Intercellular Nigeria Partners Huawei for Efficiency

On the side of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain, Huawei held a signing ceremony with Intercellular Nigeria Limited a foremost and indigenous telecommunications company in Nigeria. At the ceremony, the CEO of Intercellular, Mr Emad Sukker announced a joint LTE 4G transformation of the former CDMA network and its plans for rapid expansion to provide high quality telecommunication services to Nigerians. With this alliance, Huawei will deploy an 800MHz LTE network to help Intercellular meet the strategic and service demands of the Nigerian market.

Depending on its frequency portfolio of the 800MHz and 3.5GHz spectrum, Intercellular intends to provide services to Nigerians with the most advanced communications technologies available today, hence its partnership with Huawei.

Mr Sukker explained how Intercellular chose its strategic alliance. "Huawei is both the world's leading supplier of LTE devices and also the most trustworthy partner. This LTE collaboration will help Intercellular accelerate our LTE transformation and give our people better and faster network services."

In response, Mr An Jian, President of Huawei Global Wireless Networks Marketing and Solutions, said, "As a leading global ICT solutions provider, Huawei is always committed to building a better connected world. Because customers are our priority, we propose network construction principles centered on user experience.

At the same time, Huawei embraces an attitude of open cooperation with operators to help them make efficient investments and build a speedy, simple, and smart network that achieves the best E2E network experience. Huawei's products and services now serve over 170 countries and regions worldwide, with nearly a third of the world's population using the network services we provide."

Mr Feng Weixiong spoke of Huawei’s presence in Nigeria. "We aim to provide the most competitive network services and actively promote LTE to keep up with the increasing standard of communication demanded by the Nigerian people. Huawei has always been the preferred partner of Nigerian operators. We have carried out large-scale deployment of 20,000 base stations, witnessed the increase in the Nigerian mobile user base from 27,000 to 117 million, and contributed to an explosion in mobile penetration rate from 0.02% to 83.7%. We work hand-in-hand with operators to promote the rapid development of the Nigerian telecommunications market. As users demand a ROADS experience and global telecommunications undergoes digital transformation, LTE in Nigeria is the next step in accelerated market development where Huawei will be the strategic partner of choice."

The cooperation between Intercellular and Huawei will further promote LTE development in the Nigerian market with construction of an experience-centric LTE network to provide the best online experience for Nigerian users. Intercellular in this cooperation benefits from faster commercial LTE broadband development and transformation.

According to Mr Sukker, “There are many surveys globally that indicate a positive correlation between a country’s GDP and broadband penetration. At Intercellular, we believe that for Nigeria, the pervasive penetration of broadband will strengthen activities of individuals and MSME’s enabling them to expand their craft and services to a global audience. As a corporate citizen of Nigeria, Intercellular will continue to invest in advanced technologies that will empower Nigerians in their quest to achieve their aspirations and dreams’’.

Mr Sukker also made public the company’s intention to launch its services as early as the second quarter of 2016 in key strategic cities across the country.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BARFINDERNAIJA APP... the location based business finder

The BarFinderNaija app was  recently launched to offer Nigerians an organized directory/platform for lifestyle and socializing in Nigeria – more than just a list with the business name and address the app introduces the use of LBS (location-based-services) leading to exponential changes as to how businesses listed can engage and interact with their customers.

According to Mrs Florence Atunwa Olumodimu the force behind BarFinderNaija
"This is an initiative that integrates my passion for entrepreneurship, social networking and information technology. The early days of this indigenous app development saw it being selected for 3 months incubation at IdeaHub Nigeria located in Yaba. This further fuelled my determination to bring the initiative to life."

With the introduction of BarFinderNaija App, we have been able to aggregate outlets and services in the sector through real time engaging activities with the target on a virtual platform elevating word-of-mouth recommendation and social media interactions to the next level while guaranteeing that the establishments with online real-estate on the platform are found by many more people than those who have been there before or passed by in person. The winners of tomorrow will be the businesses that embrace technology while enhancing and exceeding customer expectations and going beyond the point of encounter.

These businesses will be successful because they are the ones who are the early adopters of technology and ready to invest for the long-term through recognizing that service fulfillment not only promotes growth of their customer base but also retains existing customers while impacting positively on their revenues. There is enormous potential if these establishments are able to reach more consumers using technology. That’s where BarFinderNaija comes into the picture – the possibilities are endless.

Apart from the fact that listing your business in BarFinderNaija (an online directory) will increase the amount of exposure you business gets, it is also a very effective way to directly target potential customers. BarFinderNaija makes it easy for online users to find and discover something they want when they want it.
Another reason why you should consider listing has to do with your return on investment, or ROI. Since the potential benefits of getting increased traffic are great compared to if you rely on only people whom current customers. Lastly, you want to keep your brand and business name in the minds of customers at all times, which is something else that an online directory can help with.

The BarFinderNaija app is available in Google Playstore, BlackBerryWorld and can be accessed through the web applicationwww.barfindernaija.com.

There are over 200,000 recreational facilities from low income to super premium in Nigeria. A few of the premium and super premium establishments have attempted putting in place simple systems for engaging patrons who visit their outlets but an enormous gap still remains in the industry – BarFinderNaija is positioned to fill this GAP. Today word-of-mouth recommendation, social media interactions and chance passing in front of establishments only gets footfall in a few establishments.
When consumers were asked what they trust more - an advertisement or a friend’s referral? An overwhelming majority selected a friend’s recommendation/referral. Its time for businesses to seize the power of today's most powerful marketing tool – WORD-OF-MOUTH in combination with the internet marketing and improved infrastructure arising from government initiatives, arrival of wireless access technologies and lower tariffs. According to Nielsen, 92 percent of consumers report that a word of mouth (WOM) recommendation is the top reason they buy a product or service.

With the global explosion of commercial activities on the internet in the last few years, the internet is rapidly becoming a potential outlet for self-expression and self employment for people everywhere in the world. In our country, more and more people use the Internet than ever before, with more people going online for the first time every single day in Nigeria. As at February 2015, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) stated that the number of Internet users on the country’s telecoms networks had increased to 83,362,814. Close to 50% of the Nigerian population now have access to internet in very major city through PCs and mobile phones.

Millions in Nigeria embrace Facebook on mobile to share and connect with others. Almost all these people are coming to Facebook on a mobile device: 100% of Nigerian monthly users are active on mobile as are 95% of Kenya’s monthly users. (Source: Facebook’s Key Statistics for 2015 Q2). The Facebook data shows that 100 percent of its 15 million active monthly users in Nigeria do so on their mobile phones, while 95 percent of the 4.5 million Kenyan monthly users work the social network from their mobile. Facebook’s active user population in Africa has grown 20% to 120 million in June 2015 from 100 million in September 2014. More than 80% of these people access Facebook from their mobile phones. Currently, 60% of all Internet users in Africa are active on Facebook.

The data emphasises the growing mobile-first trend in the digital services niche in Africa, where most users rely on 3G connectivity offered as add-ons to GSM call services. According to Nunu Ntshingila, Head of Africa at Facebook, “Mobile is not a trend; it’s the fastest adoption of disruptive technology in history of communication and  it’s also an incredibly personal device regardless of where a person lives or how they connect, and businesses need to reach people where they are, not where they were, in an authentic, personal and relevant way.”

Complementary data released by Nigeria’s National Communication Commission back in April showed that the number of Nigerians accessing the internet using their mobile phones had hit 80.3 million. The liberation in internet access and mobile technology has created the perfect storm for an explosion in internet marketing and activities in Nigeria. Now is the time to expose your business on the internet as opportunities open up for enriching engagement and conversations with the discerning consumers that are increasingly being found online.

LIRS INTRODUCES NEW TAX MEASURES.... Goes tough on evaders

Lagos State Internal Revenue Service ((LIRS) has announced various initiatives aimed at achieving efficient tax administration in the State. The Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo made this known on Tuesday March 8, 2016 held at Lagos Press centre, Alausa, Ikeja in the company of the House Committee Chairman on Finance, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honorable Oluyinka Ogundimu, Lagos State Commissioners for Finance, Mr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and the Attorney General of the State, Mr. Adeniji kazeem.

 According to Ogunsanwo, the agency has consistently been at the vanguard of reform activities aimed at easing the process of doing business in Lagos State in particular and by extension Nigeria, thereby championing several initiatives aimed at supporting His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in achieving his electoral promises to Lagosians.

Among the initiatives is the introduction of a new two-page tax form to replace the old six-page form which is to be used for both direct and self assessments. He stated that the revised form and its guide notes would be translated to Pidgin English and Yoruba for ease of completion and wider reach"

In the same vein, the chairman noted that physical filing of Annual Returns is already being complemented with e-submission (on-line submission of Annual Returns) to ease compliance by Tax Payers. 

Another initiative by the LIRS according to the chairman is the introduction of  customer-care desk in all the 38 Tax Stations to deal promptly with all issues that may be brought up by tax-payers saying the initiative will be complemented with the launch of LIRS Hotline that will provide 24/7 customer-call service in English, Yoruba and Pidgin English.

The chairman emphasized that payment for tax should be made convenient and because of this the agency is leveraging on technology to offer multi-modal payment portals including but not limited to PoS, mPay, online, etc without sacrificing the traditional/extant payment portal at the bank thereby taking payment portals to the tax payers for their convenience.

Furthermore, Ogunsanwo pointed out that the agency has concluded all arrangements to ensure that maximum response time of 72 hours to all electronic tax clearance certificate (e-TCC) requisitions is met and failure should be reported to any of customer care-desks.

Meanwhile the chairman disclosed that the current cumbersome requirements for replacement of lost e-TCC such as Police Report, Sworn Affidavit etc are to be waived and replaced with presentation of LASRRA Card while the replacement fee is to be reduced from N2,500= to N1,000= only.

Specifically the chairman stated that the agency has commenced the process of overhauling of the informal sector operations with a view to easing voluntary compliance by tax payers in this huge sector  that have been categorized into three which include the  Market Men/Women and Artisans,  Micro, Small & Medium Scale Enterprises (including Professionals) and Household Domestic Staff (HDS).

In view of the declining revenue from the centre as a result of fall in the price of crude oil, Ogunsanwo revealed that LIRS is poised to focusing on other revenue sources such as Consumption Tax from Hotel Occupancy, Withholding Tax on Contracts, Rent, Royalties and other areas to shore up the Revenue in the State.

Speaking at the event, the State Attorney General and commissioner for Justice Mr. Niji Kazeem said the administration of Governor Ambode had put in place necessary measures to end the era of tax evasion and indeed avoidance in the state, adding that tax avoiders and evaders would be aggressively pursued in line with the provisions of the law.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Justice had established a Rapid Tax Prosecution Unit to aid the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) in its drive to collect taxes, added that the unit would work closely with the Revenue Courts, which the Chief Judge of Lagos State recently agreed to set up.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mustapha Akinkunmi said in the light of the reduction of federal transfers to States including Lagos, the State government was looking inwards to secure sustainable ways of increasing its revenue profile and plugging leakages in the system.

Other critical stakeholders in attendance at the well attended press conference were President, Chartered institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mrs Olateju Somorin,Vice president, Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Agnes Shobajo, representatives of  Association of professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Market Men and Women Associations of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) among others.

GANI ADAMS HAS BOOSTED OLUMO FESTIVAL - Alake of Egbaland

HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland  has commended the efforts of Otunba Gani Adams, (Chief Covener, Olokun Festival Foundation) for his contribution towards revival of the cultural heritage of the yoruba race.

He made this statement at the palace during the grand finale of the week long activities marking the 30th Anniversary of the Lisabi Festival on March 5, 2016. 

"I want to commend Otunba Gani Adams for his immense contribution towards the success of Olumo Festival yesterday. He came there with about 10,000 of his men. He organised different activities which added color to the event. He has been doing this consistently for the past few  years . God will continue to bless you. “ stated the Alake.

The event which was graced by eminent sons and daughters of Egbaland also had  Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his cabinet members in attendance. During his speech  Governor Amosun too  said  "I want to specially thank my friend and brother Otunba Gani Adams  for supporting this festival. You are highly appreciated."

Prior to the Olumo Festival, Miss Olumo Beauty Pageant held at the  Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta on Friday March 4 , 2016. In a keenly contested competition 19yr old Miss Nneka Sunday,  a 200 level Business Administration student of Federal School of Statistics, Ibadan, Oyo State., emerged as Miss Olumo 2016, Miss Olumo 2015 majestically handed over after her successful reign.

Miss Kehinde Kujore, 200 level Economics undergraduate of National Open University and  Miss Mosunmola Omotayo, 300 level Political Science student of Olabisi Onabanjo University emerged the first and second runners up respectively.

The star prize a saloon car was presented to the queen during the Olumo  Festival  where fuji icon  Shefiu Alao  entertained the distinguished guests while Mc Kirikiri anchored event.

The first and second runners up got  N75,000 and N50,000 respectively.

BREAKING NEWS :Minister of State for Labour, James Ocholi, Wife, son die in car crash

Nigeria’s minister of State for Labour and Productivity, James Ocholi, his wife, son and four others died in a fatal car crash today.
Ocholi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, reportedly died in the accident  along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. 

Ocholi and his family were said to be returning to Abuja from Kaduna when the accident occurred..

The presidency is yet to make any official pronouncement on Ocholi’s death.

I DIDN'T USE CHURCH MONEY FOR MY BIRTHDAY PARTY IN DUBAI -Pastor Fatoyinbo (COZA)

Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA, Abuja, had been under fierce public criticism for having an expensive all-white yacht birthday party in Dubai last month. 

He  found the perfect opportunity to address  the controversial issue when his Facebook friend or fan Augustine Adiukwu politely asked him  what  informed his Dubai  venue.

Below is the question and his  response.

Woman Dies in Elevator With Power Improperly Cut Off

The discovery of a woman's corpse in an elevator in the Chinese city of Xi'an has led to the detention of an elevator maintenance crew who improperly cut off power to the elevator a month ago without checking if anyone was inside.

In a statement posted Saturday, the Gaoling district government said two maintenance workers turned off the
power source on Jan. 30 to the elevator in a residential building after they were called to check on a glitch.

When a crew returned a month later, on March 1, for repairs, they found a female corpse there, the government
said.
The woman was identified as a 43-year-old resident who was living by herself. Police ruled out any foul play but
concluded her death was caused by the gross negligence on the part of the maintenance crew in a case of
involuntary manslaughter.

China has poor records on workplace safety where proper safety procedures and practices are routinely ignored.
In July, a Chinese woman was killed when she was
swallowed by a mall escalator when a metal platform on top of the escalator suddenly caved in. She was holding
her two-year-old son then but tossed the child to safety when she fell into the crevice.

CLARION CHUKWURAH FINDS LOVE AGAIN... MEET HER CUTE HUBBY!

Star actress Clarion Chukwurah could not hide the excitement of her new found relationship when she blew it to the world via her Facebook page.

She  simply said "History made, destiny fulfilled..me and Hubby on River Street, Savannah. Georgia.".

Identity of her 'hubby ' as well as status of the relationship can not be ascertained  for now  but  what is clear with her broad smile in the  picture is that Clarion is in love  again and not afraid to share her good news.

We wish her the best.

POLICE RESCUE KIDNAPPED LAGOS SCHOOLGIRLS.... ARRESTS ABDUCTORS

Police have rescued the three female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary in Ikorodu, Lagos, kidnapped recently by some gunmen.

The girls were said to have been rescued in an overnight operation by the police while some of the abductors were also arrested.

The Lagos State Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed this development.

“Yes, the girls have been rescued safely by the police in an overnight operation. We also made some arrests,”

 member of the gang who took part in the abduction was said to have been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) lead by CSP Abba Kyari.

The IRT operatives were joined by men of the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja.

Timilehin Olusa, Tofunmi Popo Olaniyan and Deborah Akinayo were abducted by 15 gunmen suspected to be pipeline vandals dislodged by a special security task force codenamed Operation Awatse