Batman meets Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and the Phromance just might be epic!- Review

Samsung has created a Batman themed version of the Galaxy S7 edge called Injustice Edition to celebrate the third anniversary of the Injustice: Gods Among Us mobile video game. Last year, it was Iron Man.

For all you Gotham city enthusiasts, The Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition has a Batman logo painted gold on the back. The Injustice Edition package comes with a Samsung Gear VR, Batman wallpapers, a gold-colored Batarang, a phone case that resembles Batman’s armor, Injustice game credit and Oculus VR content vouchers. The Batman colours make the S7 edge even sleeker. So you may get the opportunity of see two things you love the most joined together in intimacy.

For those who don’t know, the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge includes a 5.5-inch screen size, an all-glass chassis design, a dual edge display, a 12-megapixel camera rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, expandable memory that supports up to 200GB, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (U.S.) or Exynos 8890 (international) processor, 4GB RAM, IP68 certified water resistance (up to 5 ft. of water for up to 30 minutes), a 3,600 mAh battery and wireless charging support.  It gives you the slimmest feel in your hand without compromising the big screen size. It has a bigger expandable memory, faster processors and huge RAM. The bigger battery keeps you going for longer and most amazingly for people like me, clearer and sharper pictures.

The S7 edge Injustice Edition release date is slated for June 13th in a few countries like China, Singapore, Korea, Latin America and Russia but will be available in more markets soon. Hopefully, this time it will make it to Nigeria

Are you a Batman and Samsung fan? Will you buy willing to buy this if it comes to Nigeria? Drop your comments below if you please.

Nigeria has the 7th biggest mobile subscription in Africa, Chinese smartphones top sales in Africa - Study

Nigeria is now the 7^th country with the largest mobile subscription. This means, more people are using phones to stay connected. Nigeria’s biggest online retailer, Jumia, revealed this in its second white paper on African Mobile Trends 2016 released on 25^th May 2016. Egypt  is ranked 11^th and South Africa is 14^th, all within the top 15 of the top countries in the world for number of mobile subscriptions

The study also shows that Asian brands are leading the pack in smartphone sales in Africa. Chinese brand Infinix is the biggest smartphone seller on Jumia in Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Egypt. Other big sellers are Samsung and Xtouch in Egypt, InnJoo and Wiko in Kenya, Samsung in Morocco, Itel and Samsung in Ivory Coast and InnJoo in Nigeria. Even offline, Samsung remains the top smartphone brand sold in those 5 markets, monopolizing more than 50% of each market.

So for those of you who yab ‘chinco’ phones as being 2^nd class, you need to think again.  It seems they have brought variety and diversity thus making smart phones affordable in Africa. 

Jumia has begun its mobile week but will we be able to buy? 3 reasons why Jumia mobile week might not be as reloaded as it should

Jumia started its 7 day mobile week yesterday and they tout some of the best phones, tablets and tech gadgets at mouth-watering prices. I mean i saw my Infinix Note 2 being sold for N42,000 and i’m like arrrrrrgh! Should have waited for this, right? Wrong. Most online retail tech companies hold mobile week sales in order to entice buyers and I’m sure Jumia would have made massive sales last year. This year however might not be so rosy for the online retail company. Here’s why-

Price of tomatoes

Seems unlikely but yes you read correctly. The fact that tomatoes now cost practically one for a N100 may affect the sales of online retail giant. Tomatoes are now like gold and people are saving money just to buy tomatoes. So instead of using N26, 000 to buy an Infinix hot note 3, i might as well just buy a basket of tomatoes. #justsaying

Purchasing power has dropped

People who would have been able to buy phones at higher prices last year may be unable to buy them at lower prices this year. The reason is simple enough. Purchasing power has dropped. There have been job cuts, salary slashes, pocket-money slashes and even sugar-daddy money slashes lol!. The effect of the economy is telling on every one. So when i am even barely able to feed, pray tell, where will i get the money to buy a new phone from except i absolutely need it?

Exchange rate

Ahan! The almighty exchange rate. With the dollar exchanging for N348 to a dollar and the pound for N495 to a pound at the Black Market rate, this might just be the spoiler. This time last year, the exchange rate was almost twice as low. Now with the increase and uncertainty, prices of gadgets are skyrocketing and so also are people’s reluctance to buy gadgets at such rates when they could be saving.

It may be a hard sell for Jumia but again, maybe that’s not for me to say because Nigerians love to spend and will still patronise Jumia anyway

Here are President Buhari’s “ achievements” after one year in office according to the Presidency

The News Agency of Nigeria published a list of the President’s achievement. Once again, technology and ICT has been shelved to the sidelines. *sad* Here is the list and tell us if you agree.

SECURITY:

• The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.
• As at February 2016, the total number of persons rescued by the Nigerian troops during the ongoing operations in the North East came to 11,595
• Since December 2015, the well-motivated and rejuvenated Nigerian Military have regained all Nigerian territories previously under Boko Haram control.
• Prioritized regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism, through the operations of the 8,500 strong Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, currently headed by a Nigeria military general.
• Nigeria has provided $21million USD to the Task Force since June 2015 and is committed to an additional $79 million USD, bringing the total of Nigeria’s commitment to the Task Force to 100 million USD.
• Cohesive international support in the fight against terrorism and assistance to victims and communities affected by terrorism, following President Buhari’s meeting with G7 leaders and other world powers.
• In May 2016, Nigeria hosted a Regional Security Summit to boost military operations against Boko Haram and forge a global support for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and rebuilding of the North East.
• In June 2015, the United States announced a 5-million-dollar support for the fight against the terrorists in the sub-region.
• In April 2016, during the visit to Ms Samantha Power, the U.S Ambassador to the UN to Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, the U.S Government further announced an additional $40 million USD for humanitarian assistance in the sub-region
• Recruitment of additional 10,000 persons into the Nigeria Police Force is ongoing. The recruitment will address the manpower gap which currently exists in the Nigeria Police
• Overhaul of the dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian military which resulted in optimal result and degradation of the Boko Haram elements.
• Was able to bring back our hitherto military allies; which saw the United States and UK governments commit their resources to the fight against the insurgents after previously backing out of negotiations with the previous administration. The Israeli government has also indicated interest in the fight against insurgency.
• Introduction of the motor cycle battalion (This is so that the Nigerian Army can travel to remote areas that were not accessible to cars/trucks)
• Realigned our partnership with regional allies by embarking on foreign visits which resulted in bilateral and multilateral agreements to tackle insecurity back home.
• No more roadblocks and curfews, which normally impeded free flow of movement.
• Continuous monitoring of activities in the region of war through the use of satellite images and geographical information system is helping in fighting insurgency and strategizing against the enemy.
• The trips to our neighbouring countries showed the resolve of the President to push Boko Haram elements out of existence by going for the jugular of the group, cutting their arms, food supply routes. Support has thus been mobilized through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
• Another major stride is the Trans National Organized Crime (TNOC) where the president got partnership with regional allies in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
• As part of the reconfigured military partnership, the United States donated 24 mine-resistant armoured vehicles (MRAP) which had protected the Nigerian troops from the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices. Today we have less causalities.
• Reached out to the G7 countries and achieved the following: intelligence sharing; technical military training; arms deals/donations
• Overhauling of NIMASA. A reversed policy of the past administration where national infrastructural assets were given to militia leaders to protect as against established bodies like the Nigerian Navy was stopped.
• The President Buhari government has drafted the army to partner with other security agencies in ensuring the security of our national infrastructure and this is already yielding the desired results.
• A major ring of pipeline vandals in Lagos state were captured recently in a joint operation by security forces led by the army.
• The government has renewed its fight against oil bunkering
• The Nigerian Navy has recorded tremendous success lately in apprehending vessels used by oil thieves. This operation has improved security on our water ways and it has also helped improve the revenue of government.
• Deployment of sophisticated weapons to ensure vandalism is contained by setting up a pipeline security force in stamping out the menace.
• Effective Management of the Separatist Biafran Movement
• Improving the technical capacity of Nigerian Police Force. We now have a forensic lab and GSM tracking device. We now have a more IT integrated Police force.
• Restructuring of Nigerian Immigration to stop cross border crimes.
• NSCDC has become more proactive in the prevention of pipeline vandalization, with arrest of several pipeline vandals.
• Joint operations involving various security outfits in curbing the menace of the herdsmen in the country has been set up.
• The use of surveys and updated mappings across the country as strategies for preventing threats among ethnic groups in Nigeria.

CORRUPTION

• Right from the moment he won the Presidential Election in 2015, the impression of the President as a ‘‘no nonsense and incorruptible leader’’ sent a signal to looters of public funds, with many of them returning funds that had been stolen under the previous administration.
• To create a frame work for prosecuting the war against corruption and institutionalize probity, President Buhari set up an Advisory Committee on War Against Corruption.
• The anti-corruption battle is gaining ground with several high profile cases already in the courts. The administration is being guided by the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption cases.
• President Buhari enlisted the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF, security agencies, Western countries and other friendly nations to locate and repatriate stolen assets.
• At a London summit on anti-corruption, President Buhari announced that Nigeria will begin the full implementation of the principles of the OPEN contracting data standards.
• In the first quarter of 2016, President Buhari embarked on trips to the Middle East to sensitize the governments on the need to repatriate stolen assets and hand over the looters for trial in Nigeria. In January, Nigeria and UAE signed Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters.
• In March 2016, the Federal Government and the Swiss Government signed a Letter of Intent On the Restitution of Illegally-Acquired Assets forfeited in Switzerland. Under the agreement, Switzerland will repatriate $ 321 million USD illicitly acquired by the Gen. Sani Abacha family.
• In March 2016, the Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 announced the recovery of over N7 billion from indicted companies and individuals.

ECONOMY

• Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. Between June 2015 and April 2016, the Federal Government TSA collection clocked N3trillion.
• To further instill fiscal discipline, President Buhari directed the closure of all multiple accounts in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, thereby plugging loopholes for leakages with new technology.
• The opaque accounting structure of the NNPC has been reconstructed to be more transparent with the closure of more than 40 accounts. As a corporate entity, NNPC is now accountable and more transparent in operations, publishing its monthly financial reports.
• The President also resolved the lingering shadowy oil swap deals that had cost the country billions of dollars and left it at the mercy of a few rich Nigerians.
• To alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in September 2015, President Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to disburse N689.5 billion as bailout to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries.
• To stimulate the economy and reduce poverty, in April, 2016, President Buhari approved deferment in the payment of the bailout as states were still reeling under the burden of the fall in commodity prices.
• Records of more than 34,000 ghost workers draining the nation’s resources were expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29 billion monthly.
• In 2015, President Buhari ruled out the appointment of a government delegation for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. By this decision, the government saved about one million U.S dollars and N30m of local expenses
• Enforcement of the Bank Verification Number: Also the BVN has ensured that the menace of “ghost workers” are being identified and dealt with, while looters with multiple accounts can no longer hide their loot undetected.
• Social Protection: Groundwork for social intervention/palliatives for the poor is being put in place as data is being collated by the economic planning office of the VP in conjunction with the World Bank.
• Reorganization/restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a focused, accountable and transparent institution with autonomous Units (Upstream; Downstream, Gas & Power; Refineries; Ventures and lean Group Headquarters)
• Reduction of operational deficits in NNPC by over 50% as at March 2016 as a result of Increased Transparency and Commercial focus
• Conduct of NNPC outstanding Annual Audits from 2011 to 2014, and the publication of Monthly Financial and Operations Reports to ensure transparency
• Introduction of third party financing in order to eliminate direct funding of cash calls by the Federal Government
• Renegotiation of existing service contracts under Joint Venture and Production sharing contracts (PSC) Operations by about 30% leading to operational efficiency improvements and cost reductions
• Elimination of the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) through the introduction of the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme with reputable off-shore refineries thereby yielding annual savings of US$1 billion
• Resuscitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries presently producing about 7 million litres of products per/day
• Repair of products pipe lines and the resuscitation of supply of products from Atlas Cove-Mosimi- Ibadan- Ilorin after a six year lull
• Repairs of Escravos/ Warri and Bonny/Port Harcourt crude oil pipe lines
• Introduction of a Price Modulation framework for downstream petroleum product pricing to encourage responsiveness to market dynamics
• Guided deregulation of the downstream sector to allow market forces determine product price and eliminate subsidy payments
• Introduction of the initiative on refinery co-location to increase domestic refining capacity and minimize the drain on scarce foreign exchange for product importation
• Commenced policy reforms for gas monetization, flare out and infrastructure development, to fast track power supply and economic diversification.

POWER

• Under President Buhari, the Federal Government agreed to a 50 million Euro (about N11.15 billion) loan agreement with French government for capacity-building and upgrade of power training facilities in Nigeria.
• Nigeria signed a $237 million agreement with World Bank to improve power.
• Chinese solar power manufacturers agreed with the Federal Government to set up solar panel manufacturing business in Nigeria.
• President Buhari has signed an agreement with the Chinese government to improve Nigeria’s power infrastructure

ENVIRONMENT

• Presidential approval for the Implementation of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report 2010 for the clean-up of Ogoniland with regards to oil pollution and inclusion of stakeholders in the process of implementation.
• Continuation of the implementation of the Great Green Wall project to fight and contain desertification in Northern Nigeria initiated by past administration.

JUDICIARY

• Since assumption of office, President Buhari has maintained a clear stance on the rule of law and respect for separation of
  powers.
• The President has focused on the strengthening of institutions with key appointment of professionals.
• Appointment of 30 new Federal High Court Justices

NATIONAL IMAGE

• On assumption of office, the President undertook some foreign trips both within and outside Africa to re-establish Nigeria’s position in the global arena and solicit support for Nigeria and Africa.
• President Buhari has continually pushed the agenda for enhancing Nigeria’s global image by always demonstrating Nigeria’s credentials in the 2015 general elections, which saw the country scoring high on peaceful transition.
• President Buhari strongly supported the emergence of a Nigerian, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the Africa Development Bank. (NAN)

President Buhari appoints Alhaji Yakubu Ibn Mohammed new DG of NTA

Special Adviser to Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi State on Media and Communications,  Alh. Yakubu Ibn Muhammed has been appointed as the new DG of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)

Yakubu Mohammed joined the services of the NTA Jos in 1977 as Current Affairs Producer. He later held various senior management positions, among which were Controller News and Current Affairs, NTA, Jos; General Manager, NTA Bauchi; Director of News, NTA headquarters; and Executive Director Special Services, NTA headquarters, before his retirement in 2012. He was born on November 11,1953, and attended the Ahmadu Bello University and has a degree in Social Sciences. 

Trending- Rescued migrant Nigerian sisters tie gele with emergency blankets

Two 20 year old Nigerian sisters from Benin city who were among 386 EU-bound African migrants rescued at sea from an overcrowded tug boat by MSF Sea yesterday, became innovative and tied their blankets into gele. Talking about staying positive, despite all odds. 

The rescue agency shared the pic on twitter & wrote:

"These 20 year old sisters from Benin City in Nigeria have the most beautiful use of our emergency blankets yet!"

If your kid is unsuccessful, you are to blame- New Study reveals

Scientists have found that there are certain parental behaviors that could be linked to problems in children. According to Psychology research, parents whose kids are failing in life have common behaviors like not encouraging their kids to be independent, yelling at their kids a lot, letting them decide their bedtime (who born you for naija?), letting them watch TV at a young age. 

I'm sure this differs from culture to culture because in Nigeria things like yelling at your kids and being authoritarian was seen as a sign of good parenting. Times have changed though now with the naughty corner and all those butty punishments. lol. You can read up more about this here from Tech Insider.