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  • ‘Online marketing is the new normal in business’

    ‘Online marketing is the new normal in business’

    Online marketing is the new normal in the business world today. We live in a world that is fast paced with rapid change, overwhelming complexities and tremendous competition.

    The concept of entrepreneurship and its other appurtenances seems to have taken centre stage in major discussions bordering on economic empowerment and solving the recurring problems of unemployment.

    With the rapid change in social and economic technologies, online platforms and other available social media channels offer a ubiquitous means to take ones business to the next level due to the increasing number of people available online.

    Engineer Azeez Tobi, who is the co-founder of NeedMyService – an online platform that brings artisans, businesses and interested customers under a common umbrella and also provides support services for them, is a Programmer/Digital analyst, and a graduate of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure ( FUTA ).

    In an interview with THE NATION reporter, Moses Emorinken, Azeez let us in into the sundry benefits of latching upon the online and social space to publicise and populate your business.

    Can we meet you?

    My name is Azeez Tobi, A Metallurgical and Materials Graduate of The Federal University Of Technology, Akure.

    I’m passionate about communication, Human Behaviour, Societal Well-Being, Alleviating Technology, and girl child support.

    I am the Creative Director (& Co-Founder) of NeedMyService. I’m also the lead strategist of Mitigate Technologist, PILL and 9jascores, but the primary way I earn money is being a Programmer/Digital analyst for Cyborg Nigeria Limited. I also help organizations and individuals create/deliver messages, build stronger teams, manage conflict and design website or app.

    I do this by developing and delivering workshops, keynotes, and working one-on-one with executives.

    In my free time I like to take pictures, challenge minds, sleep, read a little and argue about politics.

    What are the prospects and benefits for businesses positioned online?

    Internet marketing is becoming more and more popular among companies around the world, as they discover the benefits of promoting their product or services online. Same applies to small scale businesses owned by artisans around the world.

    Unlike mass marketing, which succeeds in piquing the interest of local audiences through ads in newspapers, radio spots and billboards, internet marketing allows you to cultivate a more personal connection with consumers around the world generally, delivering valuable content through low-cost, personalized communication.

    By developing a professional online marketing campaign, you can ultimately draw more customers to your business or product, and help your company experience unprecedented growth.

    You can work – and sell – from the comfort of your own home.

    You can start selling for an extremely low initial cost.

    It is convenient, reduces cost and reaches a larger audience.

    Can you tell us about your business?

    NeedMyService offers a simple way to connect with potential customers in your neighborhood, allowing you to take a step back from marketing your business so you can focus on your service or products. Elegant, simple and easy to use, NeedMyService offers a way to generate revenue without the headaches.

    What would you describe as the core competence and value proposition of your business?

    NeedMyService is a social initiative born out of a deep desire to enhance the business prospects of gifted artisans and promising small and micro businesses.

    It is driven by a mission to provide skilled artisans and business owners the opportunity to be showcased to the world by giving them both traditional and online presence as well as frequent brand promotional campaign across multiple digital channels. Beyond publicity, NeedMyService assists entrepreneurs and artisans with the requisite business tools and training needed to boost their chances of success.

    What benefits will subscribers to your platform enjoy?

    Subscribers will enjoy frequent brand promotion, Traditional and Online Presence, Google Business Listing, Email Marketing, Training & Consulting, Business Development, Seminars & Conferences, Free web page(portfolio) to showcase businesses/services render, Discounts cards to swap services or buy at certain reduced cost.

    Do you think the government is doing enough to encourage entrepreneurship among the youths?

    In a way, YES. But they can do better by easing process of registration of business(es), opening of corporate account, and creating more hubs and platform for SMEs to showcase their ideas, services or businesses to investors.

    Seems like the majority of those subscribed to your platform are from the informal sector, what do you think the government should do to regularise and standardise the informal sector?

    I always tell people on the platform, the first thing that makes you an entrepreneur is for you to own a legal and registered business.

    The government must provide enabling environments to develop and implement appropriate policies to bring about change. Government at all levels must connect with key stakeholders, harness local knowledge, enact policies and plans and manage incremental infrastructure development.

    Long-term financial investment and inclusive financing options. Sustained investment in affordable business and upgrading programmes is critical. This includes SME plans and financing support for all tiers of government.

    Also, government needs to develop and coordinate broader integrated frameworks that are underpinned by necessary bodies, legislation and finance arrangements, supported by interconnected institutional arrangements, and one that ensure the inclusion of marginalised groups and key stakeholders.

    Participation must be at the heart of this approach, ensuring an understanding of economic and social community dynamics.

    Peer learning platforms that draw on stakeholders’ knowledge should be prioritised to facilitate peer learning. These platforms may include a range of communication strategies and multimedia mechanisms.

    The government must adopt rights-based policies and integrated governance creates prosperous, sustainable and inclusive cities.

    They should address the rampant problem of child labour.

    Government should sensitize the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises ( SMEs ) on the need to pay their taxes to date and in time.

    What should we expect from your organisation in the next five years?

    We hope to have establish a long-term contract with Private sectors/investors and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    With the increasing number of subscribers on our online platform, we should have over 100,000 registered businesses on our platforms.

    Since the satisfaction of our clients is paramount to us, we are working assiduously to establish a minimum of 95% customer satisfaction rate to cement long-term relationships with our artisans/users and create word-of-mouth marketing.

    Also, we hope to have built resource and training centers around the country; this way the common man can learn a skill or two for a minimal fee.

    What would be your advice to young Nigerians contemplating their foray into entrepreneurship?

    Starting a business at any age is tough, but being a young entrepreneur can be especially tricky.

    “Don’t ever let other people use your age as an excuse to not take you seriously,”

    Start Early. Learn to work with yourself before rushing into partnerships. Learn to manage your expectations, and remember, people don’t buy what you do… they buy why you do it.

  • Presidency to Obasanjo: Nigeria doing better under Buhari

    Presidency to Obasanjo: Nigeria doing better under Buhari

    *Says Obasanjo may be too busy to notice progress by Buhari 

    The Presidency on Wednesday reacted to the letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo stressing that Nigeria is doing better under the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration than previous governments. 

    Read also: Obasanjo advises Buhari not to run for second term

    Obasanjo in a letter on Tuesday had criticised Buhari’s government and urging him not to recontest in 2019 

    But briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Buhari, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, listed some achievements of the administration, which he said are better than those of past administrations. 

    He also noted that the former President might have been too busy to take note of the achievements being recorded under Buhari. 

    While stating that the Buhari’s administration is equal to the task of giving the desired leadership for the nation, he said that the government is determined to end the herdsmen / farmers clashes in the country. 

    Details Later…

  • Nigeria is in a coma, says Wike 

    Nigeria is in a coma, says Wike 

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Nigeria is in a coma, saying only the PDP can salvage the  country. 
    This is as Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido declared that he has the capacity  to revive the fortunes of the country.
    They spoke at the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday when the Former Jigawa State Governor visited to inform Governor Wike of his intention  to vie for the position of the President. 
    Governor Wike said that the APC is a party of strangers with no knowledge  of the intricacies of development. 
    He said that the APC thrives in politics of mischief wherein it engages in high level intimidation, corruption and dirty political  schemes to compel defection of PDP members to her fold.
    “If you decamp to the APC, you are no longer corrupt.  APC  is a party of daylight deceit.
    “I am happy that one of those who left to bring a messiah, have realised that the so-called messiah they brought  is no longer the messiah Nigerians expect. PDP  is the only hope for Nigeria”, Governor Wike said. 
    The governor  noted that though the PDP  made mistakes in the past, the Party is the only platform with the commitment and patriotism  to take the country out of the current situation. 
    He said the present political and economic situation in the country require politicians with courage to rescue  the country. 
    He said those who benefited from the PDP since inception till 2013 before defecting are the same people sponsoring  negative propaganda against the Party.
    The governor described Lamido as a committed and consistent  PDP member who is courageous and has the capacity  to confront the APC.
    He, however, urged all Presidential Aspirants to accept the verdict of the Party at the end of the primary. 
    Also speaking, Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido said  he is presenting himself to take over in 2019 because  the nation deserves to move forward. 
    He said that if given the opportunity to lead Nigeria, he has the capacity  to unite Nigeria and set it on the path of growth. 
    He said: “I want to run because I feel I can do it. I have the pedigree.  We stand  to fight for democracy  and the restoration of Nigeria”.
    He said that his will work with other PDP leaders to transform Nigeria for the good of the people. 
    The Former Jigawa State Governor said that the APC is a party of hate and deceit, hence it should be sacked in 2019.
  • Patience Jonathan’s $15.5m: I was validly appointed to represent firms – Ozekhome

    Patience Jonathan’s $15.5m: I was validly appointed to represent firms – Ozekhome

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN ) Chief Mike Ozekhome yesterday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he was validly appointed to represent four companies that pleaded guilty to laundering $15.5million allegedly belonging to former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.

    Another lawyer, Luke Aghanenu, had claimed that he was briefed by the companies to represent them.

    Ozekhome is praying the court to nullify the guilty plea entered by the companies on the basis that they were not given fair hearing.

    The companies through their representatives pleaded guilty on September 15, 2016, and were convicted for laundering the money when they were arraigned before Justice Babs Kuewumi. 

    The companies are: Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Ltd, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Ltd and Avalon Global Property Development Ltd.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) arraigned them with a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to President Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, a lawyer Amajuoyi Briggs and a banker, Adedamola Bolodeoku.

    Dudafa, Briggs and Bolodeoku pleaded not guilty to the 17-count charge.

    Aghanenu filed a motion for change of counsel, praying the court to hold that he was validly appointed by the companies’ directors to represent them, not Ozekhome.

    But, Ozekhome, in his counter-affidavit, said he was properly briefed by the companies through their secretary, Briggs, to handle their case.

    In an affidavit in support of Ozekhome’s motion, a lawyer in his firm, Chimaobi Onuigbo, said the companies representatives who pleaded guilty to money laundering (Friday Davis, Agbo Baro, Dioghowori Fredrick and Taiwo Ebenezer) had earlier denied having anything to do with the companies or being directors.

    He said the representatives also refused to accept service of processes in a suit by Mrs Jonathan against EFCC and others pending before Justice Mohammed Idris.

    The deponent noted that Justice Idris had directed parties to serve Briggs with the process since he was on record as the Companies’ Secretary.

    Ozekhome said when Briggs was served with the processes, he instructed him to defend the companies.

    “Briggs then deposed to an affidavit…where he clearly stated that Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) was instructed by the companies to undertake the defence of the 4th – 7th defendants (companies) in all legal proceedings they were involved in,” said the deponent.

    The SAN added that there was no resolution of the board or general meeting of any of the companies that authorised change of counsel, adding that companies through Briggs have not asked him to stop representing them.

    “The attempt to appoint another legal representative by the directors is invalid, having regard to the fact that he (Briggs) vide a sworn affidavit and a letter of instruction given to Chief Ozekhome, asked him to represent the 4th – 7th defendants,” he said.

    Besides, he said Justice Kuewumi had earlier ruled on a dispute on representation, recognising him as the authorised counsel for the companies; therefore, the judge had become functus officio.

    “I know that the application to change counsel is targeted at impeding the administration of justice and to prevent the 4th – 7th defendants from obtaining justice before this Honourable Court.

    “It will be prejudicial to the 4th – 7th defendants as well as the interest of justice in this case if the applicants are granted their prayers for change of counsel,” Ozekhome said.

    Justice Kuewumi adjourned till February 14 for hearing.

  • Ondo road crash claims 10 lives, five others injured

    Ondo road crash claims 10 lives, five others injured

    No fewer than 10 persons yesterday reportedly lost their lives while five were critically injured in a fatal road accident at Agbogbo Area along Akure/Owo road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Eyewitness said the carnage involved a Toyota 14-passenger commercial bus with registration number Plateau PKN 63 XA with another commercial Mercedes Benz bus with registration number Abuja 561 KWL.

    The incident was said to have occurred at about 5.am but eye witness could not say exactly the cause of the fatal accident.
    However, the position of the two vehicles involved in the accident indicated that it was a head-on-collision.

    One of the buses was said to heading to Abuja from Lagos while the second one was coming from Jos, Plateau State.

    The eyewitness said, ” We just heard a very loud bang and quickly rushed to the scene where we met the two buses in the accident while the passengers were trapped inside one of the buses. Many of them were already dead. “

    It was gathered that the men of the Ondo State Police Command and their counterparts from the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) took the deceased to the morgue of the State Specialists Hospital, Akure while the injured were receiving treatment at the hospital.

    The identity of the victims of the accident were yet unknown as at press time.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Joseph confirmed the incident, saying it was caused by reckless driving and dangerous overtaking on the parts of the vehicles involved.

    He urged motorists to always be mindful of the road rules and regulations.

  • Robbers kill another UNIBEN lecturer

    Robbers kill another UNIBEN lecturer

    -Police recalls personnel attached to VIPs for verification

    A five-man armed robbery gang has shot dead a senior lecturer of the University of Benin ( UNIBEN ), Dr. Godwin Omofonwa.

    Dr. Omofonwa was killed yesterday Evbuomore quarters, Ugbowo in Egor local government.

    This is just as the Edo State Police Command has recalled all policemen attached to VIPs in the state for verification.

    The robbers that killed Dr. Omofonwa were not lucky as policemen attached to Ugbowo Division engaged them in a shootout and killed one of them.

    Items recovered from the robbers included two cut to size guns, single barrel gun, one iron cutter, one live and twelve expended cartridges, phones and other dangerous items.

    Parading the corpse of the slain robber, State Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo, said the gang has been terrorising residents of Ugbowo and its environs in the past two months.

    According to him, “The command recieved a distress call about the activities of armed robbers at Evbuomore quarters, Ugbowo this morning. Policemen from Ugbowo and surrounding Divisions were deployed to the scene to engage the robbers.

    “In the ensuing gun battle, one of the marauders was shot dead, while others escaped. Sadly, one Dr Godwin Omofunwa, a lecturer in the Department of Education, UNIBEN died as a result of gunshot wounds he recieved from the robbers.

    “The deceased three phones and another nokia phone robbed from one Precious were recovered from the dead robber”, he stated.

    Kokumo stated the recall of personnel attached to VIPs for verification was because of over alleged misuse of the policemen.

    He said the policemen deployed as escorts or guards are to report to the police headquarters with letters of authority for verification.   

    Spokesman for UNIBEN, Mr. Osasuyi Michael, described the deceased as a dedicated lecturer and was on his way to the office when the tragic incident occurred.

  • China -Nigeria bilateral trade stood at $12.3bn in 2017

    China -Nigeria bilateral trade stood at $12.3bn in 2017

    China says its bilateral trade with Nigeria in 2017 stood at 12.3 billion dollars.

    Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Lin Jing told our reporter that the trade figure recorded was from January to November 2017.

    Lin added that the figure also represented a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2016.

    “The bilateral trade is a very important mechanism to boost our economic relationship.

    “We do not have the total trade volume for the whole year, but for the total volume from January to November, bilateral trade stood at 12.3 billion dollars.

    “That represents more than 30 per cent of increase compared to the same period of 2016; we believe that by maintaining our normal trade volume, our overall economic relation and cooperation will be boosted and give impetus to our overall relationship.”

    Nigeria and China established formal diplomatic relations in Feb. 1971.

    The envoy, however, said both countries, in 2005, established strategic partnerships to promote relations in several areas and enhance continued people-to-people exchanges.

    He said such strategic partnership was fostered as a result of Nigeria’s importance to China.

    “Nigeria is the biggest Chinese investment destination in Africa, the second largest export market and the third largest trading partner of China in Africa,” he said.

    Agreements by both countries following the strategic partnership paved way for Chinese investment and development opportunities in Nigeria.

    Lin reiterated the Chinese Government’s commitment to exhaust its efforts to promote development programmes in Nigeria.

    He said plans were underway to transfer some of China’s industrial capacity to Nigeria

    “There is also a concept initiated by my ambassador called made in Nigeria with China.

    “I think this is a very good concept; there are many private investors in China, they have expertise, experience and surplus industrial capacity.

    “They need to find the market. All these conditions we will make use of to see whether we can try something successful here.”

    He further said that China’s relationship with Africa would boost economic activities, generate income and enhance foreign investment.

    “We have friends in Africa and we want to further cement our friendship and we believe that by supporting each other we are going to have bigger win win scenario.”

    NAN

     

  • Oil prices rise to $70 on strong economy amid OPEC cuts

    Oil prices rise to $70 on strong economy amid OPEC cuts

    Oil prices were firm on Wednesday, receiving ongoing support from healthy economic growth as well as from supply restrictions led by a group of producers around the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) and Russia.

    Spot Brent crude oil futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at 70 dollars a barrel at 0102 GMT, up 4 cents from their last close.

    U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at 64.59 dollars a barrel, up 12 cents .

    In the latest sign of healthy global economic growth, Japanese manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in almost four years in January, a survey showed on Wednesday.

    Economic growth is translating into healthy oil demand growth, which comes at a time that OPEC and Russia lead production cuts aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices.

    The deal to withhold output started in January last year and is currently set to last through 2018.

    Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia/Pacific at futures brokerage Oanda in Singapore said a “beaming economic forecast along with stout compliance from OPEC (to withhold production) is providing convincing support.”

    In spite of the overall supportive market conditions, which have seen crude futures rally by almost 15 percent since early December, there are signs that traders are preparing for a downward correction.

    One way of doing that is to take out so-called put options on crude futures contracts which give a trader the right, but not the obligation, to sell at a certain price.

  • FG has employed father of quintuplets – Oyo-Ita

    FG has employed father of quintuplets – Oyo-Ita

    Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), on Tuesday, said the Federal Government had employed Mr Imudia Uduehi, the father of the quintuplets born April, 2017 in Abuja.

    Oyo-Ita, who made this disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday while briefing newsmen, said that the appointment letter was given to him last week.

    “Imudia, whose wife delivered five baby girls, was given a three bedroom bungalow in one of the estates under the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) Scheme.

    “We also promised him a job and I am happy to tell you that Imudia got his appointment letter last week.

    “He is living in his house and he has got a job with one of the Federal Government agencies,’’ she said.

    Uduehi, in an interview confirmed the appointment, stating that he was given an appointment letter to work with the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute ( NBRRI ), Abuja.

    He said that he was on his way to the organisation for his documentation as at the time of this interview.

    The father of the quintuplets, who is a Computer Science graduate from the University of Ilorin, said the job would allow him to play his fatherly role effectively.

    “I am glad that I have been finally given the job that the Head of Service promised me when she visited my children in the hospital.

    “This job will enable me play my role as a father to my children because it is not an easy task to train five children at once.

    “I sincerely appreciate the Head of Service for the favour she did to me and I pray God to bless her abundantly,’’ Uduehi said.

    It can be recalled that a set of quintuplets was born to the family of the couple in April, 2017 at the National Hospital, Abuja.

    Oyo-Ita promised to employ and provide accommodation for Mrs. Oluwakemi Uduehi, a civil servant and her husband Imudia Udehi, who were living in a one bedroom apartment without any job at the time of her visit.