The Nation Newspaper

Tag: David Lawal

  • Nigerian economy: Recession trends on Google

    Nigerian economy: Recession trends on Google

    The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun appeared to take different positions on the state of Nigeria’s economy. Are we in a recession yet or not? is the question Nigerians have been asking and they have taken their search for answers to Google.

     

    …Anambra State leads search in Nigeria

     Perhaps there’s been some  uncertainty about whether Nigeria’s economy  is fully in a recession or just “technically” in recession, thanks to recent comments on the issue by the CBN chief and Mrs Adeosun.

    Local interest in the term peaked in the past three months, with questions about the recession in Nigeria  trending on Google in July.

    For those who may still be  still in the dark about the state of the economy , it may be a good idea to pluck a leaf from the tree of knowledge growing in Anambra State. Anambra currently tops the list of states in Nigeria searching for “recession” and other related terms.

    Perhaps the curiosity of the  gentlemen traders at Iweka road, Onitsha, who just needed to know why all  this fuss about a recession, sent the state to the head of the Search list, trumping cosmopolitan Abuja and Lagos, as seen below.

    1. Anambra State.
    2. Federal Capital Territory.
    3. Rivers State.
    4. Lagos State.

    So why are residents of other States not searching for terms related to the recession? Unfortunately, Google has no answers to that question, but globally, Nigeria is one of the top three countries with the most searches for the term. In other words, we are not alone on this one -even good old stable Canada is worried.

    1. United Arab Emirates
    2. Singapore
    3. Nigeria
    4. Canada
    5. Ireland
    6. South Africa
    7. U.S.A

    Below is a list of questions people are asking in Nigeria about the recession. You may want to Google numbers 6 and 9 while you are at it.

    1. Economic recession in Nigeria?
    2. what is recession / recession definition
    3. what is economic recession
    4. difference between recession and depression
    5. recession proof businesses
    6. how to survive in economic recession
    7. how to add value during a recession
    8. when is an economy in recession
    9. how to make money in a recession
    10. causes of recession

    According to analysts, Nigeria’s recession was triggered by a dip in government revenues and spending in the wake of the  fall in global crude oil prices. It’s likely to be a bumpy ride ahead for the country, so it’s important to live by the first rule for surviving a recession- Start saving money now.

  • Beavly reiterates commitments to connect professionals

    Beavly reiterates commitments to connect professionals

    An online marketplace that connects people who are eager to learn new skills with small and medium sized businesses willing to provide workplace training for a fee, Beavly, has reiterated its commitments to connect professionals.

    The company has begun to connect willing individuals to professionals who offer training in their workplaces. It provides an easy way for people to discover trusted, quality and affordable training opportunities in their choice industries.

    Currently, the web platform aggregates training opportunities in the fashion design, beauty and makeup, event decoration, gele tying, confectionery, information technology, professional hair styling, ankara accessory design, barbering, skin care, catering, graphic design and a host of other areas.

    To use the platform, the person seeking training needs to sign up as a trainee on beavly and create a profile. This process is short, with three-steps only, they will be asked to enter basic details and select some areas of interest. After this they can go ahead to search and apply for any program, or, simply view programs that are automatically and intelligently suggested to them by the platform. All Beavly professionals are strictly verified.

    Speaking about its programmes, Beavly in a statement said: “We built this platform to help people connect to different alternatives to help empower themselves and get off the couch. Hence, we focus only on booming vocational industries, so far we have seen that people have shown a lot of interest in Beauty and Makeup, Fashion Design and Catering.

    “As a company, we are very passionate about people. We care very deeply about social impact. We know the troubles that an average graduate goes through in search for a job in Nigeria, even after the struggle of going through university. Some people are not even happy with their jobs, they dread Mondays, and look forward to Fridays. Since our launch we have helped a lot of people connect with their inner talent and harness their skills, transforming them into money spinners.

    “Beavly being a two-sided platform also allows professionals to sign up and create their business profile and upload training programs they offer in their workplace. We have a free membership plan for professionals, but to get more benefits they would have to subscribe to a pro or pro+ plan. Beavly.com enables them reach out to more trainees and manage a trainee waiting list. We provide information on how people react to their offers thus, giving them competitive intelligence.”

  • Accident victim at Lekki-Epe expressway

    Accident victim at Lekki-Epe expressway

    An unidentified accident victim, who was knocked down by a vehicle has been lying along the Lekki-Epe Expressway since last Friday. Witnesses disclosed that the middle-aged man was crossing the road close to Mega Chicken, when a hit and run driver knocked him down.

    The body which is already showing signs of decay is still lying there as at press time.

    Details soon…

  • UN celebrates Nelson Mandela day

    UN celebrates Nelson Mandela day

    Coordination and cooperation among agencies in the justice sector is a critical success factor in the implementation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, otherwise known as the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’.

    This was the major resolution reached on Monday, 18 July 2016 after the discussion of the Nelson Mandela Rules with scores of Prison Officers drawn from the five prison facilities, including the female medium security prison, in Lagos State, as part of activities marking the 2016 Nelson Mandela International Day in Nigeria.

    Organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos in collaboration with the South African Consulate General, the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) and the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), the dialogue generated a lot of interrogations and contributions by the Prison Officers who noted that operational cooperation amongst the Police, the Prisons, the Judiciary and the Bar needed to be improved for any meaningful implementation of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).

    According to the participants, the rules which were presented by the Head of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Lagos Office, Mr Glen Prichard, would require an enabling environment and improved political will to implement in Nigeria.

    Earlier, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon has urged everyone to be inspired by Nelson Mandela as a lifelong example of someone who never ceased working to build a better world for all.

    He made this call in his Nelson Mandela International Day message presented by the Director of the United Nations Information Centre, Mr Ronald Kayanja. “We remember a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement who worked to build a better world for all”, the Secretary General said.

    Welcoming the participants, the Controller of Prisons, Lagos State Command, Mr Olumide Tinuoye expressed the gratitude of the Nigeria Prisons Service to the United Nations for the training on the Nelson Mandela Rules. He observed that the Nigerian Prison Officers were reputed for their professionalism and retreatment of prisoners with dignity. However, he added that more capacity building initiatives would be welcomed by his Command.

    The Representative of the South African Consulate General, Mr Darkey Africa in his opening remarks said, “we want to thank all the United Nations member states for renaming these rules after Nelson Mandela in 2015”. He stressed that the rules were therefore a testimony of his respect for human dignity and the fact that no person is irredeemable.

    In his presentation, the Human Rights Adviser to the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) Nigeria, Dr Martin Ejidike called for more frequent visits of the Chief Judge to the prisons to see how awaiting trials inmates, who constitute 72% of total inmates could be freed.

    The Executive Director of Crime Victims Foundation, Barrister Gloria Egbuji, in her remarks, observed that the discussion of the Nelson Mandela Rules could not be complete without the gate keepers who are the police.

  • 5 quick ways to save data on android

    5 quick ways to save data on android

    Even as the cost for data is getting cheaper by the day, with every network suddenly offering 3.5G for N2000, some smartphones just will not help you maximize your data as much as your keep maximising the device.

    Recall the irritating prompt that drops in your message box reading: “You have less than 10mb left of your data.” It is understandable that you detest it. No worries, many more people do too.

    Well, there is good news for a few non-techy smartphone (especially Android) users like me and you. Thus, find these 5 quick tips on how to conserve data on android phones.

    Data Diet: Five Easy Ways to Save Your Data

    1. Reduce the amount of data used by your Android mobile device or computer by turning on Chrome Data Saver Mode. From compressing web pages to removing images when loading a page on a slow connection, you’re able to save up to 70% more data.1

     

    2. Offline YouTube videos and watch them as often as you like without using data or buffering each time with YouTube Offline.

    1. 2Whether it’s your neighborhood or a weekend getaway destination, there’s a way to use Google Maps without using any data. Download an area of the world and seamlessly use Maps features like turn-by-turn navigation and access useful location information without a network connection using Google Maps Offline.

    3

    1. Identify and remove data intensive apps by going to Settings > Data Usage on your Android device. You may be surprised to see data being used by apps you hardly touch!

    4

    1. Disable auto-updating apps on your Android device by opening Google Play and tapping the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) on the top left of the screen. Go to Settings > tap Auto-update apps > select Do not auto-update apps or Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi.

    5

    Simple! You can now begin to have a better use of your smartphone. Go and enjoy the Smartlife

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  • Pipeline Disruption: Powergas Promises CNG as alternative

    Pipeline Disruption: Powergas Promises CNG as alternative

    Following the recent rise in pipeline vandalism, power generation and gas supply to industries has been significantly impacted, escalating manufacturing costs as industries are forced to switch back onto more expensive and polluting diesel fired power generation.

    Unfortunately the attacks on the pipelines are coming at a time when the Nigeria power sector started to gain momentum.

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a good interim solution for manufacturing firms and residential estates seeking access to natural gas. CNG still offers a significant cost saving compared to diesel – the fuel price alone is about half of diesel. Natural gas is also a much cleaner fuel than diesel, reducing maintenance costs and wear and tear on industrial machinery.

    When speaking at an energy conference, Deepak Khilnani, CEO of Powergas, reiterated his commitment to supplying natural gas via “Virtual Pipeline” to industries as an alternate and cost effective source of power generation.

    Powergas Africa, Nigeria’s largest CNG producer and distributor, is filling this natural gas void in the market. Powergas pioneered the Nigerian CNG market, delivering an innovative ‘Gas on Wheels’ solution as an alternative to pipeline gas supply for customers across the country. CNG is also a popular alternative fuel source for diesel globally as it is easy and safe to transport through high-pressure skids directly to remote areas.

    There are also many environmental benefits operating on natural gas, such as up to ten times less reduced nitrogen and carbon emissions.

    “We understand the difficult market conditions for industries and national power generation – both the economic uncertainty coupled with the current gas crisis. Powergas is fully committed to finding power and gas solutions and is continuing to invest in new off pipeline compression and liquefaction plants to meet additional demand,” Khilnani said.

  • African Foods: New pilot initiative in Kaduna to boost inclusive growth

    African Foods: New pilot initiative in Kaduna to boost inclusive growth

    • United Nations SDG Fund, FG, Kaduna Government, chefs Roca Brothers and Sahara Group launch a joint platform to create jobs, promote gender equality and reduce food waste

    As Nigeria embraces a challenging economic diversification process, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG-F) is working in Kaduna to pilot an innovative approach aimed at revamping the food sector to creating new jobs for young people, increase farmers’ revenues, improve productivity, enhance nutrition and reduce food loss through more sustainable production practices.

    To achieve this, the UN Goodwill Ambassadors, brothers Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca of restaurant El Celler can Roca, ranked among the best chefs of the world, UN Agencies, the Sahara Group and Nigerian government authorities will partner on the Food Africa project. Launched in Jere, the initiative is set to revolutionize the food industry in Kaduna and beyond.

    For the project kick-off Josep Roca met with young women and men that will be the driving force of this programme. A Center of Excellence, specialized on agriculture and agro-processing training, will contribute to expand it to other regions in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa through regional exchange of best practices.

    Food for SDGs

    Nigeria has been an avid proponent and early adopter of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were approved at the United Nations in September. Under the leadership of Princess Victoria Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, plans and policies are now underway to achieve these goals by 2030.

    In Africa, agriculture remains a vital source of employment and income generation. In Nigeria the sector contributes to an estimated 70% of employment in Nigeria, but only 22% of GDP, thus indicating a significant potential for productivity gains. Despite a strong reliance on farming and agriculture, malnutrition is often prevalent in many regions and invariably an estimated 50-70% of   harvests can be lost due to the lack of appropriate storage facilities and limited market information.

    On top of that, climate-change, could result in falls in output of up to 30%, according to the World Bank estimates. The recent state of emergency declared in Kaduna over tomato shortages and soaring prices caused by the moth tuta absoluta exemplifies climate and environmental pressures to agricultural production to come.

    Revolutionizing the food industry

    In order to tackle these pressing challenges, the SDG Fund, a mechanism established by the UN to advance the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is engaging governments, UN Agencies, civil society and the private sector on issues critical to enhancing food security and nutrition.

    The pilot Food Africa project in Kaduna will provide a backward and forward integration approach for food supply chain management. The program will introduce more sustainable practices in the value chain, reduce crop waste and improve smallholder farmers’ profitability. Recognizing the link between the gaps in skills and structural unemployment in the region, the project will promote income generating opportunities and technical support to promote trade of local goods and services.

    The program will feature an agro processing facility and serve as a Center of Excellence to increase farmers’ receipts and reduce food loss. The center will provide training in the food industry on issues linked to food safety, business planning and product diversification. Designed as a hybrid public-private facility, the program will eventually be sustained and managed by the communities local farmers.

    Unique collaboration

    UN Goodwill Ambassadors Master Chefs Roca Brothers will contribute their valuable knowledge in sustainable conservation, food preparation and distribution techniques. The Rocas will provide skills training for young women and men as well as providing technical oversight and sharing best practices. The renowned chefs will play a key role in showcasing how local food production can be cultivated for new markets and consumers. “It is an honor for us to be part of this vibrant, promising and collective project and contribute with our cooking, our imagination and our passion to advance the sustainable development goals”, Josep Roca affirmed while in Jere. He added “we are doing this on behalf of all chefs, not only ourselves”.

    Several specialized UN Agencies will provide expertise on food production (FAO), labour and employment (ILO) and international trade (ITC). An early warning Geographical Information System (GIS) will also be available to connect farmers with agricultural extension services and provide real time market data.

    Sahara Group, a leading African energy conglomerate and member of the SDG Fund Private Sector Advisory Group and major co-financier of the project will bring its business perspective to the program to ensure the viability of the facility’s operations. “We are excited to showcase this new project which will go a long way to shine the spotlight on the links between agricultural training, food security and improving nutritional livelihoods in our communities” said Tonye Cole, Executive Director and co-founder of the Sahara Group.

    Kaduna State Government will provide the land for the constructed facility as well as farmland and personnel. The state government will collaborate with other state-level stakeholders to improve local infrastructure including rural roads to allow greater access to the facility and farmland.

    It is expected that 5,000 women and men of Kaduna will be directly impacted with new job prospects, increased income and additional skills to compete in the thriving food industry. In addition, an estimated 500,000 residents will indirectly benefit from the Food Africa Project which is designed to be scaled-up in the region and eventually replicated in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

  • CNN to establish multi-platform bureau in Nigeria

    CNN to establish multi-platform bureau in Nigeria

    The Cable News Network (CNN), an American basic cable and satellite television channel has announced the launch of a new, multi-platform operation in Lagos, Nigeria, designed to give the network a nimble, broad-based, Digital-first presence in Africa’s most populous country.

    Leading the operation will be Stephanie Busari, who takes on the role of Supervising Producer, Africa. Busari will work across CNN’s newsgathering and digital operations, and will be the network’s first responder for all platforms.

    Deborah Rayner, SVP, Newsgathering at CNN International, said: “This is a truly integrated role, and one that underlines CNN’s commitment to both Nigeria and Africa as a whole.  Stephanie will work across our platforms on both news and feature content.  In particular, she will head CNN’s Africa content across digital – responding to breaking news and managing our Africa features projects.  She will also be central to the CNN International’s coverage of the continent on television.”

    Speaking on her new role, Busari observes that “To return to Nigeria at such an important time in the country’s history is a proud and exciting moment for me.  This is such a vibrant country, full of possibilities, and as well as my broader remit, looking at Africa as a whole this role will be about putting the many sides of Nigeria itself into sharper relief for the world.”

    Since joining CNN in 2008, Busari has worked across some of the network’s most important African stories.  In particular ,she was central to CNN’s coverage of the Missing Chibok girls, working alongside Senior International Correspondent Nima Elbagir.

    A multi-award winning journalist, Busari began her career at the now-defunct London-based newspaper New Nation, which was aimed at the UK’s black and ethnic minority communities.  She then moved to the UK’s Daily Mirror, where, among other beats she covered Northern Ireland, reporting on some of the worst affected areas of “The Troubles”.

    While in Belfast she also launched and edited an award-winning lifestyle column for the paper. A native Yoruba speaker, she also speaks fluent French.

  • Durojaye pulls out of teaching service

    The retirement service for Mrs Fausat Rebecca Durojaye on Tuesday, July 12 was filled with fond memories of her over 24 years of impactful service from colleagues, friends and students as she pulls out of the Teaching Service.

    Born on the 6th day of July, 1956 into the family of Pa and Mama Tom Enimola of blessed memories at Ifon, Ondo State, Mrs. Durojaye began her education at St. Thomas More Primary School, Sobe, Ondo State but completed and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate at Sunren Okenla, Ifo, Ogun State. She then proceeded to Benevolence College, Markudi, Benue State.

    Thereafter, she attended and graduated from Auchi Teacher’s College, Edo State before attending National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Ikeja Centre, Lagos

    Mrs. Durojaye is a great-grandmother, who cherishes family values; a disciplinarian per excellence, and a devoted worshipper of God Almighty as evidenced in her commitments among Celestial Church of Christ National Sidesmen & Sideswomen and at Celestial Church of Christ, Calvary ll Province level.

    In several ways, she has contributed to the uplift of education in communities where she found herself, especially Fadunsin Community, Ijoko, Ogun State where she stays.

    Mrs Durojaye has always stressed the need for moral re-awakening to address the increasing decadence in our societies.

    She started teaching at Army Children School ll, Army Barracks, Auchi, Edo State between 1992 and 1994 before proceeding to Baptist Day Primary School, Ekundayo, Ifo, Ogun State 1994 till 1995.

    In 1995, she was transferred to the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) Primary School ll, Ifo, Ogun State until she was further transferred in 1997 to the Zumuratul Islamiyat (Z.I.) School ll, Akute, Ifo, Ogun State where she worked till 2001.

    Her professional sojourn took her to another school, Community Primary School, Ojo Ogundele, Alagbole, Ifo, Ogun State in 2001 until she was transferred to African Church Primary School, Igboore, Robiyan, Ifo, Ogun State in 2004.

    In 2007, she proceeded to Community Primary School, David Camp, Ifo, Ogun State where she served the longest and retired in 2016.

    Expressing her gratitude, Mrs Durojaye dedicated the day to God saying: “I dedicate this day and my after service years to God Almighty, to guide my steps as I seek new frontiers in life.

    “I choose to appreciate God, my Redeemer. Thus, I acknowledge Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael for the guidance I received that helped me record successful years in the Teaching Service.

    “I also appreciate my husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who stood by me through thick and thin, for their endurance, supports and love.

    “I won’t hesitate to acknowledge my colleagues retired but not tired and those that are still in active service, as well as my Head teachers, whose philosophies of life contributed to my success.

    “I like to make a special mention of some people, Sup. Evang. E. A. Ekundayo, Provincial Head, CCC AKAID Marvellous Province, Akute and wife M/C Ekundayo, Mrs. F. A. Mabadeje, Mrs. D. Arogundade, Mrs. Aladeselu, Mrs. Akinkunmi, Mrs. R. Owolabi, Alhaja Balogun, Mrs Okeowo and many others.

    In her remark, Mrs Arogundade, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police, noted that the celebrant has been of positive influence on her. Her words: “Iya Durojaye is a patient, focused and spiritual person. I have learned to be patient since I started walking with her. She is usually patient in her approach to everything and everyone.”

    Present at the pulling out service include Sup. Evang. E. A. Ekundayo represented by V/M/S/E Oyedele, Pastor S. Owoeye, Christ Apostolic Church, Christ Foundation, Ijoko; C/E/B/ Julius Okhamogie; Pastor Clement Adeleye; Alhaji Busari to mention a few.

  • Believers connect brings hope for Christian singles

    Believers connect brings hope for Christian singles

    A trainer-consultant and Pastor, Godman Akinlabi and renowned relationship coach and host, Deep Soul, a relationship talk show, Stephen Omojuyigbe, also known as Stephen with a PH have launched Believers Connect, a social networking site for single Christians hopeful of marriage.

    This is owing to the rising number of Christian single men and women who are due to marry, but can’t find a worthy life partner.

    Announcing the launch at a press conference in Lagos, Godman Akinlabi, the Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church noted that it had become necessary for an immediate intervention in helping Christian singles find a Godly spouse with true and genuine intentions towards marriage and keeping the values of marriage as ordained by God.

    “Believers Connect was created to ease the stress and sometimes pain, which some single Christian men and women go through while trying to find a worthy life partner. There are so many hard working, matured Christian men and women out there that have become limited in their choices as a result of their daily routine, mostly influenced by their job, business or church engagements now desperate for a life partner.

    “This is about to change with Believers Connect,” he said, adding that the idea was born out of the need to connect Christians with similar desires for a successful marriage irrespective of how long they have been looking for a life partner.”

    Also commenting, Omojuyigbe noted that there is hope for single Christians in finding a life partner with Believers Connect.

    He said: “The essence of Believers Connect is to bring Christian faithfuls who are single and committed to finding a spouse together from all parts of the country. You don’t have to wait until you are in a position of desperation before joining the platform. For those who may feel downtrodden as a result of their long search for a spouse and desire for marriage, there is hope now for a true relationship and marriage with this platform.”

    On his path, Chidi Okocha noted that the App was developed with the highest sense of security in mind, noting that all measures have been put in place to ensure that only genuine users register. According to him, “we have security features and community managers that work 24 hours daily to ensure that the essence of the app is not defeated.”

    Believers connect can be downloaded as a mobile application on all android smart phones from the android play store. With over 20,000 active followers already engaging online on its Facebook page, it can also be accessed on the web with an unlimited access to a digital library and resource for marriage counselling and life coaching.