EXMAN Empowers Members On Tax, Pension Compliance

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In a bid to ensure compliance and work within the details of the law, the Experiential Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) empowered its members on taxation and pension scheme and how they can also take advantage of the opportunities inherent.

The hybrid event tagged: “EXMAN Training 2021” was held at the Hibrid Studio in Lagos recently.

The event had Oluseye Arowolo, Partner, Tax  and Regulatory Services, Deloitte and Touche on the topic “Nigeria’s Changing Tax Landscape” and Lanre Oyenekan, Team Lead, Business Development at ARM Pension Manager; spoke on “Relevance of Pension in The Changing World”

EXMAN Empowers Members On Tax, Pension Compliance Brandspurng
L-R: Former President, Kayode Olageshin; Financial Secretary, Bola Oyebade; President, Tade Adekunle; all from EXMAN; Team Lead, Business Development at ARM Pension Manager, Lanre Oyenekan and Vice president of EXMAN, Abiodun Oshinibosi at EXMAN Training 2021 on tax and pension compliance held at Hibrid Studio in Lagos recently. | www.wordpress-1516176-5827464.cloudwaysapps.com

EXMAN President, Tade Adekunle earlier in his welcome address, said the training was organised to help members better understand the tax and pension scheme and how they can overcome some of the challenges they are facing in that aspect of doing business.

“The area of tax is where we have been having challenges. With the government going about it in a very brutal way, going after virtually all the companies under marketing communications and other companies in Nigeria, we are of the opinion that we need a better understanding of what is expected of us.

This is to really have a good understanding of the system and avoid falling foul of the law. That is why we asked the top management and finance management experts to become part of our training today,” he said.

He added that after the training its members would be able to manage their tax process on time not to wait for when there are issues.

Meanwhile, Mr. Arowolo pointed out that multiple taxations is a structural problem in Nigeria. However, he said for EXMAN members to take advantage of the tax system, they need to engage with professionals, do impact assessment, train staff members on new tax requirements and understand that by law, withholding tax can be brought forward amongst others. 

Mr. Oyenekan stated that the importance of a pension scheme cannot be overemphasized as it mitigates future hardship and makes employees’ future secured which in turn boost productivity.

He said pension is expected to be taken from Basic, housing and transport allowances while the eight per cent is deducted as employee’s contribution and the employer on their part contributes an additional ten per cent and they should not be in default.

He urged EXMAN members to comply and speak to their pension managerS when they have issues and those who don’t have them should as a matter of urgency engage one.

Similarly, Former EXMAN President, KayodeOlageshin stated that

“EXMAN is an industry association and one of the critical purposes of having an industry body is to be able to train our members and improve professionalism for our practice and compliance with government regulation which is a very key aspect of professionalism.”

He added that the training will help them to know how best to engage the authorities regarding the challenges their members are facing as regards tax and pension. However, he stated that tax reduction can be given to their members.

“Concession such as the one they (government) have with the construction industry where they have 2.5%, such things if it comes our way ~it~ is something that would also help our business significantly.”

In the same vein, Financial Secretary, EXMAN, Bola Oyebade explained that taxation generally is very important; many of its members are having issues with their taxes and the training, he believes, will make them compliant.

HEINEKEN, The Coca-Cola Company and the Coca-Cola System announce redesigned distribution partnership

HEINEKEN, The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola System in Brazil have reached an agreement to redesign their longstanding distribution partnership in Brazil. The Agreement marks a new milestone in the relationship among the companies; it re-aligns the interests of all parties for the future and builds on a solid historical foundation.

As per the Agreement, expected to become effective mid-2021, the parties will begin a smooth transition of the Heineken® and Amstel brands to HEINEKEN Brazil’s distribution network.

HEINEKEN, The Coca-Cola Company and the Coca-Cola System announce redesigned distribution partnership brandspurng

The Coca-Cola System in Brazil will continue to offer Kaiser, Bavaria and Sol, and will complement this portfolio with premium brand Eisenbahn and other international brands.

The Agreement allows the parties to better serve consumers and customers in the Brazilian market with a solid portfolio, building on the positive momentum developed over many years of successful collaboration.

Additionally, as part of the redesign of the distribution partnership, the parties will have more flexibility.

Subject to certain mutually-agreed-upon terms established in the Agreement, the Coca-Cola System in Brazil will be able to produce and distribute alcoholic beverages and other beers in a certain proportion to HEINEKEN’s portfolio and HEINEKEN will be able to explore further opportunities in the non-alcoholic segment. This will allow Brazilian consumers to benefit from a wider array of options.

The Telecommunications Sector Remains A Bright Spot

The Telecommunications sector remains a bright spot in an otherwise sluggish Nigerian economy. In 2020, the Nigerian economy recorded a decline of -1.9% as key sectors of the economy fell victim to the devastating effect of the Covid19 pandemic.

However, the Telecommunications sector grew by a whopping 16.0%, vastly outpacing other key sectors such as Financial Services (+9.4%), Agriculture (+2.2%), Manufacturing (-1.5%), Trade (-8.5%), Transportation (-22.3%) and Oil Refining (-62.2%).

The Telecommunications Sector Remains A Bright Spot Brandspurng
Sources: NBS, United Capital Research

The performance of the Telecoms sector is anything but surprising. Prior to the pandemic, the digital transformation of the Nigerian economy was largely underway, albeit at a slower pace compared to advanced economies (which speaks to a massive growth headroom).

According to the National Communications Commission (NCC), broadband penetration increased from 6.0% in 2015 to 45.0% as of Dec2020, with 85.9mn Nigerians now connected on 3G and 4G networks.

The pandemic accelerated this transformation, as evidenced by the necessitated shift in day-to-day business and individual activities to a virtual environment, with heavy reliance on Telecoms providers to bridge the gaps left by the lockdowns.

Over two decades since the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) opened Nigeria’s spectrum to private investment and GSM technology, the Nigerian telecom sector remains a high growth market, primarily due to Nigeria’s demographics and low mobile penetration.

The sector will continue to observe substantial growth in smartphone and broadband penetration, mostly due to the influx of cheaper smartphones from China and the increased digitalization of businesses. As such, we expect the sector in 2021 to pick up from 2020’s performance.

Again, we anticipate listed industry players (MTN Nigeria Plc and Airtel Africa Plc) to report strong Q4-2020 numbers and sustained growth in data, fintech and voice segments.

Agile Nigeria To Hold 2021 Conference With The Theme “Strategic Agility – Market Creating Innovations”

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The Agile Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Nigeria’s largest Agile professional body, announced today, Monday, February 22, 2021, plans to host the 4th edition of the Annual Agile Nigeria Conference 2021, themed “Strategic Agility – Market Creating Innovations.

In a statement, the association confirmed that this year’s conference would be a virtual event and that participants can expect exciting and fully packed sessions. The conference is scheduled to take place from Monday 1st – Wednesday 3rd March 2021.

Speaking on the conference, Chief Executive Officer/Founder, The Agile Advisor Africa, Mrs. Abiodun Osoba, said it was in view of the current global realities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic that her organization, as the event organiser decided to move the conference from a physical event as it’s been the practice in the last three years to a virtual platform. Adding that the safety of its members, expert facilitators and other participants is most paramount.

Agile Nigeria To Hold 2021 Conference With The Theme “Strategic Agility – Market Creating Innovations” Brandspurng
Chief Executive Officer/Founder, The Agile Advisor Africa, Mrs. Abiodun Osoba, during the Agile Nigeria Conference 2020 | www.wordpress-1516176-5827464.cloudwaysapps.com

She expressed confidence at the ample opportunities and benefits that this online conference presents to everyone, most especially the conference facilitators and participants in terms of improved levels of engagement, meaningful deliberations and discussions, real-time Q&A, amongst others.

Agile Nigeria To Hold 2021 Conference With The Theme “Strategic Agility – Market Creating Innovations” Brandspurng1

“This year’s conference although will be hosted online, will be no different from the previous editions aimed at seeking emerging opportunities, growing appetite and further driving the evolution of Agile in Nigeria”, she assured.

Osoba added that the forthcoming 4th edition of the Agile Nigeria Conference, comes on the heels of the hugely successful 3rd edition held last year from Wednesday, 4th – Friday 6th March 2020 at the Leisure Building, Landmark Towers, 5b Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos; which attracted over 100 executives, managers, software developers and researchers from over three countries who gathered to hear from recognized experts, authors, innovators and practitioners who offered their unique insight.

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Agile Nigeria Conference 2020 | www.wordpress-1516176-5827464.cloudwaysapps.com

The annual Agile Nigeria Conference is dedicated to furthering Agile principles and providing a veritable avenue for people and ideas to flourish. The main conclusions of the Agile Conference will be reflected and incorporated into the declaration of how Agile will help transform workplaces, businesses and services as well as the adoption of Agile frameworks by the participants at the Conference.

“This year’s conference promises to be even bigger and better than its previous editions. We have lined up no fewer than 20 seasoned subject matter experts from within and outside of Nigeria as speakers.

This conference, therefore, offers an unparalleled opportunity for participants to glean new ideas, share knowledge, and experiences on a truly international stage to help boost their productivity and innovation and garner evolving patterns of high performing teams,” she stated.

She stated that the three-day conference is targeted at individuals seeking professional development and aspiring to broaden their horizons in areas such as Agile leadership, Change Management, Agile Mind-Sets, Systems Thinking, and Agile Product Development amongst others.

The Agile Practitioners Association of Nigeria understands that Nigeria needs transformation in both the private and public sectors. This much-desired change can be achieved using the Agile Methodology, which allows a paradigm shift towards an innovative and problem-solving mindset.

Driven by market needs, customer expectations, and evolving technological innovation, today’s constantly changing business environment is forcing companies to adapt their Agile models of management and corporate governance—or risk being left behind.

The Agile Practitioners Association of Nigeria, through its partners and members, provides the opportunity that will allow organizations to connect with other industry leaders and jointly share experiences and insights, helping all members and organizations to better navigate the emerging and complicated domain of business agility.

“Let me seize this opportunity on behalf of the management of The Agile Advisor Africa to extend our profound gratitude to all of our sponsors and partners for their immense contributions, support and generosity. Without them, we would not have come so far, especially with regards to this conference,” she added.

The ability to quickly adapt is the lifeblood of modern enterprises, and our partnership with Agile professionals in Nigeria will complement our mission to help organizations innovate, improve productivity, and remain relevant in our rapidly changing world, the organisation said.

To know more about the Agile Nigeria Conference and the Agile Practitioners Association of Nigeria, please check the website – www.agilenigeriaconference.com www.agilepractitionersng.com

Who should measure Public Relations?

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In public relations, just as you and I can’t deny that PR starts and ends with research, we have agreed that Ad value equivalencies, impression counts, and clicks ALONE don’t measure awareness and other outcomes.

Therefore, unless you plan and measure in a way that matters, campaign success may not be in the cards. At least, not in the way to pass the test of a true expert.

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Photo by Ewan Robertson

Let’s make this straight. Are you into the hallowed communications profession in whatever form? Never underestimate the benefits of measuring your Public relations campaigns. DON’T measure using empty or vanity metrics. Most importantly, engage an independent PR measurement and evaluation service to do the job. Employ this trio to get insights that won’t only help you with sound strategy, but would also make future campaigns planning a walkover for you.

When we hear research, evaluation or measurement in Public relations, it is important to carry them out the proper way. Yes, really.

It is abominable to burden the most junior member of your team or even yourself to just contact a few consumers and find out what they think about a thing. In the agency, on the client-side, we do this shoddy research, time without number. It’s just so important that we stop already. PR measurement is serious business. Anyone who must undertake any communication research whether basic or in-depth has to be trained and certified for the job.

Are you managing a client? Do you know that merely taking a simple walk to tell your client, what value Public relations brings to him shouldn’t be your thing? You know why? You’d be biased. You don’t even know how to go about it. Pity, but you will succeed in not helping yourself either. Your answers to questions would be so incomplete and jaundiced that they will lead to ill-founded programmes in all your efforts, going forward.

Wait a sec! Do we still need to beam the searchlight any further? Do we still need an answer to “Who should measure PR?” Oh no, we don’t! It’s clear: It is the job of a brand media intelligence and measurement service to do so. They are armed. You’re not. Kindly use them in e.v.e.r.y. research.

In reality, some high-end investment is needed to become competent in communications measurement and evaluation. PR measurement experts have already put in everything it takes to undertake valid research. You have not. Because of time and other resources, you may not be able to go through the drudgery, anyway.

Take for example, a strong PR measurement consultant such as P+ Measurement Services. What P+ did is exemplary. From the outset, the agency tasked itself to become a bonafide member of the International Association of Measurement and Evaluation of Communication, AMEC? Recall that AMEC is the measurement body of our glorious profession, globally. Not every PR insights and analytics consultant in Nigeria is a member, remember?

You might be wondering: “What does this do for me?” A lot! The adoption of the measurement principles endorsed by the global measurement body is what shall help you prove your value indeed. Objectivity in the quality of the measurement and evaluation is guaranteed. In everything in life, it is always advisable to use professionals for salutary results. Need we say more?

The Takeaway:

Sincerely, the measurement leg of the communications profession has remained knotty for a long time. Trained and certified external researchers like P+ Measurement Services should be your ally, every step of the way. In all honesty, hyping the benefits of using independent measurement outfits can’t be too much. P+ knows the business. Just give them the specifics of your research problem and go to sleep. 

Need to talk to someone immediately, kindly contact these hotlines: +234 -818-1928-989. Quickly, send a mail to: info@pplusmeasurement.com.ng and get a response in a minute. 

Hennessy Becomes the NBA’s First Global Spirits Partner

Multiyear Partnership Expansion Makes Hennessy the “Official Spirit of the NBA” Worldwide

Feb. 25, 2021 – Hennessy, the world’s best-selling cognac, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a global expansion of their partnership, making Hennessy the “Official Spirit of the NBA” worldwide.

Hennessy Becomes the NBA's First Global Spirits PartnerHennessy Becomes the NBA's First Global Spirits Partner

The multiyear agreement, which marks the league’s first-ever global partnership with a spirits brand, ushers in the next chapter of Hennessy’s relationship with the NBA and expands on the North American deal that was announced in February 2020.

“We are honoured by the distinction as the first global spirit partner in the NBA’s history,” said Julie Nollet, Hennessy global CMO.

“The NBA is more than basketball, and Hennessy is more than cognac.  We represent global communities, and this partnership empowers us to support a game and culture that brings people together through entertainment and camaraderie despite the current challenges faced by fans around the world.

We share the NBA’s core values of integrity, teamwork, respect and innovation, which are more powerful than ever as we work to inspire and unite people across the globe.”

“This partnership expansion marks an exciting milestone for the league as Hennessy becomes the NBA’s first-ever global spirits partner,” said Dan Rossomondo, NBA Senior Vice President, Media and Business Development.

“We look forward to continuing to celebrate the game of basketball alongside this iconic brand and our fans around the world.”

The expanded partnership will tip-off in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and South America with the launch of an adaptation of the “Hennessy x NBA: Lines” campaign that celebrates those who push the game forward.  Fans around the world will be able to toast with new exclusive Hennessy VS and VSOP Limited Edition bottles, specially designed to commemorate the partnership.

The Limited Edition bottles are now available in the U.S., and a worldwide release is planned for the second quarter of 2021.

For more than 250 years, Hennessy has celebrated those who embody the “Never Stop. Never Settle” ethos that is personified by the players’ unwavering commitment to drive culture forward.  Throughout the year, Hennessy will celebrate the tradition and mindset of basketball fans around the world through a range of consumer events, activations and localized content.

Spending per user on TikTok soared almost 400% in January 2021 to 128 million

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About 82% of revenue was produced in China through the local version of the app, Douyin. The US contributed 8% of the total, while Turkey contributed 2%.

Piccoma was the second highest-grossing app for the month, generating more than $ 96 million, a 690% year-on-year increase. YouTube ranked third, while Tinder and Tencent Video were fourth and fifth respectively.

TikTok also stood out in terms of downloads, taking second place on the list of the most installed non-game apps in January 2021. It had a total of 62 million installs across the top two app stores. China accounted for 17% of the total number of downloads through Douyin, while the US was second, with 10%.

Facebook, YouTube and TikTok to reach over 5.9bn users in 2020
Facebook, YouTube and TikTok to reach over 5.9bn users in 2020 – www.wordpress-1516176-5827464.cloudwaysapps.com

Telegram led with 63 million downloads across the two app stores. Signal got third place, Facebook fourth and WhatsApp fifth.

The amazing performance of the TikTok mobile app started last year. Throughout 2020, it was the highest-grossing and most downloaded app worldwide. According to Sensor Tower’s annual report, its App Store revenue soared more than 600% to $ 1.2 billion.

According to data from Apptopia, there were a total of 89 million installs of the TikTok app in 2020 in the US alone. The number was far higher than second-ranked Instagram, which had 62 million. Facebook was next, with 53 million, and then Snapchat came, with 51 million.

US Advertisers on TikTok Up 500% in 2020

TikTok has also seen a remarkable increase in its advertising business. According to a Reuters report, the platform managed to increase the number of US advertisers who signed campaigns in 2020 by 500%.

The trend is likely to continue throughout 2021, as TikTok has closed deals with major brands since late 2020. The list includes Chobani, Bose, McDonald’s, and Kate Spade, as well as nonprofits like St. Jude. Children’s Research Hospital. Between September 2020 and mid-February 2021, St. Jude has raised about $ 50,000 through the TikTok donation button.

In 2021, TikTok plans to offer ad packages designed around events and holidays. For example, you plan to celebrate Black History Month through a virtual event with 500 creators of colour. According to Reuters, he hopes to raise $ 750,000 from brands by sponsoring the event. It also plans to bring in $ 1,500,000 from brands sponsoring the event’s live finale on February 26, 2021.

According to The Influencer Marketing Factory, the number of requests from brands wanting to work with influencers on TikTok has increased by five since November 2020.

Considering the level of success TikTok has had in the advertising market, the biggest companies are clamouring to take a piece of the pie.

In addition, Google will launch a rival platform, YouTube Shorts. Like the TikTok experience, Shorts plans to offer videos of only 15 seconds or less. The Indian version of the new platform already has 3.5 billion views per day.

US user penetration on TikTok will increase from 31% in 2020 to 39% in 2024

Douyin, the Chinese sister app of TikTok, is the largest short video app in China. However, it faces fierce competition from a rival to be reckoned with in China.

Kuaishou, backed by Tencent, currently ranks second among short video platforms in China. It recently went public, raising $ 5.4 billion in Hong Kong and becoming the world’s largest IPO in more than a year. After the IPO, its shares nearly tripled from its original price, taking its market value from $ 61 billion to $ 160 billion. From the IPO price of HKD 115 ($ 14.80), the share price has skyrocketed to HKD 320.20.

On the other hand, ByteDance had an average of 426.2 million active users per day between the first and the third quarter of 2020. Each of the users spent an average of 92.2 minutes each day on the platform. By comparison, Kuaishou had an average of 275.9 million daily active users who spent 88.3 minutes each day.

According to eMarketer, penetration of US users on TikTok increased from 17.3% in 2019 to 31.1% in 2020. It is expected to increase to 34.2% in 2021, reaching 39.3% in 2024.

By then, it is expected to be as popular as its rival Snapchat, whose growth is expected to stagnate. On the other hand, Instagram is expected to increase its user penetration from 53.9% in 2020 to 54.9% in 2021. By 2024, it is estimated at 57.5%.

Xbox Closes Gap But Playstation Still More Popular – 57.54% of Market Share

2021 marks the 20th year since the console war began between Sony and Microsoft and the competition does not look like slowing any time soon. Microsoft’s Xbox has done well to challenge Sony’s PlayStation’s established claim to the console thrown.

However, according to data presented by Safe Betting Sites, while Xbox has closed the gap to the Playstation, Sony’s console still holds a 57.54% share of the market.

Sony and Xbox Games Strategies Diverge As Cloud Streaming Shapes Future Platforms BrandspurngSony and Xbox Games Strategies Diverge As Cloud Streaming Shapes Future Platforms Brandspurng

PlayStation Vs Xbox a Rivalry for the Ages

The rivalry between Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox started in 2001 when Microsoft released the first version of their Xbox. Sony’s PlayStation as we know it today was first officially released in December of 1994, in Japan. It went on to become the leading games console, unseating pioneers Nintendo and eventually dominating the gaming console market.

The Xbox was the first gaming console to really challenge the PlayStation’s claim to the console throne. Since the release of the first Xbox, to many of the subsequent generations of gaming consoles that both franchises have released since then, the PlayStation and Xbox have been locked in a ferocious battle that does not look like ending anytime soon.

PlayStation Operating System Holds Majority of Market Share, but Xbox Closing Gap

As of 2020, both Xbox and Playstation have released several generations of consoles and one way to measure their performance is a look at the market share of each operating system. This means that the data is regardless of which generation the console is from, as long as it identifies with one of the operating systems.

The data indicates that as of 2020, Sony’s PlayStation operating system holds 57.54% of the market share with the Xbox holding a 42.15% share of the market. Nintendo, who are considered pioneers in the industry now only holds .31% of the market share.

While Nike might still enjoy a majority of the market, that gap is now the lowest it has ever been between the two gaming giants. Even more impressive considering in 2012, PlayStation had over 90% share of the console market.

PlayStation 4 Outperforms Xbox One in Lifetime Global Sales

The newest generation of consoles from both companies recently came out in the autumn of 2020, with the release of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. A look back at the numbers from their most recent battle between the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One shows that PlayStation is still the preferred console out-selling its competitor by over 60M units.

As of November 2020, the PlayStation 4 had lifetime unit sales of 114.19M while the Xbox One had a lifetime sales of 48.69M units globally. The Xbox is definitely a legitimate competitor to the PlayStation, but for now, the console throne still belongs to Sony’s PlayStation.

N170m FIRS Contract Fraud: Court Vindicates Zinox, TD Africa Officials


An Abuja High Court has vindicated the long-held position of Zinox Technologies Ltd., and TD Africa, two of Nigeria’s leading technology giants, that its Chairman, Leo Stan Ekeh and its staff, Company Secretary, Barr. Chris Eze Ozims and two others, Shade Oyebode and Charles Adigwe respectively, had no wrongdoing in a long-drawn court case involving a N170m Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) contract.

The court on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, discharged and acquitted the duo of Princess Kama Onyeoma and Chief Onny Igbokwe, partners to Mr. Benjamin Joseph, who were accused of fraudulently executing the N170m contract awarded to Citadel Oracle Concepts, an Ibadan-based ICT firm owned by Joseph.

N170m Firs Contract Fraud: Court Vindicates Zinox, TD Africa Officials

In addition, the sum of N20m was awarded as damages against the complainant, Mr. Joseph, for frivolous and malicious petitioning and prosecution.

In his ruling, the trial judge, Hon. Justice Senchi of the FCT High Court, Abuja, dismissed the case as lacking in merit, adding that the prosecution failed to establish the case of criminal conspiracy, forgery and fraudulent use of Mr. Joseph’s documents as alleged.

Further, the judge acquitted the duo of all four count charges; even as he absolved both defendants, the Kama, a long-time associate of Mr. Joseph, and Chief Igbokwe of the criminal charges levelled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The four-count charges are forgery; false board resolution of Citadel Oracle Concept, with intent to commit fraud and commission of fraud; using the forged documents as genuine and fraudulent use as genuine of the forged board resolution.

Mr. Joseph had petitioned the EFCC, the Police and later the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, alleging that his board resolution and other corporate documents were forged to execute the N170 million FIRS contract without his knowledge, even when he appointed the said Princess Kama to execute the contract on his behalf by issuing her a duly executed Power of Attorney and other corporate documents, all presented to the FIRS.

However, Mr. Joseph had also surprisingly accused top officials of TD Africa and Zinox, including its Chairman, Leo Stan Ekeh, of involvement in the alleged fraud, even when Zinox or Mr. Ekeh had never met or transacted any business with Mr. Joseph.

LSE Corporate Brandspurng LEO STAN EKEH @ 65

Indeed, after winning the contract, Joseph and his partner, Princess Kama had agreed to domicile the FIRS computer supplies transaction worth N170m with Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost tech distribution giant, TD Africa, the biggest HP authorised distributors for funding, with a promise to pay immediately they received payment from the FIRS, with an additional guarantee from Princess Kama’s uncle, Chief Igbokwe as Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd. was not qualified to enjoy credit from TD Africa.

When the FIRS paid for the supplies, Mr. Joseph had allegedly tried to divert the fund but his partner, Princess Kama refused and paid TD Africa the pre-agreed invoice sum of the laptops supplied on credit.

This move apparently saw Mr. Joseph take offence and he started writing all sorts of petitions to blackmail the Zinox Chairman, accusing him and other top officials of TD Africa, including Ozims, Oyebode and Adigwe; as well as Access Bank of criminally conniving to execute the contract without his knowledge.

Court Jails Four Fraudsters In Lagos

However, investigations by the EFCC and the Police had absolved the aforementioned officials of Zinox and TD Africa, with the Commission later charging the staff/representatives of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, Princess Kama and Chief Igbokwe, due to their own internal issues in Charge no. CR/244/2018 before the FCT High Court.

The ruling by Justice Senchi on Wednesday upheld the unflinching position of Zinox and TD Africa, which had repeatedly insisted on the innocence of its officials, especially in the face of a barrage of sponsored media attacks by Mr. Joseph and led by Premium Times, an online news medium.

Recently, the medium had come up with a report claiming that an unsubstantiated Police report had indicted the Zinox Chairman, Ekeh, which had been debunked by the Police Force and on the basis of the same case which Justice Senchi had ruled on Wednesday.

‘‘We are delighted to see justice finally run its course in this long-drawn case,’’ said Reginald Obiakor, a Senior Special Assistant (Legal) to Mr. Ekeh. ‘‘Despite the obviously sponsored attacks and campaign of calumny by Benjamin Joseph and Premium Times, we had remained steadfast in our conviction that Mr. Ekeh, Zinox and TD Africa had no case to answer, as TD had only extended a facility to Citadel and her partners.

This case has caused us quite some embarrassment, especially considering the potential damage to the hard-earned reputation of an industrious/exemplary Nigerian and globally respected digital icon who has enjoyed over 35 successful years in business.

‘‘We wish to thank our local and international partners, friends and well-wishers who have continued to show us support, even when the attacks persisted. This judgment further strengthens our belief in the validity of the courts as the bastion of justice and hope of the downtrodden,’’ he concluded.

China, US, and Japan to hit $98B in Gaming Revenues in 2021, $26B More than Before the Pandemic

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The COVID-19 continues driving an impressive growth of the entire gaming market, with millions of people who turn to console and gaming titles amid the lockdown.

According to data presented by Safe Betting Sites, the combined gaming revenues of China, the United States, and Japan, as the three largest gaming markets globally, are expected to hit $98bn in 2021, $26bn more than before the pandemic.

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Photo by SCREEN POST on Unsplash

Chinese Gaming Industry Surged by 46% Amid Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the globe, people are spending more time and money on games to fill the empty hours of lockdown. According to a Statista survey, the global gaming industry is expected to hit $154.6bn value this year, 2.5 times the music industry revenues and 4.5 times the box office revenues.

As the world’s largest gaming market, China is set to generate the lion’s share of that value. Statistics show that the Chinese gaming revenues are set to reach $49.3bn in 2021, or 46% more compared to pre-COVID-19 figures.

As the market’s largest revenue stream, mobile games are expected to generate $41.4bn in revenue this year or 83% of China’s combined gaming revenues. Online games and download games follow, with $5.6bn and $1.8bn, respectively.

The Statista data also show the number of gamers in China surged by 131.5 million amid the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from 648.4 million in 2019 to 780 million in 2021. The mobile games segment witnessed the most impressive growth, with the number of users jumping from 450 million to 563 million in this period.

US Gaming Revenues Jumped by $7.3B in Two Years

The United States, as the second-largest gaming industry globally, is expected to hit $30.3bn in gaming revenues this year, $7.3bn or 31% more than before the pandemic.

This impressive growth was also fueled by the surge of mobile games. In 2019, the entire segment generated $15.2bn in revenue, with more than 136 million Americans playing mobile games.

Statistics show the US mobile games industry is expected to hit a $20.5bn value this year, with the number of users reaching almost 156 million. The entire video games market in the country is forecast to hit nearly 257 million users this year.

As the third-largest gaming market globally, Japan is forecast to generate $18.2bn in revenue in 2021, a 23% increase in two years. Mobile games are expected to account for almost 70% of that value, or $12.4bn.

However, unlike the other two leading markets, Japan is expected to witness a modest growth in the number of gamers. Last year, 95 million people in the country played video games, up from 88.9 million in 2019. Statistics show this figure is expected to rise to 97.4 million in 2021.