The Nation Newspaper

Category: Consumer Watch

  • Consumers should be wary of foreign brands without after-sales service centres

    Consumers should be wary of foreign brands without after-sales service centres

    Consumers that patronise foreign brands with no established offices are at cross roads on where to get after-sales services, just as TD Mobile, MTN and Freetel Japan recently officially unveiled ICE 2 phone from the stables of the Japanese telephone company.

    TD mobile, Sub Sahara Africa’s biggest mobile device distributor, had previously announced its partnership with the Japanese telephone company. At the event which was held at Protea Hotel G.R.A, Ikeja, Vice President International Sales Freetel, Eugene Yoshika, said the telephone company decided to invest in Nigeria because of the huge population.

    At the time, he said that the company planned to invest in the country with a full-fledged subsidiary to support sales, marketing and offer ‘After sales service’.

    The much-anticipated phone is currently selling nationwide at all major Online and Offline retail stores, including MTN’s retail outlets.

    Not just that the phone has gone on sale, massive incentives has been promised the first 200 subscribers to get the smart phone. In addition, all customers who buy the device will also enjoy double data bonus on every data bundle they buy for three months courtesy of MTN.

    According to MTN’s Chief Marketing officer, Rahul De, “We are excited by this partnership because our focus over the years has been on connecting millions of Nigerians to each other and the world thus expanding access to information, entertainment and endless opportunities.”

    ICE 2 Smartphone is one the many devices from the stables of Freetel, Japan, which the company has promised to introduce into the local market. They promised to launch four different models of its Andriod phones with prices ranging from N13,500 to N35,000.

    It would be recalled that some time ago, the Online giant market place, Konga.com, partnered with Mi-Fone, a Mauritanian mobile phone company with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, to introduce mi-Tribe A500 Smartphone into the Nigerian market. The colourful event held at Protea Leadway Maryland Lagos.

    At the event, then, Director Customer Experience and Marketing Konga.com, Mayowa Adebayo, said that “the partnership between the two companies represents Konga’s efforts to ensure that we continue to provide great product offerings to our customers.”

    Introducing the partnership over a video presentation, Founder and Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Mi-Fone, Alpesh Patel, said, “with mi-Tribe A500, we have launched a mobile device that offers convenience, style and affordability, made exclusively for the people of Nigeria as a way of giving them quality, backed up by superior after sales support.”

    However, Mrs. Eriata Williams who got the Smartphone the same month it was introduced into the Nigerian market, for over six months now is left without a phone because it has become impossible to get a replacement battery for her mi-Tribe A500 phone.

    According to her, “About seven months ago, I noticed a bulge at the back of the phone and I also noticed that the performance of the phone has dropped so I called Konga.com customer service number and complained to them.

    “I was directed to one of their authorised service centres, ‘Archos’, located at no. 20 Oremeji Street Ikeja. In relief, I went there expecting a solution but to my chagrin, I was informed that the battery and some other parts were not available as they were still expecting some consignments from the manufacturers’ office in Kenya. They promised to contact me within two weeks when the deliveries would have arrived.”

    Narrating her ordeal, she disclosed: “When after two weeks I did not hear from them, I went back to their office and again the consignments had not arrived and more promises of contacting me were given again. Since the past six months I have visited the Oremeji Service Centre to no avail.”

    Continuing, Williams said, “The last time I went there was last Monday, 26th of September. On sighting me, the delectable staff, Gbemi, who has attended to me many times, recognising me, smiled apologetically, informing me that they were yet to get the Battery for the Mi-Tribe A500.

    I asked her what I should do next, as I had been calling the office and visiting since the last six months all to no avail, she said ‘Just keep calling to know when we shall get the battery.’”

    Regrettably, Williams who said she cherishes the phone because of its uncompromising quality disclosed that, in desperation, she sent a complaint to the foreign office through their email address on their web site but got no response.

    “Unfortunately, I have searched for the battery in many shops and markets without success. I have even searched for battery from other brands but none matches the phone. Eventually, one of the phone repairers at Computer Village, Ikeja, elected to pad another battery in other to fit into the Mi-Tribe phone but it still did not work.”

    In a related incident, Mrs. Amarachi Eze, said she loves Hot point washing machine because of the efficiency. She imported one from England for use in Nigeria.

    “If I had known,” she lamented, “I would have bought brands like Thermocool and LG which have established offices and service centres here. Since the Hot Point washing machine developed a problem, for over one year now, I am still looking for a qualified person to rectify the fault.

    “Hot Point has no office or service centre in Nigeria and all the technicians I have approached have no knowledge of the machine.”

    Just like mi-Tribe, there are so many foreign brands in the market which unfortunately cannot boast of after sales services.

    However, dispelling fears amongst consumers of Freetel products, Managing Director, TD Mobile, Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, said that will not be the case will Freetel phones as TD mobile has many service centres across Nigeria and will naturally extend the same after sales services to users of Freetel mobile Smartphones.

  • Ogun, Abuja show class at 2017 Cowbellpedia Maths TV Quiz

    Representatives of Ogun, Osun and Abia states the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have cruised into the semi-final of the on-going 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics Television Quiz Show sponsored by Cowbell.

    In the preliminary group 8 contest last weekend, Chukelu Egboka of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, and Joel Ndoh of Marist Brothers Juniorate Aba, Abia State,  scaled the hurdle in the junior category.

    The duo edged past Charles Abasiofon of Rayfield International Secondary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom; Obichukwu Enibe of University of Nigeria Secondary School, Nsukka, Enugu State; Harry Biobele of Access High School, Calabar, Cross River State and Michael Simon of Air Force Comprehensive School, Yola, Adamawa State.

    Ndoh thanked Cowbell and Promasidor for the “good work and encouragement given to students across the country.” The 14-year-old, who scored 96 percent in the qualifying examination, disclosed that his expectation was to get to the final and win the prize. “My expectation is to get to the final and win, though I don’t know what to do with the money yet,” he said.

    Egboka, who is participating in the competition for the first time, also hopes to win the ultimate prize. “My expectation is to win. And if I win, I will take my family out for a special dinner and save the rest of the money,” he told newsmen outside the studio in Lagos last week.

    In the senior category, Favour Abusomwan of Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, Ogun State, and Blessing Olaleye of Reality High School, Ilesha, Osun State, also crossed the hurdles into the semi-finals.

    They eliminated Akanyo Ebipade of Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State and Oreoluwa Arosanyin of Chapel Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State. Others who did not make it were Saudat Ayuba of Kunatu Science Academy, Kano, Kano State, and Samson Madamidola of Global Kids Academy, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

    The ultimate prize in the senior and junior categories is N1 million each and an all-expenses-paid educational excursion outside the country. The first and second runners-up for each category will go home with N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

    Each teacher of the 2017 champions will be awarded N400,000, while those of the first and second runners-up will receive N300,000 and N200,000 respectively. Also, the winning schools will be rewarded with Mathematics textbooks, desktop computers and printers.

  • LG TVs enjoy spotlight at international exhibition

    TVs from LG Electronics (LG) were in the spotlight at the International radio exhibition Berlin 2017 [IFA], the world’s leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances.

    Disclosing this recently to media men at the company’s show room at Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, Lagos, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr Taeick Son, enthusiastically noted that LG demonstrated 2017 OLED TVs featuring Technicolor expert mode that displays colours optimised by technicolor’s colour scientists who work on the majority of Holly wood’s premium content.

    “LG’s OLED TVs have been recognised for their superior performance and are used by Technicolor as consumer reference displays in the production of home delivery versions of major Hollywood movies and television content such as Logan and Sense 8. This recognition from Technicolor verifies LG’s longstanding claim that its OLED TVs enable users to enjoy premium viewing experience,” said Son excitedly.

    At IFA 2017, which was held last month in Berlin, LG demonstrated the powerful 4K HDR video game rendering capabilities of its OLED TVs expanded colour performance in combination with Microsoft’s Xbox One S and Turn 10’s Forza Horizon 3.

    LG’s TV lineup’s versatility is further enhanced by HDR Effect which upscales standard dynamic range content to improve brightness and contrast ratios. LG held several HDR demonstrations at its IFA 2017 booth, including BBC 4K HLG content, Amazon HDR10 and Netflix Dolby Vision content.

    “We are pleased to exhibit our superior 2017 TVs at IFA, offering visitors the opportunity to experience their unrivalled performance hands-on,” said president of the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company, Brian Kwon.

    “Partnerships with respected names such as Technicolor and Dolby demonstrate LG’s commitment to continually pushing the boundaries of TV technology.”

    Visitors to LG’s booth at IFA 2017 in Berlin had a chance to see the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W along with other TV innovations from LG for themselves.

  • Nigeria home for next generation smartphones, says LG boss

    The next generation of Smartphone that will be introduced in Nigerian, will expand beyond the camera and device display, Managing Director of LG Electronics.

    West Africa Operations Taeick Son has said.

    In a statement, he said the mobile industry has witnessed tremendous innovations, adding that camera is  one area innovation is transforming the Smartphone market today but explained that there are improved innovation on audio and video sounds, operating system and camera.

    Son, said, “in line with what analyst have predicted about the next generation of devices focusing on features that would allow consumers to be more productive with their phones V30- our new mobile device is supported by Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Hybrid Auto Focus that combines both Laser Detection Auto Focus and Face Detection Auto Focus.

    “There are more professional images capturing solution in V30 camera. From the Graph website or mobile app and apply the same presets such as white balance, shutter speed, aperture and ISO to photos taken with the V30.”

  • Manufacturers should protect consumers from adulteration

    Manufacturers should protect consumers from adulteration

    It is quite interesting that almost all the sellers of unbranded vegetable oil in and outside the market claim to be selling Kings Vegetable oil, though PZ Wilmar, manufacturers of Devon Kings Vegetable oil, have declared that the company does not sell unbranded oil.

    This so called Kings Vegetable oil is watery and runny during hot weather but sleepy and congeals in its container when the weather is not very warm. Even when this oil is used in cooking, once the food gets cold, the slightly congealed oil makes a film coating on top of the food. Is it actually Kings Vegetable oil as claimed by the sellers? Consumers cannot tell.

    One thing, though, is that the oil from branded Devon Kings container is completely different from the much-touted unbranded Kings oil.  The oil in branded container appears light and slightly golden in colour. It remains runny and no matter how cold the weather is, it does not sleep and does not congeal.

    Consumers have the right to know what they are buying. A five-litre of branded Kings Vegetable oil sells for between N3,200-N3,500 while the same quantity of unbranded purported Kings oil sells for N2,200. Some consumers who do not bother about quality patronise the unbranded because of its cheaper price.

    Apart from Kings Vegetable oil, there are other brands in the market but Kings oil has been in the market for a long time and a majority of consumers have come to associate all vegetable oil with the brand name Kings. The name Kings has become synonymous with vegetable oil. This explains why retailers of even substandard oil try to sell their product under the brand name Kings.

    However, assuming that the unbranded oil in the market is actually Kings like the traders are flaunting, how can one reconcile the difference in colour, taste, texture, and price with the branded oil? Does PZ, manufacturer of Kings Vegetable oil, make two different qualities of vegetable oil?

    If then, the unbranded is not from the stables of PZ, the manufacturers of Kings Vegetable oil, why are they folding their hands and allowing their trade name being bastardised?

    In a bid to find answers to these questions and many more, telephone calls were placed to Marketing Manager of Devon Kings Vegetable oil, PZ Wilmer, Chioma Mbanugo. An sms was also sent to her. Much later, she responded in a text that she was busy and that we send her a text. This we did asking for clarifications on the raised points.

    Responding, the marketing manager asserted that the company has never sold unbranded oil.  Explaining, she said that the company sells two cooking oil brands which are Mamador and Devon Kings.

    “PZ Wilmar has become a trusted manufacturer to deliver best quality cooking oil in branded and packaged form in an extensive range of formats and pack sizes across Mamador and Devon Kings brands, which are in a world class, certified modern manufacturing environment,” she noted.

    In a bid to reassure consumers Mbanugo explained that Mamador vegetable oil is sold and packaged in various sizes of pet bottles while Devon Kings comes in various sizes of satchets/pillow packs, 1-litre and 2-litre pet bottles, 3-litre and 5-litre kegs and 10-litre and 25-litre jerry cans.

    Concerning what the company is doing to stop traders from using the name of Devon Kings to sell unbranded substandard oil to consumers, the manager explained that the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] as an empowered agency is there to enforce the quality standards in Nigeria.

    Also, a top management staff of the company who, however, insisted on anonymity, debunked claims by the traders that the unbranded oil was Kings Vegetable oil. Speaking in a telephone interview, he explained that Kings Vegetable oil comes in sealed branded containers.

    “We do not market any unbranded oil and we usually advise consumers not to buy if the seal is broken,” he explained.

    You see, this ugly trend infringes on the right of consumers. Every consumer has the right to enough information regarding what she/he is purchasing. Aside government regulatory agencies, manufacturers also owe consumers the responsibility of protecting them from adulterated products.

    If the manufacturer does not care much about a brand name which has taken them decades to build, they should at least show some concern to those loyal customers who have decided to stick to that brand name even when it’s obvious that they are no longer getting the same quality of product they are used to under this unbranded product.

    In an interview with a Director of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria [MAN], the Director who chose to speak under anonymity said that a manufacturer is supposed to fight back when its product is being adulterated.

    “A manufacturer can do that through the media by informing the general public that the said product being sold with his brand name is not a product of the company. The manufacturer should be able to advise the public on how to identify and obtain the genuine product,” he said.

    Though not absolving the government of its responsibility, the MAN official noted that “the company should understand that their brand name is equally at stake. It takes decades to build a brand name and therefore one should not allow retailers use good names to dispose of bad product.”

    “Trademark owners have the discretion to enforce their trademarks,” emphasised the director.  He noted that many companies feel a sense of corporate responsibility and duty to their loyal customers and to their employees to fight counterfeits.

    He also said that everyone involved in the supply chain has a stake in ensuring that products are protected from counterfeiting attacks.

    Calling on brand owners, he advised them to educate the public by way of advertisements and even dedicated pages on their website and that once the facts are presented, it is left to the customer.

    A Food Scientist with NARDAC, Folusho Adebayo, said it is the duty of every one to protect consumers from counterfeit products. “Government cannot do it alone as the market is so large and the products so numerous. What government can do is to enact the relevant laws and promulgate them while making sure there is maximum and consistent enforcements and penalties.”

    Adebayo insisted that “the responsibility of fighting counterfeits starts with manufacturers and distributors. If you have a brand, especially a global one, monitor the market and promote market surveillance.”

    “Government has the right of protecting the lives and wellbeing of her citizens all of whom are consumers” responded the national coordinator for Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Initiative [ACAPI] Mr. Hanson Maduagwu, adding that in a developed society, it should be the duty of everyone.

    “Government’s role is to enact and enforce laws formulated for the protection of the legitimate rights and interest of consumers while also maintaining the socio economic order and the promotion of a healthy development of market economy,” he explained.

    On the part of manufacturer, Maduagwu said it is their responsibility to protect the Intellectual Property [IP] of the brand’s products by registering IP rights, including trademarks, copyrights and patents in all relevant jurisdictions.

    He also stressed the need for manufacturers to review their product lines to identify which items have been counterfeited and those which are susceptible to copying.

    “The aim should be to prevent or substantially reduce imitations,” he added.

  • Choosing the right fuel for your generator

    Choosing the right fuel for your generator

    We are talking about generators here because successive governments in Nigeria has found beyond their ability to provide Nigerians with the much needed power. We all know that energy enhances the growth of economies and improves the quality of lives. Most households and businesses in Nigeria depend on generators as there is no guarantee of getting energy from the government. No wonder Nigeria has been rated as the country with the highest importation of generators.

    CHOOSING THE RIGHT GENERATOR FOR YOUR OFFICE OR HOME

    When making your decision on the type and size of generator you want to buy for your home or any structure, you have to know your electricity need. Generating sets can provide from as little as 1500watts of electricity and up to a staggering 15000watts. It’s now left for you to choose the one that will meet your electricity needs.

    Apart from your energy need, another important thing you need to consider is the type of fuel you want to use in running your generator.

    In this century and age, there are various option to choose from when it comes to fuel for powering engines. We have gasoline, popularly known as petrol in Nigeria, diesel, propane or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), popularly known as cooking gas, and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). All these fuel types have their pros and cons, however some advantages outweigh the others.

    GASOLINE OR PETROL

    This is the most common type of fuel especially in Nigeria, in fact over 80% of generators in Nigeria are run on petrol.

    Advantages of petrol generators

    It is easily accessible especially in Nigeria except during fuel scarcity

    1. Relatively portable: It is easy to carry around because the petrol tank is firmly attached to the generator.
    2. Another advantage of the gasoline generators is that the fuelling is comparatively simple, all you need to do is to turn the gasoline into the fuel tank and there you go, you are up and running.

    Disadvantages

    1. It is risky: in the event of trying to top up the fuel of the generator without switching it off, or before it cools off after use, a little drop of gasoline on the hot part of the generator can cause an explosion, in fact some people have fallen victim of this accident and the result is always deadly.
    2. Expensive: the price of gasoline especially in Nigeria is always fluctuating and it’s mostly expensive compared to LPG and CNG.
    3. Carbon monoxide pollution: As a result of the combustion of gasoline, carbon monoxide is generated which is one of the major pollutant of air. Apart from polluting the air, it also kills the spark plugs, settles on the piston, blocks the air vent, makes the engine oil go black and eventually go bad thereby increasing the maintenance cost of the generator and reducing its life span.
    4. Storage: Gasoline cannot be stored indefinitely; the longest storage duration of gasoline is 365 days. Apart from this, it evaporates easily, hence it depreciates in value when stored for a long period of time. So with gasoline, there is a limit to what you can save for the rainy days.
    5. Highly flammable: Gasoline is highly flammable, this makes it also very dangerous to store because at any slight mistake it can be ignited.

    DIESEL

    Diesel is the best price option for generators that produce 150 kW or more of power. Diesel generators are also the least expensive to operate, least flammable, and are the best for long-term usage. Also, diesel, like gasoline, is an easy fuel to obtain. Diesel is a relatively heavier fuel. Diesel engines are usually very strong and the fuel burns slower than any other fuel. However, it has its own disadvantages too.

    Advantages of diesel.

    1. Diesel burns slower than any other fuel, though it might be expensive to buy, it burns slower thereby making it relatively cheap to use.
    2. Diesel engines are mostly stronger than any type of engines.
    3. Diesel is always readily available.

    Disadvantages

    1. It generates more carbon monoxide than other engines. This means that it is not environment friendly. In fact some countries are thinking of banning the use of petrol engines because of environmental pollution.
    2. Wet stacking: Most of the diesel generators face a problem called “wet stacking”. When the generator is running on a load of about 30% to 40%, the fuel is not burnt completely and it lines up the turbocharger and other areas.
    3. Noise: Diesel generators make more noise than most other generators.

    PROPANE

    Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also known as propane or cooking gas is a good option for powering your generator especially those who depend heavily on generators to power their homes and businesses.

    Advantages of propane

    1. Superior supply of power: The common limits for gasoline generators are around 8500 watts of power. The propane generator, on the other hand, can often deliver more than 15000 watts, meaning that they can actually run the entire home, central air conditioning and all.
    2. Convenience: A propane generator can be on for as long as possible depending on the source of propane supply. In developed countries where they use propane pipes, these pipes can be attached to the generator to give it a consistent supply of fuel. On the other hand in countries like Nigeria where propane is dispensed into bottles, you can attach your generator to the biggest bottle of gas, hence giving your generator a consistent supply of fuel translating to consistent supply of power to your home or office.
    3. Environmentally friendly: Propane is a cleaner form of fuel because it burns without leaving residues. That is carbon, which contaminates the engine oil, stains the spark plug, and the piston.
    4. Safer: It eliminates the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. It also eliminates the danger of fire disaster which can arise while trying to refuel the generator while it is still running.
    5. Cost effective: In most countries, the cost of propane is lesser than that of gasoline and diesel. Aside saving on the cost of fuel, it also saves on the cost of maintenance because propane generators require lesser maintenance than other types of generators.

    Disadvantages

    1. Propane generators are expensive to purchase
    2. In countries where gasoline is cheaper than propane, the cost of running a propane generator might higher.
    3. Risk of gas leakage: If propane supply is not properly fixed, there is a high risk of leakages which might lead to fire outbreak and wastage of propane.

    CONVERSION OF GASOLINE GENERATORS TO PROPANE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS USING THE TRI FUEL CARBURETOR

    Considering the advantages and the disadvantages of the various types of generators above, the best option is to have a generator that can use more than one type of fuel. This means one will have an option to choose which form of fuel to use in running the generator without having to make any changes to the generator.

    How does it work?

    Most people think that the gasoline generator runs on liquid gasoline, but this is not true. The gasoline generator actually runs on liquefied gas. What happens is that the gasoline in the fuel tank when released is passed into the carburetor where it is vaporised before it can now be passed on to the section of the carburetor where the actual combustion takes place.

    Because this vaporisation is not perfect; during the process of combustion, there is a residue left out which is the carbon monoxide that the generator produces when working.

  • Can you get addicted to energy drinks?

    Energy drinks are beverages containing ingredients purported to boost energy levels, such as caffeine. The safety of these products depends largely on their individual ingredients and the amount in which they are consumed. Energy drinks that contain caffeine may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when drunk regularly. Learning about the different ingredients in energy drinks allows you to make an informed choice about using the products.

    Ingredients

    Energy drinks usually contain a combination of caffeine and other ingredients like herbs or vitamins. Common ingredients include B vitamins, taurine, ginseng and carnitine. Guarana — an herb that contains large amounts of caffeine — may be added to energy drinks in addition to synthetic caffeine. According to the University of California Davis, some energy drinks contain several servings per can, resulting in total caffeine doses as high as 294 milligrams. Many of these products also contain large amounts of sugar, corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

    Side effects

    While safe in small doses, the ingredients in some energy drinks can cause side effects in large amounts. Caffeine can cause nervousness, insomnia, nausea, increased urination and other unpleasant effects. The herb yohimbe, which is found in some energy drinks, contains yohimbine — a prescription medication that can cause dangerously low blood pressure. Other side effects that may be associated with energy drinks include heart arrhythmia, irritability and decreased bone density levels. Unpleasant caffeine-related side effects may be more likely to occur when combining energy drinks with medications, foods or supplements that contain caffeine. The University of California Davis states that pregnant women, kids and adolescents should avoid energy drinks altogether.

    Dependence and withdrawal

    Most people who drink energy drinks do not develop dependence, but drinks that contain large amounts of caffeine can make your body build up tolerance and mild physical dependence when drunk frequently. In addition, attempting to stop drinking caffeinated beverages after prolonged use may lead to withdrawal symptoms that prevent you from quitting. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, caffeine withdrawal is a medically recognised condition associated with symptoms like headache, drowsiness and irritability. In severe instances, it can even cause flu-like symptoms such as vomiting or muscle pain.

    Prevention/Solution

    Limiting your use of energy drinks to one serving per day can help prevent addiction and other side effects. Consult your physician before using energy drinks if you have a medical condition like heart disease or diabetes. Read the label for serving sizes, caffeine content and other information. To prevent unwanted interactions, avoid combining energy drinks with other stimulants like caffeine or pseudoephedrine. If you find it difficult to stop using energy drinks, gradually reducing your caffeine intake over several weeks may make it easier by preventing severe withdrawal symptoms.

  • The Future Project, Microsoft Nigeria collaborate

    The Future Project, in partnership with Microsoft Nigeria, has officially announced the launch of Accelerate LABS, an initiative to bolster the country’s economic development through enterprise development and technology incubation. Themed ‘Activating Small and Medium Scale Enterprises’, the goal of the project is to equip 2,500 youths across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria through trainings and funds to build socially inclined, high profit, and highly competitive enterprise capable of impacting the economy.

    Speaking during the launch, the Hakeem Adeniji-Adele, representing the Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Nigeria, Ifeanyi Amah, stated Microsoft’s intention to further focus on supporting viable and scalable businesses that would spur economic growth in Nigeria.

     “Microsoft recognises the creativity and intelligence of young Nigerian minds, which fully informs our support of this initiative to empower startups in realising their full potential, while also boosting the local economy through education, employment and entrepreneurship,” said Adeniji-Adele. “With this project, we are leveraging on the demand for better and effective technology to teach young Nigerians how to better themselves, their families and their communities.”

    Each geo political zone would be represented by a host state that will serve as a hub to incubate these businesses. Accelerate LABS will be in three streams, with the training of the first stream starting this September, and covering a period of three months. Each stream will include three weeks training session, four weeks mentoring session, three weeks research and practice and a demo day for pitching of business ideas to prospective investors.

  • Meat sellers and formalin

    Meat sellers and formalin

    I do not know how many of you received this message from a purportedly good Samaritan that meat sellers now use formalin to repel flies from meat. The message advised consumers to patronise butchers with flies around their meat as that is a clear sign of formalin-free meat.

    According to the message on the social media, “People are using formalin, the chemical used to preserve dead bodies in preserving meat as it keeps flies away. When I asked a pharmacist, Capt. Kenneth, remember of UPDF, he said it is possible.”

    Continuing, “This is a national public health issue. After my friend’s wife lost a baby through miscarriage and investigations showed the presence of formalin in her blood. When consumed, formalin goes to the liver and destroys it.”

    Appealing to consumers, the author in the message stated, “Please, people of God, this is serious. When you go to buy meat, go to a butcher that has flies around. Use this as the only way to confirm that there is no formalin present. If the meat is without flies, what is keeping them away is formalin. Be informed. Share this information please and save life.”

    Formalin is an acqueous solution of the chemical compound Formaldehyde. Basically between 35% and 40% solution of formaldehyde in water make formalin. It is used in the preservation of biological specimen and embalming in order to delay their decomposition.

    It is popularly used in some Asain countries like Bangladesh to preserve fruits and vegetables and other food items. It is also used illegitimately to preserve frozen fish in countries like India. It is equally used as a disinfectant as it kills most bacteria and fungi. It is also used for drying skin before or after surgical removal of warts or where dryness is required. Also, it is used for treating excessive foot moisture.

    Formalin is said to be most effective for the treatment of Iche diseased fish and controlling parasites especially in fish ponds, etcetera. A mixture of formalin, methanol, ethanol and other solvents makes the embalming fluid which is used to preserve bodies till funeral.

    When the supervisor of the Lagos State Abattoir located at Oko Oba, Agege, Alhaji Idris, read the message, he was aghast and beckoned on some butchers to read the message.

    “This is completely untrue,” said the supervisor who insisted on being addressed simply as Alhaji Idris.  “How can we use formalin to repel flies from meat? Since my 40 years of being in this business, I have never heard or seen any meat seller applying formalin to meat.”

    Alhaji Kamilu Adeleye, ak a Y30, a meat seller at the Abattoir, debunking the message, said it was totally untrue. “Fresh meat actually does not attract much flies and even when flies perch on meat we just use our hands to drive them away.”

    One of the health officials at the Abattoir expressed surprise at the contents of the message, and cautioned people against believing everything they read or see on the social media. “It is completely unthinkable that meat sellers will use formalin on meat in order to fend off flies.

    “Apart from inspecting the health conditions of cows before it is slaughtered and inspecting the flesh even after it is slaughtered, occasionally we inspect meat that is being sold in the open market and we have never encountered any meat that has formalin,” explained the state government worker, who is not authorised to speak to the media.

    At the Ipodo market Ikeja, most of the butchers spoken to were surprised, while most just laughed out rightly at the suggestion that they may be using formalin to deter flies from meat. However, some of the meat sellers installed net around their tables in order to product the meat from flies and dust. The high net on the sides of the table has wooden sticks holding them together. It’s like an open cage with no roof and cover in the front and back.

    Speaking with the reporter, a butcher known as Baba Ejima, raising a horse tail on his table, said that majority of them use horse tail or fans to drive flies out. “But you do not even have flies on meat unless the meat is about to spoil, in which case it will be emitting a bad smell.”

    However, though meat sellers and government health officials have debunked this allegation of using formalin, one still must take some precautions.

    Research reveals that formalin-contaminated meat will be quite stiff. It will also have a rubbery hard feel and will not have the normal meat smell so have all these in mind when shopping.

    If by any chance you suspect you have bought formalin contaminated fruits, vegetables, meat or fish, add a cup of vinegar to three cups of water and spray on the products. Allow to stand for 30 minutes and then wash off thoroughly.

    For fruits, another option is to immerse all fruits in a container of water for an hour before consumption. This will remove the formalin and have no effect on the taste. Remember to consume fruits treated this way soon, they will not last as long as their formalin-laden counterparts.

    Also, one can rinse the food products in salt solution. Ideally, it should be one teaspoon salt for each cup of water. Rinse methodically in plain water afterwards.

    Another way to rid fish/meat of formalin is to immerse them in tap water for an hour. By so doing, up to 60% of formalin will be removed but if you add salt to this water, up to 90% of formalin can be removed. A mixture of 90% vinegar and 10% water can completely remove all traces of formalin in 15 minutes but it may also affect the taste.

    One of the ways in which formalin contaminated fruits and vegetables can be avoided is by buying local produce and eating only seasonal fruits and vegetables. Imported fruits and vegetables may be exotic and delicious but they are more likely to have pesticides and preservatives.

    Though there is no proof that our meat sellers use formalin to repel flies, one still has to be vigilante. So to be on the safe side, avoid buying meat that is hard and stiff. Steer clear of meat that feels rubbery and hard when touched. Formalin-contaminated meat will not have the usual meat smell. Shop with eyes wide open.

    The widespread of formalin in preservation of food products is a major threat to health. It is highly toxic, irrespective of the method of intake. Consumption of as little as 30ml of a solution containing 37% formaldehyde can kill an adult. Studies have shown a correlation between the chemical and leukaemia.

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  • Is Yolk colour Indicator of Nutritive value of Egg

    Deviled eggs, poached, fried, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, sunny-side up — whatever way you like your egg, you are looking at that golden center, and sometimes you notice something. The shade of golden is not always the same. Some yolks are lighter, some yellower, some deeper, almost orange-colored. Do you get more nutrients one way or the other?

    The bottom line, says Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat and professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, is that “the color [of an egg yolk] does not reflect the nutrient value in any significant way.”

    Egg yolks range in color from pale yellow to deep orange. Richer-colored egg yolks are more likely to come from free-range hens, says Dr. Hilary Shallo Thesmar, director of food safety programs for the Egg Nutrition Center (ENC): Free-range hens have the opportunity to eat more pigmented foods, and the pigment is then transferred to the yolk. But the macronutrients (protein and fat) remain the same regardless of yolk color, Thesmar says. “However, there might be small changes in some of the micronutrients such as vitamin A and/or lutein.”

    The color of a yolk is due specifically to carotenoids, which are natural pigments found in some plants. Some carotenoids, like beta-carotene, have nutritional value (our bodies convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, for instance). But deeper-colored egg yolks only indicate the presence of carotenoids in general, say not necessarily the presence of beta-carotene. And other carotenoids that might be present may have antioxidant function, but they are not essential nutrients.