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Tag: launches

  • Waste: Yaba LCDA launches Environmental Monitoring Corps

    The Yaba Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) yesterday inaugurated the Environmental Monitoring Corps to enforce compliance with Lagos State environmental laws.

    The LCDA Chairman, Kayode Adejare Omiyale, said the Environmental Monitoring Corps will apply the law strictly, without fair or favour.

    Omiyale spoke at the council headquarters in Yaba.

    He added: “Our environment is a clear reflection of who we are as a people, it also determines how we are viewed by others in terms of internal and external hygiene.

    “We are complimenting the efforts of the state government. We are interested in how our people manage their waste.

    “Henceforth, whoever is caught dropping refuse at undesignated places will be made to face the music. Yaba LCDA is considered the cleanliness council in Lagos. It is our determination to maintain the standard so far attained and surpass it as time goes by.

    “These corps members will ensure that the residents obey all environmental sanitation laws.”

    Omiyale, hours later, presented free exercise books to pupils in 31 public primary schools in the Council.

    According to him, it was part of efforts to improve the academic wellbeing of pupils in the council.

    Omiyale said: “This administration will never allow any of our pupils drop out of school because of his or her inability to own exercise books to carry out the necessary assignments in the schools.

    “During the electioneering, we assured the residents that we shall improve their wellbeing and encourage learning among the children. Our gathering here is to bring the promise to fruition.

    “I wish to use this medium to warn our children to stay away from cultism, hooliganism, truancy and other vices.

    “Let me also thank our teachers for their dedication to duty, your efforts are unto eternity. Teachers’ rewards are now on earth.”

    Dignitaries at the event included a former Chief Whip of the House of Representative, Hon. Wale Oshun; a former Chairman of Old Mainland Local Government, Otunba Tayo Oyemade; the member representing Lagos Mainland I Hon. Adekaiye  (LADO); Council Manager Dr. Kemi Tunde Adefowokan and other distinguished All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders.

  • Daikin launches Africa’s first inverter air conditioning system

    Daikin, the world’s leading manufacturer of heating, cooling and refrigerant products, launched the world’s allegedly first R-32 Inverter Split Wall Mounted unit, specially designed for the African market conditions, testifying to Daikin’s commitment to develop environmentally friendly products by using an alternative refrigerant to R-22 with zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential than R-410A.

    Speaking at the launch of the new product last week in Lagos, Chairman, Daikin Middle East and Africa [MEA], Mr. Yujin Miyata, stated that “the African countries, as they ratified the Montréal Protocol, must phase down ozone depletion materials to nearly zero by 2030, including the R-22 refrigerant used for A/C equipment”.

    “Although a limited amount (2.5%) of ozone depleting refrigerants will remain available between 2030 and 2040 for servicing already installed A/C and refrigeration equipment, it will not be sufficient to replenish the needs of old equipment, unless conversion to alternative refrigerants in new equipment is implemented soon” he stressed. “The Montreal Protocol also includes drastic reduction steps between 2015 and 2030 for all HCFCs. Considering the lifetime of equipment, Daikin believes it is crucial to start using non-ozone depleting refrigerant on new A/C as soon as possible,”  added Mr. Miyata.

    DX Product Manager, Daikin MEA, Sana Hamdani, said: “Daikin split ranges will be using low GWP and zero ODP refrigerant R-32, in combination with the unique Daikin Swing compressor, to offer the highest real-life energy efficiency and to minimise the impact to the environment. Casing design and other specifications have been improved, such as the voltage range and sound level, to enhance the customer experience and offer the most powerful, efficient and reliable cooling.”

    Out lining the features of the new product, Vice President, Regional Sales Daikin MEA, Mr. Tuna Gulence, noted that “the new range GTKL-TV1 series offers powerful and efficient cooling performances with the best built-in voltage protection,” emphasising that “It can withstand the widest voltage range from 160-265V for an AVS free operation. Anti-corrosion protection is offered as standard and the robustness of this unit has been designed for Africa.

    “Designed to meet the constraining requirements of the African market, the newly developed Daikin air conditioner will exceed the end-user expectations by offering a year-round powerful and efficient cooling without compromising on the design, comfort or reliability. Leading by example, Daikin has decided to launch this new series using the best available technology to minimise the impact on the environment,” said Department Manager- Africa Sales; Daikin MEA, Robert Kagabo.

    Explaining further, Kagabo said that “Daikin’s inverter technology is highly suitable for the climate across the Middle East and Africa which sees variable temperatures across the year, and even across the day. The smart inverter technology is manufactured to provide users with continuous adjustment of the unit’s capacity through variable speed as needed without stopping its operation, whereas traditional systems regulate temperature by switching the compressor on and off, which results in temperature fluctuations.”

    Offering reasons why the company’s product is successful, Regional Director – Africa and Near East Sales at Daikin MEA, Abbas Mohammed Miraj, explained: “Daikin’s success is in large part due to the great understanding and relationship we have with our dealers, especially in Africa. It was imperative for us to go into these new markets with our partners as the local knowledge they have about the region, the target demography and their respective requirements, are instrumental to us to develop and maintain high-quality products and services suitable for the region.”

    Promoter for Panaserv Nigeria Limited, Mr Suraj Rupani, the authorised distributor of Daikin in Nigeria, emphasised that the new technology incorporated into the GTKL-TV1 series air conditioners boast the reliability and unparalleled quality than the Nigerian consumer has come to expect from Daikin products, and incorporates functionality that is beneficial given the unique requirements of Nigeria. “The Nigerian consumer is highly sophisticated when it comes to new technology, and inverter technology combined with a more environmentally friendly refrigerant will bring more effective cooling and lower running costs. The brand speaks to the quality of the product, and the new series of air conditioners is a huge win for Nigerian consumers,” he added.

  • MultiChoice Talent Factory launches West Africa Academy

    •As 20 film students from Nigeria, Ghana begin training

    The West African branch of MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy (MTFA) located in Lagos, was officially opened on Monday, October 8, 2018.

    The much anticipated Academy is expected to provide Africa’s next generation of film and television storytellers with a 12-month training programme.

    The initiative by Multichoice received commendation by the Lagos State Government, as the State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, lauded the company for giving young Nigerians across the country an opportunity to understand the business of film production.

    Speaking at the ceremony which held at Multichoice’s Victoria Island’s Headquarters, Ayorinde said, “What MultiChoice did deserves huge commendation and these 20 students should consider themselves lucky. They need to acknowledge the fact that stakeholders in the entertainment industry in Nigeria and across the continent expect a lot from them and the students on their part should make good use of this opportunity given to them.”

    While expressing his appreciation to MultiChoice for organising this laudable initiative in Nigeria, Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Iddi, congratulated the 20 students selected for the inaugural edition of the MTFA and charged them to be committed to learning as this is a life changing opportunity.

    Also speaking at the event, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe noted that, “The film and television industry is the pioneer of creative industries in Africa and is particularly relevant as a tool for shaping the African narrative. We have been telling authentic and well-produced stories that only Africans themselves can tell. Nevertheless, there is a lot of raw talent that need to be nurtured and polished. The Academy will give such talent the opportunity to hone their skills, thereby increasing the pool of world-class talent within the industry. It’s also about teaching the selected candidates the business of film and television”.

    Ugbe further praised the support of critical partners saying, “We are incredibly fortunate to have the calibre of broadcast partners that we do in M-Net and Africa Magic who believe in this project and have been on this journey with us from the very beginning”.

    The 20 candidates from Nigeria and Ghana will begin their 12-month training programme at the Academy this month. They will be provided with the skillset to ignite their passion, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.

    “The talented creatives that will go through the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy will be primed as key players in the growth and sustainability of Africa’s creative film and television industry. As Academy Director, I will be preparing these candidates as future business owners who will in turn, play their own part in building the economy around the industry. It’s time that we not only reap the rewards of high-end quality TV and film products, but we also equally benefit from the investments behind the lens,” said West Africa Academy Director, Femi Odugbemi.

    In attendance at the launch were members of the academia and industry creatives, as well as the media, who joined the ribbon cutting ceremony, which was followed a tour of the Lagos-based academy facilities situated in Victoria Island, Lagos.

  • Anambra launches portal for tourism growth

    Anambra State Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artwork, Culture and Tourism (DICT), Mrs Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, has described tourism as arguably the fastest-growing economic sector and the largest employer of labour in the world. She said tourism is estimated to grow continuously at an average of 3.3 percent yearly until 2030, noting that it has become a cash cow that can never fail.

    Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo, who spoke at the launch of tourism portal and celebration of this year’s World Tourism Day with the theme Tourism and digital transformation in Awka, reiterated the state government’s commitment to put to great use the emergence of new technologies in tourism. This, she said, would be put to service by expanding the digital transformation beyond the analogue backwardness of the recent past.

    She disclosed that investors were already showing tremendous interest in partnering the state government to develop the various sites, including Igboukwu Museum and Ogbunike Cave, which she said, is another United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (U NESCO) approved heritage site that Anambra State counts on.

    She reassured that as former Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), she would bring her experience to turn around tourism in the state and create jobs for the youth. “My vision is to use my experience to make Anambra the centre of tourism in Nigeria,” she added.

    She stated that in line with the United Nations World Tourism Day celebration with the theme, ‘’Tourism and the digital transformation’’, it is incumbent on her to explore, promote and showcase Anambra’s huge tourism potential to the rest of the world through digitalisation.

    “Again this comes at an auspicious time that the state is on a spirited rebranding drive astutely led by Governor Willie Obiano. It is no longer news that the old traditional methods of marketing tourism have of course been overtaken by digitalisation. It is based on this fact that the ministry is launching her very first portal  the 27th of September to mark the celebration of the World Tourism Day, alongside the rest of the world. We are working in tune with this year’s theme to reposition tourism in the state through the vast network of the digital transformation of the modern day. The revolution in digital broadcasting and the media at large has put on the front burner, the significance of tourism in the social, economic and political values of the people,” she said.

    Continuing, she added: “The importance of digitalising our tourism sector cannot be overemphasised. Our portal link attached Https://anambradiaspora.ng holds information on our tourist sites, historical heritage sites, indigenous artworks, local cuisines, traditional festivals investment opportunities and infrastructure. Also included in this portal is the opportunity for registration of NdiAnambra in Diaspora, local artistes and our Igbo made easy to be launched soon.”

    She stressed that her ministry is poised to make tourism a source of revenue through the large awareness created by the digital transformation (our new web portal), the world will be very much aware of the many tourism possibilities of NdiAnambra.

    Listing some of the heritage sites in the state, she described Blessed Iwene-Tansi as a hallowed site to behold, while The Obu Gad, which holds the historical origin of the Igbo people, located in Aguleri is a famous tourist haven. These sites, she said, can attract visitors from across the globe while stressing the need to promote the Aguve tree, which is called the Trinity Tree by documenting its mystery.

  • TVC Communications launches Max 90.9FM in Abuja

    TVC Communications has launched a brand-new radio station, Max 90.9 FM, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The radio station plays hit songs aimed at 15-34-year-olds.

    The station, which went on air at 5 p.m yesterday, is the second Max FM station to hit the airwaves in less than a year, following the hugely successful launch of Max 102.3FM, Lagos, listened to by over 1.3 million people every day.

    The Chief Executive Officer of TVC Communications Andrew Hanlon said: “Max FM Abuja will follow the same format and sound as Max FM Lagos with the best hit music, the highest quality sound and the most talented On-Air personalities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We know our listeners and advertisers in Abuja will love our sound and the best in entertainment.”

    The Max Abuja on-air line-up includes Max Breakfast with Jennifer Nzewunwah and Eyo Henry; Max Hits with Azuka Nsonwu, Watin Dey with Wale PowPowPow, Max Drive with Naomi Oboyi, Jones Usen Tonight, The Murphy Ijemba Show and Max Mix with Nellie.

    90.9 Max FM Abuja can be streamed online from www.max909.fm and from mobile apps such as www.tunein.com, www.radioline.co and www.radio.net.

    The mobile app is also available for download on Android and IOS.

  • Osinbajo launches Fed Govt’s social intervention programme in Iwo

    Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo yesterday launched the social intervention programme of the Federal Government, called “TraderMoni” in Iwo, the headquarters of Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State.

    Osinbajo said the intervention programme was designed to support micro business across the country.

    The Vice-President, who said no government in the history of the country had implemented such an economic-boosting programme, maintained that the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was really interested in the welfare of the people.

    He noted that the “TraderMoni” will boost micro and small scale businesses as well as bolster petty trading and commercial activities across the country.

    The Vice-President said beneficiaries would be given N10,000 each to be paid to them within six months.

    He added that any of the beneficiaries who pays back the loan within stipulated period would qualify for N15,000.

    Osinbajo said: “TraderMoni scheme is targeted at petty traders, market women, artisans and small scale business entrepreneurs to cater for ultra-micro enterprises. The policy of the Federal Government is to support businesses, not just big business but particularly small, medium-sized businesses and micro businesses.

    “The idea is that we want to ensure that we give whatever support to people to boost their businesses. For instance, if we give you N10,000 and you refund it within six months, then you qualify to collect N15,000. If you pay back the N15,000, you qualify to get N20,000.”

    He hailed President Muhammad Buhari for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians.

    The Vice-President said the people could reciprocate the President’s good gesture by re-electing him in next year’s general elections.

    The Executive Director of Bank of Industry (BOI), Mrs. Toyin Adeniji, said 30,000 persons had benefited from the loan.

    The bank and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) are major partners in the programme.

    Mrs. Adeniji noted that the beneficiaries are from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

    She said: “Our agents have already met the market women at their points of sales to register them. They would get the money and pay it back immediately through Mobile Wallet. In fact, many people have started receiving the alert.

    “Under ‘TraderMoni’ traders don’t need any document or property to collect N10,000 loan from the Federal Government. They only need to register, get captured and receive the money through their phones. The repayment plan is for six months and beneficiaries would pay a paltry N250 interest on the N10,000 and qualify for a bigger loan thereafter.”

    Prof Osinbajo, who was accompanied by Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetoal, visited the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, in his palace.

    Oba Akanbi described Osinbajo as “an honest man who doesn’t lie”.

    The Oluwo, who regretted the poor state of the road linking Iwo to Osogbo and Ibadan, sought the intervention of the Federal Government to repair it.

  • Osinbajo launches technology-based classroom

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo will today launch Smart Classrooms and Digital Education Initiative in Abuja.

    The launch is geared towards the implementation of strategy that will help establish digital education institute and provision of smart learning classrooms across the country.

    The initiative, according to the Federal Government, will also serve as a model technology-based classroom.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, in a statement yesterday by her media assistant, Desmond Utomwen, said the initiative, which would be implemented in partnership with a Chinese Digital Technology giant, NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited, was in line with the commitment of the government to provide quality education to children as stipulated in Goal 4 SDGs.

    She said the initiative was also designed to facilitate investment in the ICT industry by building IT incubators, digital studios and software outsourcing and taining hubs, towards the creation of new jobs in technology and innovation.

    Orelope-Adefulire noted that in the pilot phase of the project, her office would collaborate with NetDragon to provide a smart classroom for Pilot Science Nursery/Primary School in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “The Initiative of Digital Education in Africa (IDEA) was initiated by the Nigerian government and NetDragon through the Public Private Partnership and direct foreign investment, which will facilitate the setting up the National Education Resource Public Service Platform, National Education Community Network Platform, National Digital Talent Training Platform and National Future Education Experience Centre,” she said.

    Orelope-Adefulire added that with the initiative, the government aimed to provide high quality digital education resources and a new teaching and collaboration model for basic education, thereby promoting education, equity and improving teaching quality.

    In terms of lifelong education, she said the Talent Training Platform would carry out lifelong skills training and intelligent management of talents to help the country achieve talent upgrading and optimal allocation of social resources.

    “With the initiative, our aim is to use technology to drive the realisation of the SDGs 4, 8 and 9 regarding quality education, economic growth as well as industry and innovation, thereby creating jobs through the e-learning platforms, educational software and Apps as well as other innovations.

    “By 2030, we want to ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development,” Orelope-Adefulire said.

    It is expected that as part of the formal launch, an Agreement of Cooperation (AoC) will be signed between the Federal Government and NetDragon.

  • Universal Music Group launches Nigerian division

    •First marquee label signings include Tekno, Stonebwoy, Vanessa Mdee & Mr Eazi

    In a bid to bolster its West African operations, Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the launch of Universal Music Nigeria. The new division will operate from Lagos and will be headed by a seasoned music executive Ezegozie Eze Jr., who has been named General Manager of Universal Music Nigeria.

    Eze and his team will support artistes from Nigeria, Ghana, and Gambia throughout the continent and beyond, utilizing Universal Music Group’s global networks for wider discovery, marketing, promotion and distribution. Eze, has previously held roles at Channel O Television, Empire Mates Entertainment (Banky W & WizKid) and was a founder of Pan-African creative companies, Republic 54, Alore Group, and Duma Collective. He will report to Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The label has signed Nigerian-born artistes including WurlD, Odunsi (the Engine), Tay Iwar, and Ghanaian-born artistes Cina Soul and Stonebwoy. In addition, the label has recently signed marquee deals with acclaimed Banku singer and songwriter Mr Eazi for pan-African releases, co-signed Nigerian artist Tekno in conjunction with Island Records UK and Tanzanian singer and songwriter Vanessa Mdee in conjunction with AfroForce1 Records/Universal Music Central Europe/Universal Music South Africa. These two signings mark the first time UMG labels from the two continents have combined to sign and release African artists globally, with other artist partnerships in the pipeline with UMG labels from around the world.

    “In recent years there has been an increase in visibility of Nigerian and Ghanaian music and its influence on contemporary music around the world,” Dlamini said.

    “Eze and his team are perfectly placed to support, nurture and help develop artists and musicians from the region, whilst creating opportunities for new talent from the region to reach the widest possible audience.”

    Eze commented, “I am delighted to be officially launching Universal Music’s Nigerian division at such an exciting time for African music around the world. The world’s largest music company opening an office within the region is a huge statement of belief in our local music talent. The signings we have already made show our ambition to help our artists reach the widest global audience and we are looking forward to working closely with our UMG label partners around the world to make that happen.”

    This new division will work in partnership with existing UMG operations throughout the continent including Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco and alongside key markets across English-speaking Africa in order to offer artists comprehensive opportunities throughout the region and provide pan-African talent the best possible launch pad for wider international success.

    Universal Music Group operates two successful live music companies within Africa, both of which will also have divisions within Universal Music Nigeria. Launched in 2017 in Johannesburg, UMG Live Africa has quickly become one of the leading talent booking agencies within the continent while ULive Africa was founded in 2016 and is engaged in staging, producing, programming and hosting large-scale live concerts and events throughout Africa including Runway Jazz, the innaugral African Comedy Awards, Lekki Sunsplash (30th Anniversary Edition), The Music Industry Awards in Nigeria, Afrochella and Baskets & Wine in Ghana, and Cocktails in the Wild in Uganda and Nigeria.

    Universal Music Nigeria is currently developing plans to open a recording studio in Lagos in order to further advance the recording facilities available to local African talent. It will become UMG’s second fully purposed studio within Africa, alongside the existing facility in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    Universal Music Group is also working closely in partnership with parent company Vivendi, and several of its divisions including CanalOlympia, Vivendi and Canal+ to support and develop the live music industry throughout the continent.

  • Basorge Tariah launches record label, unveils two acts

    Veteran entertainer, Basorge Tariah is set to launch is record label, Solid Star Records, on Sunday, June 24, 2018 in  Victoria Island, Lagos. He will also be unveiling two fresh acts signed on the label – Nifty Boy and Bere.

    This was contained in a statement from Solid Star Records, a subsidiary of Solid Star Entertainment, founded by Basorge who also recently brought on board a new partner to invest in the development and marketing of new talents.

    Nifty Boy whose real name is Enoch Solomon is a promising young act who hails from Kaduna. Armed with a compelling youthful voice, Nifty is adventurous and experiments with different genres of music which include R&B, Afropop and Dancehall. The second act, Chidi-Ebere Benard who hails from Ebonyi State is a whirling musical talent who has a wealth of experience that most upcoming acts would envy.

    The label will officially unveil both acts at the event which holds at The Carnavalah, located on Waziri Ibrahim Street, Victoria Island. The acts will also perform some of their songs to the audience.

  • Fund launches upgraded website

    The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has launched an upgraded online portal with tracking services to ease loan application.

    This is to ensure a smooth application process for its loans and provide finance for Lagos businesses.

    The website (www.lsetf.ng), has a more visually-appealing look and feel as well as easier navigation for a better user experience.

    The portal was redesigned to aid easier online loan application process that is trackable to the point of disbursement to beneficiaries.

    There is improved information sharing, communication and transparency on loans and other programmes implemented by LSETF.

    Executive Secretary, Akin Oyebode said: “The revamped LSETF portal goes beyond enhanced visual appeal. It is rather a comprehensive enhancement that further deepens our commitment to transparency and actualisation of our merit-based processes for applicants of the LSETF loans or any other party seeking to engage with us. In line with advancements in online capabilities that have improved user experience, I am pleased that every applicant to the LSETF loan programmes can easily track the progress of his applications within the comfort of his office or home.

    “We have included new features that will make the portal a repository of useful educative resources for our stakeholders. Visitors will benefit from the up-to-date information and training to guide them in making better business decisions. The resources to be hosted on the site will include guides on business regulations in Lagos, which include local government taxes and levies and advert rates by Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA).

    “Lagos residents are to experience improved access to our customer service team, who respond to their queries within 24 hours. The newly improved site is an expression of our commitment to serve Lagos residents better.”