Globacom Partners Eutelsat To Bring Satellite Broadband To Underserved Nigerian Communities

Riot and Epic Games Top Game Publisher Ranking with 3.6B Hours Watched in 2020

Entertainment & Lifestyle

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November 18, 2020

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Riot and Epic Games Top Game Publisher Ranking with 3.6B Hours Watched in 2020

The video game industry giants have thrived in the COVID-19 pandemic, as the stay-at-home measures continue driving the growth of their impressive user base.

According to data presented by Safe Betting Sites, Riot Games and Epic Games, as the two leading video game publishers, hit 3.6bn cumulative streaming hours watched between January and September.

Riot Games Hit 2.35B Streaming Hours Watched Worldwide

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of eSports fans chose online videos to get information about their favorite games. However, the year 2020 delivered new records in time spent watching the gaming titles on the streaming platforms.

Riot Games, as the leading video game publisher globally, hit 2.3bn cumulative streaming hours watched in the nine months of 2020, revealed the Streamlabs and StreamHatchet data.

The Los Angeles-based developer of the global eSports phenomenon League of Legends hit 462.7 million hours watched between January and March. Over the next three months, this figure surged by 144% to more than 1.1bn. In the third quarter of 2020, Riot Games hit 756.7 million hours watched, 265.3 million more than the second-leading Tencent.

Riot Games and Epic Games total hours watched worldwide, from Q1 to Q3 2020 (in millions)

Top 3 streamed games worldwide, in total hours watched, from Q1 2020 to Q3 2020 (in millions)

As the second most-watched video game publisher in 2020, Epic Games hit 1.25bn hours watched between January and September. Statistics show the US video game publisher behind the worldwide gaming phenomenon, Fortnite, had 287.6 million cumulative streaming hours watched in the first quarter of 2020. By the end of March, this figure surged by 87% to 539.5 million. The third quarter of the year delivered a slight decrease, with the combined number of hours watched sliding to 426.9 million. Nevertheless, the figure represents a 48% jump compared to Q1 data.

Top Three Games Hit 3.8B Hours Watched in 2020, League of Legends Tops 1.4B

The StreamHatchet data showed League of Legends was the most popular video game this year. A free-to-play multiplayer tactical first-person shooter developed and published by Riot Games was the most-watched game of Q3, with a sizeable portion of the viewership coming from its esports leagues. Statistics show League of Legends reached over 543 million hours watched in the third quarter of 2020, and almost 1.5bn in nine months.

The Epic Games megahit, Fornite, ranked second with 1.2bn hours watched in this period. Grand Theft Auto V followed with more than 1.1bn cumulative streaming hours.

Statistics show three most-popular video games globally hit 3.8bn hours watched between January and September.

HEADLINES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED FROM BRAND SPUR

Western Digital Expands Flash Portfolio for Scaling Data-Centric Architectures in the Zettabyte Era

Building on a unique and diverse product portfolio across HDD and flash, Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) today announced a suite of new NVMe SSDs for enabling next-generation, data-centric architectures for data centres, industrial IoT, automotive and client applications.

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc: Revenue expansion strengthens in Q3

Dangote Sugar released its 9M’20 financial statements showing remarkable growth in both topline and bottom-line figures. The company’s Q3 revenue grew 55% y/y to ₦57.3 billion, translating to a 9M’20 figure of ₦160.5 billion and a growth rate of 37% y/y (Vetiva estimate: ₦145.3 billion).

ABC Transpo rt Plans N1.4bn Capital Injection

ABC Transport Plc is planning to inject additional capital of N1.4 billion into its operations. The capital would be raised through right issue and bond from existing shareholders and the open market.

NCC Approves e-SIM Trial for MTN, 9mobile

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for two mobile network operators (MNOs), MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile, to carry out trial on the workability of embedded Subscriber Identification Modules (e-SIM) Service in Nigeria.

How NCC Boosted FG’s Revenue By N344.71bn in 5 Years – Danbatta

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has told the House Committee on Telecommunications how the telecoms agency contributed to the revenue drive of the Federal Government by generating and remitting N344.71 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in the last five years.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the urgency for African countries to optimise public revenues from their natural resources

Africa will not meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030. This slow progress derives from resource leakages and increasing poverty rates, as 64.3% of sub-Saharan Africa is still living in multidimensional poverty. While other regions of the world are experiencing rapid poverty reduction, the decline is much slower for sub-Saharan Africa. Human Development Report – 2019.

Top 10 Smartphone Brands Capture 88% Market Share in Q2 2020 as Huawei and Samsung Tie at 20%

Worldwide smartphone sales suffered a hit during the second quarter of 2020, dropping by 20.4%. In total, 294.7 million units were sold during the three-month period compared to 370.3 million units in Q2 2019.

Ogun Govt Releases N500,000 to Trade Associations, Artisan Groups

In a bid to further enhance rapid economic growth in Ogun State as well as ensure the wellbeing of its citizenry, the State Government has released the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira as subvention to Trade Associations and Artisan Groups.

You Should Probably Shut Up At These Critical Times

Talking can help you connect with others, but it can also destroy relationships. Here are some critical times when you should shut your mouth—before you put your foot in it.

Sani Abacha loot – The only guaranteed money back scheme in Nigeria

The late General Sani Abacha was a Nigerian army general and dictator who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998. The Sani Abacha administration period had a boom in the country’s federal exchange reserve from $494 million in 1993 to $9.6 billion by the middle of 1997 and the administration also reduced the external debt of Nigeria from $36billiom in 1993 to $27 billion by 1997.

How to apply for the Youtube Black Voices Fund for Nigerian Artists and Creators

Youtube recently announced that artists and creators from Nigeria can apply for grants from its Black Voices Fund. The global $100m fund will, over the next three years, offer support to Black Artists and creators so they can thrive on Youtube.

Orange collaborates with Smart Africa and announces new investments in Africa to improve the quality of service and data security for end-users

Orange, a platinum member of the Smart Africa Alliance, supports the One Africa Network (OAN) project which has the aim of reducing the cost of communication and keeping the traffic generated and destined for Africa within Africa.

Sony Led the Growing Smartphone Image Sensor Market in H1 2020

The global smartphone Image sensor market led by Sony reached a total revenue of $6.3 billion in H1 2020, according to the Strategy Analytics Handset Component Technologies service report, “Smartphone Image Sensor Market Share Q2 2020: Revenue down by 6 per cent as Sony dominates the market.”

New Special Edition WD_BLACK Drives from Western Digital Enable Gamers to Heed the Call of Duty

Telecom & IT

Esan Bolaji

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November 18, 2020

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Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) is working with Call of Duty to reimagine three high-performance products from the WD_BLACK™ portfolio, bringing gamers three special edition storage drives that encapsulate the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War look and feel with the added bonus of in-game Call of Duty points. These three products include the WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive, WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD and the recently announced WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe™ SSD featuring PCIe® Gen4 technology.

New Special Edition WD_BLACK Drives from Western Digital Enable Gamers to Heed the Call of Duty

“We are excited that this collaboration with Call of Duty gives us the opportunity to bring these limited editions specially designed drives to their passionate fans,” said Jim Welsh, Senior Vice President of Consumer Solutions at Western Digital. “We know gamers are exceptionally serious when it comes to their gameplay, so we created optimised storage solutions that enable them to keep up with the immersive Call of Duty experience.”

“As we’re delivering the next generation of Black Ops to the gaming community, we’re committed to ensuring our fans have the absolute best gaming experience,” said Ander Nickell, Global Director of Brand Partnerships and Integrated Marketing at Activision. “Western Digital’s WD_BLACK brand is made for gamers, and together we believe our fans will be as thrilled as we are about these drives.”

New Special Edition WD_BLACK Drives from Western Digital Enable Gamers to Heed the Call of Duty

The upcoming themed special edition drives include:

WD_BLACK Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Special Edition P10 Game Drive: The WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive is built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their compatible console or PC, by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Free with purchase, gamers will receive a voucher for 1,100 Call of Duty points that can be redeemed for items within the game. This special edition drive will be available in a 2TB model and retails for $109.99 MSRP. For more information on this product, visit the Western Digital store. It is expected to be available for purchase at select Western Digital retailers and e-tailers in early December 2020.

WD_BLACK Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Special Edition P50 Game Drive SSD: The WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD provides PC and compatible consoles with insanely high read speeds so players spend less time waiting to get back in the game and more time actually playing. Gamers who purchase this drive will also receive a voucher for 2,400 Call of Duty points that can be redeemed for items within the game. This special edition drive will be available in a 1TB model and retails for $249.99 MSRP. For more information on this product, visit the Western Digital store. It is expected to be available for purchase at select Western Digital retailers and e-tailers in December 2020.

WD_BLACK Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Special Edition SN850 NVMe SSD (1TB): This high-performance future-ready product reduces game load times and transfers files faster than the previous generation. Powered by next-gen PCIe Gen4 technology, the WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe SSD delivers smoother loading of applications, allowing users to boot up quickly. Free with purchase is 2,400 Call of Duty points that can be redeemed for items within the game. This special edition drive will be available in a 1TB non-heatsink model for $239.99 MSRP. For more information on this product, visit the Western Digital store. It is expected to be available for purchase at select Western Digital retailers and e-tailers in December 2020.

Economy: COVID-19 is a ‘wake-up command’ to address Africa’s challenges – Tony Blair

Business & Economy

Esan Bolaji

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November 18, 2020

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Economy: COVID-19 is a ‘wake-up command’ to address Africa’s challenges – Tony Blair

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the challenges and opportunities of Africa’s development landscape, former British prime minister Tony Blair said on Monday in a lecture organised by the African Development Institute in Abidjan.

“We have the same problems but what we also have is vastly increased urgency…not so much a wake-up call but a wake-up command,” Blair said.

The former UK prime minister addressed a virtual audience on the topic Building Back Better in Post COVID-19 Africa: The Role of Technology and Governance, as part of the Kofi A. Annan Lecture Series. The series, launched by the African Development Bank’s African Development Institute in 2006, has covered a range of African and global development topics, including economics, finance, regional integration, human development and the environment. The lectures have been a forum for eminent persons to share policy insights on development challenges in Africa.

Over 4,500 delegates from across the globe including Government Officials, Governors and Executive Directors of the Bank Group, the Bank’s Senior Management, and leading experts and heads of institutions tuned in to the lecture.

In opening remarks, Rabah Arezki, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management of the Bank described the task ahead as “vast and challenging.”

Blair, in his first-ever virtual lecture, outlined three aspects which in his words would make a big difference to Africa: investing in industrialization, accelerating technological innovations, and building capacity for institutions to get things done. “There are components to the Bank’s High 5 priorities. All of those things which define the challenges that Africa has – all of those are now given added urgency by Covid and its impact,” Blair said.

To build back better, West Africa, for instance, could capitalize on its rich source of cotton for garment production and the textile industry. Elsewhere on the continent, Africa was already leading in the digital technology space which can be scaled up.

“Around the world you are seeing governments use technology effectively…I know this is a great ambition of the African Development Bank. This is critical,” Blair said.

Blair highlighted the four Ps of government delivery – prioritization, policy, personnel and performance management. On prioritisation, Mr Blair called on African governments to identify and focus on their comparative advantages, and focus on delivery…focus on key transformative projects and manage expectations,” Mr. Blair said.

“In the end, only Africa can do it, we are partners in Africa’s story…in Africa’s progress,” Blair said.

Blair’s speech was followed by a conversation with Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina, who said the lecture series brought global and national perspectives to the development issues discussed.

“We need to constantly push the frontiers of dialogue in the public sphere,” Adesina said. “Nothing is more topical today than the challenges posed by Covid-19. The pandemic has upended economic growth,” Adesina noted.

Agreeing with Mr Blair about the importance of the culture of delivery, Adesina said agriculture offered Africa its best opportunity for industrialisation. “The key is: how does Africa raise productivity in agriculture…how does it develop the integrated infrastructure in those rural areas…that will allow the creation of new economic sources of prosperity out of what it has?” Adesina asked.

Although the Bank’s Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative had allowed it to reach millions of farmers with agricultural technology and is boosting yields in wheat, there is still the need to scale up. “We have a lot of pilots…The name of the game is scale,” Adesina said.

Adesina cited other key interventions by the Bank, including a $10 billion COVID-19 Response Facility to provide budget support to African countries and its innovative $3 billion COVID-19 social bonds, to save livelihoods.

After leaving office, Blair launched the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which works to equip leaders to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies in an interconnected global world.

Speaking after the seminar, Prof Kevin Urama, Senior Director of the ADI said the priorities are well mapped out for Africa to build back better. The African Development Institute (ADI) has been at the forefront of accelerating capacity development, technical assistance and policy dialogue on the continent.

Nigeria To Host Third Diaspora Investment Summit

News

Esan Bolaji

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November 18, 2020

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Nigeria To Host Third Diaspora Investment Summit

The Nigerian Government has completed plans to host its third Diaspora Investment Summit, 2020.

This was announced by the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at a Media briefing ahead of the Summit in Abuja, Nigeria.

She said that the two-day virtual Summit, which is aimed at creating a platform for a reliable, meaningful and sustainable Diaspora Investment in Nigeria for an enhanced economy, will also showcase investment opportunities and developmental framework to make Nigeria more attractive to her Diaspora investors.

The theme of the Summit is tagged: “Post Covid-19 Economic Resurgence: Targeting Diaspora Investment” with areas of focus on Healthcare, Education, Agric-business, Creative, Sports and Entertainment, Telecom, ICT/Fintech and Manufacturing sectors.

“Diaspora investors and potential investors all over the world are expected to participate and financial intermediaries who have an interest and commitment to the resurgence and revival of the Nigerian economy.

“A lot will be benefitted from this summit as it will help to strengthen profile, expand networks, showcase products and practice, help you meet key decision-makers amongst others,“ She noted

The Summit will also discuss and address the challenges of the impact of COVID-19 on diaspora remitances and post COVID-19 economic resurgence.

Similarly, the Chairperson, Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative, Dr Badewa Adejugbe- Williams said the timing was apt noting that it would attract investors to the country especially at a time like this that the nation needs to focus on its social and economic imperatives.

The Summit will be declared open by Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and over 3,000 participants are expected.

Orange Ventures Africa & Middle East announces the results of its MEA Seed Challenge

Brand News

Esan Bolaji

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November 18, 2020

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Orange Ventures Africa & Middle East announces the results of its MEA Seed Challenge along with the inauguration of its new seed investment activity to finance 100 startups by 2025 Launched in June 2020, the Orange Ventures MEA Seed Challenge called for applications from seed stage tech startups from Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. Over 500 business projects have been submitted and vigorously examined by investment teams and local Orange teams.

Orange Ventures Africa & Middle East announces the results of its MEA Seed Challenge – www.brandspurng.com

€670,000 will be invested as a result of this highly competitive selection process(1) , subject to the usual conditions precedent, in the following startups:

7Keema in Egypt: an e-health platform that enhances the accessibility and quality of nursing services

Chari.ma in Morocco: a market place for local businesses selling everyday goods

Dabchy in Tunisia: the first peer-to-peer secondhand fashion marketplace in Tunisia

Moja Ride in Côte d’Ivoire: a platform for transport operators that helps commuters access, book and pay for all available modes of transportation from a single mobile application

Waspito in Cameroon: an e-health platform that connects the African healthcare ecosystem via an application for telehealth services distribution

Back Office For Business (BOB) in Jordan: a comprehensive online sale and ordering solution to businesses, merchants and any online shop

SudPay in Senegal: a fintech proposing payment solutions for ticketing and local taxes

“Congratulations to the seven winners of the challenge, whom I am very happy to welcome to our community as we launch our new Seed activity” says Jérôme Berger, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Ventures. “Their diversity in terms of countries of origin, as well sectors of activity (consumer, e-health, B2B, fintech) proves the abundance of promising high quality projects on the continent.”

Orange Ventures is looking to grow its seed investment activity in the region with the launch of the Orange Ventures MEA Seed. This initiative integrates into the fund’s already existing activity on the continent and sets the target to finance 100 startups by 2025 primarily in African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange is present, from the first stages of their development and with ticket sizes of up to €200,000.

“More than elsewhere, restricted access to capital is a major challenge for entrepreneurs in the development of their business in Africa and the Middle East, where investment activity is lower and often concentrated around a few major hubs, whereas the continent is rich with talent and opportunities throughout. Our initiative can contribute to helping these talents thrive and confirms our confidence in the innovation potential of the ecosystems of Orange footprint,” elaborates Berger.

“This initiative, which I am very pleased about, is part of our strategy that is open and supportive of innovation champions everywhere we operate. The support from large corporates is pivotal to these ecosystems: big groups who bring the means to scale and thrive to talented entrepreneurs. Even more so in the current context,” adds Alioune Ndiaye, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Africa and the Middle East.

The Orange Ventures MEA Seed investments is open to start-ups with high-growth potential and new technologies at the core of their business, raising their seed round of financing and operating in one of its 18 countries that Orange operates in the MEA region. The geographical proximity will foster mentorship and collaboration with business units of the group. Funding applications are now open on a permanent basis and can be submitted on the website.

TD Africa set for nationwide Garage sale on Friday

Retail - Brick & Click

Esan Bolaji

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November 17, 2020

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TD Africa set for nationwide Garage sale on Friday

TD Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost tech, lifestyle and solutions distributor, says it has put together with unmatched deals and rock-bottom prices on a wide variety of products for its Burgundy Friday Garage sale.

The Garage sale is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2020, from 10 am.

TD Burgundy Brandspurng TD Africa set for nationwide Garage sale on Friday — www.brandspurng.com

Equally important, the sale fiesta is set to hold across all of TD Africa’s branches in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Burgundy Friday Garage Sale will hold in TD Africa’s branch in the neighbouring African country, Ghana.

The locations are as follows:

Lagos (5, Redemption Crescent, Gbagada Industrial Estate, Lagos);
Abuja (20, Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja);
Port Harcourt (146, Trans Amadi Industrial Layout, Oginigba, Opposite Old Michellin Company by Slaughter road, Port-Harcourt),
Kano (15/16 Post Office Road, Opposite Kedco office, Kano);
Enugu (134, Upper Chime Avenue, Enugu) and Owerri (65, Mbaise Road, Owerri), among others.

For Ghana, the TD Africa Burgundy Friday sale will hold at 147C, Olusegun Obasanjo way, Roman Ridge, Accra, Ghana.

Coordinating Managing Director, TD Africa, Mrs. Chioma Chimere, says the Garage sale is an opportunity for customers as well as members of the public to take advantage of the special discounts and price slashes on offer in the spirit of Black Friday.

“We have listened to the yearnings of our teeming customers who have been waiting for this Burgundy Friday Garage sale. We have tagged it Burgundy Friday which represents the official colour of TD Africa. Furthermore, we are in the Black Friday season, so there is no better time than now to have this special discount sale.

www.brandspurng.com

‘‘The TD Africa Burgundy Friday Garage Sale is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grab a variety of genuine products in our wide bouquet sourced directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). A lot of products are going away at amazing prices unbeatable anywhere else. You can be rest assured that it is not only a chance to enjoy Black Friday offerings courtesy of TD Africa but also a unique avenue to get your Christmas shopping started early,’’ she enthused.

TD Africa commenced business in May 1999 as the pioneer ICT distributor in West Africa and currently represents the likes of globally renowned OEMs such as HP, Microsoft, APC, IBM, Huawei, Dell EMC, Cisco, D-Link, Kaspersky, Huawei, Lenovo, Philips, InFocus, Infinix, Tecno, Nokia, Bosch, Vertiv, Samsung, Zebra and Mercury, among others.

As the first manufacturer-accredited local distributor for the sub-region, TD, with the support of the OEMs, successfully confronted the myriad challenges posed by the hitherto unstructured market. Among the first measures was the formulation of a clear policy on the channel of distribution that led to the adoption of the prevailing four-tier market structure comprising Manufacturer (OEM), Distributor, Reseller and End-User.

This development, coupled with TD’s high stocking capability, brought relief to all stakeholders by ending decades of problematic reliance on foreign distributors with no local value add.

Equities Market Continues Loosing Streak for 3 Consecutive Trading Session

Business & Economy

PFI Capital

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November 17, 2020

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Equities Market Continues Loosing Streak for 3 Consecutive Trading Session

Local bourse declined for 3 consecutive trading session amid extended profit-taking and reaction to yesterday’s inflation report. Specifically, the All-Share Index (ASI) dropped by 153bps to 34,242.83 while market capitalization lost N277.60bn to settle at N17.89tn today. Consequently, Year to Date performance print at +29.55% indicating a 2.27% loss this week.

Sectorial performance was significantly bearish as 4 sectors out of the 5 under coverage closed negative. Industrial and consumer goods indices both declined by 3.33% and 3.25% following selloffs in the shares of DANGCEM(-6.45%), PORTPAINT (-9.97%), CADBURY (-8.62%) and HONYFLOUR(-8.62%).

In similar fashion, Oil & gas and insurance indices waned by 0.87% and 0.49% due to negative sentiments in OANDO(-10.00%) and WAPIC(-10.00%). Conversely, Banking index advanced by 0.75% on the back of bargain hunting in the shares of GUARANTY (+2.78%).

Investors’ sentiments measured by market breadth improved as 17 stocks advanced while 30 stocks declined leading to a market breadth of 0.57x compared to the 0.23x yesterday. Likewise, volume and value of stock traded advanced by 25.80% and 53.15% respectively as JAIZBANK and ZENITH BANK top the volume and value’s table respectively.

The bond market closed on a bullish note as yield compressed on short and long-dated maturities. Yields on the 10 years FGN bond compressed by 0.07% to 4.42% while that of its 5 years counterpart compressed to 2.36%.

Market Snapshot

Equities Market Continues Losing Streak for 3 Consecutive Trading Session
The bond market traded on a positive note as yield compressed further
US Stocks Pull Back From Records With Virus in Focus
Oil Slips Near $41 With OPEC+ Meeting to Review Output Underway
Naira maintain stability against the USD in the parallel market

Orlando Magic Sign Rookie Chuma Okeke

Sports

Esan Bolaji

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November 17, 2020

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Okeke (6’8”, 230, 8/18/98) was selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft

ORLANDO, United States of America, November 17, 2020,/ — The Orlando Magic have signed rookie forward Chuma Okeke (CHOO-muh oh-KEE-kee), President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

The Orlando Magic drafted Chuma Okeke in last year's draft and they are excited to welcome him to the fold next year. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) — The Orlando Magic drafted Chuma Okeke in last year’s draft and they are excited to welcome him to the fold next year. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

“We are thrilled to welcome Chuma (Okeke) to the team,” said Weltman. “He’s demonstrated all of the characteristics that we had seen in him when we drafted him and we look forward to him starting his career with us.”

Okeke (6’8”, 230, 8/18/98) was selected in the first round (16^th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft. He played and started in 38 games during the 2018-19 campaign as a sophomore at Auburn University, averaging 12.0 ppg., 6.8 rpg., 1.9 apg., 1.82 stlpg. and 1.21 blkpg. in 29.1 minpg., while shooting .387 (55-142) from three-point range.

Orlando Magic Sign Rookie Chuma Okeke Brandspurng1 — Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Okeke led the Tigers in rebounding, steals (third in the SEC) and blocked shots. He was named to the 2019 SEC All-Tournament Team and the 2019 All-Midwest Regional Team.

Okeke helped the Tigers reach the 2019 NCAA Final Four, but sustained a season-ending knee injury (torn left ACL) during their Sweet Sixteen win against North Carolina. During that contest, he became the first Auburn player since 2000 and fifth ever to record 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in a NCAA Tournament game.

Okeke played in 72 career games (38 starts) during two seasons (2017-19) at Auburn University, averaging 9.9 ppg., 6.3 rpg., 1.5 apg. and 1.28 stlpg. in 25.5 minpg., while shooting .389 (89-229) from three-point range.

Hyundai Named 2021 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report

Transportation

Brand Spur

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November 17, 2020

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Nov. 17, 2020 – Hyundai was named 2021 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report today. Hyundai has a full lineup of award-winning SUVs including the Hyundai Palisade, Santa Fe, Kona, Kona EV, subcompact Venue, NEXO and all-new 2022 Tucson for a variety of customer preferences.

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Palisade (Interior)

Hyundai recently announced plans for 12 new and significantly enhanced SUVs through 2021. The Best Vehicle Brands methodology used the combined overall scores from the U.S. News Best Cars rankings across all models in each of the award classes.

The overall ranking scores are based on the U.S. News & World Report’s analysis of published, credible reviews from the automotive press, as well as safety and reliability data. Many of these reviews evaluated the interior, exterior, value, performance and tech features of each vehicle.

Santa Fe

“With a fresh and new lineup of SUVs in all sizes, Hyundai wins the Best SUV Brand award for the first time,” said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor, U.S. News & World Report.

“The Hyundai SUV lineup ranges from the large and luxurious Hyundai Palisade to the midsize Santa Fe, compact Tucson and subcompact Venue. With so many updated models, Hyundai SUVs win points for offering buyers the latest in driver assistance and infotainment technology at an affordable price.”

Kona

“As Hyundai continues to recognize the needs of our current and future customers, we are elated to receive such a prestigious accolade by U.S. News & World Report for the 2021 Best SUV Brand during one of the most competitive SUV retail markets yet,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America.

“We know that shoppers have different needs, so at Hyundai, we’ve developed an all-encompassing SUV lineup that exceeds those needs.”

Venue

U.S. News Best Cars

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America.

Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car-buying journey, offering advice for researching cars, finding cars for sale near you and getting the best rate on car insurance.

2022 Tucson

Nexo

U.S. News Best Cars had more than 73 million visitors over the past year, with the majority actively shopping for a car. Eighty percent of active shoppers reported that the U.S. News Best Cars site influenced their car purchasing decision.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the first Locally-Assembled Electric Car called Hyundai Kona at the Stallion Group Automobile Factory, Ojo Lagos.

Speaking on the Hyundai Kona car, assembled by Stallion Group Automobile at Ojo in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu said with the unveiling of the car, Nigerians can now drive electric cars, noting that Lagos remains the hub for the nation’s economy & a pacesetter in industrialisation.

At Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai’s technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to create a better experience for customers.

Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Rising Food Prices: Should the border closure be reversed?

Agro News

United Capital Research

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November 17, 2020

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Rising Food Prices: Should the border closure be reversed?

Earlier, the NBS released inflation figures for October 2020 with food inflation printing at 17.38%y/y. Recall that the Nigerian authorities shut its land borders in Aug-2019 citing illegal smuggling of staple food items, drugs and ammunitions as key reasons behind the decision.

However, domestic supply shortages which followed the decision has continued to pressure food prices over the last 15months. While this decision has bolstered revenues for domestic food processing companies, the overall net effect has worsened the general cost of staple food across the country.

Rising Food Prices Should the border closure be reversed 1Brandspurng1 — Sources: NBS, United Capital Research

Further analysis indicated that beyond border closure, supply chain disruptions caused by the civil unrest that followed the peaceful #EndSARs protests across the country in October further exacerbated pressure on food prices. Also, flooding in key food-producing states compounded the woes of farmers who had anticipated a bumper harvest that could potentially improve food supply and consequently reduce prices.

Finally, higher cost of transportation, the poor state of the road networks, inadequate storage facilities, FX pressure and insecurity in the north-east, all weighed on supply and worsened the situation.

Nigeria's Inflation Rate climbs 14.23%, highest since Feb-2018 Brandspurng1 — Abeokuta, Nigeria
Woman selling pepper sits over her wares in a market. | Image Credits: Omotayo Tajudeen

Going forward, we are of the opinion that the FGN needs to re-examine its overall strategy for domestic food supply, lest the situation devolves into a full-blown food crisis. With year-end festivities approaching, we imagine that food prices will remain pressured amid the border closure and supply constraints which continue to dog the food sector.

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Economy: COVID-19 is a ‘wake-up command’ to address Africa’s challenges – Tony Blair

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Equities Market Continues Loosing Streak for 3 Consecutive Trading Session

Market Snapshot

Orlando Magic Sign Rookie Chuma Okeke

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Rising Food Prices: Should the border closure be reversed?

Earlier, the NBS released inflation figures for October 2020 with food inflation printing at 17.38%y/y. Recall that the Nigerian authorities shut its land borders in Aug-2019 citing illegal smuggling of staple food items, drugs and ammunitions as key reasons behind the decision.

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