The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says the frequent collapses of the national grid cannot be totally avoided.

The grid had collapsed twice within two hours on Thursday, causing blackout across the country.

In a statement on Friday, Ndid Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, said the development was as a result of the grid being operated without a spinning reserve.

A spinning reserve is an excess capacity that compensates for electricity shortages when the grid fluctuates.

Mbah said the TCN is working to modernise and stabilise the grid.

“Full restoration of the grid was achieved at about 2:19am, today,” Mbah said.

“The initial disturbance of the grid which occurred at about 12.34pm yesterday was a partial collapse of the system, as the grid was still supplying Port-Harcourt, Aba, Omoku, Yenegoa, Afam among others, through Afam IV, Rivers IPP and Omoku Power Stations.

“Effort immediately commenced to synchronize other parts of the network but as restoration reached advanced stage, the situation suddenly degenerated into a collapse of the nation’s grid.

“Full restoration of the grid re-commenced immediately after the incident and by 10pm yesterday, most parts of the nation had been reconnected to the grid, at about 2:19am however, the grid was fully restored.

“Management wishes to inform Nigerians that TCN is not relenting in its efforts to completely stabilize the grid. However, due to the fact that the National Grid is still being operated with zero spinning reserve, system instability like what was witnessed yesterday cannot be totally avoided.”

In its latest 2019 second quarter report, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said efforts are ongoing to procure the spinning reserves.

“In addition, the Commission is reviewing the outcome of the process of procuring spinning reserves by TCN,” the regulator said.

“The Commission had earlier approved the request by TCN to competitively procure spinning reserves for the industry. This is to guarantee adequate spinning reserves for proper management of the grid by System Operator.”  (The Cable)

Exciting time awaits GOtv Max subscribers, particularly kids, as Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart, a new series on Cartoon Network, will premiere on the platform on 27 January.

The series centres around Sheriff Mao Mao, a crime-fighting samurai cat, and how she navigates through adventure, friendship, and depicts what it really means to be a hero.

Mao Mao becomes an explosive loner on a quest to become legendary, but later meets Badgerclops, the cyborg slacker, and Adorabat, the adorable sidekick, as they overcome their differences and work together to protect the people of Pure Heart Valley from monsters, villains and everything in between.

In Pure Heart Valley, Sheriff Mao Mao may be impressive, even heroic, but he still has a lot to learn. On his journey, Mao Mao will learn that being a legend is not about showcasing flashy moves and dangerous quests; it is about what you do that makes people remember and admire you.

Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart is the brainchild of Parker Simmons and produced by Cartoon Network Studios and Titmouse. The kids can follow and learn from Mao’s quest to become a legend when the programme airs weekly from 27 January at 3:20pm.

The kids can continue to enjoy all the episodes of this series, as well as watch other thrilling, high-quality comedy and adventure shows on GOtv Max for N3,200. To subscribe or upgrade, visit www.gotvafrica.com or use MyGOtv app on mobile phones, which is available for download for iOS and Android users.

There has never been a better time to stay connected to GOtv than January 2020! GOtv has programmes lined up that is sure to wipe away the January blues and provide great entertainment for both adults and kids. Kicking things off is the return of Step Up. Starting Wednesday, 15^th January till Wednesday 29^th February, customers on lower packages (GOtv Jolli, Plus, Jinja, Value and Lite) can renew their current subscription and get upgraded to the next package. So reconnect now & stay active to revel in the privileges of a higher package.

This looks like an exciting week for football on GOtv! This Saturday, 18^th January, catch Real Madrid vs Sevilla on SuperSport Select 4 (channel 34) and Manchester City vs Crystal Palace on SuperSport Select 2 (channel 32), both matches at 4pm. On Sunday, 19^th January, Burnley vs Leicester City airs on SuperSport Select 2 (channel 32) at 3pm. For more football fixtures, visit www.supersport.com.

Nigerian Top Weddings S1 airs on Fox Life (channel 20): Top Nigerian weddings have been carefully selected to feature in this season. It promises to be an explosive demonstration of some of Nigerian’s most dazzling weddings. Fridays ay 6:55pm.

At Your Service is showing on ROK 2 (channel 17): A hardworking waiter is left devastated when his girlfriend’s made the decision to leave him for a rich man who will take care of her. The waiter finally gets a chance to meet a woman who changes the course of his destiny. Friday, 17^th January at 9:45pm.  Catch The Humble servant on AM Epic (channel 9): The most interesting part is a father giving words of wisdom to his son. In his words, he said “Don’t let your wife take your dignity away. Always take your stand but love her unconditionally”. Everything we do in this world has its reward. Sunday, 19^th January at 7pm.

Looking for comedy on a Sunday night? B.A.P.S airs on BET (channel 21):  Two waitresses from Georgia, travel to Los Angeles to audition for a music video in order to raise money for their dream restaurant. Not everything turned out the way they planned. To find out more tune in Sunday, 19^th January at 7pm.

Drama? Suspense? Shaurya is showing on Zee World (channel 25): An army lawyer pulls out all his guns to prove the innocence of an army officer whose been falsely accused of homicide. Sunday, 19^th January at 4pm.

New show alert! The Egg Factor Premieres on CBS reality (channel 22): This groundbreaking and gripping new series follows the fascinating lives of people involved in creating families with donated eggs. Hopeful parents who have struggled to conceive are finally able to create a baby because of healthy eggs from young women who willingly to go through the grueling egg retrieval process. Catch this Sunday, 19^th January at 6:50pm.

Pj Mask S3 on Disney Junior (channel 60): On this episode, Night Ninja steals an ancient gong to awaken a real dragon. Monday, 20^th January at 5pm.

For more scheduled programming this January, visit www.gotvafrica.com You can also follow GOtv Twitter  Instagram and on Facebook

President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Thursday, identified the maritime industry as key in the efforts to stimulate the Nigerian economy.

Dangote made the assertion in a statement in Lagos while commenting on the country’s economic potential and the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s waters.

Dangote also spoke ahead of the Maritime Corporate Dinner and Merit Awards organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which is geared toward reinvigorating the economy.

The statement was signed by Head, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Isichei Osamgbi.
According to Dangote, the maritime sector is the key to the development of the Nigerian economy.

“As stakeholders, we are committed to supporting the Federal Government toward achieving a vibrant maritime industry in Nigeria. My support is unflinching.

“I also commend the management of NIMASA for being focused in providing an enabling environment for industry players.

“It is teamwork that makes it all possible, and NIMASA is recognising this by honouring its staff and industry stakeholders,” he said. Dangote described the awards as a good initiative, saying it was necessary to stimulate excellence in the maritime industry.

He said that the agency had done  much to enhance maritime safety and security, adding that it created a viable platform for indigenous participation and capacity building.

He also noted  that NIMASA had tried to develop adequate manpower and infrastructure in the sector in line with international best practices.

The Festive season may be over but MultiChoice Nigeria is still in the spirit of giving with the DStv and GOtv Step Up offer which gives loyal customers more reasons to stay connected in the new year. Cash-strapped and still eager for the best entertainment in town? Well, you are in luck. There has never been a better time to stay connected to DStv and GOtv than right now!

From Wednesday January 15, active and disconnected DStv Access, Family, Yanga, Confam, Compact, and Compact Plus customers who pay for their current packages will be bumped up to a higher package for 30 days of access to a wider viewing experience. Step Up also allows existing GOtv customers to see varied programming available across higher packages, at the price of a lower package, making great content more accessible to a wider group of customers.

“At MultiChoice, we put our customers at the heart of everything we do. This offer is just one of the ways in which we want to show our loyal customers that we value them. We understand the economic pressures that the beginning of the year can bring and for this reason, we have decided to meet our customers halfway in order to give them access to additional quality entertainment” says MultiChoice Nigeria Chief Customer Officer Martin Mabutho.

Active customers on DStv Access, Yanga, Family, Confam, Compact and Compact Plus – packages and GOtv JOLLI, PLUS, JINJA, VALUE & LITE can take advantage of this offer to experience entertainment available on higher packages by paying their subscription on time. Customers who are currently disconnected can simply reconnect during the offer period to benefit. DStv and GOtv customers will be able to enjoy a wide array of content on their boosted offering including world-class sporting action alongside exciting local content, international movies, series, telenovelas, music, news and kids’ entertainment for less.

MultiChoice Nigeria through its Africa Magic channel began airing 3 brand-new reality TV shows titled ‘Date My Family’, ‘Dr. Laser’, ‘Confessions’ and a brand-new drama series – ‘Unmarried’. All showing on Africa Magic Showcase (Ch. 151). Ultimate Love, a brand new Naija reality love show with 16 contestants finding their ‘ultimate love’ also premieres early February on dedicated channels DStv 198 and GOtv 29, will be available on select packages

The exciting FA Cup action is also back. Feel the FA Cup heat and catch blow by blow Live coverage  on DStv & GOtv .

Also, catch Tyler Perry’s The Oval  Thursdays on BET (Ch. 129)  at 9:30 pm. The Oval carries the audience alongside the first family moving into the White House and highlighting their private lives.

GOtv Lite customers can simply pay and step up to the GOtv Value package where they will enjoy great local movies on Africa Magic Epic (channel 9) while the kids will be kept busy with great edutainment like Atchoo! starting on Monday, 27^th January at 1:25pm on Nickelodeon (channel 62).

GOtv Value customers will get upgraded to GOtv JINJA and watch the exciting series, Top Nigerian Weddings every Friday at 6:55pm on FOX Life (channel 20) as well as exciting kids’ content on PBS (channel 65)

Furthermore, GOtv Plus customers who pay and stay connected will get upgraded to the GOtv JOLLI package and watch top international shows like Border Security S6 which airs daily at 8:10pm on CBS Reality (channel 22) and Black Tax S1 starting Tuesday, 21^st January at 8:30pm on BET (channel 21). They also will get entertained with local shows every weeknight on Africa Magic Family (channel 2) including My Siblings & I at 7pm and The Johnsons S6 at 8:30pm; and Amazing Voices, a brand new pan-African singing competition with singers from nine African cities, squaring off against each other for $100,000! every Sunday at 3pm.

Whether you’re a drama, sports,  edutainment or current affairs fan, you’ll never have to wonder what to watch next because DStv Compact Plus has so much on offer. Awards season is the big drawcard for January and February; viewers can tune in for one of the most anticipated musical events! The 62nd annual GRAMMY Awards will air live on 1Magic (DStv Ch. 103) on January 27 at 02:30 AM and again at 08:30 PM.

Chairman of UBA Group, Tony O. Elumelu, has made the donation of a multi-purpose information technology centre to his alma mater, Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State.

Through the UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Elumelu has championed the construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose information technology building, which will benefit the students of Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State. The hall, to be named The Tony O. Elumelu multipurpose hall, is furnished with computers, desks and chairs, measures 839 square meters and has adjoining offices and conveniences.

Elumelu highlighted his motivation: “Education is crucial to Nigeria’s human capital – whether our young people join our national institutions, the private sector or, as I did, take the entrepreneurial path, no one can afford to be cut off from the digital world. It has been a personal mission to ensure that the hall was delivered to specification, for the benefit of students at AAU. Success brings with it the duty to give back, and I am just grateful that I am now in a position to meaningfully help the next generation”.

The multipurpose hall was formally handed over to the University, at a ceremony attended by members of the University’s governing council and staff, led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ignatius Onimawo.

Speaking at the commissioning, UBA’s Directorate Head, South Bank, Mr. Chris Ofikulu, who represented the UBA Group Chairman, highlighted the contribution of UBA, through its Foundation, to education and development across Africa.

‘As a pan-African bank, operating in 20 countries across our continent, UBA is committed to being a socially responsible institution, and a role model for businesses in Africa. The UBA Foundation actively promotes the socio-economic improvement of the communities in which UBA operates, with a particular emphasis on development in the areas of “Education, Environment, and Economic Empowerment”. We believe in intervening and building capacity within communities, facilitating projects that will act as catalysts for social and economic development’ he stated.

“Tony Elumelu is a product of this great university and is conscious of the need to give back and there is no substitute for world class educational infrastructure, and this is what has informed the construction of these facilities, that will help equip the future leaders of our great nation Nigeria.” he said.

The AAU Vice Chancellor, Prof Ignatius Onimawo, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the gesture by the UBA Group Chairman, noted that one of the most pressing needs of the University for 2020 had been met, and thanked UBA and Mr Elumelu.

He challenged students to make proper use of the facilities provided by UBA, and to ensure that they emerge great leaders and mentors like Elumelu, whose commitment to catalysing entrepreneurial growth across Africa, through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and institutionalising African philanthropy, had created a strongly positive role model. ‘We at Ambrose Ali university are so proud of our son Tony Elumelu and every time we see him doing good across Africa, we feel joy and accomplishment’ said Onimawo.

In line with its commitment towards boosting savings culture and promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, Access Bank Plc has splashed over N50 million on no fewer than 1,044 customers in its DiamondXtravaganza Season 11 reward promo.

Mr Robert Giles, the bank’s Head, Retail Products, said at the reward ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos that the initiative was introduced in 2008 to boost savings culture and financial inclusion.

Giles said that the Diamondxtra initiative which had been running for 11 years had constantly grown with the number of prizes given out every year.

He stated that over N50 million was given out in form of cash to winners across the country.

Giles said that the bank had given out five billion naira to lucky customers since the inception of DiamondXtra initiative.

According to him, there have been over 20,000 beneficiaries.

Giles described DiamondXtra as a unique product introduced into the market by the bank based on feedback from customers.

He explained that salary for life, rent for a year and educational support were all introduced based on customers experiences and feedback.

Giles noted that the initiative had helped in growing the bank’s deposit base and as well helped in transforming the lives of Nigerians by giving them the chance to win.

“Now we are seeing that customers are able to use that fund to start new businesses and this is impacting on their lives.

“This product has been a successful product since the launch and we have significantly more than one million customers who save with DiamondXtra and you do not have to have a large amount to save.

“For every N5,000 you save, you get one entry into the prize draw and that entry could win you any category of our prizes.

“The special thing about season 11 is the difference we are making for people by giving rent allowance for a year, and we had winners today who won in that category, as well as education grant for five years, that is something that is really impressive in this season,” Giles said.

The bank official, who appreciated customers for their suppport over the years, said that DiamondXtra Season 12 would kick off in February with a lot of goodies.

Also speaking, Adaeze Umeh, the bank’s Group Head, Consumer Banking, stated that more exciting features would be added in Season 12, as well as more winners.

“Season 12 is going to be much bigger because we have gotten feedback and insights from our customers.

“This initiative has been there for 11 years and so we have a lot of strong followership and each season we try to build in what our customers love and will want in a new season as it is a product aimed at transforming lives.

So, we encourage Nigerians to keep faith in us even as we get to launch the new season next month,” Umeh said.

Ms Vivian Onyebukwa, a journalist who won N500,000, commended the bank for the inititiative aimed at changing lives and enhancing saving culture.

Onyebukwa said she had been a customer of Access Bank for years and never expected to emerge a winner.

“I feel so happy and so excited. I never believed  I would become a winner in the first place.

“I want to say a very big thank you to Access Bank, I will also encourage other Nigerians especially my colleagues to partake in this initiative because this bank ends up making their customers happy,” she said.

REDTV, the foremost lifestyle platform powered by the United Bank for Africa, has just launched its new and very much anticipated series, Assistant Madams. Creators of the hit series, The Men’s Club, REDTV has been engaging and providing opportunities for talented youths in the creative industry in Africa, since its inception.

The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry gathered at the prestigious and newly opened, Ebony Life Place in the bustling city of Lagos, to watch the premiere of Assistant madams. The story revolves around the life of three aspiring female Lagos socialites and their journey to ‘big girl’ status.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta said: “REDTV was birthed by the United Bank for Africa, to support the creative industry in Nigeria and also across the African continent. For about four years now, we have been creating employment through entertainment. The potential revenue that can be generated in this industry is often under estimated and it is only in recent times that more people have had the courage to leave traditional professions and embrace the creatives. We want to encourage talented and creative professionals to pursue their dreams and to confidently feel that they are contributing to economic growth.

“The vision of UBA is to support entrepreneurship across Africa and through REDTV, the bank is connecting African talent to the world. REDTV will continue to harness these talents and to provide opportunities for those who wish to pursue careers in the creative industry,” Atta said.

Also speaking at the launch of Assistant madams, Co-producer and director, Tola Odunsi and Akins Akinkugbe expressed their delight at the reception which the new series is receiving. “We are pleased to partner with UBA and REDTV to create top quality content and jobs. Assistant madams alone employed over 120 people during the filming of the series and this is significant.”

In attendance at the event, were Chris Ubosi, Mo Abudu, veteran photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi, Sola Sobowole, Patrick Doyle, Noble Igwe, Juliet Ibrahim, Toke Makinwa, Uru Eke, Obi Asika, Koye Sowemimo, Debola Williams, Sharon Ooja, Bollylomo,  Funke Babs Kufreji, Obi Asika, Bisola Aiyeola, Osas Ighodaro, Tana Adelana, Sophie Alakija, Taymesan Emmanuel, Ayo Ayoola, Efa Iwara, and many noteworthy entertainers.

Assistant Madams will premiere on Youtube @itsredtv on January 15, 2020.

REDTV is a fast paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by the United Bank for Africa, the network is an entertainment platform with rich content that feature the very best of Africa.

Winners begin 2020 on a happy note

Thirteen lucky customers of Fidelity Bank Plc have started the new year on a strong note having emerged millionaires in the third monthly draw of the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) promo season 4 in Lagos on Tuesday. The bank also rewarded loyal customers with cash prizes worth N16 million in the categories of N2 million and N1 million respectively.

The electronic raffle draw, which was held at the bank’s Broad Street Branch, Lagos Island was witnessed by the relevant regulatory bodies including the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC). Lucky customers who emerged winners in the draw cut across all regions of the country.

The winners include: Dare Abiodun Emmanuel; Ugwu Philomena Nneka; Chinenye Catherine Olunna; Egberi Agbarha Kelvin; Ivang Stanley Oham; Chinelo Loveth Egbuchunem; Dare Abiodun Emmanuel; Itabiyi Gbolahan Olakunle Hassan & Adejoke Jokotade; Larei Chindo; Chigozie Darlington Emoka; Khadijah Umar; Muazzam Ad Maizare; Isabella Chekwube Uche; Omolade Bamitale Olatawura.

Others are Joseph James Abah; Oghenetega Emmanuel Erus; Blessing Chidinma Okafor; Loveline Uche Okonkwo; Nafisat Ali Lawal; Comfort Ita Asuquo; Mohammed Halima Sadiya, amongst others. The bank doled out 19 consolation prizes in form of fridges, television sets and power generating sets.

Speaking during the event, Managing Director/CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo, noted it is the bank’s 9th promo in 12 years whilst adding that a total of N16 million and 19 consolation prizes will be given out at the third draw. Okonkwo who was represented the Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Chijioke Ugochukwu, further added that the draw will see a total of N50 million in cash and 54 consolation prizes to over 93 winners.

“We would have given out a total of N50 million in cash and 54 consolation prizes to over 93 winners. We expect more winners to emerge at subsequent draws because the promo is still on and in addition to the N50 million that we will be giving out, we still have N70 million and several consolation prizes yet to be won,” he said.

Shedding light on how people can qualify for the draw, Head, Savings group, Fidelity Bank Plc, Janet Nnabuko, stated that both existing and new customers can win by simply topping their account with N10,000 for existing customers or someone opening a new account and building it up to N20,000.

She further disclosed that to qualify for the star prize of N3 million one needs to build his account to N50,000 while aspiring for the grand prize of N10 million, one only has to grow his account to N200,000.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 5 million customers that are serviced across its 250 business offices and various digital banking channels. The bank focuses on select niche corporate banking sectors as well as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and its currently driving its retail banking businesses through its robust digital banking channels.

Nigerian banking group Access Bank just created a subsidiary in Cameroon. With an initial capital of about XAF14.5 billion, the new subsidiary’s headquarters will be in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.  

The administrative board of this subsidiary is constituted of seven members with only one Cameroonian, the legal notice published for the creation indicates. These members are Patience Melone, Iyabode Soji-Okusanya, Fatai Oladipo, Abraham Aziegbe, Ibukunoluwa Odegbaike, and Elliz Nzo Azu.

Created for a duration of 99 years, the bank has chosen Price Water House Coopers as its external auditor and will operate in the management of current accounts, savings collection, checks payment and credit granting.

As required by the rules in force, the launch of Access Bank Cameroon’s activities in Cameroon is still subject to the issuance, by the Ministry of Finance and the banking commission COBAC, of various legal notices and authorizations to the bank’s shareholders.

If it succeeds in launching its subsidiary in Cameroon, Access Bank Plc will become the 16^th commercial bank to operate in the country and will meet one of its compatriots, United Bank of Africa (UBA), on that market. Its entering the Cameroonian market some years after the departure of another Nigerian group, Oceanic Bank International namely.

Some years ago, Oceanic Bank International took over 54.5% of Union Bank of Cameroon’s (UBC) assets saving it from bankruptcy. However, in 2011, Ecobank had to buy Oceanic Bank International’s assets in UBC, which is a well-rooted bank in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.

In January 15, 2019, Access Bank Plc’s executive director, Victor Etokwu announced that apart from the Cameroonian subsidiary, the banking group would create subsidiaries in two other African countries this year. The banking group will then have 18 subsidiaries in Africa.