The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has announced that alcoholic beverages would not be sold on state roadsides or in motor parks.
Gbemisola Akinpelu, the agency’s corps marshal, stated in a statement issued on Sunday that “street trading on roadsides, pedestrian bridges, setbacks, medians, and hawking on major highways” violate state environmental regulations.
Akinpelu stated that the LAGESC enforcement team would guarantee that people displaying alcoholic beverages in motor parks are removed.
She went on to say that the agency has made a number of arrests and arraigned defaulters in court since it began enforcement.
Hawking
Akinpelu cautioned street traders and hawkers to avoid Lagos roads, stating that the agency’s officers would tighten the clamp down in the coming days.
She noted that Lagos state environmental regulations require the daily distribution of seized perishable goods to orphanage homes, while non-perishables are kept in storage until a court order for public auction is obtained.
Olukayode Egbetokun, Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has encouraged all Nigerians to embrace, download, and use the “NPF Rescue Me App.”
The mobile application, according to the Force Public Relations Officer (PR0), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, provides a platform for civilians to immediately alert the Police Force in emergency situations.
Egbetokun noted that the project is in keeping with the Nigeria Police Force’s mission to encourage stronger community interaction.
“The ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ is available for free download and use on both the ‘Android‘ and ‘IOS‘ application stores,” according to the announcement.
The IGP addressed on the sidelines of a tour of the National Command and Control Centre (C4i) and the Nigeria Police Crime and Incidence Database Centre (NPCIDC) at Force Headquarters in Abuja’s Louis Edet House.
The tour, according to Adejobi, was designed to highlight the IGP’s commitment to integrating smart policing practices within the Nigerian Police Force.
During the trip, the IGP emphasized the Police Force’s efforts to adopt cutting-edge technologies and urged officers to fully utilize these tools to improve their operations and service delivery to citizens.
See the full statement below
PRESS RELEASE
IGP INTEGRATES SMART POLICING, DIRECTS OFFICERS TO KEY IN, ENCOURAGES NIGERIANS TO EMBRACE “NPF RESCUE ME APP”, OTHER INNOVATIONS
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, recently concluded a comprehensive tour of the state-of-the-art National Command and Control Centre (C4i) facility and the Nigeria Police Crime and Incidence Database Centre (NPCIDC) at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The purpose of the tour was to emphasize the IGP’s commitment to integrating smart policing strategies into the Nigerian Police Force. During the tour, the IGP reiterated the efforts of the Police Force in adopting cutting-edge technologies and urged officers to fully leverage these tools to enhance their operations and improve service delivery to the citizens.
In line with the vision of the Nigeria Police Force to foster stronger community engagement, the IGP also took the opportunity to encourage all Nigerians to embrace, download, and use the “NPF Rescue Me App.”
This innovative mobile application provides a platform for citizens to quickly alert the Police Force in emergency situations, thereby facilitating prompt response and assistance. The “NPF Rescue Me App” is available on both the ‘android’ and ‘ios’ application stores for free downloads and usage.
In the same vein, the IGP directed all investigation units and police formations to instantly reactivate the use of the applications installed at the NPCIDC, where the biometrics and other relevant data/information of every suspect will be updated and kept for improved investigations and record keeping which will be readily available to police operatives to ensure a credible electronic criminal database to support investigations.
Similarly, in addition to the Digitalized Central Motor Registry which is already operational, the NPF is working on innovating other areas paramount to security.
Some of these which would be unveiled within the year include the Police Mobile Security Surveillance which will amongst other things capture all motor parks, commercial drivers operating daily in Nigeria, and passengers plying various routes, including hotel lodging data; and the Domestic Help Registration to create and manage a centrally accessible data of all domestic helps with verifiable previous employment data.
The Inspector-General of Police expressed his continuous commitment to modernizing the Nigerian Police Force through the integration of smart policing strategies. The adoption of advanced technologies, such as the C4i facility, the “NPF Rescue Me App,” and the NPCIDC will revolutionize law enforcement operations and strengthen the bond between the police and the citizens.
CSP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has elected President Bola Tinubu as its new Chairman.
“We will take democracy seriously; democracy is difficult, but it is the best form of government,” he stated upon his arrival in Guinea-Bissau on Sunday.
Tinubu takes over as ECOWAS chair from Guinea Bissau’s President Umaro Embalo.
Tinubu’s election was announced during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The 63rd Ordinary Session summit was the President’s first engagement on the African continent after taking office on May 29, 2023.
Tinubu, the newest member of West Africa’s exclusive club of Heads of State, has committed to shoulder the responsibilities of the position and lead an inclusive administration of the regional organization.
The Nigerian leader, on the other hand, cautioned that terrorism and a developing trend of military takeover had reached dangerous proportions in the sub-region, necessitating urgent and coordinated response.
He claimed that instability and creeping terrorism were impeding the region’s prosperity and development.
Tinubu urged for member-states to take collective action, promising that frameworks would be harmonized under his leadership in order to realize ECOWAS’s dreams.
“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.
“In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake.
The President noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy.
There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.
“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilize resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure,” he further stated.
While condemning the rising pattern of coups in West Africa in which troops have abridged popular mandates, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to stand firm in defense of democracy.
“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.
“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources, we didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people.
“To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired, which is, to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.
Sofri Bank is one of Nigeria’s most promising Lifestyle and Digital banks. Powered by Links Microfinance Bank, A subsidiary of (DLM Capital Group), the bank provides all financial services to its customers in various forms including Banking, investment, loans, car management, and payment transfers.
Bizwatch Nigeria recently had an exclusive chat with the Chief Operating Office (COO) of Sofri Bank, Mr. Barnabas Okwudibie, where he spoke about the growth and success story of the bank.
The Group President and CEO of MTN, Ralph Mupita, alongside board members and leadership of MTN Group and MTN Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday 7th July, 2023.
The team extended their congratulations to the President on his election victory; reiterated MTN’s commitment to Nigeria and outlined the company’s strategy for expanding connectivity across the country, diversifying digital services available to Nigerians and supporting the rapid growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
In welcoming the team, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said “You can do a lot for the economy by partnering with us. We believe no one can succeed alone.
The structural adjustments we are making are to ensure we face the right direction and arrive at a destination that caters for our people. We have a responsibility to revolutionise the economy so that our youths can share in the prosperity of the nation, otherwise, we are only waiting for the dreams to be charted.”
Thanking the President and his team for their hospitality, MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita said: “We appreciate the warm reception from President Tinubu and his team, and we thank them for their enthusiasm for the role that the telecoms and technology sector can play in driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, and in ensuring broad participation in the new economic era.
Our visit is an opportunity to reinforce our long-term commitment to Nigeria and our belief in the immense potential of this great country. “The principle of shared value is a fundamental pillar of our ‘Ambition 2025’ strategy, which we are actively implementing in Nigeria.
Whether through expanding local ownership via retail participation in our domestic listing, our renewed focus on local content, promoting access to connectivity and financial services in rural areas, or deploying innovative technology platforms, we are continuously innovating to ensure a more inclusive digital landscape.”
Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch, has successfully concluded the second edition of its Technovation competition, a hackathon aimed at nurturing innovation and creativity among its employees. The initiative showcases Interswitch’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating impactful solutions that address diverse challenges across the African continent.
The competition, which spanned several weeks, provided a unique platform for Interswitch employees to explore their problem-solving capabilities and devise innovative solutions to real-world problems. With a strong focus on technology-driven advancements, this program provided participants with the necessary tools, mentorship, and a platform to develop groundbreaking ideas and transform them into viable prototypes.
Following a review of numerous entries, five teams were shortlisted to compete at the grand finale. The chosen teams include Paystars, The Innovators, Team Spark, Team Flash, and The Pioneers who pitched solutions focused on healthcare, food and financial technology.
At the end of the keenly contested pitch session which took place on Friday, July 7, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Team Flash emerged winner of Technovation 2.0, receiving N1,000,000. Team Spark followed closely behind in second place, wining N750,000 and Team Paystars emerged in third place, winning the sum of N500,000.
Interswitch recognizes the immense potential within its workforce and is dedicated to unlocking the creative genius of its employees. By providing a conducive environment for innovation, the company continues to harness the collective brilliance and expertise of its staff members to drive positive change in various sectors, including finance, e-commerce, healthcare, oil and gas and transportation, among others.
Speaking on the successful completion of the Technovation 2.0, Akeem Lawal, Managing Director, Payment Processing & Switching (Interswitch Purepay) emphasized the significance of empowering employees to design solutions that address Africa’s unique challenges.
He said, “At Interswitch, we firmly believe that the key to driving meaningful change in Africa lies in nurturing and empowering our talented people. The Technovation 2.0 competition is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology. By supporting our staff members in their pursuit of groundbreaking solutions, we aim to create a brighter future for Africa.”
Throughout the competition, participants were encouraged to avidly explore novel approaches to tackle complex problems. Leveraging Interswitch’s extensive industry expertise and cutting-edge technologies, the developers devised ingenious solutions that hold the potential to revolutionize various sectors and improve the lives of millions of people across Africa.
The grand finale ended on a high note as participants and other Interswitch employees were treated to an exciting after-party.
As an organization deeply rooted in Africa, Interswitch understands the unique challenges facing the continent and is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in developing solutions to these challenges and driving the growth and development of the continent. The Technovation competition serves as a testament to Interswitch’s unwavering commitment to creating innovative solutions that address Africa’s most pressing needs, ultimately contributing to the continent’s overall advancement.
In furtherance of its commitment to support and empower African social innovators and entrepreneurs, Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social sustainability vehicle for leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, in partnership with LEAP Africa, a youth-focused leadership development nonprofit organization and Impact Amplifier, a South African-based advisory firm, has announced twenty (20) social innovators from across Africa to be part of its 2023 Sahara Impact Fund Fellowship programme.
With a focus on increasing access to energy and promoting sustainable environments, the Sahara Impact Fund program attracted over 300 applications from 19 African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The SIF Fellowship program which was launched in 2020 aims to empower visionary African changemakers with the knowledge and resources required to expand their social enterprises and help address the environmental and social challenges affecting our society.
This year’s SIF Fellows include, from Nigeria, Stanley Anigbogu, Oluwaseyi Moejoh, Kehinde Fashola, Emmanuella Azegba, Muideen Adegoke, Chidozie Igweilo, Joshua Attat, Osato El- Osemwingie, and Paul Nnaluo.
Others include Patience Alifo(Ghana), Philipo kitungano(Tanzania), Erick Mbeva(Kenya), Joyce Rugano(Kenya), Jolis Nduwimana(Burundi), Kachigo Zulu(Zambia), Andrew Mpashi(Zambia), Timothy Munthali(Malawi), Ainomugisha Shifira(Uganda), Tukwatanise Bonnita(Uganda) and Muofhe Ratshikombo(South Africa).
In her remarks to the newly inducted Fellows, the Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni, stated “that the most promising leaders are those who dare to challenge the status quo and envision a brighter future for the African continent”. She congratulated the Fellows for coming out successfully following a competitive application process and challenged them to leverage the Fellowship towards shaping Africa’s future.
Also addressing the Fellows at the induction ceremony was Nnamdi Ehirim, Project Associate, Impact Amplifiers. Ehirim congratulated the new Fellows and urged them to immerse themselves in the Fellowship, as it possesses the potential to transform their mindsets positively and equip them with the proven methodologies required to help strengthen their business models.
The Sahara Impact Fund Fellowship programme exposes Fellows to capacity building and investment readiness modules that support business expansion and allows them to create sustainable impact in society.
The programme is also set up to reward outstanding Fellows at the end of the Fellowship with a seed funding of $5000. This financial investment was created to support the social innovators with the resources they require to scale their business model.
Sahara Group Foundation is fully committed to building sustainable societies and through strategic interventions and programmes, we are helping to impact lives and livelihoods across borders.
To learn more about the Sahara Impact Fund Fellowship programme, please visit www.saharagroupfoundation.org for more information.
Oba Otudeko’s Honeywell Group has reportedly bought the largest shares of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc in a cross deal worth N87.8 billion, displacing billionaire Femi Otedola.
The shares which Otudeko bought at N19 per unit are the largest volume of First Bank shares traded in a single day since 2012 when the stock exchange started publishing data, according to a report by Arise News.
The trade has ratcheted up allegations over the validity of the trades considering that no single shareholder hitherto officially owned as many shares.
Though a press release explaining the trade is yet to be released on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, a disclosure of shareholding sent to the Company Secretary, FBN Holdings Plc and dated July 7, 2023, by Honeywell Group Limited stated that Barbican Capital Limited owned by Otudeko’s children has acquired an aggregate of 4,770,269,843 shares in FBNH.
“This is to inform the public and our stakeholders that the Company received a notification dated July 7, 2023 from Honeywell Group Limited that its affiliate, Barbican Capital Limited has acquired an aggregate of 4,770,269,843 units of shares from the Company’s issued share capital of 35,895,292,791, as at the above-referenced date. Based on the foregoing, the equity stake of Barbican Capital Limited in the Company is 13.3%”, it reads.
The firm, on the same day, in a letter signed by Adewale Arogundade, Acting Company Secretary, acknowledged the acquisitions.
Otudeko, who was chairman of First Bank until 2019, is making a swift comeback to become the single largest shareholder of the bank.
Billionaire Femi Otedola became the bank’s single largest shareholder in 2021 after a tussle with Hassan Odukale who was also vying for control of the bank after a leadership gap emerged from Otudeko’s exit.
With Otudeko now leading the battle for the control of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc with 14 per cent shareholding, Otedola drops to second with nine per cent shareholding. Hassan Odukale and Mike Adenuga are joint third, each with seven percent shareholding. Saheed Arisekole is fourth with a five percent shareholding. the Arise News report says.
Airtel Nigeria has announced that in the next episode of Airtel Touching Lives, the company’s TV series that spotlights its efforts to bring succour to underprivileged Nigerians, the focus will be on Timilehin Segun, a visually impaired teacher. Segun, whom Airtel describes as extraordinary, devotes his life to educating and inspiring the youths in his community, despite his own physical limitations.
The upcoming episode, which is the third in the seventh season, will air on Sunday, 9th July 2023 and is expected to take viewers through Segun’s journey from a blind pupil to the neighbourhood mentor who now runs a popular the Reliable Link Tutors, an after-school centre created to help improve the academic performance of secondary school students.
Commenting on the new episode of Airtel Touching Lives, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran expressed Airtel’s delight to be a part of this incredible journey of unyielding determination and passion.
“Segun’s determination, resilience, and enthusiasm for education demonstrate the spirit of Airtel Touching Lives, and we hope that his story will inspire our viewers to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds,” he said.
This instalment of the programme will also include a segment on Irede Foundation, an Airtel Touching Lives beneficiary from the previous season. The non-governmental organisation, provides young children with prosthetic limbs and helps to prepare them for a self-reliant living and, this Sunday, the series will review the progress the foundation has made since Airtel’s intervention in 2022.
Airtel Touching Lives continues to showcase extraordinary individuals like Segun, who have not only overcome personal challenges but have also dedicated themselves to improving their immediate environment. With Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to empowering lives and making dreams come true through Airtel Touching Lives, the telecom giant has restored hope for countless vulnerable individuals and families across the country, encouraging other corporations to commit more resources towards making positive social impact.
Airtel Touching Lives Season 7 is broadcast on Sundays on four national and cable TV channels, and one streaming app. The platforms include African Magic Urban at 5:00 pm, NTA Network at 6:30 pm, and Startimes Channel 108 at 6:00 pm. Re-runs are broadcast on Tuesdays on African Magic Urban at 3:30 pm, and on Wednesdays on Startimes Channel 108 at 6:30 pm. Current and previous episodes are also available to stream on Airtel TV.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it is working with the Federal Ministry of Transport to develop a strategy and take steps to boost trade facilitation in Nigeria.
This was said by Chief Customs Officer Adewale Adeniyi when he met with a team from the Federal Department of Transport led by its permanent secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani in Abuja on Thursday.
Adeniyi pointed out that the service will use tools from the Customs and Excise Control Act 2023, as amended, to ensure the disposal of excess cargo from ports.
“I have always believed that customs should act as a true trade facilitator,” he said.
The customs commissioner also emphasized the benefits of trade facilitation, including reduced costs and time spent on port operations.
He added that NCS will take steps to double the efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s ports through constructive collaboration with management and stakeholders engaged in similar operations at ports. “Nigerian law allows customs to cooperate with security agencies and other government agencies as a form of cooperation to achieve positive results in doing business that facilitates trade within the country,” Adenii said. It’s clear that there is,” he said.
The auditor also said he was determined to put trade and private sector interests first.
He added that it will launch innovative solutions that address several key issues across borders.
“We want to ensure that the NCS now has a renewed spirit capable of fulfilling its constitutional capacity,” he said.
The service will also fully implement plans to open up the port, he said. “The main issue in this case is port congestion and we will take steps to address this issue carefully,” he said.
He said the NCS Act 2023 currently prohibits traders from stacking cargo or containers in ports for long periods of time.
Adeniyi stressed that the service would facilitate auctions and possibly destroy such items to discourage opponents.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to work with the service to implement policies to ensure adequate space in ports.
Federal Department of Transportation Secretary of State, Comptroller Dr. Magdalene Ajani congratulates him on his appointment as Customs Commissioner. She also briefed Adeniyi on the ministry’s efforts to help ports overloaded with after-hours cargo.
She said the ministry had successfully set up a commission with Nigerian Customs, the Ministry of Transport and its agencies as members.
Ajani also assured the CGC that the Overtime Cargo Handling Commission is committed to implementing policies to bail out the country’s four major ports.
“We are working on many dimensions, but after launching an awareness campaign among stakeholders and members of the port community about this process, we will see great results,” she affirmed.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it had received at least 35,453 complaints from bank customers related to failed transactions over the past decade.The Apex Bank said 115.45 billion naira and more than $22.7 million were refunded to customers during the same period due to failed transactions.
This was announced by Elachi Samuel of CBN’s Department of Consumer Protection in a presentation during a day-long stakeholder awareness fair in Bauchi State on Thursday.
The fair’s motto was “promoting alternative payment channels as a vehicle for financial inclusion”.
Samuel said 33,437 of the complaints filed by customers have been resolved. He explained: “In order to inspire confidence in the financial system, CBN consistently produces policies and activities to protect consumers, so that they do not suffer losses when conducting financial transactions.
“Since the establishment of the Consumer Protection Agency at the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2013 to May 2023, we received a total of 35,453 complaints related to failed banking transactions. Of these complaints, 33,437 were resolved.
“Customers were reimbursed NGN 115.45 billion during this period. The sum of $22,794,184.87 was also refunded to customers.”
He urged customers to first report their disputes to the financial institutions for quick and amicable resolution before approaching the apex bank with further complaints if they were not satisfied with the actions of the institutions.
Speaking earlier in his opening remarks, the Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Isa Abdulmumin, said the fair was designed as a platform to interact with members of the public on the policies and strategic interventions of the apex bank for sustainable economic development in the country.
According to him, as a responsible and responsive corporate citizen, the CBN has demonstrated the most passionate commitment to supporting businesses and promoting diversification through an array of interventions in agriculture, health, manufacturing, and other key sectors of the economy.
Abdulmumin, who was represented by the Assistant Director in the department, Esu Imo, said the presentations to be made included those on how the bank had protected the rights of financial services consumers through the Consumer Protection Department, from the Currency Operations Department on how best to keep the naira clean and the efforts of the CBN to make currency available to the populace.
Other presentations, according to him, are recent innovations in the Nigerian payment system by the Payment System Management Department and recent developments in foreign exchange by the Financial Market Department. “So part of the aim of this effort is to raise public awareness of how World Bank interventions can grow businesses and contribute to the Nigerian economy,” he said.
“CBN will continue its efforts to ensure the availability of the currency. However, we encourage you to consider the Naira as a defining symbol of national identity.Let’s respect it and keep it clean.” Do not spray, sell, cut, or counterfeit Naira. “Finally, we would like to ensure that the CBN continues to ensure that it continues to fulfill its core mission of maintaining currency and price stability. It is useful to point out that we will continue to introduce proactive and innovative policies to ensure that all economic sub-sectors receive the desired support.”
Cambridge Assessment International Education, in collaboration with the British Council, honoured 109 best achieving students from 45 schools across Nigeria on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
The students received Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards following their exceptional performance in the June and November 2022 Cambridge examination series.
The prestigious awards covered various subjects taken in Cambridge IGCSEs, Cambridge O Levels and Cambridge International AS & A Levels. The event was held at The Civic Centre in Lagos and was attended by students, their teachers and parents.
The award winners include four students from four schools who received a ‘Top in the World’ award. This award is granted to students who have obtained the highest marks in the world in a single subject.
Other awards presented include 86 ‘Top in Nigeria’ awards granted to 69 learners who achieved the highest standard mark in the country for a single subject, 52 ‘High Achievement’ awards granted to learners who have achieved outstanding results in subjects which are not so widely taken and 7 ‘Best Across’ awards to students who attained the highest cumulative total standard marks over a set number of subjects. All the top-performing students received certificates from Cambridge International in recognition of their accomplishments.
Juan Visser, Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa for Cambridge International, congratulated the students for what they have managed to achieve during a challenging time. ‘All of you can now say that you have navigated a global pandemic, a time of great change, you have faced and overcome adversity. You kept going despite how hard it was, how different and difficult the world has been.
These experiences have taught you the resilience to keep moving forward. With the education you have from Cambridge and from your schools, and the resilience you have built, nothing can get in the way of you achieving your dreams,’ he said.
A British Council Partner School – Bereton Montessori Schools, Port Harcourt – was also recognised at the ceremony for specific impacts they have made in key areas such as exemplifying best practice policies for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Child Protection, as well as evidence of contributions that have had an impact on upward mobility for employees at the Partner School.
‘It’s excellent to see the high level of talent and academic excellence in Nigeria. The work of British Council continues to support youth to develop and showcase their skills on a local and global stage.
British Council congratulates the 2023 Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards winners on their fantastic achievement. Also, we are pleased to celebrate the impactful diversity initiatives led by our network of Partner Schools,’ said Marniee Nottingham, Director Examinations, British Council Nigeria.
Cambridge International qualifications provide an excellent opportunity for students to secure admission into local and international leading universities.
Over 2100 universities worldwide recognise Cambridge qualifications, including more than 800 universities in the US (including all the Ivy League), all UK universities as well as top universities in Nigeria. Some of the most preferred international destinations for Nigerian students to attend university are the United Kingdom, Canada and the US.
Elon Musk is the richest man in world again, according to The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the world’s richest people that puts Musk back in first place with $221 billion.
Now streaming on Showmax, The Elon Musk Show gets to the heart of who the Pretoria-born billionaire really is, by interviewing the people who know him best. Family members, employees, close friends and enemies tell the intimate story of Elon’s incredible journey to becoming the world’s richest man.
The documentary series kicks off in 1995, in the early years of the Silicon Valley tech boom, when Elon is a geeky young South African battling to make his fortune, while sleeping on the floor of his office and washing at the local YMCA.
The Elon Musk Show charts how Elon became a multi-millionaire at the age of just 28 – and how close he came to losing it all with Tesla and SpaceX.
From building underground tunnels to creating chips that can be inserted into people’s brains to attempting to build the biggest battery factory the world has ever seen, The Elon Musk Show follows Elon until 2022 as he chases his remarkable dreams, which include taking humanity to Mars.
As The Independent (UK) says, “The Elon Musk Show is extremely well-made … beautifully and painstakingly blended together with real care and craft … Such is the attention to detail, it’s worthy of Musk himself.”
Nominated for a 2023 BAFTA for its music, The Elon Musk Show is made by 72 Films, who have also produced films on Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump. We caught up with Mark Raphael, the joint CEO of 72 Films.
Can you sum up The Elon Musk Show?
The Elon Musk Show is a three-part series about the richest man in the world. About how he came from South Africa to America and took some amazing risks. By and large, they all paid off.
Why did you choose Elon as the subject?
We like to tell stories that people would talk about in the pub.
Elon’s status has grown over the last four or five years and I think it’s a good time to tell his story. He’s now the richest man in the world, but he’s also trying to go to Mars. It’s relevant. His life in some way or another will touch a lot of the populace.
How did you approach Elon’s story?
We wanted to tell a truthful, honest account of his life, in a thoughtful, intelligent, entertaining and revealing way. We wanted to feel as though we were as close to his story as possible, through people that were in the room with Elon.
We’ve interviewed a number of people for the first time – people that worked with him from day one at Tesla, SpaceX, Zip2, or PayPal. We also interview his mother, his father and his ex-wives, and the people who have known him for a long time, so it feels like a very intimate account of his life.
Did this documentary change your personal opinions on Elon?
My opinion did change about Elon. I didn’t know much about him when I started, and I suppose I had the usual clichéd opinion of him. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Is he a bit of a Bond villain? An Iron Man? I learned in the making of the project that he’s a proper genius. He can turn his mind to rocket science and to military cars. He’s a serious engineer, and I think he’s a bit different to the clichéd version I had in mind. Not only is he an entrepreneur or a visionary, he’s also incredibly bright.
What surprised you most about Elon?
I don’t think people know how close he came to going bankrupt several times. And yet, Elon has a lot of people that have supported him through thick and thin. In terms of the company he keeps, he’s got some very good friends. I suppose that says something about him – there’s a lot of loyalty out there for him. But like anyone who has done what he’s done, he’s made a few enemies, so you have to look at it in the round.
What do you want viewers to take away from this story?
It’s good to understand the people that shape our world. Elon Musk is a central figure trying to make the human race a multi-planetary species. I think he probably will get to Mars.
I think it’s good to be informed and to have a view on that. I think it’s good to know what you think about the richest man that’s ever lived. It’s useful to have a take on him, to understand him, his motivations and how he’s become so rich. I think it’s very important.
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has warned industrial entities to brace up for disruptions as technology continues to upend the way businesses operate all over the world.
LCCI’s Chairman of Trade Promotion Board, Leye Kupoluyi, stated this at a media launch to herald this year’s Information Communication Technology and Telecommunications Expo.
The LCCI ICTEL EXPO, currently in its ninth edition, will be held on July 25-26, 2023, at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, and Lagos.
The theme of this year’s event is “Tech Disrupt: Transforming Industries with Innovation”.
Speaking at the launch, Kupoluyi said that in order to sustain innovation and catch up with the world, Nigerian startups must be given a platform to practically demonstrate their new technological discoveries, which would enable them to have desirable turnover, increase profit merging, gain market share, and enhance customer loyalty.
He further referenced how the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted models that had been hitherto considered ideal, noting that those disruptions had come to stay.
He said, “Technological disruption is a fundamental transformation of business models occasioned by replacement of humans and existing business archetypal as a result of technology development.
“We have seen personal computers displaced mainframe computers and digital cameras displacing film cameras, but now the roles of humans have begun to be replaced by robots while business owners struggle to catch up with current trends as what they just learn becomes obsolete before they even implement.”
Ayoba, the innovative all-in-one app revolutionizing communication, entertainment & e-commerce in Africa is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Adanian Labs. The companies have partnered to launch an SME Accelerator program aimed at empowering and accelerating the growth of small businesses in Nigeria. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as Nigerian SMEs play a vital role in driving economic growth and job creation in the country.
The SME Accelerator aims to address the key challenges faced by small businesses, including limited access to capital, technology infrastructure, access to market and mentorship. The program is designed to foster innovation, improve competitiveness, drive growth and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The ayoba-Adanian Labs partnership brings together Ayoba’s comprehensive all-in-one app, which offers a messaging suite, hyperlocal content, gaming, music, and e-commerce, with Adanian Labs’ expertise in technology solutions and ecosystem development. By leveraging these capabilities, the SME Accelerator program will provide Nigerian SMEs with access to vital resources, including digitalization, mentorship, access to networks, technological support, and mobilization of partners for funding enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
By offering tailored mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and technological resources, the accelerator aims to equip Nigerian SMEs with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. The program officially launches on Monday 10th July; businesses will have two weeks to apply and the top 20 will be announced. Applications will be through the Adanian Labs website.
According to recent statistics, small and medium enterprises account for over 90% of businesses in Africa, contributing approximately 50% of employment and 33% of the continent’s GDP. In Nigeria alone, SMEs represent about 96% of businesses, employing millions of people and serving as engines of innovation and economic progress.
Shiela Yabo, ayoba’s Head of Ecosystem Development said “The potential impact of empowering Nigerian SMEs is significant. By strengthening this sector, the country can experience accelerated economic growth, increased job opportunities, and enhanced competitiveness on the global stage. Furthermore, supporting small businesses fosters entrepreneurship, drives innovation, and contributes to wealth creation, ultimately improving the overall socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.”
“We are excited to partner with Adanian Labs in launching the SME Accelerator, a pivotal initiative that will empower Nigerian small businesses,” further stated Yabo. “Through this collaboration, we aim to unlock the potential of Nigerian SMEs, driving economic prosperity and creating opportunities for sustainable development.”
Killian Mayua, Country Manager for Adanian Labs, Nigeria said “We are thrilled to collaborate with Ayoba in launching the SME Accelerator program, which holds great promise for Nigerian small businesses. Adanian Labs is a firm believer that Africa will realize its full potential once its SME sector is transformed. We have dedicated our work to building solutions that powers and digitizes SME’s. Our joint efforts will support the growth of SMEs, boost economic resilience, and contribute to the overall development of this important sector.”
The partnership between Ayoba and Adanian Labs, through the launch of the SME Accelerator, represents a significant milestone in fostering innovation, driving entrepreneurship, and contributing towards economic empowerment positioning Nigeria as a hub for SME growth and development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Taiwo Oyedele as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
The committee, chaired by Oyedele, the Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), will consist of experts from the private and public sectors.
Amongst other things, its mandate encompasses tax law reform, fiscal policy design and coordination, harmonization of taxes, and revenue administration.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Adelabu Zacch Adedeji, the Special Adviser on Revenue, emphasized the critical role of a robust fiscal policy environment and an efficient taxation system for the functioning of the government and the economy.
Below is the profile of Taiwo Oyedele
Oyedele is a highly accomplished professional with extensive expertise in fiscal policy, taxation, and economic matters.
He is the Thematic Lead for the Fiscal Policy & Planning Commission and serves as the Chairman of the West Africa Debt Management Roundtable of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Furthermore, he chairs the Taxation and Fiscal Policy Faculty Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and is a member of the Nigerian Taxation Standards Board.
He also serves as a member of the Ministerial Committee on the implementation of Nigeria’s National Tax Policy.
He is a member of the Global Tax Forum and has previously served as a member of the Global Governing Council of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
As an educator, Oyedele holds the position of Associate Professor at the Babcock University Business School.
He is an alumnus of the London School of Economics & Political Science, Yale University and Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education.
A breakdown of local and worldwide traffic for Q1 delivered by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), shows that a sum of 2,791,591 travelers voyaged locally via air with inbound at 1,391,560 and outbound at 1,400,031.
The typical expense of economy tickets on most nearby courses went from N60,000, for certain objections costing over N100,000. At the base pace of N60,000 and traveler traffic of 2,791,591, the combined number of 11 local airlines operated 18,288 flights (which is 5,223 less when contrasted with a similar period in 2022) and can be said to have procured over N167 billion from ticket deals.
The ongoing figure shows that 21,361 flights were worked by homegrown and global carriers in the first quarter of 2023, while a sum of 26,584 flights were worked in a similar period in 2022.
On the global courses, NCAA’s reports demonstrate that Nigeria recorded traveler traffic of 870,776 all through the country, 375,700 inbound, and 495,076 outbound travelers. These flights were worked by 25 worldwide carriers with 3,073 flights.
Air Harmony worked 2421 flights and recorded 1602 postponements, adding up to 66 percent, while Air Workers for hire which worked 465 flights had 314 flights deferred. Green Africa worked 533 flights and recorded 193 flight delays, while Worth Fly had 65 flight postpones out of 297 flights worked.
For global administrators, Egypt Air had 68% of its flights postponed, Cronos, 60%, South African Aviation routes, 22%, Kenya Aviation routes, 57%, Air Harmony, 55%, Air Code d’Ivoire, 54%, RwandAir, 51%, English Aviation routes, 47per penny, Ethiopian Carriers, 43%, Turkish Carriers, 43%, Regal Air Maroc 32%, Africa World Air and 31per penny, while TAAG Angola additionally had 31%.
Saudi Air recorded 74% postponements while the US possessed Joined Carriers had the least flight delays at 3% followed by Lufthansa Carriers, Center East Aircrafts at 13%; Virgin Atlantic Aviation routes at 14%, Air France and Delta at 19per penny, Qatar Aviation routes at 28 for each, causing them the most two dependable carriers as far as aircraft that to have less deferrals.
Keeping our body healthy is just as important as oxygen is to all living things. For “A Healthy person is also a Wealthy being”.
Health can be measured based on three (3) parameters namely:
*Physical Health: This is physique based. This scope of health has to do with the physical parts of the body such as our muscles and bones. When the body lacks regular exercises or simple locomotor movements, the muscles gets tired. We don’t necessarily need to hit the Gym and engage in rigorous fitness exercises and sessions to keep our physique in the right state. Simple locomotor movements such as walking, jogging, cycling, running up and down a stairway, swimming, skipping and yoga are a few activities that can help us maintain a healthy physique.
*Nutritional Health: This is the presence of important nutrients in the body to fight and protect the human body against diseases. This scope of health deals with the nutrients we get from the food we take into the body which aids proper growth and strengthens our immune system. The Absence of the right nutrition in the body leads to the body’s slow death which may start as wasting, loss of hair, blurry vision, fatigue, weakened immune system and eventually death. It is very important to ensure that the daily food ingested contains a Healthy diet.
*Psychological Health: This scope of health deals with the healthy mind and mental health. This is the ability of a person to keep calm, stay patient and maintain composure in every circumstances in life. A psychologically healthy person radiates positive energy, they are emotionally intelligent, Mentally stable , socially Fit and also possess spiritual resiliency. We can keep our Psychological Health bar at a 100% at all times if we: Pay more attention to the present moment, Get enough sleep, Spend time in nature, Connect with people from different walks of life to share and learn experiences, Find innovative and fun ways to complete duties, Exercise our bodies and reading books.
Keeping our Physical Health, Nutritional Health and Psychological Health at a 100% level all times is very essential. Although it could be tasking, it is the right thing to do because keeping our body fitness subpar has dangerous consequences For ” Health is Wealth”.
The highly anticipated Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW) returns in October with a renewed emphasis on embracing resilience, fostering innovation, and fostering diversification. Over 15,000 financial and fintech executives from over 80 countries are expected to gather for an engaging week of events during NFW23, which is scheduled for October 24 to 26, 2023.
NFW has immovably set up a good foundation for itself as a chief occasion, drawing in leaders from noticeable fintech organizations, banks, guarantors, innovation specialist co-ops, financial speculators, news sources, government delegates, and controllers. The occasion fills in as a union, connecting customary monetary foundations with creative fintech organizations in one of Africa’s quickest developing tech fire up centers, Nigeria. Stakeholders from a variety of technology-integrated industries can also actively participate in crucial discussions about cutting-edge fintech solutions at the event.
This year’s event’s theme is “Resilience, Innovation, and Diversification,” which reflects the urgent need to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment. It is possible for attendees to anticipate an outstanding lineup of sessions that will include well-known keynote speakers, interactive panel discussions, thought-provoking workshops, exclusive roundtable discussions, original product pitches, exhibition stands, and numerous opportunities for networking.
Last year’s NFW ended up being a reverberating achievement, based on the topic of supportable effect in fintech, e-government, and arising innovations. The event attracted well-known brands thanks to its significant digital platform traction.
President Bola Tinubu has authorized the establishment of a presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms. The committee’s chairman is Taiwo Oyedele.
The chairman of the committee is PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader Taiwo Oyedele.
Dele Alake, Special adviser to the president, declared the improvement in an explanation on Friday.
Alake said the panel will contain specialists from both the private and public areas and be liable for different parts of assessment regulation change, financial arrangement plan and coordination, harmonization of duties, and income organization.
He stated that the committee’s primary objective is to boost citizens’ tax morale, foster a healthy tax culture, and encourage voluntary compliance by increasing revenue collection efficiency, ensuring transparent reporting, and promoting the effective utilization of tax and other revenues.
Zacchaeus Adedeji, special adviser to the president on revenue, stated that Tinubu recognizes the significance of a sound fiscal policy environment and an efficient tax system for the economy and government’s operation.
“Nigeria positions extremely falling short on the worldwide simplicity of paying charges while the nation’s Expense to Gross domestic product proportion is perhaps of the most reduced on the planet and well underneath the African normal,” he said.
“This has resulted in an excessive reliance on borrowing to finance public spending, which limits the fiscal space because debt service costs consume a greater portion of government revenue each year, creating a vicious cycle of inadequate funding for socioeconomic development.
“While some steady advancement has been recorded throughout the long term, the results have not been sufficiently extraordinary to change the account.”
Adedeji listed multiple taxes and revenue collection agencies, a fragmented and complicated tax system, low tax morale, and a high prevalence of tax evasion as the main obstacles in Nigeria’s tax system.
He also mentioned the high administration costs of revenue, the lack of coordination between economic and fiscal policies, and the lack of accountability for how tax revenue is used.
“Our point is to change the duty framework to help reasonable turn of events and accomplish at least 18% Expense to Gross domestic product proportion inside the following 3 years without smothering speculation or monetary development,” the extraordinary consultant said.
“It should be noted that this committee will not only advise the government on necessary reforms but also drive their implementation in support of the current administration’s comprehensive fiscal policy and tax reform agenda,”
The development comes a day after Tinubu signed four executive orders, including the escalation of excise duties on locally manufactured products and the suspension of the 5% excise tax on telecommunication services.
The green tax on single-use plastics (SUPs) and the import adjustment tax (IAT) on some vehicles were also lifted by the federal government.
