Elumelu: Natural Resources Can Drive Africa’s Industrial Revolution

Elumelu: Natural Resources Can Drive Africa’s Industrial Revolution
                                                                                                             Obinna Chima
211112F2.Tony-Elumelu.jpg - 211112F2.Tony-Elumelu.jpg
Mr. Tony Elumelu

The Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Carlos Lopes, have argued that  responsible resource-based industrialisation could influence Africa’s economic growth.

Elumelu and Lopes made this assertion in an article published in the latest edition of the Economic Report on Africa (ERA 2013).

According to them, the idea that abundant natural resources could be the driver for industrial revolution across the continent was growing. Elumelu and Lopes expressed believe that such transformation was both imperative and possible. They however said it required courage, vision and a new mindset from the continent's business and political leaders to overcome the challenges that continue to hold back the building of a successful and dynamic industrial base in the continent.

Elumelu and Lopes  noted that while policy makers in the continent must ensure they build more enabling business environments, the private sector must also take the lead in ensuring that Africa’s abundant natural resources are developed in a way that spreads prosperity throughout the continent.
The report also outlined how Africa’s future would be determined by the design and implementation of policies that should promote commodity-based industrialisation.

TALKING TO DELL VOSTRO 3360

TALKING TO DELL VOSTRO 3360
Vostro 3360 on the block:
Frankly speaking, I have not used Dell Vostro series intensely and consistently as I did with this Vostro 3360 within a short while and it was more interesting using it because I can move freely with the notebook due to its size.

Dell Vostro 3360 can best be described as a revolution notebooks which when acquired or used temporary as it were, leaves one with a long lasting impression of a notebook one cannot afford to let go or out of sight for several reasons.

Vostro 3360 proposition
One of such reasons is that of the entire hardware weight, initially sounds amazing but feeling it makes it more real than one could imagine with its 74’’ (19 mm) thin, the Vostro 3360 no doubt proposes unbeatable thin design that is slim indeed and in design, thus very readily available as a ultra-mobile cum portable tool to move about with, still very invaluable in achieving productivity goals of every upward mobile person like myself.
Booting by seconds:
Also of importance is the fact that the speed with which the Dell Vostro 3360 ultra-book boots is ‘ultra’ time for this achievement, which some described as taking effect in a ‘flash’ and with the kind of protection inbuilt on Dell Vostro based on the essential security features aligned with the Third Generation Intel Core processors, Vostro 3360, invariably ensures critical professional information is secured 24 by 7 with built-in data encryption as well as advanced internet and physical security options.

Power advantage
Another aspect of Dell Vostro 3360 that kept thrilling me and could easily fascinate any average user in a developing economies is the life battery which usually shows that one has excess of 10 hours if fully charged.
This 10-hour+ power stretch is worth stressing here because, one of the key factor in purchasing laptops or notebooks in this kind of environment where power is rarely stable is the ability to deal with some urgent matters as soon as possible without much ado or even finish already ongoing task with deadlines.
Of course, it could also be a salvation for as little as using the power advantage to charge other portable smart devices like mobile phones via the three Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports with additional one for the High Definition (HD) port.

My Dell apps:
Dell Vostro 3360 runs a combination of technology apps anchored on Windows 8 as Operating System (OS), which has become top of the pack for most smart devices globally and of course, has its innermost advantages for those who really want to be smart. Thus, Dell Vostro 3360 comes handy.
Navigating the Windows 8 on Dell Vostro 3360 is exciting as everything you need to be smartly engaged professionally comes on screen as soon as you press the menu and extends as you click on the scroll button by the bottom side. Then behold the all-apps with a right-click of the mouse which showcases about 25 apps from the Windows family from Microsoft, namely the usual Microsoft Word 2013, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Notepad, OneNote and Snipping Tool to name a few.
In addition, there is Dell pack of apps including Dell Recovery and Backup, Digital Delivery, Dell Update, PC Checkup, as well as the Intel Rapid Start Technology, and Turbo Boost Technology.

Technical features:
Obviously designed for small businesses and individuals who are self-driven, the Dell Vostro 3360 for all intents and purposes is an advancement of Vostro 3550 which comes to town with about 13” screen wide. Vostro 3360 comes with 15.6" screen, offering the suitability of an expanded workspace, without sacrificing the portability required in business demands.
For a lot of in depth users, Dell Vostro 3360 could be the technical unit of their small businesses, a launch into Dell Support Center with a touch of a button via selection of optional Dell ProSupport for 24x7 assistance, including on-site.

Remain connected:
Remaining connected from almost anywhere with optional a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) and with its collaborative features afford users of this Vostro 3360 to work at their own pace anywhere and everywhere. Thus, simplifying connection to colleagues and clients from virtually anywhere with a full high-definition (HD) Webcam, array mics, and enhanced pre-installed web conferencing environment enticing.
Every business needs power to drive it and when accompanied with Vostro like 3360. It needs speed and performance. Vostro 3360 series come with the fulfilling feature of a business solution in an uncompromising mix of power and portability.

Operating System:  Windows 8.
Outperform the competition: Experience smooth multitasking and lightning-fast performance with DDR3 memory. Take your business to the next level by pairing Vostro's 2nd Generation Intel Core processors.

Graphics: Knowing that you can boost your graphics performance and optimize your battery life with Switchable Graphics Technology. When requiring less power, is an interesting feature of delight in the smart Intel-integrated HD (high-definition) graphics which helps deliver more performance on a single battery charge.

Faster data transfer: Sometimes your business can't wait, so why should you? Two USB 3.0 ports enable data transfers at up to 10x the speed of USB 2.0. Vostro Notebooks also include Bluetooth 3.0, which transfers at up to 24 Mbps, allowing you to move large files in seconds.

Durable metal design
Vostro 3360, no doubt has been designed to last with a durable metal made up of an aluminum casing, available in various classes of colours, including Lucerne Red, Brisbane Bronze and Aberdeen Silver.

Work virtually anywhere, anytime
Connecting and collaborating on-the-go has never been easier. Vostro Notebooks deliver a suite of hardware and software, tailored to meet your small business needs.

Collaborate from the road
Bring the boardroom to you with an HD webcam, digital array microphones to reduce background noise, preinstalled Skype and SRS Premium Voice Pro software for state-of-the-art collaboration.

Productivity in my hands
With the smooth running of keys, productivity is now in the hands of workers cum users, especially those using Dell Vostro 3360 which justifies Vostro 3360 as a smart investment in the future of business.

True sense:
In the true sense of the word, Dell Vostro 3360 has left me thinking of changing my laptop, which has been there for a few month now, but cannot be honestly said to have the inherent merits in Dell Vostro 3360.


Etisalat Partners EDC for 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Week

(L-R): Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Nneka Okekearu, Specialist, High Value Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Temitope Omole and General Manager, Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University, Olawale Anifowose, at the Etisalat sponsored Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Walk, held in Lagos over the weekend.


Etisalat Nigeria in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University, last week held the 2013 edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), targeted at youths and young entrepreneurs in the country, to help improve their chances of succeeding in their various chosen businesses.



General Manager, Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University, Olawale Anifowose, Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Nneka Okekearu, Specialist, High Value Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Temitope Omole and Marketing Manager, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC, Alero Ladipo, at the Etisalat sponsored Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Walk, held in Lagos over the weekend.

Head, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Bidemi Ladipo noted that it was important for business owners to have access to the right information needed to excel in business. “At Etisalat, we have been relentless in supporting initiatives that go a long way in assisting young people to achieve their dreams as regards successfully setting up businesses. Some of the initiatives we have used to help develop businesses include Market Access which is in partnership with SMEDAN, our Etisalat Easybusiness package which helps SMEs to communicate at a reduced cost and our recently launched promo called Easybusiness millionaire hunt which gives an opportunity for people with great business ideas to win as much as N2 million. This is the 3rd Edition of the Global Entrepreneurship week which we are sponsoring and we are satisfied with the level of impact these trainings have had,” he said.

(L-R): Marketing Manager, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Alero Ladipo,  Head, High Value Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi and Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University, Nneka Okekearu, at the Etisalat sponsored Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Walk, held in Lagos over the weekend.
Also speaking at a seminar earlier organized for National Youth Corpers, Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre, (EDC), Nneka Okekearu expressed satisfaction with the improved turnout at the seminar. “It has become very obvious that our contributions to the Global Entrepreneurship are beginning to pay off. In the last three years since Nigeria joined the international event, we have had over eight events, over 50 local partners and more than 1.5 million people have participated at the events held in Lagos and Calabar,” she said.

She also commended Etisalat Nigeria for once again partnering with the Enterprise Development Centre for this year’s edition. “I want to particularly thank Etisalat for the support they have shown to EDC in making this edition of the GEW another success. They have been with us over the years and have continued to demonstrate strong support towards young entrepreneurs,” she said.


The 2013 GEW kicked off on Saturday November 16 with a 7km awareness walk in Victoria Island, Lagos and followed by a seminar on women entrepreneurship development which held at the American Embassy on Monday November 18.  The high point of the week was a seminar tagged “Africa Rising” which held on Wednesday November 20. It featured  notable speakers from Bank of Industry, Keystone Bank who took the entrepreneurs on how to access loans and ideas to grow their business. Over 400 National Youth Service Corps members attended the event which held at the Lagos Business School of the Pan Atlantic University.

Etisalat Launches Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt Promo for SMEs

Etisalat Launches Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt Promo for SMEs

As part of efforts to support Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria realise their business ideas, Nigeria's most innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat has launched an innovative scheme tagged Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt.

Speaking on the promo, Director, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, said the Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt will go a long way to help young entrepreneurs who possess fantastic business ideas but lack the capital to pursue their dreams.

“Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt is designed to reward Nigerian SMEs with the most viable business ideas with fantastic gift items such as business grants worth N20m, free training courses on entrepreneurial management and advisory services from the esteemed Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University, office equipment and smartphones to kick off their business in the right direction,” he said.

He expressed the belief that the promo would prove beneficial to SME owners across the country. Dada explained that “although the Top 10 winners with the best business ideas will be rewarded with N2 million each, there are also other prizes to be won which include free business trainings at the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University for the top 50 winners, in addition to getting office equipment to help them start up their business and over 200 Smartphone’s to be won on a daily basis throughout the promo duration.”

He further explained that interested customers are required to text YES to 5885 from their Easybusiness lines to opt-in for the competition. After this, he said, an SMS would be sent to them indicating a unique code and a URL where their business ideas should be forwarded to. Easybusiness customers can also enter a daily draw to win smartphones by texting WIN to 30555. The offer is open to new and existing Easybusiness customers only, but customers on other plans can migrate to easybusiness by loading N1000 and dialing *246*1#.


Winners of smartphones have already emerged in the daily draw and have been presented with their prizes. Some of the winners include Mr. Nosa Austine, Haruna Mohammed and Jonathan Bata, all Easybusiness subscribers. The Easybusiness millionaire hunt promo will run from September 23 to December 31, 2013.

Etisalat Partners SOLO to Delight Customers with New Smartphone Offerings

Etisalat Partners SOLO to Delight Customers with New Smartphone Offerings
The most innovative and fastest growing telecommunications in Nigeria, Etisalat has partnered with a new global device manufacturing company, SOLO to delight telecommunications consumers in Nigeria with exciting and affordable offerings.

Under the arrangement, Etisalat would be providing six and 12 months bundle data offerings respectively on two SOLO Smartphone devices – SOLO S350 and SOLO S450 being launched in Nigeria for the first time in November 2013.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher expressed excitement over the new partnership, describing Etisalat and SOLO as “two innovative brands focused on delighting telecoms customers in Nigeria. We at Etisalat are happy with this partnership because the SOLO Smartphone devices support our desire to offer the most rewarding and innovative telecommunications products and services to our customers.”

Founder and Global CEO at SOLO, Tayo Ogundipe, echoed similar sentiments, and expressed delight that Etisalat has offered his company “a platform to reach the Nigerian market with innovations bound to take the market by storm in the way that only a partnership with Etisalat can.”

According to him, the SOLO S350 is a 3.5” screen Android Jelly Bean 4.1 Smartphone with Dual SIM capabilities, 4GB of Internal memory with 8GB of SD card, which is expandable up to 32GB. The device comes bundled with SOLO Music, SOLO proprietary content experience that offers free, unlimited streaming and download access to up to 20 million songs for the life of the device! The easy to use interface includes a SOLO Music Widget on the home page that enables easy access to SOLO Music, right out-of-the box.

The device is Google (GMS) certified and offers full access to the Android Marketplace, including BBM services. The SOLO S350 comes bundled with very generous free data services from Etisalat Nigeria, completing the strong consumer experience. The elegantly designed device with superior features and first-of-its-kind free music offering is expected to retail for less than N20,000.

Guinness Nigeria 63rd Annual General Meeting



Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage and Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu during the 63rd Annual General Meeting of Guinness Nigeria Plc, held in Benin City, November 15
From Left: Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage; Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu and Vice Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nick Blazquez during the 63rd Annual General Meeting of Guinness Nigeria Plc, held in Benin City, November 15

Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage; Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu and Vice Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nick Blazquez during the 63rd Annual General Meeting of Guinness Nigeria Plc, held in Benin City, November 15

Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu (l) and President Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Sonny Nwosu (r) at the 63rd Annual General Meeting of Guinness Nigeria Plc, held in Benin City, November 15

Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage; Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu and Vice Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nick Blazquez during the 63rd Annual General Meeting of Guinness Nigeria Plc, held in Benin City, November 15

Close- Up Buy,Display and Win Promo

L-R: Customer Marketing Manager, Unilever Nigeria, Anele Zunsa; Assistant Customer Marketing Manager, Personal Care, Unilever Nigeria, Ladipo Anu; Regional Sales Manager, Lagos Region, Unilever Nigeria, Nnamdi Okeke handing over the car key to Grand Prize winner of a brand new Hyundai i10 to Obinna Ateu at Ikotun Market during the Close Up Buy, Display and Win promo in Lagos at the weekend.
L- R: Field Sales Manager (Ikotun), Unilever Nigeria, Olatunji Bankole; Traders at Ikotun Market, Uju Eze, one of the three winners of a deep freezer being congratulated as by Regional Sales Manager, Lagos Region, Unilever Nigeria, Nnamdi Okeke at Ikotun Market during the Close Up Buy, Display and Win promo in Lagos at the weekend.

L- R: Regional Sales Manager, Lagos Region, Unilever Nigeria, Nnamdi Okeke; Field Sales Manager (Ikotun), Unilever Nigeria, Olatunji Bankole and Philips Ejemeare, one of the winners of a generator set at Ikotun Market during the Close Up Buy, Display and Win promo in Lagos at the weekend.


Obinna Ateu Grand Prize winner of a brand new Hyundai i10 test driving his car. 


Gennii Games, Efiwe Mobile Application Emerge Winners of Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation


(L-R) Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Kemp and Manager, Executive Projects, Zainab Abiola, both from Etisalat Nigeria, presenting the prize for the most innovative product/service to Head of Developer Outreach, Google, and member of the judging panel of the Etisalat Pan-African prize for innovation, Chukwuemeka Afigbo on behalf of Efiwe mobile application at the Africa Com awards dinner held in CapeTown on Thursday 14th November 2013


Genii Games and Efiwe Mobile Application have emerged winners of the second edition of the ‘Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation’ organized by Nigeria’s most innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat. This award which is aimed at encouraging and celebrating valuable innovation in the African market was presented at the Africa Com awards Gala Dinner held at the Waterfront Lookout, Cape Town South Africa, on the 13th of November 2013 as part of the Africa Com 2013 Conference.

The ‘Etisalat Prize for Innovation’ was awarded in 2 categories: The first prize of $25, 000 for the most innovative product or service was presented to Genii Games (Asa), a growing collection of interactive culture teaching mobile app for African children, and a second prize of $10,000 for the most innovative idea presented to Efiwe Mobile application, a social education network that provides a simulated learning environment with in-depth resources in every field of study and subject of study.
 
Speaking on the success of the second edition of the competition which witnessed an impressive array of entries for the two award categories, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, explained that the competition was instituted to provide the opportunity for ingenious people to present innovative and relevant mobile broadband products/services and ideas.

He said, “We are delighted at the creativity shown by all the entries and this is a clear indication of the importance of broadband in Africa. Innovative broadband projects, products and services have improved the way we live and work and so we launched this award last year because we realise the importance of broadband in the industry. Innovation is core to our business strategy at Etisalat Nigeria and we see ourselves as a young and innovative business setting the pace for others in the Nigerian telecommunications industry”. 
The Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation featured a high-level judging panel representing business, telecommunications, entrepreneurship and network development reviewed the entries and established a final shortlist of 4 nominees in the two categories.

The 6th annual Africa Com Awards provided an evening of entertainment that attendees described as the best yet.



-- Etisalat Re-Assures on Enhanced Customer Care Service at Customer Forum Lagos


Nigeria’s most innovative and fastest growing telecommunications company, Etisalat has reassured Nigerians of its commitment to enhancing customer experience on its network through constant engagement with its customers. According to the mobile phone operator, this is in line with its brand promise communicated at the beginning of its operation in 2008 to continuously demonstrate its leadership as a customer-focused company.
 
(L-R): Director Customer Care, Etisalat Nigeria, Plato Syrimis; Etisalat customer, David Ikechukwu; Head Customer Experience & Retention, Etisalat Nigeria, Biola Edun; Etisalat customer, Giwa Michael and Head, Core & VAS Operations, Etisalat Nigeria, Joseph Ani, at the Etisalat Customer Forum, held at Oriental Hotel Lagos, on 21st November, 2013.
Speaking at the just concluded Lagos edition of the Etisalat Customer Forum, held at Oriental Hotel Lagos, Director Customer Care, Etisalat Nigeria, Plato Syrimis said that the forum is part of the company’s commitment to deliver world-class telecommunications services to its growing subscribers and also engage them through one-on-one interactions, while receiving undiluted feedback from them on how to improve the quality of products and services they offer their customers.

"At Etisalat Nigeria, our world revolves around our esteemed customers and one of our ultimate goals is to keep them smiling always. Etisalat is a network that calls its customers a friend and treats them like family. This forum is a strategy deliberately designed to improve the quality of customer service available to our customers and create an avenue for direct customer feedback on several points about the services of our network,” he said.

Speaking at the Forum, one of the customers, Bramwell Umunnakwe, described Etisalat as “a young brand that is providing something big in the telecommunication industry”. His words: “Etisalat Nigeria is very young, but they are doing something bigger than their age in the country and I really cannot compare them with other networks that have been in existence before they came. I enjoy their service which is why I moved members of my family to their network. However, my advice to them is to continue to improve our communication experience,” he said.



Google Empowers Nigerian Businesses with Apps for Greater Productivity and Collaboration

Google Empowers Nigerian Businesses with Apps for Greater Productivity and Collaboration

Some Nigerian businesses reducing IT costs by over 35% with Google Apps for Business

 Google recently organised a breakfast session at the Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, to provide businesspeople in Nigeria with the opportunity to learn about Google Enterprise services, with a special focus on Google Apps for Business.  Google Apps for Business facilitates greater productivity, easier teamwork and collaboration, more flexibility, reliability and security, and also helps businesses save money.

The Apps include Google Search, Gmail for business, Google Chrome, Google Maps, Google Calendar, and the Google Cloud platform.

The event, which was sponsored by leading IT Solutions companies, DataGroup IT and Descasio Limited was well attended by senior executives from small, medium and large scale organisations.

With a presentation on how Google’s Search Appliance can help customers find relevant information on business websites, Shai Morgan, Regional Manager, Google Enterprise, explained that the Google App suite offers simple communication and collaboration tools for businesses of all sizes, all hosted by Google in the cloud, to simplify set-up, minimize maintenance and reduce IT costs. Morgan added that with Google Groups and integrated Instant Messaging (IM), users can stay connected while on the move.  “With Google Docs, users can share files and work together in real time, ensuring that everyone is working on the same version of a document all at the same time”, he said.

Google Apps help businesses manage electronic communications effectively and at low costs. They are already being used by leading businesses in West Africa, including Transcorp Plc, Churchgate Group and Fidelity Bank, Ghana.
According to President/CEO of Transcorp, Obinna Ufudo, “We operate a lean structure at the corporate centre. Our subsidiaries are located in other cities and our business requires employees to work in different locations. Therefore, we needed a robust email solution that addresses our concerns about reliability, convenience, security, ease of use and accessibility. Compared to other email solutions, Google Apps has been ideal for us.”

Guinness Celebrates a Scholar At The Networking Scholarship Programme




From Left: Cephas Afebuameh, Supply Chain Director; Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director and Wale Adediran, Human Resources Director all of Guinness Nigeria Plc during the unveiling of the Guinness Ex-Scholars Excellence Programme, a networking platform for those who have graduated from the Guinness Scholarship Programme at the company's Head Office in Lagos November 27.

Daytona Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Super Auction

 Daytona Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Super Auction
 Rolex has further cemented its place as an iconic brand with the unprecedented success recorded at the 2013 Aurel Bac’s Auction in November themed Rolex Daytona Lesson One. The auction in Geneva is part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Daytona and all 50 Daytona mechanical timepieces on offer sold well beyond original estimates with the Paul Newsman manufactured in 1969, a stainless steel with reference 6263/6239 outshining the lot as it went for a whopping sum of $1,088,889. The 50 Daytona watches were auctioned for a total of $13,248,167, quadrupling the auction’s pre-sale estimate.

Reacting to the development, John Obayuwana, the Chairman/CEO of Polo Nigeria Limited, the official retailer of the prestigious Rolex brand including the Daytona watches in Nigeria said the outstanding success of the Daytona timepieces at the auction underscores the iconic place of the Daytona model among discerning people across the world. “What the world just witnessed is an endorsement of the classical standard of Rolex timepieces, especially the Daytona which brings with it timeless quality and reliability, reasons for which those who have arrived covet it,” the CEO said.

On his part, enigmatic Bac, retiring from Rolex after more than a decade of dedicated services this December is delighted not just with the financial figures but the enthusiasm displayed by lovers of the Daytona brand. “Christie’s first-ever evening auction dedicated to wristwatches proved an unprecedented success, with 400 people in the saleroom and plenty more queuing outside, I have rarely experienced a similar ‘rock concert’ atmosphere from the rostrum,” Bac enthused, describing the auction as, “Possibly the most rigorously curated watch auction ever staged, each lot was selected by Christie’s watch department in partnership with a prominent Rolex expert Pucci Papaleo according to a disciplined approach to originality, condition and provenance. Setting 50 world records for 50 watches as well as achieving an absolute record price for any Rolex Daytona ever sold at auction, the Rolex Daytona ‘Lesson One’ will be remembered as an historical event.”


The auction house’s international head of the watch department came up with the idea for the themed auction upon realizing that 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Rolex’s iconic Daytona model.

Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace brings free engaging content to Nigerian learners

Intel Nigeria has launched Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace, a new education solution that provides access to a vast repository of free and low-cost digital text books and interactive learning resources.


Leading processing chip manufacturers, Intel Nigeria today launched the Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace, a new education solution that provides access to a wide resource of free and low-cost digital text books and learning resources.
Director for Business Development, Intel Middle East and Africa, Cigdem Ertem; Country Manager, Intel West Africa, Bunmi Ekundare and Nigerian Entertainer/Comedian, Bash at the launch of the Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace at MUSON Centre, today.
 


The solution, designed for learners of all ages, provides rich, interactive learning material namely; books, exam papers, instruction videos and podcasts, for students from elementary to more advanced learning stages.

According to Intel’s Regional Sales Director for Turkey, Middle East and Africa, Cigdem Ertem, the Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace solution seeks to provide a resource hub where learners can find relevant content to boost  their studies while at the same time giving content providers access to a platform that enables the sharing of rich content.

Ertem, reiterating Intel’s commitment to bridging the digital divide said: “As a company that’s been active in the education space for the last 40 years globally, we’ve seen how technology can drive clearly improved learning results and assist teachers by providing access to information and quality engaging content,” she stated.

According to her, Intel is well aware of the challenges of educational systems around the world and is bent on creating innovative and affordable solutions to combat the challenges.

Director for Business Development, Intel Middle East and Africa, Cigdem Ertem; Business Development Director, Intel West Africa, Stanley Muoneke; Intel Europe, Middle East and Africa Solutions Director, Frederico Carvalho, and Country Manager, Intel West Africa, Bunmi Ekundare, at the launch of the Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace at MUSON Centre, today.
Throwing more light on the new platform, the Country Manager, Intel West Africa, Mr. Bunmi Ekundare said: “For us at Intel, we are not just focused on emerging technologies but also on the best way to deploy these technologies to ensure that it is relevant to all stakeholders involved. This has informed our collaboration with Rancard, an African-based organization that provides cloud-based software for mobile content discovery and delivery.”

Ekundare further stated Intel’s un-relenting efforts to seek out partnerships and collaborations with government, educational institutes and content creators to solidify its steps in digital education and access.

 Also speaking on the collaboration, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Rancard, Mr. Ehizogie Binitie said “We recognize education as a major challenge across the continent and believe the platform we have deployed together with Intel for the African market is an important step in solving this challenge, equipping both educators and content creators with the tools they need to create and distribute high quality educational content”. He said.

 Reliable sources who have tested the platform attest to the fact that the content provided matches the Nigerian education curriculum, ensuring that the material is relevant and accurate while providing a user-friendly, interactive and engaging learning experience to students and teachers.

 Students and educators can gain access to the Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace solution on Android or Windows devices with an internet connection. Users can visit www.intel.com/exploreandlearn  to access the app download page. Once the app is downloaded, they can find and acquire free and paid for textbooks, instructional videos and exam preparation materials to help them succeed in their studies.

D'Banj, Karen Igho, Julius Agwu, Dare, Toolz, Mavin Crew and other Celebrities Light Up Etisalat Sponsored Ice Prince FOZ Album Launch


Julius Agwu at Etisalat  Sponsored Ice Prince FOZ Album Launch

Yaw

the venue ambience 






- Karen Igoh


Oyinye Egwudo

Moses, Karen Iyanya
Karen and AY Makun


Ice Prince and Olamide on Stage
Dele Momodu, his Son and D'Banj


Dare, Ikechukwu 
- Don Jazzy, Dr Sid and D'Banj



Ebi Atawodi and Biola Edun


Ice Prince and Son.

Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) hosts Women’s Financial Inclusion Forum


EFInA discusses practical strategies to enhance women’s financial inclusion in Nigeria

Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) hosted their inaugural Women’s Financial Inclusion Forum to share ideas and discuss practical strategies to enhance financial inclusion for women in Nigeria.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Ms Modupe Ladipo, Board Member, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Mrs Animo Emuwa and Manager, Savings, Women’s World Banking, Ms. Jennifer McDonald during the Women’s Financial Inclusion Forum at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island Lagos.




The EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2012 survey revealed that 21.6 million men (47.4% of adult men), compared with 16.2 million women (38.3% of adult women), had access to formal financial services. In addition, the South West had the highest percentage of formally included women at 53.5% and the North West had the highest percentage of financially excluded women at 71.3%.

L-R: Nigeria Country Director, Women for Women International, Ms Ngozi Eze, Executive Director, Women in Management & Business (WIMBIZ), Ms Mosun Layode, Chief Executive Officer, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Ms Modupe Ladipo and Chairman of the Board, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) Mr Yemi Cardozo during the Women’s Financial Inclusion Forum at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island Lagos.
The Women’s Financial Inclusion Forum brought together local and international stakeholders from the public, private and non-profit sectors to highlight approaches for bridging the gender inclusion gap by improving access to and usage of formal financial products for Nigerian women.

EFInA Board member Mrs. Anino Emuwa opened the forum by explaining that EFInA has specifically identified women as a focus area in its 5-Year Strategy, as women remain a relatively underserved group. She encouraged participants at the forum to develop innovative solutions that would enhance women’s financial inclusion in Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of EFInA, Ms. Modupe Ladipo, shared in-depth analysis on the landscape of women’s financial inclusion in Nigeria. Ms. Ladipo provided insights about the key differences between the demographic profile of men and women, as well as between formally served, informally served and financially excluded women.

L-R: Executive Director, Women in Management & Business (WIMBIZ), Ms Mosun Layode, Chief Executive Officer, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Ms Modupe Ladipo, Chairman of the Board, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) Mr Yemi Cardozo and Manager, Savings, Women’s World Banking, Ms. Jennifer McDonald during the Women’s Financial Inclusion Forum at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island Lagos.
International guest speaker, Ms. Jennifer McDonald, Savings Manager, Women’s World Banking (WWB), presented global best practices for women’s financial inclusion, sharing her organisation’s experience in developing products that enhance women's financial inclusion. Ms. McDonald discussed WWB’s work with Diamond Bank on the BETA Savings product, which is targeted at unbanked and under-banked Nigerians, especially women. In 2011, EFInA awarded Diamond Bank a Technical Assistance Grant to develop and pilot the BETA Savings product.

The panellists at the forum included Mr. Anant Nautiyal, Mobile Programme Director, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women; Ms. Ngozi Eze, Nigeria Country Director, Women for Women International and Mr. Jude Anele, Head, Retail Banking, Diamond Bank. They provided practical examples for deepening women’s financial inclusion.