When Should You Spawn An IT Innovation?

VENTURES AFRICA - IT innovators should consider their parent company’s resources before deciding whether they want to innovate in house or set up their own firm, according to research from Dr. Ulrich Hege of HEC Paris business school.
Dr. Hege, who has done extensive research in the Silicon Valley start-ups and their innovation process, says that before deciding, there are four things innovators should consider;
1. Does the parent company have the power to support your innovation?
If the company has the financial, marketing and commercial strength to support the innovation, the advantages of developing the idea in-house should be considered.
2. Does the parent company embrace your vision?
If the vision required for the innovation’s success is more important than the existing support functions and strength of the parent company, then it is in the innovator’s interest to create a new structure.

Refinancing that home loan on many a to-do list

Banks in Singapore usually offer mortgages at a fixed rate, floating rate or variable rate, though some also offer hybrid bundles.
SINGAPORE - For many home owners, refinancing their mortgages is likely to be near the top of their to-do lists amid fears of a rise in interest rates. The Government last month also made it easier for many home owners to refinance their home loans by widening exemptions from its total debt servicing ratio (TDSR) requirements.

2014 smartphones: Where is the innovation?

In case you missed out on the new smartphone announcements from big name phone makers last month, be rest assured that you're not missing out on anything big.
From Sony releasing the Xperia Z2 in just six short months after the Z1, to Samsung's lack of innovation with its fifth Galaxy S, to Nokia being late in the Android bandwagon, this year's Mobile World Congress 2014 (MWC 2014) in Barcelona was a letdown.
Sure, we get the usual incremental upgrades that would benefit users, but faster processors, bigger displays and better cameras aren't really anything to be too excited about. Especially since 2012, we have reached the point where smartphones are already good enough.
It seems these days all I'm hearing from new smartphone announcements are new processors that clock in at blazing speeds, bigger screens with higher resolution and camera improvements that take better image quality than preceding models.

Seplat To List Shares On London And Nigerian Bourse

VENTURES AFRICA – Nigerian indigenous oil and gas comany Seplat Petroleum Development says it plans to sell its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), as it bids to expand its operation and acquire other oil assets available in Nigeria.
Seplat announced that it intends to apply for admission of its ordinary shares to the standard listing segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority of the LSE and to trading on the bourse’s main market and to the Official Trading List of the NSE.
“The global offer proceeds will allow us to further implement our business strategy, which includes acquiring new assets,” chairman of Seplat, Dr. ABC Orjiako said of the planned listing.
The chairman expressed confidence that the company will continue to succeed as it builds on its proven track record to achieve its “growth aspirations through sound corporate governance and best practice.”

Customs Intercepts 30,000 Live Ammunition in Ibadan

Nigeria Customs Service logo

Ademola Babalola
Barely 10 months after an earlier seizure of 56,750 rounds of live cartridges by the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the command yesterday announced another significant seizure of 30,000 pieces of ammunition packed in 20 cartons.

The latest seizure was made possible through the effort of one of the anti-smuggling teams of the command.

The seizure, coming a few months to the 2015 general election, according to the Area Comptroller of the Command, Richard Oteri, was commendable against the heightened insecurity in the country.

Oteri  who spoke at a press briefing said the ammunition was concealed under tubers of yam and yam flour in a  rickety white Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number Kwara XC 286 SHA.

The live cartridges which were intercepted early Monday morning along Saki-Ago-Are axis of Oyo State, in Oke-Ogun upper area of the state, might have found its way into the state through the border of the neighbouring Benin Republic, carefully concealed in the bus.

Africa: AU Launches Internet Exchange Point in Namibia

In its efforts to keep intra-country traffic within the country the Africa union has launched the internet exchange point (IXP) in Namibia as part of the African internet exchange system (AXIS)project.
The IXP that was launched by the AU through the infrastructure and energy department and Namibian government will contribute to bringing efficiency in the routing of intra-country internet traffic and hence faster exchange of intra-country internet traffic.

Asthma can be controlled -Expert

Experts have warned that asthma which reportedly affects about 15-20 million people in the country is on the increase worldwide. But Dr. Cyril Chukwu, a renowned consultant respiratory physician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, says the disease can be controlled though most patients in the country are still uncontrolled despite frequent visits to their doctors or pharmacists.
At a lecture on Asthma care recently, Chukwu described uncontrolled asthma as a serious concern as it causes patients to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and disturbed sleep. Also, he said, uncontrolled asthma patients use more healthcare resources and because they overestimate their control and under-report their symptoms, it makes it difficult for doctors to assess asthma control correctly.

Sammie Okposo unveils NGO

′Drops new single

Globacom Ambassador, Sammie Okposo, is poised to give back. The singer has unveiled his NGO christened, Follow The Leader Organisation (FTLO). Commenting on the development, Okposo, in a chat with The Entertainer, lamented that Nigerians generally do not know what makes a good leader and consequently, they base their followership on ignorant populist sentiments.
According to him, to tackle the problem, what is needed is a distinct platform or movement which would be the vanguard of enlightenment and that is the vacuum FTLO will fill.
“Because of the high complexities of today’s societies, our world more than ever before needs a composite of noble and worthy qualities and values in the persons whom society entrusts leadership. Ironically, such leaders are very few around the world. And sadly, the few that exist may not be recognized by the majority of the people needing mentorship and leadership,” Okposo said.
FTLO is established upon the four cardinal principles of peace, unity, love and life and these values are the driving force behind FTLO.
Meanwhile, the multiple-award winning singer has released a new single entitled Let Peace Reign. Okposo says in the midst of violence, hatred and bloodshed, he want people to listen to the song and share his message of peace.

ANIMAL FACTS: What you don’t know about dogs

There are hundreds of official dog breeds in the world and even more breeds than you can count. Each dog has his own unique set of characteristics and personality. But one thing is certain these human companions have lots of amazing facts. Check out some of these interesting facts about dogs.
• Dogs love chasing their tails. They do this for several reasons like curiosity, exercise, anxiety, and predatory instinct or, they might have fleas! If your dog is chasing his tail excessively, talk with your vet.
• Dogs also dream Dogs and humans have the same type of slow wave sleep (SWS). The twitching and paw movements that occur during their sleep are signs that a dog is dreaming.
• Dogs have three eyelids, an upper lid, a lower lid and the third lid.
• Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
• In addition to sweating through their paws, dogs pant to cool themselves off.
• Dogs are capable of understanding up to 250 words and gestures; they can also count up to five and can perform simple mathematical calculations. The average dog is as intelligent as a two-year-old child.
• Dogs drink water by forming their tongue into the shape of a small cup.
• Dogs are fast in detecting sickness. Studies have shown that dogs can sniff cancers of the lungs, breast skin and bladder in humans.

Onyeka Onwenu accused of Assault by Business Woman

Veteran Nigerian musician Onyeka Onwenu is being accused by a business woman Olajoke Adesope of assault.

Olajoke Adesope who had petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, claims she was forcefully evicted from her shop by the National Center for Women Development, Abuja under the orders of the musician.

If you recall, Onyeka Onwenu was appointed executive director of the National Centre for Women Development in September 2013. (click here to read)

Punch reports that the business woman who sells textiles, revealed her tenancy would not end until December 2014. She also stated that she got a letter to evacuate the building in 3 days on January 28th 2014 with threats they will go to court.

Nigerian youths need attitudinal change – Festus Keyamo

True Nigerians with Zaaki Azzay

Human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has called for attitudinal change among young Nigerians, saying that dreaming big without having the right attitude would lead to failure. He expressed sadness that the country’s youths want the best things of life without working for it.Could you tell us  the secret of your popularity? I do not know because I do not do thing to attract attention. You cannot live your life thinking at every point in time how people would react, bothering about whether people will react negatively or positively. I think the right way to live, is to do things according to the dictates of your good conscience. What I mean by that is, you have both good and bad conscience. Once you think it’s right, and your God will be happy with you, do it. Most times the aspirations of man is quite different from that of God. Continue.

Blackout as fire razes 12 TCN towers, 330KV station

…N1bn needed to replace equipment
The nation is set to witness more electricity blackout as an inferno caused by a fuel tanker crash has destroyed a major transmission line and 12 towers in Ugheli, Delta State.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, which confirmed the development in a statement yesterday, stated that the accident occurred along the line route as the tanker caught fire between towers 88 and 89 at about 9:42am on Sunday, 9th March, 2014.

Dangote hits market with 52.5N grade of cement

Leading manufacturers of cement in the country, Dangote Cement Plc, yesterday launched 52.5N grade of cement into the Nigerian market.
Group Managing Director of the company, Devakumar Edwin, told newsmen in Lagos that Dangote Cement Plc had commenced the production of the cement grade from all of its three plants in Ibese, Ogun State; Gboko in Benue State and Obajana in Kogi State.
The cement company said it had scored another first as the 52.5 grade of cement is being produced in Africa for the first time, thus attesting to the resolve of the Dangote Cement to be a leading international producer of cement.

Genevieve Nnaji & Mikel Obi are Amstel Malta Ambassadors

New day, new deal for Genevieve Nnaji.

The Nollywood actress and Nigerian footballer Mikel Obi have been announced as Amstel Malta ambassadors.

We were first presented with Genny and Mikel’s secret project in February, when we spotted them filming a scene on a jet in South Africa. (click here to see).

At the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards – AMVCA, the TVC was unveiled for all to see.

According to sources, the very lucrative deal was signed earlier this year with the theme of the campaign created for them. No word on how long the deal is for.

Real Madrid 3-0 Levante: Ronaldo and Marcelo put Blancos back on top

The Portugal star's first-half header and a brilliant strike from the full-back set the hosts on their way before a disastrous own goal compounded the 10-man visitors' misery.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo helped Real Madrid moved back to the top of La Liga with a comfortable 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday.

The Portugal attacker buried a first-half header to set the hosts on their way before teeing up the Brazilian for a brilliant right-footed strike to double the advantage shortly after the break.

Levante - who had David Navarro sent off for a crude challenge from behind on Ronaldo - then further compounded their own misery as Nikos Karabelas scored a bizarre own goal to hand Carlo Ancelotti's a third in their 16th-straight win at Santiago Bernabeu.

Boko Haram confesses before T.B Joshua, reveals failed plans to bomb the church

I have my reservations about all these confessions and deliverance...but some of you will find this interesting. Report sent in by freelance journalist, Ihechukwu Njoku. Find it below...

A member of the dreaded Boko Haram sect confessed before Pastor T.B. Joshua of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) today, revealing how their plan to bomb the popular church in Lagos was thwarted.

In a broadcast beamed live via the Christian station, Emmanuel TV, late into the afternoon, Joshua announced to the congregation that a young man had a confession to make.

“My name is Mustapha. I come from Yola, Adamawa State. I am a member of Boko Haram,” he began, sending the congregation into uproar. “Boko Haram is a cult. We have killed many souls,” he confessed. 

New York in Lagos: 355 Restaurant and Lounge

355 restaurant and lounge recently opened in the heart of Victoria Island Lagos. They bring their customers a combination of Mexican and continental fine dining experience, in a unique and creative nature. They have a range of special cocktails and drinks compositions from frozen margarita to beer cocktails from their own specially made draft. Continue.

President Jonathan’s N9bn jet develops technical problem in Minna

President Jonathan and some top government officials yesterday Saturday March 8th escaped an air mishap at the Minna Airport, Niger State, when a presidential jet developed a technical fault, while they were aboard, Punch reports. Find full report below...

The presidential jet, Nigerian Air Force 001 (5N-FGT), had earlier conveyed Jonathan to Minna for the -Peoples Democratic Party’s North-Central rally which held at the Trade Fair Centre, Minna.

At the end of the rally, the President returned to the airport in company with top government officials, PDP state governors and party chiefs for a trip to Sokoto, from where he was scheduled to return to Abuja.

However, several minutes after Jonathan had bade farewell to those who accompanied him to the airport, and the door of the aircraft was shut, the aircraft failed to move.

Prolific Creative, Biyi Bandele, Gives The Scoop on His Role Directing Half of A Yellow Sun & MTV Shuga on CNN’s African Voices

In September 2013, BellaNaija brought you an exclusive interview with Nigerian writer, director and playwright, Biyi Bandele. {Click here if you missed it}. In this edition of CNN‘s African Voices, he shares information on his role directing Half of A Yellow Sun, as well as MTV Shuga.

IMF reviews Nigeria’s economy

The  International Monetary Fund (IMF) has  concluded the Article IV consultation with Nigeria and has projected  real GDP  of  6.4 percent in 2013 owing to continued strong performance in the non-oil sector.
Inflation declined to 7.9 percent at year end, supported by lower food price, fiscal consolidation, and a tight monetary policy stance.
The external current account surplus fell to 3.1 percent of GDP from 7.8 percent at end-2012, but reserves remained at a comfortable 5.6 months of next year’s imports, despite uncertainties about the timing of the tapering of unconventional monetary policies.
The non-oil primary deficit of the consolidated government is projected to narrow from expenditure restraint, but a shortfall in oil revenues resulted in a drawdown of the Excess Crude Account (ECA), a key fiscal buffer.

Man Soars Above Mount Fuji with Homemade Jetpack

Yves Rossy's suit may be a lot less form fitting than Iron Man's armor, but it brings to real life one of the fictional armor's major features -- flight.

Rossy, also nicknamed "Jetman," hopped off a helicopter today and took to the skies around Mount Fuji. The visit to Japan is just the latest of Rossy's joyride locales, which have also included the Grand Canyon, and the city of Rio de Janeiro.

"Flying here for me is a dream," he said in a statement. "I am the lucky guy who gets to do this, but I hope I can motivate the next generation of forward thinkers to do something different ... even if it seems impossible."

Rossy both designed and built his jetpack, according to the news agency AFP. It looks different than the compact rocket packs seen on "The Jetsons." In addition to the actual engines is his aircraft-like set of wings.

Unlike another type of jetpack currently being tested in New Zealand, it appears as though Rossy's aren't fit for takeoff or landing. In addition to being taken up by helicopter, the Jetman also needed to parachute down from an altitude of 800 meters in order to land.

Rossy, whose day job is a captain for Swiss International Air Lines, is the only person to fly with jet-propelled wings. "It is such a contrast flying free with just a wing on my back, compared to being enclosed in a cockpit as an airline pilot," he said. "It's hard to describe the emotion and feeling of having an opportunity like this. It's spiritual, it is immense."

We Will Never Allow FG Increase Fuel Price- NLC

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has vowed to resist any increase in the price of petroleum products by the Federal Government has been speculated. They said they totally kick against it and implore the Government to do something fats about the scarcity of petrol across the country. Read the press statement they sent out after the cut.

Turkey warns that YouTube and Facebook could be banned

ANKARA (AFP) - Turkey's embattled prime minister has warned that his government could ban popular social media networks YouTube and Facebook after a number of online leaks added momentum to a spiralling corruption scandal.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's proposals to tighten the government's grip over the Internet have generated criticism at home and abroad about rights in the EU-hopeful country.
"There are new steps we will take in that sphere after March 30...including a ban (on YouTube, Facebook)," Mr Erdogan told private ATV television in an interview late Thursday.
The US State Department on Friday criticised Mr Erdogan's remarks and expressed concern over "any suggestion that social media sites could be shut down, as the Internet law is implemented." "We're looking to Turkey to uphold its commitment to respect fundamental freedoms of expression... Independent and free media are essential to an open society and an accountable system of government," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said during a news briefing.

Women Join Men To Sit On Train Roofs As Fuel Scarcity Worsens In Lagos

Women yesterday in Lagos threw caution to the wind when some of them took to train roofs when they were no longer available seats in the trains.

Among the women who did this were working class ladies who had to meet up with resumption time at work and market women who were desperate to get to their shops early enough since they were little buses available and the fees were too high.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation’s Taskforce who arrests passengers for sitting on top of train roofs, were stunned when they found women among such passengers. They said they couldn’t take any action because the situation was beyond them.

Soldiers stop planned Boko Haram attack in Borno, kill 20 of them

Boko Haram gunmen returned late last night to Mafa and Ajiri villages in Borno State to attack the villagers but this time they met their match. Soldiers guarding the villages and neighbouring ones opened fire on the insurgents, killing at least 20 of them. But instead of retreating, eye witnesses said the Boko Haram members came in their hundreds and engaged the military men in a gun battle.

Fortunately the military men overpowered them, killed many of them and seized different calibers of machine guns and improvised explosive devices from them, this is according to the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade. He said some soldiers, who were from the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, were injured in the battle but no soldier was killed.

My husband is capable of marrying more than one wife if he wishes – says Foluke Daramola

Busty Yoruba actress, Foluke Daramola remarried last year amid controversy after her first marriage to her ex-husband, Mr Sobowale crashed. Though, she was accused of being responsible for the sudden collapse of the marriage of a female pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Olubunmi, as she went ahead to get married to the woman’s husband, Kayode Salako. But in this interview, Daramola, set the record straight, wondering why any man would want to drive away his ex-wife because of another woman. She also explains why they are not in a hurry to have more children. Continue.

US Government freezes $458million Sani Abacha cash

The United States government yesterday March 5th said it had ordered a freeze on $458 million in assets hidden in European accounts by former Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha and his conspirators.

PM News reports that the Justice Department said the corruption proceeds, stashed away in bank accounts in Britain, France and Jersey, were frozen at Washington’s request with the help of local authorities.

Abacha died in office in 1998, but his surviving relatives still include some of the richest and most influential figures in Nigeria.

According to a civil forfeiture complaint unsealed in the US District Court in Washington, the department wants the recover more than $550 million in connection with the action.

“This is the largest civil forfeiture action to recover the proceeds of foreign official corruption ever brought by the department,” said Mythili Raman, acting assistant attorney general.

Absolutely Gorgeous! View More Images of Nana Afua Antwi for Zen Magazine’s February 2014 Issue

Early February we brought you the unveiling of Zen Magazine‘s February 2014 issue featuring model, designer and brand ambassador Nana Afua Antwi as its cover girl.

Now we have some absolutely gorgeous images of Nana for the Interview editorial.

For her exclusive interview with the online magazine, Nana discusses her career as a model, how she entered the world of fashion, her journey as a brand ambassador and of course some very juicy and intimate details.

The editorial was shot by Dami Oyetade with makeup by Imelda Ladebo and hair styling by Adeola Olasebikan.

To read the full interview visit www.zenmagazineafrica.com.

Elevate U with Ifeanyi: This Far and No Further

You are too uneducated to think of getting that far.’
‘Nobody from your country has ever clenched that position.’
‘You are just an inquisitive poor young man, such lofty dreams and aspirations are left to those whose purse can bear the weight thereof’

How hard it is to make the mind truly realize that there is no boundary anywhere but the very ones we had tangled ourselves with? How long before we begin to realize that the chains that tightly holds us bound are more psychological than they are physical?

How much courage and confidence does it take to disagree with everybody else when they threw pitches at your head, spit on you, or attempted to injure you at every opportunity, or threaten to kill you if you continued holding the fort? Are you torn between accepting the submissions of your own thoughts and narrow imagination or of hate-spewing voices telling of boundaries beyond which you can’t advance? Continue.

98 Days to Brazil World Cup 2014…See Reactions to the Nigerian Home & Away Kit

Arise O compatriots!
With just 98 days to Brazil World Cup 2014, the world’s top international teams are unveiling their kits for the tournament.
Since the Nigerian Super Eagles qualified for the tournament by the victory against Ethiopia in the play-off, you should get to know what our Eagles will be wearing for the World Cup in June.
Check out the Nigerian home and away kits designed by Adidas below and reactions to them.

It Can be Hard to Talk About Love in Scientific Terms

The vision of love that emerges from the latest science requires a radical shift. I learned that I need to ask people to step back from their current views of love long enough to consider it from a different perspective: their body's perspective. Love is not romance. It's not sexual desire. It's not even that special bond you feel with family or significant others.
And perhaps most challenging of all, love is neither lasting nor unconditional. The radical shift we need to make is this: Love, as your body experiences it, is a micro-moment of connection shared with another.

Asteroid passing Earth will be closer than moon

Object will pass an estimated 217,000 miles away
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -
An asteroid is headed this way. But even though it will come closer than the moon, astronomers say it will pose no danger.
The newly discovered asteroid, called 2014 DX110, will hurtle between the moon and Earth on Wednesday. DX110 will pass an estimated 217,000 miles from Earth.
That's approximately nine-tenths of the distance between the moon and Earth.
The asteroid is an estimated 45 to 130 feet across.
Relatively close approaches like this occur all the time, although DX110 is extra close.

Etisalat Nigeria and Huawei enter IT outsourcing agreement

Emirates Telecommunications Corporation, Etisalat, and information and communications technology solutions provider, Huawei have announced a strategic IT outsourcing agreement, the first of its kind in the African Region.

 The deal will see Huawei responsible for the operational management of Etisalat Nigeria’s IT services across Technical Infrastructure, Application Management and User Support, with business planning architecture and governance retained by Etisalat Nigeria.

 According to Matthew Willsher, CEO of Etisalat Nigeria, the decision to outsource aspects of the company’s IT function is aligned with the corporate vision of “creating more value for customers by improving quality, reducing costs, embedding innovation and increasing the speed of delivery” alongside contributing to an improvement in service quality throughout the country.

NASA says US-Russia space ties 'normal'

Washington — NASA chief Charles Bolden said Tuesday the US space agency's relationship with Russia remained normal despite the ongoing international crisis in Ukraine.
Russia is a key nation at the International Space Station, and US astronauts rely on Soyuz spacecraft to get to the orbiting outpost and back, having lost direct access since the US space shuttle fleet retired in 2011.
The United States pays Russia some $70 million to ferry each American astronaut to the space station and back, a deal that is expected to last for several more years until private US enterprises build the capacity to carry space travelers again. Continue.

Pastor Adeboye says Nigeria will be great again

WorldStage Newsonline-- The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has said that Nigeria will be great again, assuring citizens to remain hopeful.

In his birthday message to the nation on Sunday as he celebrates 72, at the National Headquarters of the RCCG, Throne of Grace, Ebutte-Metta, Lagos, Adeboye said that Nigeria belongs to God and it does not matter what is going around the country, Nigeria will be great again.

Speaking through his special assistant on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola said that Adeboye noted that “2014 is a glorious year and a brand new beginning for as many that will put their trust in God and not in man in the face of numerous challenges facing the country”. Continue.

Adebayo Okeowo: Africa Must Grow Up

With the amount of information I was recently exposed to about the African Union’s budget, I feel very ashamed! After looking at the African Union’s 2014 budget, I started wondering how African heads of State get the nerve to challenge the West for interfering with Africa’s internal issues when these same leaders have practically turned Africa and her institutions over to the control of the West! The AU’s budget for the 2014 Financial Year is US$308,048,376. Of that sum, only US$126,050,898 is to be contributed by member states, while the remaining US$170,098,545 comes from ‘International Partners’ – predominantly the EU. Continue.

5 Things You Probably Already Own That Are Bigger Than Kim’s New Diamond

We are in awe of large celebrity diamonds because they come with massive price tags and blind us with crazy sparkle.  Kim Kardashian’s 15 carat cushion cut engagement ring from Kanye West is no exception.  Approximately 15-17 millimeters across, the stone is quite large compared to the diamonds we may have seen before on our friends and family or in a chain jewelry store.  A flawless white diamond of that size is certainly something to look at but let us provide a little perspective.

Don’t make a rapper’s salary? Here’s a list of everyday items that are bigger than Kim’s knockout you may just have lying around:

1.  A quarter (about 24mm)

2. A starburst (about 19mm)

3. A bottle cap (about 27.5mm)

4. A cheez-it (about 20mm)

5. Piece of gum (about 22mm)

Reports are running wild, stating the ring could be worth $3-5 million. If you are feeling slightly jealous of Kim’s huge rock- just think of how many cheez-its you could eat for that sum!

Victor Akunna: Mediating Between Your Wife & Your Mother

My father once told me that marriage links two families together for life, connecting their histories, values, family tree etc. In one word, marriage creates proximity which leads to influence. This influence could be positive, negative or a combination of both. This is why the classic advice for marriage is often “what God has put together, let no person put asunder”. However, the question is, what can a young couple do in order to manage the new relationships in their lives? Are there proven tips for managing the new members of the family?

As a young couple, you may think or say that things will sort themselves out. This is true, but it may not be in your favour. According to Pam Lidford, one of the leading Personal coaches in the UK, she asserts that when it comes to relationships, “you must begin the way you want to progress”. In other words, just like a competent builder will tell us, the foundation of a building determines how high, strong or long a building will stand, so great effort must be invested at this phase. Continue.

Invest & Build Nigeria! Movebacktonigeria.com, Homestrings & DMA present the “Investing in Nigeria” Summit in London | Friday 7th March 2014

After the success of their first Diaspora finance symposium, Developing Markets Associates (DMA) and Homestrings, in partnership with Movebacktonigeria.com are delighted to announce the second event in their Diaspora Investment series.

On Friday 7th March 2014, they will be bringing you the latest exciting investment opportunities from Nigeria. The summit will present a pre-selected audience of over 500 Diaspora members and non-traditional institutional investors, totaling an estimated $3.0 billion in capital, with direct investment opportunities in key sectors including: Transportation & Infrastructure; Oils, Gas & the Extractive Industries; Healthcare, Education & Agri-business and Commercial and Residential Real Estate and Construction.

The event will have highlights on topics with inspiring individuals such as presentations by UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) and African Development Bank (AfDB), Presentations by Orient Petroleum First Deepwater Limited, Discover Limited and Pearland Energy. There will also be projects of special interest under the Chair of Leon Isaacs (Director, Developing Markets Associates) and closing remarks from Henrietta Abraham, Chair of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) and Peter Carter (UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria) and a Gala Reception.

Date: Friday 7th March 2014
Time: 08:30AM – 7:00PM
Venue: Draper’s Hall, Throgmorton Street, London EC2N 2DQ
To attend please REGISTER HERE. There are limited spaces available | For more information pleas send an e-mail to enquiries@movebacktonigeria.com.

Apple CEO promises new products, says Apple TV no longer a "hobby"

CUPERTINO, California:  Apple Inc sold more than US$1bil (RM3.28bil) of Apple TV set-top boxes in 2013 and is investing heavily in the next generation of products, Chief Executive Tim Cook said at the company's annual meeting.
Apple's ability to again transform the fast-moving technology arena is the central question in investors' and Silicon Valley executives' minds as the company's growth slows, and rivals like Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Google Inc take chunks out of its market share.
Industry executives and Apple observers continue to believe that the company will come up with some sort of wearable device, like a smartwatch, and speculation persists about a long-rumoured TV product of some sort to shake up the living room viewing experience.
"We're working on some things that are extensions of things you can see and some that you can't see," Cook said at the annual meeting, referring to a 32% increase in research and development costs last year. Continue.

Samsung Galaxy S4 receives £70 price cut in India

Samsung has cut prices of Galaxy S4 in India by £70 (INR 7,000) indicating that the handset will receive price cuts in other regions as well as the company preps to make the smartphone available globally.
The Galaxy S4 is currently retailing at an average of £330 in the UK and if the price cut makes its way across to the country, we could expect the prices to drop to £290 – £300 levels.
Samsung didn’t officially announce any price cuts in India, but the company announced a buyback offer on multiple handsets including Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S4 Mini. Under this offer customers will receive a minimum cash-back of £100 (INR 10,000) for Galaxy S4 in exchange for select few older smartphones.
This led many online retailers to slash the prices of the Galaxy S4 to sub-£300 levels taking off as much as £70 from the retail price. Samsung estore is yet to reduce the pricing, but we expect that the reduction should reflect next week sometime.
Galaxy S5 is set for a global launch on April 11, but Samsung hasn’t announced the pricing of the handset yet. We expect that the smartphone won’t be priced any cheaper considering the features that it packs and will retail at somewhere around the £450 mark.

Life Beyond Oil: Fashola Advocates Reforms That Eliminate Corruption

The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola is concerned about the country’s response to the abundance of oil.
At the 30th anniversary lecture of the law firm of George Etomi and Partners, Governor Fashola spoke on the topic “Life Without Oil”. The Governor believes that such a future was not reasonably foreseeable.
He wants more focus on how the country can develop herself and her people away from oil.
“The question that seems more appropriate is whether a better life with oil is possible. The answer I will offer is an emphatic yes. The road to that better life is not too difficult. It requires us to eliminate corruption at all levels of the oil industry. It requires us to reform NNPC especially in terms of personnel and replace them with more committed professionals.
“The road to that better life requires us to understand that although oil is currently selling at over $100 per barrel, it has not always been so and will not remain so,” he said.
Governor Fashola also referred to statement credited to Senator Chris Anyanwu a few days earlier on the floor of the Senate, during the consideration of the 2014 Budget, that the Navy does not have enough money to fuel her ships, as well as the complaints of the Inspector-General of Police that he did not have enough money for his men. He called on Nigerians not to keep quiet about the need for the country to move in the right direction.

Etisalat unveils new ‘Gold Series’ Experience Centre in grand style

Fastest growing and most innovative company, Etisalat Nigeria further cemented its growing reputation as the most customer-centric GSM services provider in the country with the launch of its new customer service centre, aptly named the ‘Gold Series’ Experience Centre.

The state-of-the-art customer service centre located at 43, Adeola Odeku Street in Victoria Island was recently unveiled in grand style. Continue.

LG Electronics introduces Ultra Chest Freezer into Nigerian market

The LG Chest Freezer is fitted with a powerful compressor that boasts a 10-year warranty. It also comes with the super-fast Blast Freezing feature and the Low Voltage Stabilizer (LVS). The LVS is a truly practical piece of technology that allows the chest freezer to function properly, even when local electricity supply is unstable. Specifically made for Africa, LG’s latest chest freezer offers efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting, an easy-to-open handle-less door and quiet operation. 

Speaking at the product launch, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics, West Africa operations Mr. Hyunwoo Jung said: “At LG, we understand that durability is just as important as strong performance. The compressor of our new chest freezer, which comes backed by a 10-year warranty, ensures worry-free operation year after year. LG’s model is the first in this product category to offer a compressor with a decade-long guarantee of reliability. “ Continue.

Obama's threats to Russia are empty: expert

President Obama warned Russia on Friday not to put troops in Ukraine, but he didn't say what he would do if the Russians invade anyway, Josh Rogin writes.
In an unscheduled appearance at the White House briefing room Friday afternoon, President Obama threatened Russia over putting troops into Ukraine.
“There will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine,” he said with a serious face. Obama didn’t acknowledge that the scary-looking paramilitary forces who took over Crimea’s main airport Friday are probably Russian military-owned and operated. Continue.

Rights Enforcement: Court Adjourns Sanusi’s Suit To March 21

Following pleas from the respondents’ counsel for more time to “perfect their processes,” Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday adjourned hearing of the suit filed by the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi, seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights.
The suit in which the embattled CBN governor is seeking an order restraining the police and officers of the State Security Service (SSS) from arresting, detaining or otherwise harassing him will now be entertained by the court on March 21, 2014.
The attorney general of the federation (AGF), inspector-general of police (IGP) and the SSS have been joined as first, second and thrid respondents in the suit filed on behalf of Sanusi by Prof. Yemi Osibanjo (SAN).
At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, Counsel to the AGF, Dr Oscar Nliam, holding the brief of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), informed the court that his office had just been briefed on the matter.
Nliam also informed the court that his client is “yet to receive all the processes filed by the applicant” and, therefore, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him collate all the processes.
The lawyer, who represented the IGP, Chukwu Agwu, told the court that he was only notified “last night (Thursday)” that the suit will be coming up in court on Friday by his boss at the force headquarters.
The counsel also stated that the second respondent was yet to receive the processes and prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him go through the processes when they arrive.
Similarly, Counsel representing the SSS, Ahmed Musa, also aligned himself with the submissions of his colleagues, adding that an adjournment will be in their favour, especially as the parties are still within time of filing.
It will be recalled that last week Friday, Justice Buba, restrained the Federal Government, Police and the SSS from arresting Sanusi.
Buba granted the order after entertaining an ex parte application filed by the embattled CBN governor against the government and the security agencies.
Specifically, the judge restrained the respondents, their privies, agents, representatives or any other law enforcement agencies of the government of the federation from “violating, interfering with, or imposing any restriction on the enjoyment of the applicant’s right to personal liberty and freedom of movement pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”