No Room for violent protest, gathering in Lagos – Police

Esan Bolaji
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No Room for violent protest, gathering in Lagos – Police
The Lagos State Police Command has warned against any gathering, procession or protest as some unpatriotic individuals and groups are planning to embark on another destructive and violent #EndSARS protest.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, disclosed that intelligence reports indicated certain individuals and groups had concluded plans to lure unsuspecting Lagosians, especially youths, into planned protests proposed for tomorrow, Monday 7th December, 2020 at designated locations in the State.
No Room for violent protest, gathering in Lagos - Police
While maintaining that the Government of Lagos State, businesses, individuals, security agencies and families still groan from losses and pains of the recent violent #EndSARS protests, the Police cautioned those planning mayhem and violence to desist from such plans as all security agencies will not fold their arms to witness a repeat of violence and anarchy in the State.
The Command also warned parents and guardians to prevent and discourage their children and wards from being lured into any act, gathering or protest capable of causing violence in Lagos.

Reiterating that any unlawful gathering, procession or protest will be suppressed professionally in accordance with the provisions of the law, the Police encouraged all Lagosians engaged in legitimate means of livelihood to go about their lawful businesses, as all hands are on deck to maintain law and order within the length and breadth of Lagos State.

Banky W, Omawumi and Olisa Adibua Share Their Thoughts on Whether Talent Is Enough to Survive In The Entertainment Industry

Esan Bolaji
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Banky W, Omawumi and Olisa Adibua Share Their Thoughts on Whether Talent Is Enough to Survive In The Entertainment Industry

A hot topic on the latest episode of MTN Y’ello Star was “Is talent enough to survive in the entertainment industry?” This was an interesting conversation amongst the judges on the show because budding music artistes tend to believe their vocal prowess is all that is required for a major breakthrough in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

While that may appear to have worked for some exceptional musical stars, the saying “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” comes to mind.

Banky W, Omawumi and Olisa Adibua Share Their Thoughts on Whether Talent Is Enough to Survive In The Entertainment Industry

This point of view was further reiterated when the judges for MTN Y’ello Star music-reality show shared their views during the judges’ chat session.

Show judge, Banky W, an ace musician and record-label owner, seized the opportunity to remind the contestants that it takes more than having a musical talent to succeed in the entertainment space. According to him, “If you are talented, entitled, and not willing to push yourself to get the other things you need to complete that picture, you will not make it.” As a result, he advised the contestants to display the perfect blend of charisma and finesse that is required to thrive within the Nigerian entertainment space.

Popular songstress, Omawumi, and one of Nigeria’s finest radio presenters, Olisa Adibua, also shared this sentiment. They encouraged the finalists to constantly strive for improvement in order to be a force within the four walls of the entertainment industry. This is because it is instrumental in refining the overall stage performance that is required to propel a budding music star to the limelight.

MTN Y’ello Star music reality project is a platform that empowers the musical skills of Nigerian youths while providing them with excellent training aimed at improving their entrepreneurial skills.

MTN Y’ello Star Finalists Down to Ten, As Four Talents Head Home after First Relegation Night

Esan Bolaji
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MTN Y’ello Star Finalists Down to Ten, As Four Talents Head Home after First Relegation Night

This weekend proved to be bittersweet for contestants on the MTN Y’ello Star music reality TV show as four of the show’s finalists had their dreams of winning the debut season cut short, while the rest continued their journey to stardom.

Of the five finalists put up for eviction last week, Rael became the first finalist to be relegated on the show. Dave Willz, Melody, joined her and Uzezi, while G-Isaac who garnered 46% of the votes cast was saved.

MTN Y’ello Star Finalists Down to Ten, As Four Talents Head Home after First Relegation Night

MTN Y’ello Star Finalists Down to Ten, As Four Talents Head Home after First Relegation Night

Before leaving the show, the four relegated finalists had the chance to perform one last time, doing a medley of popular reggae songs. In a rather happy twist, they were all offered the opportunity to stay on and complete their certification program with both the Henley Business School and the Berklee College of Music, which they all accepted.

Reacting to this move, show judge and music superstar Banky W praised MTN for “making sure that empowerment remains key on the show”. He further expressed his delight with the show’s format saying, “It’s not just about winner-takes-all, but about helping this generation (of talents) achieve something and I am proud to be a part of this.”

With eviction proceedings done, each of the remaining 10 finalists performed a reggae song and was rated on a scale of 1 to 10. Jesse Drumz, who was first to perform, scored seven points for his delivery of Lucky Dube’s House of Exile, which Banky W commended as one of his strongest performances so far.

Fay Fay Diamond, who performed next, chose Waje’s ‘I Wish’ and scored 8.3 for a solid rendition, which co-judge Omawumi applauded. Waje had another of her songs, a collaboration with 2baba performed by Freeborn who scored a 9.5, the highest for the night. The rest of the contestants performed songs from Wizkid, Skip Marley, Patoranking and other well-known artistes.

Having had all their previous points cleared, Freeborn and Caesar ended Saturday night top of the leaderboard with 9.5 and 9.3 points respectively while Storm was at the bottom with 5.3 points.

During the eighth episode, which aired on Sunday, November 29, the finalists gave soulful renditions of songs from the likes of Bill Withers, James Brown, Calvin Harris, John Legend and Marvin Gaye. Their performances were scored on a scale of 1 to 20, with Gideon and Freeborn earning the highest scores of 19 points each for their respective performances of ‘Your Smile’ by Tjan and ‘It Must Have Been Love’ by Roxette.

Jesse Drumz who performed ‘Sexual Healing’ by Marvin Gaye scored the least points with 14 points and was joined on the bottom-five list by G-Isaac, Storm, David Garland and the duo of Oiza and Meyi; making it G-Isaac’s second appearance on the eviction list. On the other end, Freeborn and Caesar who gathered the most points from both nights’ performances maintained their top-two spot.

While sharing feedback with the finalists, guest judge Olisa Adibua reminded them that they needed to bring their A-game to every performance, as they were now at the critical stage of the show. Also responding to a question from the show’s host Tobi Bakre about what ensures a music celebrity stays ‘blown’ in the industry, Olisa said there has to be a quality mark that such artistes don’t go below in order to keep their fan base happy.

The show’s bottom five are up for relegation and voting ends on Wednesday by 12 midnight. The evicted finalists would be announced at the next gala show, which will air on Saturday on Urban TV, Soundcity TV, Nigezie and Fashion TV between 6–7 pm.

Darey To Perform Live In Concert At Livespot X-Clusive

Brand Spur
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Darey To Perform Live In Concert At Livespot X-Clusive

Multi-platinum Afro-soul star Darey will be returning to the stage with live performances of his hit songs including songs from his latest EP — Way Home. The revered Nigerian artist will be joining Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Simi and others live on stage at Livespot X-Clusive on December 19 and 20, 2020.

The follow-up to 2015 project Naked, Way Home is a triumphant return that features seven tracks including recent singles ‘Jah Guide Me’, which went to #1 in the Nigerian charts and entered the Top 20 of the UK iTunes Charts, ‘Jojo’, the infectious summer party jam featuring reggae-dancehall artist Patoranking and ‘Show Me Love’, featuring fellow Nigerian star Teni, which has so far garnered over 1.3 million streams across DSPs.

Darey To Perform Live In Concert At Livespot X-Clusive

“I’m excited that I get to do this again and on such a big platform — one I’m building with the fantastic team over at Livespot360. With the love the Way Home EP has gotten over the past few weeks and months, I can’t wait to share the experience live with my fans,” 

Darey explained. “For the first time in a few years, I get to combine my roles as Chief Creative Director of Livespot360 and artist on one stage and I’m beyond elated. Livespot X-Clusive is going to be an exceptional show and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

The son of legendary African jazz musician and entertainer Art Alade, Darey Art Alade aka Darey is a multiple award-winning artist and seasoned live performer who has shared stages with the likes of Beyoncé, Wizkid, Jay Z, Ciara, Cardi B, Burna Boy, Sean Paul, Usher, R Kelly, Akon, Lionel Richie and many more. His rich, diverse back catalogue has racked up millions of record sales and streams, helping him amass a loyal following across Africa and beyond.

Also a creative entrepreneur, Darey is the co-founder of Livespot360, a creative collective responsible for last year’s Livespot X Festival which saw Darey bring Cardi B to Africa for the first time as she headlined across its Lagos and Accra events.

In a company statement, Livespot360 revealed that the conception of Livespot X-Clusive was borne out of a need to end the year most emphatically.

According to CEO, Livespot360, Deola Art Alade, LiveSpot X-Clusive is the entertainment industry’s answer to a most-difficult year, marred by developments that have had striking effects on Nigerians:

“After more than ten months of hardship for so many people, we decided to take up the mantle to ensure Nigerians do not end the year in the same, monotonous fashion. In December, we plan to shake the core of music lovers through this epic concert, and we have acquired the services of the most-loved artists in the country to ensure that.

As expected, this event will be planned with guidelines in place to ensure everyone’s safety, but we guarantee that it will be the most bombastic celebration this year. It will be a celebration we all deserve.”

The live concert will be limited to keep in line with COVID-19 restrictions. Fans and interested parties unable to secure tickets to the physical concert will still be able to watch the show live as Livespot360 also announced it will stream the event live on Livespot Nation.

Livespot X-Clusive is a brainchild of Livespot360, a creative collective of the digital era, unified by a passion for developing disruptive ideas. Combining digital marketing, experiential marketing, advertising, education and entertainment for the Nigerian audience, Livespot constantly pushes the quality and performance bar higher.

Darey To Perform Live In Concert At Livespot X-Clusive

Simi To Perform Live This December For The First Time Since Childbirth

Esan Bolaji
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Simi To Perform Live This December For The First Time Since Childbirth

Multiple award-winning artist, Simi will this December perform live in Lagos for the first time since she had her daughter.

The new mum and newlywed who started her music career as a gospel singer gained much prominence with her hit single Tiff. Simi has since gone on to release three albums, winning several awards and launched her own record label Studio Brat in June 2019.

Simi To Perform Live This December For The First Time Since Childbirth

Simi who will join other superstars like Wizkid, Darey, and Yemi Alade on stage, will be performing her smash hit, Duduke and other new songs from her latest EP, Restless II at Livespot X-Clusive with her band, the Banjos.

In a statement, the singer and songwriter said, 

“I really can’t wait to be on stage again. It’s been a while. And I am excited to perform some of my favourite songs to some of my biggest fans from across the world. Everyone knows how much I enjoy live performances and this one will be no exception.”

This December, Simi is giving her fans the chance to see her perform Live In Concert on the 20th of December at Eko Hotel, Lagos or virtually on Livespot Nation. The physical event which will only be open to a select few due to COVID-19 restrictions will be made available via Livestream on Livespot Nation.

Livespot X-Clusive will be an exciting combination of live performances, music, quality sound, great lighting and fanfare for some of the biggest hits in 2020. The two-day event, scheduled to hold on the 19th and 20th of December, will kick off at 6 pm on both days.

https://brandspurng.com/2019/06/10/basketmouth-ik-osakioduwa-funke-akindele-timini-egbuson-simi-adekunle-gold-tobi-bakre-niniola-and-others-attend-the-falz-experience-2/

Ibadan-Born Billionaire, Harry Akande is dead

Brand Spur
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Ibadan-Born Billionaire, Harry Akande is dead

Harry Ayoade Akande has died at the age of 77. He died on Saturday morning of an undisclosed ‘brief illness’. Harry Akande was born on the 3rd of March 1943 to Pa Joseph Afolabi at Orita Merin, Ibadan and Chief Mrs. Regina Akande of Olagoke family of Oje.

Harry Akande started his educational career from Sacred Heart Nursery School, Idikan, and continued to St. James Primary School in Oke Bola, Ibadan and later to the Abadina School, also in Ibadan.

Ibadan-Born Billionaire, Harry Akande is dead

He was later admitted into Olivet Heights International School in 1957, and records from that institution show that not only was he brilliant in academics, but also very proficient in sports.

Upon leaving Olivet Heights in 1961, he gained admission on a scholastic bursary from abroad into Hampton University; a private university in Hampton, Virginia in the United States of America. Ayoade graduated in 1967 with a degree in Accounting and Finance with the highest honours.

In 1969, Chief Akande obtained his MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg’s Graduate school of Management to become the prestigious school’s first graduate of African ancestry.

Chief Akande was involved in the execution of infrastructural development projects across Africa and the Caribbean to the tune of over $2 billion in the last 20 years, with business activities cutting across computer, aviation, telecommunications, management and petrochemical industries.

In 1970, Chief Akande returned to Nigeria, having filled positions as a financial consultant with KPMG, Peat Marwick and Standard Oil Corporation in the USA.

Chief Harry Akande established AIC Limited and became the president of New African Technical & Electrical Company (NAFTEC); a representative company of General Electric (G.E) America, which subsequently executed the major Gas Turbine Electricity Projects at Ughelli, ljora, and Delta II-IV.

In 1976, his company, Engineering and Power Development Nigeria Limited (EPDN), in association with Balfour Beatty Engineering of UK was established. AIC Limited in conjunction with Wimpey of UK, undertook the Hydroelectric Power Installation & Construction of Oyan dam, and in conjunction with EPDN designed and supervised the Balanga Dam and irrigation scheme in Bauchi in 1980 and 1982 respectively.

Again, his company AIC in conjunction with Costain International was involved in the Osogbo- Ede Water Scheme. It was at the time, the largest water project in Africa at 35mgd capacity.

Among other projects executed by Chief Akande’s company are: The Bauchi Township water supply scheme in 1988, financed by the African Development Bank (ADB) to the tune of $70 million. This project set the precedence for many subsequent schemes. The Benin city and Warri/Effurun 35mgd water supply project in 1989 also financed by the ADB to the tune of $120 million.

AIC in 1991 was appointed to oversee the complete rehabilitation and refurbishment of Nigeria’s National Art Theater. AIC in 1994 appointed consultants for the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ilorin Highway, 136km four-lane dual carriageway, financed by the ADB.

Chief Akande was also associated with the development of the Crystal Palace hotel, a 1,000 bedroom hotel in Nassau, Bahamas as well as Las Cuevas Bay Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago.

Chief Akande was well renowned for turning ideas into reality within and around Africa, Europe and the USA. This has enhanced his reputation among Global Businesses and World Leaders. His ability to lead and execute projects timely is extraordinary.

Chief Akande was the former Chairman of the Board of trustees of All Peoples Party (APP); the second biggest political party in Nigeria. He was the arrowhead of the APP/AD Alliance in 1999.

A patriot of no mean order, Chief Akande was concerned about peace, progress and development of his Fatherland Nigeria. Chief Dr. Harry Ayoade Akande ran for President on the platform of ANPP in 2011. His reputation for initiating projects, sourcing for funds to finance projects and successfully executing projects is second to none.

Chief Akande was married for about 36 years to his wife Chief Mrs. Tolulope Akande, and they have four children, Olumide, Foluke, Atinuke and Olawunmi.

As an active member of his community, Chief Akande was conferred with the honorary chieftaincy title of Agbaoye of Ibadanland in 1979. He is also a highly committed philanthropist and has worked selflessly with AMFAR, International Children Appeal and many other children Charities. In 1987, Chief Akande was selected to receive the outstanding 20 years Alumnus Award from Hampton University, Virginia, USA.

Chief Harry Ayoade Akande was endorsed as the leader of choice in the ANPP across all the geo-political zones, and his pedigree, experience as well as accomplishments over the years show him to be more than suitable to serve our great nation as president.

NSE ASI Revs by 0.72% on Insurance, Oil/Gas Stocks

Brand Spur
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NSE ASI Revs by 0.72% on Insurance, Oil/Gas Stocks
In line with our expectations, investors in the equities market remained bullish, especially on insurance and oil & gas stocks. Hence, the All-Share Index (ASI) increased week-on-week by 72 basis points to close at 35,137.99 points amid positive investor sentiment.

Also, the Nigerian Stock Exchange launched the NSE Growth board in order to further create liquidity in the trading of growth-oriented stocks.

Despite the bullish activity, most sub-sector gauges closed negative, save the NSE Insurance and the NSE Oil/Gas indices which rose by 1.56% and 1.71% to 157.83 points and 220.30 points respectively.

The NSE Banking, NSE Consumer Goods and the NSE Industrial indices fell by 3.13%, 2.78% and 2.21% to 391.38 points, 566.26 points and 1,620.62 points respectively.

Meanwhile, market activity remained weak as total deals, total volume and value further plunged by 25.31%, 7.78% and 1.42% to 23,650 deals, 1.67 billion shares and N25.42 billion respectively.

In the new week, we expect the Lagos bourse to trade sideways as investors key in sell orders ahead of Christmas celebration. Nevertheless, we feel that there may be some pick up of shares by some investors looking to take advantage of the drop in prices.

Red Hat Releases 2021 Global Tech Outlook Survey

Esan Bolaji
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Red Hat Releases 2021 Global Tech Outlook Survey

For the fifth consecutive year, Red Hat has released its annual Global Tech Outlook. This survey of IT leaders covers the top IT challenges and funding priorities for the coming year.

Surveying more than 1,400 IT professionals from July through September (respondents include both Red Hat customers and the broader market globally, mostly from companies with more than £70 million in annual revenue), the report covers the following four key areas: digital transformation, funding priorities, culture and the state of the cloud.

Red Hat Releases 2021 Global Tech Outlook Survey

Key findings include:

Digital transformation

Many companies are accelerating their transformation and optimisation efforts because of the pandemic, although some companies have had to stall their initiatives.

  • 85% of respondents are actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives.
  • Only 5% of organizations surveyed have not yet started their digital transformation or are just beginning.
  • 65% of respondents say that they’re well into their digital transformation efforts, specifically in the “transforming” phase or beyond.
  • Integration issues (27%) are the top barrier to digital transformation, followed by security and compliance (26%), and talent gaps (25%)

Cloud adoption

While most are looking at a hybrid cloud strategy, more customers are also shifting to a multi-cloud strategy.

  • More than a quarter of the respondents (27%) described their cloud strategy as “hybrid cloud” for the next 12 months, with 17% saying they had  a private cloud-first strategy and only 12% planned to standardize on a single public cloud.
  • Use of three or more clouds in the next 12 months is expected to jump significantly, 51% say that they plan to use three or more cloud platforms in the next 12 months.
  • The biggest shifts are in the Latin American and the Asia-Pacific regions, where they plan to at least triple their usage to four or more clouds.

Priorities for next year

  • The top priorities for digital transformation cited by this year’s respondents are innovation (23%), security (19%), user experience (13%) and cost reduction (11%).
  • IT security (45%) is the top IT funding priorities next year, followed by IT and cloud management (39%), cloud infrastructure (34%), optimisation of existing IT (29%) and IT automation (26%).

Culture

  • 27% of respondents say a cultural change is an important part of digital transformation.
  • Only 6% of respondents say evolving their culture is their top priority for digital transformation.

Each year, Red Hat surveys information technology (IT) leaders and decision-makers to learn where they are in their digital transformation journey and what their technology goals and priorities are for the coming year.

Net Inflow Worth N281.10 billion via OMO Create Liquidity Ease.

Cowry Research
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Net Inflow Worth N281.10 billion via OMO Create Liquidity Ease.

In the just concluded week, CBN refinanced only N60 billion of the N341.10 billion treasury bills which matured via the Open Market Operation (OMO). Hence, the net inflow worth N281.10 billion resulted in a boost in financial system liquidity – given the absence of sales of money market instruments.

Thus, NIBOR for 1 month, 3 months and 6 months declined to 0.23% (from 0.25%), 0.27% (from 0.36%) and 0.33% (from 0.42%) respectively. However, NIBOR for overnight funds rose to 6.00% (from 1.04%).

Meanwhile, NITTY moved northwards for most maturities tracked as yields touched ridiculously low levels.

Yields for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months maturities fell to 0.040% (from 0.010%), 0.05% (from 0.03%), 0.28% (from 0.02%) and 0.11% (from 0.09%) respectively.

In the new week, T-bills worth N445.04 billion will mature via the primary and secondary markets which will more than offset the T-bills worth N50.93 billion to be auctioned by CBN via the primary market; viz: 91-day bills worth N4.41 billion, 182-day bills worth N7.82 billion and 364-day bills worth N38.70 billion. We expect the stop rates of the issuances to be flattish as rates have dropped to a ridiculously low level.

Naira Gains against the USD at BDC, Black Markets amid New Forex Policy…

Cowry Research
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Naira Gains against the USD at BDC, Black Markets amid New Forex Policy…

In the just concluded week, Naira gained against the USD at the Bureau De Change (BDC) and parallel (“black”) markets by 4.12% and 4.04% respectively to close at N465/USD and N475/USD respectively amid CBN’s new policy on foreign remittances.

However, the Naira depreciated at the Investors and Exporters Window by 1.22% to close at N395.00/USD.

Naira Gains against the USD at BDC, Black Markets amid New Forex Policy…
REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

Also, NGN/USD depriated by 0.45% to close at N380.69/USD at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market amid weekly injections of USD210 million by CBN into the forex market: USD100 million was allocated to Wholesale Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS), USD55 million was allocated to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and USD55 million was sold for invisible.

Elsewhere, the Naira/USD exchange rate depreciated further for most of the foreign exchange forward contracts: 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months rates rose by 1.87%, 3.13%, 4.09%, 7.02% and 12.29% respectively to close at N397.56/USD, N402.54/USD, N406.35/USD, N417.98 and N439.56/USD respectively. However, the spot rate was flattish at N379.00/USD.

In the new week, we expect Naira/USD to further appreciate at most market segments, especially at the Bureau De Change and parallel (“black”) markets as the new policy from CBN on foreign remittances becomes effective.

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