Sahara Group Celebrates 25 Years Of Global Expansion, Operational Efficiency

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Executive Director, Sahara Group, Temitope Shonubi has said the energy conglomerate’s impressive growth trajectory since 1996 has been driven by knowledge, business integrity, humility, diverse people, and robust global network.

Sahara Group Celebrates 25 Years Of Global Expansion, Operational Efficiency Brandspurng1

“These past 25 years, knowledge has been the empowering tool for Sahara, business integrity our greatest asset, humility our utmost ethos, diverse people and network our greatest value,” he asserted while unveiling Sahara’s 25th anniversary logo and the Group’s plan for the future.

Sahara Group Celebrates 25 Years Of Global Expansion, Operational Efficiency Brandspurng1

Shonubi said Sahara had since disrupted previously held notions that put looking to Africa for the implementation of global energy solutions beyond imagination. According to him, since its inception, Sahara has deployed “transformational energy initiatives” to become a conglomerate with a proud African heritage and vast operations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East Asia.

“Today, the narrative is rapidly changing with Sahara at the vanguard of the transformational story from Africa to the world. Founded in 1996 with an initial focus on Oil trading, Sahara Group is widely regarded as a leading energy conglomerate renowned for championing capacity building and promoting the ‘best in Africa for Africa’ to the world narrative globally,” he affirmed.

Shonubi said Sahara would increase its investment in technology, artificial intelligence, and human capital transformation as critical drivers of its next expansion phase, adding that innovation will define Sahara’s brand positioning and offering In the coming years.

“For us at Sahara, it has been 25 years of instituting a stamp of distinction. Like most start-ups, we were chasers then followers, and today are the dream actualized corporation. It is much more expensive and difficult to be a trailblazer, defying the impossible to emerge as an enterprise that creates value innovatively, responsibly, and sustainably.

Still, at Sahara we are focused on remarkable growth and grateful for the opportunity to serve and bring energy to life across global markets.”

Sahara plans to mark its 25th anniversary with several events and activities all through 2021 with the theme, “Harnessing Safe energy today.” Emphasis will be on promoting the “capacity to do and achieve positive and sustainable transformation” in the energy sector.

An analysis of Sahara’s operational model shows that creating a sustainable economic, social, and governance impact has remained central to Sahara’s corporate strategy. The conglomerate has grown its operations to achieve annual revenues in excess of $10 billion, with over 4000 employees and operations in over 40 countries.

“Sahara’s focus is on continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and sustainability. We plan to deploy best-in-class Terminal Automation System (TAS) for efficient terminal operations in the oil & gas sector, Plant Data Visualization System (PDVS) for enhanced remote monitoring of plant operations, Customer Energy Management (CEM), and GIS-based Network Monitoring System (GNMS) for customer-centric power distribution & data management services,” said Shonubi.

The Group considers the activities of the Sahara Foundation as one of its most cherished accomplishments.

Following its initial partnership with the Carter Centre to eradicate guinea worm disease in Nigeria, Sahara Foundation has over the years, emerged as a global promoter of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with over 2,000,000 (two million) beneficiaries across its locations through interventions in Health, Education, Capacity Building, and lately, Extrapreneurship – a concept that promotes opportunities for social innovators and entrepreneurs.

In 2015, the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), through the Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG-F) established the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) as a pivotal platform for business leaders opportunity to contribute to extraordinary social impact and cultivate partnerships of tremendous transformative capacity.

From an initial list of 100 shortlisted global multinational companies, the United Nations SDG-F selected 13 companies and inaugurated them in Madrid. Within the African continent, Sahara Group was one of the only two companies that made the final selection.

In line with its commitment to supporting growing global demand for safe and clean energy and the shift towards a lower carbon footprint, Sahara and the UNDP in 2019 entered into a partnership to promote access to clean and affordable energy in Africa, with a target of providing access to clean and affordable energy to over 650 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Sahara Group remains passionate about green energy and environmental conservation. Our Green Life project, aimed at driving energy and ecological conservation initiatives across our business operations and partnerships, saw the Group pioneer the commencement of an electronic billing system (e-billing) at Ikeja Electric Plc, the Group’s power distribution arm to promote environmental conservation in the energy sector,” Shonubi said.

To reinforce its commitment to clean energy initiatives, Sahara Group also initiated the use of electric buggies and bicycles at its Egbin Power, Africa’s largest privately-owned Power Plant, with plans to replicate same at other operational facilities across the Group.

Shonubi said Sahara’s zero-waste approach to promoting operational efficiency and commitment to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has seen Egbin Power Plc invest in an oxygen bottling facility on the plant to harness the oxygen generated as a by-product of the plant cooling mechanism.

Egbin Power supplies oxygen, a key ingredient in the fight for life in the ICU, freely to medical facilities in Lagos State and the FCT, Abuja Nigeria, through Fortitude Children’s home, the largest orphanage in Nigeria.

Sahara’s Covid-19 interventions also include donation of personal protective equipment (PPE), driving Covid-19 awareness and education in sub-Saharan Africa through educational literature in indigenous languages across various countries and leading the delivery of the 300-bed Thisday Dome Isolation and Treatment Centre and donation of medical equipment, including fully equipped world-class Intensive Care Units, to the centre and other medical facilities across Nigeria.

ILO and LinkedIn launch data insights partnership

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The International Labour Organization (ILO), the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and LinkedIn have launched a two-year partnership.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)  and LinkedIn have launched a two-year data insights partnership that aims to improve government decision-making, promote green jobs and build the capacities of governments to identify and provide training opportunities.

ILO and LinkedIn launch data insights partnership

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ILO and LinkedIn on 15 January 2021, the partners hope to support the development of deep, cross-sector partnerships that benefit governments, the private sector, employers’ and workers’ organizations and civil society organizations.

This partnership also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  and meeting the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The transition to green, low-carbon and resource-efficient economies will bring a massive transformation in labour markets. More and better jobs linked to relevant skills acquisition, can be created if we better understand the demand and supply of labour in emerging green sectors.”

Vic Van Vuuren, Director of the Enterprises Department, ILO and Chair of the PAGE Management Board

LinkedIn’s real-time view into the global labour market will enable partners to leverage its insights into the skills, jobs and occupations that are quickly rising in demand. For example, LinkedIn’s granular, skills-based understanding of green jobs will also detect emerging trends by analysing occupations whose titles may not identify them in a traditional “green” role but are increasingly reliant upon green skills.

Complementary LinkedIn data on hiring trends by gender and region will also provide unique insights into the world of work.

As we continue the road to economic recovery, it’s even more important for people in transition to have access to adequate re-skilling opportunities and employment in low-carbon and climate-resilient jobs. We’re committed to sharing our real-time view into green jobs and green skills with leaders as they shape future workforce investments.”

Karin Kimbrough, Chief Economist at LinkedIn

Thanks to its MoU with the ILO, these data can now help inform policy recommendations as well as further research and analysis, with a particular focus on supporting governments to transition to green economies within the context of PAGE’s work on green jobs as well as helping governments and labour market institutions become more responsive to the needs of workers and employers through the promotion of targeted skills training.

The LinkedIn-ILO partnership also welcomes the strategic collaboration of UNEP  and UNITAR, whose complementary mandates and expertise will help translate rich labour-related data insights into informed policies and practical capacity-building activities.

MoneyGram Expands Real-Time Digital P2P Payments with Visa Direct through New Checkout.com Partnership

Customers can use the MoneyGram website or leading mobile app to send money in near real-time to Visa debit cardholders across 575 corridors from 25 countries in Europe

MoneyGram International, Inc., a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers, today announced the expansion of its Visa debit card deposit service across Europe.

The expansion has launched in collaboration with Checkout.com, a leading global payment solution provider, utilizing Visa Direct, Visa’s real-time push payments platform.

MoneyGram Phone App

MoneyGram customers can now use the Company’s website or leading mobile app to send money in near real-time to Visa debit cardholders across 575 corridors from 25 countries in Europe.

“Our strategic partnerships have enabled MoneyGram to create the world’s leading network, and this expansion is another milestone on our journey to lead the evolution of digital P2P payments,” said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and CEO.

Digital Transactions Soar Over the Holidays as MoneyGram Reports Record Online Growth Brandspurng

“Consumer demand for real-time payments directly to a bank account and mobile wallets continue to surge. As a result, we’re excited to integrate with a leading fintech, Checkout.com, and continue to expand our partnership with Visa Direct. We’re already seeing significant customer adoption, and we expect it to help contribute to strong digital growth in the European market this year.”

In 2019, MoneyGram was the first organization in the industry to enable cross-border transfers from the United States using Visa Direct. Since then, MoneyGram has continued to build on its established relationship with Visa and the multiple advantages the service brings for its customers, including speed, convenience, affordability and choice.

“We are excited to partner with MoneyGram to bring low-cost, real-time, transparent payouts to their consumers and help power their global digital P2P momentum,” said Guillaume Pousaz, CEO & Founder at Checkout.com.

“As Visa accelerates the availability of Visa Direct to merchants in Europe, Checkout.com is proud to power fintech and merchants alike, helping to unlock the potential of the cross-border payments opportunity, through our cloud-based enterprise Connected Payments platform.”

This new service is a huge milestone for the remittance industry in Europe which is one of the largest send markets.

“Now more than ever, consumers have a vital need to access fast, simple and secure ways to move money across borders to support their friends and family overseas,” said Nicky Alexander, Head of Visa Direct, Europe. “We look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship with MoneyGram as we make this possible through real-time payments to more people around the world.”

MoneyGram is a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers. Its consumer-centric capabilities enable family and friends to quickly and affordably send money in more than 200 countries and territories, with 89 now digitally enabled.

MoneyGram leverages its modern, mobile, and API-driven platform and collaborates with the world’s leading brands to serve millions of people each year through both its walk-in business and its direct-to-consumer digital business.

$85.8m ‘Debt’: Appeal Court Unseals Seplat Petroleum’s Offices

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Seplat announces that the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has today suspended the Order of Interlocutory Injunctions made by the Lagos Federal High Court that led to the sealing of Seplat’s Corporate Head Office situated in a building located at 16A Temple Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, a building which is not owned by Seplat. The Court suspended the Order, upholding Seplat’s application.

On 2nd December 2020, the building in which Seplat’s Corporate Head Office is located was sealed in connection with a court case concerning an outstanding loan to Access Bank Plc by Cardinal Drilling Services Limited (“Cardinal Drilling”), a third-party providing drilling services to Seplat.

Seplat Revenue declined by 10.7% to N136bn in Q3 2020 Results Brandspurng

Seplat is not a party to the loan agreement, security agreement or guarantees made by or on behalf of Cardinal Drilling to Access Bank Plc., and did not provide any commitments or guarantees in respect of Cardinal Drilling’s loan obligations to Access Bank Plc.

Today’s decision by the Court of Appeal demonstrates the strength of Seplat’s case. Seplat will continue to vigorously defend itself against its unmerited inclusion in the court action by Access Bank Plc.

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc is a leading indigenous Nigerian energy company with a strategic focus on Nigeria, listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) (LSE:SEPL) and Nigerian Stock Exchange (“NSE”) (NSE:SEPLAT).

Seplat is pursuing a Nigeria focused growth strategy and is well-positioned to participate in future divestment programmes by the international oil companies, farm-in opportunities and future licensing rounds.

Majority Optimistic About Tech in 2021, But Health, Jobs and Environment Top Personal Risk List

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Geneva, Switzerland, 22 January 2021 — A new World Economic Forum/Ipsos survey found most adults are optimistic about accessing technology, digital tools and training in the next 12 months, but have serious concerns about the state of the climate, job market and global health.

These findings ahead of the Davos Agenda week highlight the importance of leaders across the public and private sectors coming together to address the changes needed in a crucial year ahead.

Majority Optimistic About Tech in 2021, But Health, Jobs and Environment Top Personal Risk List brandspurng

According to the survey, the percentage of those expecting the availability of digital tools and technology to improve in 2021 exceeds the percentage of those who think it will get worse across geographies.

This is most of all the case in Saudi Arabia (by 57 points), Peru (55 points), and India (48 points). Italy is the only country where, while the proportion of optimists is greater than that of pessimists by 3 points, the difference is not statistically significant.

Majority Optimistic About Tech in 2021, But Health, Jobs and Environment Top Personal Risk List brandspurng

Significantly larger proportions of people expect opportunities for training and education to improve in 2021 than to get worse in 12 countries — most of all in Saudi Arabia (by 45 points), Peru (44 points), Mexico (36 points), and China (36 points).

However, there are global concerns with deteriorating health, loss of income or employment, and more frequent weather-related natural disasters – each perceived as a real threat by three out of five adults across the world.

Pessimists outnumber optimists on the other five issues measured: The pace of climate change (by 20 points); Employment opportunities (by 15 points); General health conditions (by 5 points); Inequality (by 4 points), and Relations between one’s country and other countries (by 2 points).

Majority Optimistic About Tech in 2021, But Health, Jobs and Environment Top Personal Risk List brandspurng1

he pandemic has accelerated systemic changes that were apparent before its inception. The fault lines that emerged in 2020 now appear as critical crossroads in 2021. The Davos Agenda will help leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery over the next year.

In regards to the Davos Agenda, Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum said:

“In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to reset priorities and the urgency to reform systems have been growing stronger around the world. Rebuilding trust and increasing global cooperation are crucial to fostering innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery.

This unique meeting will be an opportunity for leaders to outline their vision and address the most important issues of our time, such as the need to accelerate job creation and to protect the environment.”

These are the results of a 28-country survey conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform. Ipsos interviewed a total of 23,004 adults aged 18-74 in United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey, 21-74 in Singapore, and 16-74 in 22 other countries between Wednesday, December 23, 2020, and Friday, January 8, 2021.

Where results do not sum to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be +/-1 more/less than the actual, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses or the exclusion of don’t know or not stated responses

Ipsos is the world’s third-largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD)

Bears Dominated Proceedings in the Equities Market this Week

Equities market closed the week on a bearish note with selloffs witnessed across major tickers. The benchmark All Share Index (ASI) declined by 24bps to close at 41,001.99 with market capitalization losing N50.83bn to settle at N21.45tn. In summary, the Year-to-Date (YtD) performance moderated to 1.82%.

Performance across sectors was bearish with all the sectors under coverage closing in the negative region.

Bears Dominated Proceedings in the Equities Market this Week Brandspurng

The Insurance, banking and consumer goods indices went down by 7.93%, 0.17% and 0.30% due to negative sentiments in MBENEFIT (-10.00%), NIGERIN (-10.00%), UBA(-2.79%) and PZ(-1.75%). Similarly, the industrial and oil & gas indices declined by 0.50% and 0.29% on the back of selloffs in WAPCO(-6.98%) and JAPAULGOLD (-9.52%).

Investors’ sentiment was also negative as 21 stocks advanced while 33 stocks declined to indicate a 0.64x market breadth.  Market activity level slows down as both volume and value of transaction declined by 47.26% and 20.72% respectively.

Fixed Income Market

The bond market continued on a muted note with yield remaining stable across different maturities. Notably, the yield on the FGN-JUL-2030 closed at 8.38.

Treasury bills market traded on a mixed note as yield advanced to 0.30% and 1.17% on the 91-day and 364-day maturities while that of 180-day maturities remained stable at 0.45% OBB and OVN rate increases by 9.00% and 9.42% to settle at 10.00% and 10.50% respectively.

Market Snapshot

  • Bears Dominated Proceedings in the Equities Market…ASI lost 42bps this week
  • The bond market traded on a muted note as yield maintain stability across maturities
  • U.S. Stocks Pare Losses on Solid Economic Data
  • Oil Tumbles With Spread of Demand Pessimism and Firmer Dollar
  • Naira lost N2 against the USD at the  parallel market to close at N477/$

Joeboy Announces Debut Album, ‘Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic’

Looks like Joeboy is going to be the first mainstream artist to drop an album this year. Joeboy has announced his debut album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, with a video for new song “Lonely.”

Joeboy Announces Debut Album, ‘Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic’ Brandspurng

The video was shot in Lagos by Nigerian director Adetula “KingTula” Adebowale. The album is due out February 4 via Banku/emPawa Africa. Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic follows his 2019 EP Love and Light.

TNT Africa muscles up with exciting channel refresh for 2021

Modern and sleek logo, new wrestling show and fresh content on the cards…

[Johannesburg, SA]:  As of 1 February, TNT Africa, home of the best contemporary and Hollywood blockbusters, will be revealing its 2021 channel refresh packed with an exciting slate of tailor-made shows and content that will keep African audiences glued to their screens. With this move, the channel aims to emphasise its commitment to delivering relevant and exciting programming to African fans!

TNT Africa muscles up with exciting channel refresh for 2021 Brandspurng

As part of the refresh, TNT Africa will debut AEW DYNAMITE, the weekly flagship show from All Elite Wrestling, the new professional wrestling league that is taking the world by storm. The launch kicks off on Friday, 5 February, at 13h20 (CAT) with the first five episodes of the new season.

Then, every Friday night, during prime time at 20h00 (CAT), the channel will premiere the recent high-octane matches, two days after the US premiere, and after that repeated twice throughout the week.

AEW offers an alternative to mainstream wrestling with a roster of world-class talent offering TNT Africa viewers a spectacular weekly wrestling programme jam-packed with action and the unexpected.

TNT Africa’s exciting content line up and brand-new, refreshed look are a perfect fit for the channel’s move towards being more powerful and modern. This is aligned with the global look of the channel – that people from all over the globe can recognise.

TNT Africa will continue to launch their exclusive, brand-new, TNT Original Movies on the channel on the first Thursday of every month. These include a wide range of mainstream entertainment genres, featuring renowned, and rising international stars! The month of February will kick off with, Straight Up, a romantic movie from writer, director and star James Sweeney.

As part of the fresh, entertainment-filled offering, TNT has an exciting line-up of the very best action-driven, pulse-raising slate, mixed with romantic gems and hilarious comedies including titles like Splash and the Best Man Holiday to experience the accidental side of love on Valentine’s Day; great channel premiers such as Crank High Voltage and Point Break in February’s Adrenaline Rush stunt; Malcolm X and Just Cause will help us fight for our rights on Human Rights Day; and in April you can celebrate the Oscars with Academy Award-winning titles such as E.T and Gladiator.

“TNT is excited to usher in a new era in entertainment that is attuned to our audience needs and appetite. Despite how far we’ve come, we remain steadfastly dedicated to giving our African audience premium content, and the launch of AEW DYNAMITE and the channel refresh bear testament of this,” says Guillermo Farré, Head of the WarnerMedia General Entertainment channels across France, Iberia and Africa.

Founded by CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan, AEW is a new professional wrestling league headlined by Cody & Brandi Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson), Chris Jericho, Sting, Hangman Page and Jon Moxley.

For the first time in many years, AEW is offering an alternative to mainstream wrestling, with a roster of world-class talent that is injecting new spirit, freshness and energy to the industry.  The inaugural event under the AEW banner was the sold-out DOUBLE OR NOTHING pay-per-view in Las Vegas in May 2019.

Sonnie Ayere Recognised As ECOWAS Icon Of Societal Development

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22ND January, Lagos – The West Africa Youth Council has recognized Nigeria’s Sonnie Ayere as the winner of the ECOWAS Icon of Societal Development for his outstanding humanitarian work and exemplary career as a distinguished financial economist. This award was presented under the African Man of the Year with Nelson Mandela Leadership Award for Excellence & Integrity category. 

Mr. Ayere was honoured for playing a crucial pioneering role in transforming Nigeria’s bond markets, investment banking landscape and building a financial firm that facilitates multibillion naira transactions and deals.

In addition, the award committee acknowledged his part in contributing to societal development with achievements in youth empowerment, through chairing Unique Group of Schools.

Sonnie Ayere is the Group Managing Director at DLM Capital Group, one of Nigeria’s top financial powerhouse with diverse business interests in Corporate, Consumer and Investment Banking, Asset Management, Securities, Trustee and Nominees.  

According to the West African Youth Council awards committee, the recognition given to Mr. Ayere,

“is in lieu of his great work as a successful investment banker par excellence and a distinguished financial economist of note with achievements in youth empowerment and development and his leadership dexterity. We recognize his commendable works and humanity as a philanthropist par excellence”. 

Commenting on the award, Sonnie Ayere remarked that the recognition is an honour and source of encouragement to young Africans committed to youth empowerment.

“I am particularly excited that our commitment and contributions at DLM Capital Group to social impact over the years is being recognized and awarded. For our company, real impact and development mean that we have a dedication to match the same focus and intensity for our business with our CSR strategies. We believe that if all corporate entities ignite their energies to some form of societal development, Africa will get ahead in a few years.” 

The West African Youth Council was established as a youth arm of ECOWAS commission in 2014 to serve as the commanding height of all youth movements in West Africa. The Nelson Mandela Leadership Award for Excellence & Integrity celebrates excellence in leadership and character among West African figureheads.

SurveyMonkey to Report Q4 and Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Results on February 11, 2021

Jan. 21, 2021 – SurveyMonkey, a leader in agile software solutions for customer experience, market research, and survey feedback, today announced that it will report the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 financial results for the period ended December 31, 2020, following the close of the market on Thursday, February 11, 2021.

SurveyMonkey Q3 Revenues Up 20% to $95.4 million Brandspurng

On that day management will host a conference call and webcast at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) to discuss the company’s business and financial results.

  • What: SurveyMonkey Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2020 Earnings Conference Call
  • When: Thursday, February 11, 2021
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET)
  • Live Call: (833) 900-1542 or (236) 712-2281, ID: 4386735
  • Live Webcast: https://investor.surveymonkey.com

An archived webcast of the conference call will be accessible on SurveyMonkey’s Investor Relations page, https://investor.surveymonkey.com. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until Thursday, February 18, 2021, and can be accessed by dialling (800) 585-8367 or (416) 621-4642 and entering the passcode 4386735#.

SurveyMonkey is a leader in agile software solutions for customer experience, market research, and survey feedback. The company’s platform empowers over 17 million active users to analyze and act on feedback from employees, customers, website and app users, and market research respondents.