The Nation Newspaper

Category: Consumer Watch

  • Enforcing the rights of air passengers

    Enforcing the rights of air passengers

    Happy New Year and welcome to a beautiful 2016. 2015 is already being referred to as last year and I am yet to get the hang of it.

    Yes, I know that many of us are on our way back from where ever we went to spend our Christmas and New Year holidays.

    The holidays have almost worn us out and most parents are already calculating school fees. Do not worry yourselves as the money is bound to come one way or the other.

    Well, to the business of today, which is Enforcing the rights of air passengers. A visit to the airports, especially at this peak period, will open your eyes to the unprofessional way passengers are treated, and to cap it all, most passengers accept the treatment and remain silent.

    How many times have our flights been cancelled or delayed? Uncountable times, sometimes leaving us wishing that we had gone by road instead of air plane that is supposed to be the fastest means of travel.

    Recently, Miss Nneka Chimaobi said she rushed to the local airport in Lagos as she had a 7.30am flight to board to Abuja.

    Meanwhile, her sister, Mrs. Nwamaka Amadi, opted to travel by road having developed air phobia after the ugly experience she had on ADC airlines in 1997 which nearly claimed her life and all the lives of passengers and crew on board.

    But Chimaobi could not contemplate sitting down for about the 8-9hours it will take the car to reach Abuja. She had tried everything to make her sister change her mind and join her to travel in the air plane but her sister vehemently refused. Who can blame her?

    Anyway, having got to the airport before 7.30am, she checked in her single luggage and sat down in the lounge reading her magazine, while patiently waiting for her flight to be announced.

    Engrossed in her reading, she did not even know that it was already 8a.m. So, when she glanced at her wrist watch, she jumped to her feet; sure, she had missed her flight. Rushing to the airline officials, she was relieved that her flight had not even been announced.

    Soon, her relief gave way to anticipation and worry when she realised that she had not heard any mention of the flight even one hour after it was supposed to have taken off.

    In anger, she ran to the airline officials and asked why the flight had not been announced.  The lame excuse given by one of the officials was “the flight is being delayed”. Demanding more explanations, the airline official said he was not sure when the plane would take off as the plane was not even on the tarmac.

    Infuriated, she stormed off.  What annoyed her most was that the airline officials could not even make any public statement about the delayed flight or even apologise for the delay.

    According to Chimaobi, she did not board the plane to Abuja till about 12.30pm, exactly 5hours after her scheduled take off time. So, she just about arrived Abuja almost the same time as her sister that travelled by road.

    However, after that unfortunate incident, did Chimaobi do anything? Did she seek for compensation or justice? No. As enlightened as she is, she just took the experience in her stride, vowing that she will never patronise the air carrier again. But that is not enough. Though research has revealed that some aggrieved passengers are not even aware of their rights and where some are aware, they display such apathy because they erroneously believe that pursuing the case will only waste their time and, of course, this encourages some airline officials to treat some of the passengers with disdain.

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA] is the regulatory body created by the federal government to regulate all the activities in the aviation industry, including making sure that the air passengers receive the best services available and their rights are not trampled upon.

    According to the air passenger’s Bill of Rights, which covers both local and international flights, passengers on local flights delayed after an hour are entitled to snacks and drinks plus two free telephone calls, text or email messages.

    When a flight is delayed for two hours and beyond, like in the case of Nneka Chimaobi, the passenger has the right to a meal, two free telephone calls, SMS or email plus a right to reimbursement of her ticket money or re-routing of flight.

    If the airline intends to cancel a flight, the air passenger must be given 24 hours notice of cancellation while immediate compensation of 25per cent of the ticket fare is given back if no notice was given to the passenger.

    Any passenger who is denied boarding is entitled to immediate compensation of 25per cent of the ticket fare though subject to the convenience of the passenger.

    For passengers on international flights, when your flight is delayed after two to four hours, snacks and drinks plus free telephone call, SMS or email should be offered to the passenger by the airline operator. After four hours or more, the passengers are entitled to a meal from the airline plus two free telephone calls, SMS or email.

    I f the flight is still delayed six hours from the initial time of departure, passengers must be compensated with free hotel accommodation, free transportation to and from accommodation venue. They are also entitled to two telephone calls, SMS or email.

    An airline is free to cancel a flight as long as seven days notice is given to the passengers on international routes before the cancellation of such a flight. Where no notice has been given, then passengers will be entitled to a compensation of 30per cent of their air fare which must be paid within 14 days of the cancellation and the passengers also have the right to full reimbursement of their ticket price and re-routing  of their flight if they so desire.

    Passengers should note that all compensations and reimbursements shall be immediate and in cash for domestic flights at full cost of ticket price while 14 days for international flights. However, passengers on international routes are paid either by cash, electronic bank transfer, cheque or with signed agreement of the passenger in travel vouchers or other services.

    It should also be noted that an operating carrier is not under obligation to pay compensation if the carrier is able to prove that cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances which it could not have avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken; for instance, if a flight has been delayed or cancelled due to bad weather.

    Concerning damaged, pilfered, delayed, missing and lost baggage which I and most of my friends have been victims of, passengers should not keep quiet but insist on their rights.

    If your suitcase arrives smashed like I experienced in 2009 with the defunct Bellview Airlines, the air line will pay for its repairs. But if it cannot be repaired, they will negotiate a settlement with the passenger.

    Airlines are supposed to track the missing baggage and return it to the passenger. They are also to absorb reasonable expenses you incur while they look for your missing baggage. But be reminded that if you do not insist on these, the airline officials will keep quiet. I flew Lufthansa from London and arrived Lagos on November 26th last year, one of my luggage was delayed for two days. I had to keep coming to Murtala Mohammed International Airport severally and nobody compensated me for anything. Rather, when my luggage was found, the officials that were to hand it over to me demanded for money which I gladly gave them because I was too happy to see my missing baggage.

    For lost baggage, payment is usually from six weeks to three months.

    You must remember to fill out all relevant forms before leaving the airport if you are making any complaints and have compensations to be settled.

    Please, I will appreciate it if aggrieved air passengers could contact me, so we can help you resolve the issue and also share the experience with our readers.

  • Why Nigerian banks, entrepreneurs should work mutually

    Entrepreneurs occupy a central position in any market economy. They serve as the spark plug in the economy’s engine, activating and stimulating all economic activities. A society is prosperous to the degree to which it rewards and encourages entrepreneurial activities because it is the entrepreneurs that determine the level of success, prosperity, growth and opportunities in any economy. This is reason countries go to great lengths to promote entrepreneurs.

    Entrepreneurs also need the banks for expansion, hence their relationship is mutual for continued creation of employment, provision of goods and services and deepening of the economy. A commercial bank grants loans and extend credits to reliable customers based on agreed terms, and it’s from such loans that banks also make income. Thus, banks specialise in assessing the credit worthiness of borrowers and providing an ongoing monitoring function to ensure borrowers meet their obligations. It is somewhat difficult to measure the impact of banks financing in providing support for entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

    However, there have been some success stories and leading lights that signpost Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit. Aliko Dangote owns the Dangote Group, a conglomerate with interests that cover food processing, cement manufacturing, and freight. The company operates in Nigeria and other African countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Togo, Tanzania, and Zambia. The Dangote Group employs over 11,000 people.

    Oba Otudeko, an astute and highly successful investor and entrepreneur also owns Honeywell Group, which has invested in diverse sectors of the economy since its inception in 1972. It has grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous conglomerates. The Honeywell Group is now a major diversified group in key sectors of the economy including foods and agro-allied business, oil and gas, power, infrastructure, services and real estate.

    Through other portfolio investments, the Group has become a significant provider of capital to other sectors of Nigeria’s economy. Honeywell Group employs over 10,000 people. In the services sectors, Jim Ovia and Tony Elumelu stand out. Ovia is the promoter and founder of Visafone and was a co-founder of Zenith Bank Plc while Tony Elumelu is the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, among others.

    These entrepreneurs have at certain times enjoyed and continue to enjoy the support of the Nigerian banking and financial system through loans and credits.

    As businesses managed by human beings, with numerous risks inherent in commercial and contractual transactions, disputes are often inevitable. It is in view of this that the Bankers’ Committee created a sub-committee on “Ethics and Professionalism” to address customer complaints and disputes arising from banking practices.

    The Bankers’ Committee is an umbrella body comprising the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks. The sub-committee has resolved over 1000 cases/petitions since its establishment in December, 2000. Therefore, the case between Ecobank and Honeywell shouldn’t be irresolvable.

    Ecobank and Honeywell had transaction conflict, which resulted in litigation. Court proceedings as instituted by both parties revealed that Honeywell Group through three of its companies (Anchorage Leisure’s Limited, Siloam Global Services and Honeywell Flour Mills) obtained various banking facilities from Oceanic Bank. These facilities were subsequently inherited by Ecobank Nigeria Limited upon its acquisition of Oceanic Bank.

    Due to various factors within established norms of banker/customer relationships, Honeywell Group, in 2012, commenced discussions with Ecobank for a full and final settlement of its obligations to the bank. At a meeting in July 2013 between the two organisations, which was led by the Group Executive Director, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko on one hand and the Managing Director/CEO of Ecobank, Jubril Aku on the other hand, an agreement was reached for the payment of N3.5 billion in full and final settlement of Honeywell’s indebtedness to Ecobank.

    An initial and immediate good faith payment of N500 million was made and a balance of N3 billion paid subsequently, making a total of N3.5billion paid in accordance with the agreements reached.

    Ecobank duly acknowledged the cumulative payment of N3.5 billion in a letter dated February 2014 and agreed to update its records with the credit registry. Surprisingly, nine months after payment was effected, Ecobank informed Honeywell that it did not obtain board approval for the agreement. This feedback was obviously not acceptable to Honeywell as the agreement was reached with the Managing Director of the bank, who ordinarily should be able to bind the bank on agreements of such nature and further documented in numerous correspondence. This thus became a basis of dispute between Honeywell Group and Ecobank as it was clear to Honeywell that it had fulfilled its obligations to Ecobank based on agreements reached.

    The dispute was submitted to the Bankers’ Committee, Sub-Committee on Ethics and Professionalism and a ruling was issued by the committee in July, 2015 to the effect that “the agreement between Honeywell Group and Ecobank to pay N3.5 billion as full and final payment of the borrowers’ indebtedness is valid and should be complied with.”

    Ecobank till date has not adhered to this ruling. Both parties have filed suits at the Federal High Court with respect to the matter.

    The Head, Legal and Regulatory Affairs of Honeywell Group, Mrs. Yemisi Busari said: “We have been surprised by the actions of Ecobank, which have been very inconsistent and short of the standards expected of a bank of its standing. In our opinion, there was a valid agreement to pay a sum in full and final settlement of our obligations and we have met our part. Independent third parties have also attested to this fact. Are Managing Directors of banks no longer recognised agents, able to bind their organisations to agreements? Why did it take the bank nine months to realise they didn’t have board approval for their Managing Director’s actions? Does Ecobank, which subjected itself to the hearing by the Bankers’ Committee, Sub-Committee on Ethics and Professionalism, not believe it is accountable to the Bankers’ Committee, because the ruling was not in their favour? What is the objective of the bank in making multiple filings before different judges in the same Federal High Court?

    “As stated earlier, this dispute will no doubt raise serious concerns in the minds of most entrepreneurs in Nigeria as funding from banks is critical to the running of most businesses. Will the banks respect the sanctity of agreements reached with their customers? What recourse is available to entrepreneurs when banking standards and decisions are not adhered to? How is compliance to standards and codes enforced in the banking industry?

    Without a resolution of the issues highlighted above, entrepreneurship will gradually become stifled and the impact on the budding Nigerian economy may be colossal.”

    • Lawal is public affairs analyst in Lagos
  • Hidden facts about your mobile phone

    Hidden facts about your mobile phone

    There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies… your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it

    First: The emergency number worldwide for mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialled even If the keypad is locked. Try it out.

    Second: Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their mobile phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk…) Editor’s note: it works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a mobile phone!

    Third: Hidden Battery Power; Imagine your mobile battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# your mobile will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your mobile next time.

    Fourth: How to disable a stolen mobile phone? To check your mobile phone’s serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06# A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset… write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

    Fifth: ATM PIN Number reversal. Good to know if you should ever be forced by a robber to withdraw money from an ATM Machine, you can notify the police by entering your PIN # in reverse. For example, if your pin number is 1234, then you would enter 4321. The ATM system recognizes that your PIN number is backwards from the ATM card you placed in the machines. The machine will still give you the money you requested, but unknown to the robber, the police will be immediately dispatched to the location.

    Source: GLO Publication

     

  • GTBank launches innovative payment solution

    GTBank launches innovative payment solution

    Guaranty Trust Bank plc has reaffirmed its position as a leading provider of e-payment solutions with the introduction of a new service that allows customers receive Western Union funds directly into their GTBank account via any of the Bank’s Automated Teller Machines (“ATMs”) in Nigeria. The service is also available on the Bank’s Internet Banking platform (www.gtbank.com).

    The introduction of this service coincides with a time when the need to move money quickly, reliably and much more conveniently across international borders has risen rapidly. This has necessitated an increased demand for digital solutions to aid payments, transfers, and remittances. As a Bank renowned for innovative solutions, GTBank takes pride in leveraging technology to make life better for its customers by creating value oriented products suited to their varied needs.

    To receive Western Union funds via any GTBank ATM nationwide, customers simply need to press any key on the ATM; click the Western Union option; agree to terms and conditions; select account type; select the country where the funds were sent from (sending country); and where country is not available, enter the sending country code / ISO Code; enter the expected amount in Naira; enter the GTBank NUBAN account of the receiving party; and enter the 10-digit Money Transfer Control Number (“MTCN”). Upon confirmation of the transaction, the transfer amount will be credited into the receiving GTBank account. This service does not require a GTBank debit or credit card, or a security token device.

    GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation. The Bank operates from over 230 branches within the country and has banking subsidiaries in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom

     

  • Have consumers fared well this year?

    Have consumers fared well this year?

    Looking back, the Nigerian consumers have come a long away. They have been abused, cheated, insulted, denied their rights, trampled upon and outrightly robbed by service providers, manufacturers, sellers of goods, etcetera as a result of a weak system that lacks the necessary impetus to fight for consumer rights.

    But how are the consumers faring now? Since the past one year, have they recorded any positive change or has life become tougher, that is, not considering the fuel scarcity and the erratic power supply?

    The federal government’s apex body set up to protect the interest of consumers, Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria (CPC), what is their stand on this and what contribution does other government agencies, like the National Agency for Food Drug Control and Administration (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) set up to regulate and enforce standards say on this issue?

    “Consumers of today are better informed than those of the previous years. You see more consumers taking their cases to courts and other government regulatory agencies than before because they are more aware of their rights,” said Barrister Steve Ogoejior, President, Consumer Rights Enforcement Nigeria, a non governmental organisation.

    Speaking with him in his office at Awolowo Rd. Ikoyi, Lagos, the lawyer though regretted that justice and redress sometimes take a long time to achieve for the aggrieved consumers, adding that it has made many of them to lose confidence in the Nigerian judiciary system.

    Nevertheless, consumer rights protection has improved. We are not where we used to be and to do more, both the aggrieved consumers and government agencies established to enforce the rights of consumers must do more. More consumers must come forward to report cases while the government agencies must get justice for the aggrieved.

    “Yes, I can say that consumers now know they can channel their complaints to CPC and get redress,” said Mr. Abiodun Obimuyiwa, Deputy Director, Public Relations, CPC Head quarters.

    Speaking further, he explained that he was not making that statement because he is a staff of CPC but because of the increased number of complaints which consumers bring to their office. “We have television programmes where we enlighten and educate consumers on their rights and the necessary steps to take in order to get justice and I think the TV programme is paying off.”

    In a telephone interview, he revealed that due to the actions of the council against some multinationals this year, that a lot of other manufacturers have started taking customer service and relations more seriously.

    “A majority of them are now more careful in dealing with their customers. They know there is a Sheriff out there and they do not want to be reported,” said the Deputy Director.

    “Though we are not where we want to be in terms of protection and self regulation, we are gradually getting there. We want a situation where manufacturers, service providers and retailers do what they are supposed to do. A situation where they inculcate good customer relations in their daily dealings with customers, not situations they are being forced to do it because a customer has faulted them,” he stated.

    However, the Director General of the Council, Dr. Dupe Atoki, had said before that many challenges were militating against the council from fully achieving its mandate. If these challenges are resolved, life will even be better for the Nigerian consumers.

    These challenges, the DG listed as poor funding, apathy on the part of consumers, lack of awareness, inadequate offices and staff.

    “Seven offices in each geopolitical zone and an extra one for Lagos because of the commercial activities and the headquarters, in a country where we have over 170million people, I think that is grossly inadequate. We have a staff strength of barely 250,that, again, is a challenge, a great one which I believe we need to address urgently.”

    Expatiating on some the challenges which are hindering them and which if addressed will place the consumer in a better position, the DG pointed out that consumer illiteracy has not been an advantage to them. “You cannot protect people who do not know their rights. Is when you know your rights that you assert it, but if you do not, you remain docile. You remain trampled upon and you continue to be abused. We need funds for more awareness.”

    Another issue which would have improved the lot of consumers is the passing into law of the ‘Competition and Consumer Protection Bill’ which will bring about a competition regime that will enable businesses to operate more effectively in the Nigerian market place.

    According to the former Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, who first made this promise since 2013, he said that the bill “will enable the nation to harness the gains of privatisation and deregulation, modernise the legal provisions for consumer protection in Nigeria and at the same time build the required synergy between competition and consumer protection in the country.”

    Among other benefits, the proposed law will address issues related to price fixing and the right of consumers. It will also check unhealthy competition among companies which in some cases result in organisations running down one another.

    But two years after, consumers are still waiting for the law.  Though there has been an improvement in the lot of consumers this year, more improvement could have been recorded if the federal government had also passed into law the bill sent to it by NAFDAC for stiffer penalty for people caught in the adulteration and importation of fake and substandard drugs and food products.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, has repeatedly stated that the present existing punishment which stipulates 15 years jail term and option of N500,000 for offenders does not serve as enough detriment for the criminal.

    “We are advocating life jail term, without an option of fine, confiscation of assets of offenders, and a law which guarantees reward for individuals who expose those involved in the nefarious activities,” said the NAFDAC DG.

    Nigerian consumers should not rest on their oars but we must continue to agitate until a good law is available to protect our interest. We must resist any attempt by any individual or group of people to frustrate the process at the National Assembly. In this year, we have recorded improvements in the ways consumers are treated and we shall see more improvements in the coming year. Gradually, we shall get there.

    As we usher in year 2016, I wish you all a glorious and prosperous year.

  • ‘Indomie Santa’ pays surprise visit to Gbagada General Hospital

    ‘Indomie Santa’ pays surprise visit to Gbagada General Hospital

    As a way of showing love and care to its core brand loyalists – the children – during this festive season, ‘Indomie special Santa’ paid a surprise visit to the paediatrics unit of the Gbagada General Hospital to present gift items to the children in the hospital as well as to donate some medical equipment to the unit.

    The Indomie Santa surprise visit is an initiative of the Dufil Prima Foods, makers of the noble noodles brand, Indomie, to express and extend the love and joy of the season to those who due to health challenges or difficulty cannot join their peers in the celebration.

    Speaking during the visit, Head, Public Relations and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, stated that the visit to the hospital was to celebrate with children who were admitted for one reason or the other at the hospital and also to bring the celebration of Christmas to them on the sick bed.

    He said, “In the spirit of this season, the management and staff of Dufil Prima Foods plc wants everyone to have something to cheer about during this festive season. In as much as they are indisposed, they would have loved to be on their feet in their respective homes celebrating. Indomie Santa decided to pay them a surprise visit, in order to felicitate with them and also to present gift items to them and their mothers.”

    Mothers of indisposed children who could not hold back their joy expressed gratitude to the brand for the kind gesture extended towards their children.

    Ashiwaju commended the management of the hospital for the good works they are doing to make Lagosians healthy and also for the progressive developmental initiative of the management. Ashiwaju further announced the donation of some medical equipment to the hospital. According to him, “We cannot leave government alone to the development of our society. Corporate organisations should come on board to assist in their own little ways.”

    Receiving the medical equipment donated by the Dufil Prima, the Medical Director, Gbagada General Hospital, Dr. Tayo Lawal, expressed the management’s delight for the gesture and also for considering their hospital appropriate for the surprise visit. “We are grateful to Dufil Prima Foods for their kind gesture and we hope other corporate bodies will toe the path of Dufil in collaborating with the government’s drive for a

  • How to beat shopping scams

    How to beat shopping scams

    Like the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will always caution, ‘Open your eyes, well, well, as you shop’. For over two weeks now, the open markets, online and brick and mortar shops have been recording enlarged sales and smiling to the banks due to increased shopping occasioned by the festive season.

    As the frenzy which usually accompanies the yuletide increases, most especially with just five days to Christmas, so also are tales of woes of consumers who are being swindled and duped.

    Swindlers see the season as an opportunity to make as much money as possible, after all it’s something that occurs once in a year. Unscrupulous sellers flood the market with second-rate and unwholesome products. Sellers in possession of products nearing expiry dates see it as an opportunity to get those goods sold via Christmas hampers. While many thieves mingle with buyers and sellers looking for ways to rip off the unsuspecting buyers who let their guards down.

    What do we do? We must learn how to beat them at their tricks and be at our guard at all time.

    Last week, Mr. Theodore Udoh went to the notorious Otigba Street, inside Computer Village, Ikeja, to purchase a phone as Christmas gift for his father.

    According to him, he entered a shop and was told the Microsoft Lumia he wanted was N35,000. He left the shop and saw the same phone with a road side seller for N30,000. He still went to another shop where he was offered the phone for N33,000. He decided to buy from the man selling N30,000, thinking it was the best bargain.

    The man handed the phone to him while he counted the N30,000 and handed over to the seller. As soon as the seller took the money, he gently raised his shirt, revealing the butt of a gun while he asked Mr. Udoh to hand over the phone back to him.

    It was so professionally done that though the area was crowded, no other person took notice of what was happening.

    Trembling with fear, Mr. Udoh quickly surrendered the phone, leaving the Computer Village without his phone or money. He contacted his lawyer friend, who contacted Area F Command, Ikeja, and plain clothes police officers were deployed with Mr. Udoh to the place. And lo and behold, the same seller, in the same clothing, at still the same place doing what he knows best, ‘stealing’. He was arrested with his partners in crime at the same Computer Village. The lesson here is ‘buy from a reputable shop’.

    Last month, I went to Idumota Market for some lace materials. Passing some shops on Adeniji Adele, I observed that  majority of the shop attendants were rummaging in their shops and bringing out provisions intended for gift baskets.

    There was a little gathering of market women. Curiosity got the better part of me, so I came closer to see what was happening. The provisions the attendants were bringing out were those nearing their expiry dates and the market women had come to buy them cheaper and use them to fill the gift baskets.

    Also some time ago, I had entered a popular supermarket on Allen Avenue Ikeja, whose name I will, however, refrain from mentioning as it will not enhance the story in anyway but will rather damage the shop in question. Anyway, back to my story. I packed my car at the parking lot and went into the shop primarily to buy cereals.

    Grabbing a shopping basket, I went to the cereal Iine. Glancing up, I was happy to see the cereals and the brand I wanted. I started picking them and dropping in my shopping basket. They were all 750g Kellogg’s products.

    I picked my favorite Fruit and Fibre, Shreddies, Frosties and, of course, Special K cornflakes. As I always do, especially since editing ConsumerWatch, I checked for the expiry dates and Best Before Date (BBD) and to my horror I noticed they will all go off by the 15th of this month. By that time my family would not have finished the cereals of course. Besides, who wants a product that is close to the expiry date? Definitely, the quality will not be at its peak. It would have lost some freshness, flavour, crispiness and texture.

    I sought to see the manager and smilingly she came out to see me. I pointed out that the cereals will be going off in less than a week and asked if she had in the warehouse ones with longer life span.

    That was when she dropped the bomb unknowingly. “Oh, I forgot to remove them from the shelves so as to put them in the gift baskets for sale,” she exclaimed. Shocked, I reminded her that it means that some people will be receiving the gift baskets when some of the contents would have expired. Responding, she retorted, “What do you want me to do then? Are you suggesting  I throw the cereals away and lose my money or have you seen anyone who died by eating expired cereal?”

    Be sure to check the contents of any gift basket you are buying and do not forget the expiry date. Insist that the basket be opened for you before you make any payment.

    This particular story is like something from a movie. It was unbelievable. Some time ago, at Shop X on Balogun Street, at Balogun Market, Lagos, Mrs. Kemi Adetunji, a trader in Ibadan, came as usual to buy goods at wholesale prices for retail in her shop located on the popular Iwo road, Ibadan.

    Her customer for years, Mr. Innocent Ojukwu, who has several shops in the market and known for stocking up designer laces, georges, etcetera, was on hand to attend to her with his three salesmen. The shop, of course, was brimming with lady customers who like patronising Innocent, as he is known, for selling high quality goods at good prices.

    As usual, Adetunji selected various fabrics and after agreeing on the price with Ojukwu, she counted out N600,000 and handed to one of the supposed salesmen closest to her.

    Gesturing to her two assistants to carry the goods to where her vehicle was parked, she turned to leave, happily waving off Ojukwu and other people in the shop. The shop owner at that point reminded her jokingly that she was yet to pay for the goods.

    Turning around, as she had already made to leave for the exit door, Adetunji as a matter of fact said that she had already given the money to one of the salesmen and continued to walk towards the door.

    Looking at the three sales men who were busy attending to customers, Ojukwu asked which of them collected the money so it can be handed back to him and the three men denied knowledge of any money.

     Calling Adetunji back, he informed her that none of the salesmen agreed to have received money from her, asking her to identify the man she gave the money to. Glancing around the shop, Adetunji said that the particular salesman she gave the money was no longer there, that may be the shop owner may have sent him on an errand.

    Hearing that, Ojukwu immediately realised that something had gone wrong. Abruptly rising and striding towards Adetunji with his voice slightly raised, he informed her that he had only three salesmen who were still in his shop serving customers, so who exactly did she make the payment to?

    In panic and fright, looking all around her extensively to see if she could see the person she gave the money to, Adetunji said she gave the money to one of the men, whom she had thought was one of the sales person, as he seemed to be actively involved in the  shop, assisting customers, admiring fabrics, etcetera.

    Who is the man, and where had he gone to? Nobody could answer. Ojukwu noted that when Adetunji walked in, three men walked into the shop with her. Cutting him off, she said that the two men were her aides, and that she did not know the third person. So, while the shop owner thought that the swindler, who obviously had been trailing Adetunji was with her to make purchases, she only saw him in the shop and believed him to be a sales person as he participated in the trading banter.

    The stories are endless. The watch word is to be very careful and always be on guard. Do not forget the ones who are waiting to dip their hands into your bag to steal phones, money, etcetera. People who mostly engage in that scam now are those old women who look frail and helpless.

    Have a wonderful Christmas.

  • Firm unveils 3D technology in Nigeria

    Firm unveils 3D technology in Nigeria

    No doubt that developed economies were transformed with the arrival of technology, Africa, though way behind, is set for transformation as more Africa-focused-technological driven innovations are bathed by Africans in Diaspora.

    Recently, a Nigerian serial entrepreneur, Israel Ovirih, introduced Africa’s first 3 dimension scanning and printing services, adding a new dimension to selfies in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the launch of the ‘disruptive technology’, Ovirih described the technology as one that will outshine every other technology availing youths employment through self dependence in Nigeria.

    3D printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM), refers to various processes used to synthesize a three-dimensional object.

    In 3D printing, successive layers of material are formed under computer control to create an object.

    These objects can be of almost any shape or geometry, and are produced from a 3D model or other electronic data source.

    According to the Nigeria Chairman and Founder, 3D Makery, Ovirih, 3D scanning and printing service is the “ultimate selfie technology” in Nigeria and Africa.

    It can be for you, your spouse, child, or pet, anything that can be scanned inside the Shapify booth preserve the most memorable moments with the ultimate selfie.

    The introduction of this service marks the first in Africa and one of the numerous few that are available around the world.

    Ovirih disclosed to Journalist at the launch in Lagos that the innovation, about 30 years old now, started only 2 years ago for commercial purposes.

    Referring to initial technological innovations that were introduced to Africa and the aftermath effect, Ovirih said: “This is a very disruptive technology. You can imagine what happened to the post office, the way we buy things and the way we live our lives using Smartphones.

    “But technology in its self is not just disruptive. The purpose of every technology is to bring abundance to the world, make life easy for everyone and to deliver good life to everyone.

    “Every technology must pass through six stages. Every business that fails to embrace technology is bound to die, because the younger generations will over run such businesses with new ideas.

    “3D technology is opening up a whole new world of possibilities and the reward of 3D printing technology is that the scan can be used to produce a full color figurine known as a ‘Shapie.’

    “We’re thrilled bringing this advanced 3D tools and knowledgeable support team to help grow Nigeria’s technology business. We have had success and satisfaction with this technology and, upon experiencing the technology ourselves, knew it would be a benefit for Nigerians. We are confident customers will embrace this technology. While it’s still wonderful to have collections of photos, this 3D technology offers a new way to revisit a memory with a 3D portrait.”

    On the mechanics of the 3D Technology, the Chief Operating Officer, 3D Makery Nigeria, Damola Kolawole explained that the booth where all the magic happens contains four wide-view, high-resolution scanners that rotate around the person inside in order to capture the person or object from all angles.

  • How Etisalat is building community innovators

    How Etisalat is building community innovators

    Recently, Nigeria’s innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat, rewarded two young Nigerians, Obi Brown and Chijioke Ezegbo, for their innovative product and idea geared at making invaluable impacts on individuals and organisations using mobile broadband technology.

    Mr. Brown’s winning product in the Most Innovative Product Category, Study Math Lab, is a repository of over 1300+ videos solving math problems in over 49 topics in the NERDC curriculum for senior secondary school Math. The videos are solved by a team of Math teachers led by WAEC Chief Examiner.

    For Chijioke, winner in the Most Innovative Idea category, his Dedicated Traffic Mapping Device (DTMD) winning idea is a GPRS enabled traffic navigation device with voice over  interface  which is affixed to a vehicle windshield (just like a rear view mirror) to help users navigate their way through traffic by accessing real-time traffic data and suggesting shorter or alternate routes.

    Etisalat, in celebrating these innovative Nigerians, had presented them with a seven million naira cash reward in the ratio 5:2, a publicity campaign and mentoring session at the EDC of Pan Atlantic University.

    The celebration of the young men was not another bolt from the blue, but rather a stark reflection of the company’s belief in and support for innovation. Matthew Willsher, Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, while speaking recently threw more light on this.

    “We believe as an innovative company that we should support innovation and entrepreneurs throughout the country, and so what we do is organise the prize to encourage people to apply. We also provide prize money that people could invest in their innovative products and ideas to make them a reality as well as a mentorship to follow through and help people actually deliver on their innovations. The world is driven by innovation and Nigeria needs innovators whose ideas and products can drive development and help people live as they should. So we are pleased to provide a platform to mobilise the nation’s teeming crop of young and undiscovered innovators to impact all areas of the society,” he said.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Funke Opeke, the accomplished CEO of MainOne and Member, Board of Innovators underscored the place of innovation in the nation’s drive for economic growth in a fast changing world environment.

    According to her, “Change is a process that is indeed a journey of creation. It comes about by each of us seeking to innovate to bring new perspectives in terms of the challenges that face us a people and as a nation. Etisalat can look back into the last seven years of operations in Nigeria and see the amount of innovations it has brought to telecommunications services in Nigeria.”

    Matthew Willsher, while offering insight on this revealed that innovation is at the core of the business functions of the company.

    His words, “Innovation is at the core of our operations at Etisalat.  It is the strength on which we thrive. We are an innovative company with core functions in telecommunications where we have shown serious interest in our customers who always want to improve their lives, improve their businesses, who always look for new opportunities. As a company, we are very delighted to partner and come up with innovations and bring them to our customers, but we still have a responsibility to the larger host community.”

  • Expert tasks estate agents on professionalism

    An estate Surveyor and Valuer, Dr. Bolarinde Patunola-Ajayi has unveiled the plan of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors (NIESV), to curb quackery in agency transactions.

     He spoke to The Nation in Lagos on the move by the professional body to safeguard the populace from charlatans who pose as estate agents to defraud prospective property owners of their monies.

    He said one of ways the professional has devised to curb the activities of these intruders, is to educate the public on who a professional estate surveyor is and what they should expect from their business relationship.

    Patunola-Ajayi who is also the coordinator of the Institution’s Board of Faculty that comprise of 10 faculties said  the practice of estate surveying and valuation is  strategic to the nation’s development ,  due to the insignificant  number of  practitioners  compared to the population  their impact is not felt much.

    He said the institution came up with the idea of having faculties to ensure specialization in practiced besides affording members the opportunity to concentrate more on the areas of comparative advantage.

    According to him, “The present content and culture of our practice requires change to meet realities that can make our profession compete favourably with her international counterpart such as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and International Valuation Standards Council (IVS). This we believe will set disparity between the professional estate surveyor and valuers and the quacks in the country.”

    Expatiating, he said: “People just use the rule of thumb or assumption to take decisions which estate surveyors and valuation experts should take. To curb this we have made membership of the institution open to those especially graduates from the social sciences. It’s open for students to attend the qualifying exams, the chances and opportunities are open and there are a lot of opportunities in the profession. It is better to join fully than to start to operate as quack.”