The Nation Newspaper

Tag: launch

  • FMDQ, Bloomberg launch trading platform for bonds

    Bloomberg and FMDQ OTC Plc have announced the launch of the Bloomberg E-Bond trading and market surveillance system, a new electronic trading system for Nigerian government bonds. It has commenced operation under FMDQ’s over-the-counter (OTC) market securities exchange.

    Jointly developed by Bloomberg, FMDQ and the local market-maker community, the product provides electronic trading and market surveillance tools for participants in Nigeria’s N12 trillion fixed income market.

    “As a newly established OTC market securities exchange, our goal is to empower the Nigerian OTC financial markets to be efficient, credible and globally competitive. With its potential to drive transparency and liquidity, we believe the introduction of the Bloomberg E-Bond system will help us to achieve those aims and we are pleased to work with Bloomberg to bring it to the Nigerian fixed income market,” says Dipo Odeyemi, Divisional Head, Operations and Technology, FMDQ OTC.

    The Bloomberg E-Bond system provides a complete, consolidated marketplace for Nigerian government bonds, offering market participants a robust and flexible set of tools supporting the full trade workflow. This includes pre-trade price discovery and analytical tools, the ability to handle both multi-dealer request-for-quote (RFQ) and order trading, straight-through processing (STP) functionality and integrated trade capture and reporting tools.

  • Nigeria, France launch trade, target N2tr

    Nigeria and France yesterday launched the Nigeria-France Trade and Investment Council, setting a target to double trade flows between both countries from the current N1.049trillion to about N2.098trillion in four years.

    The agreement of the launch of the Council was signed in the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan and his counterpart, French President Francois Hollande during the Nigeria-France Business Forum, on the sidelines of the Centenary celebrations in Abuja.

    Apart from doubling trade, the Council also has the mandate to increase investment flows between both countries by 50 per cent in the next four years and will be co-chaired by the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria-France Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer of Leadway Assurance, Mr. Hassan Odukale; and the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of PAI, Mr. Lionel Zinsou.

    The two presidents also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a $170million power financing deal between the Ministry of Finance and the AgenceFrancaise Developpement (AFD); and a 13MW solar power construction MoU between the Osun State Government and VergnetGroupe.

    Jonathan, who encouraged French companies to invest in Nigeria in order to cement the ongoing favourable trade and investment relationship between both countries, noted that the people of France, under the leadership of President Hollande, had shown an unprecedented level of commitment to Africa.

    The president said, “Nigeria has come of age economically, and this is the time to invest. We have made significant progress in our political, social and economic development. I always say that Nigeria’s economic transformation will be the strongest legacy of our generation, which is why we have invited all you investors here today.

    “A strong Nigerian economy will create wealth, improve living standards and ensure a stable political and social environment. This is why my focus since this administration assumed office in 2011 has been to fundamentally restructure and diversify the Nigerian economy, to ensure sustained growth and create jobs for our teeming youth.”

    Jonathan noted that this century was Africa’s century, adding that over the last 100 years, the French people and French businesses had always been engrained in the Nigerian story.

    The French President, who pledged increased investment by French companies in Nigeria, said his country was committed to boosting the strategic partnership between both countries.

    “We have set a goal of increasing our market share in Nigeria. Three of our companies contribute to about 15,000 jobs in Nigeria but we have to invest more in the country.

  • JUMIA wins Best Retail Launch of the Year

    Jumia has received the most important retail award at the World Retail Congress in Paris. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

    JUMIA.com has won ‘The Best Retail Launch of the Year’ at the World Retail Congress in Paris. By this fact, JUMIA is the first African company to have won the most important retail award worldwide. They did this ahead of all other offline, online and developed market retailers of the world, other nominees in this category were Hedonism Wines, Presso, Quem disse, Berenice, t.riciclo and Zalora.  The event was ran by the publishing company EMAP and discussed issues affecting the international retail industry; covering core retail in all segments issues as well as social, economic, political and ethical concern. Previous winners include top brands such as ASOS, Migros, NikeTown, Woolworths or Zappos.com. JUMIA offers their products online, via a mobile app or on cash delivery spots – leapfrogging traditional retail in Africa.

    “We are delighted with the wide international reach of this year’s winners and that for the first time, we are presenting an award to an African retailer,” said Ian McGarrigle, chairman of the World Retail Congress. The World Retail Congress’s jury also said JUMIA has set the highest benchmark when it comes to retailing in Africa. “Their Excellency in online marketing, IT and operations are key drivers for JUMIA’s sharp growth rates and the company’s rising brand awareness throughout the whole of Africa.”

    Tunde Kehinde and Raphael Afaedor, co-founders of Jumia: “We owe this landmark fete to the Nigerian market who since day one have supported us all the way through the very encouraging feedback and patronage; we clearly wouldn’t be honoured this way without them. This also shows that Jumia Nigeria has risen beyond the ranks and has gone far beyond a start-up company with even more greater heights yet to be achieved. Amazingly, recently there was a poll by a notable organization for start-up’s in Nigeria and Jumia clearly out of that list, came top. Some more proof to that the market and industry players have come to recognize our position and impact we have made in this market. There are bigger plans for the customer and this will remain our focus”.

    Jeremy Hodara, managing director African Internet Holding. “This is a historic moment for us and I hope, also for the whole of Africa. When we started JUMIA last year we had the goal to enable safe, convenient and stress-free shopping experiences in Nigeria. Now one year later, we deliver products to hundred thousands of customers in over six countries every day. Only thanks to our incredible teams and partners, who made online shopping in Africa easy. This award makes us incredibly proud and reinforces us in what we do. We are number one in Nigeria now and we will continue to grow and deliver our products all across Africa.”

  • Official launch for WAPTV

    Official launch for WAPTV

    ONE year after it started showing, WapTV has announced that it is set for an official launch on Tuesday, September 24 at Banquet Hall, Sheraton, Lagos by 7pm. The family entertainment channel began transmission on October 1 last year, and since then the TV Channel has gained followership from diverse viewers because of the channel’s entertainment-filled programming.

    Managing Director of wapTV, Wale Adenuga, says: “It will be an unforgettable night of entertainment and enlightenment to let stakeholders know the journey so far, where we are right now and our next step. Indeed, after one year since we started redefining Nigerian Television Entertainment, we want you to know we are just getting started.”

    The Official Launch/First Anniversary is strictly by invitation and will air at a later date on wapTV, StarTimes across Nigeria and other African countries including Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Guinea, Adenuga discloses.

  • Peculiar Choir launches Ji Ijo Mimo tomorrow

    THE Peculiar Choir of El-Morijah Olubukun Parish Igbogbo, Special District, Headquarter, Ikorodu has just concluded works on its debut album entitled Ji Ijo Mimo.

    The album which was written by the Music Department of the church, Peculiar Choir was produced under the experienced hands and watchful eyes of Evangelist Goke Bola Manner. According to him, the 7 tracker album was inspired by the unification of Celestial Church of Christ. “The songs were conceived solely for the unification of Celestial Church Worldwide and also to promote love and peaceful existence among them. Psalms 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Since the Lord delights in the praises of His people, the Music Department yield themselves to lead us every time into the presence of the Lord. The Music Department always ministers to the people of God in quality music each time at every service. ”

    Marketer and distributed by Square A Music and Alidan Investment , Ji Ijo Mimo will be launched come Sunday, June 9, 2013 at the church Headquarters in Ikorodu. The event promises to be a feast of song and a uniting bond for the Celestial Church Worldwide who will be gracing the special occasion.

  • Izon Fie for launch

    IIZON (Speak Izon) – the first ÊzÍìn self-study language book and audio book CD will be launched on Saturday, at the Terra Kulture (The Nigerian Cultural Centre), Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The event will be chaired by the former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Timi Alaibe.

    The book, which was commissioned and published by Niger Delta Books Limited, founded by Mrs. Oyintarela Ebiere Umeri (nee Diffa) was written by Ogonobenitari Alfred Egberipou, with a foreword by Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, the Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

    ÊzÍìn Fie is targeted at both ÊzÍìn speakers and non-ÊzÍìn speakers and will be valuable to anyone interested in gaining a basic understanding of the ÊzÍìn language, through speaking, reading, listening and writing. This includes ÊzÍìn young adults, business people, international non-governmental organisations(NGOs) and agencies, students, tourists, the Diaspora Ijaw community and Nigerians from other ethnic groups.

  • ESUT launches N10b infrastructure fund

    In its bid to reposition as one of the best on the African continent, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is to launch a N10 billion Infrastructural Development Trust Fund under the distinguished chairmanship of Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu, the Deputy Senate President.

    The launch, which would have the Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, as chief host and Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State as guest speaker is scheduled for May 10 at the Auditorium Agbani.

    Chairman of the seven-man ESUT Trust Fund Committee, Prof Ike Ndolo, said the fund would help the institution provide facilities for the institution.

    “The idea of the Trust Fund is primarily to reposition and re-engineer ESUT to be one of the best in Africa. These funds will help in many critical sectors of the university needing services and infrastructural development and intervention,” he said.

    The infrastructural development intervention areas include critical teaching and research facilities, post graduate studies building, completion of two new faculty buildings/main university library and the fencing of the entire university landscape.

    Others are provision of recreational facilities, the senate building endowment of chairs in departments, completion of professors/staff quarters and student hostels and a school of communication building. ESUT was established in 1991 with a philosophy of a unique university that must be closely related to society, its industry and above all, serve as a catalyst in the technological advancement of the people.

    Since its establishment, ESUT has grown into an ivory tower with nine faculties which include Agriculture, Applied Natural Sciences, Engineering, Education, Environmental Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Medicine and Social Sciences.

    In addition, it also has School of Postgraduate studies, Matured Students’ programme, General Studies division and a business school.

     

  • Standing ovation as Ani Light croons at album launch

    AT Ani Light’s album launch last Sunday, friends, families and members of the press came together for the event which held at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The 10 tracker album, titled My Greatest Treasure, was launched amid thrills and frills.

    The MC, simply known as Bontu, set the tone for the evening with his witty but hilarious jokes. In less than half an hour after the event kicked-off, the guests didn’t need to be told they were in for an experience. Bontu invited on stage Ani’s parents, which further sent the atmosphere to a high. Both parents couldn’t hide their joy. They poured encomiums freely on the only daughter of the family. “I’m a proud mother. She’s dutiful. Before 20, Ani had finished her first degree. She holds a Masters degree too,” said Ani’s mother. “Sometimes, I wish she were my first child,” submits her father, a retired Navy Captain.

    It was an evening of climaxes but the icing on the cake remains the performance by the newest gospel light. She started with Glorious. Everyone gradually nodded in acceptance of the melodious tune. And as soon as she dropped Amanam, the only Efik flavour in the pack, the whole hall event into a wild ecstasy. Someone said, “she killed it; this will sell.”

    Very groovy song indeed, the guests boogied all the way, praising God to high heavens.

    It was time to formally launch the album, friends and lovers of good music didn’t waste time as they picked the album in two’s and three’s with free will donations rolling into hundreds of naira.

  • Tinubu’s book for launch March 7

    The planned launch of a book: financialism -Water from an Empty

    Well,” co-authored by National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an diplomat Brian Browne has been rescheduled for March 7 at the Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The time is 11am.

    The Committee for the launch, which announced the postponement, earlier scheduled for February 21, said the shift was “necessitated by unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.”

    The committee, in a statement yesterday, regretted “any inconveniences this change in date might have caused any of our invited guests.”

    According to the statement, Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma and busnessmen Aliko Dangote and Oba Otudeko are special guests of honour.

    Former Finance Minister, Kalu idika Kalu will serve as the event’s Chairman. Chairman, Visafone Communications Limited, Jim Ovia is the Chief Launcher.

  • Global launch of ARISE NEWS

    Global launch of ARISE NEWS

    After two days of test broadcasting, a 24-hour international TV news operation set to rival existing giants in the global market will ‘soft launch’ tomorrow, February 4, 2013, broadcasting from its main News Centres in London, New York, Johannesburg and Lagos.

    ARISE NEWS, will have a strong African footprint and serve underserved communities in the USA and other parts of the world , supported by a further eight bureaux around the globe stretching from Beijing to Rio de Janeiro.

    A sister channel, ARISE 360, which will be entertainments-based with fashion, music sport and pay per view films, will start broadcasting toward the end of this year.

    The ‘arrival’ of the network was announced by company executives in London and New York.

    Chairman and Editor in Chief of ARISE NEWS and ARISE 360 is a leading African media entrepreneur, Nduka Obaigbena, owner and publisher of the global glossy style, fashion and culture magazine, ARISE, and the publisher of several other titles including one of Nigeria’s biggest and most influential daily newspapers, THISDAY.

    Mr Obaigbena said: ‘We will attract a global audience interested in emerging markets, developing countries and evolving politics. With headquarters and bureaux throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, we are ready to speak to our audience and give them a voice as well.

    ‘We are a new international network established to reflect the new world order not hardwired to the old and built to reflect the modern way news is consumed. Nowhere is this more important than in the emerging economies.’

    Mr Obaigbena stressed: ‘There will be no state funding and no state agenda. Our coverage will be balanced, comprehensive and completely independent.

    ‘Our efforts will concentrate on robust journalism anchored on imperatives of the marketplace.’