The 2nd Accelerator Programme of Itanna launched

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September 10, 2019

Itanna, the corporate venture capital platform of Honeywell Group, has officially announced the launch of the second edition of its accelerator and investment programme. As communicated when it launched its first accelerator programme in 2018, Itanna’s objective is to stimulate economic growth in Africa by investing and supporting tech-enabled, for-profit startups to scale up. Itanna also aims to ignite enterprise by championing disruptive technology and promoting entrepreneurial talent through acceleration, investment, networking and mentorships.

Four startups have been selected for the second accelerator programme from over 200 applications received across nine African countries. The four startups selected for Itanna’s second accelerator programme are: Gerocare, a company that leverages technology and traditional African family values of adult children taking care of their parents to provide a structure for medical care for the elderly; Simbi Interactive, which uses interactive questioning and answering to help students learn, master and evaluate themselves in any subject; E-Estates, a mobile/web solution that helps estate managers coordinate their affairs and interaction with residents effectively; and, finally, Carido, an on-demand automobile service technology platform that aggregates automobile maintenance demands through mobile devices and thereafter facilitates their fulfillment through select competent and credible service providers. These startups would receive investments to the tune of thirty thousand US dollars ($30,000) from Itanna.

These startups will also have the opportunity to pitch to Honeywell Group’s network of domestic and international investors at a Demo Day to be organised at the end of the programme.

Speaking about the second accelerator programme, Executive Director, Honeywell Group, Obafemi Otudeko said, “given Honeywell Group’s five-decade history of establishing thriving, world class businesses, Itanna is another avenue for the Group to further create value by helping startups to transform into impact-making, profitable and socially relevant businesses.”

On the success of Itanna’s maiden accelerator programme in 2018, Head of Innovation

and Sustainability, Honeywell Group and Director, Itanna, Tomi Otudeko said, “the success of the first programme has encouraged the team to further invest in promising startups.” On the specific progress recorded by the startups from last year, Tomi Otudeko said: “Accounteer, providers of online accounting services for SMEs, have expanded into other African markets including Ghana and Kenya. Powercube, providers of affordable power supply using renewable energy, have closed one investment round to fund their production and deployment activities. Finally, TradeBuza, an online platform for managing and brokering commodities sourcing and outgrower scheme, has grown its user numbers by over 100% and has launched its commodities trade service to help link outgrower schemes to a network of offtakers.”

Also speaking on how the cohorts for the 2019 accelerator programme were selected, Tony Idugboe, Vice President and Head of Investments at Itanna, noted that the four startups for the second edition were selected because they had recorded significant traction from their inception till date. He said a review of the companies’ trajectory and their respective market growth rates showed that they were uniquely positioned to expand and acquire more market share over the next few years. Finally, he said all the startups have management teams that have the ability to drive execution of the companies’ individual objectives.

Itanna operates from the Enterprise Factory located in Iganmu, the heart of industrial Lagos where businesses are built. The state of the art 627 square metre collaborative space boasts work spaces, offices, meeting rooms and a conference space.

Ogunsola Foundation Gives Back to LASUTH

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September 10, 2019

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L-R: Mrs Adebola Aina, Director of Nursing Services, LASUTH; Mr. Kingsley Dabor, Senior Special Assistant to the CMD, LASUTH; Mrs Fadipe, Dir of Nursing Services in charge of Medical Emergency Unit; Dr Emmanuella Zamba, Director of Programmes,Research and Statistics, Lagos State Ministry of Health representing Prof Akin Abayomi, Commissioner of Health,Lagos State and Dr Ibrahim Mustapha, Director of Clinical Services and Training, LASUTH during the commission of the donateion of 40 automatic hospital beds and 100 bedsheets to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) by Olalekan Ogunshola Memorial Foundation on Friday

In memory of late Mr. Olalekan Ogunsola of TOS Funerals, the Olalekan Ogunsola Memorial Foundation, on behalf of the family has donated 40 automatic hospital beds and 100 bedsheets to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

The Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo duly appreciated the Ogunsola family and describes the effort as a giant leap in helping the hospital achieving its goals. He said, “The relationship between LASUTH and TOS funerals led by Mrs. Ogunsola, has been long standing; the introduction of an ultra-modern morgue services, the knack for success and the courage of the family has helped the hospital to grow.”

In her response, Mrs. Taiwo Ogunsola, owner of TOS Funerals, made note that the urge to give back stems from her gratitude to God and to the hospital for giving them an environment to thrive and use their expertise to serve.

While promising to do more CSR in the future, she noted that this phase of donation will be extended to the Gbagada General Hospital and Mainland Hospital where 100 bedsheets (each) would be delivered “We want to make our presence known and we also want to give back to it”, she said.

The representative of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuela Zamba, gave accolades to TOS Funerals, “when it comes to Private Public Partnerships (PPP), TOS Funerals is the success story of the Lagos State Government, it was the first PPP we had in Lagos State and that relationship is still thriving. I salute Mrs. Taiwo Ogunsola’s spirit of entrepreneurship and CSR. It is truly worthy of commendation.”

In her closing remark, the Director of Hospital Administration, Mrs. Olatokunbo Adio thanked Mrs. Ogunsola for her generous donation to better the life of the hospital’s patients and the community at large.

Mrs. Adio also thanked the representative of the Honourable commissioner for Health and the Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba for gracing the occasion.

Challenges of e-Learning in Nigeria

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September 5, 2019

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E-learning can be defined as the online delivery of information. It can also be defined as integrating learning with technology (Okah, 2009; Okah, 2010). It is instruction delivered through purely digital technologies such as CD ROM, the internet and private networks (Landon and Landon, 2010). E-learning can also be defined as the online delivery of information for the purpose of education, training or knowledge management (Turban et al, 2010) or performance management (Okah et al, 2011).

Governments all over the world play a key role in developing, funding and regulating ICT infrastructure as well as promoting internet connectivity. It can be deduced that ICTs are essential for contemporary educational development of any nation.

In recent time, nearly everyone in the industrialized nations has gained access to ICT, and is computer literate. Furthermore, the continuous advances in information technology have enabled the realization of a more distributed structure of knowledge transfer through the development of elearning. The developing countries have embraced ICT and consequently e-learning so as to keep pace with unimaginable speed in the area of technology. The use of ICTs in Nigeria and African countries generally is increasing and dramatically growing.

Since e-learning systems allow students to take courses at their own time and pace, it is more convenient than their in-person counterparts. Turban et al. (2010) connotes the flexibility of e-learning stating that students can even refer back to previous lectures without affecting the learning pace of other students. Forums and communities built around the massive online open courses (MOOC) add to the usability of these e-learning programs (UNESCO and COL, 2012).

The most common challenges of implementing e-learning with Nigerian universities are management’s attitude, erratic electricity supply in most part of the country and non-inclusion of ICT programs in teacher’s training curricula at the basic levels of education.

Poor technical infrastructure: The technical infrastructure in developing countries is not highly developed, which means that phone-lines and Internet connections are unreliable or slow due to narrow bandwidth.

Limited expertise: There are few technical staff in most Universities to maintain the current system. Lack of, or inadequate trained personnel are a challenge to the use of ICT in higher institutions.

Financial restrictions: In developing countries the cost of ICT equipment can be a limiting factor with regards to reaching a broad target audience and making sure that everyone can afford this service. Also misappropriation of funds has added to the ongoing problem.

Internet connectivity: the cost of accessing the internet in Nigeria is still on the high side. Hence, some students find it a challenge to afford. However, the government should make Internet connectivity a priority for higher education to be able to leverage on the promises and opportunities ICTs present.

Generally there is still a lack of awareness amongst the population, especially parents, of the effectiveness of e-learning. Many parents still feel that the traditional learning mode is better. Considering this, most e-learning facilities are functional at most Nigerian universities, but inadequate because of the high population of students in our federal and state universities but most of the private universities have managed to implement e-learning to an adequate level which is commendable with the Nigerian education management. According to the responses, poor power supply.

What Is Branding And Why Is It Important For Your Business?

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September 4, 2019

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Branding, by definition, is a marketing practice in which a company creates a name, symbol or design that is easily identifiable as belonging to the company. This helps to identify a product and distinguish it from other products and services. Branding is important because not only is it what makes a memorable impression on consumers but it allows your customers and clients to know what to expect from your company. It is a way of distinguishing yourself from the competitors and clarifying what it is you offer that makes you the better choice. Your brand is built to be a true representation of who you are as a business, and how you wish to be perceived.

There are many areas that are used to develop a brand including advertising, customer service, promotional merchandise, reputation and logo. All of these elements work together to create one unique and (hopefully) attention-grabbing professional profile.

Why Is Branding Important?

Branding is absolutely critical to a business because of the overall impact it makes on your company. Branding can change how people perceive your brand, it can drive new business and increase brand awareness.

Branding Gets Recognition

The most important reason branding is important to a business is because it is how a company gets recognition and becomes known to the consumers. The logo is the most important element of branding, especially where this factor is concerned, as it is essentially the face of the company. This is why a professional logo design should be powerful and easily memorable, making an impression on a person at first glance. Printed promotional products are a way of getting this across.

Branding Increases Business Value

Branding is important when trying to generate future business, and a strongly established brand can increase a business’ value by giving the company more leverage in the industry. This makes it a more appealing investment opportunity because of its firmly established place in the marketplace.

Branding Generates New Customers

A good brand will have no trouble drumming up referral business. Strong branding generally means there is a positive impression of the company amongst consumers, and they are likely to do business with you because of the familiarity and assumed dependability of using a name they can trust. Once a brand has been well-established, word of mouth will be the company’s best and most effective advertising technique.

Improves Employee Pride And Satisfaction

When an employee works for a strongly branded company and truly stands behind the brand, they will be more satisfied with their job and have a higher degree of pride in the work that they do. Working for a brand that is reputable and help in high regard amongst the public makes working for that company more enjoyable and fulfilling. Having a branded office, which can often help employees feel more satisfied and have a sense of belonging to the company, can be achieved through using promotional merchandise for your desktop.

Creates Trust Within The Marketplace

A professional appearance and well-strategised branding will help the company build trust with consumers, potential clients and customers. People are more likely to do business with a company that has a polished and professional portrayal. Being properly branded gives the impression of being industry experts and makes the public feel as though they can trust your company, the products and services it offers and the way it handles its business.

Branding Supports Advertising

Advertising is another component to branding, and advertising strategies will directly reflect the brand and its desired portrayal. Advertising techniques such as the use of promotional products from trusted companies such as Outstanding Branding make it easy to create a cohesive and appealing advertising strategy that plays well into your branding goals.

Finance and Accounting Executive

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September 3, 2019

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Accounting, Auditing & Finance

Job Summary

We are a leading clean energy company with footprints in the commercial and Industrial market. We are currently in need of a Finance and Accounting Executive that would be responsible for monthly check preparation, general ledger management, bank account reconciliation, financial reporting, budgeting, cash receipts processing, accounts receivable and accounts payable tracking, and monthly accounting cycle closing.

Minimum Qualification: Degree
Experience Level: Mid level
Experience Length: 3 years

Job Description

Primary Responsibilities and Deliverables:
Primary responsibilities of the candidate who will report to the Finance Director include but are not limited to the following:
Coordinating and supervising the accounting of the organization (accounting, treasury, audit procedures, etc.) and in compliance with legal obligations and Protergia standards and protocols in order to provide quality, reliable and transparent information to the organization on the use and allocation of resources in the organization.
Posting receipts and disbursements of all accounts according to financial system
Preparing bank reconciliation statements monthly.
Directly responsible for payroll, billing, receivables, payables, cash receipts, cash disbursements, and general ledger functions. Reconcile bank accounts and prepare related journal entries.
Monitor and follow-up on accounts receivable and accounts payables that have been outstanding for unusually long periods of time.
Produce monthly and annual financial statements and reports including balance sheet, profit/loss statements, and accumulative general ledger using QuickBooks/Excel.
Prepare monthly closing general ledger entries and monitor cash flow.
Manage the budgeting, fiscal planning and accounting systems of the business. Work with the project staff in planning, implementing and monitoring the annual/monthly/weekly budget.
Organize the preparation of all tax filings for the organization and staff and make sure all FIRS and governmental obligations are met.
Oversee all payroll requirements for salaried and hourly employees including benefits such as pension plans and health insurance
Oversee, in conjunction with independent auditor, preparation of annual audit.
Oversee the preparation of checks twice monthly to be signed by the designated representatives
Approve and process requisitions and purchase orders
Create and maintain capital expenditure documentation including fixed assets and oversee periodic asset inventory
Maintaining at all times a high priority to hold individual, material, correspondence, and related Protergia business and information as confidential
Receiving bills and check requests, matching with approved purchase order, obtaining proper authorization, and paying bills as directed
Checking and totaling all invoices when approved; informing responsible persons of their budget expenditures. Filing invoices with purchase orders
Receiving and answering queries concerning financial matters; maintaining file of invoices, correspondence, and reports
Preparing/reviewing the budget for the projects and office
Negotiating maintenance contracts and insurance for vehicles and office equipment.
Serve as a resource person in legal and business matters. Provide financial advisory services.
Basic Qualifications and Required Skills:
Minimum of three (3) years professional/relevant accounting experience (including at least two years of supervisory experience) working in complex and challenging field;
Bachelors’ degree or professional accounting/financial qualification is desired;
Minimum of two years’ financial administration experience essential;
Competent in computers and using financial software (QuickBooks) and Microsoft office tools especially MS Excel essential;
Understanding of budget and cost control management essential;
Excellent written and spoken English essential;
Ability to work under pressure and efficiently handle multiple tasks;
Experience managing teams, ability to work under own initiative or as a part of a team;
Solid understanding of creating financial statements, general ledger coding (double entry), journal entries and bank reconciliations.
Strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to further develop skills as opportunities arise;
Confidentiality and personal discretion concerning information related to the organization and its staff.

Rohr Hands Bordeaux’s Maja Late Invitation For Super Eagles – Ukraine Clash

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September 3, 2019

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Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has invited Bordeaux forward Josh Maja for the international friendly match against Ukraine billed for Dnipro Arena, Kyiv, on September 10, reports Completesports.com.

Maja’s French Ligue 1 outfit, Girondis Bordeaux confirmed the striker’s invitation on their official website on Tuesday.

This is the first time Maja who is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England will be invited to the Super Eagles.

“Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has called up Josh Maja in the squad to face Ukraine on 10 September in a friendly. The young striker (20) will join his team-mate attack in Bordeaux, Samuel Kalu. This is his first call in the national team. Born in London of Nigerian parents, Josh is eligible for both selections [Nigeria or England],” reads the statement on Bordeaux website.

Maja linked up with Bordeuax from Sunderland in January. He also previously had stints with Crystal Palace and Fulham.

The young striker has scored one goal in four league appearances for Bordeaux this season.

Xenophobic Attacks: Five Killed in Gauteng

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September 3, 2019

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According to police spokesman Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, five people have been killed in and around Johannesburg in the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.

Man cleans blood from the sidewalk at the scene where a South African national was shot dead allegedly by a foreign national shop-owner, suspected to be Somali, in Johannesburg on 3 September 2019 after South Africa’s financial capital was hit by a new wave of anti-foreigner violence. The township was scene to a second night of urban rioting in Johannesburg, where hundreds of people marched through the streets on 2 September in an unusually large expression of anti-foreigner sentiment. Such violence breaks out sporadically in South Africa where many nationals blame immigrants for high unemployment, particularly in manual labour. Photo: AFP/Michele Spatar

Early on Tuesday, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) fired rubber bullets as another wave of xenophobic attacks hit Johannesburg.

Five murders; 189 arrests

Col Dlamini explained that criminal gangs had taken advantage of the chaotic situation; and “have been involved in breaking into businesses not only for those of the foreign national shops but businesses in general.” He added:

In addition, 189 people have been arrested following violence in parts of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg Central, Jeppe and Cleveland policing areas

“Police have increased deployments to cover all the areas identified as hot spots of violence that has seen several shops being looted; burned and property being looted. Today the situation has been stabilised in parts of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg Central, Jeppe and Cleveland policing areas. A total of 189 arrests have been effected since Sunday for criminal acts including public violence, malicious damage to property and theft. Five murders have also been reported, two in Corronationville, two in Hillbrow and one near the hostel at Jeppe.”

Here are 7 incredible Ankara styles to take to your tailor

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September 3, 2019

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Ankara is a style that has long held a special place in people’s hearts. From making bold fashion statements to redefining the essence of style, ankara prints have been the go-to for many fashion designers because of its richness and flexibility and of course, vibrant patterns and colours.

Best 5 Latest Information Technology Trends in 2019

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September 2, 2019

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Technologies along with industries and markets have scaled new heights in the year 2018. Whether it was smartphones, data security or artificial intelligence there was considerable advancement and progress in the field of technology. But this is not all as these can be a turning point for bigger things to come.
Although it is difficult to make future predictions, certain indicators in the last year can help to provide a glimpse of what 2019 holds for us. Below we have made top five tech trend predictions that will certainly change the way of the world.

Tech No 1: Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence

In 2019 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have seen considerable advancement by making deep-rooted progress in most sectors. Seeing this trend of data algorithms and data explosion along with easy access to ML tools will all change our lives and also the way we interact with other people and objects. AI will show its presence in new startups and new tech companies from driverless cars to AI chatbots in the present year.

Tech No 2: Internet of Things(IoT) & Blockchain Revolution

2019 will witness an increase in the use of mobile app development services for mobile devices to manage smart gadgets and interconnected devices like smart doors, smart locks and smart cars with your smartphones.
for web app. The data explosion that automatically comes with IoT will make 5G imperative for mobile service providers.
Blockchains that grew in popularity last year will be the center of focal attention in 2018. Though Cryptocurrency is backed by decentralized digital leaders, predictions are that their real value will be visible in other areas besides the growth of digital currency. Moreover, the blockchain influence will expand and transform the Internet of Things with a reduction in the risk of hacking as the data will be stored across a chain of millions of computers.

Tech No 3: Quantum Computing

Although computers have become faster and more efficient progress in the silicon technology sphere has slowed down. The next step according to scientific studies is Quantum computers that will bring about a new wave in computer technology promising a revolution in the world. In comparison to conventional computing methods which depend on brute force and bits to find an answer to problems, Quantum computers use qubits that allows them to find a solution directly without having to beat around the bush with possible negative answers.

Tech No 4: Foldable SmartPhones

While 2018 saw bezel-less displays, 2019 will see a great innovation in mobile devices with foldable smartphones. Such phones with foldable displays will allow designers and scientists to make innovations beyond imagination. Smartphones will become compact and more portable if they are folded. There are already rumors of Samsung launching one such foldable device this year.

Tech No 5: Augmented Reality

ith tech giants like Facebook, Google and Apple embracing Augmented Reality we are all awaiting the first AR apps in the present year. Experts are expecting their efforts to start paying for Augmented Reality finally becoming very big. Everything from smartphones and laptops to gaming consoles and medicine as well as technology like web app development solutions will see augmented reality playing a big pivotal role.
The year 2019 seems a promising year as far as digital transformation is concerned to be it AI, IoT, Blockchain revolution, AR or Quantum Computers. Companies will certainly adopt such innovative technologies to be part of this globally competitive world

Why Is Branding Important?

Branding Gets Recognition

Branding Increases Business Value

Branding Generates New Customers

Improves Employee Pride And Satisfaction

Creates Trust Within The Marketplace

Branding Supports Advertising

Accounting, Auditing & Finance

Job Summary

Five murders; 189 arrests

Tech No 1: Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence

Tech No 2: Internet of Things(IoT) & Blockchain Revolution

Tech No 3: Quantum Computing

Tech No 4: Foldable SmartPhones

Tech No 5: Augmented Reality

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