FG grows national grid power capacity to 14,000MW
The Federal Government through the Association of Power Generation Companies has grown the power capacity of the national grid from 13, 000megawatts recorded a few years ago to about 14,000 MW. APGC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Joy Ogaji, while speaking with The PUNCH on the sideline of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria’s 2023 annual international strategic conference last week Thursday, said electricity generation capacity to the national grid has increased to almost 14,000MW. “The national grid now has an installed power generation capacity of about 14, 000 megawatts, and this was made possible due to the Zungeru plant that came on stream this year,” she said, adding that it was an opportunity for interested investors to partner with the Gencos. The company had offered a fee of $700m per year for a period of 30 years to operate the plant. Despite the 14,000MW claim by Ojagi, checks by The PUNCH on the records of the Nigerian Electricity System Operator showed that the latest on-grid peak power generation as of Saturday, was 4,803.60 MW.
Source:Punch
October 09, 2023 15:54 UTC
Nigeria at 63: Harnessing the gains in our diversity | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
At certain levels of education, for example, admissions are offered from within and outside states of origin to reflect federal character. Admissions to schools in other states as is the case of the 110 federal government colleges also known as unity schools, are based on quota system. This is same with federal ministers who are meant to be ministers of the whole country and not just of their respective states. Harnessing the gains in our differences to truly live out the professed ‘unity in diversity’ mantra has wide-ranging developmental and progressive benefits for Nigeria, and mutual relationship for all Nigerians. Achieving this goes a long way to forge harmonious entity for a lasting national peace, national love and national unity that transcends religion, state of origin, tribe and ethnicity, to realise Nigeria of our dream.
Source:The Guardian
October 09, 2023 15:44 UTC
Experts advocate greater exploration of AI in marketing
Experts in marketing and technology have called on marketing practitioners, especially those in the out-of-home advertising, to leverage the opportunities presented by ArtificiaI Intelligence, to upskill. The call was made at the inaugural Location Marketing Awards (LOMA), held in Lagos, recently. The focal point of discussion centered on AI’s significance and its role in elevating professionals within the advertising ecosystem. While acknowledging the evolution of advertising in tandem with AI’s transformative impact on society, the experts underlined the need for marketing professionals to embrace and leverage AI technologies to stay competitive in the rapidly changing landscape. In his remarks, the convener of Location Marketing Awards, Kingsley Onwukaeme, identified harsh economic conditions, low client patronage, unfavourable credit terms, multiple taxation, insecurity, scarce human resources and market proliferation as some of the challenges bedevilling the industry.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
October 09, 2023 15:06 UTC
Choosing how to play
A sales strategy that directly links businesses with the people will surely be always relevant, focused and very effective. With people-relationship, products and services will command credibility, immediate adoption and of course, loyalty (short and long terms). The strategy for choosing “where to play, how to play and how to win” must be coherently articulated, doable and translated to actionable steps that deliver sustainable success. Sales and other departments in companies are siloed and “crying” for an urgent need for internal collaboration in order to achieve elusive progress. They can substantially contribute to the design of new products and services as well as forge acceptance and patronage.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
October 09, 2023 05:24 UTC
Nissan Magnite AMT sub-compact SUV to be cheaper than Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter AMTs
Nissan is gearing up to introduce the Magnite AMT to the Indian market, and the good news is that it comes with an attractive starting price. Sources suggest that the Nissan Magnite AMT will be priced approximately Rs 50,000-60,000 higher than its manual counterpart. In comparison, the entry-level Adventure AMT variant of the Punch starts at Rs 7.5 lakh, while the Exter AMT kicks off at Rs 8.09 lakh. Nissan will offer the Magnite AMT in four variants: XE, XM, XV, and XV Premium. With its competitive AMT pricing, Nissan aims to carve out a niche for itself in the automatic sub-compact SUV segment.
Source:Punch
October 08, 2023 22:09 UTC
End-September 2023 GIR level settles at US$98.7 billion
The country’s gross international reserves (GIR) level, based on preliminary data, settled at US$98.7 billion as of end-September 2023 from the end-August 2023 level of US$99.6 billion. [1]The latest GIR level represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.3 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. [2]Moreover, it is also about 5.7 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.6 times based on residual maturity. Similarly, the net international reserves, which refers to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets (GIR) and reserve liabilities (short-term foreign debt and credit and loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)), decreased by US$0.8 billion to US$98.7 billion as of end-September 2023 from the end-August 2023 level of US$99.5 billion. [1] The BSP’s reserve assets consist of foreign investments, gold, foreign exchange, reserve position in the IMF, and special drawing rights.
Source:The Guardian
October 08, 2023 21:00 UTC
Sadia Kabeya column: Missing trailblazing WXV with England is a punch to the gut
I have been working on rehab for that and I was on track to be available for WXV - but this week I had a setback. It has been frustrating, as I was so close to being back and on the plane to New Zealand. To not be involved in the first one is disappointing, a punch to the gut, because I think it will be a big, influential tournament. 'We want a new narrative after World Cup final'England lost 34-31 to New Zealand in the final of the 2022 Women's Rugby World CupThis is England's first game in New Zealand since losing the Rugby World Cup final. John Mitchell will become England women's head coach following leading Japan at the 2023 World Cup'Success is always winning'For us, a successful WXV tournament means always winning - we want three wins from three games.
Source:Punch
October 08, 2023 20:43 UTC
A forged presidency?
His Sallust was a British spy who was on the run, his plane having been shot down in Nazi Germany. I followed sleeplessly as Sallust ran through disguises and danger as he worked to save himself and the woman he hoped to rescue. And then I would learn that it is not only spies but ordinary people who, more out of greed than desperation, take dastardly risks. It is how a man becomes a governor and in front of everyone, converts himself into the richest man in the state. Keep in mind that the questions about Tinubu’s character first surfaced nearly 25 years ago when he ran for governor.
Source:Punch
October 08, 2023 19:52 UTC
Five ways to build new habits
Whether you’re aiming to develop a healthier lifestyle, boost productivity, or enhance your skills, forming new habits can be transformative. In this article, we will discuss five effective strategies to help you build and maintain new habits successfully. Start small and specificWhen embarking on building a new habit, it’s crucial to start small and be specific about your goal. Establish a clear routineCreating a clear routine around your desired habit can significantly aid in its development. By starting small, establishing clear routines, utilising habit stacking, monitoring progress, and seeking support, you can set yourself up for success in developing lasting, positive habits.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
October 08, 2023 19:18 UTC
US foundation trains 50 Nigerian youth activists on social change
The US Department of State has empowered no fewer than 50 Nigerian youth activists and change-makers through the FlexiSAF Foundation youth activism workshop in Abuja. The event united 50 passionate young activists and change-makers aged 18 to 35, with the goal of inspiring and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive social change. The workshop also emphasized the importance of history in driving social change, rekindling participants’ appreciation for the past’s role in shaping the future. The FlexiSAF Foundation’s commitment to nurturing a network of empowered youth activists has set a promising foundation for future projects and advocacy campaigns. The Foundation looks forward to witnessing the positive impact these empowered youth activists will make in their communities and beyond.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
October 08, 2023 14:04 UTC
“Giving that first punch, it inspired me”: Indian players express admiration for Virender Sehwag
“Giving that first punch, it inspired me”: Indian players express admiration for Virender Sehwag"Giving that first punch, it is one thing that has inspired me. Everyone after him could come out express themselves and enjoy their knocks," said Suryakumar. Suryakumar said that Sehwag’s ability to deliver the “first punch” inspired him as a player and after a good Sehwag knock, those coming after him could express themselves freely too. “Giving that first punch, it is one thing that has inspired me. In his ICC Cricket World Cup career, Sehwag scored 843 runs in 22 matches at an average of 38.31 with a strike rate of over 106.
Source:Punch
October 08, 2023 13:12 UTC
Great new British directors: five acclaimed debut films to watch
What started out as a trickle of fresh talent into the British film industry just a few years ago has gathered momentum into a fully fledged new wave. And kudos is due to the BFI and BBC films in particular for their support of new, diverse talent. Her debut feature, Hoard, premiered in September at the Venice film festival, where it snagged three prizes. It screens in competition at the London film festival this month. GLRaine Allen-MillerDavid Jonsson and Vivian Oparah in Rye Lane.
Source:The Guardian
October 08, 2023 13:05 UTC
‘Truth in a grave’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
It is worrisome that even church elders and leaders deceive their congregation that cannot “study to show themselves approved” these days. The name of that powerful force is truth. It is written that it (truth) is the most powerful force on earth. There is only one truth, not a scientific truth on the one hand, and a religious or political truth on the other hand. That iswhy truth is the most powerful force on earth: Tell it, it will set you free, after all.
Source:The Guardian
October 08, 2023 12:14 UTC
British Council’s film Lab Africa set to empower Nigerian filmmakers, TV producers
Fashugba added that the Film Lab Africa was not just a programme , but a testament to the British Council’s commitment to nurturing talents, promoting cross-cultural collaboration through the creative economy. “Film Lab Africa will provide aspiring filmmakers and television producers with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to craft compelling narratives and make their mark on the global stage. “ In doing so, we will not only empower individuals but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s creative economy,” she said. The programme will offer participants opportunities to premiere their films, participate in tours, secure distribution, and showcase their work at film festivals. Director of Programmes, British Council, Chikodi Onyemerela, said women and persons with disability as well as people in relatively marginalised communities were encouraged to apply.
Source:The Guardian
October 08, 2023 10:14 UTC
Afghanistan earthquake: More than 100 dead, 500 injured — Officials
A powerful earthquake followed by strong aftershocks has killed more than 100 people in western Afghanistan, local officials said, as the United Nations warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck 40km (24 miles) west of the city of Herat at about 11 am on Saturday (06:30 GMT), with strong aftershocks felt in the neighbouring Badghis and Farah provinces. The Afghan Ministry of Defence in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, said the tremors killed more than 100 people and injured more than 500. In Herat city, resident Abdul Shakor Samadi said the quake was followed by at least five strong tremors at about noon on Saturday (07:30 GMT). The World Health Organization in Afghanistan said it dispatched 12 ambulances to Zenda Jan to evacuate casualties to hospitals.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
October 08, 2023 07:21 UTC