Internet Solutions to provide direct access to Google’s Cloud Platform

Internet Solutions, a pan-African communications service provider, today announced it is a Google Cloud Interconnect (GCI) Partner and is able to offer Enterprise clients and small businesses a private connection directly into Google’s cloud platform, providing better network security and a more consistent network performance than using the Internet.

Internet Solutions’ clients, enterprise size and smaller businesses, will be able to activate Google cloud services quickly via dedicated capacity, eliminating issues of network congestion, and will benefit from low latency, high availability and predictable performance.



“Agile and secure network capabilities are critical in ensuring that as clients transition to using more and more services from multiple cloud providers, the full potential of cloud including speed of scaling and activating services, as well as commodity based billing and usage efficiencies are realised,” said Greg Montjoie, Executive: Connectivity, Internet Solutions.

Internet Solutions’ direct connections with multiple cloud service providers (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Dimension Data) will enable Enterprise clients that choose a hybrid cloud strategy and host with Internet Solutions to move back and forth seamlessly between different cloud providers as demand requires. Organisations will be able to choose the services they require from their cloud-provider of choice and be able to scale up or down on demand via a reliable and secure connection.

“Enterprise clients are now looking to connect to more than one cloud provider for services and that we are now able to offer a direct connection to Google’s cloud platform, as well as to Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services and Dimension Data cloud, means that clients have the choice they are looking for. Clients want to have access not only to the best cloud services available but be able to connect securely to all of them, and Internet Solutions can provide this access”, commented Montjoie.

As a GCI Partner, Internet Solutions can now boast that it provides secure connectivity options to all major cloud platforms, offering Enterprise and smaller business clients a reliable and secure connection that will meet the demands of data intensive and latency sensitive cloud applications.

COMESA and Microsoft collaborate to promote access, skills and innovation in 19 African Countries

The strategic partnership will promote access to technology to improve regional trade, develop public sector ICT skills and promote local innovation for better service delivery.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) through the COMESA Business Council (CBC) and Microsoft have taken a step toward strengthening their working alliance today by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which sets out how they will collaborate in the areas of access to technology, development of relevant skills and the fostering of innovation in COMESA’s 19 member States. This is in line with the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative’s three core focus areas (World-class skills, Access and Innovation).


Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, surrounded by The Microsoft Nigerian Team during their courtesy visit to Aso Villa today 10th November, 2015

The MoU will promote access to technology to COMESA Member States based on a Trusted Cloud Infrastructure that focuses on the secure deployment of modern IT operations. It is also expected this collaboration will accelerate and promote the adoption of innovative high-speed low-cost connectivity initiatives, including through new policy approaches to spectrum management such as dynamic spectrum access. It will also encourage the use of cloud technologies through the adoption of important enabling policies in the areas of cyber-security, data privacy and data protection.

Mr. Sindiso Ngwenya, COMESA’s Secretary General during the signing, said: “Business technology has revolutionized the way countries and firms conduct business. We are in an age where the planning processes of organizations is through instruments and solutions that promote quality management, and respond to age –old constraints of time limitations and high costs of operations.”

“Through Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative, we have been working to increase regional trade and the growth of the knowledge economy in Africa,” says Antony Cook, Associate General Counsel, Legal and Corporate AffairsMicrosoft, Middle East and Africa. “Through influential partnerships, such as the one with COMESA, we aim to scale across the region further to impact not just thousands, but millions.”

The collaboration is further expected to focus on fostering innovation across the COMESA region by promoting the value and protection of Intellectual Property. It will also encourage the development of eGovernment solutions that will facilitate, simplify and stimulate investment in and trade across the COMESA region to save on time and the cost of complying with business governance and regulations. This collaboration fits squarely with COMESA’s mandate and demonstrates the commitment to promote common interests for economic development in the region.

“Through this collaboration, we will bring policy makers and businesses together and empower them to take advantage of the cloud-first, mobile-first world. With the right policies and regulations in place, people will be encouraged to use cloud technology, develop their own IP and ultimately participate in trade and e-commerce across borders. With innovative eGovernment services, citizens and businesses will additionally benefit from safe online transactions, open borders, efficiency and increased foreign investment,” adds Cook.

The implementation of the MoU will be the responsibility of the COMESA Business Council, as the voice of the private sector in the region.

SPANFest 2015

The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria, SPAN presents its performing arts Festival called Spanfest 2015! Spanfest will host workshops and events using various tools of the performing arts including Dance, Music, Spoken Word, Visual art, Theatre and Comedy. The festival theme is titled: Voice of the Voiceless.



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
· Monday 16thNovember 2015: Movements in Moments
A pioneering 5 stage show where a Violinist, Poet, Comedian, Singer & Dancer perform simultaneously while painters create masterpieces.
Venue: The Ocean View Marquee, Victoria Island, Time:7-9pm, Register Here:http://bit.ly/SPANfest-moments

· Tuesday 17thNovember 2015: Speechless – A Musical Adventure
An adventure through jazz with famous guest artists, Tee Mac, Bright Gain, Jerry Omole, and Olufunmi taking us on an unforgettable journey of love for music and sounds.
Venue: The Ocean View Marque, Victoria Island. Time: 7- 9pmRegister Here:http://bit.ly/SPANfest-speechless

· 18th November 2015: Hear Word!

HEAR WORD!An exhilarating and thought provoking performing art production of IfeomaFafunwa.The production combines artistry, social commentary and true-life stories of inequality and transformation, delivered by Nigeria's talented actresses TaiwoAjai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, ElvinaIbru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia, LalaAkindoju, Rita Edward, Debbie Ohiri and Odenike.
Venue: The Ocean View Marquee, Victoria Island, Time:7-9pm, Register Here:http://bit.ly/SPANfest-word

· 21st November 2015: The Era (Era of Legends)
This amazing dance concert featuring legends from within our community will leave the audience breathless and thoroughly entertained. Venue: The Ocean View Marque, Victoria Island.Time: 7-9 pm.Register Here:http://bit.ly/SPANfest-ldc

· 22nd November 2015: Grand Finale – Voice of the Voiceless
A performing art piece of Music, Dance & Drama. The gifted performances of our artists who have decided to speak for us ...their art become our voice.... the voice of our community!Venue: Grand Ballroom Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island. Time:5pm. Register Here:http://bit.ly/SPANfest-event.

Denrele Edun, Maria Okarende, Estelle Ahanda, DNG & Aurelie Eliam To Host 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.

The 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, would be anchored by the continent's most outstanding hosts and hostesses. While DNG and AURELLE ELIAM will host the main show, DENRELE EDUN, MARIA OKANRENDE and ESTELLE AHONDA would hold forth on the RED CARPET on Sunday November 15, 2015 at Eko Hotel and suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
DNG, real name Davidson Ngibuini, is an Eastern African award winning singer, model and an On Air Personality. He is the host of "Sakata Mashariki", Kenya's biggest Dance TV Show.

Aurelie Eliam, actress, model and on air personality, is a household name in Côte D'Ivoire, her home country and Africa, particularly for her role in the highly successful television series, "DR. BORIS".



Denrele Edun, multi-award winning presenter is a marvel to behold on the red carpet, is a maverick Nigerian presenter whose dress sense has brought him international fame. Popularly referred to as "Punk and Fun", Denrele has the enviable profile of interviewing such personalities like Beyoncé, Akon, Tyler Perry, Lil Kim, Snoop Dog now Snoop Lion, etc.

Maria Okanrende AKA, Maria Beat Fm, is a well groomed UK trained presenter with a vast experience working with BBC, MTV and DROPOUT UK. Her interviews profiles read like the who is who in "A" list entertainment. Alexander Burke Mary J Blige Wizkid, D'Banj, 2Face, Davido are fe of those she had walked the red carpet with. A bonus for AFRIMA 2015, RED CARPET.

Estelle AHONDA is a Cameroonian bilingual (English/French) communications and brand management expert. She comes with an over ten years of International experience in media and interpersonal communications.
AFRIMA is expected to be broadcast live to over 80 countries across the world with African superstars billed to light up the stage are but not limited to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Busiswa, AKA, Sakordie, Charlotte Dipanda, Ahmed Soultan, Flavour, Dr. Jose Chameleon, Alikiba, Vanessa Mdee, Wiyaala, Cassper Nyovest, Dark Suburb, Bebe Cool, Darey, among others.
AFRIMA Is an Annual African Union Initiative, to celebrate, honour and reward the best of African Music, Arts and Culture. AFRIMA is designed to be hosted in various African Nations with Nigeria hosting for 3 years. 2Face Idibia hosted 2014 AFRIMA edition, in Lagos.
This year's event slated for Sunday November 15, inside the CONVENTION CENTRE OF EKO HOTELS AND SUITES, will kick off with the RED CARPET at 4.30pm, promptly
A thoroughly well produced second to none ceremony, feature awards categories that are uniquely African.

All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, November 15, 2015. Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.

Don't miss the 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2015.
Venue: Eko Hotel and Suites, Victorial Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Upgrade your way to a modern data platform – End of support for SQL Server 2005 less than six months away

By Takeshi Numoto, Corporate Vice President, Cloud + Enterprise Marketing

Data has become increasingly critical to businesses, so it’s more important than ever for every organization to be utilizing a modern data platform that drives innovation, delivers business value, and provides quick insight. In just under six months—on April 12, 2016, to be exact—extended support for SQL Server 2005 ends. That means an end to supportability updates, and perhaps more importantly, security updates.
In the decade since SQL Server 2005 launched, businesses technology needs have changed dramatically. Microsoft has responded with advancements in technology to meet and exceed the expectations of organizations large and small. Our current version, SQL Server 2014, opens the door to new scenarios with:

· Improved performance. SQL Server 2014 has benchmarked 13x faster performance than SQL Server 2005 and set a new world record for SAP performance for 16 processors on an HP Superdome X.
· In-memory across workloads for up to 30x transactional performance gains and over 100x faster queries to work with larger quantities of data and get the fast answers you need.
· High availability using AlwaysOn availability groups for mission-critical uptime and disaster recovery to the cloud for improved business continuity.
· Tools to manage data across the enterprise such as master data services, data quality services, and enhanced integration services.
· Support for unstructured, complex, and streaming data to help with tasks like collecting and managing manufacturing sensor data or analyzing social media activity.
· Faster time to insight using Microsoft Excel and Power BI to meet demands for quick reporting and mobile insights.

In short, SQL Server 2014 delivers a high-performing, advanced data platform that keeps up with modern business needs. Let me share with you one customer’s story – TPP – and how they have benefitted from SQL Server 2014.

SQL Server 2014 boosts performance for clinical software company

The story is a real-world example of how SQL Server 2014 solved a number of issues for this clinical software provider. When TPP needed to increase its application’s scalability and performance to prepare for ambitious global expansion, they began planning for an upgrade that would support the company’s SystmOne clinical software application. SystmOne manages more than 30 million patient records and is used by physicians and other health professionals across England to accurately and securely document every appointment, medication, allergy, and physician contact a patient has ever had.

A feature that became a critical component of the application’s success is the in-memory online transaction processing (OLTP) solution in SQL Server 2014. This high-performance, memory-optimized solution relies on no-locking/no-latching concurrency control, which serves to eliminate system bottlenecks resulting from scaling needs to handle additional users.

Using in-memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014 in testing, TPP saw seven times faster processing performance for SystmOne and the ability to scale to handle hundreds of thousands of additional users. The company expects to save time and money by not having to create its own database system. Plus, the doctors using the apps will be better equipped to serve patients with a more modern data platform supporting the critical health data being collected.



Immediate Cost and Security Benefits

According to a July 2014 Microsoft commissioned study with Forrester on the Total Economic Impact of SQL Server 2012 and 2014, customers realize a 9.5 month payback period when deploying a new SQL Server database. If you are running Windows Server 2003 as well as SQL Server 2005, an investment in both your infrastructure and your database technology will ensure you realize the maximum benefits of a truly modern platform by taking advantage of new security features like Windows Server Core support or the ability to scale up to 640 logical processors on Windows Server 2012 R2.

Continuing to operate SQL Server 2005 without security updates and hotfixes from Microsoft may put your organization at risk for business disruptions, security and compliance issues, and increased maintenance costs. Upgrading to SQL Server 2014 before extended support ends next April is not only a necessary security and compliance decision, but a sound business decision as well.

Watch for upcoming posts on the SQL Server blog where we’ll dive deeper into the process for planning your upgrade and offer tips and tools to ease the process. In the meantime, please visit the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 upgrade website for helpful evaluation and planning resources. We also have a worldwide team of partners and Microsoft services offerings designed to help you with your migration.

Finally, I hope you’ll also check out the Top 10 reasons to upgrade from SQL Server 2005 blog as a further resource for understanding how modernizing your data platform on SQL Server 2014 will help drive innovation, deliver business value, and provide quick insight.

Intel Connects Young Girls and Women to Dreams in Lagos

Intel is continuing in its mission to bridge the gender gap in technology, and empower 5 million girls and women in the next five years through its ‘She Will Connect’ initiative. Quite recently, the leading technology company held a digital literacy and entrepreneurship training for young girls and women in Igando/Ikotun Local Government of Lagos.


(L-R): Intel Director of Global Girls and Women Initiative, Suzzanne Fallender; Intel 'She Will Connect' Ambassador for Nigeria, Titilope Sonuga; Beneficiary of Intel 'She Will Connect' training program, Jessica Orji and Intel Africa Program Manager, Suraj Shah, during the Intel 'She Will Connect' Digital Literacy training program for girls and women, held at the Igando-Ikotun Local Government Secretariat, Lagos recently.

The training, which was led by Intel She Will Connect Ambassador for Nigeria, award-winning Poet and Engineer, Titilope Sonuga, furthers the effort of the company to bridge the gender gap, empower young girls and women through technology.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Intel’s Global Girls and Women Initiative, Suzzanne Fallender expressed that the internet is powering ideas across the world, yet a large number of those taking advantage of this platform are men.

Starting with a goodwill message to the participants, Fallender expressed that the ‘She Will Connect’ programme was something Intel was very passionate about. She stated; “I am so happy to be here with all of you, I came to see the trainees in person. I have worked with a lot of people in a lot of countries on this programme, and people who have been helping this program for years will love to hear back from all of you on what you have liked about the training, what you have missed and what more you would like to get from the training. But I think the most important thing is doing things to justify the tools, because we know, once you have a chance to learn the skills, it will only be limitless what you are going to be able to do.''

The Africa Program Manager for Intel Corporation, Suraj Shah who was also present, at the digital literacy and entrepreneurship training held for the young girls and women explained that, “Intel remains committed to empowering young girls and women through technology. We are helping women understand that, there is a lot they can achieve with technology, and these are indeed amazing things happen. We want to break down barriers, create interests and offer connections through technology.''


(L-R): Human Resources Officer, Igando-Ikotun Local Government Secretariat, Mr Animashaun M.A; Intel Director of Global Girls and Women Initiative, Suzzanne Fallender, Executive Secretary, Igando-Ikotun Local Government Secretariat, Hon. Wale Azeez; Intel Africa Program Manager, Suraj Shah and Intel 'She Will Connect' Ambassador for Nigeria, Titilope Sonuga, during a courtesy visit to the Igando-Ikotun Local Government Secretariat, Lagos where young girls and women were trained on Digital Literacy by "Intel She Will Connect', recently in Lagos.

Shah added that, ''Intel is using the ‘She Will Connect” to reach out to young girls and women in communities, States and countries around the world, offering an opportunity for Intel to encourage women to build connections, develop and solidify actions and also celebrate success stories to become the best version of themselves in their studies, work and careers.”

The Executive Secretary Igando/Ikotun Local Government Secretariat Hon. Wale Azeez who hosted the event welcomed the participants and Intel’s executives, expressing his delight at the company’s effort at using technology to empower women to train young girls and women in the Igando-Ikotun local community.

Hon. Azeez said, “We thank Intel for bringing the program to this community. We are looking forward to partner with women and trainings such as this offer such platform.”

The girls and women who participated in the training expressed appreciation to Intel for the opportunity to participate in the program. They stated that they were looking forward to inputting things they learnt in their lives and businesses, and that even more than the knowledge gained, they felt confident in themselves and looked forward to a better future.

Intel She Will Connect is an initiative of Intel Corporation to bridge the Internet’s gender gap by connecting millions of girls and women to opportunities through technology. By partnering with various female focused NGOs across the continent, its goal is to reach 5 million young women in Africa by 2020. The program offers an innovative combination of digital literacy training, an online peer network and gender-relevant content to females which will afford them the opportunity of acquiring or improving their digital literacy skills and expanding their understanding and use of technology.

Microsoft releases Office 2016The new Office takes the work out of working together.

REDMOND, Wash. — 2015 — Microsoft Corp. began the worldwide release of Office 2016. The apps are the latest addition to Office 365, Microsoft’s cloud-based subscription service that helps people do their best work, together. The company also announced new and enhanced Office 365 services built for team productivity.

“The way people work has changed dramatically, and that’s why Microsoft is focused on reinventing productivity and business processes for the mobile-first, cloud-first world,” said Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft. “These latest innovations take another big step forward in transforming Office from a familiar set of individual productivity apps to a connected set of apps and services designed for modern working, collaboration and teamwork.”

Nadella wrote about the new Office on the Official Microsoft Blog. Kirk Koenigsbauer, corporate vice president for the Office Client Applications and Services team, provided more insights about Office 2016 on the Office Blog.

Office 2016 delivers new versions of the Office desktop apps for Windows, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Project, Visio and Access. By subscribing to Office 365, customers can get always-up-to-date, fully installed apps for use across their devices, combined with a continually evolving set of consumer and commercial services, such as OneDrive online storage, Skype for Business, Delve, Yammer and enterprise-grade security features.

Together, the new Office and Windows 10 are the most complete solution for doing. The Office 2016 apps run beautifully on the best Windows ever, including the new Sway for Windows 10 to create shareable, interactive stories that look great on any screen. Windows Hello logs you into Windows and Office 365 in one simple step.1 Office Mobile apps on Windows 10 empower on-the-go productivity, and work with Continuum2 so you can use your phone like a PC. Cortana3 connects with Office 365 to help with tasks such as meeting preparation, with Outlook integration coming in November.

Built for teamwork

The Office 2016 apps simplify collaboration and remove barriers to team success.

• Co-authoring4 is now provided in Word, PowerPoint and OneNote desktop software, including real-time typing in Word that lets you see others’ edits as they make them.
• Skype in-app integration across the rich client apps allows you to IM, screen share, talk or video chat right in your docs.
• Office 365 Groups are now an integrated part of the Outlook 2016 client app and available on your favorite mobile device through the Outlook Groups app, delivering a consistent team experience across the suite.
In addition, new Office 365 solutions that combine the power of apps and services for better collaboration are coming soon.
• Introduced today, Office 365 Planner helps teams organize their work, with the ability to create new plans, organize and assign tasks, set due dates, and update status with visual dashboards and email notifications. Planner will be available in preview to Office 365 First Release customers starting next quarter.
• Significant new updates to OneDrive for Business are coming later this month, including a new sync client for Windows and Mac, which will deliver selective sync and enhanced reliability. Updates also include increased file size and volume limits per user, a new user interface in the browser, mobile enhancements, and new IT and developer features.
• Unveiled earlier this year, GigJam is available Tuesday in private preview and will become part of Office 365 in 2016. GigJam is an unprecedented new way for teams to accomplish tasks and transform business processes by breaking down the barriers between devices, apps and people.

Works for you

Office 2016 provides built-in intelligence to help you work faster and smarter.

• Outlook 2016 provides the smartest inbox yet, with lightning-fast search and automatic removal of low-priority mail. Everyone on the To: line has the right access to documents with modern, cloud-based attachments.
• Tell Me helps you quickly find the right Office feature or command, and Smart Lookup brings insights from the Web right into your documents.
• Excel 2016 now includes integrated publishing to Power BI and new modern chart types to help you make the most of your data.
• The most recently used documents list allows you to pick up right where you left off, traveling with you across your devices, whether you are working in Office Online, in the Office Mobile apps or in the Office 2016 desktop apps.



The most secured Office

Office 2016 apps with Office 365 deliver new capabilities for better enterprise security and protection.

• Built-in Data Loss Prevention across Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook significantly reduces the risk of leaking sensitive data, giving IT administrators tools to manage content authoring and document sharing policies.
• Multifactor authentication ensures secured access to content anywhere when you’re away from the corporate network.
• Enterprise Data Protection will be available for the Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 later this year and for the desktop apps early next year, enabling secured content sharing within corporate boundaries.

Availability and requirements

The new Office 2016 apps are available in 40 languages and require Windows 7 or later. Starting Tuesday, Office 365 subscribers can choose to download the new Office 2016 apps as part of their subscription. Automatic updates will begin rolling out to consumer and small-business subscribers next month, and to commercial customers early next year. Office 2016 is also available today as a one-time purchase for both PCs and Macs.

Customers can visit one of the more than 110 Microsoft Stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico to discover and purchase the new Office. While there, they can participate in a free, one-hour Office 2016 workshop and visit the in-store Answer Desk, a one-stop shop for your Office needs.
More information is available at http://www.Office365.com.

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

1 Windows Hello requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors, and may require additional authentication steps in certain configurations.
2 Available only on premium Windows Phones. External monitor must support HDMI input. Requires a Continuum-compatible accessory.
3 Cortana experience may vary by region and device.
4 Co-authors must be using Office 2016 or Office Online.

Post by: Adejuyigbe Francis

Konga-Microsoft Lumia promo takes Kingsley Obodo to London

The promo kicked off as quietly as possible, without the usual buzz that preludes such epochal trade promotions. People, who bought their Lumia smart phones on konga.com, did not know that they are entering into a venture that could give them a lifetime experience, an all-expense-paid trip to London. They were asked to simply "Share a story describing how they intend to achieve more with their new Lumia device".

In the first week of the promo, which had seven entrants, Kingsley Obodo emerged as the 1st of 5 winners in the Konga-Microsoft Lumia Competition spread which will run till the end of August 2015.

Obodo, a 200L, Public Administration student of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu shared a story of how his Lumia phone will aid the achievement of his everyday goals, a story that was adjudged the most innovative and fascinating of the entries, showing the innovative essence of the Microsoft Lumia smart phones.


L: R- Communications Lead, Microsoft Nigeria,Yemi Orimolade, 1st Winner of the Konga-Microsoft Lumia Competition, Kingsley Obodo, Head, PR and Brand Management, Konga.com ,Olatomiwa Akande and Citizenship Lead, Microsoft Nigeria ,Olusola Amusan during the presentation ceremony of the on-going Konga-Microsoft Lumia Competition, held in Lagos recently.

“With my Lumia phone, the world is at my fingertips, as I can browse news all over the world without worrying about the battery life. Life needs to be captured everyday with the lens, no need of carrying bulky cameras because my Microsoft Lumia is just the perfect tool for me to expand my hobby that is photography. Microsoft Lumia offers me so much more that no other device can and that is why I ordered for two (mine and for my wife),” Obodo wrote.

Olatomiwa Akande, Head PR & Brand Management for Konga, speaking at the ticket presentation on August 12, 2015 informed that the Konga-Microsoft partnership is set to reward customers who purchase the Microsoft Lumia smart phones from the konga.com over the five weeks of the promo.“The competition, which started on June 26, 2015, will be rewarding five other customers - based on the boldness, innovativeness and fascinating nature of the buyers’ stories of how they intend to improve their lifestyle with the Microsoft Lumia smart phones - with all-expense paid trips to London,” she said.

Also commenting during the presentation, Yemi Orimolade, Communications Lead for Microsoft Nigeria said we are excited to be partnering with Konga to reward those who purchase Lumia smart phones from the e-commerce platform.

“This partnership with our friends at Konga is our little way of re-enforcing our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more, ensuring our proud winners get the opportunity to achieve more during the course of their visit to what is an amazing city.”

“This promo is meant to encourage smart phone and gadget lovers, who purchase their Lumia range of phones on the Konga.com to explore the capabilities of the Lumia range of phones. We hope the winners will make good of this opportunity and be inspired to explore the capabilities of the Lumia phones during their visit to the city of London.”

Obodo, whose major interest in the transaction was to own a Lumia smartphone, was full of excitement over the prize.

“I feel excited and happy. I wasn’t even thinking of being the winner. I decided to participate and I was selected. Shopping on Konga was awesome and the delivery was very fast. The Lumia phone is everything I could ask for, the phone is wonderful,” Obodo said.

So here’s a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to London. All you need to do is buy the Lumia 540 Dual SIM or the Lumia 640 XL Dual SIM or any Lumia smart phone from Konga.com and describe how you intend to achieve more with your new Lumia device. Competition closes August 31, 2015.

GSK PARTNERS PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NIGERIA ON INNOVATIVE TRAINING PROGRAM

GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

GSK has partnered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on an innovative training program, tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE), which is aimed at enhancing the knowledge of Nigerian Pharmacists.

According to the partners, SCOPE, a non-promotional and free online training program for Pharmacists, consists of nine (9) disease area modules that is accredited by the United States based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).


Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Development Countries in Asia (ADC), Mr. Jide Adeosun, Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, President, Pharmacists Society of Nigeria, Pharm, Olumide Akintayo and the Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK, Mr. Lekan Asuni at the media launch of GSK’s innovative training program tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE) in partnership with Pharmacist Society of Nigeria held in Lagos recently.

Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, in her contribution at the media conference to announce the partnership explains that "The Internet plays a key role in professional development across all sectors and it's great to see GSK and PSN driving digital awareness within the pharmaceutical sector."

A 2013 survey conducted in Nigeria revealed that 50 per cent of Pharmacists seek training as a value added service from GSK. This need led to the development and launch of SCOPE, which is designed to enhance the knowledge base of pharmacists and improve pharmaceutical care outcomes for patients at the pharmacy. These would improve patient productivity and well-being, thereby building credibility for pharmacists within their communities.

Mr. Jide Adeosun, the Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Developing countries in Asia (ADC) commended the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for pioneering this partnership with GSK.


President, Pharmacists Society of Nigeria, Pharm, Olumide Akintayo, Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Development Countries in Asia (ADC), Mr. Jide Adeosun, Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK, Mr. Lekan Asuni and National Treasurer, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Duru Emeka during the signing of Memorandum at the media launch of GSK’s innovative training program tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE) in partnership with Pharmacist Society of Nigeria held in Lagos; on August 11th, 2015.

“We are committed to rolling out similar programmes across Africa” he said.

In his remarks at the media conference, PSN President, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo disclosed that, successful completion of SCOPE is now one of the requirements to receive ten (10) credit points towards the required thirty (30) credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the Pharmacist’ Council of Nigeria(PCN)

Pharm. Olumide Akintayo noted that the partnership with GSK will further strengthen PSN’s doggedness to promote and maintain a high standard of Pharmaceutical education in Nigeria, stressing that, SCOPE “facilitates a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates.’’

Speaking at the event Lekan Asuni; Managing Director GSK, stated that today’s MOU signing marks a milestone for not only the Partners, PSN and GSK, but also for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. “We consider this education partnership a great opportunity for us at GSK to fulfil our mission of improving the quality of human life. Through this innovative programme, SCOPE, we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists, and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria. The online platform was chosen to implement the modules because its more cost effective than face to face trainings with a wider reach as pharmacists in hard to reach area can benefit. Access to quality education will indeed build credibility in the Pharmaceutical industry.”

Among key opinion leaders in attendance were heads of departments of pharmacy in Teaching Hospitals and Hospitals across the Southwest region of Nigeria; Mrs. Awofuwa, Director of Pharmacy, General Hospital, Ajeromi; Pharm. Bukky George, C.E.O, Health Plus, Pharm Dorcas Omeire, University Of Lagos Medical Centre, Mrs. Nmadu, Director of Pharmacy, Central Bank Of Nigeria Staff Clinic, Pharm Bolanle Adekoya, Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Pharm Salami, Director of Pharmacy, Health Service Commission and host of other dignitaries within the industry.


Intending participants are encouraged to visit the SCOPE website (http://cme.dannemiller.com/scope/) and successfully complete the activities, following which a certificate of completion is immediately issued to the participants by ACPE.