Taraba State Governor Bags Another Award as ‘Governor of the Year 2020’

Esan Bolaji
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Taraba State Governor Bags Another Award as ‘Governor of the Year 2020’

His Excellency, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, the Taraba State Governor ably represented by his Deputy, Engr. Haruna Manu has today mounted the podium and bagged an award as Governor of the Year in Water Infrastructure because of his knack for providing portable water and other key infrastructure to the state.

This is not coming as a surprise because the Governor in previous times, was recognised for his developmental strides in providing infrastructures across the state and received a prestigious award as the ‘Waterman of the Year’ for his relentless commitment towards the provision of potable water across the state.

Taraba State Governor
Deputy Governor, Engr. Haruna Manu, received the award on behalf of Governor Ishaku. | Brand Spur Nigeria

The Taraba State Governor has also deepened agriculture in the state through the sustainable irrigation system, making sure water and other allied infrastructure are accessible in the state.

The event which took place at Eko Hotel, Lagos state and organised by the Daily Independent Newspaper had amongst the delegation of the Governor Honorable commissioners and other top government officials.

MTN Nigeria Lost 5 Million Subscribers in Q1; Data Revenue Rises by 42.6%

Esan Bolaji
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MTN Nigeria Lost 5 Million Subscribers in Q1; Data Revenue Rises by 42.6%

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) announces its unaudited results for the quarter ended 31 March 2021.

The telecom giant stated that its mobile subscribers declined by 5 million to 71.5 million due to the effects of customer churn and the regulatory restrictions on new SIM sales and activations.

Further analysis by Brand Spur revealed that active data users declined marginally by 71,000 to 32.5 million while service revenue increased by 17.2% to N385.2 billion.

Also, MTN Nigeria’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 19.1% to N204.5 billion. Similarly, the EBITDA margin increased by 0.9 percentage points (pp) to 53.1%.

MTN Nigeria’s capital expenditure was up by 19.3% to N89.9 billion (up 27.8% to N31.6 billion excluding the right of use [RoU] assets). The company recorded a 33.9% growth in profit before tax to N102.9 billion.

Earnings per share rose by 42.5% to N3.60 kobo.

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola comments:

“We made good progress in the first quarter of 2021 despite the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to prioritise the safeguards put in place to protect the health and well-being of our people, customers and stakeholders and to control the spread of the virus while ensuring network resilience and efficiency.

As part of our Y’ello Hope initiatives, we continue to support Government’s efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. We supported the most vulnerable in our communities, providing them with free-to-access services (including SMS and data) as well as essential medical supplies (tests and personal protective equipment).

MTN Nigeria
MTN Nigeria Launches Robust Customer Engagement Platform-Brand Spur Nigeria

We continue to support the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) that has driven multiple initiatives, such as building isolation centres across the country. MTN Nigeria also paid taxes early in support of the Government’s ongoing efforts. In addition, our REVV support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) helps them navigate the new digital reality.

Operationally, service revenue in Q1 grew by 17.2% YoY, in line with our medium-term target, supported by the growth of 42.6% and 8.0% in data and voice revenue respectively.

This was achieved despite the impact of the pandemic and a decline in our subscriber base due to the effects of customer churn and the restrictions on new SIM sales and activations arising from changes in SIM registration regulations. We continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to update subscriber records with the National Identity Number (NIN).

Thus far, more than 35 million subscribers have submitted their NINs as at 30 April 2021, representing approximately 50% of our subscriber base and 63% of service revenue. We are also actively supporting the Government’s NIN enrolment programme, with 182 points of enrolment active across the country. We are working with NIMC to increase the enrolment centres to provide an access point for as many Nigerian as possible.

Impacted by the reduction in the overall subscriber base in Q1, active data subscribers declined marginally by 71,000 to 32.5 million. However, we recorded an 86.7% increase in data traffic and a 48.5% increase in usage (MB per user) from the existing base. The improvement in data services was supported by the completion of our acquisition and activation of an additional 800MHz spectrum, enabling us to further increase traffic by 10% and enhance throughput by 79%.

Digital revenue grew by 101.0% and fintech revenue by 28.5% as customers continued to adopt more digital products and services, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. As at the end of March 2021, we had 449,100 registered MoMo agents and 4.6 million fintech customers.

Our ability to drive service revenue growth while managing the growth in expenses resulted in an acceleration in EBITDA growth to 19.1% and EBITDA margin expansion of 0.9pp to 53.1% YoY. This enabled profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) growth of 33.9% and 42.5% respectively.”

Operational review

Voice revenue grew by 8.0%, supported by an 8.7% increase in traffic and our customer value management initiatives. The impact on voice revenue of the industry-wide suspension of new SIM registration in mid-December was partly offset by increased usage by active SIMs in our base and migration to a higher quality of experience.

Data revenue maintained the positive momentum from Q4 2020, rising by 42.6% YoY. This was led by increased usage and traffic, supported by 4G penetration and increased network capacity following the acquisition and activation of an additional 800MHz spectrum in March 2021.

In line with our 4G acceleration, the 4G network now covers 61.8% of the population, up from 60.1% in December 2020. We added approximately 1.2 million new smartphones to the network, bringing smartphone

Fintech revenue rose by 28.5%, driven by increased adoption of Xtratime and our core fintech services. We continue to expand our MoMo agent network and broaden our service offerings to include assisted withdrawal irrespective of the bank where the account is domiciled. Our registered MoMo agents increased by 54,000 to 449,146. The volume of transactions processed was over 24 million in the quarter, up more than four times YoY, from an active base of 4.6 million subscribers.

Our digital business continued to gain traction with the uptake of our products and services and the structural turnaround in the business. As a result, digital revenue rose by 101.0%, supported by our rich media and value-added services, while our active user base was largely flat at 2.8 million.

The enterprise business continued its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown as economic activity improved. However, service revenue for the enterprise was largely flat YoY, mainly due to the non-recognition of USSD revenue in Q1. Normalised growth (excluding USSD revenue) was 2.6%.

We continue to engage with the NCC, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and deposit money banks (DMBs) to conclude the operational modalities for the new pricing framework that has been agreed upon for USSD services.

The mechanism for and timing of the recovery of the industry-wide outstanding debts that exist for USSD services provided to the DMBs form part of this process. As at the end of Q1, N40.3 billion was due to MTN Nigeria. In the meantime, we continue to account for USSD revenue on a cash basis.

Expenses rose by 14.8%, mainly driven by a 19.2% increase in operating expenses arising from an accelerated site rollout and the effects of Naira depreciation on lease rental costs.

The overall increase in expenses was partly mitigated by the comparatively moderate growth of 7.8% in the cost of sales following the suspension of new SIM sales and activations. As a result, EBITDA rose by 19.1%, supported by revenue growth, with the EBITDA margin expanding by 0.9pp to 53.1%.

Capital expenditure in the quarter was N89.9 billion, up 19.3% mainly due to site rollouts, while free cash flow increased by 18.9% to N114.7 billion. Our core CAPEX excluding the right of use assets was up 27.8% to N31.6 billion.

Depreciation and amortisation rose by 16.8% due to the impacts of Naira depreciation and a 2.5pp increase in value-added tax in February 2020. We recorded a 10.5pp reduction in our overall cost of funding, despite higher borrowings, leading to a 10.6% decline in net finance costs. This was enabled by a 95% reduction in the reference benchmark rate to 0.6%. Overall, we recorded a PBT growth of 33.9%, while PAT rose by 42.5% due to the release of an overprovision in deferred tax in the prior year.

Outlook

Our 2021 priorities remain unchanged, with a clear focus on sustaining double-digit revenue growth, driving 4G network expansion and positioning our fintech business for accelerated growth in order to unlock its full value. The acquisition of an additional 800MHz spectrum positions us to deliver improved service speeds to Nigerians in support of the Government’s broadband initiative.

We will continue to sustain our expense efficiency programme to strengthen our financial position and support margins. We remain in dialogue with the DMBs on a pricing option for airtime sales commission while diversifying our airtime recharge channels to offer our subscribers more options to purchase airtime and stay connected.

We will pursue stronger and deeper stakeholder relationship and enhanced shared value across our stakeholder ecosystem while ensuring that our activities align with the Government’s development agenda. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles remain at the core of everything we do, with a focus on aligning our priorities to drive eco-responsibility, sustainable society, sound governance and economic value for all in Nigeria.

Following the commencement of SIM sales and activations, the initial run-rate of additions may be slower than usual due to new process requirements, system limitations and reduction of qualified locations for SIM registration. While this may impact the rate of additions in the short term, we are optimistic that the current processes underway will entrench a more robust and sustainable registration process as we reaccelerate subscriber growth over the medium term.

As the economy continues its steady recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted the business in 2020, we anticipate that the base effects will partly influence our commercial and financial trends in the remainder of the year. Although the availability of foreign exchange remains a constraint, we strive to minimise its impact on the business. Finally, we will continue to manage and invest in the resilience of our business and networks as we monitor the longer-term economic potential impacts of the pandemic.

Why Rite Foods’ Bigi Brand is Sponsoring Nigerian Idol S6 – Adegunwa

Esan Bolaji
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Why Rite Foods’ Bigi Brand is Sponsoring Nigerian Idol S6 – Adegunwa

Rite Foods Limited, a truly world-class and proudly Nigerian Food and Beverage Company, through its Bigi premium brand, is sponsoring the highly exciting Nigerian Idol Season 6, to pave way for the discovery of music talents among young Nigerians as well as the promotion of the entertainment industry in the country.

The Company’s Managing Director, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, stated this while explaining the rationale for partnering with DSTV in the well-liked music reality TV show which will commence live performance on May 9 and culminate with a grand finale on July 11, where the winner will have the prize of a recording contract with a leading record label and N50, 000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) worth of prizes.

Why We Continue To Produce World-Class Products — Rite Foods MD-Brand Spur Nigeria
Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director, Rite Foods Limited

He affirmed that Rite Foods’ Bigi carbonated soft drink brand will continue to promote talent discovery in music through the Nigerian Idol while espousing the company’s interest in the creative platform where abundant talents abound in the country.

The Rite Foods boss said the sponsorship is to ensure that talents are nurtured in order to produce stars that would take the music and entertainment industry to enviable heights, like the recent achievement of Burna Boy, who has now become a global star after winning the Grammy.

To effectively demonstrate its intention in attaining that, Rite Foods recently held a mini Idol show christened the Bigi Media Idol for content drivers, to further reinforce its sponsorship of the Nigerian Idol reality TV show and its commitment to advancing its good cause for the entertainment sector.

At the event, one of the highlights was the microphone stunt used on stage, which was used to depict the 12 Bigi soft drink variants, a scenario that got the audience amazed at such innovation from a leading brand that is making an impact in the food and beverage sector of the Nigerian economy.

The Bigi brand has set the pace in the beverage sector with its 12 leading variants which include the Bigi Cola, Bigi Orange, Bigi Apple, Bigi Bitter Lemon, Bigi Soda Water, Bigi Lemon & Lime, Bigi Tropical, Bigi Chapman, Bigi Tamarind, Bigi Cherry Cola, Bigi Ginger Lemon, and the Bigi Ginger Ale.

On the company’s stables are the Rite Spicy, Bigi Beef and Rite Sausages which have been the mark of excellence for the industry, while its Bigi Premium Table Water, produced with global best practices in purification, offers quality, freshness, confidence and reliability.

Established in 2007 as a subsidiary of Ess-Ay Holdings, Rite Foods’ inventiveness has earned high recognition in the energy drinks market with the first-ever packaged polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottle brands for the Fearless Red Berry and Fearless Classic.

Despite Headwinds, Zenith Bank’s Profit After Tax Rises By 5% In Q1 2021

Esan Bolaji
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Despite Headwinds, Zenith Bank’s Profit After Tax Rises By 5% In Q1 2021

In a clear demonstration of its resilience, Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended 31st March 2021, with Profit After Tax (PAT) rising by 5% to N53.1 billion, from N50.5 billion recorded in March 2020.

This is despite a very challenging macroeconomic environment aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the unaudited statement of account presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, 30th April 2021, the Group’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) also grew by 4%, from N58.8 billion to N61.0 billion in the same period.

The profitability was driven by the optimisation of the cost of funds and improvement in non-interest income. Zenith Bank’s cost of funds reduced significantly from 2.6% in March 2020 to 1.1% in March 2021.

This was also reflected in interest expense which dropped by 45% from N32.8 billion to N18.0 billion over the same period. Non-interest income increased by 10% from N46.6 billion to N51.2 billion, driven by growth in credit-related fees and fees on electronic products.

Non-interest income was boosted by the increase in fees and commission income, which resulted from the increased volume of transactions across all the Bank’s channels. Cost of risk dropped from 0.6% in March 2020 to 0.5% in March 2021, which affirms the Bank’s prudent risk management, even as gross loans increased by 2% from N2.92 trillion to N2.98 trillion in Q1 2021.

Zenith Bank’s robust customer acquisition strategy and the effectiveness of its electronic platforms and digital channels enabled it to deliver a N54 billion increment in the savings account balance, which is solely retail. Customer deposits grew by 6% from N5.34 trillion in December 2020 to N5.68 trillion in March 2021.

Transactions on electronic channels also grew astoundingly as new customers continue to be attracted to the Bank’s various user-friendly digital platforms.

Going forward in 2021, the Bank expects that the ongoing economic recovery and improvements in the yield environment will translate into improved numbers for the Group. This is expected to be supported by local and international COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, rising commodity prices, and global economic growth of up to 6%, as estimated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Group will continue to position itself to take advantage of positive developments in the domestic and global economy to deliver improved financial performance and returns to all its stakeholders.

100 Happy May Day Wishes And International Workers’ Day Messages

Brand Spur
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100 Happy May Day Wishes And International Workers’ Day Messages

May Day otherwise known as International Workers’ Day is a yearly celebration marked in many countries of the world.

It is a happy day for relaxation and merriment dedicated to workers to mark the achievements of labourers in many countries and their contribution to the development of the country.

As the world celebrates International Workers’ Day, Brand Spur Nigeria has created few messages you can use both to celebrate workers and wish them a happy May Day celebration.

Happy May Day Messages 2021

You have worked very hard throughout the year to meet all your goals. Now it is a day to relax and rejoice. Sending you warm wishes on International Worker’s Day. Happy May Day to you.

It is the dedication and hard work of the workers which has helped in building a nation. Without your support, every development is incomplete. Wishing you a Happy Labor Day.

Labor Day is the time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work and labor. It is the time to relax and enjoy a comfortable day after working hard to finish your duties. Happy May Day to you.

The world is incomplete without the contribution of laborers as we are the ones who work so hard to make the impossible possible. Sending you warm wishes on Labor Day 2021 my friend.

May Day Wishes and Messages for Loved Ones

Celebrate May Day with your family and friends with beautiful May Day greeting messages, May Day WhatsApp messages and Labour Day wishes. Send your loved ones May Day wishes in English and May Day messages to wish them a great day ahead.

Let us be proud of all our efforts which go in making our country happy and prosperous. Let us celebrate 1st May as a Happy Labor Day by wishing each other on this wonderful day.

Sending you warm wishes on 1st May as it is the day to celebrate your dedication and hard work which has helped our company grow. Wishing you a wonderful and Happy Labor Day.

May your life is filled with blessings and happiness. May your life is blessed with sunshine and success. On this May Day, sending you warm wishes on the occasion of Labor Day.

Let us join hands to hands to celebrate 1st May as this is the day dedicated to our efforts and hard work which brings glory and prosperity in everyone’s lives. Happy Labor Day to you.

9). Let us celebrate Labor Day to honor all those who have given the lives to build our nation. Wishing all those hard working souls a Happy May Day and a Happy Labor Day 2021.

10). May your day be filled with brightness of sunshine and happiness of flowers. May your fruits of labor add sweetness to everyone’s lives. Wishing you a very Happy May Day.

Happy May Day Wishes for Husband
“There are no ways to thank you for putting in so much of hard work for the good of our family….. Sending my love along with Happy May Day wishes to you for being such a wonderful man!!!”

“Happy May Day wishes to the man who has always been my hero…. Your efforts and hard work have always made all my dreams come true…… I salute you for your hard work and dedication.”

“I am so happy to have a husband like you who puts in his heart and soul for the happiness and comfort of his family….. Wishing my wonderful husband a very Happy May Day!!!”

May Day Greetings Messages For Boyfriend

“On the occasion of May Day, I wish that you touch new heights of success with your hard work and focus. Wishing you prosperity and growth in your life.”

“My dear love, you have always been an inspiration to me….. Your focus and dedication towards your career has always motivated me to do better….. Happy May Day to you!!!”

“I cannot think of anyone else to wish on the occasion of May Day because you work extremely hard to makes your dreams come true….. A very Happy May Day to you my dear.”

Happy May Day Wishes for Girlfriend

“Salute to all the girls who work with their heart and soul in achieving their goals….. Happy May Day to one such girl who is very special to me!!! Way to go girl!!!”

“On the occasion of May Day, I just want to tell you to keep working hard to chase your goals and you will definitely end up achieving all that you desire….. Happy May Day my sweetheart.”

“May Day is a reminder that you must keep giving your best in every situation and one day all your efforts will bring you good results….. Warm wishes on May Day to my love.”

May Day Wishes Messages For Wife

“Dear wife, you have always been a source of inspiration for me for the way you manage our house, kids and your job….. Sending you my love and lots of May Day wishes for you are a Superwoman.”

“Managing the kids and the house is not an easy task but all thanks to your love, care and dedication, we have been able to manage everything very well…. Happy May Day to the most hardworking wife.”

“The reason behind the growth of our children is your dedication and love which has brought such amazing results…..Wishing a very Happy May Day to my dearest wife.”

May Day Wishes Messages For Son

“Success comes to those who keep working hard with their heart and soul…. With lots of love, wishing a very Happy May Day to my loving son…. I know you can do it!!!”

“Each step that you take will take you closer to your goals…..Just keep working for it and one day you will reach where you desire to….. Wishing you a very Happy May Day.”

“May Day is the reminder that you need to keep up with your good work, that you will surely get rewarded for your efforts…. Sending my love along with warm wishes on May Day.”

May Day Greetings Messages For Daughter

“The only way to achieve success in life is by working hard…… No matter what the circumstances are, only your dedication can help you rise high in life….. Wishing a very Happy May Day to my sweet daughter.”

“Dearest daughter, keep working hard and one day you will achieve everything you had ever dreamt of….. May Day reminds me to remind you that nothing is impossible if you work hard for it.

“Each step taken counts….. every hard work gets rewarded someday….. On the occasion of May Day, I want to wish you the best of the blessings to work very hard in life.”

May Day Wishes For Friends

“My dear friend, I wish that all the hard work and efforts that you put in achieving your goals get paid in the form of success…. I wish that you work harder with the greatest determination and zeal to make it to the top…. Wishing you a very Happy May Day.”

“Today is the day to salute you my dear friend because it is the day to celebrate all the pains you have taken in your life to make it better and to celebrate your passion and labour that has gone into it…. Best wishes on May Day to you my dear.”

“I wish that each and every day of your life is as bright and as positive as the smiling flowers of May…. Wishing you the best of success as a reward for all the hard work you have put in making your dreams come true….. Sending lovely greetings on International Labour Day!!”

Labour Day Wishes Messages For Lover

“My only wish on May Day is that you are showered with fruits of your hard work…. May all your efforts bring more and more happiness in your life…. May your life is blessed with dreams becoming a reality….. Warm wishes on Labour Day to you.”

“Dear love, I am sending you beautiful blossoms to spread vibrancy and joy in your life…. I wish you are always smiling just like their cheerful flowers…. Wishing you a wonderful and cheerful May Day my darling.”

“I wish that you are always blessed with the greatest strength to work harder in life…. May no problems can affect your dedication and will to achieve your goals… Sending you best wishes on the occasion of Labour Day my love!!!”

May Day Wishes To Employees

“The only thing to remember on Labour Day is that there is going to be working. Happy May Day.”

“Start the month of May with Labour Day to have some good fun and no work.”

“Don’t forget to take a break from work to make it a fun Labour Day.”

May Day Whatsapp Messages

“Warm wishes on May Day. You may not work today and it will be all fine.”

“You are expected to not work and this makes it a perfect day. Happy May Day.”

“Get some sleep and enjoy some food. Have a relaxed May Day.”

Labour Day Messages Status For Whatsapp and Facebook

“I wish that you grow and prosper with the best of your efforts and become an example for others to follow…. I wish you all the strength and determination to keep working harder….. Warm wishes on Labour Day to you my dear.”

“May the brightness of May sun…. May the blooming flowers of spring…. Bring along eternal happiness and joy, success and prosperity in your life….. Have a wonderfully blessed May Day to you.”

“Don’t let any problem affect your determination….Don’t let any negative energy affect your energies…. Always keep working harder and harder to achieve your goals and reach to the pinnacle of success…. Warm wishes on May Day to you.”

 

100 Happy New Month Messages, Wishes, Prayers For May 2021

Brand Spur
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100 Happy New Month Messages, Wishes, Prayers For May 2021

Welcome to the month of May, the fifth month of the year 2021. A happy new month to you, your friends, and your family from Brand Spur Nigeria.

Being the new day of May 2021, many expect good wishes from their friends, family members, and loved ones, hence, a need to compile one.

Below are 100 Happy new month messages, new month prayers, new month wishes to send to your friends and family members

1. This month shall favour everyone as we raise our hands up for the blessing of the Lord. Happy new month to you all.

2. I just want to quickly say happy new month; may you find whatever your heart desires achievable gradually.

3. Wishing you the most beautiful things in this new month as you aspire for the hope of God. May you be loved by everyone!

4. May the blessing of the Lord be blended with your success in life; I just want to make sure I say a happy new month.

5. Lots of success comes when we less expected them. I pray that your success will locate you this month suddenly.

6. Wishing you a fantastic new month that will come with the remedy to your past pain. I ask the Lord to honour you beyond imagination.

7. May the success that has no bound locate you this new month to fulfill your entire heart desires. Happy new month.

8. Happy new month to all my good friends, I appreciate you for the entire support that you rendered to me.

9. Wishing you all the best on this earth as we make it to this new month. Remain blessed now and for the rest of your life.

10. In this beautiful new month, I am praying for lots of success in your life; may you find peace and success.

11. Wishing all my friends a wonderful new month. I am wishing you all the best in everything you are doing in this new month.

12. No matter what happens this new month, may the Lord remember you among the most blessed people ever!

13. I am wishing you the most beautiful things ever on earth as we celebrate the hope of a new month.

14 May you rise above every problem that sticks to your destiny; I just want to say happy new month my friend.

15. You are my best friend and I love to hear that from friends. Less I forget, may this new month bring love into your home!

16. May the Lord bless you with endless joy on this special month; as you look up to your daily need, I pray that your hands should reach them.

17. I just want to wish every one of you a beautiful, cute and awesome new month. Enjoy yourselves to the end.

18 My prayer is to see every happy this new month. May your days be crowned with lots of success and prosperity!

19 Giving thanks to the Almighty God who spared our lives up till this moment as we celebrate the new month success.

20 We pray that this new month brings lots of success into your world, and make you one of the happiest people.

21. May God specially attend to your situation this month, and your family’s too. Happy newest month.

22. It shall be well with you all that is yours this month and beyond. Happy newest month.

23. The doors of blessings shall be opened for you & your Family throughout this month, and forever. A happy new month to you all from me.

24. May you continue to dwell within the cover of Almighty this month and forever. Have a blessed month.

25. No traces of sadness shall be linked to your home this month but you shall enjoy the best of God. Have a glorious month.

26. As long as there is God in Heaven, you will never know shame but joy everlasting. A happy new month to you.

27. Every spirit working to re-position your destiny shall perish by fire and you shall overcome all challenges in this month.

28. This shall be your best month and the following months shall be better. Enjoy the best of the month!

29. Of all that will testify around you at the end of this month, you shall take the lead. Happy new month to you.

30. Your wealth and miracles will arrive this month, and your peace and joy shall be permanent. Happy birthday to you.

31. As from today, you will rise above limitations and you shall testify to God’s goodness in all that concerns you. Happy new month.

32. Your success this month shall attract celebrations. Watch out for the best. Happy new month.

33. The devil will not hack into the secret of your success this month and forever. Have a blessed month.

34. The evil ones shall not manipulate the password to your JOY and FAVOUR this month. Enjoy the best of the month.

35. YOU and your FAMILY are born to win and rule and so shall your testimony be this month. A happy new month to you and yours.

36. Remain blessed. Remain unshaken. The Lord has got your back this month. A happy new month to you.

37. I see this month answering all your heart desires. Be expectant. Happy new month.

38. This month, your expectations shall not be cut short and your testimony shall not be hindered. Happy new month.

39. In all that you will do this month, God shall be your guide. You shall succeed. Happy new month.

40. Don’t worry about the past months, this month will end in praise. Just be hopeful. Happy new month.

41. As we watch the day unfolds and nobody is able to stop it, so shall your hopes, dreams, and aspirations be unstoppable this month and beyond. Do have a happy new month.

42. By the end of this month, everything will turn around for your good. Watch it and believe it! Happy new month to you dear.

43. In this month and beyond, you shall be a point of reference, a channel of blessings, a symbol of desirable successes and a celebrated achiever. Happy new month.

44. Stay permanently blessed and have a blissful month. It’s your month of joy and laughter. Happy new month, dear.

45. In this new month, the voice that parted the Red Sea shall make a way for you where you think there is no way. Happy new month, dear.

46. The Lord that brought water out of rock will open the doors of unimaginable blessings for you this month and beyond. Happy new month to you and your family.

47. By the grace of God, every unpleasant event shall answer to a miracle this month. Have a blessed month.

48. This month among your peers, fresh testimonies shall be your portion. Enjoy every moment of the new month.

49. This new month and beyond accelerated favour shall locate you and irreversible success shall be your daily experience. Best of the month to you!

50. In this new month and beyond you shall laugh over every situation and tears of sorrow shall never drop from your eyes. Have a blessed month.

51. In this new month, may you always testify as you live, and may you receive more than a downpour of rain of blessings? Happy new month.

52. May this new month and beyond bring to you the perfection of your dream and aspirations. Amen. Happy new month.

53. May there be pleasant surprises, loads of joy and infinite happiness for you, this month, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

54. May this month bring to you double grace, double abundance, double honour, double promotion, double portion and double everything, by God’s grace. Amen. Happy new month to you.

55. In this new month, may God usher you into your divine faithfulness and breakthroughs. Happy new month dear.

56. I wish you a happy new month filled with God’s quick response on every side and everything you touch shall be a blessing. Happy new month to you.

57. As you enter the new month today, may the Lord provide for your needs according to His riches in glory. Happy new month.

58. In this new month and beyond, may all abandoned projects begin to rise for your favour in Jesus name. Happy new month.

59. In this new month, may God take you to your promise land in Jesus name. Happy new month.

60. This month whatever situation bugging you shall be dealt with by the mighty hands of God, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

61. This month and beyond, all the impossibilities in your life, family and business will become possible in Jesus name. Happy new month to you.

62. May God have mercy on you and your loved ones, this month and beyond, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

63. In this new month, may God always be there to monitor your going out and coming in, in Jesus name? Happy new month.

64. As you’ve made it to this month, many lines begin to fall in pleasant places for you. Happy new month.

65. As long as you serve God, songs of joy shall fill your mouth in this new month and beyond, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

66. May God always be before and after you, this month and beyond. Happy new month.

67. In this new month and beyond, making it will never be difficult for you and your family. Happy new month.

68. In this new month, where your mates or colleagues are saying there’s casting down, there shall always be lifting up for you, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

69. May you triumph over your enemies and may God destroy all forms of wretchedness in your life in this month and beyond. Happy new month.

70. With God, all things are possible and he will do a new thing in your life in this new month. It will never be difficult for God to settle you this month. Happy new month.

71. In this new month, may the helpers of your destiny, locate you in a miraculous way, in Jesus name. Happy new month to you.

72. This month, may your standards be placed higher than that of your colleagues, in Jesus name. Do have a wonderful month.

73. In this new month, may you experience a change in status in all ramifications, in Jesus name? Do have a happy new month.

74. Every scars and bruise in your life are healed up, in Jesus name and your light will never go dark in this new month and beyond. Happy new month to you.

75. This month, you shall never be found wanting in heavenly places, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy new month.

76. May all the things of darkness against you, flee from their secret places, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

77. This month, you shall be whole spiritually, financially, mentally, and health-wise, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

78. God’s goodness and mercies shall continue to follow you every day in this month and beyond. Amen. Do have a marvellous new month.

79. As you go out today, begin to be a wonderful wonder to as many as you know and meet as from today. Amen. So shall be forever. Amen. Happy new month, my heart.

80. In this new month, your story of lack shall begin to change to that of fortune, in Jesus name! Amen! Happy new month, dear.

81. In this new month be still and know that there’s God who is your present help in times of need and you will not lack this month and beyond. Do have a happy new month, dear.

82. As from this morning, God shall order your steps to your place of Glory, in Jesus name. Amen. Have a glorious month ahead, handsome.

83. Today as you rise to a new day and month, you shall rise to greater joy and establishment, in Jesus name. So shall it be? Amen. Have a wonderful month.

84. This month and beyond dear, as long as you have God, you will know no shame! You are saved from all evils today and beyond. Happy new month dear.

85. In this month, may your days be pure and cool, like the dews of the morning on leaves? Happy new month dear.

86. My wishes for you this month is that everything that God created will work in your favour. You shall testify in the end. Happy new month to you, love.

87. I see a gleeful smile on a cute face and hope everything turns out well for you this month and beyond. Do have a wonderful month of love.

88. In this new month, God will bless your days beyond your wishes and keep you safe from every devilish plan. Have better day ahead. Happy new month, love.

89. May God choose this month to reward you for all the good deeds of the past. You’re blessed! Happy new month.

90. When you remember this month, you’ll bless and praise God without any limit. So shall it be? Do have a blessed month dear.

91. As you set out in this new month, may God give you the courage, strength and grace to overcome all challenges that will come your way. Go in God’s strength, dear. Have a marvellous month.

92. In this new month, God in his infinite mercies shall grant unto you all your aspirations, beyond your imagination! Happy new month to you, sweetheart.

93. May this month be the day that the Lord will surprise you with lasting answers to your pending prayers. Amen. Happy new month, love.

94. In this new month and beyond your imagination and requests, God shall visit you with good tidings and put a new song into your mouth, in Jesus’ name. Happy new month, my heart.

95. As you set out this month, let everything answer to your favour, in Jesus name! You shall testify to God favour in this month and beyond in Jesus name. Happy new month, dear.

96. This month and beyond, you will not struggle to be recognized but by favour, your recognition shall spread abroad forever. Amen. Do have a happy new month.

97. As from this morning, your lack shall begin to give way to abundance. You’ll have plenty and never borrow again! Happy new month, my love.

98. This month and beyond, beyond your connections and struggles, let doors of opportunities begin to open in your favour, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy new month.

99. All through this month and beyond, I pray you shall experience peace, prosperity, and visible progress on every side. Happy new month to you.

100. Like never before, your efforts shall attract envious results, even as you start this new month. Happy new month dear.

Please note that the messages contained in this article were not originally compiled by this author but were edited where necessary.

WHO lists Moderna vaccine for emergency use

Esan Bolaji
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WHO lists Moderna vaccine for emergency use

Moderna vaccine adds to the growing list of vaccines that have been validated by WHO for emergency use.

Geneva, Switzerland–30 April 2021 – Today, WHO listed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA 1273) for emergency use, making it the fifth vaccine to receive emergency validation from WHO.

Moderna vaccine
Photo by Ian Hutchinson

WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL) assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and is a prerequisite for COVAX Facility vaccine supply. It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer COVID-19 vaccines.

The vaccine has already been reviewed by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), which makes recommendations for vaccines’ use in populations (i.e. recommended age groups, intervals between shots, advice for specific groups such as pregnant and lactating women). The SAGE recommended the vaccine for all age groups 18 and above in its interim recommendations dated 25 January 2021.

The US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the Moderna vaccine on 18 December 2020 and a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union was granted by the European Medicines Agency on 6 January 2021.

The WHO EUL process can be carried out quickly when vaccine developers submit the full data required by WHO in a timely manner. Once those data are submitted, WHO can rapidly assemble its evaluation team and regulators from around the world to assess the information and, when necessary, carry out inspections of manufacturing sites.

The Moderna vaccine is an mNRA-based vaccine. It was found by the SAGE to have an efficacy of 94.1%, based on a median follow-up of two months. Although the vaccine is provided as a frozen suspension at –25 ºC to –15 ºC in a multidose vial, vials can be stored refrigerated at 2–8 °C for up to 30 days prior to the withdrawal of the first dose, meaning that ultra-cold chain equipment may not always be necessary to deploy the vaccine.

WHO emergency use listing

The emergency use listing procedure assesses the suitability of novel health products during public health emergencies. The objective is to make medicines, vaccines and diagnostics available as rapidly as possible to address the emergency, while adhering to stringent criteria of safety, efficacy and quality. The assessment weighs the threat posed by the emergency as well as the benefit that would accrue from the use of the product against any potential risks.

The EUL pathway involves a rigorous assessment of late phase II and phases III clinical trial data as well as substantial additional data on safety, efficacy, quality and a risk management plan. These data are reviewed by independent experts and WHO teams who consider the current body of evidence on the vaccine under consideration, the plans for monitoring its use, and plans for further studies.

As part of the EUL process, the company producing the vaccine must commit to continuing to generate data to enable full licensure and WHO prequalification of the vaccine. The WHO prequalification process will assess additional clinical data generated from vaccine trials and deployment on a rolling basis to ensure the vaccine meets the necessary standards of quality, safety and efficacy for broader availability.

WHO has also listed the Pfizer/BioNTech, Astrazeneca-SK Bio, Serum Institute of India and Janssen vaccines for emergency use.

United Capital Plc Shines At Nigerian Investors Value Awards (NIVA)

Esan Bolaji
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United Capital Plc Shines At Nigerian Investors Value Awards (NIVA)

United Capital Plc, a leading pan-African investment and financial services group, emerged a winner at the Nigerian Investors Value Awards (NIVA) which was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island over the weekend.

The prestigious event, jointly organized by BusinessDay Media Limited and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), recognized United Capital Plc as the “Most Profitable Company (Financial Services: Other Financial Institutions) and Shareholder Capital Allocation Company of the year (Dividends Payment)”.

This recognition follows a string of successes recorded by the organization in recent times. For the 2020 financial year, United Capital Plc generated N12.87Billion in revenue and N7.95Billion in Profit Before Tax.

Its Return on Average Equity for the financial year stood at 35%, one of the highest among listed financial services institutions, paying shareholders dividends of up to 70 kobo per share, for a total of N4.2Billion; a record befitting of the acknowledgement received.

Commenting on the awards, the Group CEO of United Capital Plc, Mr. Peter Ashade said

“Our successes and achievements are representative of the people and culture at United Capital Plc. We embrace enterprise, execution, and excellence as our core values and are constantly exploring innovative solutions to enhance our clients’ experience. We are therefore honoured and humbled to receive due recognition for these.”

According to the organizers, the event was refocused to highlight the diverse avenues in which companies are creating value on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) particularly in view of the volatile national economy and implications of the pandemic. These criteria, in addition to a credible and thorough audit process of shareholder value creation, led to the selection of United Capital Plc as a winner in the aforementioned categories.

Tablet Market Growth Hits 8-Year High As Work-From-Home Trend Entrenches

Strategy Analytics
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Tablet Market Growth Hits 8-Year High As Work-From-Home Trend Entrenches

According to its earnings report for the first three months of the year, Seplat’s revenue rose 17% y/y to $152 million (Vetiva: $161 million) on stronger oil prices and increased sales volume of gas.

With further improvements on some line items such as operating expenses and finance costs, Seplat posted an after-tax profit of $25 million (Vetiva: $24 million). After adjusting our model for the misses in Q1, we value Seplat at a one-year target price of ₦680.41 and reiterate our BUY rating on the counter.

In the quarter under review, oil revenue advanced 16% y/y to $124 million amidst strong recoveries in oil prices – average realized oil price came in at $61/bbl, 22% more than the average a year ago – even as the volume of oil lifted declined 5% y/y. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, oil output showed a steeper fall of 20% to 2.0 mbbls, which was due to lower output from OML 40 in January and February, after MV Harcourt, a storage vessel for evacuating crude from the OML, was damaged in November last year.

Meanwhile, a 29% y/y surge in gas output to 10.3 Bscf saw gas revenue jump 23% y/y, subduing the adverse effect of a 5% y/y decline in average price (Q1’21: $2.76/Mscf, Q1’20: $2.89/Mscf). However, we highlight that gas well. Overall, aggregate revenue for the period came in at $152 million, 5% lower than our estimate.

Driven by the two-digit growth in revenue, gross margin for the quarter rose to 35% from 25% last year; in absolute terms, gross profit was propelled 59% y/y to $53 million. Furthermore, a 43% y/y decline in operating expenses, as well as the absence of impairment losses on oil & gas assets (Q1’20: $145 million), brought operating profit to $44 million, a marked improvement from an operating loss of $77 million in the same period last year. Underpinned by lower debt levels (Q1’21: $694 million, Q1’20: $794 million), net finance expenses dropped 17% y/y, bringing net income to $25 million (up from a net loss of $107 million).

Seplat is still riding on high crude prices and we expect this trend to be sustained for the rest of the year, as OPEC+ cuts and improving global economy will continue to keep Brent price north of $60/bbl. Meanwhile, with MV Harcourt now replaced with another storage vessel, we see Seplat’s oil output gradually reverting to the Q4’20 run rate of 2.5 mbbls in subsequent quarters.

This drives our expectation of $559 million (2020: $418 million) for oil revenue in 2021. With regard to the gas business, we expect to see an 8% growth in output to 42.4 Bscf, driving gas turnover 6% higher to $119 million in 2021. Seplat recently refinanced a large chunk of its debt by issuing a $650 million Eurobond, which carries a much cheaper rate of 7.75% vs 9.25% on the previous Eurobond that had been redeemed.

Based on this, we see net finance costs declining 9% to $46 million, which brings our projection for net income to $127 million in 2021, contrasting with an after-tax loss of $85 million last year. As a side note, the Board of Seplat has approved the payment of quarterly dividends, starting with an interim dividend of 2.5 cents per share for Q1’21.

 

43% Of US Adults Strongly Support Requiring All Olympic Athletes To Vaccinate To Compete In Tokyo Olympics

Brand Spur
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43% Of US Adults Strongly Support Requiring All Olympic Athletes To Vaccinate To Compete In Tokyo Olympics

The postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics is scheduled to begin on July 23, 2021, albeit in special conditions due to the still ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic.

Different conditions and rules are still being proposed and agreed upon and will likely remain fluid until the start of the Games.

According to data presented by Safe Betting Sites, 43% of US adults surveyed strongly support the condition of requiring all Olympic athletes to vaccinate in order to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Almost Half Of Americans Believe In Requiring Vaccination For Olympic Athletes

The upcoming Olympic Games will still be publicly referred to as Tokyo 2020 despite the one-year postponement. A year later since the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out, many parts of the world are still living under its shadow. Due to the varying pandemic conditions around the world, the Japanese government made the decision to prohibit international fans from attending the Games.

 

Apart from spectators, there was also the important question about vaccination and if athletes will be required to vaccinate in order to compete. In a survey of over 2000 American adults, 43% ‘strongly support’ requiring all athletes to vaccinate in order to compete. An additional 24% indicated that they ‘somewhat support’ the condition, while only 10% ‘strongly opposed’ the idea.

37% Strongly Support Giving Olympic Athletes Priority To Vaccines In Their Respective Countries

In the same survey, 37% of respondents strongly supported the idea of giving Olympic athletes priority access to vaccines in their respective countries. An additional 29% ‘somewhat support’ the notion while only 7% strongly opposed the idea.

46% of US adults surveyed indicated “yes, definitely” when asked if Team USA should send its athletes to Tokyo ‘if all athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics are vaccinated.’ An additional 26% answered “yes, probably” to the same question. However, when the question was reframed to ask “if some, but not all, athletes” are vaccinated, the most positive response experienced a big decrease.

Only 17% of those surveyed answered “yes, definitely” when only ‘some athletes’ were vaccinated instead of ‘all athletes.’ The number of negative responses also jumped significantly when only some athletes were vaccinated. 14% believe that Team USA should definitely not send athletes if only some were vaccinated compared to just 4% if all athletes were required to vaccinate.

Rex Pascual, Sports Editor at Safe Betting Sites, commented on the unique nature of the games;

“The conditions presented by the global coronavirus pandemic has made the monumental task of hosting an Olympic Games even more difficult. The Japanese government has to delicately balance the health and safety of its citizens with staging a successful Olympic Games – an unprecedented challenge. Should Tokyo 2020 eventually be successful, it will go down as one of Japan’s greatest accomplishments.”

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