The Nation Newspaper

Tag: competition

  • School holds inter-house sports competition

    Tender Palms School, Mende, Maryland, Lagos State, has held its  bi-annual inter-house sports competition.

    The event which held on Saturday April 21, 2018, was themed: ‘’Raising champions through sports.’’

    The Director/ Head of School, Mrs Magdalene Omole said the event was organised to strengthen the physical and developmental ability of pupils.

    She said:’’ It is a day exclusively set aside for our pupils to showcase our love and enthusiasm for sports activities. While making sure that each child has a safe and fun sports experience, we will promote peace, co-existence, team spirit and great sportsmanship with age and appropriate games within each child’s developmental ability.’’

    At the end of the competition, Red House came first with 19 gold, 27 silver and 12 bronze medals, followed by Yellow House, which won 18 gold, 11 silver and 26 bronze medals, while Blue House came third with 17 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze medals.

  • NECA rejects Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2016

    NECA rejects Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2016

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has rejected the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2016, sent to President Muhammadu Buhari  by the National Assembly. NECA urged the President to withhold his assent.

    The Bill seeks development and promotion of fair, efficient and competitive markets in Nigeria. It will also facilitate access to safe products by citizens and protect consumers’ rights.

    NECA accused the National Assembly of surreptitiously inserting 0.5 per cent tax on companies to fund the establishment of a planned Commission/Agency, which will undertake responsibilities under the law.

    NECA also contended that the  0.5 per cent tax on private companies was neither in the draft nor discussed at the public hearing of the bill. It described the development as fraudulent.

    In a statement by its Director-General, Mr. Segun Oshinowo, the body said: “While the private sector welcomed and, in fact, actively supported the introduction of a dispensation where an institution will exist to promote fair, efficient and competitive markets in the Nigerian economy, at no time, during the public hearing on the Bill, did we discuss the imposition of 0.5 per cent profit after tax on all companies operating in Nigeria, as a source of funding the Commission. This provision was not contained in the draft bill that was exposed to the public.

    “So, what could have been the source of this obnoxious provision that seeks to further drain life out of a struggling and comatose private sector that is still laboring under the unbearable weight of multiple and overlapping taxes and levies? This surreptitious insertion is a fraudulent act, which we seriously frown at.”

  • We’re determined to reposition education for global competition —Akeredolu

    We’re determined to reposition education for global competition —Akeredolu

    Ondo State governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, yesterday said his administration planned to reposition the state’s education sector for global competition.

    He said the move became necessary to produce competent professionals who would be agents and drivers of societal development.

    Akeredolu, who spoke when the four panels on the state-owned tertiary institutions presented their reports at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, assured the panels that their recommendations would be critically looked into.

    It will be recalled that Governor Akeredolu in November last year inaugurated the four visitation panels to look at the plethora of problems bedevilling the four state-owned tertiary institutions as well as recommend solutions to them.

    The tertiary institutions are Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; University of Medical Science, Ondo and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

    He said: “We are determined to efficiently use the limited resources available at this dire time to ensure optimal service delivery in all sectors of the economy with pride of place given to the education sub-sector.

    “We are unwaveringly committed to the delivery of 21st Century compliant tertiary education. We are not interested in rhetorics but delivery of people-oriented service that will be a lasting legacy.

    “As part of our efforts at revamping this critical sub-sector of our economy, we intend to improve on the funding of these schools as soon as our finances improve to enable them to improve on their infrastructure and payment of outstanding emoluments and staff entitlements.

    “Different measures will be taken to ensure that the fortunes of these institutions are in tune with the visions and aspirations of our administration.

    “Our passion is to reinvigorate the education system to make it vibrant, enviable and admirable globally.

  • Nigerian carriers’ plan to fly into US may ignite competition

    Plans by two carriers, Air Peace and MedView Airlines, to begin flights into the United States next summer could intensify competition on the route hitherto dominated by American carrier – Delta Airlines.

    The carriers are convinced that they could leverage the huge population of Nigerians residing and doing business in major American cities including Houston, in Texas, Washington, New York, New Jersey and Baltimore to drive traffic for the  proposed flights.

    The Nation exclusively gathered that though, the airlines have secured bilateral approvals from the Nigerian Government and the US, the airlines are putting finishing touches to other regulatory approvals needed for the flight to commence.

    Investigations revealed that the carriers were encouraged to begin US flights as part of the fulfillment of reciprocity clause in the Open Skies Agreement Nigeria signed with the US over a decade ago.

    Though Bellview Airlines, Air Nigeria and Arik Air were granted approval to fly into the US since 2009, only Arik Air accomplished the feat before it discontinued operations in 2016.

  • Unhealthy competition; it’s ills and ilks

    Unhealthy competition; it’s ills and ilks

    Competition is often considered to be the opposite of cooperation, however in the real world, the mixture of both is the norms.

    It can have both beneficial and detrimental effects.

    The human mind is wired for competition. Each individual is a champion on his/her own.

    Competition in itself can be a motivation condiment of achievement for any individual or group, however, extreme expressions of competition brings with it heinous and grotesque consequences.

    Like a line in a famous poem says “…there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that the next person do not feel insecure.”  This lays credence to the fact that sometimes you have to be bold, decisive and have some modicum of competition in order to succeed.

    It exists in many aspects of life, from sports, school, jobs, and also amidst friends

    Competition, just like a coin has clear dichotomies; it can either be constructive or destructive.

    An overtly competitive environment is a breeding ground for resentment, envy and little or no accomplishment; because everyone is an island.

    In academics for instance, competition hampers the free flow of information and sharing of ideas amongst students. Study and healthy revision groups will definitely not be in existence in such environments.

    On the flip side, we have the congenial and accommodating arms of cooperation. With cooperation issues of differences and clear diversities become null and void because each individual or group of people are appreciated and utilized especially because of their sundry “diversities”.

    There is no limit to the aspiration of the human spirit if only we learn to tolerate and cooperate with one another. In truth, we all share a common destiny; our differences in character, skills, likes and dislikes are all wools used to weave the very fabric of our humanity.

    Making friends with peers is easy in a cooperative environment as it creates a support structure for students to reach out and help one another.

    Finally, regardless of the part of the divide of competition or cooperation you find yourself, it is important to apply moderation in all that you do.

  • Will TSTV trigger competition in pay-per-view?

    Will TSTV trigger competition in pay-per-view?

    On October 1, a new pay-per-view Tv,TSTV, made its debut in Abuja. Experts say the new entrant into the industry may boost offerings in the industry. OLUFEMI BABALOGBON writes.

    It took Nigerians 57 years to have Independence,” proclaims a poster on the Instagram page of TSTv, the new entrant in the Pay Tv Market.

    On October 1, Nigerians, particularly on social media, celebrated the launch of the first pay-per-view multichannel Tv platform in Nigeria, TSTv.

    TSTV did not only attempt to disrupt the market in the country but all over Africa, as its subscription is pay per view.

    Though Mutichoice, the owner of DSTV and GOTV platforms,  said it would not operate pay-per-view, it had changed its marketing strategy, apparently in response to a threat by TSTV.

    As TSTV was launching, Multichoice was unveiling its #GOTVMax, a bouquet with channels, such as Select Sports 4, CBS Reality, and Fox.

    However, public perception seems to be swaying in favour of TSTV.

     

    Consumer perception

    The consumer perception  details how the consumer receives a marketing message and processes it. TSTV’s messages, which are marketing stimuli, only came to be accepted after the consumers have sent the stimuli through their physiological and psychological screens. The physiological screens are the five senses and interpret the message to the consumer.

    The screens evaluate the product based on self-interests and intrinsic needs. This is where TSTV got it right by bundling internet data with Pay TV offerings. Nigerians need two things to survive: cheap/free internet and electricity.TSTV is giving internet data as cheap as N300 for 1GB and 10GB internet free  monthly subscription!

    The consumer has perceptual files, called the mind. The files are previous experiences of engaging various brands. This means the memory of using GOTV or Startimes exists in the consumer’s mind and the consumer will evaluate TSTV’s service delivery relative to these previous experiences. The perceptual files, also known as the mental files play a role in the consumer Perception process and the outcome can either be brand adoption or brand switch.

     

    The TSTV Movement

    However, recent recession (2015-2017) has taught Nigerians that the best way to alleviate Forex pressure is to patronise“made-in-Nigeria” products. Also, series of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa has impaired the public relations of South African businesse, such as Shoprite, MTN, and DTSV. Thus, Nigerians are happy to have an indigeneous brand playing in the sector.

    The TSTV movement is the ordinary Nigerians giving support to the brand and often de-marketing other Pay TV platforms.

    Bahdmus Hakeem, social media influencer and founder of @TheInfoNG,  tweeted: “The least we can do is to support TSTV. We cannot, I repeat, we cannot allow it to die like HiTV”.

    Also, the government is supporting TSTV, by giving the company three-year tax holiday. This, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed explained, was geared towards growing the creative industry.

    With all these support coming from Nigerians and the government, experts said TSTV is starting on a good footing.

  • I’m not in competition with anybody – Francis Odega

    I’m not in competition with anybody – Francis Odega

    Popular comedian Francis Odega, who is currently working on a TV series, has said he is not in competition with anybody, as regards comic TV series.

    “I have my project that is ongoing, and it is called ‘Gerrahea’ TV series, that stars people like Omo Baba, Chigurl, myself and a whole lot more,” said Odega.

    “So, it is hitting your screen sooner than later.”

    On taking after the footsteps of Funke Akindele popular series, Jenifa’s Diary, the actor said: “I wouldn’t say I am taking after her. I am at the moment focused at giving what I am called to give. Before Funke, there (was) somebody there. So, what is the need looking at any other person when I can break the grounds.

    “It is not a competition, I am not competing with anybody, and I am just here to entertain people. So if the audience prefer mine to hers, it is better. But the truth is we are not even in the same categories, I am not doing her style, I am coming out with a complete different style. So I am not competing with anyone, I am just here to entertain people. I am very confident we are taking over”.

    The actor, who started his acting career way back in the 80s, while in secondary school, is best known for a hilarious video clip of him which went viral and circulated the Internet, which secured endorsement deals and recognition from home and abroad.

  • Nigerian Film Corporation announces essay competition

    Nigerian Film Corporation announces essay competition

    The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced call for entry from qualified participants for its 2017 Annual Film Essay Competition under the upcoming Zuma Film Festival holding in Abuja between December 1 and December 5. The topic of the competition is, “Film as an Alternative to Oil in Wealth Creation and Employment”.

    In a statement signed by Brian Etuk, the Corporation’s Head of Public Affairs, interested participants are to forward their entries in the following format; Arial Font, 14 point size, typewritten in double line space and should not be more than 15 pages on A4 size paper.

    Entries opens on September 11, 2017 and closes on October 31, 2017 and participants must be Nigerian nationals between 18 years and below 25 years old.  Entries are to be submitted either in hardcopy, addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Film Corporation, 218T Liberty Dam Road, Jos, Plateau State and clearly marked 2017 NFC ANNUAL FILM ESSAY COMPETITION and or through the e-mail essay comp2017@nigerianfilms.gov.ng.

    The first, second and third best entries will win N250,000, N100,000 and N70,000 respectively. This is an addition to rights of publishing the winning essays in journals as may be deemed necessary.

    The Annual Film Essay Competition had its debut in 2005. Several of its topic include “Motion Picture and the Nigerian Image”, – (2006)“The Nigerian Movie: Global Socio-Cultural Impact” – (2007), “The Role of Film as a tool for International Diplomacy” – (2008), “Building a Positive Global Board: The Place of Film” – (2009), “Film: A Tool for Socio-Cultural Integration and Tourism Promotion” – (2010), “Re-emergence of the Cinema, Impact on Local and National Economy” – (2012) and “Film, Family Values and the Society” – (2013).

  • Again, 9 Brigade wins Army combat competition

    For the second year running, the Nine Brigade of the Nigerian Army (NA) in Ikeja Cantonment has won the divisional combat proficiency competition.

    The Brigade beat three other units under the 81 Division in the four-day competition that featured obstacle crossing, map reading, night navigation, combat swimming, weapon stripping, assembling and shooting.

    Praising the winning unit, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke said their performance showed that NA personnel were fit and combat-ready for security challenges.

    He noted that continuous training had prepared the personnel to perform their statutory responsibilities which include the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and aiding the police in internal security.

    According to Dauke, training was the best thing anyone could give a soldier, adding that the personnel have acquired new skills from the interface with their colleagues.

    Also at the ceremony was the Commander, Nine Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu.

  • Competition ’ll stimulate girls’ interest in ICT

    Technology firm, Cisco, and Unites Academy Foundation have lamented that girls are disadvantaged in information communication technology (ICT) space because they are often not encouraged to take up courses in Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) fields which are hugely male dominated.

    They said platforms such as the second edition (Southwest regionals) of the National ICT Champions Olympics for girls it jointly organised will stimulate the interest of girls in ICT and bridge the gender digital divide.

    According to the orgnaisers, the competition which took place at the Queens College Gymnasium in Lagos, was aimed at providing a platform for the girl child to demonstrate their skills in ICT, inspire girls to embrace ICT and encourage entrepreneurship skills and ICT competency among girls.

    Director/Principal of Queens College, Chief Mrs Bola Are said the world is now a global village through ICT, adding that girls must use ICT to develop their brains, impact their lives positively and add value to the society they live.