Find Your Passion and Purpose: Identify what truly motivates and inspires you in the energy sector. Whether it’s finding solutions to community problems, like energy poverty, or innovating in the field of sustainable farming, align your work with your passion and become a driving force for positive change.

Remember, success is a journey, and perseverance, continuous learning, and passion will be your guiding lights along the way.

A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?

A career in the energy sector is indeed demanding, and I can relate to the challenges you are facing. Here is a glimpse into a typical day in my life:

6:00 am: I start my day with exercise, either by going for a run or hitting the gym. Physical activity helps me stay energized and focused throughout the day.

8:00 am: I begin my workday by checking emails and reviewing my schedule for the day. This allows me to prioritize tasks and address any urgent matters.

9:00 am: I usually have meetings with my team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and address any challenges or opportunities. These discussions involve brainstorming solutions, making strategic decisions, and coordinating resources effectively.

11:00 am: I dedicate this time to collaborating with partners and stakeholders in the energy industry. This may include attending online conferences or meetings to explore potential collaborations, partnerships, or funding opportunities. Building strong relationships and networking are vital for success in this industry.

1:00 pm: I usually bring my lunch or breakfast to the office and have it around this time. Taking a break to nourish myself is important for maintaining focus and productivity.

6:00 pm: My work typically continues until this time, but it may sometimes extend to 8:00 pm or later, depending on the demands of the day. I prioritize completing pending tasks, following up on important matters, and preparing for the next day.

I understand the challenges of balancing work and family life. I am fortunate to have the support of my understanding and supportive family, especially my husband who is also my business partner.

His sacrifice and dedication to our shared vision have been instrumental in establishing Green Scene Energy UK. While it can be demanding, I try to find a balance and make time for my family and personal interests like running and dancing.

Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector, and how do you envision your role in shaping that future?

Looking ahead, I have several hopes for changes and advancements in the energy sector:

Energy Access for All: I hope to see a significant shift to ensure universal access to clean and affordable energy. I hope to see advancements in technology and innovative business models that can bring energy access to underserved communities, both in rural and urban areas.
Green Scene’s vision is to contribute to the national electrification plan. Manufacturing solar appliances for rural households and generating energy with Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) are promising approaches.
Manufacturing Solar Appliances: By manufacturing solar appliances specifically designed for rural households, Green Scene can help bridge the electricity gap in Ethiopia. This initiative will provide access to clean and affordable energy for millions of households, improving their quality of life, and supporting socio-economic development.
Generating Energy with PPAs: PPAs can play a crucial role in increasing renewable energy generation capacity. By partnering with private investors, government entities, or utilities, Green Scene can establish renewable energy power plants and sell the generated electricity through long-term agreements.

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Ter Stegen Extends Contract With FC Barcelona

August 25, 2023

FC Barcelona and player Marc Ter Stegen have agreed to extend his contract until June 30, 2028.

On Friday, president Joan Laporta, first vice president Rafa Yuste, economic vice president Eduard Romeu, board member Joan Soler, and sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’ attended the contract extension event at Spotify Camp Nou.

As a result, the German goalkeeper strengthens his ties with Barça and looks likely to prolong his stellar career as a culer. Ter Stegen joined the Club from Borussia Mönchengladbach in May 2014, and this is his tenth season with the club.

Ter Stegen made his debut for Barcelona in a Champions League match against APOEL Nicosia in September 2014, and he has now made 379 official appearances for the club.

That figure put him in fourth place on the all-time record of Barça goalkeeper appearances. This season, he has a good chance of passing Ramallets, who has 387 points. Ter Stegen’s contract has been renewed until 2028, and he now has Zubizarreta on 410 matches and Vctor Valdés on 535.

Ter Stegen has won 5 league crowns, 5 Copas del Rey, 1 Champions League, 3 Spanish Super Cups, 1 European Super Cup, and 1 Club World Cup in his nearly decade with the blaugranes.

After signing his new contract, the Barcelona goalkeeper talked to the Club’s media to express his excitement about his new deal and his hopes for the future.

“I hope over the next five years we can win more trophies,” Ter Stegen said.

A search by BizWatch Nigeria revealed that the offer is worth 500 million euros.

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Famous Sports Betting Wins And Losses: Tales From High Rollers

August 25, 2023

Engaging in sports betting can be an exhilarating experience that allows you to embrace the excitement of gambling and the possibility of earning rewards. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most impressive wins and losses that high rollers have experienced in sports betting.

Table of Contents

We’ll explore the stories behind these big wins and discuss how they impact other bettors. We’ll also provide tips to help you avoid going down the same path as some of these notorious gamblers.

The allure of sports betting and high rollers

Sports betting has become increasingly popular for both recreational and professional gamblers. The allure of sports wagering is strong for those looking to make a quick buck. Professional bettors also find themselves drawn to accurately predicting which teams or players will come out on top, leading to potentially major gains. This is especially true in high-stakes sports such as football, horse racing, and cricket.

High rollers and serious bettors alike can take advantage of a range of sports betting services, including SportyBet. They offer competitive odds, flexible withdrawal rules, and exceptional customer service. High rollers can also join their VIP program, which includes exclusive bonuses, higher maximum bets, and even invitations to special events.

SportyBet’s withdrawal rules are simple and straightforward. All withdrawals must be made within the same day as your deposit, with a maximum of £500 daily. In case you need to withdraw a large amount of money, kindly get in touch with their customer service team. They will work together with you to find the optimal solution for your requirements.

Engaging in sports betting can be an exhilarating and potentially profitable venture, but it’s crucial to stay mindful of the potential hazards involved. It is important to understand the terms and conditions of any bet you place and stay within your budget. Be sure to take a break if you start feeling overwhelmed or start losing more than you had initially planned for. Finally, remember that gambling should always be done responsibly.

The Biggest Wins in Sports Betting History

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of sports betting. People have found that they can make some big money off of sports wagers, and there are countless stories of individuals who have made large sums of money from successful bets. This article explores some remarkable victories in sports betting history and examines the strategies used to achieve them.

One of the most famous sports betting wins was that of William “Billy” Walters. In 2017, he earned a reported $3.5 million off of bets on the Super Bowl, thanks to his knowledge and skill as an experienced sports bettor. Over the years, he also won millions more from bets on football and baseball games.

In 2003, Tony Bloom made a massive return from sports betting when he earned £1 million from a golf bet at the British Open. He placed two bets worth £500k each on golfers Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson. Both finished within the top three, netting Bloom a significant return on his bets.

In 2012, an anonymous gambler from the UK made headlines when he won £1.45 million off of a football bet. To win, he placed multiple wagers on five teams, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Sunderland. His bet proved correct, and he made a huge return on his risky bet.

These are just a few of the biggest wins in sports betting history, and they prove that with the right knowledge and expertise, big money can be made from these wagers. The key is understanding the game you’re betting on, its odds, and how to read the lines correctly. With this information, you can make an informed decision and potentially walk away as a big winner.

The Psychology of High-Stakes Betting

Sports betting has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until recently that it gained mainstream popularity. With more people placing wagers on sporting events, it’s important to understand the psychology behind high-stakes betting.

The thrill of a potential win is an attractive prospect for gamblers and bettors alike. That feeling of anticipation is a powerful emotion that can lead to impulsive decisions and actions that could have long-term consequences. For bettors, it’s crucial to control their emotions and concentrate on the task they are dealing with. Managing pressure and staying calm are essential traits when placing high-stakes bets.

When betting large sums of money, it is important to remember that this is a game of chance. Understanding the odds and assessing the risk can help to make smart bets, but no bet is ever guaranteed. Bettors need to understand their limits and know when it’s time to walk away.

In addition, understanding the potential impact of sports betting on individuals and society cannot be underestimated. In light of the increasing popularity of online sports betting, it is important to prioritize the protection of gamblers from exploitation and provide them with responsible gambling services.

Ultimately, sports betting can be a rewarding experience for those who understand the risks and approach them cautiously. Betting responsibly is key to having an enjoyable and profitable experience. By keeping emotions in check, understanding the odds, and assessing risk, bettors can maximize their chances of success while minimizing losses.

Conclusion

Engaging in sports betting can be an exhilarating experience with the possibility of significant earnings. But it’s important to remember that it carries its risks, too – not just financial but emotional as well. Every bettor needs to strike a balance between risk and reward. Those who take care to play responsibly can have some great experiences while also keeping losses under control. And for those who manage to land a big win, it can remain a thrilling memory for years. In the end, whether you are a high roller or not, sports betting should never be taken lightly and always be treated cautiously.

Interswitch One Africa Music Fest 2023: Harmonizing Generations, Rhythms

World Football Summit Announces Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus As Keynote Speaker For World Football Summit

August 25, 2023

World Football Summit (WFS) is thrilled to announce the participation of Nobel Prize-winning Professor Muhammad Yunus at its flagship event, WFS Europe, taking place on September 20-21 in Sevilla. The renowned social entrepreneur will shed light on the transformative power of football to foster positive global change.

Through its platform, WFS prides itself on championing individuals who leverage the power of football and sports for greater societal impact. Over the years, it has partnered with the likes of Common Goal to donate part of its ticketing revenue to the victims of the conflict in Ukraine, has helped organize the most inclusive match in the world in collaboration with Real Betis and Integrated Dreams, and has pledged to welcome a minimum of 30% of female speakers to its panels.

Moreover, at its annual WFS Awards Gala, World Football Summit includes winners from 3 different categories that recognize organizations from all over the world who are driving positive change through sport such as the Marcus Rashford Award, the Football for All Award or the Football For Good Award.

Professor Yunus exemplifies this mission through his groundbreaking work at the Yunus Sports Hub (www.YunusSportsHub.com), which returns to WFS Europe as partner, where young people, athletes and industry leaders are empowered. In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, he is also the recipient of numerous international awards for his ideas and endeavors, and has received all three highest US Civilian awards (Presidential Citizens Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal). Prof. Yunus is one of only seven people in history that has received these awards, along with recipients Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela. In 2009, Forbes named Professor Yunus one of its “10 Most Influential Business Gurus.”

“It’s an extraordinary honor to welcome Prof. Yunus to World Football Summit,” stated Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Director at World Football Summit. “His unwavering commitment to social entrepreneurship mirrors our dedication to a football industry that prioritizes global betterment.”

Prof. Yunus expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Joining WFS Europe is an exciting opportunity. Together, we can further the discourse on football’s potential as a force for global good. In our lifetime we can create a world of three zeroes; zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions. Sport is fundamental to human beings and will be fundamental to achieving these goals.”

In 2022, the Yunus Sports Hub focused on the following key areas of work:
• Inspiring and training future and current social entrepreneurs.
• Helping athletes to create and accelerate their social impact while generating income.
• Developing a generation of socially conscious future leaders within the sports industry.
• Helping organizations transition towards more sustainable revenue streams.
Among the positive impact it has created, the following figures stand out:
• 3,650 current and future social entrepreneurs received training.
• 93 social entrepreneurs were accelerated.
• 32 new social businesses were created.
Out of the above, 32% of entrepreneurs supported were based in Africa and 56% of programme participants identified as women and girls.

On the other hand, World Football Summit is the biggest platform dedicated to the football industry. Since its inception in 2016, WFS has successfully attracted over 22,000 attendees across 17 events and has built a global community of 90,000+ sports industry executives throughout its platforms. Top names in the industry, including Gianni Infantino, Fatma Samoura, Ronaldo Nazario, Samuel Eto’o, Peter Moore, and Cindy Parlow- Cone have participated, showcasing the event’s significance in the global football landscape.

Media members are invited to join us at WFS Europe, where pivotal discussions will center around the evolution of football into a more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful industry.

“The Decade For Africa – What Next For The Continent’s Brands And CMOs?”

Epochal Book On Osun State, Courage & Character, Out

August 25, 2023

As Osun State clocks 32 years on 27 August, a publishing outfit, The Erudio Alphabet Company, is set to release an epochal book on its evolution formally.

Titled Courage & Character: The Definitive History of Osun State, the 460-page coffee table book recounts the history of the struggle of the people for their State till military president Gen Ibrahim Babangida, acceded in 1991. The book covers the activities of the various administrations, concluding with that of Rauf Aregbesola.

There are sections on the governments of Col Leo Ajiborisha, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, and the military interregnum featuring Colonel Abel Akale, Navy Captain Anthony Udofia, Lt Col Anthony Obi, Col Theophilus Olufemi Bamigboye. The administration of Chief Bisi Akande brought back the civilians. The book Courage and Character extensively documents the government of Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola.

The book is dedicated to “The Omoluabi of Osun” described as “brave hearts, unrelentingly optimistic, and flinty in their determination” and “to the abiding memory of the first executive governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke”.

Courage & Character is Volume One of the Osun Trilogy. It offers a rich narrative in four parts. President Muhammadu Buhari wrote the foreword, and immediate past governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola authored the preface. Sections include the story of Abdulsalami Agbaje, an Ibadan high chief, described as “the unlikely catalyst” for creating the Oshun Division following a gang-up by the Ibadan nobility in the 1940s. There are accounts of the struggle, the creation of the state, and the highlights of each state administrator or governor from 1991 to 2018.

According to The CEO of Erudio Alphabet, Temitope Lakisokun, “the Osun story is essentially about a people’s rejection of subjugation and oppression; their quest for independence and sovereignty, and the struggle for survival and relevance.”

“The Decade For Africa – What Next For The Continent’s Brands And CMOs?”

Nigeria Eurobonds Surges Higher, Yields Drop

August 25, 2023

DMO Set To Auction N150bn Bond On FG's Behalf

The Nigerian government Eurobonds’ average yield continued its decline as international debt market interest remained strong. A shift in the foreign debt market has led to bullish trading activity, with the US 20-year treasury yield maintaining a steady course despite anticipated rate hikes.

Before the upcoming US Fed speech, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield exhibited a slight increase of 1 basis point, reaching 4.246%, as reported by Tradeweb. Jerome Powell’s speech is anticipated to provide guidance for the market’s trajectory.

In Jacksonville, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde is also scheduled to address market expectations. Notably, fixed income securities traders observed appreciation across all tracked maturities of FGN Eurobonds, resulting in a reduction of the average secondary market yield to 10.86%.

Within the local foreign exchange market, the Naira displayed strength against the US dollar at the Investors and Exporters (I&E) windows, with a trading rate of N771.69 compared to N773.43. Conversely, the parallel market experienced a 0.56% depreciation, lowering the value to N905 from N900.

Despite a weak demand projection, the oil market continued to exhibit bearish sentiment. Brent crude declined by 0.22%, settling at $83.03 per barrel, while WTI crude experienced a loss of 0.19%, reaching $78.74 per barrel. This downward trajectory in oil futures stemmed from the delicate balance between China’s economic recovery uncertainty, potential production increases from Iran and Venezuela, and a substantial draw in US crude inventory.

Shifting focus, gold’s value hovered around $1,916 per ounce (+0.12%), bolstered by an increasingly dovish sentiment due to disappointing US PMI data. This data exerted downward pressure on US treasury yields.

Long U.S. Treasury yields might see a slight rise from their current levels, as Jan von Gerich, Chief Analyst at Nordea, suggested in a note. Nordea’s analysis suggests that the Federal Reserve may not have completed its interest rate hikes and will maintain a tightening bias into the following year to ensure inflation aligns with the target. Therefore, Nordea posits that long U.S. yields could experience a modest increase in the near future.

Unemployment Rate Drops To 4.1% In Q1 – NBS

Naira Value Increases As Importers FX Demand Moderates

August 25, 2023

BREAKING: CBN Officially Unifies All Exchange Rate Windows

Nigeria’s naira increased moderately, this stopped the three days of depreciation against the dominant currency, the US dollar, at the official market as demand moderated ahead of the week’s close.

Data from FMDQ Exchange showed that local currency appreciated against the dollar on Thursday as it exchanged at N771.69 at the Investors and Exporters window.

The local currency gained by 0.22 per cent compared to the N773.42 it exchanged for the dollar on Wednesday. FX traders said the open indicative rate closed at N777.82 to the dollar on Thursday.

Data showed that a spot exchange rate of N799.90 to the dollar was the highest rate recorded within the day’s trading before it settled at N771.69.

The naira sold for as low as N700 to the dollar within the day’s trading. A total of US$121.60 million was traded at the investors and exporters window on Thursday. A total of 169.07 million dollars was traded at the investors and exporters window on Wednesday

Unemployment Rate Drops To 4.1% In Q1 – NBS

A Record 1,490 Fintechs Entered The Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2023 With Eight (8) Reaching The Final

August 25, 2023

Eight finalists emerged from an impressive pool of 1,490 Fintechs drawn from 64 countries in and beyond Africa; the Grand Finale will take place on 6 October at the Ecobank Group Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo; all finalists will be admitted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship Programme; the overall winner of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge will receive a cash prize of US$50,000, in addition to being admitted into the Fellowship Programme.

Over 1,400 Fintech startups from 64 countries across Africa and beyond applied for this year’s Ecobank Fintech Challenge with eight of them making the cut to the final where they will compete for the ultimate prize. This is the sixth edition of this international competition, with the highest number of applications on record.

Ecobank Group, Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, said this year’s applications had more than doubled compared to last year’s 703 applications received from 59 countries. In 2022 Nigeria’s fintech startup, ‘Touch and Pay’, wowed the jury with their ‘Cowry App’ to win the top prize of US$50,000.

The eight finalists who emerged from the fiercely competitive pool will compete for the coveted top prize of US$50,000 at the Grand Finale, which is scheduled to take place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo, on 6 October 2023.

The 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge finalists in alphabetical order are:

Flexpay Technologies (Kenya) – FlexPay offers customers a merchant-embedded saving-based purchase experience called Save Now, Buy Later.
IPOXCap AI (South Africa) – FinanceGPT is a financial analysis platform for frontier markets. It processes structured and unstructured financial data to generate actionable insights, using advanced algorithms for financial forecasting, health monitoring and valuation.
Kastelo (South Africa) – Provides a democratised solution through diversified products, focusing on transaction, savings and forex offerings, aimed at banking the underbanked in emerging markets through client-centric solutions.
Koree (Cameroon) – Koree is a card wallet application that addresses sub-Saharan Francophone Africa spare change scarcity by digitising cash merchant payments, while empowering millions of African consumers through an incentive reward system.
Kori Tech (Senegal) – Koripass is an E-wallet linked to physical payment accessories such as
bracelets, stickers and keychains. It enables quick and easy merchant payments
using NFC and QR Code technology. No internet or smartphone required.
Smart Teller Technologies Limited (Nigeria) – Empowering cooperative digital banking, IT services, and online bill payments for seamless services.
Rubyx (Belgium and Senegal) – Rubyx enables digital lending solutions for service providers in emerging markets to bridge the financing gap that faces informal entrepreneurs and small businesses to fund their activities.
Wolf Technologies (Democratic Republic of Congo) – Makuta is a state-of-the-art application that provides a simple, convenient and secure electronic money transfer and payment experience.

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, who will be hosting the Fintech Challenge final for the first time said: “We are encouraged by the very high number of applications received for the sixth edition of our Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The significant increase in the number of participants reflects the growing impact of our investments in the fintech space, and on our operations and fintech initiatives across Africa. The finalists went through a rigorous process, and we look forward to the pitches of the eight competitors vying for the top prize and ultimately partnering with the Ecobank Group.”

On his part, Dr. Tomisin Fashina, Ecobank Group Executive, Operations and Technology, congratulated the eight finalists of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge and said, “We are proud to support the development of fintechs to drive digital banking transformation across Africa and beyond. The ever-increasing level of participation – from just 412 applications in 2018 to 1,490 submissions this year – reflects the richness of the untapped innovation and talent that exists across our continent.”

As in previous editions, all the finalists in the 6^th edition will be inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship Programme which offers:

Product roll-out on a pan-African scale: Providing the opportunity to explore product and business integration with Ecobank and potentially launch products or services in all or part of Ecobank’s 35-country pan-African ecosystem.
Access to Ecobank’s pan-African Banking Sandbox: Opportunity to test and develop products in the pan-African market.
Priority access to Ecobank’s venture capital partners: Opportunity for access to funding.

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge recognises and promotes groundbreaking African fintech start-ups. The initiative is consistent with Ecobank’s Fintech strategy of building partnerships with African fintechs to help transform digital finance and banking.

The 2023 edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge is co-sponsored by Huawei, Arise Invest, Asky Airlines and Proparco, and supported by ALX Africa, , ABAN Angels, Africa Fintech Network, MEST Africa, Bluespace, Naija Startups, Jeune Afrique, TechCabal and Konfidants.

For more information on the competition, please visit https://EcobankFintechChallenge.com.

25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars: Ibilola Akinnola

Tekno Releases New Single “Pocket” Ahead Of His Second Studio Album The More, The Better – OUT 9/1

August 25, 2023

Today, Nigerian recording artist and record producer Tekno, released his third single “Pocket” from his highly anticipated new album The More the Better, set to be released next Friday, September 1st. Listen to the single HERE and pre-save the album HERE.

The single “Pocket” starts off as a soft melodic tone and turns into a catchy upbeat flow which makes you feel like you’re cruising through a tropical island in the middle of summer. The beats are energetic, groovy and the vocals vibrant, while combining traditional African rhythms with modern elements.

Tekno’s sophomore studio album will include the already released “Peace of Mind” and the newly-released single “Peppermint” During a recent conversation with Afrobeats Intelligence, Tekno revealed that he experienced a nine-month period of voice loss caused by acid reflux. Following vocal cord surgery, he also navigated a challenging label deal that demotivated his musical pursuits. After a three-year interval since the release of his debut studio album, Tekno has made a triumphant return with this new project. See the official tracklist below and stay tuned for more Tekno.

The More the Better Official Track List:

Twice Shy
The More the Better
Flashing Lights
Peppermint
King of Pop
Peace of Mind
Lokation
Pocket
Permit
Borrow
Regina
Play
Can’t Chase

Interswitch One Africa Music Fest 2023: Harmonizing Generations, Rhythms

“The Decade For Africa – What Next For The Continent’s Brands And CMOs?”

August 25, 2023

From music to art, fashion and literature, the increasing popularity of African creatives on the international stage is exciting. African talent is now also being recognised across the advertising and marketing sectors, most notably with the first win for West Africa at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity where a bronze lions in the Non-profit / Foundation-led Education & Awareness category was awarded to ‘The Soot Life Expectancy’ for The Extra Step Initiative by X3M IDEAS in Lagos.

This remarkable campaign was impactful in helping communities, spotlighting the need for environmental change and how technology, data and international collaboration can raise attention and ultimately change lives.

While this award win was a great cause for celebration it also highlighted how under-represented the continent still is at Cannes Lions, an event which marked its 70^th year. Andisa Ntsubane, CMO Vodacom was a judge in the B2B awards category, and stressed the importance of Africa contributing towards global best practice and being represented at the biggest global showcase of creativity.

He commented on the huge opportunities across the continent, particularly from a brand point of view: “The continent of Africa represents the largest growth opportunity in the world. We represent the single largest opportunity for brands to have big impact whilst making money. But from a brand point of view, there is no better place to drive innovation and creativity to help address some of the social issues that we’ve got.” Having worked with many large African brands and governments in my time at CNN, I couldn’t agree more.

Andia’s comments took place during a panel discussion that I moderated at the festival, a session about building future-ready brands in Africa, which CNN International Commercial hosted in collaboration with the International Advertising Association. Inclusion and accessibility were a key part of our conversation, whether that is financial inclusion for entering global awards due to cost implications with foreign exchange rates or accessibility in terms of having the opportunity or technology to take part.

Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer at African Bank, addressed this from a marketer’s perspective: “You’re not necessarily looking for rocket science to solve problems, sometimes it’s just accessibility… I know what it means for the customer, to have a product that not only solves their problems, or their challenges, or caters to their aspirations, but for that product to be accessible.”

Solving problems for consumers, creating brand recognition and loyalty are essential to the CMO but this is a role which continues to evolve and, alongside the role of the CTO, marketing teams need to interpret data, understand and adapt to emerging technologies such as AI and Chat GPT. Andisa commented on the role of the CMO today and how it’s incumbent on marketers to constantly learn and upskill their expertise to be informed for conversations with partners and agencies and, importantly, help guide organizations and the C suite on opportunities and considerations around new technology to drive business and benefit customers.

AI continues to be a huge topic in our industry and along with the excitement there’s of course some hesitation around safety, regulation and labelling. Steve Babaeko, CEO and Chief Creative Officer at X3M, winners of the first Lions for Nigeria, was part of our panel discussion and expressed positivity for AI: “Eventually, we’ll get over the initial panic of AI is coming here to take jobs for the creative industry. We must understand that AI can give our creativity better wings to fly.”

Even with the advent of more sophisticated technology, creativity is essential in helping brands to thrive and, even though CMOs have an increasing amount of factors to consider as part of their evolving role, they need to also remain focused on their brand purpose. Sbusiso highlighted what he thinks this should be: “The responsibility today is not to really build a trademark, but to build a heart mark, because that’s sustainable. We have to have an impact that outlives profit as a consequence. What are you really trying to do? What’s the why? What’s the purpose? And how are you ensuring that your design and product really captures that?”

Technology, creativity, purpose and of course sustainability are all vital elements in our industry and, as demonstrated by the recent award win, African brands are embracing this and excelling. Andisa told me that ‘this is the decade for Africa’ and I agree, there’s many opportunities ahead and I’m excited to be a part of the industry and to see what there is to come.

Interswitch One Africa Music Fest 2023: Harmonizing Generations, Rhythms

Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Timaya, Kcee And More Make Historic The Apollo Debut

August 25, 2023

A star-studded line-up of musicians from the Niger Delta is set to record new Nigerian entertainment industry milestones with The Apollo debut. Singers Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Timaya, KCee and pantomimic dance group Seki Dance Drama will thrill concertgoers at the iconic music hall for the maiden ‘Naija To The World’ concert on September 16th.

Buckwyld Media Network and BHM, organisers of the event, recently revealed the contingent as the concert’s lead performing acts. The performers, all from Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, will record history as they bring concertgoers into the bittersweet world of life in the south-south region through previously unheard cultural stories.

From rising through the creeks to becoming some of Nigeria’s most celebrated stars, the performers who embody a story of triumph in the face of adversity will join an elite group of Nigerian musicians to climb the world-famous stage. Their stories — to be told through the most enchanting Nigerian music ever heard — will reflect the Naija To The World project’s aim of providing an alternative narrative to ‘the stories out there about Nigeria and Nigerians’.

Timi Dakolo has grown from leading a small church band in Port Harcourt to winning Idols West Africa and performing on international stages. Omawumi has journeyed through unimaginable hurdles to become a multiple award-winning singer and songwriter, while KCee continues to blaze the trail in cultural music renaissance.

For Timaya, concertgoers can look forward to tales of Nigerian resilience and sheer determination to succeed through hard, honest work. Seki Dance Drama, exemplifying the diversity of the region’s creative talents, will illuminate Niger Deltan’s natural peace-loving disposition in a never-before-seen cultural display.

BHM Founder, Ayeni says “It’s a great time to cast a beam on the stories that make Nigerian creative talents unique and we couldn’t be more excited about the lineup of stars that will grace the concert at the Apollo. From the journeys of these creative talents in a peculiar region like the Niger Delta, we believe that the world has a lot more to learn from the Nigerian culture beyond just marvelling at the beautiful sound of our music. There is a lot more to look forward to with Naija To The World but this is a great place to start.”

Over the past 25 years, Nigeria’s Niger Delta region has produced at least 10 out of 20 talents in the creative industry. Many of the talents, including Burna Boy and Rema, have attained global stardom and won coveted prizes in music. The ‘Naija To The World – the Niger Delta Experience’ concert, organisers say, will further introduce the world to more creative talents from the region.

Efe Omorogbe, Chief Executive Officer of Buckwyld Media Network, also says “This exhibition will serve as a testament to the incredible reservoir of artistic brilliance present in the Niger Delta region. With this edition, our goal is to celebrate the cultural and creative richness of the region and contribute to its continued influence on the world stage.“

Phase one of ‘Naija To The World – the Niger Delta Experience’ will climax at The Apollo in New York City. At least 1,500 fans are set to witness the highly anticipated historic event live at the venue, while an additional 10 million viewers worldwide will access the spectacle through broadcast partners spanning across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The musicians and the dance drama group will join an exclusive league of Nigerian stars including Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, legendary playwright Herbert Ogunde, Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti, Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, and Adekunle Gold to perform at the world-renowned venue.

As Nigerian music and film continue to go mainstream, the annual exhibition was announced as a collaboration between Buckwyld Media Network and BHM to provide a platform for other aspects of Nigerian lore, culture, and experiences to travel and thrive.

MoMo Set To Enable Inbound/Outbound Transfer Capabilities Across Africa

TrustPid Proves That Innovation Does Come Out Of Africa

August 25, 2023

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a groundbreaking collaboration is taking shape as four major European telecom giants are collaborating on an advertising ID system called TrustPid; a privacy-led identification solution that promotes the use of mobile numbers as unique identifiers, to support the digital marketing activities of publishers and brands, in light of third party cookies imminent extinction.

Interestingly, the idea to launch a “Telco Ad Network” did not just happen. In 2015, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Africa’s foremost Data and Marketing Technology company, Terragon , unveiled its unique mobile advertising solution, and Africa’s first telco-data monetisation platform, ‘Adrenaline’, which just like TrustPid used the mobile phone numbers as the unique identifier.

In 2015, when Terragon launched Adrenaline, the idea was clear – to provide a simple but robust platform that bridges advertising demand (i.e. businesses) and data supply (publishers and telco) to enable targeted messaging to consumers both online and offline.

Adrenaline is a double-sided platform which offers advertisers (businesses) access to run targeted messages to mobile subscribers via offline Telco-native channels (such as “end of call notification, flash message, USSD etc) and online ad exchanges (display ads via browsers and in-app notifications) on one hand; and on the other hand help Telcos monetise their data assets by providing these advertisers with privacy compliant access to segmented subscribers as well as the channels for businesses to reach their target audience. Terragon’s Adrenaline platform is then able to process the data the adrenaline platform is able to access in a privacy compliant environment to enable data monetisation for telcos, accurate reach for publishers and measurement for advertisers. All of this is powered in a strict privacy complaint framework. The AI-powered analytics enables businesses to deliver “personalized” and relevant messaging to targeted audiences. This means that a business using Adrenaline would not waste marketing dollars promoting mobile app usage to a feature phone user, for instance.

Similarly, TrustPid a cross-operator platform for data protection-compliant digital marketing, was born out of the desire to drive privacy-compliant personalised advertising without cookies and diversify the revenue stream of the 4 European telcos — Telefónica, Orange, Vodafone, and Deutsche Telekom.

A daring move at the time, but one driven by foresight according to Terragon’s CEO and Co-founder, Elo Umeh, who had noted in 2015 that the unveiling of Adrenaline at the MWC was a ‘global first’ that shows that innovation can indeed come out of Africa. He would later go on to explain that Adrenaline’s inception was driven by the insight that mobile phone numbers would become unique identifiers for consumers in the near future. Today, the launch of TrustPid and the looming extinction of third-party cookies, which will have a major impact on the $300bn advertising industry, validates Elo’s 2015 comments and the innovative value presented by the launch of Adrenaline.

Both Adrenaline and TrustPid share a common approach to UID (unique identifiers) — utilizing telco networks as a major source of consumer data. According to Terragon’s CTO and Co-founder, Ayodeji Balogun, ‘by leveraging telco-data, Adrenaline empowers advertisers with near real-time customer insights needed to deliver more relevant, targeted, and effective advertising campaigns, and make effective business decisions.

Telcos have emerged as exceptionally dependable data sources in today’s world where customers generate multiple data traces. Telco data serves as a valuable resource that empowers advertisers with precise insights and targeting capabilities, enabling them to optimize their campaigns and achieve higher levels of effectiveness. Telco data can provide insights on customer behaviour, location, demography, channel preference, interests, economic power, etc. armed with these insights in near real-time, businesses can deliver enhanced targeting, multi-channel engagement and personalised experiences at scale.

The proliferation of mobile usage in Africa has experienced substantial expansion over the years. With a mobile penetration rate exceeding 50% and customers dedicating more than 4 hours each day to their mobile phones, the significance of identifying consumers with their mobile phone numbers, and interacting with them through mobile channels becomes apparent. This according to the Terragon CTO is a major feature of Adrenaline.

“Mobile phone numbers serve as crucial identifiers that connect individuals to their mobile devices. As consumers engage in various activities on these devices, our native cloud software possesses the capability to uniquely recognize them through their phone numbers. Our customer data platform which is situated within different businesses, utilizes mobile phone numbers as key identifiers to centralize and manage customer information.

On the supply side, this data exchange can increase customer life-time value and ARPU, deliver superior customer experience, enable hyper-personalised engagements, identification of growth opportunities, identification of “at-risk” subscribers and prevention of churn. On the demand side, businesses can drive intelligent product recommendation, upsell and cross-sell, reduce cost on customer acquisition and retention, deliver personalised experiences at scale, and increase marketing ROI.”

On data privacy, Mr Balogon states “Our data is fully encrypted and anonymised to protect personal identifiable information. We adhere strictly to global and regional data privacy regulations including the GDPR, and the NDPR (in Nigeria). We have been ISO 27001 certified for 5 years running.”

Terragon is Africa’s leading data and marketing technology company that leverages data and technology to help Brands intelligently reach, engage and deliver more meaningful experiences to African consumers on mobile. Terragon is building a unique and robust cloud-based ecosystem which currently boasts of big global tech companies including Microsoft and AWS, Telco partnership like MTN and Orange, over 30 multinational enterprises including Nigerian Breweries, Access Bank, UBA and over 8,000 small and medium sized businesses.

MoMo Set To Enable Inbound/Outbound Transfer Capabilities Across Africa

Resolve Issues With UAE On Visa, Airline – Tinubu

August 25, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has ordered that problems with the Emirates Airline and the granting of visas to Nigerians be “immediately” remedied.

The order was given by the President on Thursday at a meeting with United Arabs Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi at the State House in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Al-Shamsi and two envoys presented letters of credence to Tinubu at the State House. The other two representatives are Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero, ambassador of Cuba, and Awall Wagris Mohammed, ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Flight restrictions between Nigeria and the UAE have a long history and are often caused by unsolved problems with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). Later, visa limitations emerged as diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the UAE, a popular travel and migratory destination for Nigerians.

Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s spokesperson, said that the President stressed his readiness to “personally” intervene in the diplomatic dispute between Nigeria and the UAE.

“We are a family with UAE, we only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house. We should look at the issues as a family problem, and resolve it amicably.

“As you know in every family, there are peculiarities. You can have an erring son, or daughter, but we must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues,” the President was quoted as saying.

The UAE Ambassador stated that he already considers himself to be a “Nigerian” in light of the nation’s historical roots, its protracted leadership position in Africa, and its well-known reputation for welcoming visitors.

“Since I arrived in the country, I have been working on 24 agreements. We are getting somewhere. These are small issues, all within a family, and they will be resolved. I am grateful to be here in Nigeria.

“I am also very grateful to meet His Excellency, President Tinubu, who is a great leader in Nigeria, and Africa. Please accept me as a Nigerian and consider me a member of your team,” he appealed.

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