Ehiz Wins MTV Base VJ Search Nigeria

Ehizojia Okoeguale has emerged winner of the second edition of the MTV Base VJ Search, walking away with a N10m contract with MTV and a brand new KIA Cerato car.

L-R: Kemi, Ehiz and Ada

Ehiz was announced as winner at the live recording of the grand finale held at Club One-Eleven, Victoria Island, Lagos after an exciting grand finale which included judges On-Air-Personality Toolz, star actress Funke Akindele, MTV’s Tim Horwood and R&B singer Banky W.

He will join Sizwe Dhlomo and Nomuzi Mabena on MTV Base’s in-house talent roster, presenting his own chart show on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322, STV & AIT).

There were musical performances from Burna Boy, Ice Prince and Iyanya, after which the three finalists – Ada Ogunkeya, Kemi Owatemi and Ehiz were called on stage.

The second edition of the MTV Base VJ Search has been nothing but exciting since it kicked off with auditions in December 2012. The finale was hosted by MTV Base VJ Search inaugural winner Charity ‘C-Von’ Okpala and her South African counterpart, Nomuzi Mabena.

Don't Skim(p) On Security at the ATM

Image source: blog.hisoftware.com

While electronic transactions are on the rise, many of us still regularly go to the ATM to withdraw cash for smaller transactions like buying airtime for your mobile phone. It’s a routine that many take for granted and that’s what fraudsters prey on.

A former banker was sentenced to six months in prison by a Federal High court presiding in Lokoja, Kogi State, over a N12.3 million ATM, fraud. Also in 2012, the Lagos State Police Command arrested a man for allegedly being in possession of 19 ATM cards. As of the time of his arrest, the suspect had withdrawn N652, 000 from unsuspecting people’s accounts.

Fraudsters will use any opportunity to commit crimes, from basic things like looking over your shoulder to elaborate set ups such as installing a CCTV and skimmer on an ATM machine to steal information about your Visa card. By stealing your card information, it will enable them to potentially create fake credit cards for fraudulent spending – all on your account.

Here are three potentially tricky scenarios that you may face while withdrawing cash at an ATM and how to better protect yourself from fraud.

ATMs in suspicious locations
You are out shopping at a market when you realize that you no longer have any cash and need to withdraw money. You spot an ATM but as you approach it, your instincts start to tingle and you just don’t feel comfortable with your surroundings.

Now, what would you do in this situation?
The right thing to do in this situation is to find another ATM machine that you are comfortable using. Always be aware of your surroundings. If the ATM is poorly lit in a concealed location, or if you’re just not feeling comfortable, use another machine. Also avoid counting cash or rummaging through personal items while standing at the ATM.

Watch for ‘shoulder surfing’

You are at a well-lit ATM in an area that you are comfortable with. There seems to be nothing wrong so you proceed to make your withdrawal. Considering you’ve always had trouble remembering your PIN, you have it written down on the back of your Visa card. You take a quick peek to remind yourself and input the PIN casually. In the meantime, you failed to notice two shady characters lingering a little too close for comfort.

Telkom Finally Embrace Social Media

One of the leading South African telecommunication firms, Telkom has finally unveiled its social media campaign today, giving customers the opportunity to communicate with the company via www.facebook.com/TelkomZa, @TelkomZA on Twitter, and on LinkedIn.

While their biggest rival MWEB has 3,500 followers on Twitter and almost 16,000 ‘likes’ on their Facebook page, Telkom has hit 88 and 29 subscribers on Twitter and Facebook accounts respectively.

In a question posted to Telkom on Twitter on why it has taken so long for the company to launch its social media accounts, the company says: “We wanted to make certain that all the correct systems were in place. We want to listen and respond quickly.”

The company on Twitter has gone on to say, “We do understand that we are late. We know the importance of social media, so we want to make certain that we deliver.”

New CEO in charge of Cameroon’s Set Mobile

Cameroon’s MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) Set’Mobile has appointed a new CEO to run the company’s operations.

Cameroon’s MVNO Set’Mobile has appointed a new CEO to run the company’s operations. (Image: Google/cameroonvoice.com)

The move is being viewed as positive and one that offers the company a strong front person.
Herve Perrin was announced as the new CEO, succeeding Charles Gueret.

Gueret left the CEO post in early September 2012 as he looked at ways of boosting the company’s international presence and handed over the company to CFO Jean-Bosco Massoma on an interim basis.
“Perrin was chosen in December and was in place on January 11,” according to a company statement published by Agence Ecofin.

The mobile operator is owned by Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto and is an MVNO on the Orange Cameroon network.

The company hopes to continue to make inroads into the country and believes it is in a position this year to expand into other African destinations, saying it will focus on West Africa initially, but is also seeking to have a market presence in other regions.

Culled from itnewsafrica.com

Pepsi, Delta Air Lines, Hyundai to Sponsor 55th Grammy Awards

The Recording Academy has announced its official sponsors for this year's 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards.  Delta Air Lines, Dial Global Radio Network, Harman, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hitlab, Hyundai, MasterCard, PEOPLE, Pepsi, and Procter & Gamble (COVERGIRL, Olay and Herbal Essences) are all supporters of this year's GRAMMY Awards and GRAMMY Week events.

Now in its second year as the "official vehicle partner" of the GRAMMY Awards, Hyundai will showcase its innovative vehicles on the red carpet, at the official GRAMMY Celebration after-party, and at GRAMMY week events.

Pepsi returns for a second year as the "official beverage sponsor" of the GRAMMY Awards and will bring a unique and exciting experience to music fans everywhere. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

 "The GRAMMYs continually strive to push the envelope from a marketing standpoint," said Evan Greene, Chief Marketing Officer of The Recording Academy. "We are very fortunate to have so many truly remarkable partners that share our passion for creativity and innovation."

In 2013, Delta flights will again spotlight in-flight GRAMMY programming consisting of a dedicated GRAMMY radio channel featuring GRAMMY winners and nominees from a variety of genres. In March, Delta will also begin featuring the 2013 GRAMMY Nominees album on its flights.
 
Returning for a second year, Procter & Gamble is the "official beauty sponsor," highlighting COVERGIRL, Olay and Herbal Essences. This partnership brings the "glam" to GRAMMY sponsorships with large social, digital and content initiatives. This year, P&G will go "Behind the Beauty" for a peek under the veil at the work and creativity that goes into GRAMMY red-carpet glamour, featuring the journey of GRAMMY artists, insiders and beauty experts.

Diamond Bank, Pan African University Unveil Outstanding Entrepreneurs

Jude Anele, Head Retail Banking Diamond Bank Plc, Mrs. Imasi Yemisi Victoria, CEO Yellow-Point Media; one of the five outstanding entrepreneurs of the Diamond Bank’s‘Building Entrepreneurs Today’ series 2 and Uzoma Dozie, ED, Lagos/West Business Diamond Bank at the unveiling event in Lagos on Wednesday.

Diamond Bank Plc in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan African University (PAU) has unveiled the five outstanding entrepreneurs of the ‘Building Entrepreneurs Today’ (BET) programme, series 2. Each of the entrepreneurs were presented with a grant of N3 million to boost and expand their businesses.

The outstanding entrepreneurs were revealed at a well attended dinner event at the prestigious Terra Culture in Lagos on Wednesday. Present at the event were senior officials of Diamond Bank, top management staff of PAU and all the 50 entrepreneurs who were trained by the EDC for six months among other dignitaries.

The exceptional entrepreneurs are Mr. Yusuf Kolawale, Creative director of the bespoke label ‘KolaKuddus Couture,’ Mrs. Yemisi Imasi Victoria, CEO of Yellow-Point Media; Mrs. Alice Umoh Oluwaseun, founder of Switbud Global Service Limited-a Confectionary Company; Mr. Tope Osuntokun, Super Yarsh Toilet & Sanitary Services is a green social entrepreneur that provides public toilet and bathroom Services and Mr. Okpe Tobenna Charles, an Enugu-based farmer.

Speaking shortly after formally presenting the winners with their cheques, Mr. Jude Anele, Head Retail Banking of Diamond Bank stated that the credit risk of the remaining 10 entrepreneurs have dropped because of the training and would be qualified for loans at four per cent less than the prevailing lending rate from the bank.

The Building Entrepreneurs Today (BET) is a programme organised by the EDC in collaboration with Diamond Bank Plc, to teach budding entrepreneurs various skills for running profitable businesses.

Also Speaking at the event, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, Executive Director, Lagos and West Businesses, Diamond Bank PLC said the business of banking is not just about lending money, but about capacity building of its customers, remarking that Diamond Bank through the BET programme is partnering with existing entrepreneurs to help them grow bigger.

One of the awardees, Mrs. Yemisi Imasi Victoria, a former broadcaster with Channels Television, who is presently the Chief Executive Officer of Yellow-Point Media said, “I’m really grateful to the organisers and sponsors of the programme because they have enhanced my capacity and ability to operate as an entrepreneur not just on the local level but also on the international scene.”
“I went into business about one and a half-year ago and they have really helped me to improve my turnover with this training.”

RIM Receives Approval from Visa for Mobile Payment Solution

Research In Motion has announced that its Secure Element Manager (SEM) solution for NFC (Near Field Communication) mobile payments has been approved by Visa. RIM’s SEM is the backend solution for carriers that can securely manage credentials on SIM (subscriber identity module) cards installed in all types of NFC-capable mobile devices.

“The approval from Visa of RIM’s SEM solution is an important step in that it will enable carriers to support Visa issuing banks and financial institutions,” said Frank Maduri, Senior Director, NFC Services and TSM Product Management at RIM. “We now offer carriers a robust solution with around-the-clock global support that works on any NFC-capable device, and meets the stringent technology and usability guidelines for Visa.”

“RIM’s success in gaining Visa’s formal approval as secure element manager is a crucial step in expanding RIM’s role as a key security partner for mobile payment solutions around the globe,” said Andy Castonguay, Principal Analyst, at Informa Telecoms & Media.

“RIM’s secure network operations center provides a unique combination of global geographic reach, and has established trusted relationships with hundreds of carriers around the world with an unparalleled reputation for security, which sets RIM apart as an SEM partner in the growing mobile payments space”, he added.

PHOTO: Promasidor Staff Thrills National Sales Conference

Vitus Ezinwa,HR Director, Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director and Serge De-Pauw, ICT/PMO; all of Promasidor Nigeria Limited (PNG) at the company's National Sales Conference held in Lagos on Tuesday.

L-R: Chief Keith Richards, MD/CEO, Graham Talbot, Finance Director and Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director, all of Promasidor Nigeria Limited (PNG) at the company's National Sales Conference held in Lagos last Tuesday

Andrew Enahoro, Head, Legal and Public Relations; Chief Keith Richards, MD/CEO; Graham Talbot, Finance Director; Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director and Serge De-Pauw, ICT/PMO; all of Promasidor Nigeria Limited (PNG) at the company's National Sales Conference held in Lagos on Tuesday.

Eskimi sponsors Mobile Money Expo

Leading social media platform in Nigeria Eskimi is actively partnering with the organizers of the Mobile Money Expo to promote mobile financial services to millions of young mobile subscribers in Nigeria. Eskimi will be inviting their members to test mobilemoney innovations at the mobilemoneyexpo that will hold at the Lagos orientals Hotel on 6-7th of February of 2013.

"Mobile money is an important market for us, sinnce Eskimi launched mobile money customer acquisition platform in 2012. The platform has all tools to promote, register customers to mobile money operators data bases. Media tools in Eskimi help educate, research the customer segments mobile money companies are looking at. We also designed special tools to increase usage, as this has been the main challenge of the industry", Vytas Paukstys Eskimi CEO commented on the partnership.

During the 2013 Edition of the MobileMoneyExpo, mobile money operators will share experiences in all domain areas of mobile financial services covering regulation, technology, application, marketing, customer relationships, agency network and other innovative practices that will improve adoption of mobile financial services for shopping, remittances, micro finance, social payments and others.

At the exhibition stands licensed mobile money providers will be showing their platfroms, applications, services and will actively invite everyone to test the platforms and services.

Microsoft’s Window 8 Breaks Language Barrier in Rwanda

Tech giant, Microsoft has announcement that it has made Windows 8 available in Rwanda’s main language, Kinyarwanda. According to a Microsoft statement the application can support any of the languages with language interface – as long as it supports one of 12 application certification languages.

Rwandan authorities believe the availabilty of Microsoft Windows 8 in the country's main language will help develop ICT literacy. The offering was launched in October last year and is said to be available in 109 languages, including 14 new languages. This forms part of an effort by Microsoft to target a global audience.

Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philpert Nsengimana, is quoted as saying that the availability of the product in Kinyarwanda will boost efforts to increase ICT literacy. “It will help us in taking ICT to the common man. ICT has to be owned by every Rwandan and not be seen as a preserve by some,” Minister Nsengimana is reported to have told The New Times.

Wikipedia Owners to unveil a travel site "Wikivoyage"

Wikimedia Foundation, the company that introduced Wikipedia, is set to launch a travel site called Wikivoyage.  According to Skift, the site is to be launched on 15th of January 2013.

In a report by CNET, the goal of Wikivoyage is to provide users with information on travel destinations and recommendations on restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and more. The site's content is filled out with the open source wiki tool that lets users create, update and edit any article on the site.

Wikimedia is a global movement whose mission is to bring free educational content to the world. Through various projects, chapters, and the support structure of the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, Wikimedia strives to bring about a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge.

Samsung To Release Official AFCON 2013 Anthem

Samsung, an official sponsor of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, SOUTH AFRICA 2013, has launched its signature song called ‘Samsung Football Anthem’ for the tournament. Under the theme: ‘Our passion powers Africa’, the company aims to bring the spirit of the game to its consumers. The anthem encourages Africans to stand tall, support their favourite teams, and get involved in the games.

The Samsung Football Anthem, “Our Passion Powers Africa” encourages fans to get involved and share in the spirit of the tournament. The song was produced by Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, a Nigerian Multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter, musician and former CEO of Nigerian record label Mo' Hits Records.

With lyrics in English, it is a song that talks about celebration and joy among all people, breaking down barriers that would hinder peace and unity. The song is a mix of many genres including pop, electro-house, dance, and African, making it very appealing to a wide range of listeners. Through rhythmic Africa sound and cheering voices of football fans, the Samsung Football Anthem will resonate where football fans are gathered to cheer for their national teams.

“Africa, this is your chance to reveal your talent to the world. We want you to be the voice of the continent, so get involved. Music and football are core to what we stand for. As Africa people, this is a
great way to show your pride and passion,” says Don Jazzy.

The song will be played at all Samsung Fan Zones and Samsung sponsored Orange AFCON,SOUTH AFRICA 2013 events. People can download the anthem from Samsung Facebook pages in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. (https://apps.facebook.com/samsung_afcon/)

“Samsung will come again to provide fans with innovative ways to engage more with the game. The anthem will build the Africa people’s spirit throughout the tournament and will lead to more engagement and interaction with African football fans.” says Mr. Yung-Kook Lee, Vice President and Head of Global Sports Marketing at Samsung.

This premier competition will bring together Africa’s most talented football players, and is estimated to attract more than 6.6 billion cumulative TV viewers and 87,072 hours of TV exposure.

Diamond Bank Boosts Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria

In continuation of its support for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, Diamond Bank in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan African University is set to unveil the five successful entrepreneurs for the final phase of the 'Building Entrepreneurs Today' series (BET 2). This is the second edition of the capacity building initiative.

According to Mrs. Ayona Trimnell, Head, Corporate Communications of Diamond Bank, Building Entrepreneurs Today is a programme that teaches budding entrepreneurs various skills for running profitable businesses. The unveiling ceremony will hold at Terra Kouture on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in Lagos.

The BET programme is in three phases. In the first stage, from a host of applicants, fifty entrepreneurs are selected to undergo a thirty day intensive Entrepreneurial Management Training. In phase two, fifteen top entrepreneurs emerged and embarked on a Business Development Support programme. In the just concluded final stage, 5 entrepreneurs will be selected for the Next Level Award where they shall be presented with N3million each as seed money for their business and a nine months Support Service provision by the bank.

 "Diamond Bank has always demonstrated its commitment to help entrepreneurs develop capacity to run profitable businesses. The BET programme has proved to be a very successful means to achieving this. That is why we have once again sponsored resourceful entrepreneurs to learn how to run their businesses successfully. It is our hope that they will make good use of the lessons learnt and run thriving businesses in the not-too-distant future,"
she said.

Trimnell further stated that, "In addition to the BET programme, Diamond Bank boasts of the biggest portfolio of programmes supporting the Micro Small Medium Entrepreneurs (MSME) sector. These include our Diamond BusinessXpress Seminar, where entrepreneurs come to learn new ways of running successful businesses; Diamond BusinessClinic, where they get a one-on-one chance to meet with consultants in various business fields; and the Diamond BusinessXpress Club which affords entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and exchange business ideas."

It will be recalled that the first edition of the BET programme took place in 2010 when Diamond Bank empowered five entrepreneurs with a seed capital of N3 million each after they emerged tops in the business development course at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan African University.

"Our commitment to this initiative in particular, and support for MSMEs in general, is predicated on the fact that indigenous business will stimulate growth in the nation's economy," concludes Trimnell.

Rwanda SIM Card Registration to Kick Off in February

Joining other African countries in a nationwide SIM-card registration, Rwanda is set to commence the process from February 4 to July 31, 201.

In line with East African Communication Organisation (EACO), a regional body formed that comprises of communication regulators, ICT providers, telecom operators and postal service providers in East African Community to monitor the sector - to have all SIM-cards in their respective territories registered, the country is targeting over 5 million subscribers when the registration begins.

In a statement by Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA), the move is aimed at curbing the rising cases of kidnappings, mobile fraud, terrorism and drug trafficking. It is reported that MTN Rwanda, Tigo and Airtel, the three telecom operators in the country, will have to register over 28,000 subscribers on a daily basis, considering the registration will last for only 180 days.

According to the Communications Commission of Kenya’s preliminary figures, more than 80 percent of all lines had been registered by December 28, 2012. Safaricom led the pack with 85.2 percent registration or 16.7 million of its 19.6 million customers followed by Airtel, which had a registration rate of 82.55 percent, or 3.88 million subscribers. Yu registered 2.1 million lines or 65 percent while Orange registered 61 percent, or two million customers.

In Uganda, the communications regulator has set March 1, 2013, as the new deadline for mobile users to register their sim cards and July 1 for the switch off of counterfeit phones while Tanzania also plans to rid the country of counterfeit phones.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority says it is planning to run a campaign in 2013 to educate the public on the need to have genuine phones, before disconnecting users.

Emirates and ATP Announce Global Partnership

In a bid to extend its presence in sports marketplace, Emirates has agreed a new global partnership with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the top global professional men’s tennis tour.

In a five-year deal, Emirates becomes an Official Platinum Partner of the ATP World Tour, as well as the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, through 2017. Benefiting from global promotional rights together with an on-site presence at tournaments throughout the season, the partnership will enable Emirates to engage with viewers across a number of different mainstream and digital platforms.

With a heavy focus on activation around the ATP Rankings, Emirates will also become the presenting sponsor of the ATP World Tour No. 1 trophy ceremonies and the ATP Newcomer of the Year award, presented annually at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

In addition to global marketing campaign, the Airline will be integrated into programming on ATPWorldTour.com and ATP World Tour Uncovered presented by Rio, the Tour’s weekly magazine-style television show broadcast in more than 150 countries worldwide.

Diamond Bank Pledges To Continue To Support Capacity Building In Nigerian Youths

Diamond Bank Plc, a leading commercial bank in the country, has reiterated its resolve to encourage productivity amongst Nigerian youths through sponsorship of capacity building, learning and extra-curricular activities.

Speaking at a Diamond Bank sponsored youth development seminar, which was part of the 2012 Calabar Festival, Mrs. Ayona Trimnell, Head of Corporate Communications, said that  the Bank’s decision to sponsor the programme was informed by the bank’s commitment to capacity development especially amongst the young Nigerians.

"Diamond Bank will continue to support initiatives that promote productivity amongst youths in Nigeria through educational and extra-curricular activities.Our underlying objective is the need to engage youths positively to reduce delinquency and involvement in societal ills. This has seen us make huge investments in various youth-empowerment programmes.”

The Diamond Bank sponsored Youth Development Programme was designed for youth between the ages of 16 and 25 years and with the aim of increasing their capacity towards personal and career development.The event commenced on December 3 and closed with a graduation ceremony on December 22, 2012 at Old Residency Muson, Calabar.

 About 100 youths participated in the programme and were awarded certificates of participation.

Diamond Bank’s sponsorship of the programme comes to join a number of similar sponsorships aimed at helping Nigerian youths develop adequate capacity for leading successful lives. These include the donation of brand new Toyota Coaster buses to various universities nationwide, the sponsorship of the Vision of The Child Painting Competition of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, the donation of the Eduportal educational platform to Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna amongst others