Alcatel will be one of Nigeria’s top options in the nearest future - Nick Imudia, RD, Alcatel, Nigeria & Central Africa

How do you view Nigerians mobile phone culture?
Mobile phone is a basic communication and work tool for most Nigerians and as such has become an absolute necessity for people to communicate and do business. Consumers also need reliable devices that offer them all the features they expect from a smartphone but at an affordable price.  As such price plays a key deciding factor for the majority of consumers who need to stay in touch and do business on the go. 

A key factor in Nigeria is the connectivity issues faced due to the growing demand for mobile devices.  This puts a strain on the infrastructure and has created the need for many consumers to carry a second supporting mobile device in order to stay connected through an alternate network.

Nigeria is still very much a growing mobile market which creates the perfect opportunity for Alcatel.

What do you think is new that Nigerians could appreciate especially when it comes to design in your phone line?

At Alcatel we believe that technology should do more than change the way we do things. It should make life… MORE. It should ease, and enrich the now, without over-complicating it. It should feed your hunger for discovery. Get everything you want and nothing you don’t. Leave behind the excess and simplify your life. It should be enjoyable, meaningful, and authentic.

It is our mission at Alcatel to bring innovation to a broad spectrum of consumers in Nigeria by offering them attractive, feature-rich and affordable products in a fast fashion manner.

Alcatel provides the ultimate tools for those who produce the life they imagine and we will continue to enable people to create, share and invent without limits irrespective of their culture or ingenuity. Alcatel believes that what makes technology smart is what you can do with it rather than what it can do.

Viber Launches Full End-to-End Encryption and ‘Hidden Chats’

Viber, one of the world’s leading messaging apps with more than 711 million unique users worldwide, today announces complete end-to-end encryption across all devices including Android and iPhone, iPad, Android tablets, PC and Mac desktops.

This feature will be available over the coming weeks to all users who have the latest version of Viber. It includes strengthened security in every voice or video call, message, video and photo, in both group messages and one-to-one communication. As part of this update, Viber also launches ‘Hidden Chats’ allowing users to hide specific chats from the main screen so no-one but the user knows they exist. These chats can only be accessed using a four digit PIN, providing an optional additional layer of privacy to users’ personal communications.   

“We take our users’ security and privacy very seriously, and it’s critical to us that they feel confident and protected when using Viber,” said Michael Shmilov, COO of Viber. “Because of this, we have spent a long time working on this latest update to ensure that our users have the most sophisticated security available and maximum control over their communications. We will continue to make this an ongoing priority as digital communication evolves.” 

Rolling out globally over the coming weeks, users will automatically be protected by end-to-end encryption in all communications on their smartphone once they have upgraded to the latest version of Viber - v6.0 or higher. Users who are also using Viber on an iPad, Android tablet or desktop will be prompted to re-connect it to their phone using a QR code.

Google rolls out Traffic alerts in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa

Google is updating Google Maps with new traffic alerts in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Google hopes that this new feature will help avoid traffic jams.

This is the way it works:

    When you input your destination on your Google Maps, you’ll get a spoken alert for upcoming traffic conditions that helps you identify the quickest route.

    While you’re on the road, Google Maps will give you a heads up if congestion lies ahead, and how long you’ll be stuck in a jam.

    You’ll also get the option to take alternate routes, including explanations for why one is recommended—whether it’s the fastest or just avoids traffic.

Cultural festivals, veritable platforms to promote peace, unity - Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described cultural festivals as veritable platforms to promote peace and unity, especially in a country like Nigeria which has a  rich diversity.

The Minister made the remark in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday at the 2016 Nzem Berom Festival with the theme "A Cultural Brand for Unity, Peace and Progress".

He commended the Plateau State Government and the Gbong Gwon Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, for reviving the Nzem Berom, which has not been held in the past eight years, saying it is a strong message that peace has returned to Plateau State.

"The resuscitation of the festival, which heralds the rains and a bumper harvest, is a very powerful message to the world that peace is back to the Plateau, which remains a foremost home of Culture and Tourism. Culture, of which festival is a subset, is a strong instrument of unity, especially in a country with such a rich diversity as ours. When you understand a people's culture, you respect them more, thus reducing the areas of friction.

"I have no doubt that with the good works of the state government, the wisdom of His Royal Majesty and the commitment to peace by all the good people of Plateau, peace and tranquility will be sustained in this beautiful land," Alhaji Mohammed said.

mediaReach OMD wins Young Lions Media, Nigeria Competition

Tolu Ogunkoya, MD & CEO of mediaReach OMD

mediaReach OMD Nigeria wins Young Lions Media, Nigeria competition and will represent Nigeria at Cannes in June 2016 for the Young Lions Media – Global Competition.  By winning this 2016 edition of the competition, mediaReach OMD will be representing Nigeria for the 7th time at the Cannes, since 2008

The competition was open to under 30 years old media professionals representing various Media Agencies in Nigeria. 8 Teams participating this year were given a brief and had little over 24 hours to think, create and submit a media solution that answers the Media Brief.  Finally, based on the presentations to the jury, comprising of Media Communications and Creative professionals, the winning campaign is chosen according to criteria used for the International competition.

The International Young Lions competition, which will be held at Cannes in June 2016, gives the next generation of industry superstars the chance to prove themselves by creating campaigns during the Festival week, where more than 400 contestants from around the globe compete in seven categories (namely Media, Cyber, Design, Print, Film, Marketers and PR). The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the World’s biggest celebration of creativity in marketing communications. It is also the greatest opportunity of the year for industry professionals to network and learn about brand communications.

“Our global winning culture cascades into our local markets; we train our talent on an on-going basis, including regional webinars on weekly basis as a source of inspiration to be abreast of latest developments and raise the game.  Additionally, we have many local initiatives through which we encourage our people to produce works that deliver on objectives and help overcome current business challenges of our Clients”, says Tolu Ogunkoya, CEO, mediaReach OMD.

Team Humane emerges winner in Microsoft Nigeria’s Imagine Cup 2016 National Finals

On Friday, March 15th, at the National Finals of the 2016 edition of Microsoft Nigeria Imagine Cup, Team Humane representing the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife emerged winners of this year’s competition.

Now in its ninth year in Nigeria, Microsoft Imagine Cup is the premier student technology program and competition, and a cornerstone of the Microsoft YouthSpark initiative. It provides an opportunity for student technologists, developers and aspiring entrepreneurs from all academic backgrounds to collaborate, develop a technology application, create a business plan and gain a keen understanding of what is needed to bring a concept to market.

This year National finals was held at the Microsoft Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, and had eleven participating teams drawn from various tertiary institution within the country. The winning team, Team Humane, which comprised of Otaru Babatunde, Oyatope Blessing, Shoaga Victor, and Ayodele Obasegun, competed in the World Citizenship Category.

Their solution, Humane is a solution for the visually impaired, which enables them to interact and navigate freely on their mobile phones. The solution comes with an accompanying hardware known as the Humane handle, which interacts with apps installed on a device using Bluetooth. A visually impaired person would be able to navigate through various apps installed on his/her mobile phone using the handle and an integrated voice navigation system.

According to the team lead, Ayodele Obasegun we were concerned about solving a major challenge leveraging technology hence, we embark on this project. He explained, “We have been developing solutions for various organizations, and we felt a need to impact our community and the world as a whole, hereafter this solution for the visually impaired. It was initially targeted at gaming for the visually impaired, but later we felt we can do more than gaming.” 

The Bola and Atinuke Ige Scholarship Award

Candidates from public schools in Oyo and Osun State contest for scholarship.

On Saturday, 16th of April, 400 candidates from public schools around Oyo and Osun state will compete for the Bola and Atinuke Ige scholarship award at The Vale College Ibadan. The award was set up by The Vale College’s Founder, Funso Adegbola, in memoriam of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria Bola Ige (SAN) and his wife Atinuke (JCA, CFR).

The Vale College first launched a scholarship award in 2013 in memory of Justice Atinuke Ige for students in public secondary schools in Oyo and Osun states to have their Advanced Level Cambridge Examination studies at The Vale Tutorial College Ibadan. The scholarships, worth N2.5million were awarded to two students annually. In 2014 a new scholarship award, worth N12 million, was launched this time in memory of Chief Bola Ige (SAN) to award academically proficient students in Oyo and Osun state the opportunity to attain secondary education at The Vale College Ibadan.

Past recipients of the scholarships awards were from public schools in Oyo and Osun States which included, Community Primary School Aiyekale, Command Day School Mokola Ibadan, Salvation Army Middle School Alekuwodo Osogbo, Queens school Ibadan and Alayande School of Science. Through the scholarship award, the 2013 and 2014 recipients where admitted to Federal Universities in Nigeria.

In 2016, The Vale College launched the Bola and Atinuke Ige scholarship, which is a merger of the 2013 and 2014 scholarship awards. For this scholarship, The Vale College Ibadan will engage 400 students from public primary and secondary schools around Oyo and Osun states to a written test. 20 finalists will be selected to commence to the next stage. Four winners will be selected at the final stage on the 14th of May 2016.

The coolest travel inventions for 2016!

Some travel companions add extra convenience to our experiences, while others take us on a journey through the world of technology. These smart tools which have changed the way many experience the world are quickly becoming everyday essentials for people looking to have a memorable time on the road outside or within Nigeria.

Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal shares 4 of these amazing travel gadgets designed to make each trip safer, easier and exciting.

Luggage scooter

Want to have a little more fun with your carry-on? Then the luggage scooter is just what you need. This playful accessory allows users roll their bags quickly without the stress of having to struggle with heavy lifting. Created with room for a foot or two, this innovative trolley which doubles as a kickboard scooter also has blutooth speakers inbuilt for listening to music while gliding through the airport. How cool is that!

Automatic Backpack Survival kit

Manufactured with a dual airbag system, the ABS is an absolute essential for adventure junkies venturing out across mountain ranges or slippery landscapes. In case of a storm, two big airbags filled with compressed Nitrogen gas release, protecting the body and increasing survival rate by 70%. This smart backpack also wins accolades for its durability and feather-weight, plus it has lots of room for additional equipment.

Personalized Imprint Slippers

Write out thoughts on the sand with these original flip flops! It’s a made-to-order footwear which leaves a mark everywhere it goes. They come in multiple sizes and colours and can be worn as a cool beach accessory to cheer up a cloudy mood. These slippers make great gifts and can be used to express one’s individuality or send personalized messages.

Nigeria’s Fast Food Sector Employs over 500,000 People

The growth in the fast food industry in Nigeria has been a key contributor to the Nigerian economy through the creation of employment opportunities for Nigerians. According to a report by the Oxford Business Group, as of 2014, there where over 500,000 workers employed in the fast food industry. Nigeria’s food industry at large will be discussed at Food Nigeria which will hold from 18 -20 May 2016 in Lagos, Nigeria at the Eko Convention Centre.

The food industry is one of the best-performing sectors in Nigeria. The industry has grown rapidly due to affordability and convenience. Furthermore a fast-growing overall population and an increasing urbanisation are other catalyst encouraging this growth.

In recent times, the food industry in Nigeria has experienced vast growth. The fast food industry in Nigeria became prominent in the 1970s. In 1973, Nigeria’s oldest fast food chain Mr. Biggs, owned by UAC, was founded and the restaurant was arguably the largest functioning fast food restaurant up until the 80s. In the 80s and 90s, other fast food companies such as Mama Cass, Big Treats, Tastee Fried Chicken, Tantalizers and Sweet Sensation were in operation in Nigeria.

Additionally, the food processing sector is also one of the best-performing industries in Nigeria. A subsidiary of Unilever, UAC has been serving the Nigerian food sector since the 1930s. Since the inception of UAC foods, the food processing sector has expanded with over 100 food processing companies functioning in Nigeria with main growth drivers such as UAC foods, Leventis foods Ltd., Dangote, Olam, BUA, and Honeywell – who have been key influencers of the food processing sectors growth. The sector sources products locally and has creative innovations in various categories such as noodles, dairy, baked goods, poultry, pasta, rice and noodles.

Ikotun plays host to the Skye Bank "Reach for the Skye" Promo Draw

Skye Bank is continuing in its bid to turn more lives around, as well as influence their savings culture. Through its Reach for the Skye Reward Scheme promo. Today, the bank took the successful promo scheme to the popular  Tama Spot Ikotun  Main Market in Lagos.

According to Skye Bank, the scheme has been put in place to build a long-lasting relationship with its customers, encouraging them to save, and rewarding them for their commitment through the ‘Reach for the Skye Millionaire’ Reward Scheme.

The Skye Reward Scheme which is in its tenth month has consistently increased awareness of savings culture, while acting as a platform for some Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owners to expand their businesses. The last edition of the draw brings the numbers of millionaires to 30 in the ongoing promo, with winners emerging from different parts of Nigeria.

Speaking on the scheme; Group Head, Retail Banking, Skye Bank Plc, Nkolika Okoli said the Reach for the Skye Millionaire Scheme is part of the Bank’s strategy to encourage customers to cultivate the art of saving and also give back to the society for their loyalty to the bank.

Kaymu.com.ng Launches "Buy Naija Campaign"

Kaymu.com.ng, today announced the launch of “Buy Naija Campaign”, a new campaign geared towards strengthening the naira by encouraging consumption of locally made goods before considering foreign alternatives. This campaign is expected to showcase thousands of affordable home-made products for consumers to choose from.

The leading online marketplace in Nigeria- Kaymu- is committed to empowering Nigerians and building the Nigerian economy by providing the necessary tools and support to generate income for tens of thousands of sellers, while providing a venue for buyers to access a diverse list of products at an affordable rate.

“The effect of the “Buy Naija” campaign will provide Nigerian businesses a solution that enables trade, economic growth as well as access to finance”, Sefik Bagdadioglu, MD, Kaymu Nigeria quoted. He further added that the Kaymu team will continue to aid the growth of merchant businesses and help boost the Nigerian economy by recommending locally made goods to consumers.”

To learn more about the “Buy Naija Campaign”, visit kaymu.com.ng/made-in-nigeria

14th Africa Independents Forum to hold in London in May

The 14th Africa Independents Forum 2016, held 25-26th May in London at the Waldorf Hilton, being hosted by the Global Pacific & Partners / ITE Group Plc JV, gathers together leading independents and corporate players worldwide and from across Africa, both listed and unlisted, large and small, established and new entrants.

And provides enhanced exposure to the wider Africa-wide upstream industry in oil, and gas, exploration and development, including issues in crude oil and financial markets, engaging equity financiers, banks, private equity and investors found on the AIM and LSE, in the City, Paris and Frankfurt, as well as related service and supply industry parties and transaction advisors, with specialised Africa analysts and geoscience firms drawn from around Africa, or based in Europe, United States, Australia, Asia and elsewhere.

Alongside and within the 14th Africa Independents Forum 2016, they are hosting 75th PetroAfricanus Club- World Upstream Reception: with Guest Speaker: Phil Loader, Executive Vice President, Global Exploration, Woodside Energy, Perth, Australia.

6th Global Women Petroleum & Energy Club Luncheon: with Guest Speaker: Irini Katsiani Hughes, Business Development Manager, EMEA, Statoil, London and 4th Africa's Hydrocarbon Arguments Discourse: On Shaping Africa's E&P Future.

Kobe Bryant Puts On A Show In Final Game

Playing in the final game of his illustrious 20-year career, Kobe Bryant put on a show to remember on Wednesday night.

The 37-year-old star went out with one of the greatest farewell performances of any player in any sport, putting up 60 points in a 101-96 victory over the Utah Jazz. He became the first player in NBA history to end a career with a 50 plus point game, and he broke that record.

Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut as an 18-year-old fresh out of high school. He went scoreless in the game.

Last night, the five-time champion, third all-time leading scorer, and 18-time all-star played the last game of his career in an emotional sendoff to the Los Angeles Lakers great.