Health Care In Nigeria: Supplements, Immunity Gain Traction

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As more people around the world turn to dietary supplements to boost their immunity following the outbreak of Covid-19 and its effects, Nigerians are also toeing the line.

A research paper by Poland based nutritionist, Professor Jadwiga Hamulka, alongside four other nutritionists notes that “the use of dietary supplements has been steadily increasing all over the world and additionally, the sales of supplements have dynamically increased in the wake of the coronavirus disease in most of the countries.”

In Nigeria, the trend is similar, according to Pharmacist Kunle Oyegade Group Managing Director/CEO of Lagos-based Mopheth Pharmacy, “patients are more receptive to information relating to supplements and even compliance with their routine medications.”

In their global study, Professor Hamulka and his team concluded that “during the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, the interest in immune-related compounds and foods like vitamins C and D, zinc, omega-3, garlic, ginger, or turmeric, as well as their consumption increased.

Dietary supplements are products designed to augment your daily intake of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Many are safe and offer significant health benefits, but there are some that pose health risks, especially if overused. Dietary supplements also include amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, probiotics, herbals, botanicals, and animal extracts.

They help improve the immune system and achieve good health and well-. Dietary supplements can also replace prescription medications, as well as help reduce severe wear and tear particularly for the elderly. Thus the lucrative growth is projected to occur during the forecast period.

Medical research group, Facts & Factors estimates the global Dietary Supplements Market at $167.8 billion in 2019 and expects it to reach $306.8billion by 2026. The global Dietary Supplements Market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.0% from 2019 to 2026.

Mr. Oyegade notes that “Mopheth pharmacy has always embraced and promoted preventive medicine as a route to overcoming the burden of disease even before the pandemic began.”

“Information is power,” he says “but ability to properly adhere to information and filter relevant details that would ensure optimal health is key,” he adds.

Speaking on the right steps to ensuring a healthier society, he notes that Nigerians should always adhere to guidelines set by relevant bodies. Take their immunity boosters and routine medication and try to exercise regularly as well as maintain a proper diet which would ensure a healthy lifestyle.

Meet Mai Atafo, Fashion Designer Made By Africa, Loved By The World

As part of Africa Day and the Africa Union’s celebration of African ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage’, Facebook’s ‘Made by Africa: Loved by the World’ campaign is celebrating Africa’s growing cultural impact on the world.

This campaign spotlights the story of eight phenomenal creatives and business owners from across the continent who are breaking ground across the world. One of the Nigerians being spotlighted is Ohimai Atafo, popularly known as Mai Atafo.

Mai Atafo is a fashion entrepreneur; he is the founder and creative director of fashion brand ATAFO, a brand that specializes in bespoke suits and traditional outfits for both men and women, alongside side bridal with special focus on wedding and evening dresses. His attention to detail has tailored his brand into the international realm and is loved by runways all over the world.

Here are 9 things you most probably do not know about this fashion designer.

  1. His first name means ‘Well made by God or God made a perfect person’

Mai Atafo has his first name “Mai” derived from a shortened from of his name “Ohimai” although the full name is “Ohimaimefo” which translates better from Edo language to Pidgin English as follows, Ohi = God, Mai = We made, Me = Me and Fo = Finish AKA God make me finish.

2. Mai Atafo is a brand expert

Before venturing fully into the world of fashion, Mai Atafo worked in Market Research, Sales and distribution, Innovation, Projects and Brand Management with several multinational companies. His branding experience has greatly benefited the ATAFO brand, as the brand is currently one of the best to come out of Africa.

3. His rise to stardom began with a reality TV show

Mai’s rise to stardom took an interesting route, the award-winning designer actually became popular when he styled celebrities (Musician; Pasuma and Ex beauty queen; Omowunmi Akinifesi) in a competitive dance reality TV show created by Spirit Of David Gospel Dance Company. The show was called ‘Celebrity Takes 2’ and has since gone off-air, but the Mai Atafo brand has grown from thereon.

4. His brand wasn’t originally called ATAFO

The brand was originally called ‘Mai Atafo Inspired’. However, as the brand has evolved, so has the name – to Mai Atafo and now ATAFO. When asked why he changed the name, Mai explained that he rebranded to separate his person from the brand as it was important for him to grow the brand and what it promises outside of himself.

5. Mai Atafo is also an incredible MC/Compere

Asides from his success in the fashion scene, Mai Atafo has over the past years functioned as a Master of Ceremony and has anchored shows like the 2010 Miss Nigeria Pageant alongside Agbani Darego, City People Fashion and Style Award, Face of Sleek Model Competition, Etisalat Masterbrand Re-launch and more recently Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards in Uganda and Glitz Style Awards in Ghana. He also has a flair for voice-overs which has led to his voicing a Glo advert and Soundcity Video Music Awards live show.

6. Mai Atafo has Featured in Nollywood

That’s right! The popular bespoke tailor and fashion designer was cast in the highly grossing movie, ‘The Wedding Party,’ which debuted in December 2016.

7. Mai Atafo has recorded a song

Already known for his delectable bridal dresses, Mr. Atafo decided to back his outfits up with an enjoyable love song. The song titled “Stay with me” features Waje and Praiz and has a really cool video, which was written by Mai Atafo and directed by award winning Nollywood director, Stanlee Ohikhuare. Key to note that music is his first passion and love.

8. Mai Atafo doesn’t consider his brand as a luxury brand

For a Nigerian brand that’s been likened to top brands, Mai has said that his brand, ATAFO is not a luxury brand but a premium brand. In fact, he’s mentioned that he doesn’t think there is a luxury brand in Nigeria yet. He thinks there’s room for further improvement to attain the luxurious status of international brands.

9. Mai Atafo doesn’t follow trends

For a fashion icon and a known name in the industry, it’s surprising that Mai Atafo doesn’t believe in following fashion trends. This is because he believes that being fashionable is subjective since everyone can be fashionable in their own way.

Watch his story on the official Facebook Africa page and on a dedicated ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ microsite to get a glimpse into the growth and success of Mai Atafo, the African creative whose style is loved by the world.

Jaguar Land Rover, Google Measure Dublin Air Quality With All-Electric I-Pace

Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Google to integrate the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE with air quality measuring sensors and Street View mapping technology.

The I-PACE is the first all-electric Google Street View vehicle and will be used to measure street-by-street air quality in Dublin including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and fine particles (PM2.5). It will also help update Google Maps.

The Jaguar I-PACE, which offers zero tailpipe-emissions driving, has been equipped with specialised mobile air sensors developed by Aclima and has launched in Dublin to capture data over the next 12 months. Google’s scientific research partners will analyse the data and develop maps of street-level air pollution.

Jaguar Land Rover engineers have worked to integrate Google Street View technology into the vehicle, including new roof mountings for the Street View camera, new rear-window glass which allows for wiring and redesigned interior switchgear to incorporate Google Street View controls. With a focus on air quality, the I-PACE offers cabin air ionization and PM2.5 filtration to enhance occupant comfort and well-being.

The partnership comes as Jaguar Land Rover defines its future strategy: a sustainability-rich reimagination of modern luxury, unique customer experiences, and positive societal impact – with a commitment to become a net-zero carbon business by 2039.

To realize this vision, Jaguar Land Rover will collaborate with industry leaders to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions as well as sharing best practices in next-generation technology, data and software development.

“The integration of Google Street View technology with the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE is the perfect solution for measuring air quality. We are delighted to support this project as it aligns with our own journey to becoming an electric-first business and achieving net zero carbon by 2039. Partnerships like this are one of the ways we can achieve our sustainability goals and make a positive impact on society” said Elena Allen; Project Manager For Business Development At Jaguar Land Rover

Google has partnered with Dublin City Council, as part of its Environmental Insights Explorer’s air quality programme to map hyperlocal air quality insights for cities to take action on their climate and health.

Google and Dublin City Council hope access to this data will help scientists, researchers and policymakers as they study air quality, as well as encourage people to make small but informed daily changes to help improve it.

“Air quality is a serious concern, especially for cities, but there is a gap in terms of localized data and insights available to both decision-makers and citizens. As part of this project, we’re using technology to capture this important data and make it accessible so that together with Dublin City Council, we can drive solution planning”, said Paddy Flynn, Vice President, Geo Operations at Google.

Children’s Day: Fidelity Bank Rewards 62 SWEETA Holders with N150,000 Each

Fidelity Bank remains committed to putting smiles on its customers’ faces by enriching their lives through its ongoing savings loyalty program. To mark this year’s Children’s Day, the bank doled out N150, 000 to 62 Sweet Account (SWEETA) holders across the country, for a total of N9.3 million. 

As part of its efforts to deepen customer engagement, the bank readjusted its approach with respect to the loyalty scheme.

fidelity bank

Under the auspices of the loyalty scheme, the bank presented cheques to the beneficiaries of the loyalty scheme at various children’s events organised by Bounty Kiddies Bites & Event, Kastina; Zeelove Event Management; Pamvilla Primary & Secondary School; Refiner School; Ilepeju Junior & Senior Secondary School; Orphanage Home, IDP camp throughout Kastina, Niger, Abuja, Lagos, and so on.

Commenting on this initiative, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe pointed out that all-around quality education remains a strong anchor in raising tomorrow’s children and breeding exceptional children who can compete globally. “This is why we have decided to contribute our quota as a bank by offering school fees support to select Nigerian children.

fidelity bank

Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe urged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate entities operating in this great country to continue to support positive causes that would ensure a secure future for children. In the same vein, Richard Madiebo, Head of Product Development, encouraged prospective and existing customers to open a SWEETA account for their children and wards to participate in this initiative.

It is worthy to note that the bank has given out N4.1bn to 10,280 customers (7,367 FPSS & 2,913 SWEETA) from the inception of the loyalty scheme to date.

In keeping to its promise of rewarding N500,000 “extra income” and N150,000 “School Fees Support” to all active FPSS and SWEETA holders every quarter, the bank conducted the random electronic selection of the loyalty beneficiaries across Regional banks/branches for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

During the week, the bank conducted a virtual cluster loyalty selection for Fr. Hillary Group of St. Peters Catholic Church, Awka, and Mrs. Ngozi Cynthia was the recipient of N500, 000 in “extra income.”

Fidson Healthcare Quotes First Series from its CP Program on FMDQ Exchange

Corporate institutions have continued to explore alternative financing options by tapping the debt capital market (DCM) to raise capital to sustain their business activities.

FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited (FMDQ Exchange), the choice platform for the registration, listing, quotation and trading of securities in Nigeria, has through its Board Listings and Markets Committee, approved the quotation of the Fidson Healthcare PLC ₦4.50 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper (CP) under its ₦10.00 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme on its platform. 

Fidson Healthcare PLC (Fidson Healthcare) is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company that is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of pharmaceutical and healthcare products in Nigeria.

With over thirty-five (35) registered pharmaceutical products, across different therapeutic areas, in the pharmaceutical industry, the proceeds from this issuance will be used by Fidson Healthcare to finance its short-term working capital requirements. 

Speaking on the successful issuance of the Fidson Healthcare Series 1 CP, the Chief Financial Officer, Fidson Healthcare, Mr. Imokha Ayebae, stated

“The debut CP Issuance will allow Fidson Healthcare to broaden its sources of funding and lower our overall cost of borrowing. It will also strengthen our commitment to the vision of building sustainable brands that will foster our expansion and growth plans in the pharmaceutical industry across West Africa.

We acknowledge the support of the investor community in ensuring the success of the CP issuance. We will continue to assure their confidence in us as we deliver on our objectives of innovation and development within the Nigerian healthcare space”. 

The Head, Investment Banking, FSDH Capital Limited – sponsor of the CP on the Exchange and Registration Member (Quotation) of FMDQ Exchange – Mr. Taiwo Olatunji, also commented saying

“We are pleased that FSDH Capital Limited was hand-picked by Fidson Healthcare to act as Sponsor and Lead Arranger on the company’s debut CP issuance. We believe that the CP Issuance has provided the company with access to a wider pool of well-informed investors, increased liquidity and increased visibility within the Nigerian DCM”. 

FMDQ Exchange will continue to lead the revolution in the development of the Nigerian DCM by providing credible market structures to corporate and commercial businesses with the opportunities to meet their short-term funding requirements, whilst building their profiles in the Nigerian DCM space.

FMDQ Exchange remains positive about the possibilities of the Nigerian DCM and will continue to implement, with the support of its stakeholders, initiatives to improve and make the Nigerian DCM Globally competitive, Operationally excellent, Liquid and Diverse, in line with its GOLD Agenda. 

FMDQ Group, Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure (FMI) group – with its wholly-owned Exchange, Central Counterparty and Depository – is a one-stop platform for the seamless and cost-efficient execution, risk management, clearing, settlement and depository services, as well as data and information services across the debt capital, foreign exchange and derivatives markets in Nigeria.

Covid-19 Pandemic Worsens Harassment And Data Privacy Breaches By Mobile Money Lenders

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Despite high interest rates, the allure of quick cash has made mobile money lenders a preferred credit facility for many Kenyans who still find themselves unable to access traditional banking services.

Although consumers have raised concerns on methods used to secure debts from customers in the past, lenders in this industry have continued to harass defaulters and violate their consumer data rights according to Ajua’s Quarter 1 2021 Customer Loyalty Industry Benchmark Report.

The report, which covered Customer Experience in 12 industries in Kenya revealed that mobile money lenders continue to flout data privacy policies to facilitate debt recovery, going as far as calling people’s contacts and posting about their debts on their customers’ social media profiles.

Mobile Money lenders Q2 2020 Real GDP Shrinks by 6.10% as Oil & Gas, Trade Sectors Contract amid COVID-19 Pandemi What Worries the World
Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash

This has been exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic which has led to low consumer spending and mass defaulting of loans. As a result, the majority of mobile money lenders have found it difficult to reap commercial benefits.

Speaking on the harassment they faced from a digital lender, one customer narrated to Ajua, 

“I was working with a private company before corona face three lockdowns, they threatened to use my profile photos in my social media accounts to create a group to raise money for me, to take money in my Mpesa account by force.”

Another disgruntled customer who shared their experience remarked,

“Too many phone calls from their agents even before due date uncalled for penalties lack of confidentiality-contacting your contact list to probe you to pay.”

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Both of these instances go against Kenya’s Data Protection laws which were enacted in 2019. These laws are meant to prevent the misuse of personal data, strengthen individuals’ fundamental rights and prescribe penalties to enterprises that violate these consumer data rights.

Ajua Data Protection Officer, John Walubengo(MSc, BSc, CDPSE, CISA) was a member of the Data Protection Task Force (2018) that set the policies and the bill that later became the Data Protection Act (2019).

John further expounds, 

“These laws enhance the rights of the consumers allowing them to exercise their rights to ownership of the personal data that enterprises collect about them. Such rights include but are not limited to the right to consents, right to be forgotten, right to data rectification, right to be informed of data breaches amongst others.”

On the other hand, some lenders were commended by customers for treating defaulters with dignity, one Mshwari customer shared, 

“Have experience great relief when I used Mshwari, I had a financial problem, then they contacted me over the issue then I explained to them my incapability, the good thing is that they understood me and gave me a grace period of payment. That’s why I rate them so highly.”

To conclude, the risk of infringing on privacy across the board is growing by the day given the increased volume of data being collected by companies and advances in the technology for processing them. Mobile money lenders as well as other industries should be mindful of personal data and educate themselves on data privacy compliance to avoid running into any problems with the law.

GlaxoSmithKline Reports 30.66% Drop in Revenue to ₦3.46Billion in Q1 2021

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK) recently published its unaudited first quarter Q1 2021 consolidated financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2021.

GlaxoSmithKline’s Group revenue dropped from ₦4.99 billion in Q1 2020 to ₦3.46 billion in Q1 2021 a drop of 30.66%. The revenue drop was due to a sharp decline in the local sale of its healthcare products.

GSK is a public limited liability company incorporated in 1971 and domiciled in Nigeria where its shares are publicly traded. 46.4% of the shares of the Company are held by Setfirst Limited and SmithKline Beecham Limited (both incorporated in the United Kingdom), and 53.6% by Nigerian shareholders.

Key financial highlights:

  • Loss after tax as of Q1 2021 was ₦238.07 million compared to a profit after tax of ₦113.47 million for the same period to Q1 2020.
  • The healthcare segment was largely profitable in Q1 2021 (making a profit before tax of ₦ 8.73 million by March 31, 2021
  • The pharmaceuticals segment made a loss of ₦262.93 million in the same period.

The ultimate parent and the ultimate controlling party is GlaxoSmithKline Plc, United Kingdom (GSK Plc UK). GSK Plc UK controls the Company through Setfirst Limited and SmithKline Beecham Limited.

Owing to the financial performance in Q1, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) dropped to 20 kobo compared to the 9 kobo earnings per share reported in Q1 2020. At the start of 2021, GSK Plc’s share price was ₦6.90 but the company has since lost over 10% of its price valuation as the company’s share price closed at ₦6.20 on April 30, 2021.

GlaxoSmithKline Declares N623.02m PAT, Approves N657.7m Dividend

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has declared a profit after tax of N623.01 million for the year ended December 2020 amidst the celebration of its 50 years of existence in Nigeria. The shareholders of the Company also approved a dividend of N657.7 million at 40k per share at the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Company held in Lagos.

The results also showed that the Company’s Turnover grew by 3% to close at N21.3 billion as against N20.7 billion recorded in 2019.

Presenting the results to the shareholders, Mr. Edmund Onuzo, the Chairman, Board of Directors at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc. said that despite the challenging economic environment, particularly for manufacturers in the country, the company is determined to achieve a sustainable performance across all its portfolio.

GlaxoSmithKline

“The year 2020 presented a difficult and unpredictable business environment globally. In Nigeria, many events shaped our business environment, but I will like to focus on a few. My focus will include the unprecedented lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity and the #EndSARS protest that took place towards the end of the year” Onuzo said.

He added: “The unpredicted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic slowed Nigeria’s economic recovery as the country went into a recession for the second time in five years, after the marginal economic growth noticed before 2020.”

Despite these challenges, Mr. Onuzo declared that the task before the company is to drive its strategic objectives that would not only keep the business afloat but make its portfolio more efficient and profitable.

“The performance of our Company in 2020 reflected our determination to remain strong and deliver value to our esteemed customers and stakeholders in a challenging economic climate. We will continue to invest in our brands and our people to achieve sustainable growth and development”, Onuzo assured.

Regarding the government’s intervention for businesses from a macroeconomics standpoint, Onuzo said: “It is heart-warming to acknowledge that the federal government is making efforts to diversify the Nigerian economy from a monopolistic economy that largely depends on oil revenue.”

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught governments and policymakers to be readily prepared and proactively plan for their societies as it has become a necessary collective responsibility in this era.

Commenting on the company’s performance for the year, Kunle Oyelana, Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc said the achievement is a result of collaborative support from all key stakeholders of the healthcare delivery subsector.

Oyelana noted that in the last 50 years, GSK has remained Nigeria’s leading healthcare company focused on enabling Nigerian to do more, feel better and live longer with our Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare products.

This year’s performance complements our sterling milestones in Research & Development (R&D) and innovations as well as quality healthcare products delivery.

“We have experienced sustained growth in our business operations centred on our three business areas of Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare while we have also maintained some initiatives that have continued to generate impacts by creating shared values in our communities”.

“We are pleased with the results for 2020 as it showed the resilient spirit of the GSK team. Importantly, we at GSK were able to support the government’s efforts at managing COVID-19 in Nigeria via donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) through industry associations and our partners, Save the Children”, Oyelana said.

While felicitating with the management and commending the company for waxing stronger over the last 50 years, despite the harsh business environment, Chairman of the Audit Committee, Kashimawo Taiwo, noted that the shareholders are glad to approve the payment of 40 kobo as a dividend, having realised that the time is hard and the year 2020 has been very challenging and “a lot of companies faced a lot of difficulties”.

“The operating environment has been very harsh, so for the company to come out with an increase in the turnover, has been a very great effort for them, and for them giving us the 40kobo dividend, it is very encouraging for every shareholder, we really appreciate that”, Taiwo noted.

It can be recalled that GSK delivered a good performance in 2019 with growth in sales, earnings, and strong cash generation and this strength has also been replicated in the 2020 results.

GlaxoSmithKline Appoints Amina Salihu as Director

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The Board of Directors of GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK) has announced the appointment of Dr Amina Salihu into its Board, as an independent non-executive Director, effective from 28th of May, 2021.

Dr Salihu is a renowned consultant, social entrepreneur and feminist. She is a Senior Program Officer with the MacArthur Foundation Africa Office. She is also a member of the Governing Council of Ekiti State University (EKSU) and a coordinator of the Ministry of Finance Technical Working Group on gender, employment and disability inclusion for the Nigeria Agenda 2050 policy development process.

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She is an alumna of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University where she obtained her B.SC. and M.Sc degrees in Political Science. She also obtained a further degree (PhD) from the University of Abuja.

Given her background and diverse experiences, the Board of GSK expressed optimism that her addition would bring significant value and diversity to the team.

In another development, the Board also announced the resignation of Mr Uchenna Uwechia as the company secretary and legal director, effective from the 1st of June, 2021. His resignation was duly accepted by the Board, after 15 years of meritorious service.

In a bid to fill the vacuum created by the departure of Mr Uwechia, the Board named Mr Frederick Ichekwai as the acting secretary of the company. He will provide leadership for the company secretariat pending further resolutions.

#BBNaijaReunion: Big Brother Naija Lockdown Reunion Show Starts June 17

MultiChoice Nigeria, the organizers of Africa’s biggest reality show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has announced that the BBNaija Lockdown Reunion Show will begin Thursday, June 17, 2021.

The BBNaija Reunion Show is done as part of preparations for the commencement of another season of the reality show, and fans will once again get to see their favorite ‘Lockdown geng’ on their DStv and GOtv screens.

As the sixth season gets set to take the center stage later in the year, the Reunion Show promises to be filled with drama as all 20 of the Lockdown housemates meet once again and get the opportunity to clear the air and express their real feelings towards each other.

The show will be hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and will revisit some of the highlights and memorable moments from the Season 5 edition that saw Laycon emerge the winner.

The BBNaija Lockdown Reunion Show will premiere Thursday, 17 June and will air Mondays through to Fridays on Africa Magic Urban at 10 pm WAT and Africa Magic Family at 10:30pm WAT, available to customers on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam, Yanga and GOtv Max and Jolli.