Thursday, October 29, 2015

AfDB Unveils Plan To Empower Nigerian Women in Agriculture

 
Photo Credit: AGRO NIGERIA.  
AfDB Unveils Plan To Empower Nigerian Women in Agriculture

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire, 28 October 2015 / PRN Africa / -- The office of the Special Envoy on Gender (SEOG) and the Department for Agriculture and Agro-industry (OSAN) of the African Development Bank (AfDB) commissioned a report, “Economic Empowerment of African Women through Equitable Participation in Agricultural Value Chains”. The study, which was launched in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in August 2015, identifies opportunities for women in four subsectors including cocoa, coffee, cotton and cassava sectors in Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, respectively.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

99.99 Percent of Nigerians Have Never Heard of Internet of Things

Do you know that 99.99 percent of Nigerians have never heard of Internet of Things (IoT) even though there are more than 67 million Nigerians on the internet?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects or "things" embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which enables these objects to collect and exchange data.
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_Things
Now the following are 17 'Internet Of Things' Facts Everyone Should Read by Bernard Marr of FORBES.
  1. The majority of people (87%) have not heard of the term ‘Internet of Things’.
  2. ATMs are considered some of the first IoT objects, and went online as far back as 1974.
  3. Back in 2008, there were already more objects connected to the Internet than people.
  4. This year, we will have 4.9 billion connected things.
  5. And some predict that by 2020, the number of Internet-connected things will reach or even exceed 50 billion.
  6.  In 2015, over 1.4 billion smart phones will be shipped and by 2020 we will have a staggering 6.1 billion smartphone users.
  7. The IoT will connect many of the devices we have in our homes, from smart thermostats to smart fridges. Companies like Google GOOGL -0.59% and Samsung understand this. Google bought smart thermostat maker, Nest Labs, for $3.2 billion, and Samsung purchased connected home company SmartThings for $200 million.
  8. By 2020, a quarter of a billion vehicles will be connected to the Internet, giving us completely new possibilities for in-vehicle services and automated driving.
  9. In fact, we already have cars that can drive on their own – Google’s self-driving cars currently average about 10,000 autonomous miles per week.
  10. The global market for wearable devices has grown 223% in 2015, with Fitbit shipping 4.4 million devices and Apple AAPL +2.70% selling 3.6 million Apple Watches.
  11. And yes, Internet-connected clothing is coming. Estimates predict that 10.2 million units of smart clothing will ship by 2020, compared to a meagre 140K units in 2013.
  12. Today, the market for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, used for transmitting data to identify and track objects, is worth $11.1 billion. This is predicted to rise to $21.9 billion in 2020.
  13. Machine-to-machine (M2M) connections will grow from 5 billion at the beginning of this year to 27 billion by 2024, with China taking a 21% share and the U.S. 20%.
  14. GE believes that the “Industrial Internet” (their term for IoT) will add $10 to $15 trillion to global GDP in the next 20 years.
  15. According to estimations by the McKinsey Global Institute, the IoT will have a total economic impact of up to $11 trillion by 2025.
  16. Having a connected kitchen could save the food and beverage industry as much as 15% annually.
  17. CISCO believes the IoT could generate $4.6 trillion over the next ten years for the public sector, and $14.4 trillion for the private sector.
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Monday, October 26, 2015

Nearly $50 Billion of Illicit Financial Flows Move from Africa Every Year



Nearly $50 Billion of Illicit Financial Flows Move from Africa Every Year

NEW YORK, 23 October 2015 / PRN Africa / -- In a “timely and necessary” meeting on illicit financial flows and their impact on development in Africa, Oh Joon, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) today urged broader efforts to combat such flows, of IFFs from the continent could amount to a staggering $50 billion each year.

MEDTRONIC and RENESCOR Set To Bring World Class Cardiac Care To Nigeria


MEDTRONIC and RENESCOR Set To Bring World Class Cardiac Care To Nigeria

Medtronic, the world’s largest medical technology, services, and solutions company, and Renescor, Limited Liability Partnership, have signed a partnership deal to bring high quality cardiac care and healthcare managed services to the purpose-built Gbagada Cardiac and Renal Centre (CRC) in Lagos.

Renescor was recently awarded a five-year concession agreement with the Lagos State Government to activate and bring high quality services to the purpose-built Gbagada Cardiac and Renal Centre (CRC). Renescor is partnering with Medtronic to help manage CRC’s Cath-Lab, Operating Room (OR) and ICU.

Chairman of Renescor, Dr Ladi Awosika, explained: “Nigeria is in desperate need for efficient Cath-Labs and operating rooms (OR) to treat more patients locally. Lagos currently has only two operational Cath-Labs to serve a population of 16 million and is in critical need of more.”

Dr. Ladi added “We decided on Medtronic because it is the largest medical technology manufacturer globally with over 65 years of experience and positive track record of delivering value to their customers and partners. Our collaboration will ensure the hospital is run to the highest global standards of care quality, efficiency, patient safety, and optimized capacity to help more patients be treated.”

The agreement, which runs for a term of four years, will see Medtronic Integrated Health Solutions Department partnering with Renescor to help finance, manage, and optimize services in Cath-Labs, OR and ICU. The partnership consists of end-to-end management of these units, which includes operational support, staffing and material management, deployment of the latest Cardiovascular Information System, operational excellence Lean/Six sigma consulting services, continuous performance assessment and bench-marking services, advising on and implementation of growth programs, as well as training and education services for cardiovascular therapies.  The aim is to transform CRC into a leading regional centre that achieves global standards of care in line with international leading institutions.

Khodor Mekkaoui, Head of Medtronic Integrated Health Solutions for Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Turkey commented: “Our involvement at CRC is a distinctive example of Medtronic’s Integrated Health Solution offerings. We are moving beyond the supply of devices, to deliver healthcare services that would ensure more access to patients in areas where it is currently not readily available. The Integrated Health Solution model helps optimize healthcare delivery and drives greater economic value.”
This is the first undertaking of its kind by Medtronic IHS Department in Africa, and underscores its vision to address universal healthcare needs.

Mekkaoui added: “This important contract presents a unique opportunity for Medtronic to showcase its skills and expand its footprint in Africa, where there is also a great need for investment in healthcare sector, in countries facing a lack of funding and shortage of resources.”

Dr Awosika agreed:  “Many issues faced in Nigeria today are similar to those in other African nations. We believe that the Medtronic integrated health solutions can be adapted and customized to other African countries.”
He added:  “Medtronic’s role and dedication as a partner shows how they are truly dedicated to improving care in African nations, as can also be seen through one aspect of their mission, which is to help in the globalization of care by addressing inequities in healthcare access and affordability around the world.”

Renescor Limited Liability Partnership is a special purpose vehicle registered for the purpose of providing first class End Stage Renal Disease Services and Cardiology Healthcare Services to Lagos State residents and the broader Nigerian population. 

Medtronic plc headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 160 countries.

PHOTO CAPTION
Image caption: The Medtronic and Renescor Managed signing ceremony which  took place in Dubai with Majid Kaddoumi, VP and MD of Medtronic Middle east, Africa, Central Asia and Turkey and Chairman of Renescor, Dr Ladi Awosika shaking hands in the presence of His Excellency Ibrahim Auwalu, Ambassador of Nigeria in the UAE and Medtronic and Renescor representatives.

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GTBank MD Wins West Africa’s Business Leader of the Year Award

GTBank MD Wins West Africa’s Business Leader of the Year Award
Guaranty Trust Bank Plc has once again reaffirmed its position as a leading global brand with the recent recognition of its Managing Director/CEO; Segun Agbaje as West Africa’s Business Leader of the Year during the 2015 All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA).

The All Africa Business Leaders Awards in partnership with CNBC Africa recognizes individuals who have made profound impact in their respective areas by demonstrating innovation, integrity, accountability and adherence to global best standards.

According to Roberta Naicker, Managing Director of the ABN Group, CNBC Africa is proud to continue the tradition of celebrating visionary leadership and excellence in business across Africa. Through this award, we distinguish and honor leaders who have contributed and shaped the African economy. She further stated that, “In winning this award, Segun Agbaje epitomizes the core values of a successful leader; strength, innovation, ingenuity, knowledge and foresight – values that are imperative to creating and sustaining a business within the Pan-African and global economy.

Commenting on the award, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director/CEO of GTBank said "I am humbled and proud to be recognized as the West African Business Leader of the Year. This award is a testament to a great team of passionate and committed people working tirelessly to build a Proudly African and Truly International Institution. With a vision to create an oasis in Africa where things are done properly, in line with global best practices and ethical standards, the Bank has experienced tremendous growth and achieved significant successes over the years.

He further added that “As a dynamic and driven team, we are determined to achieve more and consolidate our leading position in the banking industry by aggressively pursuing innovative solutions and maintaining a high standard in creating sustainable value for stakeholders.

Under his leadership, the Bank has maintained its dominance of the industry by continually recording significant and enviable financial and non-financial performance. His profundity and vivid understanding of diverse financial landscapes has been critical in ensuring the Bank’s successful foray into various financial markets across West & East Africa while maintaining a presence in Europe through its UK Subsidiary. In due recognition of his visionary leadership, Mr. Agbaje is the recipient of several international accolades such as CEO of the Year from Finance Monthly and Banker of the Year from Finance Monthly and Banker of the Year from World Finance.  

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GTBank Assets Rise To N3 Trillion And Shareholders Funds To N400 Billion


GTBank Assets Rise To N3 Trillion And Shareholders Funds To N400 Billion 
GTBank has reported a record quarterly profit of over N229 billion and an asset base of N3Trillion. Guaranty Trust Bank plc has just released its unaudited financial results for the 3rd quarter ended September 30, 2015, to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

A review of the 3rd quarter performance shows positive growth across all key financial metrics and improved strategic positioning of the brand. Gross earnings for the period grew by 15% to N229.4billion from N199.2billion reported in the corresponding period of September 2014; driven primarily by growth in interest income. Profit before tax stood at N92.06billion, representing a growth of 14% from N80.7billion recorded in the corresponding period of September 2014.The Bank’s loan book grew by 0.47% from N1.276trillion recorded in December 2014 to N1.281trillion in September 2015.

The Bank closed the third quarter ended September 2015 with Total Assets and Contingents of N3.002trillion and Shareholders’ Funds of N400.7Billion. The Bank’s non-performing loans remained low at 3.16%. On the backdrop of this result, Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA) stood at 31.68% and 5.10% respectively.

Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc attributed the Bank’s strong performance to the continued support of its customers, the commitment and hard work of its Staff, Management and Board, and the prioritization of strong corporate governance standards in the Bank’s systems and procedures.

According to Segun Agbaje, the aggressive pursuit of our key objectives for the year, which are focused mainly on adding value to all stakeholders and improving customer experience, are yielding positive dividends and reflecting heavily on the Bank’s performance. “Recognizing we operate in challenging business environments, we set high goals and benchmark ourselves against global standards which influence our service culture and product offerings, thereby enabling us to remain relevant to our customers while adding value to all stakeholders. We will continue to differentiate ourselves by providing innovative solutions that create sustainable value for all our customers and stakeholders while maintaining a high standard in service delivery by prioritizing innovation, integrity and excellence.

He further stated that “As a Bank, we will continue to leverage technology and collaborations to improve service delivery quality, stakeholder interaction points and the overall GTBank customer experience.

GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation. The Bank operates from over 230 branches within the country and has banking subsidiaries in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.  

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Sunday, October 25, 2015

Nigeria is the Greatest Nation on Earth - Sophia Omotola Omidiji

Sophia Omotola Omidiji is very proud of being born to Nigerian parents and flying the national flag of Nigeria in flying colours on and off the soccer pitch. 
Sophia is a Nigerian female football player for the Falconets, Nigeria's U-20 Women National team and signed to Dutch Club FC Eindhoven women team in Netherlands. 
See more on Women’s Soccer United.

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Saturday, October 24, 2015

Top UN Relief Official Calls for Increased Support To Families Fleeing Conflicts


In Cameroon, Top UN Relief Official Calls for Increased Support To Families Fleeing Conflicts 
NEW YORK, 23 October 2015 / PRN Africa / -- The most senior United Nations relief official today urged the international community to increase their support for the humanitarian response in Cameroon, which is hosting more than 310,000 people who have fled conflicts in neighbouring Central African Republic and Nigeria.

Rivers State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal Judgment: We Have Been Vindicated - Rivers APC

                 
 Chief Nyesom Wike.

PRESS RELEASE

GUBER TRIBUNAL JUDGEMENT: WE’VE BEEN VINDICATED —Rivers APC •Urges security agents not to allow Wike escape


The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the judgement of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which on Saturday afternoon in Abuja annulled the declaration of Chief Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship poll in the State. “We have been vindicated in our persistent claim that the election in Rivers State was a sham and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) erred in declaring Wike governor. We repeat that there is no way under the heavens that Chief Wike can beat our candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, in a free and fair election,” Rivers APC said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by its Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya immediately after the Tribunal judgement.

Apple iStore Ikeja Offers 50% Trade-in on New iPhone6



Apple iStore Ikeja Offers 50% Trade-in on New iPhone6
First of it's kind in Nigeria
Apple iStore has confirmed that it will offer up to 50% of the latest iPhone value when you trade in your older iPhone for a new one on any cash purchases at iStore in Ikeja Mall.

Most exciting about this offer is that, Apple loyalists can trade-in up to two Apple iPhones and use the total trade-in value towards a single new iPhone. Located at Shop L62 at the Ikeja Shopping Mall, the official Apple iStore is the home of absolutely everything Apple ranging from iPhones, iPads to the latest sleek MacBook.