The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • Budget 2013: House rejects Oct. 4 presentation

    Budget 2013: House rejects Oct. 4 presentation

    President Goodluck Jonathan would not be presenting the 2013 budget on October 4 as earlier scheduled before the joint session of the National Assembly, it emerged yesterday.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal had onTuesday read a letter from President Jonathan conveying his intention to present the 2013 budget at a joint session on October 4.

    The lawmakers maintained that it was impossible for them to consider the acceptance of the presentation of the 2013 budget while the 2012 budget is having issues as the President was yet to convince Nigerians on the implementation of the current budget.

    The House of Representatives said it would not be able to complete the scrutiny of the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy  (MTEFF) paper as well as engage relevant government agencies concerned with the document before the said date.

    According to the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed, (PDP, Kwara), the House has  also suspended plenary for next week to conduct oversight  on physical inspection of infrastructural projects nationwide.

    The indication of the imminent postponement  was dropped by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance,  Abudmumin Jibrin (PDP, Kano), who also doubled as the  Chairman of the Joint Committee saddled with the responsibility of scrutinising the document at the plenary yesterday.

    Saying that though the preliminary  process of detail examination of the document has commenced, Abudmumin Jubrin informed the floor that “Knowing the implication and importance of the document to the presentation of the budget by Mr. president, it is practically impossible to engage all the relevant government agencies involved with the document.

    “We have to invite agencies like the Ministry of Finance, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and several others”.

    Jibrin stressed that considering the limited time interval before the Presidential presentation, more time would be needed by the Committee in order to be able to do a thorough job on the document.

    The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal asked the Committee to continue with it’s work on the basis that the passage of the MTEF  is a prerequisite for the presentation of the Budget by the President.

    The House Spokesman, at the weekly media interaction said the importance of the oversight function cannot be overemphasized, while  pointing  out that the stance of the lower chamber was not a muscle flexing against the executive.

    “The question of Mr. President coming to present the budget on 4th is ruled out because by next week  we are not going to be available. Also, the MTEF must definitely be looked into first, by law and convention before the budget for the incoming year is considered.

    “These are issues of law, it is not about the House trying to flex muscles. Maybe later, a letter of convenient  day would be fixed for Mr. President to come and present the budget.

    “We are considering an aspect of the 2012 budget and not yet completed, yet another one is coming. 4th October is just not realistic, we are going on the oversight and be back  on 9th,” he said.

  • Malt drinks battle for supremacy

    Malt drinks battle for supremacy

    For years, Malt drinks have been locked in a fierce battle to be the market leader. With different promos and mouth-watering offers, they are throwing everything into the contest – all to woo consumers. RAJI ROTIMI reports. 

    Over the years, the malt industry has experienced growth, with consumers confronted with different brands. Only a few of the brands have survived. Reason: stiff competition.

    Some didn’t blossom because of geographical constraints; some are peculiar to a particular region of the country; some fizzled out because they refused to follow the trend of the new age. Today, three brands seem to remain in the supremacy battle.

    Following the coming of the first malt drink, Maltex, in 1967, the industry has witnessed an influx of various brands. The sudden health consciousness of Nigerians to sugar in-take gave rise to the success of the emerging malt product that didn’t gained much popularity then.

    Brand names, such as Maltonic, Vitamalt, Betamalt, Maltex, Hi-Malt, Maltina, Malta Guinness, Nasmalt, Amstel Malta and Malta Gold were once reigning; they all had their target markets. But, suddenly, the influence of the various malt brands started waning; some went into oblivion; others are barely managing to tag along.

    The three malt brands ahead today are Maltina, Malta Guinness and Amstel Malta. According to brand expert Mr Femi Akinwunmi, Chief Executive Officer 7one7 Concept Advertising Limited, “the three brands have recorded success because they evolved with the current trend and, most importantly, they have been sensitive and responsive to the needs of their consumers.”

    From the stable of Nigerian breweries came Maltina, which was launched in 1976, making it the second malt drink, but the first locally to be brewed. Maltina introduced various ground-breaking ideas. First, it changed the bottle design from the conventional – short and rotund – to a more unique design.

    This created a distinct brand differentiation, which stood Maltina out from the rest. Maltina also introduced fruit variants, which gave room for consumers to pick their favourite flavours. Taking it a step further, it was the first to introduce the tetrapak ‘Maltina sip it’ that made it more handy and accessible.

    Taking a survey on why consumers drink Maltina, Mrs Elizabeth Ojuolape, a malt depot owner, said: “Those that buy and drink Maltina do so because of its promise of vitamins and body nourishments. On the other hand some complain that the drink leaves some unpleasant after-taste”

    Malta Guinness was introduced into the market in 1990 by Nigeria Guinness Plc. It came with great taste and, above all, no after-taste. This feat was a big relief for consumers. Soon, a generally accepted rumour spread like a wild fire, stating that Malta Guinness acts as a blood booster or blood tonic.

    This statement, though not scientifically proved, has gathered more ‘disciples’. Mrs Ojuolape added: “I was at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH) some months ago to donate blood. To my uttermost surprise, I found cans of Malta Guinness around. I also noticed that after a donor donates blood, he is given a can of Malta Guinness or he buys a can of Malta Guinness to restore the blood he has lost. Some even went further to say mixing it with milk doubles the potency. While on the other hand, many believe that Malta Guinness contains more sugar than other brands.”

    To constantly lead the market, Nigerian Breweries launched the low-sugar malt drink, Amstel Malta, in 1994. The new addition became the latest gold rush in the market, forcing other malt brands on their toes. Health conscious Nigerians went for Amstel Malta. Amstel Malta rivalled its own sister brand (Maltina) from the same mother. This point marked the beginning of another struggle for survival.

    The malt industry became a battle ground of sorts as these three leading malt brands started churning out various strategies to achieve market dominance.

    Rocking the world of entertainment and television reality shows since then are the three giants, In 2007, Maltina stormed the television with their Maltina Family Dance. The programme has large viewership, thus increasing sales. Mata Guinness introduced Malta Guinness Street Dance.

    Not too long, Amstel Malta stormed higher institutions with Amstel Malta Showtime, all in a bid to stay in the forefront of the market, to continually stamp their brand in the hearts of consumers.

    Brand migration is actually inevitable, judging from the way the market fluctuates. According to Media Monitoring Service (MMS), an agency that monitors the media in Nigeria, Maltina Dance All had a good number of viewers during the competition, at the same time sales increased.

    Nigeria Guinness Plc recently launched its low-sugar version of Malta Guinness, balancing the market and bridging the gap. Before now, Nigerian Breweries was championing the low-sugar campaign in the malt industry. Tasting the new Malta Guinness, it is no doubt a low-sugar or no-sugar malt drink. But a shop owner, Bona Odinaka, said: “The sales of the new Malta Guinness low-sugar are very slow due to its taste, compared to Amstel Malta with low-sugar but good taste.”

    The good part of this brand battle, observers believe, is that it gives room for various brands to constantly seek consumers’ satisfaction. It makes them offer the best deal to attract consumers’ patronage.

    Competition, it is believed, breeds improvement, which breeds good deal, leading to value for money, which is most important, said an expert in the industry.

  • Trophy Lager rebrands

    In consonance with the brand’s aim of re-connecting with consumers, SABMiller Nigeria has introduced Trophy Beer in a new 330ml CAN with an attractive label, supported with an extensive new Above The Line communication campaign.

    This was disclosed by Mr Andre Lubbe, Commercial Director SABMiller Nigeria during the launch of the label and campaign held at Ilesha Breweries recently.

    At the launch of the CAN new label and communication campaign, Lubbe said the new campaign has given rise to a new identity that really communicates the intrinsic values of the brand both in terms of emotional and rational benefits.

    “The new re-design of the label has given rise to a new brand identity that communicates the intrinsic values of the brand both in terms of emotional and rational benefits, as well as to build long lasting aspiration for Trophy beer’’, Lubbe said . Lubbe also reiterated that the brand which has also added a new title Honourable as part of its repositioning plan to position it to be first among equals and the leader of any social group.

    ‘’Thereafter with the title Honourable which is used to describe respected members of the society and community, first among equals and the leader of any social group, Trophy larger’s new title symbolizes deserved respect, being a beer well cherished and appreciated amongst the south – westerners,’’ Lubbe said.

    Continuing, Lubbe maintained that the beer which means so much to the consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality is also referred to as the pride of the West “ Trophy lager means so much to the consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality. It is regarded as the pride of the west, as such, to most consumers of the beer, it is seen as first among equals and remains the leading economy brand in the Southwest,’’ he said.

    Therefore, to further entrench the brand values and personality, Lubbe said it became imperative to refresh the beer by putting it in its rightful place. He also disclosed that following a consumer research conducted in the Southwest towards the end of last year and this year, hence the need to develop this new marketing campaign to reflect a new brand positively.

    Also speaking at the launch, the Chief Operating Officer of Ilesha Breweries, Mr Carlos Gomez stated that IBL has a very proud history while it remains ambitious to be of quality standard, to produce brands with quality standards that will be visibly positioned that will have a appreciable share of the market.

    Trophy lager beer, which was originally launched by International Breweries Plc, Ilesha, Osun State in 1978 and taken over in 2011 by the management of SABMiller, world’s second largest brewer and the biggest in Africa, has remained a remarkable choice of lager with strong and notable presence in Southwestern Nigeria.

  • La Casera Apple Story thrills consumers in Osun

    Building on the enormous success of its Apple Story Campaign, the La Casera Company Plc is taking the experience to the doorsteps of consumers of its ever popular La Casera Apple flavour drink as the Southwestern state of Osun was recently hit by a ton of refreshment, energy and fun when the Apple Story train arrived the town.

    Like an affirmation of the company’s culture of innovation and excellence, The company has attracted an unprecedented number of students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, in their ongoing campaign.

    In a four hour-Apple Story Experiential show held at the polytechnic, Iree, a huge crowd of students and visitors were thrilled to the dexterous moves of the dancers and football jugglers on offer, as free samples of cool and refreshing La Casera Apple Drink were handed out. The audience also had a chance to win fantastic prizes in the various dancing and juggling competitions that were organised by the La Casera Apple Story team.

    Many of those present praised La Casera for filling their day with fun and flavour and asked for a return visit. Miss Bose Awoniyi, a student of the polytechnic and winner of the female category of the dancing competition was also grateful to La Casera for providing a platform for her to showcase her skills.

    “This is a day I’ll never forget. Winning the dancing competition will surely bring me more recognition to my dancing skills on campus – and who knows what this will lead to. Thanks to La Casera, I have my own ‘Apple Story’ to tell,” she enthused.

    She also praised the effort of the LaCasera Company for the opportunity by emerging the winner in the female category dancing competition which gave her the chance to became famous in the campus.

    The La Casera Apple Story train continues on its journey across the country with the promise of energy, refreshment and fun to the teeming consumers of the popular Apple Drink.

  • Medicated soap or nothing

    With the aid of campaigns and promos, medicated soap manufacturers seem to have wormed their way into the hearts of consumers, especially children. Brands like Dettol, Tetmosol, Lifebuoy and Delta have become the toast of many homes. You can find them everywhere- from the Mallam on your street, to the provision stores in the nearest market to the exotic shopping malls in the metropolis. The multinational companies producing them are constantly bringing up strategies to make more sales. The price begins at N100.

    To create interest in consumers, the promoters of these products indulge in several campaigns in the media, on the streets and even in schools to assert themselves to target consumers. Dettol for instance, has designed many campaign programmes in schools in the bid to make it the most preferred among kids. Lifebuoy also undertakes the same measure. Tetmosol and Delta targets adults and children alike. The good thing about them is that they are good and suitable for the entire family. They boast of cleaning and proper disinfection of the body against germs. They also moisturise the body and give it lasting freshness.

  • Dark and Lovely hosts 3,500 hairdressers

    Dark and Lovely range of beauty products from the staple of L’Oreal Central West Africa hosted over 3,500 hairstylists and dressers across the Southwest zone to make history as the biggest gathering of hair professionals in one day. It was at the unveiling the new Dark and Lovely Anti-Breakage range, which offers 10 times less breakage to hair.

    The hair professionals were drawn from all the major trade associations within Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. The new anti-breakage range of products includes the complete relaxer kit, the strengthening oil moisturizer, the nourishing hair butter, and the healing treatment.

    The 111year old signature of the L’Oreal Group dedicated to Afro beauty – “SoftSheen Carson” has discovered from its institute that African hair is the most vulnerable of all and the most prone to breakage.  Research shows the natural surface of Afro hair bears the most numerous weak points because its cuticles do not perfectly overlap as a result of its twisted shapes.

    However, the good news for consumers from the African descent is that L’Oreal has created the perfect solution to fight breakage for Afro hair.  The natural cement of the hair is the ceramide and the scientists have created s synthetic version to replenish these weak points said Mrs. Severine Fadairo-Lemon, Marketing Director, LOREAL Central/West Africa.

    Consequently, The Dark and Lovely Anti-breakage range has been scientifically proven that it is the only range of products that puts back the ceramide lost to guarantee up to 10 times less breakage.

    Explaining the rationale behind the event, Mrs. Fadairo-Lemon said: “We are here today to host Nigeria hairdressers to present them with our new Dark and Lovely anti-breakage range. It is new range of full product, dedicated to afro-specific hair and to help consumers fight breakage problems they encounter.”

    “We know that the major problem women face with the hair is breakage and secondly is the lack of moisture in the hair and that is the dryness of hair, adding that the current range of the company’s hair products were designed to help with the dryness problem and that is why the range was called moisture plus.

    “The new addition now is to treat the breakage problem therefore, if you have dry hair you should keep with our current range –Dark n Lovely Moisture Plus and if you have breakage problem with your hair then you should go for the new released-Anti-Breakage range,” the marketing director said.

    On the affordability and availability of the products particularly to low end market, Mrs Fadairo-Lemon said: “Our brand is actually a premium brand and so there is no denial in us saying that we are a brand that is at the bottom of the pyramid because we think that our mission for being part of the Loreal Group is the number one group for beauty in the world is ready to deliver quality for women across the world either they are Africans, Europeans, Asians or Americans  they deserve the best to be able to look good and feel good about themselves so Dark n Lovely is really a premium brand but it doesn’t mean that being premium we want to put some people to the side. Our goal is really to cater for every problem and also to be available for everyone. So, the first step is actually to be available as I just said and this is the reason Loreal opened a subsidiary here, we are only operating in Nigeria for eight months now. It is because we really want to put our products on the shelf to be available for everyone to buy.”

    According to her, the second step after the opening of the subsidiary is that ”we have partnered with some national distributors that have footprint in Nigeria not only in urban areas but also in semi-urban and the rural areas across the country.”

  • Are you a smart shopper?

    “If fools did not go to market, cracked pots and false wares would not be sold,” said Jean Le Malchanceux in the 12th century. The market place offers a bewildering variety of choices and we often end up getting a raw deal. It is, therefore, very important for us to make informed choices.

    You do not always buy clothes to own them, you buy them because you think they make you look good. And for an important social event, looking good is 50 per cent bulk of your reasons to even be at an event. If you learn to shop smart, you would greatly reduce post-purchase hassles.

    To get a fair deal, it is very important that you, as consumer, assert yourself while buying goods and services.

    Never buy on impulse or under pressure. Decide in advance exactly what you want

    Get advice and price quotes from several sellers of various brands and compare

    Check for any extra, hidden charges such as delivery fees, installation and service costs

    Read and understand any contract or legal document that you are asked to sign. Make sure there are no blank spaces. Insist that any extras you are promised orally be put in writing. Never assume things. Ask the sales person to fully explain the store’s return or exchange policy.

    Save all papers that you get with your purchase-sales receipts, manuals and warranty documents. Ensure that the warranty card is stamped with the dealer’s seal and has the date of purchase and term of warranty period on it. Any card without these details renders the warranty null and void

    Read and follow product and service instructions. If there is a defect, take the product only to an authorised service centre of the manufacturer. This helps you make a legal claim in case of a recurring problem

    Are your customers satisfied with your offerings?

    In today’s world, customers are looking for products that suit their purpose best – in terms of price, features, quality and appearance. They expect to be treated as kings and to receive sales and service support, along with definite solutions to problems from retailers, dealers or channel partners.

    The mantra that the ‘customer is king’ is the premise that any product’s design, production, distribution and marketing should have one central focus at the core of all decision-making: the customer (remember: in some instances, the customer may not necessarily be the end-user or consumer).

    Products or brands by themselves do not automatically usher in customer loyalty or strengthen customer relations.

    Consider the following questions

    Do you present a single face to your customers?

    Do you work in different ways for different classes of customers and different types of people?

    Do you know what your customers will ask for before they do?

    Do you make your customers’ experience a seamless one?

    Do you let customers do more for themselves?

    Do you measure the things that customers really care about?

    Points of View

    From the customer’s point of view, your company or brand exists only to create value for them, to provide them with results. In the fast-changing global economy, the focus must be on the way in which the nature of value is changing, involving new ways to price goods, innovation and emotion. The implication of these new forms of exchange is a transfer of power from the producer to the customer.

    There are multitudes of values present in every buyer-seller exchange: economic, informational and emotional. These exchanges increasingly happen so fast that there is no time to translate them into precise monetary terms. Businesses need to identify these hidden values and think more accurately about their worth before accepting the price proposed. The implications are profound. Companies need to think in terms of offers, which involve merging products and services to exploit their knowledge and give customers a value-added experience, not just selling them stuff.

    Checklist

    Customer first – refers to making customers the central focus of all decision making; product design, production, distribution and marketing

    Customers want products that best meet their needs in terms of price, features, quality and appearance.

    Know your customer and predict their needs before they ask the question.

    Tailor products to meet different customer needs.

    Simplify the purchase process for your customer.

    Add value through innovation and incentives.

    Deliver something that goes beyond the basic product.

    The key concern is the kind of interface your brand builds and presents to your customers as well as your end user. To be successful, you need to add value for your customer, by distinguishing between what you are selling and what your customer is buying. Take a broad view of your customer’s needs and deliver something that goes beyond the basic product purchase.

  • Nigerian Breweries unveils biggest FMCG promo

    According to the Integrated Marketing Services website, a strong promotion is founded on sound consumer insights; leverages a strong link to the brand’s equity; includes relevant media channels and delivers incentives that are ultimately motivating to the consumer. Wikipeadia defines promotion as one of the aspects of the promotional mix, writes JIMI DAVID as Nigerian Breweries unveils promo.

    Some identified consumer promotion techniques are a temporary reduction in price and loyalty reward programmes, where consumers collect points, miles, or credit for purchases and redeem them for rewards.

    Nigeria’s favourite and leading beer brand, Star lager beer, manufactured by Nigerian Breweries Plc, recently begans its National Consumer Promotion. It is tagged: Star Time to Shine promo. Well, Star lager is not looking at reducing the recommended retail price of the beer, even though the promo is a unique reward scheme. What Star is, however, looking at, is rewarding over 8.5 million consumers.

    Perhaps, drawing a parallel between the number of expected lucky winners and population of Nigerian states will paint a picture of the enormity of the unique reward scheme. The 2006 census figures estimates the population of Lagos State at 9.1 million. Hypothetically speaking, if the promo is restricted to the Centre of Excellence as Lagos is popularly called, about 93.4 per cent are already guaranteed winners.

    If it was also restricted to states such as Oyo, Rivers, Benue and Anambra, which have 5.5 million, 5.1 million, 4.2 million and 4.1 million respectively. Clearly, there will be an abundance of prizes. Citizens from Benue and Anambra will even win twice.

    The press conference announcing the promo was held on September 19. Welcoming the media, Mr Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said that Star lager beer has upgraded its packaging with a radiant blue neck foil and 3D-like enhancements on the label to reassure consumers of the brand’s commitment to quality and as another mark of Star’s leadership in the Nigerian beer market.

    Represented by Edem Vindah, Media and Public Affairs Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, he noted: “You have seen the campaigns of Star on various media encouraging our consumers to experience the Shine of Quality that only Star brings and Shine On. It’s been a very busy and important year for the Star brand and like we used to say, there’s never a dull moment.”

    Speaking on the promo, he stated: “This time however, is the time to reward and say thank you to the millions of our consumers in every part of Nigeria. It is with pride that I introduce to you the Star Time to Shine promo – a national consumer promotion designed to reward our loyal consumers across the country with various fantastic prizes.”

    The Marketing Director further averred that the promo’s main aim is to reward the consumers of Nigeria’s favourite beer. He noted: “This promotion has one main objective: to give our consumers the chance to shine and we call on them to seize the chance! The sheer number of winners that will emerge from this promo is astounding.”

    He shed more light on the mechanics of the consumer promotion. “The promotion is a crown cork based one. That means consumers buy and open a bottle of Star and while enjoying the premium quality, look under the crown cork and there is their passport to shine.

    “There will be two categories of winning crown corks. The first is the instant prize crown corks. Under this category, the following prizes can be won: 85,000 umbrellas, 92,000 T shirts, 20,000 baseball caps, two million pens and a whopping 6.3 million free drinks. To make claiming prizes very easy, there are 1,200 redemption centres nationwide. The basic idea is to ensure that as many Star loyalists as possible get rewarded.”

    Speaking further, he stated that there will be draw crown corks containing special numeric codes. He listed some of the prizes to be won via weekly draws as follows: 400 people will win N20,000, which is the third prize while 240 people will win N50,000 which is the second prize. The first prize of 32 inch LCD TV will be won by 160 persons.

    The special codes will also qualify contestants for the grand prize of a brand new Toyota Corolla to be won by 16 persons.

    Holders of the draw crown corks can ‘redeem’ them in either of two ways: By sending information such as their name, sex, age, location, and the special code to 30383 by SMS or by going to any of the 1200 redemption centres and registering their codes and personal details. Consumers will also be able to register their crown corks on the Star website www.star-nigeria.com and facebook page www.facebook.com/starnigeria.

    All holders of the draw crown corks will be expected to keep them as the ultimate proof of ownership. The SMS system will work with all major telecoms operators in the country.

    The draws for the Star Time to Shine promo will be held weekly in different bars around Nigeria from October 12 and broadcast on major network televisions, including Newsline every Sunday from October 21.

    “This promotion is another testimonial of Star’s commitment to giving back to the society and especially the consumers of the brand. With over 8.5 million winners to emerge, the lives of many Nigerians will again be touched through the Star Time to Shine promo.”

  • hopping for used cars

    hopping for used cars

    Are you looking for a first rate used car and you don’t have enough money? The showrooms are your best bet. Many of them dot Lagos, write TONIA ‘DIYAN and AZZAN OLAJUMOKE.

    There is a large thriving market of used cars in Lagos.

    Prices of the same vehicle sometimes vary widely from one dealer to the other. What one pays for will depend on several factors including the vehicle’s features, its mechanical condition, age or motivation of the seller among other factors.

    Some people would display their cars for sale in open spaces such as car parks, on the streets and even in front of their residences. Most times there is a simple sign such as ‘Buy me’ or ’for sale’ with a telephone number to indicate that the car is about to be sold so that interested buyers can make enquiries.

    Depending on your needs, cars can be found for sale in just about every place. Individuals sell their cars to meet an urgent need.

    Virtually all car brands can be bought and sold but the overwhelming majority of them are used cars. The most popular brands of used cars are; Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, BMW and several others. Used cars can be bought at lower and affordable prices compared to brand new cars.

    A used 2001 Honda Civic car is sold for N750,000; 1999 Toyota Previa is sold for N850,000; 1999 Mazda Protégé N980,000; 1998 Ford Ranger XLT N1,100,000; 2004 Toyota Highlander N1,350,000; 2008 Nissan Rogue SE N1,800,000; 2000 Toyota Sequoia LTD N3,000,000; 2011 Toyota Sequoia N4,000,000; 1986 Honda Accord N270,000; 1993 Honda Civic hatchback is sold for N300,000, 1996 Suzuki Baleno N300,000; 2004 Skoda Octavia N350,000; 1989 BMW 3 series goes for N350,000; 1996 Rover 827 Si is sold for N370,000; 1999 Nissan Altima N370,000; 1996 Honda Accord N380,000; 1996 Nissan Quest N400,000.

    Major car dealers who sell brand new cars also stock used cars. They are the likes of; Lanre Shittu cars, Porshe car dealer at Victoria Island Lagos, Motorways, SCOA cars, among others.

    People have different choices when it comes to cars, some like jeeps, and others prefer sporty cars which are usually small and portable in size. It is advisable for any body who wants to buy a car to weigh his/her options by visiting different car dealers, compare prices and be able to pick the most reasonable price at the end of the day.

    Nigeria is filled with car lovers who import and use different types of expensive cars, as long as they can afford it. The large size of the Nigerian used car market has made it possible to select from an assortment of cars and Jeeps (not just the Peugeots as was the case in the 1980s). Most frequently, the latest European and Japanese cars and Jeeps enter the Nigerian market a few months after they are released.

    Do your homework before parting with your hard earned money; whether you are buying a brand new car or a used car. If you are not comfortable with a particular dealer, try another one; there are several of them. Do not be quick to take the first offer given to you.

    Knowing when to buy a car is important, the end of the month is a suitable time. You may want a Porsche, a compact car, Sedan, SUV, van, or truck.

    However, knowing the class of car and your price point will help you focus.

    You should be able to choose between a manual and an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions tend to be a little less expensive. Consider buying a car with enough space if you intend using it to carry load.

    According to Philip Reed, a consumer advice editor and a co-author of Strategies for Smart Car buyers “the price of a car should not be more than 20 per cent of your take-home pay and the end of the month is always a good time to car shop because dealers are anxious to meet their quotas. In the beginning of November, cars are often discounted because dealers want to get them off for the new batch to be sold during the holidays”

    Companies traditionally release next year’s models in late August and early September. It is important to see new features, updated models, and sizes of cars, and then compare them to existing ones. Perhaps the new features are not worth the extra money for the next year’s model.

  • One nation, two citizens

    He is clean-shaven. He is well dressed. He drives a brand new car. He speaks impeccable English and you would never believe he is engaged in such act. He has caused several people heartache through his activities. He is not afraid of the law. In fact, he has devised a way around it. He is so smart; he has befriended the law. That friendship has given him the liberty to operate without fear. He has friends in high places. As such, he carries on with impunity and no one dares stop him.

    He operates through the issuance of fake cheques, fraudulent wire transfer, spurious anonymous call and Web-based e-mail and more. He called the other day. He informed that someone somewhere had given him one’s name. As his story goes, one has offended the anonymous fellow.

    Therefore, as an herbalist, this faceless, aggrieved fellow has contracted him to deal with one ruthlessly through ‘African magic’. Being a “good” herbalist, he has decided to call and issue a timely warning. However, on the one hand, to avoid being ‘hit’, one should, as a matter of urgency, present oneself for ‘special cleansing’. Gosh! The man was so smooth, so convincing any fool would have believed him.

    Through such a professional pitching, several unsuspecting Nigerians and foreigners have fallen victims. However, at that time, he was an herbalist. But were he dealing with government of another country, he would be a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Were he dealing with bank chiefs of another country, he would be the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria. Were he dealing with local companies, he would be the MD/CEO of Phantom Company Nigeria Unlimited. And after his conquest, whenever he is in the midst of his comrades-in-arms, he is the Chairman!

    Through his unholy act, he has caused countless people monetary loss. Estimates of the loss vary widely. The Nigerian scam is hugely successful.

    According to a newspaper article, “We have confirmed losses just in the United States of over $100 million in the last 15 months. Special Agent James Caldwell of the Secret Service financial crimes division said, “And that’s just the ones we know of. We figure a lot of people don’t report”. Nevertheless, this Nigerian lives everywhere.

    He is based in South Africa. He has offices in the US and Canada. But, in fact, he could be your neighbor next door. At other times, he is actually in Johannesburg. That is where he resides now. He has transferred his trade to that country.

    That is because there are still several “magas” in that country. One Osamai Hitomi, a Japanese businessman was lured to Johannesburg, South Africa in a 419 scam and kidnapped on 26 September, 2008. He was then taken to Alberton, south of Johannesburg and a $5 million ransom was demanded from his family. Seven people were arrested. Another 29-year old George Makronalli, a Greek, was murdered in South Africa after responding to a 419 scam.

    Who is behind these shady activities? Answer, the same Nigerian who is involved in advance-fee fraud. Through his fraudulent activities, Nigeria has attracted mud. The country’s image has been battered.

    However, other Nigerians are writing the country’s name in gold. Philip Emeagwali is one. Wole Soyinka is another. Chinua Achebe is popular. There is a Professor IlesanmiAdesida, the first black to be appointed the Provost/Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, United States of America.

    A professor of Electronic Engineering with outstanding works in nanotechnology, Adesida, was appointed by the search committee of the institution on May 31, 2012. Before his appointment, Adesida was the Dean, College of Engineering of the institution.

    He is flying the country’s flag in a foreign land. Then there is Sanya Ojikutu, the erstwhile cartoon editor of defunct Fame magazine. Ojikutu, like Adesida, lives in the Diaspora

    Ojikutu’s latest invention, Share Buds Mx 2-in-1 stereo earphones, makes it possible for two persons to listen to music simultaneously. It works with most iPhones, iPod, mp3 players, mobile phones, Blackberry and other portables media players. Released in 2008, Share Buds has become a hit in the US and Apple has added the invention to its product guide. Celebrities in Beverly Hills, California and Hollywood have responded positively to the product. It has also been featured on Channel 5’s the Gadget Show Road Trip Special in the UK.

    For it to get to this stage it took Ojikutu a year to design the gadget, which involved research and development, focus group and the final prototype. It is a very simple solution to everyday challenge.

    However, it would change the way people listen, share and interact with their favourite music, iPods and other portable digital devices. According to Ojikutu, Oprah Winfrey and Bono inspired the invention while the two celebrities shared one pair of headphone during the launch of Apple’s product in Chicago.

    Ojikutu was sure these celebrities were not getting the full benefit of the stereo quality. While he contemplated that, the idea for Share Buds hit him. Then he went to work. Ojikutu’s invention may not hit you hard. It may not make your heart skip a beat. It may not throw up the country’s name in wild ecstasy. But imagine if Ojikutu has committed an offence, imagine if he were a scammer, imagine if he were a drug baron, then imagine the kind of dirt it would have attracted to Nigeria.

    These things go that way. One bad deed, which goes unnoticed or unacknowledged, can do more damage than several good ones. The country’s name has been dragged in the mud for so long it would take more than cosmetic surgery to clean it. It would take more than propaganda to get Nigeria out of this mess.

    It would take more than what we are doing now before a Ghanaian or South African agrees to conduct a legitimate business with another Nigerian. He would always think the Nigerian has an unholy motive, whereas, in fact, the Nigerian is legit.

    But who can blame the Ghanaian? Who will rid Nigeria of its bad image abroad? Nigeria’s situation is a case of one nation with two different shades of citizens. A scammer. An inventor; negatives and positives. Through the former, Nigeria is painted in bad light. The latter brought glory and positive story to the country. Through the act of the former, 419 have entered global consciousness and it is linked directly to Nigeria.

    Now, any Nigerian, clean or not, is perceived as a fraud. However, the inventor may be relatively unknown but his invention would change lives forever. One Nigeria. Two sides. One is ugly. The other is beautiful. One body of water. Two streams. One is hygienic. The other stinks. One nation, two citizens. One is law abiding; the other is a member of Boko Haram sect. Who will rescue Nigeria from this mire?