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    Nigeria still Africas biggest market

    Transsion Holdings, giant mobile phone (Tecno Mobile), has described Nigeria as still the biggest market in Africa in spite of some challenges.

    Mr Andy Yan, Vice President, Transsion Holdings, parent company of Tecno Mobile, made the assertion in Lagos at Tecnos Global Spring Launch.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tecno unveiled Camon X Pro smartphone at the event held at the Eko Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

    Yan said that Nigeria had provided a huge market for the organisation in spite of challenges of fluctuating foreign exchange.

    The official said that the company had contributed to the growth of Nigerias economy through job creation.

    According to him, Tecno has also impacted on Nigeria through its corporate social responsibility.

    Yan called for consistent policies to encourage investment in Nigeria, saying that unstable business environment discouraged investment.

    Yan said: Investors, most importantly, must have a stable environment and policies to do businesses.

    Where there is no continuity as regards policies and business relationship, businesses will be affected.

    We are trying to keep very healthy relations, discussing the possibilities and opportunities to impact on the society, he said.

    He said that fluctuating foreign exchange been a problem to businesses.

    Yan said that the company regularly carried out a study of the Africa business environment before manufacturing more products.

    This has kept the company going in spite of challenges.
    According to him, the Tecno Camon X Pro smartphone has unique security features such as Face ID.

    Yan said that the Face ID could be used to unlock the phone when lighting up the screen by grasping the face formation.

    He said that the face formation had 50ms recognition rate and was more functional than the fingerprint identification feature.

    At Transsions, we do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach in developing our products, he said. (NAN)

    Source: NAN

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    Nigeria launches economic diplomacy policy
    Nigeria has launched Economic Diplomacy Initiative (NEDI), insisting on commitment to ensuring adequate consultation, especially with private sector, in taking vital economic decisions.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who launched the NEDI, an initiative of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said the country was committed to all Pan African and other deal that had made Nigeria to stand out as a country, with a view to integrate Africa.

    We are also committed to ensuring adequate consultation is made, especially with the private sector, before we make further commitment to some of the international treaties that are important to us.

    He said Nigeria was also committed to strengthening economic ties at the official level on issues like technical cooperation, air services, double taxation, investment promotion and protection and citizens rights among others.

    He noted that the trade and investment ties between countries were driven mainly by their private sector actors.

    In the case of Nigeria, he said that the private sector was particularly important because it accounted for well over 90 per cent of our GDP.

    We are fully aware that building a competitive and vibrant national economy of our dream relies on enabling the innovation and dynamism of our private sector operators to flourish.

    Given that private sector actors and indeed talented individuals that would drive trade and investment are numerous, it follows that they may not have access or the means to obtain the information they need about the opportunities that abound especially abroad.

    So the vision of the minister to use the NEDI to bridge the vital gap is a welcome development indeed, he said

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said NEDI was a platform and mechanism for matching and connecting businesses.

    According to him, NEDI seeks to surmount all business huddles and barriers by leveraging on the ministrys presence in 100 countries to match Nigerian and foreign businesses.

    This we do through an Internet portal where any Nigerian business after satisfying credibility check can upload their data onto a website.

    And with the help of dedicated staff and the information would be available to Nigerian staff in missions in the 100 countries, he said

    According to him, in addition to NEDI, the ministry also created a window for diaspora brain gain, adding that there are millions of Nigeria, who would want to come home if they can find job commensurate to their skills.

    And, conversely we know that there are Nigerian institutions and businesses that are looking for skills not available in the country.

    We have therefore added a window where Nigerians in diaspora can upload their profile and the ministry will help to match them to needs of businesses and institutions in Nigeria.

    What NEDI add is a simple credibility and secured environment to grow the Nigerian economy, he said

    He said that the ministry would soon launch an internet base mechanism for validating document with payment online to check corrupt practices.

    Source: NAN

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    South Koreas ex-president Park Geun-hye found guilty
    Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, has been found guilty ofabuse of power and bribery and faces up to 30 years in prison.

    The Seoul Central District Court began reading the verdict on live television early today. Park was absent in court, but her flag-waving supporters gathered outside.

    Park, the daughter of assassinated dictator Park Chung-hee, faces a total of 18 charges.

    The court ruled that Park colluded with her old friend, Choi Soon-sil, to receive tens of billions of won from major conglomerates such as Samsung and Lotte to help Chois family and fund non-profit foundations owned by her.

    Prosecutors are seeking a 30-year sentence and a 118.5 billion won ($112 million) fine for Park, after indicting her on charges that included bribery, abuse of power and coercion.

    Park was impeached and arrested in March 2017.

    The spectacular fall from grace of a former conservative icon who cast herself in the role of an incorruptible Daughter of the Nation has captivated South Koreans either side of the political divide.

    Source: NAN

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    Updated: Ex-South Korean President Park Geun-hye jailed 24 years
    Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, has been found guilty ofabuse of power and bribery and jailed for 24 years.

    Park, the daughter of assassinated dictator Park Chung-hee, faced a total of 18 charges.

    The court ruled that Park colluded with her old friend, Choi Soon-sil, to receive tens of billions of won from major conglomerates such as Samsung and Lotte to help Chois family and fund non-profit foundations owned by her.

    Prosecutors sought a 30-year sentence and a 118.5 billion won ($112 million) fine for Park, after indicting her on charges that included bribery, abuse of power and coercion.

    Park was impeached and arrested in March 2017.

    The spectacular fall from grace of a former conservative icon who cast herself in the role of an incorruptible Daughter of the Nation has captivated South Koreans either side of the political divide.

    Source: NAN

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    Violence erupts after inauguration of Sierra Leones president
    Less than 24 hours after opposition Julius Maada Bio was sworn-in as President of Sierra Leone, some of his supporters have engaged in violent activities.

    The violence erupted in the eastern Sierra Leonean district of Kenema, after the installation of Bio as the countrys fifth president.

    Reports out of the town on Thursday suggest running battles between irate youths and the police.

    A police station is reported to have come under attack.

    Reports also indicate multiple injuries, some as a result of gunshots.

    A source in Kenema told APA that jubilating supporters of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), whose candidate Bio was declared win of the presidential election, went on the rampage trying to attack the resident of a minister in the outgoing government.

    The source said the SLPP supporters later resorted to attacking defenseless APC supporters and destroying their market stalls.

    Pictures on social media show several people supposedly injured from the incident.

    A video footage shared on the social media platform, Whatsapp, shows angry youths mobbing a police officer, while a second officer ran for his life.

    The clashes were happening as the newly elected President Bio met with former President Ernest Bai Koroma at State Lodge, for the first time since he was sworn in to office.

    The two, according to state officials, discussed details towards a smooth transition.

    There have been calls for Bio to act on whats his first test of security challenge as a president.

    Meanwhile, President Bio is scheduled to convene his first major engagement as president on Friday when he meets with all permanent secretaries and professional heads of institution at State House.

    This is according to a leaked official communique issued by the Secretary at the Office of the President.

    Source:

    Source: NAN

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    Are you addicted to smartphone? You need the psychiatrist!
    People who are less emotionally stable are more likely to be addicted to their smartphones, according to a new study.

    Researchers from the University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University conducted an online study with 640 smartphone users aged between 13 and 69 to look for the association between smartphone use and personality traits.

    The study found that people who struggle with their mental health problems were more likely to intensively use their smartphones as a form of therapy.

    It also found that as anxiety levels increase in an individual, he or she is more likely to use a smartphone.

    This is because people may be experiencing problems in their lives such as stress, anxiety, depression, family problems, so in that state they are emotionally unstable, meaning they may seek respite in very excessive smartphone use, said Dr Zaheer Hussain, a study author and lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby.This is worrying, he said.

    People who are closed off or less open with their emotions are more likely to have problems with smartphone use, said the study.

    Researchers found that the most utilised smartphone applications among the participants were social networking apps, which account for roughly half of all utilised apps, followed by instant messaging and music apps.

    Smartphone addicts engage in a passive social network, said Hussain.

    This is where you spend a lot of time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, browsing other peoples comments, pictures and posts so there is no real positive social interaction.

    Problematic smartphone use is more complex than previously thought and our research has highlighted the interplay of various psychological factors in the study of smartphone use, he said.

    *Reported by Xinhua

    Source: NAN

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    President Ramaphosa travels economy class
    President Cyril Ramaphosa has stunned South Africans as he was spotted travelling to Durban in economy class.

    It was on a Safair flight from Pretoria on Friday morning. He was on his way to attend the Covenant Fellowship Church International in eSikhaleni, Kwazulu Natal north coast.

    Ramaphosas co-passengers snapped photos with the president which were shared on Twitter, according to News24.

    While some commended the South African leader for cutting costs, some others were cynical, dismissing the gesture as a PR stunt.

    Ramaphosas spokesperson Khusela Diko told News24 that the president will at all times use the mode of transport which is most practical, convenient and cost effective for his duties.

    Ramaphosa who is 65 years old is South Africas fifth President. He succeeded Jacob Zuma on 15 February 2018. Zuma resigned after the African National Congress recalled him.

    President Ramaphosa on-board a Fly SafAir flight to Durban this morning

    Mlimandlela Ndamase (@PrinceNdamase)

    Crayg Hitzeroth (@CraygH)

    Justice4All (@Unathi_Kwaza)

    Whilst hes flying SAfair, his ministers are sleeping in expensive hotels and spending millions of the states money on parties.. what is he doing about it

    Jalamba (@simphiw_)

    Praise where praise is due

    rowland cunningham (@bhanaC)

    He deserves praise here indeed. Cutting costs

    Tshepo David Khoza (@khozalities)

    Source: NAN

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    Ruben Enaje nailed to the cross 32 times says no more pain
    A Philippine man, Ruben Enaje, who has been nailed to a cross every Easter for the past 32 years in a Good Friday re-enactment of Jesus Christs crucifixion says he no longer feels any pain from his wounds.

    Enaje, 58, again portrayed Christ on Friday in the traditional religious rite in Cutud village, about 76 km (47 miles) from the capital Manila.

    In the past, I went home injured and limping, but this year I feel so great, Enaje said after the ritual held under a sweltering sun.

    He said he believed his strong Catholic faith helped him avoid pain.

    I feel like he is telling me go ahead, keep it up, he said, referring to God.

    Easter is a festival marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

    About 80 percent of the 105 million people in the Philippines, a former Spanish colony, are Catholic.

    Enaje said he felt strong enough to perform in two or three more crucifixions, until he turns 60.

    Enaje was among three devotees nailed to wooden crosses in the village on Friday, including a woman taking part for the seventh time.

    Actors wearing Roman soldier costumes attached the devotees to crosses by hammering two-inch nails soaked in alcohol through their hands and feet and hoisted them up in a field packed with domestic and foreign tourists.

    The Catholic Church in the Philippines tolerates the ritual but says it does not support such gory displays of devotion, describing them as a misinterpretation of faith.

    Many Catholics in the Philippines perform religious acts of penance during the Holy Week at Easter as a form of worship and supplication.

    Some believe penance cleanses sins, cures illnesses and even leads to wishes coming true.

    Source: NAN

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    Cancer in coffee: Judge orders retailers to give health warning
    A judge in Los Angeles, California, United States has ordered coffees globally known retailer Starbucks Corp and other coffee sellers to put a cancer warning on coffee sold in the state.

    A little-known not-for-profit group sued some 90 coffee retailers, including Starbucks, on grounds they were violating a California law requiring companies to warn consumers of chemicals in their products that could cause cancer.

    One of those chemicals is acrylamide, a byproduct of roasting coffee beans that is present in high levels in brewed coffee.

    Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elihu Berle said in a decision dated Wednesday that Starbucks and other companies had failed to show there was no significant risk from a carcinogen produced in the coffee roasting process, court documents showed.

    Starbucks and other defendants have until April 10 to file objections to the decision.

    Starbucks declined to comment, referring reporters to a statement by the National Coffee Association (NCA) that said the industry was considering an appeal and further legal actions.

    Cancer warning labels on coffee would be misleading. The U.S. governments own Dietary Guidelines state that coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle, the NCA statement said.

    In his decision, Berle said: Defendants failed to satisfy their burden of proving by a preponderance of evidence that consumption of coffee confers a benefit to human health.

    Officials from Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds Corp , Peets and other big coffee sellers did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Reuters reported.

    The lawsuit was filed in 2010 by the Council for Education and Research on Toxics (CERT). It calls for fines as large as $2,500 per person for every exposure to the chemical since 2002 at the defendants shops in California.

    Any civil penalties, which will be decided in a third phase of the trial, could be huge in California, which has a population of nearly 40 million.

    CERTs lawyer Raphael Metzger did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Starbucks lost the first phase of the trial in which it failed to show the level of acrylamide in coffee was below that which would pose a significant risk of cancer. In the second phase of the trial, defendants failed to prove there was an acceptable alternative risk level for the carcinogen, court documents showed.

    Several defendants in the case settled before Wednesdays decision, agreeing to post signage about the cancer-linked chemical and pay millions in fines, according to published reports.

    Source: NAN

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    Social media forces CPC to probe Blue Band
    Following a viral video that patrayed Blue Band as unsafe, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) says it has opened an inquiry into aspects of Blue Band products.

    It stated that the inquiry would determine product safety and clarify some aspects of the manufacturers statements on Blue Band Spread for Bread.

    The CPC Director General, Mr Babatunde Irukera, said this in a statement issued by the organisation on Sunday in Abuja,

    He said that the purpose of the inquiry was to ensure that the products, differentiated or otherwise, were safe and subjected to proper processes and in-trade handling consistent with the different properties and characteristics of each product.

    This is in reaction to a short demonstration video on social media showing how Blue Band Spread for Bread reacts under certain heat conditions.

    He said that the video or the impression it conveyed had become the subject of anxiety and intense controversy.

    It suggests that the product, which the narrator considers a functional equivalent of Blue Band Original, is unsafe because when subjected to high temperature in boiling water, it did not melt or dissolve.

    Available scientific information confirms that though butter, margarine and spread appear similar and share similar components, in characteristics and uses, they are different products available to consumers.

    Butter and margarine share a particular similar characteristic, low resistance to heat, and as such both are likely to melt when subjected to certain levels of heat.

    Irukera, however, said that spreads had varying heat resistance, depending on intended use and production process.

    He said that as a result, it could not be necessarily unsafe that a spread does not melt under similar heat conditions as butter or margarine.

    He said spreads were produced in part by adding emulsifiers which were additives used in stabilizing and binding processed foods.

    They are not inherently unsafe or uncommon. The specific emulsifying agent and amount used largely depends on many factors including shelf life, storage, handling and climatic conditions in order to prevent microbial activity.

    Irukera said that the manufacturer of the product had made a statement seeking to address public concern by differentiating its products and explaining the purposes of the two different products.

    He also said that the organisation would continue to collaborate with the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) regarding applicable safety standards of butter and margarine.

    He added that consumption of butter, margarine or spreads generally are not unsafe.

    Source: NAN

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