Holiday Special: Smile serenades customers with double data offer

Cyriacus Nnaji:

The tempo of activities which is usually very high in the numerous outlets of premier 4G LTE Broadband service provider, Smile Nigeria is bound to increase in the next few days.  

This is because the company will be introducing a Double Data Offer which is bound to be as unique as it will be rewarding.  The Double Data Offer will be available to all existing Smile subscribers for four days commencing from Saturday December 23^rd to end on Tuesday December 26th 2017.

A statement by the company’s Head of Brands and Communication, Lotanna Anajemba, disclosed that the quest to further delight its burgeoning customers across the country informed the introduction of the Double Data Offer.  With the Offer, customers will enjoy   100% Bonus on every recharge within the four day duration of the Offer with a validity period of 14days. He explained that there are more intrinsic benefits in the Double Data Offer and that all that is required is for the customer to recharge via the smile website, various third party payment options or visit any Smile outlet for further assistance.

Delighted by the development, a cross section of Smile customers has indicated interest to be part of the Double Data Offer.  Seun Akingbola, an Ikeja based Business Executive, is among the numerous Smile subscribers eagerly waiting for the commencement of the four days bonanza. He confirmed being on the Smile Network for over four years and applauded the company for “lot of new ideas and new ways to deliver what customers really need, Super-Fast internet that you can manage and use to improve your business or your experiences at home”.  For Nnamdi Ijere, a youth corps member living in Surulere Lagos, the forth coming Double Data Offer is bound to be as beneficial to customers as the earlier offers from Smile.  To him, “it is thumbs up for Smile for always thinking right”.

Smile launched West Africa’s true 4G LTE network in Ibadan in 2013 thereby revolutionizing the way people access the Internet. Industry Watchers have applauded Smile for bringing fast and reliable Internet service to Nigerians, from the very first day it launched its services in Ibadan and subsequently in Lagos extending same to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Kaduna, Asaba and Onitsha, especially as it has remained consistent in the unrivalled quality of its service delivery ever since.  The company was also the first operator in West Africa to offer its customers Voice over LTE services and give them access to the growing global standard for voice and video calling.

Madman caught with N100m cheque, ATMs Condoms

Cyriacus Nnaji:

A middle-aged man who pretended to be mentally ill has been apprehended in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The man, whose name could not be established, as of the time of filing this report, was apprehended near the state Ministry of Environment and Forestry along the Ahmadu Bello Way in Ilorin.

Sources said when he was searched, a cheque of N100m, pictures he allegedly took with top politicians in Nigeria, four automated teller machine cards, male and female condoms, Valium injections and Infinix Hot 5 phone were found on him.

The sources said the man, who would have been lynched by a mob, was rescued by another man dressed in a native attire.

An eye-witness who pleaded anonymity, said she got there when people caught the fake madman.  She said she witnessed how the man was searched.

According to her, she ran away when it seemed the mob might lynch the suspect.

The picture of the man and a brief description of what transpired when he was apprehended quickly spread through the social media.

But the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, said he could not confirm the discovery of the fake madman, adding that all he saw was a picture of the purported man circulating on the social media. Courtesy The Punch

   

Techtiary Forum: Extraclass.ng wins N1m Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi Prize

Cyriacus Nnaji:

Extraclass.ng, recently won the star prize of N1 million dubbed Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi Prize at the Techtiary Forum 2017.

The Forum was organised by Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise, which connects youths with ICT-enabled opportunities.

The Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN) Gbenga Sesan, while presenting the N1 million cheque (mock) to the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Extraclass.ng, Onyinyechi Nmecha, commended the innovative platform and advised the team to work more assiduously in order to make good use presented by the prize money.

Sesan believes that a big part of the price money would go into building capacity of extraclass.ng to do more in the market place.

Techtiary Forum 2017 which was a two-day programme with the theme, “Geek Entrepreneur – Beyond Coding” was held on November 28 and 29 in Yaba, Lagos.

Nmecha expressed her happiness after coming on top pitching along other 30 founders, developers, teams and Co-Founders.

In an exclusive interview with Newworld newsng, Sesan said “Techtiary Forum is an Annual event that we have for our students in tertiary institutions, hence the name tertiary and Tech. The idea is basically to work with students in tertiary institutions, so they don’t spend their time just to passing courses and getting certificates and then looking for jobs.

“The idea of tertiary is that we go through a multi-years programme where in year one students start what they would do when they graduate. They pick up relevant skills such that when they are doing their final year it is not one copy and pest thing they are doing, but a business idea or a project or something they can deploy.

On those that are qualified for Techtiary Forum, Sesan answered that it is meant for any student in Nigeria who is interested in the forum, adding that the focus is technology and that the students can come from any discipline as long as they are passionate and committed to the process.

On the choice of the panelists, he said “The choice of the panelists are based on their practical experiences, to talk to the students on how do you find money and how you do not focus on money, but by providing solutions, and then you can be rewarded with finance and other things. That is why we brought people who have succeeded, somebody who can tell them why I shut those companies, or why I open this company, practical experience.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Lucy.ng, an online superstore, Olaleye Lawoyi Lucas, who was one of the panelists said “We actually make it easy for individuals and corporate organisations to buy items for seasons, occasions and events.

He said his business has been on for 3 years and have sold about 250, 000 products worth over N80million since inception ago.

OLX, FRSC educate road users on safe driving

Cyriacus Nnaji:

OLX.com.ng the leading online classifieds site has partnered with Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to share safety tips with road users this festive season.

The press release made available to Newworldnewsng, said this is to ensure that Nigerians have a stress-free travel during the yuletide season.

Hygenius Omejei, Sector Commander of FRSC advised that motorist should ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. He said they should take their cars to the mechanic for a thorough inspection to run a detailed diagnostic check which should include the tyres to ensure the car is capable of taking the long journey ahead.

Omejei also stressed on what he called Defensive Driving adding that “motorists should be extremely careful and alert whilst driving to avoid possible collisions caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, and poor weather (harmattan fog). It is important that you don’t make assumptions about the other drivers’ intentions.”

On over speed he said motorists should keep to the recommended speed limit on the express road and highways. “The speed limit for private cars on the express road is 100km/hr and 80km/hr on the highway. The speed limit should be strictly adhered to because over-speeding is the number one cause of deadly accidents for road users.”

He spoke further, “Fatigue Drowsy driving is suspected to be the primary cause in more than 20% of road fatalities. Drivers are advised to have someone else in the car who can take over the wheels when feeling drowsy or park in a safe place (like an eatery or petrol station) to get some rest.

“Avoid the use of Alcohol, any form of alcohol is forbidden while driving as it can impair one’s judgement on the road. Also avoid Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating, drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system anything that takes your attention away from the task of driving.

“Texting is the most dangerous distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.

“Ensure your Car Documents are up to date Federal Road Safety Officials perform routine checks on the highways to ensure road users drive safely.

Road users should ensure that their documents are all updated. These are the documents and items FRSC officials are authorized to check.

Valid Driver’s License Valid Vehicle License, Car Insurance and Roadworthiness certificate Spare Tyre, Fire Extinguisher, Caution Sign and Wheel Spanner

However, if you feel harassed by the Road Safety Official, call The Road Safety toll free line 122 or send an email to info@frsc.gov.ng

Osina Community is created for greatness, says Ide Ernest Eze

 Cyriacus Nnaji

Ide Orabugwueze Ernest Eze (Mayor), the Chairman of Osina Town Development Union (OTDU) Lagos Branch was unapologetic when he said that the community is created for greatness. He made this revelation at the town’s end of year party which took place at FESTAC Town, Lagos on December 10. CYRIACUS NNAJI reports.

The celebration to end the year by Osina community in Lagos State was indicative of the great importance attached to brotherly relationship reminding the people that they are a group from one family. Members of the town turned up in huge numbers to celebrate together, speak the same dialect and make merry.

In that same spirit various families, on arrival at the venue, went round and exchanged pleasantries marked by introductions, many seeing one another for the first time in many years even though they live in the same city called Lagos. This particular exercise was one of the major reasons for the end of year party gathering.

Children were made to answer questions in Igbo language and in the end they all went home with educational materials donated by Unity Bond, a company run by the Chairman.

Chief Ernest Eze in his opening remarks stated “Let’s give thanks to God who made it possible for you and I to see the end of 2017. We should also bear in mind that not everyone that started this year, from January were opportune to witness this event as we are all doing now, so may all the glory, honour and majesty be unto his precious name Amen.”

Eze who is also a Knight of St Mulumba thanked those who made the party possible “I am giving thanks to sponsors of this year’s party, my prayer for them is God Almighty will replenish their pockets a hundred fold in Jesus Name.

“Part of our achievement this year include our ability to organize a joint meeting with our women which was combined with seminar and free medical tests. Besides, our nominal rolls have increased since last year and we shall continue in that light

“I want to use this opportunity to thank members of the executive both men and women for their steadfastness and cooperation towards the progress of OTDU. Let me conclude by saying that Osina belongs to all of us and shall join hand in uplifting her to enviable height.

“Osina Community is created for greatness, peace and splendor and with unity and peace we shall move mountain.

“The end of year party is specifically designed to bring our children and wives together. It is meant for the entire Osina families to gather, fraternize and make merry and also to promote our cultural heritage. It is designed to uphold our dialect so that our mother tongue would not die. We shall continue to gather like this by the grace of the Almighty father.

“Let me also use this medium to wish everyone Happy Christmas in advance and for those travelling, I wish you all journey mecies. 

Chief Mike Omeihe, Oputaobie 1 of Osina while addressing the community said the youth must be humble to realize their dreams. “You must be humble to realize your dreams, you must love your fellow human being, be good to your neighbor. As a businessman you must be honest, do not dupe people; when you do business in the proper way you enjoy the gains, you must strive to maintain the good name of Osina community.”

Omeihe spoke further, “You must love your neighbor; your neighbor is your brother and your sister.”

He reiterated that Osina is great and well blessed and challenged the chairman and his executive to give Osina Community in Lagos a befitting town hall. He gave instances of smaller towns in Lagos that have their own town halls in Lagos and ended that Osina can surmount any challenge if they cooperate. He said two or three people can purchase the hall on behalf of the town, so that the town can pay them back gradually. He said with good strategic plan a permanent venue is feasible in two to four years..

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chiamaka Chikwesiri, Urudinanwa 1 of Osina in welcoming the people said “First, I thank God for the life he gave to us, His protection and guidance from January till today, it is not easy. We have to thank him because when we thank Him for what he has done He would do another one.” He urged the community to be united so as to achieve great things.

Security operatives launch fresh manhunt for ringleaders of 2016 Biafra uprising

 Success Damian:

Henry Nnabuihe, one of the suspected masterminds of the Pro-Biafran uprising
Security operatives in the country have widened their search for ringleaders of the May 2016 Biafra uprising in which many lives were lost and scores injured.
 

According to a dependable security source, over a dozen people believed to have planned the pro-separatist events of May 29 and May 30, 2016 now have fresh warrants of arrest in their names.

Although our source did not readily give us the names of the suspects, it however filtered from our findings that a certain Henry Nnabuihe and one Elvis Ebere might have planned the uprisings in a local church.

The duo are said to have grown up in Npkor, a locality in Anambra State, although parallel information suggests that they may actually hail from Uburuekwe village.

We recall that on May 29, 2016, police acted on a tipoff that Biafra Separatists were planning to commemorate their independence declared on May 30, 1967. The activists are said to have gathered at the St. Edmund Catholic Church house in Npkor, where they finalised the programme for the uprising. Security forces are said to have acted in self-defense, although many activists died from bullet wounds and teargas stuffing.

Despite the bloody events of that Sunday, some daredevil separatists stormed the streets on Monday, May 30, 2016 for "Independence Day" festivities. They unfortunately were met with the firm fist of the law, with police that had claimed to be monitoring the protests opening fire.

Official information said ten people were killed during the May 30, 2016 protests marking the anniversary of the country's civil war. Rights campaigners were quick to rubbish the police report, saying the death toll was much higher.

Activists seeking a separate state for the Igbo people in the southeast were commemorating the 49th anniversary of the declaration of an independent Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967.

Human rights groups have condemned the use of excessive force on unarmed Biafra activists, especially following news that live rounds were fired by officers in local hospitals where the injured sought treatment.

Police said officers opened fire on Monday because members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) shot at security forces deployed to monitor the rallies - a claim denied by the group.

"We had to deploy our officers to ensure that the protest was peaceful but we were surprised that the people turned violent," Delta police spokesman Charles Muka said days after the killings.

The police spokesman also said "five corpses were recovered" in Onitsha, while in the capital of neighbouring Delta state, Asaba, the police said five protesters were killed.

There was also violence in the capitals of Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Rivers state, he added.

But IPOB spokesman Anayo Chukwu-Okpara denied that the group's members had attacked police, and said at least 35 members of the group were killed in the commercial hub of Onitsha in Anambra state.

It is not known why the Police is bent on arresting those it claims planned the 2016 protests that turned violent. Officials said to be working on the case have maintained sealed lips.

NBC unable to shut down illegal Biafran radio

Charity Nnaji:

Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, has stated that Biafra Television, is transmitting illegally on Nigeria airwaves.

According to CommunicationWeek, the TV station is purportedly owned by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kawu also said the Boko Haram insurgent group had commenced radio transmission via a station located between Nigerian and Cameroonian borders.

He said that while security agencies have been able to stop the Boko Haram-owned station from transmission, Biafra Television is yet to be blocked.

Kawu said this is as a result of the international transmission system with which the station is using.

He warned against revolutionary transmission, saying such unlawful act could threaten the Nigeria’s unity.

“Last week, I was in the office of the inspector-general of police and they had a TV screen and what was being broadcast was on Biafra Television; they were saying some of the most outlandish things, showing videos from the 1960s and abusing everyone,” he said.

“Now, this is happening and they were asking us (NBC) because our duty is to monitor and regulate such but the television is coming from outside of Nigeria.

“Our engineers have been making contacts with the international satellite organisation that does broadcast to Africa about the fact that you cannot allow subversive broadcast into Nigeria from other parts of the world.

“The Biafra Television in the south-east, we have been tracking the station. The broadcast is coming from outside Nigeria. We have been asking questions from international satellite test systems where they are coming from. That is how it is for now.

“Last June, Boko Haram was starting a new radio station, I think on 91 .00 megahertz on the FM band from the border between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon and so it was our duty to inform security organisations what was happening so they could take it up and which they did eventually.”