The Nation Newspaper

Category: Consumer Watch

  • Mortgage firm unfolds attractive home ownership plans

    Jubilee Life Mortgage Bank Limited, one of the leading national mortgage institutions in the country, has disclosed that finishing touches have been put in place at the  2 Abesan Estate Project.

    The construction work on the project which is financed by the bank commenced a couple of months ago and comprised blocks of six units of three bedroom flats with all rooms ensuite being offered at N15.5 million per flat with an attractive discount for outright payment.

    The Executive Director of Jubilee Life Mortgage Bank Limited, Mr. Remi Olatunbode, explained that the company developed the Kings Court 2 Estate in Ipaja, Lagos,  with the company’s strategic plan to enhance  functional and peaceful territory that will meet the people’s hunger for good life.“Jubilee Life Mortgage Bank has completed the Kings Court 2 Estate Project which have been designed, built and crafted with purpose. The estate is expected to foster community relationship setting where each homeowner will have a beneficial relationship with neighbours,” Olatunbode noted.

    “We implore the upwardly mobile career professionals to move into this impressive serene estate and enjoy life in one of the fully luxurious flats.”Expatiating he said:  “The homes are ideal either for the young independent executive with a beautiful eye for a quality living or a young family desirous of a safe home. Also, executive professionals, multinational firms seeking a sound investment in corporate accommodation, international or local investors seeking to add to a dynamic, high-performance quality portfolio with excellent return on investment will find homes that will match their intentions.”

    The Jubilee Life Executive Director also explained that the luxury landmark situated at Abesan is fitted with basic amenities and other civil infrastructure, adding that it is designed to provide its residents with peace of mind and security. Some of the features of the new apartments include open car spaces, fully fenced, street lighting system, two transformers, well-fitted kitchen, wardrobes, good painting and bathrooms with heater, interlocked compound, security features, serene environment, etc.

  • Konga launches new payment solution

    Konga launches new payment solution

    As online shopping gains more momentum and in anticipation of increased patronage with Christmas season just round the corner, Konga.com, Nigeria’s largest online mall, has unveiled an innovative payment solution called KongaPay that will make shopping easier for both merchant and buyers while building more customer confidence.

    Introducing the new payment system to media men recently, at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Mr. JR Kanu, Associate Director,  Payment and Digital Goods at Konga.com, explained that the new payment system works in tandem with Nigerian banks to give customers full control of their money while transacting online. Mr. Kanu who led the team that launched KongaPay further stated that the payment solution has an escrow system that holds money paid for an order until the transaction is completed to the satisfaction of the customer.

    Explaining what prompted the introduction of KongaPay, he said it was mainly due to the challenges consumers were having, making payments and getting refunds after cancellations. “With KongaPay, even after making payment, a customer can cancel by pressing the cancel button and the payment is instantly refunded as long as the goods had not been shipped and not in the custody of the buyer. If they are in her custody, then she will get her refunds when the goods are back with the merchant.

    “Furthermore,” he added, “one notable thing about KongaPay is its simplicity and seamless integration with Nigerian banks. Not only have we eliminated the inconvenience of constantly pulling out a debit card or bank token to complete a transaction, we have also integrated refunds at the click of a button while maintaining the highest security standards.”

    Kanu explained that all KongaPay transactions require two keys for transaction verification. First is the 4-digit pin, a numeric password created at the point of registration. Like all passwords, this is private and should never be shared. Secondly, the bank sends a one-time-password (OTP) via SMS or email. This OTP is only sent to the customer’s registered mobile number, the mobile number used by the customer’s bank and the customers BVN. KongaPay allows anyone with a bank account and a registered mobile phone number to use the application without necessarily signing up for internet banking.

    Vice President Marketing, Konga.com, Gabriel Gab-Umoden, explained the significance of KongaPay to online shoppers. He stated that “KongaPay is set to be a game changer in terms of providing online shoppers a platform they can trust. This trust will be built on theguarantee of fast returns and refunds for orders paid for with KongaPay.”

    Speaking on Konga’s general strategy for satisfying customers, Gab-Umoden said, “We have discovered that if our value proposition is right, people will use our platform. This drives our commitment to always have the right mix of products, at the right prices, with excellent support services to complement our digital capacity.” As an added benefit, Gab-Umoden revealed that all items on Konga.com receive a 5% discount if paid for with KongaPay. For now, this discount continues indefinitely.

    KongaPay is the first non-banking platform in Nigeria to plug in to the Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    On what the online market place has done to address some of the challenges like late deliveries, receiving  wrong orders which some consumers experienced during last festive years, the Vice President Marketing assured customers that those challenges were being managed as the company has improved on its logistics and uncommitted merchants weeded out.

    “We have beefed up our logistics. Previously, we were taking about seven days to deliver goods to people outside the state but now it’s been reduced to about five days. Our customer service officers work 24/7. We are ready for the festive season,” he enthused confidently.

    Speaking to The Nation, he explained that from time to time seminars and training workshops are organised to educate merchants and delivery men on the need for good customer service, citing the recent Konga Sellers Summit held at Eko Hotels as an example.

    “Returns and refunds have significantly reduced and we are continuously working to find out even better ways of satisfying our customers.”

    Explaining further on how sellers on the Konga.com platform are disciplined and irresponsible ones weeded out, Olatomiwa Akande, Head, Public Relations and Brand Management, Konga.com, said that the platform displays the history of sellers and reviews from other shoppers who have interacted with the seller.

    “If a seller gets many bad reviews, the person will be suspended and sellers with good reviews will naturally attract buyers. Besides, buyers and intending ones can have direct chat and conversation with sellers and other buyers,” said Olatomiwa, adding that sellers that supply fake products to customers are automatically taken off the platform.

  • MultiChoice drops Vox Africa, Animal Planet

    MultiChoice drops Vox Africa, Animal Planet

    • Prepares Hoolee for December 1 debut

    MultiChoice Africa has announced its decision to drop Vox Africa (DStv channel 191; GOtv channel 17) will no longer be available on DStv and GOtv and Animal Planet (DStv channel 183) from its bouquet from Thursday, 10 December 2015.

    Justifying the need for the decision, the management said it as an entertainment-focused company, it constantly assesses the performance and viability of channels on its platform to achieve a diverse variety of programming that best resonates with our viewers, market by market.

    In a statement which reads in part, the company said: “In line with a recent strategic review, we have therefore decided to make these changes, while also including an exciting range of entertainment channels; Maisha Magic Bongo, Vuzu and M-Net Family and opened up BBC Brit, CBeebies, BBC Lifestyle and a localized BET channel from DStv Premium to Compact Plus and Compact packages to give more subscribers a broader variety of entertainment programming to enjoy in time for the holiday season.

    “In addition, viewers on these packages will celebrate their holiday break with the first African pop-up children’s channel, Hoolee, from Turner Broadcasting which will run from 01 December 2015 to 31 January 2016.

    “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to assure our subscribers that we will continue to bring the best of Africa’s contemporary lifestyle, entertainment, music, news and current affairs along with exciting programmes from the US and the UK through the various channels on DStv like the localised BET channel, CNBC Africa, Vuzu AMP, EbonyLife TV, MTV Base and the Africa Magic channels which showcase the best of African entertainment made in Africa, for Africans on both DStv and GOtv. Wildlife documentaries will remain available on DStv channels that are dedicated to showcasing the best in wildlife programming, the power of Mother Nature and the future of our planet.”

  • FRSC starts breath analysis of motorists

    FRSC starts breath analysis of motorists

    In a new bid to reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents which usually characterise the ‘ember months’, the FRSC will this week start to subject consumers and motorists to random breath analysis to detect and prosecute consumers driving under the influence of alcohol.

    Disclosing this to The Nation in an interview, the Commander, FRSC, Lagos Sector, Hyginus Omeje, said that special emphasis will be laid on critical roads such as the Lagos-Ibadan Express road, Lekki express ways and busy motor parks.

    “Drivers and consumers will be stopped randomly and their breath taken for an on-the-spot analysis and if tested positive, the vehicle will be impounded and the driver will be issued with a N5,000 ticket and arrested for  prosecution,” warned the FRSC chief.

    “The giant beverage brewery, Guinness Nig. Plc, has already donated the breath analysing machines to us, but in order to cover the whole state effectively, they have pledged to give us more this week so that we can have one machine serving each of our 15 Units Commands,” enthused Omeje.

    Lamenting the sale of alcohol openly at motor parks, Omeja lashed out at some of the manufacturers whom he said encourage drivers in drink-driving by packaging the drinks in sachets which makes it easier for drivers to sip while driving and at the same time  giving the impression to commuters that the driver is merely sipping yoghurt drink.

    Citing Chelsea alcoholic sachet drink, he regretted that it has even been deceptively coloured. The sachets makes it easier for most drivers to just pour the whole contents into their mouth before taking off or even while driving, adding that “the drivers believe that the alcohol keeps them awake and agile, conveniently forgetting the negative effects of drink-driving.

    “Before now, all we have done in terms of enforcement has been based on sobriety tests which cannot be used to prosecute offenders successfully. However, with the kind donation of breathalyser machines from Guinness Nig, we would be able to prosecute drivers successfully. And when we prosecute, one, two, five, 10 drivers successfully, you discover that the news will spread very fast and produce the behavioural change which this awareness campaign is expected to usher in,” he said.

    Excitedly, he added, “Not only that, this machine will enhance our enlightenment and enforcement campaign. For the first time, it will afford us the opportunity of having an empirical and credible data base which will enable us evaluate our road accident campaigns and other programmes,”

    On whether FRSC commands outside Lagos will also be receiving this donation, the Guinness Nig. Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, said it depends on the success of the usage of the machines in decreasing the frequency of drink-driving in Lagos State.

    Speaking exclusively to The Nation, he said, “At the moment, we are not planning to extend the breathalysers to other FRSC Commands outside Lagos but I am sure that we can consider this, if, as we expect, the current campaign is very successful in reducing the incidence of drink-driving in Nigeria.”

    Recently, in a move to encourage responsible driving among motorists, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nig. Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, handed over alcohol test machines to the FRSC, Lagos Sector Commander, during the Guinness Nig/FRSC ‘ember months’ campaign at Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to Ndegwa, “the months leading to the festive end of the year, popularly referred to as ‘ember months’ have historically recorded a disproportionately high rate of road traffic accidents in Nigeria, making the campaign particularly imperative at this period.”

    This year’s awareness campaign, he said, will see the introduction of various novel and innovative strategies geared towards raising public awareness on the benefits of responsible alcohol consumption.

    Emphasising on the need to steer clear of alcohol when driving, Ndegwa cautioned, “Drinking and driving do not mix. When you drink, do not drive. When you go out in a group to have fun, designate someone to drive and that person should not drink. If you are going out alone, arrange for a taxi to take you home after you have had some drink. Whatever you do this season, do not drink and drive.”

    He said further, “At Guinness, we believe that our position as a market leader places significant responsibility on us to raise awareness about the importance of consuming alcohol responsibly. We are committed to responsible drinking and enlightening the public about the values of responsible alcohol consumption, especially during the festive period.

    “We are eager to increase awareness to ensure that Nigerians have an incident- free experience. Working in tandem with our various stakeholders on our responsible drinking initiatives, we have found a worthy partner in the FRSC, with whom on an annual basis we have carried out this ‘ember months’ campaign.”

    Ndegwa also disclosed that employees of the company have been encouraged to join FRSC special marshals, adding that “these inspiring Guinness Nig. employees are an embodiment of what the organisation and especially this partnership is all about – service for the greater good.”

    The FRSC Lagos Sector Commander was full of appreciation for Guinness, explaining that Guinness Nigeria’s partnership with the FRSC on road safety began eleven years ago when the United Nations declared 2004 as International Road Safety Year.

  • Reports demystify palm oil myths, expose benefits

    Over the past two decades, researchers have painstakingly studied palm oil’s effect on cardiovascular health. The results have been surprising to researchers. Although high in saturated fat, it protects against heart disease.

    Studies show that adding palm oil into the diet can remove plaque build up in arteries and, therefore, reverse the process of atherosclerosis. This has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies. In one study, for instance, 50 subjects were divided into two equal groups. All the participants had been diagnosed with atherosclerosis and had suffered at least one stroke.

    At the beginning of the study the degree of blockage of their carotid arteries ranged from 15 to 79 per cent. Without any other changes to their diets or medications, half of the subjects began taking a daily palm oil supplement. The other half received placebos and served as the control. The degree of atherosclerosis was monitored using ultrasound scans over an 18-month period. In the group receiving palm oil, atherosclerosis was halted in 23 of the 25 subjects. In seven of these subjects atherosclerosis was not only stopped, but also regressed. In comparison, none of those in the control group showed any improvement, in fact, the condition in 10 of them worsened. This study demonstrated that palm oil can not only stop, but even reverse atherosclerosis.

    Removing plaque is not the only way palm oil protects against strokes and heart attacks. Palm oil can also improve cholesterol values. In a study at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, researchers demonstrated a 10 per cent decrease in total cholesterol in 36 hypercholesterolemic (high cholesterol) subjects given palm oil capsules for four weeks. A follow-up study of 16 subjects resulted in a 13 per cent lowering of total cholesterol.

    Palm oil helps maintain proper blood pressure. The high antioxidant content of the oil quenches free radicals and keeps inflammation under control. Tocotrienols also strengthen the heart so that it can better withstand stress.

    Researchers can purposely induce heart attacks in lab animals by cutting off blood flow to the heart. This causes severe injury and death. However, if the animals are fed palm oil the survival rate is greatly increased, injury is minimised, and recovery is quicker.

    After looking at studies like this it becomes obvious that palm oil protects against heart disease. This is confirmed in populations where palm oil consumption is particularly high. Heart disease in Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Nigeria – where palm oil is a major if not the sole source of visible fat in the daily diet – are among the lowest in the world.

    Studies show palm tocotrienols inhibit the growth of skin, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, colon, prostate, breast and other cancers. Most of the research to date has been done with breast cancer where tocotrienols show great promise. They not only prevent cancer from taking hold, but also actively block its growth and initiate apoptosis – a process where diseased cells commit suicide. This is a normal process that is programmed into all of our cells in order to remove old and diseased cells. However, in cancer cells, this process is blocked and affected cells continue to multiply and grow without restraint. Ordinary Vitamin E does not induce programmed cell death in cancer cells. Only tocotrienols have this effect.

    The antioxidant power of palm oil has also shown to be of benefit in protecting against neurological degeneration. Two of the most significant factors that affect brain function are oxidative stress and poor circulation.

    Oxidative stress generates free radicals that damage brain and nerve tissue. Poor circulation affects the brain by restricting oxygen and glucose, which are vital for proper brain function. Researchers have found correlations between oxidative stress and reduced blood flow to the brain to senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and even schizophrenia. All of these conditions involve brain cell death. Tocotrienols aid the brain by reducing oxidative stress and improving blood flow.

    Additional reports from Better Health News Journal US

  • NARV-P immune booster to create over 1,000 jobs

    NARV-P Herbal Mixture has the potential to create over 1,000 direct jobs in Nigeria besides other advantages of multi level marketing. The managing director of QEI Concepts, the distributors of NARV-P, Lady Queen Ikwuazom stated this in Abuja during the official unveiling and launch of the product.

    She added that NARV-P unlike other multi-level marketing products in Nigeria is subsidised so that anyone whose immune system had been compromised could have access to the product. The subsidised price of N2, 500 75cl per bottle is given to the public as against the market price of N15, 000.

    The president and CEO of AZOG INC. the manufacturer of the product, Dr Azubuike Ogala explained that NARV-P Herbal Mixture consists of various herbs extracts and components employed over the years in traditional medicine.

    NARV-P is 100% natural herbs and 0% toxic that is safe for consumption for children and adult of all ages. The product is a double accelerator that works as an immune system booster by producing anti-inflammatory molecules that feed on disease causing pathogens and also acts as natural defenses for the body.

    Dr Ogala highlighted a wide range of benefits that NARV-P herbal mixture affords its users. It essential for maintaining and promoting healthy living.  NARV-P is developed in the USA by AZOG INC, a leading Biotechnology Research and Development Company, registered by NAFDAC for sale, distribution and consumption in Nigeria. This technology was transferred to FA IKE & SONS LTD under a joint Venture agreement and solely distributed by QEI Concepts. NARV-P Herbal mixture is useful for the treatment of Anemia, removal of placenta after birth, treatment of High blood pressure, Diabetes, Arthritis and could be administered alongside ARV’s (ANTI- RETROVIRAL VIRUS).

    Daily uses of the product helps to stimulate appetite, expels excess fat/ cholesterol, fast relief for body pain as well as replication and fortification of white blood cells.

    QEI Concepts the distributor of NARV-P herbal mixture is partnering with other organisation so that the product would get to the target audience.

     

  • LG electronics delights consumers with future-looking technologies

    Analysing past predictions of future scientific advances as well as examining the performance of tech companies in fulfilling consumers’ expectations, it is apparent that LG has contributed immensely to bringing humanity their fantasies, with its rich plethora of future-looking, sweeping, propulsive and enterprising products.

    The iPhone kicked the digital era into high gear when it was first released in 2007. The following years saw constituent smartphone technology grow by leaps and bounds, with the devices improving dramatically in a short period of time

    “We are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the Nigerian market,” said Mr. Steve Ryu, General Manager, Home Entertainment Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations.

    As LG entered the smart TV market, the company sought to create an interface that allowed users to get the most out of their TVs but also kept them from being overwhelmed at the sheer number of choices that were now available. This ultimately gave birth to webOS, an operating system, and revolutionary magic remote that eliminates the difficulty of operating smart TVs and makes the complicated simple. The remote features hotkeys for streamlined navigation to preset favourites as well as gyroscopic sensors which allow the user to select content simply by gliding the cursor across the screen like a PC mouse.

    At present, the technology to freeze humans until a later time is not yet possible, but in the meantime we can alter the temperature of our surroundings in order to make ourselves more comfortable.

  • Multichoice slashes rates at Lagos International Trade Fair

    Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced a special offer of the DStv Zapper decoder plus Compact bouquet subscription, at N15,000, a 45%, reduction from the previous price of N28,500. This new offer is only available at the Lagos International Trade Fair. GOtv subscribers will also get to buy GOtv decoders inclusive of one month subscription for N2900 during the Trade Fair.

    In addition to the price slash, DStv and GOtv subscribers stand a chance of winning exciting prizes such as LED TVs, DStv Explora Decoders, 1 KVA generators via daily lucky dips at the fair.

    Martin Mabutho, General Manager Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria describing the special Trade Fair offer said, “In addition to the bundled price slash of one month’s Compact subscription plus a Zapper decoder, we will also be upgrading our new subscribers who pay for the Family bouquet to the Compact bouquet at no extra cost. This offer is open to new subscribers only”, he said.

    He added that the Compact bouquet has gone through a recent revamp and now includes broader and varied content, with the most recent inclusions being the M-Net Family and VUZU channels, which will give subscribers more reasons to enjoy their television viewing experience.

    The 35th Lagos International Trade Fair will run from Friday, 6 November till Sunday, 15 November at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), the Muson Center and Freedom Park in Lagos.

    The Fair which is organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers a unique exposition for manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and users of a wide range of goods and services as well as opportunities for investment and trade promotion

  • Union Bank opens minibranch at trade fair

    Still basking in its new identity, the Union Bank has announced that it is participating in the 2015 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair to showcase its simpler and smarter banking solutions and also its rebranded service delivery.

    Announcing the bank’s participation at the fair, Union Bank Group Head, Retail Cluster, Lagos Island, Nwoamaka Mike Nwoke said: “The trade fair provides the bank the opportunity to demonstrate its simpler, smarter banking solutions to the general public. The solutions range from instant account opening with immediate account number issuance, instant debit card issuance, robust e-banking solutions and quick and easy access to loans.”

    Nwoke also said thata new product tagged UnionKorrect, is being offered at the Trade Fair. UnionKorrect is a savings product which is aimed at helping customers develop a savings culture. UnionKorrect allows customers to save towards a goal and gives them the opportunity to win extra cash of up to N1 million in quarterly draws while they save.

    Also speaking on the Bank’s participation in the Trade Fair, the Head of Corporate Affairs & Communication at Union Bank, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem said: “One of our critical focus areas as a Bank is to significantly improve our customer experience at all touch points.Our product and service offerings is one of the first phases of improvement and this has clearly yielded the desired results with high subscription recorded with the UnionKorrect product launched recently.”

    Expatiating, she said the  mini branch at the fair will offer customers and prospects all the banking products and services available at the banking halls.

  • Pfizer sponsors 88th edition of pharmaceutical society confab

    To further demonstrate its acknowledgement of strategic partnership with relevant stakeholders, leading healthcare company Pfizer Nigeria, has announced its support for the 88th Annual General Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in Abuja.

    The conference sponsorship is geared toward sustaining the mutual relationship that exists between Pfizer and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and ensure a successful meeting of the pharmacists.

    Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Winston Ailemoh, Marketing Director, Pfizer Nigeria/Ghana/East Africa, said “we value our existing relationship with all our stakeholders which include the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria. This relationship is responsible for our support of the conference which has over the years evolved to become a significant event for pharmacists and healthcare professionals,” he said.

    Mr. Ailemoh further described the partnership with the PSN as mutually rewarding, noting that the brand’s visibility in the association’s activities has been massive.

    Also, Centrum & Caltrate Multivitamin, a new product from Pfizer will be unveiled at the conference.

    The 88th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) is the annual gathering of Pharmacists from the various sectors of pharmaceutical practice across Nigeria. The conference is the biggest gathering of pharmacists in Nigeria and offers pharmaceutical and other allied companies the opportunity to engage various stakeholders and members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

    Acknowledging Pfizer’s partnership, the National President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Olumide Akintayo described Pfizer as worthy partners, whose support for the activities of the Association over the years have been motivating.