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We have exciting news to share with you! Are you ready for it? Brace yourselves because the TECNO SPARK 10 Festival is happening today, April 22nd, 2023! Yes, you read that right! The festival promises to be a blast, and if you need more information, we’ve got you covered. We’ll give you all the juicy details you need to know!
To say this event is a must-attend for anyone who loves to have fun with friends and enjoy thrilling activities is only stating the obvious. This is because, first hand, you’ll have the chance to capture amazing pictures with the newly released SPARK 10 series, which boasts a 50MP rear camera and a clear selfie camera that enables you to glow as you are. You can also explore your creativity by participating in the Colour Me Area.
Are you a digital creator? Then you’re in luck! The festival will showcase many digital innovations allowing you to unleash your creativity. And that’s not all; many fabulous prizes will be won.
Of course, every festival is complete with music, and the TECNO Spark Fest will satisfy you. Get ready to groove to the trendy tunes and beats of some of Nigeria’s top music acts, such as TECNO’s Spark brand ambassador Fire Boy DML, Ice Prince Zamani, and Peruzzi.
This is a FREE event but register here for a chance to win big and experience the ultimate TECNO SPARK Fest. Don’t miss this unforgettable festival, packed with exciting activities and prizes. Follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.
Are you and your squad itching for some adrenaline-pumping adventure that’ll have you buzzing for days? All roads lead to The TECNO SPARK 10 Festival at the Ikeja City Mall! Get ready for an explosion of fun and excitement that’ll leave you breathless and begging for more!
Here are five reasons why you should register and attend the festival:
The Epic Fireboy DML Performance
Are you a big fan of the hit tracks “Jealous” and “Vibration”? Well, you’re in luck because Fireboy DML will be closing out the SPARK 10 festival with an outstanding performance, and you can be right there to witness it!
Digital Art Work Exhibition
The digital artwork exhibition at the venue will allow digital asset enthusiasts to experience unique and dynamic works from different digital creators.
Colour Me Area
There will be a “Colour Me” area at the festival, where everyone can enjoy their favourite drinks and express their creativity by painting on the Color wall. It’s a fun opportunity for attendees to show and explore their artistic side while having a good time.
Free Admission
Yes, you read that right! Attending the festival is entirely free! All you have to do is register here and show up.
Stop by the YOUTUBE and MTN booths for those Instagram-popping images.
Take advantage of the chance to experience a festival like no other. For more details and updates, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Lagos, Nigeria, April 18, 2023. Trendupp – Africa’s first reward-based platform where creatives receive support and build direct relationships with their fans has announced the third edition of her award initiative – The Trendupp Awards. Annually, The award seeks to celebrate the creativity and audacity of Nigerian content creators and influencers through the excellent use of social media. Now in its third edition, Trendupp Awards has over the years recognized and awarded almost Two Hundred (200) content creators, influencers and brands across different niches and social media platforms for their creative work.
Retaining the theme ‘The Force of Influence’, this third edition will beam the spotlight on the creators who brighten lives through hearty comedies, the educators who shape audiences through valuable knowledge and insights, feisty creators who defy the odds to use social media for activism and public good, as well innovative brands that leverage impactful partnerships with these influencers
Speaking at the announcement of the third edition, Tiwalola Olanubi Jnr (Founder/CEO, Trendupp Africa) said “We are thrilled to kick off activities for the third edition of Trendupp Awards, which is now widely acclaimed as the platform for recognising and celebrating Nigeria’s audacious digital talents. In the last two years, the awards have been a catalyst in their own way to the growth of the creator economy in Nigeria, inspiring young creators like Ikorodu Bois, Kie Kie, Fisayo Fosudo etc, and driving innovation in the industry. We are excited to build on that success this year and continue to showcase the incredible talent and impact of Nigeria’s social media community.”
Starting today April 18th, 2023 Nominations are officially open to the general public to nominate their favourite content creators, influencers, and brands across the following categories; Force of Tik-Tok, Force of Lifestyle Content, Force of Creative Arts, Force of Instagram, Force of Twitter, Force of Virality, Force of Online Sensation, Force of Food Content, Force of Comedy Skits, Force of YouTube, Force of Tech Content, Force of Wellness, Force of Social Good, Force of Collaboration, Emerging Force and the most coveted award of the night – the Force of Influence.
Further details on the award can be curled from all Trendupp’s social media platforms @thisistrendupp & website www.trenduppawards.com.
Trendupp Africa is a subsidiary of DottsMediaHouse – The media company for leading brands across Africa – known as a leading force in the influencer marketing space in Nigeria.
Are you ready to dance the night away and create unforgettable memories with TECNO and Fireboy DML?
Fireboy DML, whose music has captured the hearts of millions of people across the globe, will be performing LIVE at the TECNO Spark Festival along with some of the industry’s most exciting and talented artists.
TECNO has brought its customers excellent devices, enabling them to become the best versions of themselves over time. And as it is their custom, they will STOP AT NOTHING to bring the best consistently for all their customers. Thus, the SPARK Festival celebrates art, innovation, and technology, all brought together under one roof. So whether you’re a die-hard TECNO fan or just someone who loves great music and good vibes, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.
The TECNO SPARK 10 is excellent for gaming, music, and streaming, with a large display, powerful speakers, and a top-notch camera. The TECNO SPARK Festival showcases innovation, and the SPARK 10 device displays TECNO’s commitment to providing the best customer experiences. Get your friends and family together and get ready to experience the electrifying TECNO SPARK Festival.
Attending this classic event is FREE for everyone, but you must register here to be admitted. Remember, this iconic festival will hold on Saturday, April 22, at the Ikeja City Mall by 4 p.m.
What are you waiting for? Start registering and be prepared to attend.
Hello Hot Babes, it’s quarter to time for you to come out and party with other hot women at Hertitude. Hertitude is back, and this time, we’ve taken your feedback from last year and made it hotter.
For the babes here for the first time, let us tell you about the hottest party of the year for women, Hertitude.
What’s Hertitude?
You already know that at Zikoko, we carry women’s agenda on top our heads. Aside from our category dedicated to women, and the many stories we write about women, we’ve added a party to celebrate women.
Who’s invited?
Every woman in Lagos. We have an activity for all types of knees: cracking or bending. We have activities for those who want to sit down, meet new people, show they’re gym baddies, etc etc.
When is it happening?
On the last Saturday in May: the 27th of May 2023, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. There’s space to sit down when you’re tired, so you can go again. Block your calendars now.
What to expect?
We’ve lined up exciting free and paid experiences for you. Board games, field games, a fashion show, karaoke, Who’s That Girl aka Speed Friendship, DJ performances and artist performances are open to everyone.
Sip and paint, pottery class, and candlemaking class can be paid for here. Spa sessions and tattoo sessions are available at the event.
What to wear?
That fit you’ve been saving for the best turnup? Wear it. We want to see the hottest, wildest outfits. We’re setting up a red carpet for this single reason.
What to bring?
Yourself, your wallet, another hot babe, your energy. Trust us to set up the rest.
“I got to experience the HOT 30 Play, and I can say for a fact, Infinix has raised the bar in mobile gaming with the release of its newest HOT Series,” those were the words of Biodun Oke, a 300 level Computer science student at the launch of the HOT 30 and HOT 30 play smartphones on Thursday, April 13th 2023 in University of Lagos, Unilag.
The smartphone brand, Infinix, known for its exceptional product launches, did things differently this time by partnering with Google, Pepsi, Glo, Palmpay, Supa Komando, and Munch it to take the HOT Series to the core of its fan base- university students. It is worth noting that the HOT 30 series was created with the youth in mind, particularly students and young professionals who need affordable smartphones that still meet most of their tech, gaming, and entertainment needs.
The launch, which doubled as the beginning of Infinix Campus Storm X 6.0, had in attendance celebrities like reality TV star Neo, DJ Tgarbs, Do2dtun, Ryonne, Etc. The students who enjoyed performances from Bella Shmurda, Mohbad, Toby Shang, and Khaid also experienced the smartphone’s gaming capabilities, camera features and sleekness.
One of the most outstanding features of the HOT 30 Play is its battery. With a 6000mAh long-lasting battery, users gaming and entertainment needs are solved. The device also features 18W fast charging, allowing you to recharge your battery in no time. With this feature, you can return to your game in minutes, ensuring you never miss out on anything.
With up to 16GB RAM, including 8GB extended RAM, the device ensures a seamless gaming experience, allowing users to enjoy their favorite games without any lag. It also ensures that the device runs smoothly even when multiple apps are running simultaneously. The HOT 30 play smartphone also boasts NFC, 8.6mm slim & light design and a 90Hz 1080P 6.82” Cinema-Quality Display, the brightest FHD gaming screen in its class, making it ideal for gamers who enjoy playing games with high-quality graphics.
The smartphone is powered by the formidable MediaTek Helio G37 gaming chip, featuring an octa-core architecture with blazing Arm Cortex-A53 CPUs that clock up to a staggering 2.3GHz.
In addition to the impressive features of the HOT 30 series, Infinix partnered with Free Fire, one of the most popular battle royale games globally, to consolidate the definition of the HOT series, “Strong performance+Long-lasting Fun.” This partnership highlights the HOT 30 series’ immersive gaming experience capabilities, making it the perfect device for gaming enthusiasts. The Co-branded HOT 30 has also undergone exclusive customization, including wallpapers, icon widgets and sound effects to enhance user experience.
Infinix is not done yet, as they’ve partnered with Google, Pepsi, Glo, Palmpay, and other brand partners to bring the StormX train to other universities: University of Abuja, University of Ibadan, and University of Port Harcourt, to engage fans and customers
.
With the HOT 30 series launch, Infinix has shown it will continue to cater to the needs of today’s youth, who demand top-of-the-line gaming experiences without breaking the bank. For more details about the HOT 30 series, follow @infinixnigeria on Instagram, Facebookand Twitter.
TECNO never stops surprising its fans with exciting events and collaborations! On Tuesday, April 11th, customers were in for a treat as they enjoyed fantastic discounts, giveaways, and thrilling activities at the TECNO flagship store in Ikeja City Mall. This store boasts a vast selection of TECNO products, making it an excellent opportunity for customers to get their hands on their affordable TECNO devices.
The day seemed ordinary until the news broke that the famous Limpopo crooner, KCee, and his brother E-Money would appear at the store! Customers who purchased the new TECNO PHANTOM V Fold were in for a surprise – they received a gift and N50,000 cashback! But the excitement didn’t end there! There was a sip-and-paint section where customers could show off their artistic abilities.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, and it was an absolute delight for TECNO customers and fans. The sensational duo brothers E-Money and KCee made a grand entrance at the Ikeja City Mall, and the atmosphere was electrifying! The captivating sound of traditional Igbo tunes and dances accompanied the arrival of E-Money in his Rolls Royce Phantom. Traditional masquerades added even more colour and glamour to the already impressive event. Customers who bought the new PHANTOM V Fold were gifted by the one and only E-Money himself, making it a memorable experience for all.
If you missed meeting E-Money and KCee, don’t worry! You will want to experience the extraordinary fold experience of the new PHANTOM V Fold. Head to any authorised TECNO store and purchase the new device to receive a new MTN 5G Reuter with 100GB data upon activation, a 13-month warranty, and more for FREE.
Get your hands on this incredible device today! Follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.
President Emmanuel Macron joins the growing list of leaders participating in Global Citizen NOW to drive decisive action on the most urgent issues facing our world.
Join the conversation and have your voice heard by downloading the Global Citizen app or visiting globalcitizen.org/now23
New York, April 4, 2023
The world’s leading international advocacy organization Global Citizen today announced details of the second annual Global Citizen NOW summit, setting a global agenda for action on the most urgent issues facing humanity and the planet. Taking place in New York City on April 27 and 28, Global Citizen NOW will convene government leaders, private sector executives, grassroots activists, cultural innovators, philanthropic experts, and leading journalists for a dynamic two-day event.
Every Global Citizen NOW session will feature definitive next steps for participants, attendees, and global citizens to take immediate action on urgent issues including climate change, the global food crisis, gender inequality, protecting activists, and more. The program will feature major announcements on policy initiatives, intimate conversations with renowned artists, as well as corporate and world leaders. Various sessions will be livestreamed on Instagram and LinkedIn.
For the first time this year, global citizens around the world can contribute perspectives and questions for potential inclusion in Global Citizen NOW programming by downloading the Global Citizen app, visiting globalcitizen.org/message, or texting via WhatsApp on +27 63 534 5148.
Taking place at The Glasshouse in New York City, Global Citizen NOW is supported by Global Partners Accenture, Cisco, Citi, Delta Air Lines, Harith General Partners, P&G and Verizon, and Associate Partners Authentic Brands Group and Impossible Foods.
“The last few years have had a disproportionately harsh impact on the world’s poor. To redirect that trajectory we need to convene political, business, and cultural leaders and take action together,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO, Global Citizen. “Every session at Global Citizen NOW will drive impact with practical actions everyone can take. World leaders will hear from young climate activists, corporations will make new policy commitments, we’ll announce new ways everyone can take action in their daily lives, and we’ll launch our new campaign to mobilize billions to address the interconnected issues holding people in extreme poverty.”
“Multilateral action needs a reboot and we need to make sure the global financial system is fit for purpose: the fight against extreme poverty and against climate change. Global Citizen NOW is an important opportunity to advance the debate and will help pave the way to a New Global Financing Pact to be agreed in Paris in June,” said Emmanuel Macron, President of France.
“To fight climate change, end hunger and empower girls and women, the world needs our leadership; we all have the duty to act NOW,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
“The world is at a critical crossroads, and it is imperative that we act NOW to save our planet, address the climate crisis, ease the burdens crushing economies, and alleviate the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable people,” said Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. “I am thrilled to be part of Global Citizen NOW, which is assembling global change-makers, listening to young people and grassroots activists, and driving an agenda of urgent action the world desperately needs.”
“Global Citizen NOW is an important opportunity for the voices of young people and global citizens everywhere to be heard by those in power, and for all of us, together, to find solutions that will shape our world for future generations,” said Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador.
Showcasing the power of cross-sector participation to make progress on the systemic challenges our world is facing, Global Citizen NOW is convening the brightest minds, global decision makers, and the biggest names in pop culture with a diverse program of sessions and speakers, including:
● Power Our Planet
Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Vanessa Nakate, Ugandan Climate Justice Activist, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Author of ‘A Bigger Picture’; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation
● How Ideas Become Impact
Sabrina Elba, United Nations IFAD Goodwill Ambassador; Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador; Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen
● New York Attorney General Letitia James in conversation with two time Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Author Tamron Hall
● The “Good Life”
Portia Blunt, Vice President, Global Apparel, Reebok; Ebro Darden, Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Apple Music, and Host, HOT 97; Nicole LaPointe Jameson, CEO, Evil Geniuses; Jordan Fisher, Producer, Actor, Gamer; Gary Vaynerchuk, Chairman, VaynerX, and CEO, VaynerMedia
Further programming details to be announced over the coming weeks.
Other participants include: Anjula Acharia, Founder & CEO, A-Series Management; Nat Kwabena Adisi (Bola Ray), CEO, EIB Network Ltd. and Chairman, Empire Group; Maggie Baird, Founder and President, Support + Feed; Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates; Helder Barbalho, Governor of the Amazonic State of Pará, Brazil; David Droga, CEO, Accenture Song; Pamela Fletcher, Chief Sustainability Officer, Delta Air Lines; Dorothy Fortenberry, Executive Producer, “Extrapolations”; Michael Gandolfini; Phoebe Gates, Women’s Health & Reproductive Rights Activist; C.D. Glin, President, PepsiCo Foundation; Dr. Patrick Gruber, CEO, Gevo; Prabal Gurung, Creative Director and Fashion Designer; Katie Holmes; Daniel Humm, Chef and Owner, Eleven Madison Park and Eleven Madison Home; Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco; Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development; Stefan Löfven, Former Prime Minister of Sweden; Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman, Harith General Partners; Mark Malloch-Brown, President, Open Society Foundations; Chris Martin, International Global Citizen Festival Curator; Peter McGuinness, President & CEO, Impossible Foods; Catherine McKenna, Chair of the UN High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero; Bridget Moynahan, Global Citizen Ambassador; Antonio Nuño, CEO, Someone Somewhere; Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, P&G; Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon; Amanda Seales, Comedian and Social Justice Advocate; Alok Sharma, COP26 President and Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom; Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director, Education Cannot Wait; Edward Skyler, Executive Vice President, Citi; Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway; Abena Soreno, Founder, GOALSFORFLOW; Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation; Caroline Wanga, President & CEO, Essence Ventures; and Elizabeth Wathuti, Kenyan Climate Activist and Founder, Green Generation Initiative.
The pinnacle of the summit will be the annual Global Citizen Prize 2023 award ceremony on Thursday evening, honoring four trailblazing activists profoundly impacting their local communities in the areas of climate change, civic space, sexual health and reproductive health, and food security, as well as the recipient of the Cisco Youth Leadership Award, a young person positively impacting the world using technology innovation. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks. Proud partners of the Global Citizen Prize 2023 include Cisco, Citi and P&G.
Global Citizen NOW is co-chaired by International Global Citizen Festival Curator Chris Martin and Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman; political leaders Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Erna Solberg, former Prime Minister of Norway; and Stefan Löfven, former Prime Minister of Sweden; corporate sector leaders Hans Vestberg, Chairman & CEO, Verizon; Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates; Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco; Chris Stadler, Managing Partner, CVC Capital Partners; Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, P&G; Diego Scotti, EVP, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon; Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman of Harith General Partners; and Edward Skyler, Executive Vice President, Citi; and philanthropic sector leaders Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation; Mark Malloch-Brown, President, Open Society Foundations; and Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation.
Global Citizen NOW is grateful for the support of leading media companies across the world including: ABC, AIM Group, Arena Holdings, Bella Naija, Bloomberg, EIB Network, Vanguard Media, Wall Street Journal and Zikoko.
To learn more about Global Citizen NOW visit www.globalcitizen.org/now23.
About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $41 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting more than 1.15 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.
Contact
Global Citizen media inquiries: media@globalcitizen.org Media credential and interview requests: gc@sunshinesachs.com
Besides the imploding economy and the pressure getting “werser,” now is the best time to open your laptop and become a tech-bro or sis. More than ever, global tech companies, like Twitter, Microsoft, Google, etc., have African tech talent on their radars. If you’ve been looking to break into the tech space, you have our full support to go for it.
But wait, before you go and accidentally hack the INEC server, calm down and follow the gist, because we sabi road. Here’s how you can go about getting the right skills.
Do Your Research
You don’t have to already be familiar with tech to get into it – all it takes is that first step. Evaluate your strengths, your growth interests and find programmes and courses that help you. To give you a headstart on where to search, check out ALX. ALX Africa offers tech programmes that are designed to help students unlock a plethora of technical skills and resources that gives them an edge in the job market.
To make sure you can say “all my guys are ballers” with your full chest, when you become a tech-bro or sis, get people to join you as you take these courses. Tell your friends, roommates, favourite neighbour, barber, ushers and choir members – anyone you can think of in your network that could also benefit from moving into tech. When you have people to keep you motivated, you can build a team with whom you can collaborate as you go. ALX programmes also give you a great way to meet other students and mentors who can guide you through.
Join the big leagues at the ALX Open House Sunday and Application Parties
The top tech programmes such as Data Analytics, World’s most used CRM platform – Salesforce and Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing, are available to you at a fully sponsored placement platter and all you have to do is start and complete your application.
ALX wants to make completing your application easier through the ALX Open House Sunday and Application Parties. Get all the help you need from the ALX team who will be available to help get you started on your applications and provide clarity on the application process.
At the ALX Open House Sunday, you will get all the answers to your questions, and any doubts you may have about the ALX programmes. The ALX team will be available to help get you started on your application and provide clarity on the application process. Register here – cutt.ly/alx-oh
Take your zeal a step further by joining ALX amidst great company and good food at YabaTech on April 13 or come along to the BBQ Weekend at WorkCity Lekki on April 15 for the ALX Application Clinic. As always, the ALX team will be available to answer questions for those who come in to complete their ALX application.
For more information on the application party visit: http://bit.ly/3nPLb7G and follow the ALXNigeria Instagram handle for more details,
Application Party – 13th April at Yaba Tech
BBQ Saturday – 15th April at Work City Lekki
Jollof rice is sweet, but a tech career is sweeter. Don’t miss this opportunity for anything in the world!
In the ever-changing world of finance, having a reliable financial partner is critical to achieving financial security and peace of mind. FairMoney, a leading digital financial service provider in Nigeria, is committed to being the ultimate financial guy you can count on. Here are five times when you need a financial friend, and why FairMoney is the perfect solution:
When You Need Emergency Funds: Unexpected financial emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. FairMoney offers quick access to loans without collateral, making it the perfect financial friend to turn to in times of urgent financial needs.
When You Need to Navigate Economic Hardship: Economic hardship can be tough to navigate, especially when it comes to finances. FairMoney offers flexible repayment terms and interest rates that are relatively low compared to other banks. This makes it easier to manage your finances during tough times.
When You Need to Start a Business: Starting a business requires capital, and not everyone has the financial means to start one. FairMoney offers loans that are tailored to your business needs, allowing you to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey. If you’re already a business owner, you know how important it is to have inventory to sell. But sometimes, you may not have the cash to restock your store. FairMoney offers loans for business owners, so you can get the capital you need to keep your business running smoothly.
When You Need to Pay Medical Bills: Medical expenses can be overwhelming, and not everyone has insurance to cover these costs. FairMoney can help you cover these expenses with its hassle-free loan application process.
When You Need to Pay School Fees: Education is essential, but not everyone can afford to pay for it upfront. As parents or students, we know how stressful it can be when school fees are due. FairMoney offers loans of up to 3 million naira without unnecessary paperwork, making it easy for you to get the money you need to pay for tuition and other school-related expenses.
FairMoney is the ultimate financial friend that you can count on in times of need. With its flexible repayment terms, and hassle-free loan application process, FairMoney has established itself as a reliable provider of digital financial services in Nigeria. Whether you need emergency funds, help navigating economic hardship, or assistance paying for medical bills, rent or school fees, FairMoney is here to help. So, next time you need a financial friend, think of FairMoney – the guy you can count on.
The Dancehall king described the achievement as “blessed.”
King Perryy, in collaboration with MusicSplit on ArtSplit, has surpassed a million Spotify listens for his Victony-assisted club song “Tight Condition” off his 2023 EP Continental Playlist, a feat he celebrated on Instagram Thursday, 6th April.
“Tight Condition” isn’t King Perryy’s first song to enter Spotify’s million streams club; it comes after an incredible run of stellar hits from King Perryy, including the 2018 Timaya-assisted single “Man On Duty,” which amassed more than 2.9 million plays on Spotify alone, and the much loved “On God” track, one of the lead singles from the recently released EP.
“The whole process of releasing the Continental EP has been therapeutic for me, as has my decision to become independent and take ownership of my career,” Perryy said in a recent interview.
“I’ve resolved to totally embrace my imagination and gamble on myself.” And I am grateful that I can continue to completely discover myself and even allow my admirers to share in my achievement.”
It’s worth noting that King Perryy’s album, Continental Playlist, is the first to be part of the MusicSplit on the ARTSPLIT platform for fans to invest in and profit from streaming royalties, thanks to the collaboration between ARTSPLIT, MAD Solutions, and ENGAGE Partnership.
Artsplit also provides a social media timeline where budding creatives may share their work for exposure and support. It’s been branded the “Instagram for creatives,” and it has a sizable following in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
Stream King Perryy’s “Tight Condition” with a million other listeners below:
The colourful red-carpet ambience, beautiful faces in elegant outfits and shows that got people glued to the screen were the highlights of Telemundo’s private screening event.
Telemundo, a television network owned by NBCUniversal has continually entertained its Nigerian fans with thrilling shows in the past ten years, and this year, the TV Network has launched two new mind-blowing shows, “Ana’s Revenge” and “Until Money Do Us Part”.
Ana’s Revenge is the story of a smart, beautiful woman Ana Guerrero (Carolina Gómez) who is bent on seeking revenge against her mother’s murderer: Guillermo León Mejía (Marlon Moreno) – a corrupt politician contesting for the President of the Republic.
In a bid to accomplish her mission, Ana positions herself to become the most popular political adviser in the country, which of course, makes Guillermo notice her. Just as planned, Guillermo employs Ana as his main strategist. Ana takes him all the way to first place in the polls, only to later do a grand expose of his shady past, which cost Guillermo his presidency bid and freedom. The plot twist is that this man she loathes is her father and that by her action, she might lose the only man she has ever truly loved – Pablo De La Torre (George Slebi).
How does she find her way out of this complicated situation? Find out yourself 7pm everyday on Telemundo.
Until Money Do Us Part (Hasta que la plata nos separe), tells the love story of Rafael Méndez (Martínez), a charismatic and humble salesman, and Alejandra Maldonado (Villalobos), a successful high-ranking executive. These two get involved in a car accident which leaves Rafael with a debt incurred by Alejandra from the accident.
Amid this situation, these two fall in love. Their love is, however, threatened by their financial disparity. Will true love keep them together or will they allow money to separate them? Find your answers on Telemundo (DStv channel 118) at 7 pm.
From the first episodes of both title shows to the virtual interview with Carolina Gomez, which was also premiered, the guests were clearly fully entertained.
Hosted by Tallulah Doherty, the likes of Baaj Adegbule, Teniola Aladese, Omobola Val, who are amazing actors, influencers and lovers of Telemundo, were also in attendance. The invited Staff of DSTv and renowned media houses also graced the event.
Overall, the launch of both Telemundo title shows was a huge success as evidenced by the comments, excitement, and anticipation for more on the faces of invited guests.
Are you young and passionate? Ready to be inspired and motivated to be your best selves yet? Then listen up!
On 06 April 2023, Stanbic IBTC Holdings is hosting the 6th edition of its annual Youth Leadership Series (YLS), just for you. This platform is designed to help you harness your leadership potentials to make a difference in your communities and the world at large.
This year’s theme is “Winning Through Career, Business Without Limitations.” It promises to be even more exciting and thought-provoking than before, featuring sessions with seasoned professionals and speakers from different industries. You’ll get to hear from people like Uche Uzoka Annie, a certified professional chef and owner of Gourmet Twist; Williams Fatayo, CEO/Co-founder of TruQ; Sandrah Tubobereni, Creative Director of TUBO; and Temitope Onisarotu, Marketing Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic IBTC Holdings.
You’ll also get to hear from Dr. Buogo Obi-Oketuyi, CEO of Wooddesigns; Derin Philips, also known as DJ Calse; Engr. Oyesiji Oyewale, Automation Engineer; and Ivie Temitayo-Ibitoye, HR Expert. These speakers will cover a range of topics, including leadership, technology, communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. You’ll even get the chance to ask your own questions and network with like-minded people.
And to top it all off, there will be an exciting music performance by the ace artiste, Crayon! Best of all, attendance is completely free. Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity to learn, grow, and interact with Nigeria’s best and brightest brains.
Crocs™, the global leader in innovative casual footwear, has announced the release of new unique colourways for its Literide™ 360 collection for 2023. The new assortment features a fresh take on modern lines, new technology, and revolutionary comfort rooted in Crocs’ DNA.
“I love the new LiteRide 360 because of its comfortability,” says Nigerian influencer, Barrvicks. “It’s unique in its way and is my best footwear at the moment”.
The LiteRide 360 collection is designed for those with an on-the-go lifestyle, offering athletically-inspired clogs that provide a new level of comfort and ease. The clogs are propelled by comfort innovation, including 360 degrees of LiteRide foam in the footbed for even more sink-in softness. The new moulded Matlite™ Motion uppers with perforation patterns mimic the flexibility of a knit fabric, resulting in even more breathability and flexibility, and the rubber outsoles provide increased traction.
Crocs Nigerian Brand Ambassador, Eni Adeoluwa, thinks that what makes the LiteRide 360 collection unique compared to other Crocs styles is that it is softer and lighter. “They are lighter than the other Crocs styles, and you can almost feel like there’s nothing on your leg and you’re just moving,” says Eni. “I love that it’s created with an athletic mind, the sink-in softness, the rubber outsoles that will mean my shoes will last, and I don’t have to purchase other ones in the next month. So then, I’m also being economically savvy”.
With four Jibbitz™ charm holes, each pair of clogs allows for personalisation, and two Jibbitz charms are included with every purchase that says “Lite” and “Ride” on each shoe. The LiteRide 360 clogs offer a plush foam footbed that delivers support and cushioning where your feet need it most.
Barrvicks will be styling this shoe with a casual outfit that speaks fashion, while Eni is going sporty. “I’m wearing my loungewear with them. I’m going to be wearing my joggers with them. I’m going to be wearing my shorts with them. You know it’s going to look athleisure. You look like you’re on the move, and you need to get somewhere. You can’t tell if this person is active or not! That’s the way I’m going, but honestly, I would wear Crocs with anything and everything,” says Eni.
“If you’re considering purchasing the LiteRide 360 collection, don’t get one, get two. Because you’re going to overwear one, and you don’t want people saying you always wear the same shoes daily, ” Eni laughs. “You can’t deny the comfortability, and you won’t want to wear anything else”.
Step into the world-class comfort and styling of these new LiteRide 360 clogs and feel sensational and stylish wherever life takes you.
ABOUT CROCS:
Crocs, Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX) is a world leader in innovative casual footwear, combining comfort and style with a value consumers know and love. The vast majority of shoes within Crocs’ collection contain Croslite™ material, a proprietary, moulded footwear technology delivering extraordinary comfort with each step. In 2023, Crocs declares that expressing yourself and being comfortable are not mutually exclusive.
Gangs of Lagos builds on Prime Video’s commitment to invest in Nigeria and the Nollywood film industry, adding to the collection of Nollywood movies and series already available to stream, including Brotherhood, King of Thieves, Hey You!,Palava!, as well as Nigerian Original LOL: Last One Laughing Naija coming later this year
As well as Nigerian Originals and Nollywood titles, Prime Video offers customers a selection of popular global Amazon Originals and Exclusives like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, and Riches, all for 2,300 NGN per month
CULVER CITY, California—March 20, 2023—Global streaming service Prime Video today announced its first African Original movie, Gangs of Lagos, will launch on April 7 in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, and worldwide exclusively on Prime Video. From the acclaimed filmmaker, Jáde Osiberu, Gangs of Lagos is one of the most highly anticipated films to come out of the world’s second largest film industry, Nollywood, this year. Prime Video also revealed the key art with a teaser trailer, and character posters from the movie to follow.
Gangs of Lagosis a high-stakes, gritty, and hard-hitting action crime-thriller, with an authentic storyline centred on a group of childhood friends who each have to navigate destiny, growing up on the bustling streets and neighbourhood of Isale Eko, Lagos. It features elaborate set pieces, action scenes, and engaging dialogue, balanced by a high-octane pace and emotionally grounded story at its core. Starring Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, and Iyabo Ojo, Gangs of Lagos is directed and produced by Jáde Osiberu.
“Gangs of Lagos is a unique story about family and friendship, against the action-packed backdrop and striking set pieces of the streets of Lagos,” said Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian Originals, Prime Video. “As the first Nigerian Original to launch on Prime Video, Gangs of Lagos sets the tone and standard, with the authentically Nigerian storyline in a genre that is so popular around the globe, making it a movie for our audiences at home and abroad.”
“I’m thrilled to be introducing audiences to this epic storyline and A-List talent from Nigeria with the launch of Gangs of Lagos,” said Jáde Osiberu. “It’s a great opportunity to elevate Nigerian stories on a global scale with Prime Video.”
“At Prime Video, we are looking to work with original voices to create spectacular stories and events that audiences can connect with wherever they may be,” said Ned Mitchell, head of African and Middle East Originals, Prime Video. “Gangs of Lagos launching will truly be a global cultural moment that marks the beginning of a new era in storytelling, where audiences everywhere can see the full power of Nigerian and African voices and the depths of our continued commitment to the local TV and film industry.”
Gangs of Lagos builds on Prime Video’s commitment to deliver local and authentic African films and series to a global audience, including an exclusive overall deal with the director and producer of the movie, Jáde Osiberu and her production company Greoh Studios, who recently brought Prime Video customers the top-performing, crime-thriller, Brotherhood. As well as an exclusive commissioning slate deal with Nemsia Films, beginning with Breath of Life launching later this year. Prime Video is also the home of some of Nigeria’s biggest theatrical movies with exclusive licencing agreements with Inkblot Studios and Anthill Studios, bringing customers box-office hits King of Thieves, Hey You!, Palava!, as well as other TV series Beyond the Veil and Grind. As well as Prime Video’s Nigerian Original unscripted comedy series, LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, hosted by acclaimed comedian and all-around entertainer Basketmouth, launching later this year.
The Nigerian content joins Prime Video’s selection of global Amazon Original and Exclusive series and movies, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, Riches, and Coming 2 America.
To watch the selection of entertainment available on Prime Video in Nigeria, customers need to use their Prime Video or Amazon account and sign up to a Prime Video subscription for 2,300 NGN per month, after a free trial, by visiting www.PrimeVideo.com. Prime Video members can stream and download and watch anytime, anywhere through the Prime Video app on compatible mobile devices, tablets, Smart TVs, or online at PrimeVideo.com. Customers can also control the amount of data they use by selecting Good, Better, or Best streaming quality, or download on their mobile device for offline viewing later.
MTN customers can also sign up to a Prime Video Mobile Edition subscription for 800 NGN per month, and enjoy a 30-day free trial with 2.5GB of Prime Video data, courtesy of MTN at www.play.mtn.ng/primevideo. Customers with a Prime Video Mobile Edition subscription can stream and download the full Prime Video catalogue in standard definition, from their mobile, anytime on the Prime Video app.
About Prime Video – Nigeria
Prime Video offers customers a vast collection of TV shows and movies—all available to watch on practically any device:
Included with Prime Video: Watch thousands of popular movies and TV shows, award-winning Amazon Originals and other exclusives, and more. Think global Amazon Original and Exclusive series such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, The Terminal List, The Wheel of Time, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Riches, as well as critically acclaimed Amazon Original movies like Coming 2 America, The Tomorrow War, and exclusive Nollywood movies and TV series, such as Brotherhood,King of Thieves,Christmas in Miami, Hey You!, Superstar, Palava!, Progressive Tailors Club, Bad Comments, Badamasi, Beyond the Veil, Grind, and much more. All available at no additional cost as part of Prime Video, which is available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Instant Access: Watch at home or on the go with your choice of hundreds of compatible devices. Stream from the web or using the Prime Video app on compatible smartphones, tablets, game consoles, or select smart TVs.
Enhanced Experiences: Control how much data you use when streaming and downloading video by choosing between Good, Better and Best visual quality settings, all of which utilise Prime Video’s state of the art video compression technology to use less data without reducing visual quality. Save it for later with select mobile downloads for offline viewing. Make the most of every viewing with High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatible content. Go behind the scenes of your favourite movies and TV shows with exclusive X-Ray access, powered by IMDb.
Personalized: Customers can browse the user interface in their own language and watch popular TV shows and movies with subtitles.
Have you ever felt like you were made to shine but never had the chance to express it to the world? Well, the wait is over, my friends. TECNO has just released the new SPARK 10 series, and it’s time for you to show off your shine like never before.
With its incredible G88 processor, this device ensures you have the best gaming experience possible. With a massive 256 GB ROM with 16 RAM – that’s more than enough space to store all your amazing photos and videos. But what really sets this device apart is the 32MP selfie camera. No matter the lighting or the conditions, you will glow like a star whenever you take a selfie.
And now, TECNO wants you to win big in the “SPARK 10 Selfie Story Competition”. This is your moment to share your shine with the world and show your creativity. You could be among the lucky winners to walk away with 4,000,000, a brand new SPARK 10 device, a Spark Gift Box, or other amazing prizes.
So what are you waiting for? Don’t let your shine go unnoticed any longer. Take part in this incredible competition and let the world see how bright you shine. Whether you’re a gamer, a photographer, or someone who loves showing off your style, the SPARK 10 series is the perfect device to help you express your true self. Get ready to light up the world with your shine – it’s your time to shine like never before!
Heard enough yet? Here is how to participate:
● Post the best selfie on your phone using #SPARKSelfieStory #GlowingSelfie and tell a story about it.
● On Facebook, post your entry as a comment under the activity pinned post and get your friends to like and comment.
● On IG and Twitter; post on your page using #SPARKSelfieStory #GlowingSelfie. Get friends to repost/retweet using our hashtags.
● Every week, the 3 most creative, original, and best-looking selfies with the best story will be put up for voting on our social media page. The 2 entries with the highest votes will be announced weekly as winners.
Alternatively, you can participate in the Glowing Selfie Transition Video by:
● Post a creative selfie transition video of yourself using the spark 10 song as background audio.
● Then post your entry on TikTok, IG Reel, or YouTube Shorts using #Spark10 #GlowingSelfie.
● The 4 most creative and fun selfie transition videos with the highest views and engagement will be rewarded with SPARK 10 gift box.
What are you waiting for? Start taking your selfies and creating your transition videos to flaunt your style. Also, ensure your video gets likes from your friends and family to stand a great chance of winning amazing prizes. To get more information follow TECNO’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The introduction of the TECNO Spark 10 series has transformed the world of smartphones. This fantastic series of gadgets has fundamentally changed how we think about mobile technology, providing users with various features geared to match the expectations of today’s fast-paced, tech-savvy world.
With the Spark 10 series, TECNO has once again demonstrated that it is a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone market. These devices exude flair and sophistication with sleek designs that are aesthetically beautiful, incredibly useful, and with remarkable features.
The TECNO SPARK 10 series comes with a strong G88 gaming CPU, ideal for a top-notch gaming experience. The phone also included a massive 5000mAh battery that could last for days on a single charge and a robust starry glass design.
The TECNO SPARK 10 does not fail to impress as the camera is incredible, with a triple camera array on the back, including a 50MP camera. This ensures you can capture high-quality photographs and videos even in low-light conditions. The 32MP selfie camera is also outstanding, allowing you to capture great selfies to share with your audience.
Furthermore, with a large 5000mAh battery capacity, the TECNO SPARK 10 can run for hours without worrying about running out of power, and with the 18W wired charging allows you to rapidly and effortlessly recharge your device, allowing you to stay connected for longer.
Save all your favourite apps, music, videos, and files on the 16/256 GB space without fear of running out of space.
Now that you’ve done the first step, it’s time to make it count by visiting any authorised TECNO store and purchasing the new and wonderful TECNO SPARK 10 Series.
We heard your feedback, called our builders and designers, and worked on this for a year. And now, it’s finally ready. Zikoko has a new look and it’s fresher than agege bread from the akara woman on a Saturday morning at 9 a.m.
It’s been seven years since Zikoko went live, and in that time, so much has happened. Young people have become more interested in politics and history, the influencer economy saw a boom once the Nigerian president picked up travel blogging, afrobeats was represented at the Grammies…
Even Zikoko has seen some changes. We’ve influenced conversations around important, sometimes taboo topics through our flagships, broke the internet a few times, launched a new vertical called Zikoko Citizen, and now, we’ve redesigned our website.
What’s new with our look?
We wanted to make navigating our website more enjoyable for our audience. We’ve heard all the things you didn’t like about www.zikoko.com: you didn’t know what Stacks were, some of our pages loaded too slowly, and let’s not get into the hassle of finding that column you really like on a random afternoon. So, we moved things around.
We started with the homepage
Our homepage is now designed to help you discover what’s on Zikoko in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you. The navigation bar takes you straight to our categories. And for the fans, there’s a sidebar for flagships, so you have the option to go straight to that flagship you love.
The first thing you’d probably notice on the page, however, are the labels. We have a section for what’s fresh out of the oven and what’s trending, what our partners want you to see, our flagship videos, and really, anything you might want to reach once you land on the site.
Anything, like the Zikoko Categories
You can find everything written or created for a category right on the same page.
What does this mean? If you’re a fan of money conversations, you can find everything we do about money under the money category. From Naira Life to that quiz about how much you’ll find on the floor today, the Money category has everything. If we do a podcast about money, you’ll find it there. If we do a video on money, you’ll watch it there.
Like videos
Probably my favourite section. You can now find all Zikoko videos under Shows. It’s been optimised for streaming, which means you can easily find episodes and seasons of your favourite Zikoko show. Like newsletters? Love community? We got you.
Interested in relationships? Join the SHIPS newsletter. Money? We recently redesigned the Money newsletter for you. Women’s stories? HER newsletter beckons. And for all the fun that Zikoko shares daily, Z! Daily is ready for your inbox. You can find what newsletter fits your needs easily.
All this, for an agenda
It’s pretty simple what our agenda is.
There’s so much we’ve been up to that you may have missed in the last two years. We’ve launched flagship events, delved into platonic relationships with columns on friendships, dug into more money conversations with a career-building flagship, launched flagship videos like Astor vs Hassan, and built newsletter communities around our most-loved flagships.
These formats, experiments, and conversations are to push our mandate, which remains to create smart and joyful content for young Africans everywhere.
And you can see it all on our brand new website.
Welcome to a new season of Zikoko. There’s more coming.
A report by the United Nations Women on “Protecting women’s income security in old age: Toward gender-responsive pension systems” emphasised the need for women to be financially empowered in their retirement.
The report reads in part: “Ageing has a female face. Women not only live longer than men but are also less likely to enjoy income security and economic independence in old age. Because of a lifetime of economic disadvantage, older women end up with lower incomes and less access to land, housing and other assets that would help them maintain an adequate standard of living. In most countries, women are less likely than men to receive a pension at all, or they have lower benefits.”
Women play an indispensable role in the family and community at large. The normative roles of women extend beyond reproductive functions. She is a wife, a mother, a daughter, and many more. Women are managers of resources; they hold the capacity to make a career in their chosen field and, at the same time, financially support their families.
But beyond these, Women are caregivers, leaders, support systems, providers, and helpers. They provide social, physical, and psychological support to the people around them. They are passionate about things pertaining to their family, workplace, and community.
A financially secure woman has enough resources to meet her basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and other living bills, handle financial hitches without risk to her well-being and still saves to meet her future financial obligations. A financially secure woman is readily available to serve her family and her community with her finances.
Being financially stable does not only apply to women still in workspaces; it is also a powerful asset for any retired woman. Financial security comes with the comfort and safety of not worrying about finances, even in retirement.
A woman who is financially secure in retirement is an embodiment of strength. She is precious to her family and society, enabling her to be better at everything she does.
This asset can be brought to life with a retirement savings plan. The primary function of a retirement savings fund is to provide a financial cushion against uncertainties, risks and unexpected circumstances that come later in life. One fundamental reason for this savings plan is building reservoir wealth and towards having a secure financial future. A pension plan helps to develop this secure future. The earlier you begin saving for retirement, the more time your money would grow and compound over time. This makes one more powerful in all spheres.
This is why it is essential that women work closely with knowledgeable financial advisors to guide them through choosing a retirement savings plan based on accessibility, growth, reliability, capability, and strong investment returns on their funds.
As the UN Women report stated, a woman is the poster child of an ageing future. But I strongly advocate that the picture should be that of an empowered, financially stable woman in a secure position to fend for herself, her dependents, and the community she is domiciled. An independent, naturally caring woman in retirement is an extension of kindness that has progressed. The ageing woman embodies wisdom, compassion and motherhood from which society and the younger generation stand to gain bountifully.
Given these realities, I am very proud to work at Leadway Pensure Pension Funds Administrators (PFA), as the provision of professional pensions administration, especially micro-pensions, holds the key to unlocking the potential of a financially secure woman in the future. I am delighted that my organisation is very committed to seeing the picture of ageing women in retirement pivot to refreshed, empowered, and substantially empowered women. Are you ready for this possibility? Contact our team of advisors on 01-2800800 or email info@leadwaypensure.com on how you can join the league of future-proof women at the Leadway Pensure PFA.
Happy International Women’s Day. #EmbraceEquity
Titilola Bashorun is the Head, Human Resources & Admin, Leadway Pensure PFA Limited
Earlier in February, the British Council put together different events in locations across Nigeria, namely Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The gatherings and exhibitions were put together to promote growth and progress in creative communities. A melange of art exhibitions, film screenings, discussions and so much more, these events did more than bring together members of the creative community, it also allowed them to meet, network, and expand their horizons.
In Abuja, the event that took place saw creatives gather to listen to how they could best collaborate for future success. In such times when the creative community is saturated with many creatives, these creatives can often feel the need to compete, rather than collaborate. Susa Garrido, Lanre Philips, and Oluwabukunmi Oluwakitibi shared and discussed ways in which creatives could collectively take their craft to the next level, both artistically and commercially. After an insightful session with the panellists, the creatives engaged in a meet and greet at the end of the event, one of the many perks that the British Council offers communities.
The fun continued in Lagos, with a host of events taking place at the art showcase exhibition. The event catered to many facets of creativity, displaying exhibitions, film screenings, sip and paint, and musical performances. The event was packed with loads of activities where creatives could interact in a calm and serene environment. Not only did they get to mix with artists and immerse themselves in the art, but it was also an opportunity for audiences to unwind, relax, and connect. The event was also an opportunity for directors and writers to showcase their short films. At the event, the viewers got to see the award-winning “TEAR: A Tale of Two Hands” by Avwokuruaye Efetebor. Attendees also watched “Otana ”, a horror movie about a young lady who finds a way to confront her deep-seated trauma. Other movies shown include ‘’Saving Ian’’ and ‘’Pursuit’’, an action movie set in Lagos.
Afterwards, there was time for the attendants themselves to bring to life their artistic side with a sip-and-paint event. The occasion was finally capped off with an excellent performance by Loye.
Finally, the British Council put together a remarkable event in the city of Port Harcourt for the third time. The experience provided an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the artwork, and the stories embedded in each of them. The event was a platform that connected the art veterans with the incoming generation of artists, allowing them to pass knowledge and experiences to one another. Talented artists such as Charity Ibem, Davies Ben, and Ismaila Adegboyega also attend the 2-day event. Asides from displaying artwork, there were also musicals, spoken word performances, stage plays, and lots more.
Across the board, the British Council not only helps expose local artists, performers, and creators but also gives them a platform to sell their artwork, as many artists did during these events. One of the artists who benefited was Olukayode Aliyu, who sold all his 3D Art & Animation pieces displayed in Augmented Reality during the Lagos showcase event, further proving that the organisation is committed to the growth and expansion of artists as individuals and as a community as well. They have a line-up of exciting events in the month of March, all of which can be monitored here.
About British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.
Gone are the days when owning a car was a luxury, in today’s world, going about your daily business in commercial vehicles can be uncomfortable and stressful.
While owning a car is necessary for hassle-free commutes, the high cost of purchase can make it seem unattainable. The good news is that you do not have to save up for years waiting to purchase your dream car. With Polaris Auto Loan, you can now traverse the city in style and comfort. The process is simple and requires no collateral.
To apply for an auto loan today, simply:
• Open VULTe on your mobile device or the website – www.vulte.ng
• Click on Loan Market Place
• Select Auto Loan
• Input requested details
• Enter the pin to accept the provisional offer letter
With Polaris Auto Loan, you can enjoy flexible repayment terms of up to 48 months, competitive interest rates, an easy application process, seamless loan disbursal and zero hidden charges.
You can now enjoy comfortable and stress-free daily commutes, with the added advantage of owning your dream car. Apply for Polaris Auto Loan today and experience the convenience and comfort of hassle-free daily commutes. Don’t have VULTe? Click here to download it or visit www.vulte.ng to get started. VULTe by Polaris Bank is available to new and existing customers.
The Veuve Clicquot VIP experience made a return to the 2023 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament for three consecutive weekends, from February 4th to the 19th.
Regarded as the most sought-after event of the polo season, the Veuve Clicquot VIP Experience, welcomed polo fans, celebrities, influencers, as well as elite members of the Lagos social scene to an enchanting display with champagne and polo.
Guests arrived in bold patterns and hues keeping with the dress code “Be Solaire”, as they were welcomed into the ‘Jardin du soleil’ (Sun Garden) experience space where they were able to capture breath-taking pictures against the scenic photo moments.
Under a translucent VIP marquee featuring a luxurious garden lounge setting and an outdoor terrace offering a magnificent view of the games, guests were immersed in an exciting afternoon of polo matches, Veuve Clicquot champagne and delectable canapes curated by renowned chefs.
During the halftime break of the finals for each cup of the tournament, guests streamed onto the field to participate in the time honoured tradition of “divot stomping” with flutes of Veuve Clicquot in hand.
The afternoon unfolded into a pulsating nightlife experience, a spectacular after party featuring the best of Nigerian Entertainment talent – DJ Neptune, DJ Crowdkontroller, DJ Barbie, DJ Consequence with hype men, Jerry Shaffer & IamJimmie which brought each day to a close.
On the final day of the tournament, a stellar performance by the Mayor of Lagos – Mayorkun made for an unforgettable end to the Veuve Clicquot VIP Experience at the 2023 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.
The Veuve Clicquot VIP experience was definitely a place to see and be seen, a signature occasion of Veuve Clicquot’s solaire culture.
Last week I had a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) watching hoodlums damage the vehicles of innocent passersby as the prevailing nationwide cash paucity took a violent turn in Abeokuta. The event reminded me of a similar incident that left my newly purchased car in ruins and my finances almost in penury until I was saved by the bell, literally.
About two years ago, I went for lunch with a newfound friend in Ebute Meta, Lagos. It was an excellent day as I had the opportunity to give my friend a spin in my new car and get to know each other better over lunch.
So, I left my workplace near Bode Thomas, in Surulere and drove to a popular restaurant famed for its hot and spicy Amala and Gbegiri (bean soup). I wanted to show that I was an authentic and down-to-earth guy. It was a fantastic dating strategy; she loved the place and food. I was having a great day, and every step I took aligned in my favour. But then all that changed in minutes as a sudden commotion outside the restaurant forced the owner to shut the doors quickly, assuring us that we were okay.
Peace returned to the neighbourhood thirty minutes later, and we dashed off to the car park so that I could get back to work as soon as possible. My relief at the return to calm vanished into thin air. The newly purchased vehicle was in total ruin. The car was so severely battered that it felt like a natural disaster in the form of an angry hurricane had wreaked havoc on my car. The attack left my windscreen shattered, the side mirrors broken, the tires torn, the leather seats torn to smithereens, and the vehicle body pummeled and left in bad shape. All I could muster was, “who did this?”. The taste of the hitherto exceptional dining experience disappeared from my palate. I wanted to cry so badly, but not in front of my beautiful guest.
After assessing damages to his property, the restaurant owner showed up to commiserate with us and subtly reminded us that we had parked in a zone marked “parked at owner’s risk”. I scoffed at his caveat as that was the only designated car park for the restaurant. I had no intention to press charges, but I was disappointed at his approach. All I wanted to know at that point was what on earth had transpired in the last thirty minutes that seemed to have ruined my day.
“It is a group of rival thugs fighting each other”, the man said. There is always tension when there is a change of leadership in the local park. I did a quick mental cost assessment of the damages and came to a staggering valuation that left a sick pain in my stomach. But I was relieved knowing I had vehicle insurance for the new car. So, I took pictures of the damaged car and shared them and my ordeal with my insurance company.
“I have to check that you have extended coverage for the risk of strikes, riots and civil commotions (SRCC). You may not be able to get your claims if there is no extension, as these damages have occurred in uncovered circumstances”. I could hardly hear the last part of the sentence. I was yet to recover from almost emptying my pockets to get this car, and now I have to look for extra funds to effect comprehensive repairs. I started to have a panic attack, and the first quantum of tears began to drop when the insurance representative called back.
“Hello Ibrahim. Thank God your vehicle policy has the SRCC extension. We would send our representative to come and assess the extent of the damage”. It was as if a referee had waved his hands hysterically to ward off my opposing boxer from landing a knock-out blow. I have been saved by the bell, literally!
As I watched the videos of the riots and civil commotion in Abeokuta and the vehicle damages, I wondered if the innocent car owners had the SRCC cover included in their vehicle insurance.
Amid the prevailing socio-economic tensions in the country, there is a high risk of being caught in an erupted civic commotion, even in places we believe to be safe havens. The good news is that one of Nigeria’s most innovative risk management institutions and leading underwriters, Leadway Assurance, is paving the way in the design of risk mitigation solution that offers the possibility of a silver lining to customers and prospects alike in the event of strike riot and civil commotion (SRCC) – fueled causalities/risk exposure.
The Leadway motor insurance policy provides comprehensive cover for the insured and their vehicles with options to take up extensions which provide cover in the event of SRCC exposure. This corporate action has heightened optimism for those concerned about the current security tensions in the country. This policy brings peace of mind!
To know more about evaluating your risks at these times and what mitigation steps to take, you can contact Leadway’s professional advisers on 01-2800-700 or email Lcs@leadway.com
You can also visit www.leadway.com or speak to the Leadway Assurance Financial Management Experts for professional advice on the next steps. Your best solutions are always within reach.
The songwriter, performer, and acclaimed artist Aya Nakamura has been named Lancôme Global Ambassador.
African Roots
Aya Nakamura is a Malian-French pop singer. She was born in Bamako, Mali and eventually emigrated with her family to France. Coming from a family of griots (West African storytellers, praise singers/poets of oral tradition), Aya is the eldest of a family of 5.
An Outstanding Performer
Having started her career in France, Aya Nakamura reached great fame at the age of 23 with her song ‘Djadja’. Thanks to her multi-cultural background, and inspired by many musical genres, her sought-after music blends African tones with pop rhythms, and her unique musical style elevated her to the top of the international charts.
With her daring personality and affirmative expression of beauty, Aya Nakamura succeeded to impose a new artistic point of view. She is a figure of accomplishment who is paving her own path, reflecting and expressing the aspirations of an entire generation. Aya Nakamura invites her fans to celebrate their individuality and embrace who they are.
Aya Nakamura says: “Being a Lancôme Global Ambassador is indeed a fantastic achievement. I hope that through that partnership I can inspire people around me to become whoever they want to be.”
Françoise Lehmann, Lancôme International Brand President adds: “I have been following Aya’s career for quite some time simply because I admire her artistic flair, together with her exceptional career success. I am glad that Aya joins the Lancôme family, since she is a role model for an entire generation.”
When the Record Breaker Partners With Lancôme
After starting her music career at the age of 19 with her first single ‘Karma’ on Facebook in 2014, Aya Nakamura was able to conquer the hearts of people around the world and win many prestigious awards. She has become an unmissable artist with her songs being listened 6 billion times.
To come soon: Lancôme and Aya Nakamura co-created a new film concept; an exclusive video portrait that features intimate moments with Aya, on the road to her Accor Arena concerts. This documentary will be available on Youtube this summer. In addition, Aya Nakamura will be featured in Lancôme’s future commercial campaigns.
The creative academy marked a significant milestone in its 5-year plan to upskill Nigerian youths in theatre arts.
Following the completion of a six-week innovative curriculum with specialized courses in sound design, stage lighting, animation, and scriptwriting; 2000 students received a certificate of completion from the Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) at a glamorous event at Terra Kulture Arena on Friday, 10th February 2023.
Established by Nigeria’s leading culture and art center, Terra Kulture, the creative academy’s goal is to build and empower a community of young Nigerians who will impact the economy and society by transforming the creative industry. The rigorous program offered intensive training on relevant skills in theatre arts and entrepreneurship, with an additional two-week practical workshop.
The exclusive event was well attended by eminent personalities, industry veterans, as well as up-and-coming stars, including Alhaji Lai Mohammed CON, the Minister of Information and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria, who delivered the keynote address.
Other key speakers included Prof. Duro Oni, President, Nigerian Academy of Letters; Rev Olasupo Ayokunle, President, Christian Association of Nigeria; Femi Odugbemi, award-winning Filmmaker; Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Actress; Deyemi Okanlawon, Actor; and Mike Afolarin, Actor. The ceremony was also hosted by Akah Nnani, a famed Nollywood actor.
Glowing in pride at the outstanding ceremony was Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, the founder of TAFTA. When addressing the graduating cohort and guests, she described the motivation for the creative academy’s establishment.
She said, “TAFTA was established as a gateway to impacting the lives of young Nigerians. The training we provide in relevant skills needed to succeed in the theatre arts industry intentionally allows our graduates to build their entrepreneurial skillsets, ensuring that they are capable of providing for themselves and their families. I am very delighted that what was thought impossible has been made possible. My sincere congratulations to our graduates today who have taken the next steps to transform their lives.”
TAFTA’s training program is set to receive its 2nd cohort of students with the recent announcement of its reopened admissions portal. The academy has urged interested parties located in Lagos, Ogun, and Kano states to submit their application for the free program on their website www.terraacademyforarts.com.
Requiring only a senior secondary school qualification, the primarily e-learning-based courses will impart relevant skills needed to succeed as professionals in the creative industry.
You must have heard at one point or the other, how important it is to save. You might have the intention to start someday. You might even be like our friend Ade who started, but is currently struggling to stay motivated and on track with his saving goals. There is some good news for you!
Ade has been enjoying life with ALAT rewards, especially since he learnt how to Chop life with sense. But just like you, Ade heard the gospel of savings. How then could Ade flex life, but still find a way to save. He had to look no further than the ALAT Savings Challenge! Ade has finally found an accountability partner with the ALAT Savings Challenge from the stables of your favorite financial buddy, ALAT.
The ALAT Savings Challenge is a unique savings program that helps people like you, I and Ade achieve our financial goals and build healthy savings habits. Whether you are thinking of beginning a savings plan, you started and still struggle to keep up, or you want to start but do not know how, the ALAT Savings Challenge is your perfect answer.
You might wonder what could be so special about the ALAT Savings Challenge that it changed Ade’s savings culture. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider joining the challenge and saving with ALAT:
1.Spend and Save
While building a savings, unforeseen expenses might come up. Just like Ade, there might be a need for you to make withdrawals. The beauty of the ALAT Savings Challenge is that you can save about 5% to 20% of everything you spend. So, when you are makiing expenses, buying airtime or doing transfers, you can be saving a percentage of all these monies going out. This way, while you are spending, you are actually still saving. This was Ade’s secret to being able to spend and save.
2. Ajo Savings
Ajo savings or Esusu, is one very popular means we love to save our money. But we know the wahala that comes with Ajo. Now, thanks to the innovative solution by ALAT, anyone with a smartphone can now enjoy a safe and secure savings plan.
ALAT’s savings feature allows users to form savings groups with family and friends, and then take turns receiving lump sum payments. There are many benefits to using this feature. For one, it can help users save more money than they might be able to on their own, as the other members of the group hold them accountable. Additionally, it provides a built-in support system and community, as members work together towards a common goal of financial stability and security.
This feature is also incredibly flexible and customizable. Users can create groups with as few as three members or as many as 12, and can set their own contribution amounts and rotation schedules. The feature also provides an easy way to track group contributions, payments, and schedules, making it simple for all members to stay on top of their obligations.
And if you are like Ade that has suffered at the hands of Ajo handlers in the past, ALAT has decided to provide extra transparency and security to the feature. The platform provides full transparency on all group activities, including contributions and payouts, giving users peace of mind and a clear view of their financial progress. So this time, there is no fear or cause for alarm about your contribution money.
3.Up to 10% Interest
ALAT offers up to a whopping ten percent (10%) additional interest on your savings when you save consistently for at least 30 days. The ALAT Savings Challenge is designed to help you save more money than you would normally do on your own. With automatic savings transfers and this ability to earn up to 10% annual interest on your savings, you can grow your money faster and reach your savings goals sooner. This means that the more you save, the more you earn from your interest. Now, you get rewarded for simply maintaining a good savings culture, thanks to the ALAT savings challenge.
4.Ability to save towards a goal
Saving towards a joint goal is a great way for multiple individuals to work together towards a common financial objective. This could involve setting up a joint savings account or using a budgeting app that allows for shared goals and tracking. Like Ade and his friends, you might want to save towards a Vacation at the Maldives. With the ALAT Savings Challenge, saving towards a goal is a piece of cake. Simply agree on your goals, the amount to be saved and the timeframe for achieving it.
Of course, regular check-ins can help ensure everyone is on track and adjustments can be made as necessary. With the ALAT security features, there no room for wahala and you can easily actualize your goals.
5.Loan on Goals
ALAT offers you more than just regular banking. Asides the convenience to save from the comfort of your own home and on your schedule, you also have access to soft loans based on your existing goals. If you have a financial need to meet a specific goal or target, the alert goal-based loan is your bet. The loan calculator easily helps you see how much you get to pay monthly, based on how much you need. Once you accept the terms, your loan is credited to your account immediately. Everything is easier and faster with ALAT!
6. Stay Motivated
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to saving money is staying motivated and on track. For Ade, on some days, he feels like the Clark Kent of savings, and on other days, there is simply no vibe to save. But thanks to the ALAT Savings Challenge, Ade gets receive regular reminders and incentives to keep saving. If you are like Ade on those low days, then you have no cause to worry. You will get reminders and alerts to push you to do the needful, even when you do not feel like. Plus, you can track your progress and celebrate your successes along the way.
7.Be a Part of a supportive community
Saving money can be lonely, but with the ALAT Savings Challenge, you will join a community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards their financial goals. You can share tips and strategies, ask for advice, and support each other as you build healthy savings habits. Through the community, Ade has met Chuks, and together, they’ve been setting pretty amazing savings goals!
8.Peace of Mind
With ALAT, your savings are protected by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), so you can rest easy knowing that your money is safe and secure. Also, the inbuilt security features ensure that no matter the savings plan you decide to do, your money is always safe. No hassle of one member of your contribution defaulting, or absconding with members’ money. Nothing beats this kind of peace of mind!
If you are looking for a new way to save money and build healthy financial habits, then you should definitely consider getting on the ALAT Savings Challenge. ALAT is the perfect partner to help you save more and stress less about your finances.
Are you ready to take control of your finances, cultivate a savings culture and achieve your financial goals? Clickhereto get started with ALAT!
“There is hope for young creatives in Nigeria,” was the first thought that came to mind when I saw the news that Yellow Card had signed fast-rising artists Psycho YP and Odumodu Blvck, as its brand ambassadors in Nigeria.
The pair were nominated for their collaboration, Bando Diaries in the Best Hip Hop song category at the just concluded Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 and even though they didn’t win it, they thrilled the audience with arguably what was the best performance of the night.
As African giants, we must value every effort to invest in the rich young talents we have to offer the world. Unlike most global brands, Yellow Card is pioneering support for the next generation of Africa’s cultural representatives by partnering with them and encouraging the growth of young Nigerians through financial inclusion.
Young artists on the rise in Nigeria can now believe even further and be patient in their process to mature their craft, as all forms of brand partnerships and recognition can find them early and walk the entire course with them.
Yellow Card: Best in Promoting Africa’s Rising Talent Pool
As crypto enthusiasts settle into the new year and look forward to the promises crypto holds for 2023, Yellow Card is the unicorn to set your eyes on.
Yellow Card is bossing up and leading the way in promoting rising creatives and teeming youths in Africa by investing early in the home soil rather than existing just for profits.
With the global rise of African music, especially Afrobeat, content creation has exploded recently. Yellow Card is tapping into this by partnering with Nigeria’s rich creative circle.
Yellow Card is developing partnerships to advance access to cryptocurrency adoption and awareness of its vast opportunities on the continent. It does this by relying on the uniqueness of the music artist’s brand and music genre, and the latest unveilings of Psycho YP and Odumodu Blvck are critical steps in that direction.
Everything Special About the Yellow Card and Psycho YP partnership
Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi, professionally known as “Psycho YP,” became one of the brand ambassadors of Yellow Card, Africa’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchange. The Nigerian alternative hip-hop rapper, singer, and songwriter is one of the biggest and fastest-rising African artists, using music to showcase his rich talent in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Psycho YP is a strong believer in Yellow Card’s vision to continually show creativity in providing financial solutions across borders on the continent, making this a perfect match for both brands.
Psycho YP has a lot of successful projects, such as YP SZN 1-3, Euphoria, and great singles, such as “Stronger”, “Midlife Crisis”. Etc. Psycho YP continues to be one of Nigeria’s finest musical geniuses with his unique flows, bars, and lyrical dexterity.
His finesse sets him apart like a Boss, just like Yellow Card has been bossing up the crypto space in Africa.
You can join Psycho YP to make your money move and flex on Yellow Card. Click HERE to sign up with the code BIGYP, or log on to https://explore.yellowcard.io/psycho-yp for more information.
Watch the official YouTube promo video here:
Everything Special About the Yellow Card and Odumodu Blvck partnership
On the other plane, Nigerian rapper and songwriter Ojogwu Tochukwu, better known as Odumodu BLVCK, is the second latest brand partner and ambassador to join the Yellow Card family. The Afro-grime Nigerian artist has brought a fresh sound to the industry since coming onto the scene in 2019, which has resonated with fans locally and globally.
The Picanto crooner blends with Yellow Card’s core values of being African first, bold while being Global and Local amongst other great qualities. Odumodu Blvck embodies it all, from his rich cultural sense and fashion representation to his bold vocal dexterity and communal drive, which can be heard as a loud echo from his latest single, Picanto, “100 men for my domot.” Indeed, Yellow Card wants to be on the doorstep of every country in Africa.
Odumodu strongly believes in Yellow Card’s vision of financial inclusion for all. He is a community-driven personality who believes everyone deserves fair access to better financial services, whether rich or poor.
With Nigeria at the forefront of driving Africa’s crypto growth, this partnership seems to be a step in the right direction for Yellow Card.
If you’re an Odumodu fan, you can use his promo code ODUMODU to take advantage of and enjoy exclusive fan offers on the Yellow Card app.
To make your money move into financial freedom. Click HERE to sign up.
What Yellow Card offers Nigerians
You may be wondering what more Yellow Card can offer and how that could benefit you. Below are 4 reasons why many Nigerians use Yellow Card and why you should, too.
Send and Receive Money Across Africa With Yellow Pay:
Sending money locally within the country can be a hassle. It becomes even more difficult when you want to move funds to other African countries. This is what Yellow Pay has come to solve, as you can now send and receive money instantly through the platform with just a few taps on your phone.
With Yellow Pay, you can send Naira to someone in Ghana, and they will receive the equivalent in cedis at the best exchange rate with zero charges involved. Yup, it’s completely free.
Buy and Sell Cryptocurrencies:
Yellow Card continues to make it easy to buy and sell bitcoin, USDT, and other cryptocurrencies without the fear of losing money doing P2P or dealing with other merchants that can scam you out of your crypto. Yellow Card allows you to buy bitcoin at the best rates and get the best value for your money.
Learning Crypto Easily:
Yellow Card also makes learning crypto easy. The company believes that financial inclusion through crypto can only spread through education and community sensitisation. This has led to the launch of a free learning platform called the Yellow Card Academy, where you can learn everything about crypto and go from beginner to expert beneficiary of this helpful technology.
Saving in Dollar backed Currency (USDT):
With the teeming global recession, an unstable economy, and currency devaluation on the rise, keeping one’s wealth in a more stable financial asset is important.
Since the US dollar has proved the most dependable, buying dollar-backed stablecoins like USDT (Tether) or USDC is the more accessible option for most people outside the United States who want to save money in dollars.
Yellow Card makes it easy to buy and sell USDT with as little as 500 Naira.
Make Your Money Moves on Yellow Card
Yellow Card Financial is Africa’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchange. It was founded in Nigeria in 2019 by Chris Maurice and Justin Poiroux and has remained committed to making cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT stablecoins available to anyone in Africa.
For Yellow Card, it is financial inclusion for Africa or nothing. Yellow Card currently has the most significant geographical footprint in Africa, with a presence in 16 countries and growing.
Yellow Card has a pan-African vision and is doing everything possible to get crypto benefits to Africans while solving its local financial challenges.
Right from its inception, the Access Bank Lagos State City Marathon has proved to be a race of remarkable feats and many firsts.
In 2015, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon clinched the World Athletics Bronze Label on the heels of its second edition, becoming the third marathon in the world to accomplish this within that time. Two years after this accreditation, the Marathon got awarded the Silver Label — becoming the first ever marathon in the world to attain this after only four editions. Continuing the trend of firsts, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon recently earned the World Athletics Gold Label ahead of the 2023 edition of the Marathon — officially becoming the first full marathon in Africa to achieve this historic feat and the 25th in the world to be awarded the coveted status.
It is worthy to note that the World Athletics Gold Label is awarded to races that satisfy the international body’s requirements in terms of quality of organisation and management and a host of other criteria.
With its new status came higher expectations for this year’s race, and the organisers and sponsors of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon did not disappoint. On Saturday, February 4, 2023, they delivered a race that rivalled previous editions of the Marathon in reach, impact and magnitude — proving the Marathon is indeed worthy of its new status and is well on its way to clinching the Platinum Label, the highest rating any international marathon can attain.
Amongst its many achievements this year, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon partnered with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to provide a platform for fundraising and awareness for refugees across Africa. Being executed for the first time since the race’s maiden edition in 2016, about 16 refugees from across Africa, including Syria and Congo, participated in the enthralling road race.
Access Bank PLC teamed up with ParallelPoint Consult to carry out a recyclable waste pickup initiative during the Marathon. This effort resulted in the collection of 10,000 tonnes of waste, which will be transformed into useful and socially beneficial products.
To reinforce its commitment to sustainability during the Marathon, Access Bank PLC collaborated with The Nigeria Business Coalition Against Aids (NiBUCAA) to launch a massive HIV/AIDS awareness initiative. This included informative sessions to educate people about HIV/AIDS, as well as the distribution of condoms and provision of HIV testing and counseling services to 5,486 participants. This partnership aimed to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and help prevent its spread.
Extending the impact of the competition beyond the participating athletes and sustainability-led projects, the Marathon featured a convert for attendees who came out to be entertained. Opening with soulful renditions by Nigeria’s Afro House queen, Niniola, to sizzling performances by Zlatan and a downright Owambe party with Shina Peters, the entertainment segment reflected Access Bank’s penchant for excellence and outperforming expectations.
Indeed, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is putting Africa on the global map and has gained the attention of the global athletics community. This is evidenced by the august visit of Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics and Norie Williamson, Member of the World Athletics Technical Committee, to observe the race’s organisation and execution in Lagos.
Testament to the Marathon’s growing reputation across the Global Athletics scene and having been impressed by his experience, the headline sponsor’s commitment to growing the race’s scale year-on-year, and as an affirmation that good things do come out of Africa, Punzi confirmed that Lagos will host the World Athletics Global Running Conference in 2024. This will make Nigeria the first-ever African country to be given the honour. The Conference traditionally gathers industry leaders, researchers, marketers, and technical experts from within and outside running to share ideas for the advancement of the sport.
While it is evident that the organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have delivered on all standards set by World Athletics thus far and have cemented the Marathon’s status as the most prominent elite road race in Africa, one may be tempted to ask – What’s next for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon?
In line with this year’s theme, the organisers will continue to push the limit, aim for more and build towards achieving the exclusive Platinum Label status.
Nigerian rapper and songwriter, Ojogwu Tochukwu, better known as Odumodu BLVCK recently partnered with the pioneering fintech start-up Yellow Card. Since coming onto the scene in 2019, the Afro-grime artist has brought a fresh sound to the industry that has resonated with fans worldwide.
Odumodu Blvck is a big youth advocate and he says that this partnership will provide an opportunity to inspire young people in a way that will positively impact their future.
“I believe in Yellow Card’s vision of financial inclusion for all. Everyone deserves fair access to financial services that improve their financial stability, whether rich or poor, and that’s something I’m aligned with,”he said.
Rachael Akalia, West Africa’s Regional Marketing Manager at Yellow Card says, “This partnership gives us room to connect with our customers and prospects, in many ways that will enrich their experience of the brand. With this, we hope to steadily expand the knowledge of cryptocurrencies and accelerate the pace of crypto adoption in Nigeria, and across the continent.”
Earlier this month, Yellow Card announced their first big partnership of the year with another big Nigerian musician Psycho YP. Other big names in the African music scene who have partnered with Yellow Card include: Stonebwoy (Ghana); Tay Grin (Malawi) and Douglas Lwanga (Uganda).
With Nigeria at the forefront of driving Africa’s crypto growth, having ranked 6th worldwide in crypto-related use according to a report by Chainalysis, a US blockchain data platform, this partnership emphasises the shared commitment of both parties to encourage the adoption of digital currencies in Nigeria and beyond.
Banking on the originality of the music artist’s brand and music genre, the partnership will advance initiatives aimed at lowering obstacles that stifle access to the adoption of cryptocurrencies while raising awareness of the opportunities in the crypto ecosystem. The musical artist will be a major feature in brand campaigns which will see him deploy his promo code ODUMODU for fans and followers to take advantage of and enjoy exclusive offers.
We have some exciting news to share with all Nigerians! Valuejet has teamed up with Kalabash to bring you Pay Small Small™, a revolutionary payment platform that allows you to pay for your flights in small, manageable installments – an easy and convenient way for you to book flights.
With Pay Small Small™ you can now book your flight on ValueJet without having to pay the full amount upfront. All you need is a 25% down payment and then pay off the balance in installments before your travel date. This means that traveling just got easier for you as you no longer have to worry about hefty bills or paying large sums of money at once!
Starting on January 20th, 2023, you will have access to this service and will be able to book excellent travel deals with the opportunity to book up to six months in advance to and from destinations such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Asaba & Jos.
Booking your flight has never been easier. The best part? Checkout is simple and no credit checks are required. To access Pay Small Small™ on ValueJet, simply visit the ValueJet website and select “I want to Pay Small Small™ with Kalabash” as your checkout option. You’ll be able to choose a payment plan that works for you, with little monthly installments and no hidden fees.
Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from your next adventure, get ready to jet-set around Nigeria. Book your flight with Pay Small Small™ today!
About Kalabash
Kalabash is a financial technology services firm focused on developing innovative payment solutions across multiple sectors. Our Flagship Product – Pay Small Small™ (PSS) is designed to help customers overcome travel cost uncertainty by locking down current costs with as little as 25% while the balance is paid in convenient installments before travel.
Benefits of Pay Small Small™ (PSS)
No Credit Checks – no profiling, no credit checks, everyone is eligible.
Access to Early Bird rates – Plan your trip, buy your ticket early and get access to cheaper prices.
Flexible Repayment plans – Choose a repayment plan that works for you.
No Collateral Needed – We are not going to ask for any collateral.
Digital GROHE X Summit “Caring for Water” to take place March 7th-9th, 2023 on experience hub GROHE X
Each Summit day is dedicated to one of the macrotrends urbanization, sustainability and health & wellbeing
Debate to focus on: What makes a place a home? How will we live with and use water in the future? How can water help heal an increasingly stressed population?
Lagos, 7th February 2023 – When we use water, we tend to forget about the existential value it has – and that it is not an infinite source that we can take for granted. That is why GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, will dedicate its GROHE X Summit “Caring for Water” from March 7th-9th 2023 to the element we cannot live without: water.
Societies all over the world are facing numerous challenges that require knowledge-sharing, new ideas and innovative approaches combined with a large dose of pragmatism. During the GROHE X Summit, the brand will highlight the relevance and value of water by bringing the industry together to demonstrate that it needs an entire ecosystem to make change happen.
“We will look at water in the context of the key trends that shape our industry and the future of living: urbanization, sustainability, as well as health and wellbeing. We will ask ourselves, what does the future of living look like in a world that seems to spin faster than ever before? How can we contribute to more sustainable buildings? And, finally, what potential does water have as a new mindfulness experience,” says Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA.
The GROHE X Summit invites participants to join the discussion in various formats. From practice-oriented masterclasses, thought-provoking panel discussions, to inspiring keynotes and fact snacks, the GROHE X digital experience hub caters to the diverse needs of the entire ecosystem the brand is looking to engage. The program will be complemented by showcases of new GROHE products and technologies, providing customers with the best possible support to grow their businesses in a sustainable tomorrow.
Antoine Kaissar, Leader North & West Africa, LIXIL EMENA
GROHE is pleased to announce the following selection of confirmed speakers and guests:
Elina Hiltunen,The Futures Agency, will demonstrate how we can form scenarios that show us possible futures and suggest potential development pathways.
Børge Ousland, Norwegian adventurer and polar explorer, will share with us how he observes climate change and its effects during his expeditions.
Beth Healey, Researcher for the European Space Agency, will present her findings on humanity’s dependence on water.
Thomas Rau, founder of Turntoo and RAU architects;Anne-Vera Deinhammer, Director for Circular Cities & Regions, Circular Economy Forum Austria; and Gerhard Sturm, Leader Commercial Development, LIXIL EMENA, will discuss how we need to build for a sustainable tomorrow.
Tina Norden, Principal, Conran and Partners;Rhael “LionHeart” Cape, Spoken Word Artist;Dr. Alan Dilani, Founder, International Academy for Design and Health; and Karl Lennon, Leader Projects Channel A&D, LIXIL EMENA, will look at the healing power of architecture.
Register now to secure your spot at this year’s GROHE X Summit “Caring for Water”, and get first-hand insights into how GROHE is looking to tackle future challenges around the element that is nothing less than existential.
The things that make us extraordinary are quite different, which is why we are beautifully unique. However, only a few are seen as who they are. This is because they have not given room for the extraordinary to be expressed through them, or they are waiting for the platform with which to express their ordinary self.
If you are reading this, there is a great platform to showcase your extraordinary self. Guess the best part? You could be rewarded with the new PHANTOM X2 for doing so.
The PHANTOM X2 smartphone launched on January 20th in Lagos with the theme “Beyond the extraordinary.” With the Launch of this device, TECNO has announced TheXtraOrdinaryMe Challenge to reward innovative Nigerians.
Innovators now have the opportunity to showcase their extraordinary skills to the world. In the #TheXtraOrdinaryMe challenge, lucky winners would get the new PHANTOM X2 device for being extraordinary.
How to participate in the challenge?
Submit your entry on the PHANTOM Xtra-ordinary page via the link in our bio.
Sign up to create your PHANTOM X2 Magazine Cover with your image using any of the templates and add your name
Download the created magazine cover and post it on social media using this format
“My TECNO PHANTOM X2 Magazine Cover entry” and a caption telling us in a few words what makes you Xtra-Ordinary using hashtags #TheXtraOrdinaryMe #PHANTOMX2Series
-Ensure you are following all our social media pages to qualify.
The challenge is currently ongoing and ends on February 25th. So start taking those snaps, uploading, and sharing your extraordinary stories.
Follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay informed on the #TheXtraOrdinaryMe challenge.
As crypto enthusiasts usher in 2023 and the promises it holds for the crypto world, Yellow Card is going a step ahead to open the palace doors of possibilities for the teeming youths on the African continent. Recognising music as the common thread that ties Africans together, Yellow Card Financial, the fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchange in Africa is proud to tap into this undisputable passion point by signing a partnership with Nigerian-based alternative hip-hop rapper, singer, and songwriter, Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi, popularly known as Psycho YP as its Brand Ambassador.
Rachael Akalia, Yellow Card’s West Africa’s Regional Marketing Manager, noted, “In the last few years, we have been at the forefront of fostering financial inclusion in Africa. As we proceed into the new year, we will not rest on our oars, but double down on ensuring crypto adoption by prospects and customers across the breadth and width of the continent. We see music as a special purpose vehicle with the potential to drive the message and acceptance of crypto for everyday use, helping the continent gain financial freedom and prosperity”.
Speaking at the signing, Psycho YP welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to foster financial awareness on the continent using music. He said, “Yellow Card has continually shown creativity in providing financial solutions across borders on the continent. And I am happy to be part of Yellow Card’s efforts to change the financial narrative of Africa and Africans using crypto.”
Only recently, cryptocurrency price tracker, CoinGecko revealed Nigeria as the most “crypto-curious” nation in Africa in 2022. This partnership underlines the commitment by both parties to deepen the adoption of digital currencies in Nigeria and beyond, and follows a surge in Nigeria’s crypto trading volume, given Nigeria’s position as Africa’s second-largest crypto trading market. Furthermore, the partnership will see Psycho YP rallying youths to embrace a new era of financial opportunity, putting to good use his fresh and youthful aura which resonate with the youths on the continent and aligns with Yellow Card’s vision of a continent with borderless financial solutions driven by innovation.
Every Tuesday at 12 p.m. WAT, Zikoko will share the hustle stories of Nigerians making it big in and out of the country. With each story, we’ll ask one crucial question in several ways: “How you do am?”
Hustle is a brick, solid word that chased me through childhood. Whoever was hustling was someone to be like. They were grinding, “putting food on the table”. The hairdresser with the matchbox shop behind my house was a hustler. Each month when I went for my hair retouch, her shop was full of women who had problems with their hair or their men — and they all paid for her time. The barber across the street that married my aunt was a hustler. He was one of the first to get a Tiger generator on the street.
Hustle is a word that grows with you. Once it’s big enough, it climbs on your lap and holds tight, forcing your attention on it. “You must do me,” it says. Because you’re an adult now. And it knows what adults do to feel like adults. You must hustle.
I felt the weight of hustle for the first time after university. I’d just graduated with a second-class lower, unsure what to do next. I knew what I wanted. I’d felt my mouth water when I found a good sentence in a book enough times to be certain my life would revolve around books. But with a dad at home waiting for the fruits of his 20-year-old labour and a degree that questioned my last four years, I didn’t know what my next step was.
You’ve probably had a phase where you didn’t know what to do. Deciding what to have for breakfast, whether to chase a master’s or stay at your job, japa to an unknown country for better alternatives or stay where you’re comfortable.
Tega was thinking about this problem when she decided we should talk to people who were having trouble making career decisions — who specifically didn’t know what to do when they were interested in a field or wanted to move to a new one.
Contemplating how to own a rice farm, produce a movie and open a craft beer company in one year
How do you start a food business in a new city? How do you become a Nollywood star? We’re speaking to people who’ve done it and creating helpful guides using these conversations, for you.
Read the first story when you click this
Hustleprint stories will drop biweekly from today, Tuesday, January 31st, 2023, at 12 p.m. WAT, and Hustleprint guides will drop in the interim weeks.
So you can follow each drop, Hustleprint will be published in our money newsletter.
A new and innovative fintech solution has just been launched in Africa, specifically targeting millennials and Gen Zs, and it’s called Squareme. This revolutionary platform was founded by a team of young entrepreneurs aiming to be the ‘CashApp’ of Africa, providing users with practical tools and knowledge on how to spend, save, and donate money wisely.
Squareme’s technology enables users to make payments and transfer money to anyone, with just their phone number, no matter where they are in the world. This means that users can receive payments from individuals and businesses at any time and place, without needing to provide their bank account numbers.
Squareme is focused on making regular financial transactions easier and more accessible, allowing individuals to use their personal connections to gain financial independence. The app’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, making it simple and straightforward for users to access the functionalities of the platform. The team behind Squareme is continuously working to make improvements and provide users with a dependable and reliable platform they can trust.
The Squareme app is available for download on the Google Play store and iOS users can access the mobile version of the app directly from their devices. Oluwaseun Odusanya, CEO of Squareme, commented on the company’s mission, stating that their objective is to provide the most convenient and secure cashless payment system for Africans. He went on to add, “Squareme is working to bridge the gap between the technologically savvy and the financially disadvantaged Africans. Our app offers a free, secure and peer-to-peer platform, combined with a user-friendly experience that makes it easier for everyone to manage their finances.”
So, if you’re looking to take control of your finances, gain financial freedom and join the Squareme movement, then head over to the Google Play store and download the app right away! With Squareme, you can manage your finances like never before and enjoy a newfound sense of financial independence.
The app is available for download on the Google Play store via the link below.
Squareme is a modern, social payment solution designed for tech-savvy individuals, making it easy for them to send and receive money through their cellular devices. It’s a fast, convenient, and secure way to transfer funds, with no complicated processes or forms to fill out. All you need is a phone number – that’s it! Plus, Squareme takes the worry out of payments, with its advanced encryption technology and multiple layers of security that keep your transactions safe and secure. So, if you’re looking for an easy, efficient way to make payments, Squareme has you covered.
Last year November, the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FITCC) created a panel of Nigerian creatives, to discuss:
-Exploring Co-creation and Partnerships with Nigeria-Diaspora Creatives
-Tapping the Diaspora Resource Pool to Unlock Opportunities in the Nigerian Creative Economy
These are seven important lessons we learnt during both sessions:
Continue to put yourself out there
Promote yourself, shoot your shot, share your work everywhere you go etc. According to Oreka Godis, “It’s important that people are aware of you.”
Don’t underestimate the power of partnerships
With partnerships, you get the opportunity to collaborate with people that’ll introduce you to new skills, new resources and new perceptions. Many opportunities exist for Nigerians to collaborate with people in the diaspora. You just need to find the right one.
Conversations on royalties are very important in the creative industry
If you’re planning to work with any person or brand, make sure to have important conversations such as how much you get paid, who owns what, and who gets to do what. These details have to be ironed out, written down and signed by all relevant parties before any partnerships and collaborations happen. If not, one creative may end up getting ripped off.
Continue re-inventing yourself
There was a time when people were listening to music on cassettes and CDs and the only way to make money was by selling these CDs. Now we have multiple music streaming platforms where musicians can share their songs with millions of people across the world. Find out how your industry is changing and change with it, if not you’ll be left behind.
Social media is an important distribution tool
Social media is one of the fastest ways for your work to be distributed. During the panel session, Brenda Fashugba emphasised the importance of creatives putting their content online. The internet is basically the new “word of mouth for creatives,” and that’s why you should consistently post your work. Every share counts.
Information is power
A lot of the things we achieve today aren’t just because of the talents we have but also because of the information we’ve acquired. Adedotun Soyebi said there need to be more platforms like FITCC which bring together creatives from Nigeria and the diaspora. You need to be part of these types of platforms so you can get the chance to exchange ideas, learn new skills and network with people that’ll be essential to your growth.
Create value in the way you understand
As an artist, writer, filmmaker, musician, video producer etc., how do you create value in your industry? This is what will make you unique and get people to notice you. What’s different about your work that’ll people want to engage with it?
Get ready for the new school year with bCODE’s Back-To-School Collection featuring popular shoe brands Skechers, ADIDAS and Skit’s uniform line “Marcel Hughes”. Whether you’re looking for comfortable sneakers for the classroom or stylish kicks for the playground, bCODE has you covered.
Skechers offers a wide range of options for both boys and girls, from the classic SKECHERS GO RUN 400 to the trendy SKECHERS BOUNDER. With memory foam insoles and durable materials, these shoes are perfect for all-day wear.
ADIDAS also has a great selection of shoes for kids, including the iconic ADIDAS TENSAUR RUN and the sleek ADIDAS RUNFALCON 2.0 K. With a mix of classic and modern styles, Adidas shoes are perfect for sports and the playground.
In addition, Skit Store also offers a complete range of uniforms, stationeries, and lunch packs to complete your Back-to-School checklist including classic polo shirts for boys and blouses for girls, cardigans, math sets, textbooks, and so much more options.
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of sneakers for gym class or a stylish backpack to carry your books, bCODE has you covered. The back-to-school collection also features a variety of designs and colours, so you can find the perfect fit for your child(ren) personal style. Plus, with our stylish water bottles, you’ll stay hydrated throughout the day.
Don’t forget to check out bCODE’s Back-To-School Collection for even more great shoe options. With a wide range of brands and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of shoes for your little one. Check out our stores/website shopbcode.com or visit any of Skit’s 7 stores to shop for the latest styles and deals from ADIDAS and Skechers. Don’t wait too long, as the Back-To-School collection is selling out fast! Happy shopping!
bCODE is a wellness fashion and lifestyle company and multi-brand retailer that sells sports and athleisure apparel and accessories. Established in 2019, they currently own a franchise for Skechers, Havaianas, and Adidas in Nigeria. bCODE is everywhere you are, so you can go anywhere you want to be. Buy online and receive it at your doorstep or in-store.
bCODE is for everyone — young and old, female and male, and everyone in between.
bCODE has 14 stores across Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, and Ghana. Follow bCODE on social media to get the latest updates.
Instagram: @ShopTheBCode Twitter: @ShopTheBCode Facebook: The B code Website: www.shopbcode.com
About SKIT Store
Skit Store is a subsidiary of SKLD Integrated Services. A leading retail and wholesale school supply chain that has built strong brand credibility with over 500 schools in Nigeria. Founded in year 2000, the brand has seven (7) retail outlets across Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja and a webstore that carries a comprehensive inventory of school supplies, office and lifestyle products. For over two decades, Skit Store has consistently provided an extensive assortment of quality products from top brands for parents and students that caters to all their including sport/workout gears, gadgets, toys, foot wears, uniforms, office supplies, party dresses and so much more.
For more information about Skit Store, please visit: https://skit.ng/
Golden Penny, the iconic brand of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) launches a new spicy noodles flavour tagged Golden Penny Jollof Hot Hot noodles. The introduction of this new and tasty noodles variant is part of the Group’s commitment to providing a wider range of superior quality food product options for consumers to give them a delicious taste and satisfy their daily dietary needs at an affordable budget.
This brand-new flavour offers Golden Penny Instant Noodles consumers and customers, an extra spicy, tantalizing and also nutritious Jollof noodle option. The new product also symbolizes FMN’s dedication to providing affordable high-quality food products while listening to customers’ varied tastes and nutritional needs.
The Golden Penny Jollof Hot Hot noodles comes in a 70g pack, fortified with protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is a great source of energy. Golden Penny Jollof Hot Hot also comes packaged with a signature blend of spices that lends a spicy, tantalizing flavor, aroma, and a tasteful peppery sensation when consumed.
Commenting on the timely and beneficial impact of the new Golden Penny Noodles flavour, the FMN Head of Marketing, Mr. Ilyas O. Kazeem stated “As a leading food brand in Nigeria, our goal is to continuously innovate and provide good quality products that impact positively, the lives of every Nigerian, as such Golden Penny affords Nigerians great tasting, superior quality, and nutritious food products. Our unwavering commitment to this mandate for over six decades endeared millions of consumers to our Brand and product range. It is therefore based on this that we launched the new Golden Penny Jollof Hot Hot noodles, to satisfy the unique taste profile and needs of our consumers. Also, the new Golden Penny jollof hot hot noodles flavour is launched at the right time as it allows consumers to enjoy the special hot Jollof flavour with their families, especially during this festive season. We would continue to evolve and innovate across all our value chain and products in line with our consumers’ feedback and product needs”.
Also, highlighting the nutritional value and benefits of the newly launched noodles flavour, the Noodles Category Manager, Mr. Ayokunle M. Iyiola stated “The new Golden Penny Jollof Hot Hot noodles flavour has a rich blend of unique ingredients that gives a spicy and tasty Jollof flavor and colour. The new noodles flavour is convenient to cook as it can be prepared within three minutes and can be fully enjoyed with or without additional food ingredients. It is a non-sticky, non-soggy, spicy, tasty, and nutritious meal that can be eaten at any time of the day, and as is customary of all Golden Penny products, the Jollof Hot Hot noodle is of superior quality prepared with our consumers dietary needs in mind”.
Golden Penny Jollof Hot Hot joins the already beloved lineup of Golden Penny instant noodles flavours; Goat Meat Pepper Soup, Chicken Noodles, and Jollof Chicken Noodles. As Nigeria’s leading food and agro-allied Group, FMN through its iconic brand, Golden Penny is committed to delivering superior quality products that satisfy the different nutritional needs of families, groups, and communities.
Vistanium, in collaboration with Zikoko and *IYKYK, is launching HundredGood, a yearly curation of hundred good things that happened in Africa and made our world better in big and small ways.
We’re talking about the good things we experienced this 2022 on Twitter today!
We consume so much information, and most times, it’s about how bad things are or will be. Our reality can get despondent, but we believe it’s not all bad there’s a healthy balance in shining a light on the good things.
The world might be burning, but people are putting out those fires. HundredGood is about why their efforts matter, and how it makes the world better.
The list covers all the good stuff happening in policy and development, science and innovation, entertainment and culture, and so much more.
To put HundredGood together, we assembled a team of researchers, set up a framework for what we defined as good and went scouring for good news. What the jury has come up with, and why, is available at hundredgood.com.
For the first curation of this list, we’re focused on Africa and actions tied to people of African nationality across the world. Join our Twitter Space at 8 PM WAT on Saturday, 31st December 2022, as we talk about the good things we experienced in 2022.
Follow @TheHundredGood on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Since its release in October 2022, the Zero Ultra has been on my wish list, not only because the Zero Ultra boasts of the title as the world’s first smartphone to employ 180W Thunder Charge technology, according to Infinx, but it also sets a new standard of power efficiency in the fast charging industry.
With the ability to charge its 4500mAh battery up to 100 percent capacity in only twelve minutes while in Furious Mode, the smartphone is definitely for someone like me who is always on the move. We would be looking at the Design, Display, Camera, and other features of the Zero ultra, what does this phone have that makes it different from the rest? Let’s see.
Let’s Unbox
In the box, you will find an anti-slip phone cover, a 3.5mm headphone port, the Type-C cable, a 180W power adapter, an instruction manual, a warranty certificate, a SIM ejector pin, a screen protector, the mythical 180W Thunder Charge with Type-C port as well and a Zero Ultra device.
In addition, you’ll also find in the box a 1.5GB voucher from MTN and the one-dollar X-Gold Club which is an invitation to join the X-club which is Infinix’s loyalty scheme.
180W Thunder Charge
I believe the Infinix Zero Ultra is the fastest charging phone in the market as it comes with a 180W thunder charger. According to Infinix, a full charge takes only 12 minutes, although mine took about 18 minutes to be fully charged which is still really impressive.
Infinix however, instructs that to have a fully charged device in twelve minutes, there are some instructions to be followed, they are:
Furious mode must be enabled in the settings.
You should not use your phone while it is charging.
If the screen is turned on for more than 60 seconds while charging, the current will be limited and the speed will be slower.
The temperature in the room should be around 25°C (or lower, I assume). The charge speed will be reduced if the phone overheats.
Nonetheless, this smartphone is perfect for anyone that travels a lot or is always on the road or a heavy gamer, they’ll appreciate the ability to plug it in for 10, 18 minutes and get nearly a full charge
DESIGN
If I’m being truthful the phone’s overall appearance and build quality appears to be much higher than its price. This phone’s overall design gives off a premium vibe. It is indeed a work of art. The device gets an embossed 3d textured glass on its back. The power/lock button and volume rocker are located on the right-hand side of the frame. They’re firm and clicky, and because they’re near the center of the frame, they’re easy to reach while a loudspeaker and a secondary microphone are located on the top frame.
A wonderful thing about the phone is that it can stand on its own, like it stands
The dual-nano SIM card slot, main microphone, USB-C port, and loudspeaker are all located on the bottom and the large triple camera module that houses the main camera can be found at the back of the smartphone. All round it is a very clean design and screams flagship, definitely a device I’m proud to pull out in public, it’s impossible to miss the curved waterfall screen on the front of the device.
The curved displays are appealing and has a waterfall effect on the sides. I particularly like the shimmering white back. I must add that the curved display is done elegantly and is not distracting in any way, rather it adds to the experience. It looks smart as the upper, below, and sides bezels of the screen are very thin.
DISPLAY
It has a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The screen has an auto-refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz and is curved on the edges. This is why it has very thin bezels and a really beautiful and neat front screen.
The Infinix ZERO ULTRA’s 6.8-inch display has very thin bezels on the top, bottom, and sides. It employs an AMOLED panel to achieve extremely deep blacks and vibrant colors. It has a 2400 x 1080 resolution (387ppi) and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. The animations, scrolling, and overall UI navigation are all very smooth. There’s also the option to reduce the refresh rate to 60Hz to save some battery life.
Other features include High Brightness Mode, which allows the screen to be brighter under direct light so you can see the screen clearly, but the downside of this is that it uses more battery.
CAMERA
The Infinix Zero Ultra’s 200MP primary camera is one of its main selling points. Although the primary camera has a 200MP resolution, an f/2.0 aperture, 0.64m Dual Pixel PDAF, and OIS stabilization, you’ll have to manually activate it as it is turned off by default. However, the pictures taken are not only EXTREMELY CLEAR but are sharp and detailed.
As long as you have good lighting, I don’t see why you should use the 200MP mode; the regular AI or Pro mode produces sharp enough images for everyday use.
In addition to the primary camera, there is a 13MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 32MP front camera. The 13MP ultra-wide lens has AutoFocus. The front-facing 32MP camera performs admirably in normal and low-light conditions.
The Infinix Zero Ultra can record videos in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. OIS, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, and other camera features are available. Turning off HDR will help you get a better shot with the front and back cameras.
Although, the smartphone’s portrait photo mode is a little too aggressive, as it kept blurring a portion of the subject’s face but still the pctures produced are sharp and clear as well.
Performance (MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset)
The Infinix Zero Ultra is powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G chipset. This 5G chipset is constructed using a 6nm process technology. It has an Octa-core CPU (8-core processor) and an ARM Mali-G68 MC4 GPU.
When switching between apps, the chipset’s performance is smooth. For the average user, the chipset is more than adequate to complete all tasks. This device is adequate for typical day-to-day tasks. The device’s multitasking capabilities are excellent. Apps always launched quickly, and I had no trouble multitasking with the device.
RAM, STORAGE AND SOFTWARE
The Infinix Zero Ultra has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 8GB of RAM is supplemented by 5GB of virtual RAM, for a total of 13 GB. It has a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion. The RAM performs admirably in keeping background apps running, and the internal storage is adequate for storing your files, but you can always expand with a microSD card.
This phone comes pre-installed with XOS 12, which is based on Android 12. I’ve had no major issues with it; there haven’t been any glitches or spelling errors.
Battery
The Infinix Zero Ultra is powered by a 4,500mAh battery that supports 180W wired fast charging.
The 180W Thunder Charge is a game changer, Although Infinix says it charges from 0 to 100 in 12 minutes, mine did 0% to 100% in 18 minutes which is still very reasonable and unarguably the fastest smartphone ever. Since I don’t have to bother about how fast my phone charges, this enables me to use my phone as much as I want, drain the battery, plug it in, do something for a few minutes, and I’m back to full charge in no time.
Although the battery life is pretty good and can comfortably stay active throughout the day.
Other features available in the Infinix Zero Ultra are a Fingerprint (under display, optical), NFC, Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), FM Radio, microSDXC (dedicated slot), stereo speakers, A-GPS, Google Assistant, etc.
Special Edition NFT
You can enter to win a special edition NFT with the Infinix Zero Ultra. Each ZERO ULTRA is associated with a unique NFT lottery card, and each ZERO ULTRA device purchaser has the opportunity to win an NFT.
The Infinix animated NFT collection honors space exploration and is intended to inspire users to explore the Metaverse with technological innovation and boundless curiosity. Each NFT represents a different planet’s space explorer, equipped with abilities that represent the main technological advances delivered by Infinix’s ZERO ULTRA.
Conclusion
The Infinix Zero Ultra has impressed me; it looks like a premium flagship phone and has features such as the 180W thunder charger and a 200MP primary sensor that makes your pictures clear and let’s not even talk about the beauty that the phone is. The Mediatek dimensity 920 chipset is one of the solid features.
For someone like me that is constantly on the move, 18 minutes is fast enough charge for me. Overall, this is excellent and should be considered, I’ll score it a solid 9/10
The zero Ultra sells for N426,200, and is available in any of their partner outlets.
