Single Mother’s Hope Restored as Airtel Saves Infant with Hole in Heart

Esan Bolaji
-
0
Single Mother’s Hope Restored as Airtel Saves Infant with Hole in Heart

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria has fulfilled its promise to save the life of Daniel Akani, a physically impaired child who was diagnosed with atrial septal defect, commonly known as a hole in heart at only 7 months old.

As part of the season 5 of its award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, ‘Touching Lives’, Airtel supported the child’s single mother, Adeola Ayoola with N3, 000, 000 (three million naira) for a surgery to repair the hole in his heart.

Daniel Akani, who also has Down syndrome, was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect after his mother noticed his abnormal breathing rate a few months after birth. The unemployed mother was advised by medical doctors to have the child undergo surgery as well as regular physiotherapy treatment to help manage his physical condition.

Single Mother’s Hope Restored as Airtel Saves Infant with Hole in Heart Brandspurng

The heart-rending story was brought to the attention of Airtel after an acquaintance nominated the mother and child for the telco’s Touching Lives initiative. The story was broadcasted on national TV during an episode of the acclaimed programme and saw Adeola narrate her ordeal, with the indigent mother revealing she had no means to financially support the frail infant.

Airtel promised the family financial support for medical treatment during the episode – the company has since fulfilled this commitment as the child has undergone the surgery and is now hale and hearty. During a recent visit to see the mother and child by the company’s representatives, Adeola expressed profound appreciation for the support, extolling the telecommunications giant for saving her only son’s life.

“Since Airtel’s intervention and subsequent surgery, my son’s physical and mental health has been perfect. He plays heartily now and can do things he usually was unable to. I really can’t describe how grateful I am to Airtel for what they have done.

“Daniel’s health has improved and I just can’t tell you how much that means to me. Thank you, Airtel, for touching our lives”, she stated.

Airtel Touching Lives is an inspiring corporate social responsibility initiative that seeks to offer practical relief, succour, hope, opportunities and credible platforms to liberate and empower the underprivileged, disadvantaged and hard-to-reach persons in the society.

Customers meet farmers supplying Shoprite store farm-fresh produce

Esan Bolaji
-
0
Customers meet farmers supplying Shoprite store farm-fresh produce

Nigerian farmers will have the opportunity to sell their fruit and vegetables directly to Shoprite customers on Saturday, 28 November, as part of the retailer’s ‘Meet the Farmer’ initiative.

Shoprite Adeniran in Lagos will host a fresh produce supplier from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

SHOPRITE Farm Customers meet farmers supplying Shoprite store farm-fresh produce Brandspurng

A large percentage of the fresh fruit and vegetables sold in Shoprite Nigeria’s 25 stores is sourced locally and by hosting these events the retailer gives the farmers the experience of selling in a formal retail setting.

Nwaorisa Chinedu Prosper, the owner of AMET Farm Ventures, has been supplying Shoprite for five years. For him, the most gratifying part remains the interaction with customers. “They were very surprised that the majority of the products available at Shoprite is locally sourced.

Customers meet farmers supplying Shoprite store farm-fresh produce

I’m also grateful for the opportunity to market my business directly to customers. This is particularly good for smaller farmers as it could lead to people from their community buying directly from them in order to save some money,” adds Prosper.

SHOPRITE Farm Customers meet farmers supplying Shoprite store farm-fresh produce Brandspurng

Chinyere Abade, the spokesperson for CSS Global Integrated Farms another participant in Meet the Farmer, recommends that growers participate in initiatives like these because of the invaluable feedback from shoppers, “The customers tell you what’s good about your product and what’s not, so you have a very clear idea where improvements are needed to attract even more customers,” she added.

Here Are The Most Profitable Startups That Will Bring You Big Gains In 2020

Brand Spur
-
0
Here Are The Most Profitable Startups That Will Bring You Big Gains In 2020

As the pace of technological advancement increases, the scope for the evolution of newer start-ups is on the rise. This is a time when enthusiastic entrepreneurs can make their mark and aspire to give a run to their ventures. If you have an idea that you want to turn into a reality, there is a better scope for you now, more than ever!

In the current scenario, the avenue of success is different for each niche. Will your idea catch the attention of venture capitalists and funders? Let us find out.

Here Are The Most Profitable Startups That Will Bring You Big Gains In 2020 Brandspurng

Best Startups Ideas For 2020 Which Will Bring Major Gains

Dropshipping

You could have a brilliant idea on the mind to sell unique products through online platforms. However, the lack of storage space might create a hurdle between you and your dream idea.

This is where the concept of drop shipping emerges! It is a type of eCommerce model which allows you to remain free of any hassle related to the physical handling of different products.

The idea here is to set up an eCommerce platform and market it well enough. You could partner with likely suppliers who would be willing to store and pack the products on your behalf, and later, ship them out to your customers.

Today, numerous dropshipping apps allow you to conduct a quick research on different products, which makes it easier for you to sell them. As an online eCommerce business model, dropshipping is quickly gaining momentum and attention. The biggest advantage of a drop shipping model is that you can carry out your business idea even from one single room.

This way, you can focus on more important features of selling products online, such as customer satisfaction, higher quality goods, and after-sales services.

Video Production

Videos have taken the online world by storm. Today, video content is more viral than one can imagine, making businesses tank their revenue charts.

With the right skills, you can start your very own video editing and production business. You can use video editing software like InVideo to achieve professional-quality video performance to satisfy your clients.

Search Engine Optimization

With some experience in generating backlinks and improving the search engine response of websites, you can begin a start-up, dedicated to performing search engine optimization for your clients. An added bonus is the capability to write content, which can further enhance your potential to provide services to your clients.

Gradually, by working with different clients, you will be able to build a complete portfolio which will further help you grow your business. You can target as many niches as you like and work with them to enhance your skillset while making a name for your start-up.

Virtual Assistant

Kicking off in recent times is the idea to offer virtual assistant service to your customers. From large scale employers to decent individuals, each one requires some assistance with their business tasks on a routine basis. If you have the right organizational skills with you, offering virtual assistant services might be a good business model to evolve.

From answering calls to replying to emails, the scope of work on this front is unlimited. You will find ample ways to make revenue out of this venture. Slowly, you may also expand to include more individuals in your network, to carry out the tasks for you. You may even find yourself working on video editing jobs using sophisticated tools, which is quite easy to use.

Personal Shopper

Quite the unconventional idea but with a huge potential to rake in big numbers. All you will need is some quality fashion sense, capable of earning rave reviews from your onlookers.

Personal shopping is a real business model that involves helping your customers find the right options for their dressing persona. The role involves carrying out various duties such as taking stock of your client’s wardrobe, scrounging options, and finding choices to match their style statement.

This is an idea that can be implemented even on a low budget. So, this is a great idea to pursue if you are looking for some amazing start-up ideas.

Meals On The Go!

There is no dearth of people who need to find an option from where they can procure healthy and nutritious food in an instant. With changing lifestyles, people are indeed on the lookout for options such as these, which opens up a great business opportunity for you.

You can start your own business where you can prepare quick meals and offer a service where you provide it to people in your neighbourhood, locality, or even the town itself. You do not really need to make a huge investment in equipping yourself with a huge kitchen to start this business.

You have the option to start your business in a rental kitchen where you can carry out your business for specific hours and days.

Stock Photography

With a talent to capture amazing photos, you are all set to become a photographer, who can capture splendid photographs, capable of catching the eye. The demand for stock photographs is a huge one, opening a wide scope for you to get creative and make money while you are at it.

This is an amazing start-up idea wherein; you will get paid each time someone downloads your pictures. You can open your own website and upload a portfolio of photographs, which you can market to your online audience. Consequently, you will be able to earn money from your customers directly, if they find your pictures worth it.

In Conclusion

With the changing demographics of the start-up scene, it is worthy to explore several unique options that are promising. With the onset of the changes which have occurred in 2020, these business ideas are going to evolve and alter the way people use online services.

Thus, there is a huge scope for upcoming start-ups and ideas to make their mark and earn customer patronage in the present times, more than ever!

Panasonic releases 4K PTZ Camera suitable for shooting live videos

Esan Bolaji
-
0
Panasonic releases 4K PTZ Camera suitable for shooting live videos

Panasonic recently released 4K Integrated PTZ Camera AW-UE100W/K equipped with a range of functions including 4K 60p/50p shooting and 12G-SDI output.

Panasonic releases 4K PTZ Camera suitable for shooting live videos
Panasonic releases 4K PTZ Camera suitable for shooting live videos – www.brandspurng.com

The camera supports a range of video transmission protocols including bandwidth NDI®, which allows low latency transmission of high-quality live video over a single LAN cable, and SRT, which has strong security suitable for unstable network environments. The camera also supports next-generation video production like shooting for live video distribution and FreeD, which can connect to an AR/VR system without an encoder.

The PTZ Camera AW-UE100W/K comes with 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, HDMI and IP output terminals enabling output in various formats, such as 4K 60p/50p. This allows for system construction and operation in a wide range of situations.

“The newest addition to Panasonic’s comprehensive professional PTZ camera lineup with 1 /2.5-type MOS Sensor for professionals as well as amateur shutterbugs wanting to shoot high-quality 4K/UHD 60p videos. It supports direct Broadcast via RTMP/RTMPS. The new camera puts emphasis on advanced picture quality and extensive creative control. This camera provides videographers in the region the ultimate equipment to express their artistic freedom and thrive in their craft in the Middle East,” said Hidetoshi Kaneko, Director and Division Head – System Solutions and Communications Division, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa.

“The newest addition to Panasonic’s comprehensive professional PTZ camera lineup with 1 /2.5-type MOS sensor for professionals as well as amateur shutterbugs wanting to shoot high-quality 4K/UHD 60p videos.” 

How Fragile States Like South Sudan Are Coping With COVID-19

Esan Bolaji
-
0
How Fragile States Like South Sudan Are Coping With COVID-19

On November 11, 2020, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) granted the Republic of South Sudan a $52 million emergency disbursement under the Rapid Credit Facility to help its economy weather the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time this new and still fragile country has received financial support from the IMF.

New IMF Country Focus: How Fragile States Like South Sudan Are Coping With COVID-19
South Sudanese families displaced after Nile River flooding. The effects of the pandemic have added to the country’s massive development needs caused by conflict, floods, locusts and other events. (photo: Denis Dumo/Reuters/Newscom)

Here are four things to know:

  • Fragility has many shapes and forms. South Sudan is emerging from a prolonged civil conflict with a very high human cost. More than half of the South Sudanese population requires urgent food assistance, about 40 percent of the population is internally displaced or live as refugees in neighboring countries. More than 80 percent live below the poverty line. Recently, floods and locusts have further worsened living conditions for millions of South Sudanese. The country has massive development needs, from building basic infrastructure, to developing education and health services, to building institutions. These are difficult challenges for a country that has very limited access to affordable financing.
  • The COVID-19 crisis is more than a health crisis. People in South Sudan have suffered illness and death from the pandemic, although the toll is difficult to fully assess, given limited testing capacity. Beyond the impact on health, South Sudan has also been hit hard by the sharp decline in oil prices during the pandemic. Proceeds from oil exports account for 97 percent of exports and a large share of budget revenue, further compressing the already limited space for fiscal policy action. The exchange rate is depreciating, contributing to higher inflation. Financial support from the IMF is providing much needed breathing room and reducing the economic and social cost of adjusting the economy toward a sustainable path.

New IMF Country Focus: How Fragile States Like South Sudan Are Coping With COVID-19

  • A recent push for economic reforms. South Sudan would benefit from diversifying its economy away from oil. Accomplishing this will require large investments in infrastructure, human development, and stronger institutions. Donor support is largely focused on humanitarian operations. Attracting more financing for development requires additional reforms. More effective institutions for public financial management are a high priority, and the authorities have embarked on this reform in line with their commitments under the 2018 peace agreement. The authorities are also charting a fiscal course that maintains debt sustainability, fosters economic growth, and provides for peace-building and social spending. These steps, together with commitments to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of IMF resources, helped unlock the first IMF funding for the country.
  • IMF help has multiple components: funding from the newly approved Rapid Credit Facility, capacity development, and policy advice. The Rapid Credit Facility provides emergency financing to deal with the most acute challenges of the crisis. At the same time, the IMF is providing technical assistance to help with modernizing the institutions necessary for public financial management, focusing first on budget planning, cash management, and the establishment of a treasury single account. In South Sudan as in other countries, to avoid overwhelming stretched capacities, reforms need to be incremental, prioritised and focused.

Equities Market Closed Bearish…Investors lost N470bn Last Week

PFI Capital
-
0
Equities Market Closed Bearish…Investors lost N470bn Last Week
Local bourse contracted last week after a significant bullish momentum in the preceding week. With the loss on all the 5 trading days of the week, the All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 2.57% WoW to close at 34,136.82 while market capitalizations shed N470.61bn to settle at N17.84tn. Consequently, the year-to-date (YtD) performance moderated to +27.18%.

Market breadth, a measure of Investors’ sentiment declined from 5.75x to 0.30x as 21 stocks advanced while 69 stocks declined last week. BOCGAS (+39.88%), TRIPPLEG (+19.57%) and NEM(+17.27%) were the top market gainers while CORONATION (-21.51%), OANDO (-19.75%) AND JAPAULOIL(-18.18%) top the losers chart.

Market activity level waned as the value of transaction traded declined by -38.89% while volume advanced by 152.77% majorly as a result of an off-market transaction in the shares of UACPROP on Tuesday. Trading in the shares of UAC- Property Development Company Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc accounted for 9.259 billion shares worth N6.639 billion in 1,958 deals, contributing 81.22% and 18.50% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Equities Market Closed Bearish...Investors lost N470bn Last Week

Outlook for the week 

In reaction to the GDP and inflation report last week and investors response to the banking stocks financial results. We expect the extension of the bearish sentiment to the new week as repricing continues.

Equities Market Closed Bearish...Investors lost N470bn Last Week

Nigerian Fixed Income Market

The bonds market traded on a mixed note as yield advanced on short term instrument while that of medium and long term maturities compressed. Notably, the yield on FGN bond JUL-2021 advanced by 26.21% to close at 0.23% while that of JUL-2030 compressed by 6.52%% to settle at 4.39%.

From the bond primary auction held on 18th November 2020, CBN offered N40.00 bn for each of the 14 years and 24 years FGN bond. The auction however witnessed heavy subscription with a bid to cover ratio of 2.19 and 2.43 respectively. All bid awarded at (Price/yield) settled at 176.14 and 152.40.

Global Market

The US S&P 500 and Dow Jones indices both declined by 0.73% and 0.77% following higher reported cases of COVID-19. Other global stocks however advanced marginally as German Dax and UK FTSE advanced by 0.46% and 0.56% while French CAC and Japan NIKKEI both advanced by 2.14% and 0.56% respectively. Pressure from increasing cases of COVID-19 and new lockdowns across cities in Europe are expected to moderate the mood of the markets this week.

Trump administration set to escalate tensions with China as term ends

Esan Bolaji
-
0
Trump administration set to escalate tensions with China as term ends

The trade war with China and other trading partners has been a hallmark of Trump’s presidency. Now, the administration is looking to escalate the tech war with the world’s second-largest economy by reportedly planning to ban exports to 89 Chinese companies.

In its latest salvo directed at China, the Trump administration is planning to ban US companies from selling technology to 89 Chinese firms according to a Reuters report. The companies in the list allegedly have ties to the Chinese military.

Trump administration set to escalate tensions with China as term ends
Trump administration set to escalate tensions with China as term ends – www.brandspurng.com
Trump administration targets China yet again

Among these companies are Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) along with its 10 affiliates. While China currently relies on aircraft imports from Boeing and Airbus, it is trying to scale up its manufacturing capacity in the area. It is part of the country’s Made in China 2025 programme, under which it is trying to steer away to high-end manufacturing and focus on industries like advanced robotics, aviation, and electric vehicles. The country wants to shed its image of being a producer of low-cost goods and move up the value chain.

However, China’s plans have received a jolt from the Trump administration, which has targeted Chinese tech companies and blocked their access to high-end US technology

US-China relations have gone south under Trump’s presidency

US-China relations have nosedived to multi-decade lows during Trump’s presidency. The trade war, which reached its peak last year, was only one aspect of the bitterness in US-China ties. US support for Hong Kong, its military supplies to Taiwanand other East Asian countries, have added to the distrust between the world’s two largest economies.

The US has already targeted other Chinese companies, focusing on the technology sector and Huawei in particular. It called upon allies to shun Huawei’s 5G gear, citing security concerns. Some countries such as Australia have obliged China by banning Huawei, with the UK acting in similar fashion earlier this year. The Trump administration has also attacked popular video-sharing app TikTok, forcing the company to agree to partner with US companies.

Trump administration also considered delisting of Chinese companies

Earlier this year, the Trump administration was also contemplating delisting of Chinese companies on US tock exchanges. The move came amid the Luckin Coffee accounting scandal. However, despite the Luckin Coffee accounting scandal there remains a strong appetite for Chinese companies among US investors.

The US is still a hot destination for Chinese companies

The IPOs of Chinese electric vehicle makers XPeng Auto and Li Auto received a good response and have surged since the IPO this year. NIO, also known as China’s Tesla, has also issued shares twice this year in the US markets. The number of listings of Chinese companies in US markets in 2020 has risen amid the wider IPO boom in the US markets.

That said, Alibaba-backed Ant Financial, whose IPO was shelved by Chinese regulators earlier this month, had given a miss to US markets and instead opted for a dual listing in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

US-China relations under a Biden administration

Although President Trump hasn’t conceded defeat yet, Joe Biden will be inaugurated next year. But markets are still wondering how US-China ties will fare under a Biden administration.

A business survey released last week showed that more than 60% of US companies were more optimistic about doing business in China after Joe Biden’s election. However, the survey also showed that a third of companies expect US-China trade tensions to continue indefinitely.

To be sure, Biden indicated in August that tariffs would not be his first choice, unlike Trump who weaponised tariffs to achieve policy goals. Contrary to Trump’s claims, the tariffs were not borne by Chinese companies but invariably by US companies and consumers.

Trump administration set to escalate tensions with China as term ends

Biden might not be much soft on China either

US-China relations might not revert back to where they were before Trump’s election anytime soon. There is a recognition in Washington that China is now a bigger adversary than Russia. Biden might take the tariff route like Trump, and his administration is expected to take a hard stance on China on several other fronts.

Unlike Trump, whose administration antagonised friendly countries, Biden is expected to go for a global alliance to rein in China’s behaviour. Looking at recent history, steel is a perfect example, when China had to curb its massive overproduction amid collective pressure from G20 countries. Aluminium is an example of where that cooperation failed and a divided G7 could not force China to change its ways. Chinese aluminium overproduction continues to flood global markets.

Boeing

All said, the Trump administration’s move to ban exports to Chinese aviation companies is negative for companies like General Electric and Honeywell, that could have benefited by supplying goods and technologies to Chinese companies.

The ban on China’s aviation companies accessing US technology might also have an impact on Boeing’s business in China. The company’s 737 Max fleet that was grounded last year received permission to fly in the US last week. The European Union has also indicated that it will allow the model to fly from January next year. However, China, which was the first to ban the 737 Max after two fatal crashes, might play hardball by not giving the model approval to fly.

President-elect Joe Biden might have a lot on his table when it comes to US-China relations. He may have to walk a fine line with China, by on the one hand trying to improve trade relations while on the other also trying to tackle the strategic threat from the world’s rising superpower.

Global Interest in Bitcoin on Google Grows by 108% to 12-Month High

Brand Spur
-
0
Global Interest in Bitcoin on Google Grows by 108% to 12-Month High

Bitcoin continues to have a tremendous year with the asset hitting the highest price level in almost three years. The soaring Bitcoin price can be witnessed in the rising search rate for the keyword ‘Bitcoin’.

Data presented by Stock Apps shows that the global interest in the term ‘Bitcoin’ has soared by 112.76% on a year-to-date basis. By the week ending November 15, 2020, the term recorded a peak popularity of 100. A year ago, interest stood at 47. Nigeria has attracted the largest interest with a peak of 100 points while Kenya is tenth at 25 points.

The research also overviewed interest in the keyword Bitcoin from the United States over the same period. The interest has surged by 138.09%  year-over-year. The week ending November 15, 2020, recorded the peak popularity of 100. Nevada recorded the largest search volume at the peak of 100. The United States Bitcoin search trend largely correlates with the global graph.

Global Interest in Bitcoin on Google Grows by 108% to 12-Month High

Global Interest in Bitcoin on Google Grows by 108% to 12-Month High

Global Interest in Bitcoin on Google Grows by 108% to 12-Month High

Bitcoin price surge attracts more attention from potential investors

The Google search platform records topics with the most interest globally. The points represent the search interest relative to the highest point on the chart for the given region and time. A value of 100 is the peak popularity for the term.

The surge in searches correlates with Bitcoin’s continued interest from investors as well as a soaring value. Over the last two months, the asset has been growing in value at a similar pace recorded in 2017 when it hit its all-time price of $20,000. By press time, the asset was trading at $18,697. Notably, Bitcoin has recorded a growth of 225% from lows recorded early this year.

The skyrocketing Bitcoin searches can also be linked to the Fear of Missing Out as the prices hit new levels. Most people want to know more about Bitcoin, how to invest in it, and the risks involved. This has led to an increase in the adoption of the asset with data indicating that new Bitcoin addresses are increasing.

The data shows that Nigeria holds the highest searches for the keyword Bitcoin. The high interest coincides with a period the Nigerian economy has been struggling. The country’s currency has been weakening significantly forcing many people to look for alternative sources of value. Notably, the Nigerian economy has gone into two recessions within four years.

Like Nigeria, more people are interested in exploring Bitcoin’s promise of an alternative source of wealth in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has triggered a global recession for most economies. Most, importantly, Bitcoin has remained resilient than traditional stocks alongside precious metals like Gold. Digital currency is now viewed as an alternative driving adoption.

Institutions boosting Bitcoin’s confidence

The Bitcoin popularity in the US can also be linked to the alternative source of wealth aspect. The country’s economy plunged considerably this year, forcing more people to seek alternatives. This was a move away from the 2009 financial crisis. Notably, Bitcoin’s decentralization feature has been appealing to most Americans.

As the data, indicates, the search almost hit the peak at 97 in May around the halving of Bitcoin. The asset underwent halving on May 11 when the mining reward was cut into two. Historically, the halving event leads to a spike in the price of digital assets, although circumstances vary. There was speculation that Bitcoin might embark on another all-time high. Most people were interested in observing the price movement.

It is worth mentioning that Bitcoin’s current attention has been accelerated by interest from institutions. Institutions have been credited with leading to the price surge, unlike in 2017 when the ICO frenzy and retail investors were driving a price surge. The institutional investment shows trust in the digital asset from a significant place of power and publicity in the media.

Large mainstream companies investing in Bitcoin forges the path for other high-net-worth individuals and smaller businesses to do the same. Recently, digital payment platform PayPal announced the upcoming support for Bitcoin, a move attributed mostly to the price surge.

HEADLINES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED FROM BRAND SPUR

5000 BPD Modular Refinery Set for Commissioning in Imo

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva will commission a 5,000 barrels per day (BPD) modular refinery located in Ibigwe, Imo State on 24 November 2020.

Nigerian Born British Tinuke’s Orbit breaks two new records for Guinness World Record Day 2020

Professional roller-skater Nigerian born British Tinuke’s Orbit (aka Tinuke Oyediran), age 27 years has broken the record for most cartwheels on roller skates in one minute with 30 and the most spins on e-skates in one minute with 70 in celebration of Guinness World Records Day 2020.

Gucci Lives at Polo Avenue

Polo Avenue, Nigeria’s foremost luxury fashion destination, has received exclusive rights to retail Gucci Ready-to-Wear clothing in Nigeria. Polo Avenue has so far successfully established itself as the gatekeeper for luxury brands in West Africa.

Seen Star Radler’s Citrus New Look And New Red Fruit Variant? Here’s Why You Should Try It!

Star Radler premium tasting beer has just unleashed the next best antidote for thirst with its double refreshment offering. The flavoured alcoholic beer unveiled its new look and new red fruit variant this October.

How to access the 1 billion tourism fund

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has designed an eligibility form for the 1 billion seed capital released by the Lagos State government in order for interested practitioners to have access to the fund.

Online trading becoming more attractive in Africa

While the International Monetary Fund acknowledges the damaging recession effects of Covid-19 in Africa the economic outlook for the continent remains optimistic, as the introduction of technologies brings with it accessibility and exposure to economic and personal finance possibilities.

Here are the world’s top 10 most expensive cities after Covid-19 shuffles ranking

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) index, which this year reports the prices of 138 goods and services in about 130 major cities as at September 2020, has risen by just 0.3 points on average over the past year.

EFCC Arraigns Communication Trends’ CEO/Chairman for Broadcast Rights Violation in Uyo

Esan Bolaji
-
0
EFCC Arraigns Communication Trends’ CEO/Chairman for Broadcast Rights Violation in Uyo

The Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, November 19, 2020, arraigned Uzoma Udemba, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Communication Trends Limited on a three-count charge bordering on copyright infringement before Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

EFCC Arraigns Communication Trends' CEO/Chairman for Broadcast Rights Violation in Uyo
EFCC Arraigns Communication Trends’ CEO/Chairman for Broadcast Rights Violation in Uyo – www.brandspurng.com

Udemba, a pay television operator, was arraigned alongside his company, Communication Trends Limited and Samuel Onyeanuforo for allegedly broadcasting English Premier League matches without the permission of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, the rights owner.

MultiChoice had in 2019 petitioned the EFCC, alleging that Communication Trends Limited had imperilled its investment by illegally relaying EPL matches. It alleged that Communication Trends Limited perpetrated the fraud using MultiChoice decoders, Bien Sports decoders, Canal Plus decoders and other Internet Streaming Protocol (IPTV) devices.

One of the charges against the defendants reads: “That you Communication Trends Limited, Uzoma Udemba (Chairman/ CEO of Communication Trends Limited) and Samuel Onyeanuforo, sometime in August 2019, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did distribute for the purpose of trade an infringing copy of the work of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20 (2) (b) of the Copyright Act Cap 28 Laws of the Federation of Nigerian 2004 and punishable under Section 20 (2) (d) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. In view of their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Nwandu Ukoha prayed the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, and fix a date for trial.

However, the defence counsel, Ifeanyi Idika, informed the court of a pending bail application in favour of his clients and prayed the court to admit the defendants to bail in most liberal terms.

Justice Okeke granted the defendants bail in the sum of N3m each with a surety each in like sum. Each of the sureties must have a landed property within the jurisdiction of court, to be verified by the Registrar of the Court. She ordered that they be remanded at the Correctional Service facility in the state, pending the fulfilment of their bail condition.

The matter was adjourned until January 27, 2021, for trial.

 

The History of Price Comparison Sites and How They Spread Across the World

Esan Bolaji
-
0
The History of Price Comparison Sites and How They Spread Across the World

In 2020, very few of us purchase goods or services without first performing some perfunctory research. The reason behind this is simple: we want to make sure we’re getting the most for our money.  

Thanks to the internet, this is now easier than ever before. No longer are we reliant on recommendations from friends or phoning around for individual quotes. Instead, we can use Google to find retailers, reviews, and price comparison sites that help us assess the various offers out there.

The latter, in particular, can be an invaluable resource, ensuring we never spend more than is necessary, and that we have access to quality and economy combined. But where did the idea behind these sites come from, and how widespread is their usage today?

Origins  

The History of Price Comparison Sites and How They Spread Across the World Brandspurng1
Source: Unsplash

Few people today have heard of a business called BargainFinder, and if they did once know of its existence, most have now forgotten it. However, BargainFinder was an important enterprise. That’s because it’s considered to be the original price comparison company.

Only ever intended as an experiment, according to founder and researcher Bruce Krulwich, BargainFinder was published online in 1995. Controversially, it gave no advance warning to the sites it compared, which did lead to some consternation.

Once the idea was out there, it quickly garnered attention. Consumers showed a marked interest, and a number of markets outside of eCommerce soon caught on. These included, for example, energy providers, with UK-based Uswitch being an early example.

The idea soon spread beyond the western world, and by 2010, price comparison sites were also a feature of emerging markets. While the idea primarily gained a foothold in South-East Asia, a number of African nations embraced it too.

These included Nigeria, which by 2015 had a number of price comparison websites for consumers to choose from, including Bestprices.ng, Expedite, Price Hunter, Price Padi, and Zowasel.

Expanding into other markets

In the beginning, price comparison sites were useful, but could only advise consumers within certain markets, such as eCommerce and energy. However, their soaring popularity soon changed this, with lots of other industries coming to recognize their potential.

Soon, there was a price comparison site for every market out there, from car insurance to mobile phone contracts. Even those looking for investment brokers could compare their options, assessing these on the basis of everything from their overall rating through to their minimum deposit, leverage, and currency pairs.

Topratedforexbrokers.com rigorously analyses and compares different brokers to give you the best option. As a result, consumers were empowered to make much more informed decisions. Topratedforexbrokers.com

No longer did consumers need to know where to shop to find the best offers; these sites performed the legwork on their behalf, collating facts and figures while also including helpful reviews and insights too.

The advent of technology

The History of Price Comparison Sites and How They Spread Across the World Brandspurng1
Source: Unsplash

While price comparison sites have been in existence since 1995, they’ve still improved significantly in recent years. That’s down to technology, which has made them more comprehensive, capable, and helpful than ever before.

Using a mixture of information extraction, fuzzy logic, and human labour, price comparison sites can now collect data directly from merchants and to update this on a regular basis. This means the figures they show are accurate, no matter how often they rise and fall.

Not only has technology helped to improve such services, but it’s made them more accessible too. That’s because more people in Nigeria now have access to smartphones, laptops, and tablets than at any point previously, making it easier to use the internet as a tool for research.

While this may soon be impacted by the current PC supply chain crisis, it has nonetheless contributed to a society in which most people have access to the world wide web and the ability to take advantage of price comparison software.

As a result, we’re now a nation of increasingly savvy shoppers, with Nigeria’s biggest businesses forced to become ever more competitive as a result.

1...2,2012,2022,203...3,955Page 2,202 of 3,955