Date Of 2015 Cup of Nations Tournament Will Not Change - CAF

Despite the outbreak of Ebola across Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed it will not change the dates of its 2015 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The body has called on host nation Morocco to make a final decision about staging the event by November 8.

The 2015 edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from January 15 until February 8 but Moroccan authorities have been seeking a postponement of the event due to the outbreak of Ebola, which has so far claimed almost 5,000 lives – mostly in Africa.

South Africa, along with six other African countries, is said to have been approached by CAF to stage the tournament should Morocco withdraw its hosting rights.

However, African football’s governing body has now confirmed it will not alter the dates of the 2015 tournament and Morocco should declare its position by this weekend. The governing body outlined its position in a six-point plan in a statement issued today (Monday).

Africa’s transforming energy sector demands new approach from industry players - Report

The global energy industry is undergoing a seismic shift, in part driven by development of new, unconventional sources of energy, such as shale gas, tight oils, coal seam gas and oil sands. 

In turn, this is requiring logistics executives to rethink traditional energy supply chain models and implement a highly integrated approach, to drive down logistics costs and enhance profit margins. This is according to DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, who have released a white paper on the dynamics, challenges and opportunities that are shaping the current energy sector.

The full report is available at http://goo.gl/G2ADfp

Jonathan Shortis, Vice President – Energy Sector EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa): DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, says that the need and desire to explore new geographies and develop new technologies to reach and extract unconventional gas reserves has become ever more apparent. “While growth in the conventional energy sector currently hovers around 1 to 2 percent per annum, the unconventional segment is booming.” 

Manchester United Signs Sponsorship Deal With Chi

Manchester United football club has on Wednesday announced a multi-year sponsorship with fruit juice brand Chi to become the clubs official soft drinks partner in Nigeria.

The deal will allow Chi to use the legendary Manchester United crest and club imagery on a range of products throughout Nigeria.

Reportedly, the deal is worth between 1-2 million pounds a year, as they continue to boost their income signing lucrative deals with the aid of their global appeal.

 Founded over 30 years ago, Chis brands include Chivita 100%, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic, Chi Happy Hour and Chi Ice Tea.

 Manchester Uniteds group managing director Richard Arnold said: We are delighted to welcome Chi Limited as an official partner of Manchester United.

Interview with Dr. Sam Dede organisers of Carniriv: Port Harcourt Carnival

Dr. Sam Dede, Director General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, in a recent interview revealed plans on the forthcoming Port Harcourt Carnival, promising it will go a long way in history.

Dr. Sam Dede

Q.        Let’s start with the name of the brand itself, there seems to be some confusion about ‘Carniriv’ and the ‘Port Harcourt Carnival’. For the record, can you clarify what may be brand confusion for us?

A.        There is no brand confusion. Carniriv and the Port Harcourt Carnival are one and the same brand. The Carnival is held every year in Port Harcourt hence it is called the Port Harcourt Carnival. You must have observed that most renowned global carnivals are branded according to the host city or destination. The Port Harcourt Carnival as we know it today has a history which dates back to the year 1988 when it was first held as ‘Carniriv’ making it the oldest multi-event carnival in the country. The name ‘Carniriv,’ is the linking of the first five letters of Carnival (the event) and the first three letters in Rivers (the host state) to form ‘Carniriv.’ i.e., carnival of the Rivers people (for everyone).  So when people refer to Carniriv or the Port Harcourt Carnival, they refer to one and the same brand – Carniriv, the Port Harcourt Carnival.

Q.        What makes the carnival unique?

A.        One of the unique features of the carnival is that each year we launch it with a predominant theme. For instance, the 2013 edition was themed, ‘The Green World Edition’ in consonance with the universal crusade to go green. As expected, throughout the duration of the 2013 edition, we promoted everything organic, respect for nature and sustenance of the environment in the quest to improve our general wellness and the quality of life

This year, the Carnival is themed, One Love, One People edition, for reasons that are self evident: Our country and indeed the global community has embraced globalisation - the breaking down of barriers, the closing of ranks between people of diverse colours, creed, culture, political leaning, race etc. Our theme is well thought out because it denoted the unity of our people, diverse as we are in creed, and culture and faith and opinion – we celebrate our oneness as people of the greatest city in Nigeria – calm, peaceful, fun filled and original.

Zuriel Hits Hollywood, Meets Bill Cosby & On Naija Bites.

After her colorful and impressive maiden appearance at Africa's largest Movie Awards last month in Lagos at the Intercontinental hotel, Zuriel has continued her 'showbiz' appearances and events back in California. While working on the final stages of her next documentary movie about "A Rising Africa", which would feature Nigeria, she made some time to meet with one of TV's greatest actors and star of a successful and  popular 80's and 90's popular - The Cosby Show. Bill Cosby himself is putting finishing touches to his new TV show due on NBC, in 2015.

Zuriel with Hosts Mary Shitu & Rashida Sule

Zuriel spoke to Mr. Bill Cosby about Nigeria, the challenges in Africa and the beautiful things about the continent. Bill Cosby was impressed about the brightness, courage, and determination of someone so young, who reminded him of his own daughter many years ago. The US Network NBC is in final talks to start a new TV show in 2015, to star Bill Cosby. She would like him to visit the African continent and spread his humor in uplifting the continents, someday.

She was invited and becomes the youngest guest on the popular African cooking TV show Naija Bites, with Mary Shitu and Rashida Sule, which taped in the very affluent neighborhood of Hollywood Hills - California. Past residents of this swanky neighborhood have included Halle Berry, Brittany Spears, Keanu Reeves, and Spiderman's Tobey Maguire. The Naija Bites edition would show next month across Africa on DSTV, and across Europe and the UK on OHTV.

A few months ago, she was invited to speak to and mentor young African American actors in Hollywood on leadership, volunteering, and how to make a difference across the globe, instead of just the United States. Actors who met with her then included those from the hit Disney Show "Lab Rats" and Nickelodeons "Instant Mom".

Pictures: Coca-Cola Co-sponsored WimBiz Annual Conference

R-L: Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Clement Ugorji; Director, Center for Competitiveness and Strategy, Lagos Business School, Tunji Adegbesan and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Overland​ Airways​, Captain Edward Boyo during a session at the Women in Management, Business & Public Services (WimBiz) 13th Annual Conference co-sponsored by Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, held at Eko Hotel, on Monday, November 3rd

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo; Director, Center for Competitiveness and Strategy, Lagos Business School, Tunji Adegbesan; Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Clement Ugorji; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Design Extra, Yemi Idowu during a session

Carmudi Supports ‘The Young and Cerebral Essay Competition 2014’

Top youth radio show ‘The Young and Cerebral’ hosts essay competition. The radio show which focuses on celebrating young and intellectual Nigerians unveils this year’s edition of ‘The Young and Cerebral Essay Competition’ to celebrate Nigeria’s 54^th Independence anniversary. 

Organizer of the essay competition and presenter of the Young and Cerebral Adewumi Oshodi Tapa talked about the reasoning behind the essay competition. She said, “I always wanted to have a means of rewarding and acknowledge the younger generations that are making an impact in our society. I have had a lot of intellectuals and entrepreneurs on my show but I also realize that there is a greater percentage of youths and teens out there that have a lot to offer. That is why I decided to have this competition every year and reward the participants and winners with prizes such as laptops, smart phones, tablets and so much more.”

Speaking on the reason behind sponsoring the essay competition, Managing Director Carmudi Nigeria, Christian Keller said, “We realize the importance of rewarding hard work and creative minds and are always on the lookout for opportunities like this. We followed the trend this competition created last year and the positive impact it had on the individuals who participated and thus decided to be part of that positive energy this year.”

This year, the essay is open to the youths and teenagers on the following topics;‘My favorite Nigerian Hero’ and ‘How to solve the Nigerian unemployment challenge’ which is in fact open to discussion amongst the general public.

Vantage’s Fund II commits $30 million to Surfline Communications, the first 4G LTE data network in Ghana

Africa’s leading mezzanine debt provider, Vantage Mezzanine has announced it had concluded a transaction with Surfline Communications to provide $30 million (R330 million) of expansion capital to the company together with a fund co-investor.

The funds will be used for the on-going expansion of Surfline’s 4G LTE network in Ghana as well as to grow its product distribution and marketing network. By deploying the first 4G LTE mobile network in Ghana, Surfline is able to offer high-speed internet connectivity (up to 10 times faster than the average speeds offered by the existing mobile network operators) at rates that are competitive with existing internet service providers. Because the Surfline network does not rely on the limited fixed line telecommunications infrastructure in Ghana, the company is able to rapidly roll-out its services across its coverage area.

Surfline was established to provide wireless broadband and related services to the Ghanaian market, including meeting the emergent and largely unfulfilled data needs of Ghana’s businesses, government agencies, professional and academic communities and residential users. 

The network achieved a very successful commercial launch in August 2014 and is experiencing tremendous growth in its customer base, in both the consumer and corporate/enterprise segments. Just two weeks ago, Surfline was shortlisted for the award of “Breakthrough LTE Development” category by the Africa Communications Awards for its successful deployment of Ghana’s first 4G LTE network.

Kaymu Launches Hub In Port Harcourt

Nigeria’s leading online marketplace Kaymu.com.ng, which recently expanded operations to Abuja, has launched a hub in Port Harcourt.

Evangeline Wiles, Managing Director of Kaymu, stated, “following the phenomenal response received in Lagos and the progress in Abuja so far, we are extremely excited to be launching in Port Harcourt”.

“Buying and selling have become so easy and convenient with the rise of e-commerce particularly with Kaymu's business model, the online marketplace. We aim to offer the best and safest platform for buyers and sellers in Port Harcourt.

The expansion is one of Kaymu’s strategies to bridge the gap between buyers and small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria.

NerdBevy Limited Launches Online Platform for Gadget Repair Solutions in Nigeria

Recently, NerdBevy announced that it launched its website, the www.repairam.com, which is an online platform designed to benefit people by allowing them get the best and most effective gadget repair solutions rather than by tossing damaged electronic.

Throughout the years, the company has realized that the repair process for most gadgets used by most people today, such as tablets, laptops, printers, smartphones, game consoles and a lot more has become a big problem for most citizens of Nigeria, particularly when it comes to concerns of data confidentiality, trust, and the originality of the replacement parts used in fixing such items. NerdBevy will save them from these complex issues.Repairam.com takes care of any gadgets with damages by taking 4 easy steps such as to order for a repair service, then the servicemen will pick up the damaged gadget, the repair process will start and the properly fixed gadget will be returned directly to customers.

NerdBevy makes use of the latest technology so as to perform repairs up to the standards and up to the expectations of our customers. Our attention and keenness to detail assures that we are providing our customers with the most satisfying repair services that cannot be matched and surpassed by other companies.

Ademola Odebode, Co-founder of NerdBevy Limited said, “We have created RepairAm to stimulate and revolutionise the technology market in Nigeria. We have well trained technicians to ensure that customers are provided with exceptional repair experience that will exceed their expectations.”

Pictures: 2014 LagosPhoto Gala

(L-R): Director, LagosPhoto Foundation, Azu Nwabogu; member, Board of Director, LagosPhoto Gala, Yomi Odesanya; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Disun Holloway and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, at the Etisalat 2014 LagosPhoto Gala, held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, on Sunday, 2nd November.

(L-R): Brand Director, LagosPhoto Foundation, Wunika Mukan; Winner of 2014 Etisalat Photo Competition, Folashade Adeyemi and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, at the Etisalat 2014 LagosPhoto Gala, held at Eko Hotel & Suites

Jovago.com MD Mentors Entrepreneurs on Business Growth

Jovago, www.jovago.com – Africa’s largest online hotel booking platform advises entrepreneurs to seek out strategic partnerships to grow their business. 

At the recently concluded Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Business Networking Summit held in Lagos, Managing Director of Jovago.com, Marek Zmyslowski held a presentation where he talked to up-and-coming entrepreneurs about measures to take in order to get access to the required funding for their businesses. He also outlined the benefits of strategic partnerships to a growing business.

 

Marek Zmyslowski

The summit is centered on enlightening MSMEs on platforms/agencies that can be leveraged on for business growth and expansion, as well as empowering the MSMEs to access single digit (government backed) loans by connecting them to fund sources (BOI & NEXIM Bank).

Marek Zmyslowski, Managing Director of Jovago Nigeria stated, “When you have a business that is less than 3 years old, don't look for funding from banks, go to Venture Capitalists as they will be more likely to buy into your business vision and fund it.” Zmyslowski further commented “Strategic partnerships can help your business grow, so always identify companies that will help align your business and seek out partnerships with such companies.”

Vivo Energy Ghana Rewards Shell Customers in First Draw

Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has rewarded 31 customers who won various promotional items including a brand new Hyundai i10 in the first mini draw of the Shell Akyede Kese Promotion.

 

Vivo Energy Ghana Rewards Shell Customers in First Draw

Ms. Grace Appiah a worker at the Suntreso Government Hospital in Kumasi who won the brand new Hyundai i10 expressed her excitement at winning the ultimate prize in the first draw and lauded Vivo Energy Ghana’s effort to reward its customers.

“I am a loyal customer of Shell and always buy my fuel at Harper Road Shell Service Station in Kumasi. I still couldn’t believe that I had won the brand new Hyundai i10 car, until I came to witness the event. I can testify that Shell fuels are of good quality and want to encourage other Motorists to fuel their cars at Shell” says Ms. Grace Appiah.

Presenting the Prizes, the Head of Distribution for Vivo Energy Group and the Acting Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Ebenezer Faulkner said the Shell Akyede Kese Promotion was launched in October, to reward Shell customers and offer Motorists a memorable customer experience at the forecourts.