The Nation Newspaper

Category: Uncategorized

  • PTF, NGF, NESG, others unveil response tracker, dashboard

    PTF, NGF, NESG, others unveil response tracker, dashboard

    Chinyere Okoroafor

    A COVID-19 Incidence and Response Tracker and Dashboard and Predictive Analytic Platform (Systems Platform) have been unveiled to offer necessary information about the COVID-19 pandemic which will assist in containing its spread across the nation.

    The platform which was built by The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) together with the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) received funding by the private sector, through the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Federal Republic of Nigeria (through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19), the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Africa Initiative for Governance.

    Speaking at the presentation of the platform, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said the deployment of the response tracker highlights the transparency drive of the task force and the urge to defeat the scourge of the pandemic, adding that with the political will, right investments, strategies and active collaboration between the public and private sector, Nigeria can flatten the curve of the pandemic.

    “The systems platform solution will provide a robust and current database of federal and sub-national resource and availability requirements for the COVID-19 response, in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended resource specifications on packages for COVID-19.

    “The Federal Government, as well as the private sector, are working together to subdue the spread and I believe that when we pool resources together, we will overcome,” he said.

    Chairman, NESG, Asue Ighodalo, in his address, said that the systems platform was designed to provide necessary information and data about the coronavirus including the national and state-by-state incidences – infections, recoveries, and deaths cases in order to track and contain the spread across the country.

    “The Dashboard primarily reveals the resource requirements across the 36 states of the country, to enable respective subnational governments, alongside the federal government and donors, identify needs and gaps that exist in three critical priority areas – testing; treatment and isolation; and contact tracing and tracking,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Economy to shrink by 5.2% in 2020, says NESG

    He also said that the Nigeria COVID-19 Incidence and Response Tracker Dashboard will display state-by-state resources, a back-end content management system for data entry to feed the front-end of the Dashboard and serve as a collaborative platform for key stakeholders to input and share data on actual and projected resources that can activate a needs assessment for combating the pandemic in Nigeria.

    “It would also enhance the decision-making process in the provision and deployment of resources through a front-end mapping of resource availability, requirements, and gaps,” he said.

    The Director of AIG, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede said the AIG as a partner provides financing and capacity building to support public sector reform initiatives across Nigeria.

    “This landmark initiative is a demonstration of what the public sector in partnership with the private sector is capable of achieving.

    “COVID-19 is a burning platform calling for change. It is important that we review existing systems and take the opportunity to push forward for change so that we are more resilient and better prepared to handle this crisis and others that may come in the future,” she said.

    The COVID-19 Incidence and Response Tracker Dashboard is deployed in support of the National COVID-19 Multi-Sectoral Pandemic Response Plan of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF).

    It is designed to provide real-time data to the federal and state governments, private sector, international organizations, and other donors that intend to mobilize and provide human and material resources in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

  • How Nneka Egbujiobi founded Hello Africa

    How Nneka Egbujiobi founded Hello Africa

    Adeniyi Adewoyin

    From Iron Lady to Iron Lady, while coming up between careers, Nneka Colleen Egbujiobi, Esq. worked in the Wisconsin State Capital with then-Democratic Senate Majority Leader, Judy Robson. Little did she know that her experience there would jump-start her interest in politics. While working for the head of the senate, Nneka was heavily interactive with constituents. She Participated in public hearings on important community matters as well as senate caucuses.

    Her involvement with the Majority Leader’s cabinet didn’t end there, Nneka used her interest in media and communications to further develop Robson’s media site.

    Nneka has had a long-standing background in journalism as she was a news correspondent for the Beloit Daily News. While she enjoyed her experience with written publications, her heart has always been in broadcast journalism.

    Hello Africa
    Founder, Hello Africa, Nneka Colleen Egbujiobi

    Nneka furthered her passion for broadcasting when she was a correspondent on the entertainment news show called EBuzz! Nneka went on to land a role as Michigan’s university correspondent for CNN! Since then, Nneka has worked with various notable television networks and has covered events hosted by major networks such as BET.

    She later on transitioned to practicing law and handling multimillion-dollar lawsuits, while simultaneously becoming the C.E.O. of Africa’s first and only dating and networking App called Hello Africa

  • Jetride proposes affordable charges for riders, commuters

    Jetride proposes affordable charges for riders, commuters

    Our Reporter

    A fast growing e-hailing startup, Jetride, has affordable cheap charges for both riders and commuters within its area of coverage in Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja.

    In a statement signed by the Head Customer Service, Mercy Imabong, the company said it hopes to make corporate commuting through virtual means affordable for commuters and more profitable for drivers.

    “Jetride is a mobile app for booking a car. The aim and objective is to make life easy for driver partners, that is people who own their vehicle and wish to earn more money using their vehicle for e-hailing services.

    “Jetride was developed to make the drivers earn more while riders pay less, thereby eliminating preference to drivers alone or riders alone, but, instead, having both parties at heart, which will eliminate fraudulent activities carried out by drivers and also fraud from riders.

    “Currently, our commission for our driver partner is a fixed rate of N50 notwithstanding the amount you make on a trip. We are the only app that takes a flat rate commission from drivers after every completed trip, what this means is that when other apps charge N5,000 from point A to point B and they take their commission, in which some take 25% or 20%, Jetride will charge the riider N4,500 for the same distance and time and then take its N50 commission, leaving the driver with N4,450 compared to other platform that gives their drivers N3750 or N4,000. At the same time, instead of the riders paying N5,000, they pay lesser for the same service even with a happier driver.

    “This is so because we want drivers to be financially stable and as well make the customer happier. We have partnered with Ottoxpress service centre in major Total fuel stations across Lagos to conduct our vehicle inspection.

    “We are known for transparency and consistency. We will always ensure driver partners get the best of our services, as we also ensure they get paid their inapp payment twice in a week.

    “We also offer life insurance for our riders on every trip. We are operational in Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja. We have a capacity of over 2,000 drivers across all three cities in Nigeria. We also provide our driver partners with monthly HMO.

    “The Jetride app has a lot of unique features for both riders and driver partners. On the rider app, you can book up to three different rides simultaneously to either the same location or different locations. You also get to see the price estimate for any trip before starting it. The app allows for riders to share their ETA (Estimated time of Arrival) through WhatsApp, SMS, mails and other social platforms.

    ” There’s also provisions for riders to add two emergency contact that we can reach incase an incident occurs. On the drivers app, they get to see the price estimate as well. They see what kind of payment method the rider is using, that is, if it is cash or wallet payment. He also gets to see the destination of the rider.

    “We are very keen on ensuring the safety of both riders and driver partners. Our response time to any emergency call is three hours. We have an 18-hour standby customer support to resolve any issues. Our trips are afffordable and we offer no surge pricing. No surge pricing means that on the app, there is never surge. Surge is a time or period where there are lots of requests,” she said.

    Highlighting the aims and objectives of the company, Imaobong explained that “Jetride seeks to create a safe and secure transportation system, using technology and also create job opportunities, multiple streams of income to the average Nigerian. Our goal is to become Africa’s Number 1 ride hailing platform across Africa.”

    Recall that Jetride was developed in 2017 with a prototype application, and after a thorough market survey, the main app was launched in February, 2019.

     

  • Olla Realtor LTD’ expands across Nigeria

    Olla Realtor LTD’ expands across Nigeria

    Our Reporter

    Georgia-based real estate entrepreneur and businessman, Olaitan Olatoye Olalekan has launched a new real estate development and listings agency in Nigeria called Olla Realtor LTD.

    The company which has a presence in four continents including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and America is built on a business model that is client-focused, incorporating great building techniques, fresh designs, and forward-thinking IT innovations. Established in 2019 by realtor Olaitan Olalekan with the three divisions including Construction & Development, Home Design, and Real Estate, the firm provides Strategic Marketing and Transaction Management services to their clients across many markets.

    With the support of a strong, dedicated team of real estate professionals, Olla Realtor LTD has built a reputation for providing excellent customer service while maintaining a friendly customer focus. Their client base, includes many people who have used their services two, three, and more times. According to its website, Olla Realtor has undertaken and completed over 120 housing projects across the world and is set to undertake more projects across Africa in a bid to further its mission of providing Quality houses at a reasonable price.

    READ ALSO: ‘Why we support funding real estate through unitisation’

    “Selling a home takes time, thus owners planning to get rid of the property fast may become discouraged. Olla Realtors LTD offers an alternative to the traditional route of selling a home. We offer creative solutions and purchase homes in any condition and situation, including homes that are fire or hurricane-damaged and those that are in pre-foreclosure. The entire process can be accomplished in a matter of days, as opposed to weeks or months if listed with a realtor or as for sale by owner, so give us a call today,” Olaitan Olatoye Olalekan, CEO of Olla Realtor LTD recommends.

    “We’re excited to open our new service in Nigeria’s fastest-growing metropolitan area. It will enable us to provide our level of service to even more clients,” Olaitan Olatoye Olalekan continues.

    The new website Here lists out available homes for sale across the world and provides guides and information on how to sell your home to Olla Realtor LTD. Also, if you want Olla Realtor to handle the development of your home, the process is outlined on the web platform.

  • Akwa Ibom to unveil nine-point guidelines to hoteliers

    Akwa Ibom to unveil nine-point guidelines to hoteliers

    From Bassey Anthony, Uyo

    The Akwa Ibom State government is set to unveil a nine-point guideline for hospitality and allied services operations as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

    The unveiling ceremony, slated for tomorrow, is to be anchored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Akwa Ibom State Chapter of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) and the Association of Hotel Proprietors.

    A statement by the Chairman, Publicity Subcommittee of the event, Mr. Godwill Enyedok, on behalf of the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hospitality Monitoring Team (AK-HMT), Mr. Ini Akpabio, said the ceremony will hold at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.

  • Kids to win N1m in online contest

    Kids to win N1m in online contest

    Adeniyi Adewoyin 

    Organizers of one of Nigeria’s leading online competition for kids has commenced registration for the 2020 edition of the Iconic Kids Contest.

    The commencement of registration for prospective Kids was announced on Monday, August 31 by the organising committee for the Iconic Kids 2020 edition.

    According to Smartvote Services and director of the project, Geraldine Alika, the winners of the 2020 edition of the Iconic Kids event will be rewarded with a whopping sum of N1m (One Million Naira) and a One Year Brand Ambassadorial Deal.

    Alika stated that the First Runner-up will be awarded N.5m (Five Hundred Thousand), 2nd Runner-up with N.3m (Three hundred thousand), and N.2m (two hundred thousand) for the 3rd Runner-up.

    READ ALSO: N4m blogging contest to boost teachers’ digital skills

    She further stated that winners will take on humanitarian projects in Nigeria and will also be featured on the cover of the E-magazine Icons. The Iconic Kids contest is an online competition for kids between the ages of 0 -9 years.

    “The aim is to choose kids that will be future icons, through popular votes and the powerful exploration of social media”, she said.

    The maiden edition will be quite memorable and significant efforts are in place to promote kids as future icons to encourage other kids in the appropriate way to go. The forthcoming event will be considering several smart criteria to enable the outstanding kids to aspire into winning positions.

  • TAURIE ready to explore NiPop genre in Nigeria

    TAURIE ready to explore NiPop genre in Nigeria

    Sampson Unamka

    Talented soulful singer, Alexandria Amede Chukwuma popularly known as TAURIE is set to storm the Nigerian music scene as well as explore her genre of music which she describes as Nigerian Pop(NiPop).

    Born in Staten Island, New York, United State of America (USA) in 1996, TAURIE grew up with her parents and siblings with whom she has an inseparable bond. Her mother is her greatest fan and fierce supporter of her artistic journey and expressions, cheer-leading her to reach the heights of her dream of becoming a striking voice of freedom and unapologetic self-love of her generation, through music.

    Taurie started pursuing a career in Neurosurgery and later switched to Music Production at 19. Her mother is Nigerian and her Dad is an American from a Native Indian tribe in Oregon, United States. She embraced her artistic talent in school shows, singing, dancing, and performing on stage.

    Though she grew up in the USA, Taurie still somehow manages to keep up with her mother’s culture ranging from music, tradition among other things, “I say that I grew up in a Nigerian household with my mother’s influence and grandmother as well. I did not know my grandfather as he had passed on when I was very young. Sadly, my first visit to Nigeria was to bury him, and I immediately connected with my roots. My family – siblings, Uncles, Aunt, and cousins are all very close, like most Nigerian families I have met in the United States. You cannot have Nigerian blood in you and not feel connected to the culture and heritage. It is a privilege.

    In an interview with The Nation, describing her sound and what sets her apart from her contemporaries in the Nigerian music scene, she said “The Nigerian music scene is so unique in the world stage. It captures different musical arrangements that are not completely Afro-Pop and not so mainstream either which is why I don’t call it Afro-Pop. I call it Ni-Pop (Nigerian Pop) like K-Pop (Korean Pop) which keeps it as unique as it deserves to be.”

    I want to take this moment to express that I am so honored and humbled to have this heritage of all places in the world. I thank my mother and family for that. I would say my genre follows soul, neo-soul, and R&B. I also have a flavor of mid-tempo dance. In terms of my Ni-Pop (Nigerian Pop) genre, I am still discovering it so I would say I am still mainstream in the Nigerian music culture. I’m still learning where I belong”, said Taurie.

    Taurie’s first album release in March 2020 is entitled ‘Enigma’. Her second album ‘Blossom’ was released in May 2020, she plans to drop her next single entitled ‘Heart Sings’ in September and plans to hold an amazing Instagram show in October 3rd, 8-9 PM EST for her fans and music lovers worldwide.

    Disclosing a list of Nigerian artists who inspire her sound, she said “Tiwa Savage, Wiz Kid, and Burna Boy. I appreciate their contribution to the world stage of music, bringing Ni-Pop to global awareness, showcasing that the Nigerian music industry is alive and well, and thriving. I am still growing in this industry so I am still learning about other artists and how they inspire the rest of us”.

  • Expect TV, radio stations from us – Ajayi Solomon

    Expect TV, radio stations from us – Ajayi Solomon

    Our Reporter

    In five years, TMY Media Production Company has earned itself a solid reputation as one of the most efficient and effective media and PR companies in Nigeria.

    The Lagos-based firm’s portfolio of a vast and varied showbiz clientele in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa speaks volume of its growing influence in the continental entertainment circuit while the widening of its activities to the UK, USA, and UAE, has helped to cement its place among elite media and PR firms with high-value clients.

    In explaining why TMY seems tailor-made for celebrities, Ajayi Solomon, the company’s CEO, discloses the inspiration behind its founding.

    “I was inspired to establish TMY Media in 2015 after going through a lot of difficulties and challenges in the industry as a singer who was trying to achieve a breakthrough in the industry,” he says.

    Continuing, he narrates: “Although, I dreamt of owning a media company since I was very young, the motivation, however, became urgent and profound after I was scammed by a set of unscrupulous PR charlatans and bloggers who charged me N1.5million for music production and online promotion; after I made the payment, they blocked me on Facebook and on mobile phones. Thereafter, I decided to invest in a mobile studio, and in time, the idea to expand came and it led to the founding of TMY Media Production Company.”

    The company has been working with popular figures such as Obi Cubanna, Mr. Patrick, Sydney Talker, Fuji maestro Obesere and Nollywood actor Kevin Ikeduba and Kalybos to mention but few in Nigeria, and Bismark The Joke in Ghana.

    READ ALSO: Boma Akpore launches production company

    “It’s really good running a media production and PR Services in Nigeria,” Solomon avows. “Nigerians are now very much exposed to the internet than they were a few years ago and that has been a big boost to running a media company in the country.”

    Nonetheless, image-laundering for celebrities is not as easy as it seems from a distance. Solomon provides an insight: “Managing celebrities, their online activities, and production, could at times be a handful. We face different challenges most of the time and sometimes we refund clients’ fees when things are not working as planned. In all our operations, we respect our clients’ opinion.”

    Solomon, who describes himself as “just an ordinary person with ordinary struggles but big dreams,” relishes the feats achieved so far by the five-year-old company.
    “Every goal we are able to accomplish is an achievement,” he states, saying, “When we are able to do something new and achieve success at the same time, the feeling is more rewarding.”

    He speaks about TMY Media’s future projection. “Due to our experience in the media industry, the future project of TMY is to own TV and radio stations so we can be able to bring more talents in Africa especially in Nigeria to the spotlight,” he affirms.

  • Two injured in tanker explosion in Bauchi

    Two injured in tanker explosion in Bauchi

    From David Adenuga, Bauchi

    Two persons were injured when a fuel tanker exploded and burst into flames around the Federal Polytechnic area in Bauchi State on Wednesday.

    In the aftermath, the impact of the crash resulted in a fire after the tanker spilled its content on the road.

    Several people who rushed to the scene to scoop fuel were unsuccessful but two people sustained injuries in the confusion and were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.

    The state fire service was alerted and promptly moved to the scene to avert further damage.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) visited the scene on Thursday to clear the road.

    Police Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi Command, Ahmad Wakil told The Nation on phone that the injured persons were receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) adding that no life was lost.

  • Celebrities storm Russian Standard Vodka launch party

    Celebrities storm Russian Standard Vodka launch party

    Adeniyi Adewoyin

     

    NEXT International Brands Limited created a never seen before brand experience by organizing a virtual party for consumers to launch Russian Standard Vodka in Nigeria. The experience, which was headlined by famous DJ Kaywise, was held in Lagos on Friday, 21 August 2020, and aired on Instagram live and Facebook Party live with an audience of over 5,000 connected to the live event across both platforms.

    Present at the relaunch includes top celebrities like Uti Nwachukwu, DJ Kaywise among others.

    Russian Standard, the world’s Number 1 premium vodka, is carefully crafted using water of glacial origin from Lake Ladoga and winter wheat from the Russian Steppes and is distilled over 200 times in a state-of-the-art distillery in St Petersburg. The result is a unique unrivaled liquid that is ultra-clean, smooth, and delicious.
    Speaking at the event, which was organized to launch the brand into the Nigerian market, Mr. Wale Dosunmu the Managing Director of Next International Brands Limited enthused the “distilling of Vodka started in St. Petersburg where Russian Standard Vodka is produced. We are, therefore, bringing rich vodka making traditions to Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: Kate Henshaw blasts Vodka

    Business Development manager Chika Nwosu, was also spotted at the relaunch.

    To enhance the party experience, a menu of unique cocktail mixes was available to the 5,000 guests, demonstrating the versatility of Russian Standard Vodka.

    The Russian Standard Vodka portfolio includes Russian Standard Original, Russian Standard Gold, and Russian Standard Platinum and is available in top retail outlets nationwide and in markets where spirits are sold.