Mercedes-Benz Vans is electrifying Ambulance vehicles

Esan Bolaji
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Mercedes-Benz Vans is electrifying Ambulance vehicles

For a number of decades, the special vehicles sector for ambulance, fire and police services has been an important area for Mercedes-Benz. Already in 1995, the Sprinter saw its first conversion into an ambulance and today occupies a large portion of the market for emergency vehicles in the health sector with its various body variants.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is electrifying Ambulance vehicles

During a pandemic, the need for reliable patient transport vehicles and emergency ambulances is particularly high. Mercedes-Benz Vans and its partner “Ambulanz Mobile GmbH & Co. KG” from Schönebeck in Saxony-Anhalt have used the eSprinter as the basis of its first fully electric vehicle for duties in the health sector.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is electrifying Ambulance vehicles

With a range of 120 km and a top speed of up to 120 km/h, the electrically powered ambulance transport vehicle isn’t just suitable for locally emission-free transport around town, but also in the greater urban area. Despite the installations necessary in the patient compartment, the electric ambulance transport vehicle doesn’t exceed the permissible gross weight of 3.5 tonnes.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is electrifying Ambulance vehicles

In this light, even drivers who only have a passenger car driving licence can carry outpatient transport operations. To this end, the body has an especially weight-saving design, despite using high-quality materials.

The electricity supply for the body is kept separate from that of the base vehicle, using two control units that operate independently of one another. Accordingly, the medical devices can be operated independently of the vehicle battery.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is electrifying Ambulance vehicles

“Just as with our conventionally powered vehicles, the eVans from Mercedes-Benz also provides a good basis for sector-specific solutions. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work together with our partner Ambulanz Mobile for the first time on an electric vehicle for patient transport applications.

Not only will it ensure safe transport of people but it will now also do so locally emission-free, and with that, it will help reduce the ecological burden in urban areas as well,” affirms Sven Dannenmann, Head of the Application and Bodybuilder Centre at Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Hans-Jürgen Schwarz, Managing Director of Ambulanz Mobile GmbH & Co. KG says: “We’re very proud that Mercedes-Benz Vans has begun this project with us. It’s a challenge to bring one of the first fully electric ambulance transport vehicles onto the road. Our Specialist focus is on ensuring the electrical supply and the equipment in the rear can be operated independently of the base vehicle.”

In mid-March, the electric ambulance transport vehicle was handed over to the first customer in Bindow near Königs Wusterhausen. The van has entered operational testing within the “Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe” Christian aid organisation.

As part of this process, the aid organisation will be closely supported by Ambulanz Mobile GmbH in order to integrate feedback from daily operations into the further development of the vehicle which is intended to be sold all over Europe.

Ambulanz Mobile GmbH – long-standing “Mercedes-Benz VanPartner”

For many years Mercedes-Benz Vans has been working closely with “Ambulanz Mobile GmbH” in the field of ambulance transport vehicles and emergency ambulances. One result of the innovative projects from this co-operation was the so-called “Wünschewagen” (Wish Wagon) for the ASB charitable aid agency.

The project enables terminally ill people to fulfil one final wish, for example spending the day at the seaside or with their relatives. The vehicle is based on a regular patient transport vehicle, contains basic emergency medical equipment and leaves plenty of room for individual modifications in order to make the journey for each patient as pleasant and safe as possible.

Access Bank Announces Receipt Of Regulatory Approvals In Respect Of Its Proposed Acquisition Of Grobank

Esan Bolaji
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Access Bank Announces Receipt Of Regulatory Approvals In Respect Of Its Proposed Acquisition Of Grobank

Lagos, Nigeria March 26, 2021 – Sequel to its earlier announcement on September 29, 2020, Access Bank Plc announces today that it has received the approvals of the South African and Nigerian regulatory authorities to its proposed acquisition of the South African-based Grobank Limited (Grobank).

These approvals constitute a significant milestone in the transaction which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021 subject to completion of other conditions precedent.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the GMD/CEO of Access Bank, said:

“Today’s announcement represents significant progress in delivering on our strategic intent of becoming Africa’s Gateway to the World in pursuit of our vision to be the World’s Most Respected African Bank.

herbert-wigwe Brandspurng Access Bank reports 15.7% rise in Profit After Tax to ₦102.3Bn in Q3 2020
Herbert Wigwe, GMD/CEO

Our presence in South Africa will no doubt accelerate the attainment of our goal of delivering our More than Banking promise to 100 million unique customers across the continent. It will also build on our existing foundation and deliver enhanced value to our shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.”

Seplat Prices Offering of USD650 Million Notes Due 2026

Esan Bolaji
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Seplat Prices Offering of USD650 Million Notes Due 2026

Seplat Petroleum Development Co PLC – Nigerian oil & gas company – Prices its offering of USD650 million of 7.75% senior notes due 2026. The notes will be issued by the company and guaranteed by some of its subsidiaries.

Seplat says proceeds from the notes will be used to redeem the existing USD350 million 9.25% senior notes due 2023, to repay drawings of USD250 million under the existing USD350 million revolving credit facility, for general corporate purposes, and to pay transaction fees and expenses.

Current stock price: 75.00 pence, down 2.1% on Thursday

Year-to-date change: up 15%

Nokia and Safaricom Launch East Africa’s First Commercial 5G Services in Kenya

Esan Bolaji
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Nokia and Safaricom Launch East Africa’s First Commercial 5G Services in Kenya

Nokia and Safaricom launch East Africa’s first commercial 5G services in Kenya

  • Nokia 5G radio and FastMile 5G gateways provide ultra-fast Fixed Wireless Access services to subscribers
  • Safaricom also showcased 5G hologram and UHD video communication using live 5G network

26 March 2021 – Nokia has announced today that it is powering East Africa’s first 5G commercial services with Safaricom, the leading telecoms operator in the country. Nokia’s 5G Single Radio Access Network (SRAN) technology and 5G FastMile gateways enable ultra-fast Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services to Safaricom’s subscribers across Kisumu and the Western Province of Kenya.

Nokia wins Proximus Luxembourg 5G deal to digitize country

5G technology will enable new applications in areas such as virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence for Safaricom subscribers. It will also benefit enterprises across important energy, healthcare, education, transport and entertainment applications.

At a launch event in Nairobi, Safaricom showcased the capabilities of the 5G network with three use cases — 5G hologram, Ultra-HD video communication and virtual fashion shopping.

In the hologram showcase, the live 5G network was used to teleport Safaricom’s executives from the Safaricom office in Kisumu to the launch event in Nairobi. And in the second showcase, Ultra-HD video communication was made using the 5G Fixed Wireless Access connectivity powered by WiFi-6 with Nokia Beacon 6. The third showcase of virtual shopping will change the shopping experience allowing users to try on clothes “virtually”.

Nokia has leveraged its AirScale SRAN platform to enable ultra-low latency, huge connectivity and an extreme capacity to support the demands of today and tomorrow. The 5G network utilizes massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radio to improve spectral efficiency and throughput capacity, maximizing the return on Safaricom’s RAN investment.

In addition, Nokia’s FastMile 5G gateway provides fibre-like speeds for fixed wireless services to subscribers. Also, the company’s network planning, deployment and integration services ensured timely rollout of the network.

As part of the network, Nokia 5G Cloud Mobility Manager delivers the scalability, flexibility, high availability and performance needed to support the growth of mobile and enterprise services. Nokia’s NetAct network management system helps Safaricom have a consolidated network view for improved network monitoring and management.

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, said:

“We are proud to be the first operator in East Africa to launch 5G services, bringing the benefits of 5G technology to our customers. 5G capabilities will change a lot of things in unimaginable ways for people and enterprises, playing a key role in fulfilling our vision to transform lives. Our long-term partner Nokia’s technologies and services expertise helped us achieve this milestone in our journey to provide world-class broadband services to our customers.”

Amr K. El Leithy, SVP, Middle East and Africa Market, Nokia, said:

“With over 200 commercial 5G agreements with leading customers across the globe, Nokia has been bringing 5G network to every part of the world. Our 5G network for Safaricom is a key part of this journey and we are committed to working with the operator to transform the communications landscape in the country. This will open new business opportunities for Safaricom.”

New Movie, ROSE-NOIR Set To Hit The Screen

Esan Bolaji
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New Movie, ROSE-NOIR Set To Hit The Screen

A new movie, Rose –Noir is set to hit the screen with content that inspires, teaches, and gives directions to handling homes especially for parents dealing with juvenile delinquencies.

The story centres on a single mother who struggles with her teen daughter “coming of age” while seeing her youthful expressions as misbehaviour but believes enforcing religion will set her on the right track.

According to the producer of the movie Funmilayo Bankole, the movie depicts how Africa parents derive pleasure only from religious teaching but ignore basic things to groom and brush-up the children. “I decided to produce this movie to explore one of the weaknesses of African parenting; it’s over-reliance on religion and how it ignores deep-rooted problems”. She said.

Commenting on the movie, Chinonso Arubayi who plays the role of pastor’s wife in the movie said the movie is about family, communication, relationship, faith, and a lot of things essential in the society and the family.

The movie cast includes; Bolaji Ogunmola, Timi Richards, Chinonso Arubayi, and Raquel Anthony. The movie is directed by Chinonso Ucheaga.

Rose-Noir will air on Thursday, April 1st, 2021, and its Exclusive Premium Premiere on CEFLIX

You can make a purchase via – http://bit.ly/RoseNoirMovieTicket

Or DOWNLOAD CeFlix App!!!

ANDROID: https://bit.ly/download-ceflix-tv-android
IOS: https://bit.ly/download-ceflix-tv-ios

N120bn Fuel Subsidy Monthly No Longer Sustainable — NNPC Boss

Brand Spur
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N120bn Fuel Subsidy Monthly No Longer Sustainable — NNPC Boss

Group General Manager Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mele Kyari has said the federal government spends N120 billion monthly to subsidy the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for Nigerians.

Speaking at the weekly ministerial briefing held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Kyari said while the actual cost of importation and handling charges of petrol amounts to N234 per litre, the government had been selling at N162 per litre, therefore, bearing the difference.

His words: “The price could have been anywhere between N211 and N234 to the litre. The meaning of this is that consumers are not paying for the full value of the PMS that we are consuming and therefore someone is paying that cost.

“As we speak today, the difference is being carried in the books of NNPC and I can confirm to you that NNPC may no longer be in a position to carry that burden.”

Hinting that petrol price maybe increases any moment from now, Kyari explained that the NNPC can no longer afford to bear the cost of the subsidy, saying Nigerians would have to pay the actual cost sooner or later.

“As we speak today, I will not say we are in a subsidy regime but we are in a situation where we are trying to exit this subsidy or underpriced sale of PMS until we get in terms with the full value of the product in the market.

“Today, PMS sells across our borders anywhere above N300 at any of our neighbours. And in some places, it is up to N500 and N550 to the litre,” he added.

He, however, argued that market forces must be allowed to determine the pump price of petrol in Nigeria.

Recently, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) released a template, increasing the petrol price to N212 per litre.

After the increase was announced, on Friday, 12th March 2021, NNPC insisted there will be no increase in the ex-depot price of petrol.

On re-checking the PPPRA website, the template indicating the increase was deleted with Timipre Sylva, the minister of state for petroleum resources, assuring that the agency will issue a monthly guide to NNPC and marketers on the appropriate pricing regime.

How Petrol Subsidy Is Wrecking The Nigerian Economy

For many years, the fuel subsidy system practised in Nigeria, attracted widespread criticisms from economy stakeholders and international bodies, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The fund has persistently been suggesting the need for the Nigerian government to stop the payment of subsidy for the sake of the country’s economic stability and growth.

Christine Lagarde, the former Managing Director of IMF, had recommended the removal of fuel subsidy for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

According to Lagarde, fuel subsidy removal is important due to the low contribution of tax revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Lagarde maintained that if fuel subsidy is removed, the funds could be diverted to the health, education and infrastructure sectors.

IMF Executive Board under the leadership of Lagarde, had suggested in the fund’s 2019 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria, that phasing out implicit fuel subsidies while strengthening social safety nets to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable, would not only help the country in reducing its poverty gap but would also address its economic woes.

Upward Movement Sustained In The Stock Market, Sees 0.53% Growth

Brand Spur
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Upward Movement Sustained In The Stock Market, Sees 0.53% Growth

Following yesterday’s 0.98% gain, the NSE ASI closed up 0.53% today. The All-Share Index closed upwards at 39,293.14 points, which puts its year-to-date performance at -2.43%. The market capitalization advanced by ₦108.50bn to settle at ₦20.56tn.

The Insurance sector led the market’s gains today, recording a 0.81% growth. This growth was driven by stocks like WAPIC, which erased yesterday’s loss with a 10.00% price gain today. The Banking sector also went up by 0.60%, driven by STANBIC (9.18%) AND STERLNBANK (9.09%), while the Industrial sector saw marginal gains of 0.07%. The Consumer Goods sector fell by  -0.24%, following price declines in stocks like DANGSUGAR (-2.67%) and HONYFLOUR (-2.50%). A slight decline was also seen  in the Oil and Gas sector which lost 0.05%.

23 stocks advanced in price, while 12 stocks declined in price in today’s trading session, thus highlighting improved investor sentiment.  Thus, the market breadth increased from 1.25x to 1.92x. The volume and the value of transactions in the market declined by 36.61% and 33.69%, as investors traded a total of 229.42 million units of shares valued at N3.78bn in 4,016 deals.

Fixed Income Market

The yields of long-term bonds continue to rise, as seen at the close of the market today. There was an increase in the FGN-MAR-2035 bond yield by 18bps from 11.30% to 11.48%. and in the FGN-JUL-2045 bond yield by 71bps, from 11.28% to 11.99%. Short to medium-term instruments stayed stable, with the exception of a marginal decline in the FGN-APR-2023 from 6.42% to 6.41%.

In the NTB market, the yields on the 91-day and 181-day bills increased to 2.80% and 4.63% respectively, while the yield on the 364-day bill remained stable.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

  • Upward Movement Sustained in the Stock Market, Sees 0.53%
  • Longer Term Bonds Sustain Yield Rise
  • US Stocks Fluctuate, Fed Announces Plans to Adjust Monetary Policy
  • Oil Prices Fluctuate, Demand Outweighs Suez Canal Disruption
  • I&E Exchange Rate Fluctuates , Closes at ₦409.75/$

Konga Raises Curtains On Much-Anticipated Battle Of The Brands

Esan Bolaji
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Konga Raises Curtains On Much-Anticipated Battle Of The Brands

Excitement is at fever-pitch levels as Battle of the Brands, a much-anticipated campaign exclusive to Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-Commerce giant, goes live today, Friday, March 26, 2021.

A week-long fiesta, Battle of the Brands will run till Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

The campaign features a strong cast of global brands representing a multiplicity of product categories including Computing, Mobile Phones, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Home & Kitchen, Electronics, Fashion, Beverages, Wine & Spirits and much more. Shoppers and other bargain hunters are in for a memorable experience, with the various brands lined up by Konga already primed to showcase their best deals and special offers.

Effective today, Friday, March 26 until the end of the campaign on Wednesday, Konga will showcase the best offers and deals from each brand to help guide the shopping decision of the thousands of shoppers who are expected to throng the website at www.konga.com to grab the deals on offer.

Among the star products already occupying the attention of eager shoppers is the Samsung Galaxy A52, with a market price of over N130,000 going off at the Treasure Hunt price of N39,990; the Haier Thermocool Chest Freezer worth over N110,000, also going off at the ridiculous price of N39,900; the much-coveted Sony PlayStation 5 which sells for nearly N400,000 but on offer at Konga for only N99,990.

The iPhone XS Max worth well over N330,000 but going at the unbelievable price of N99,990; Polystar 43’’ LED TV set which a lucky customer would grab at the sweet price of N29,990 instead of its regular price of N82,000 and the Easter bundle of goodies going off at a paltry N5,990 instead of its standard price of nearly N40,000, among many other deals lined up for customers.

For drink lovers, there is also a special offer on the Martell VSOP, which is going off at the Treasure Hunt price of N5,990 instead of its usual market price of over N18,000, in addition to other special offers on a wide array of products from various segments.

Furthermore, visitors to the Konga website are in for other mouth-watering deals, unmatched discounts, daily Flash Sales, free shipping and exclusive app-only deals throughout the duration of the week-long campaign.

Meanwhile, feelers from Konga indicate that traffic to the website at www.konga.com has already started to record a huge spike from late Thursday evening, with several smart shoppers hoping to steal a march on others by being the first to take advantage of the early bird deals which have become a regular feature of virtually all of Konga’s campaigns.

Battle of the Brands ends on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

 

Airtel Announces Sponsorship of The Voice Nigeria Season 3

Esan Bolaji
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Airtel Announces Sponsorship of The Voice Nigeria Season 3
  • Show to Air on Airtel TV

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced its sponsorship of the leading international singing competition, ‘The Voice Nigeria Season 3’, which is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, March 27, 2021.

The music competition, which launched in Nigeria in 2016, aims to discover and nurture new talents, offering them a credible platform to be positioned at the forefront of the country’s music industry, whilst preparing them for the global stage.

Airtel Announces Sponsorship of The Voice Nigeria Season 3 Brandspurng

Music lovers will be able to watch the show live on Airtel TV at 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The Airtel TV app, which is available on Android and iOS, is subscription-free and offers registered users unlimited access to live TV, news and the entire Airtel TV content library.

Commenting on Airtel’s sponsorship, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, expressed delight at the company’s drive to contribute to the growth of the Nigerian music industry through resourceful partnerships that will not only help groom and nurture local talents but also offer them a platform to international stardom.

“Airtel is delighted to return as a sponsor of ‘The Voice Nigeria Season 3,’ which has grown, over the past two seasons, to become one of the most-watched television programmes in Africa. This sponsorship is a glowing testimony to Airtel’s passion and commitment to empower and invest in young, talented Nigerians and also offer them a strong platform to showcase their talent to the world.

“Airtel remains committed to supporting the Nigerian music industry, which is making waves globally by connecting with hearts and souls not just across Nigeria, but across the world,” he added.

This highly anticipated season 3 of The Voice Nigeria will be produced for the first time in Nigeria in partnership with UN1TY Limited and Livespot360.

The show’s innovative format features four stages – beginning with the Blind Auditions, followed by the Knockouts, then the Battle Rounds and, finally, the Live Performance Shows.

The coaches of the show, Darey, Yemi Alade, Waje and Falz will seek twelve talents for their teams and work with them during the show to hone their skills and prepare the successful acts who make it to the Live Performance Shows to battle it out on a global stage.

The season will be hosted by award-winning TV host, Nancy Isime alongside popular On-Air Personality (OAP) and Entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa.

Talents and fans will go home with over N100,000,000 in prizes, with the Winning Talent of The Voice Nigeria Season 3 walking away with a monetary reward, a brand-new car, and an international recording contract.

BJAN Holds 9th Consumer Rights Day March 31st

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BJAN Holds 9th Consumer Rights Day March 31st

The Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) has announced its plans to hold the 9th Consumer Rights Day celebration on the 31st of March 2021.

The decision to mark this year’s event on the chosen date was as a result of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which was envisaged to disrupt activities within the Marketing communication industry and the country at large.

The event which has the theme, ‘’Tackling Plastic Pollution: Challenges, Solution and Benefits’’ will hold at LCCI Event & Exhibition Center, Nurudeen Olowopopo Drive, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, by 9 am.

BJAN Holds 9th Consumer Rights Day March 31st

To lead the discussion is Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo, President/Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), other discussants include, Ms. Ifeoma Okoye, Sustainability and Community Affairs Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company PLC, Ms Chineze Amanfo, Lead, Public Relations, 9Mobile, Mrs. Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries PLC and Mr. Ayo Oluwatosin, Member, Board of Trustees, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN). Others are drawn from manufacturing and sectors alike in the country.

To moderate the session is a seasoned communication expert, Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, Managing Director, Integrated Indigo Communications Limited.

Speaking on the event, the Chairman of BJAN, Mr. Princewill Ekwujuru, said the association has made adequate preparations to ensure that the event is successful despite several challenges facing businesses currently.

He said, “We understand the current economic situation in the country caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, hence the delay and preparations to mark this year’s Consumer Rights Day on 15th of March.

He added that “We have carefully selected our speakers this year considering the theme as a way of raising awareness and engage consumers in Nigeria to adopt and promote more sustainable practices.

This year’s theme is building on last year’s theme of ‘The Sustainable Consumer’, the campaign will focus on the central role that consumer advocates, governments and businesses can play in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis.’’

Ekwujuru appeals to corporate organizations and Marketing Communication agencies to be part of the event by partnering with the association for the successful hosting of the Consumer Rights Day celebration 2021.

Organizations like Nestle, Nigeria Breweries, Guinness Nigeria, Seven-Up, Integrated Indigo Communications Ltd, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State Chapter and Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) have indicated interest to partner BJAN on this event.

Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) is an umbrella body of Journalists that cover brands, marketing and advertising beat in Nigeria with over 100 hundred members across Nigeria.

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