Ondo inaugurates committees on Olokola, Owena projects

In a bid to achieve massive job creation through industrialisation for
economic growth and infrastructural development in Ondo state, the
Government of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu inaugurated a nine member State
Technical Committee on Olokola Free Trade Zone Project and the Owena
Oil and Gas Ltd/Owena Energy Ltd.

Speaking during an interview with the press on the inuguration, the
Ondo state Head of Service, Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu expressed his
happiness saying the government of our dear Governor Arakunrin
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has taken a step in right direction towards
reawakening Ondo state economy. In fact it is a clear demonstration of
the commitment of the present administration towards revamping ondo
state economy.

Akinkuotu said the 9 member committee was carefully selected from the
best and seasoned hands within and outside of Ondo state. They were
saddled with the responsibility to review all the Olokola Free Trade
Zone (OK-FTZ) and Olokola Liquified Natural Gas ( OK-LNG) past work
till date, reasses the corporate structures and identify key projects
that can act as a lynchpin for the proper take off of the project in
the state.

He said Olokola in some years in the past has beign a major in road
issue towards the development of our sunshine state. Akinkuotu
expressed his displeasures over various governments in the past which
they have tried their best but they have not been able to tap the
numerous benefits inherent in the project despites huge investment
committed to it.

Therefore, Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu said he is certain with these
calibre of people on board for this technical committee will
definitely deliver a resounding result. Saying this is because the
chairman himself is a reputable technocrat of international standard,
also among them are real private sector personnel with a Senior
Advocate of Nigeria. The Ondo state Head of Service, Barrister Toyin
Akinkuotu said it is a symbolic journey to a redemption for the good
people of Ondo state.

Airtel, SOLO, Renmoney inspire consumers with upfront payment for phones
Tony Nwakaegho
Airtel Nigeria and SOLO are set to change the narrative in the
smartphone market via upfront payment.

This was the highlight of the unveiling of the partnership between
Airtel, SOLO and Renmoney Microfinance Bank Ltd; during a media parley
in Lagos.

SOLO has partnered Airtel Nigeria to offer its Solo Aspire M
Smartphone to customers on an upfront payment basis.
Mr Wole Abu, vice president, Indirect Sale, Airtel, in his remarks
stated that the partnership between Airtel, SOLO and Renmoney
Microfinance Bank Ltd is an innovative milestone to impact positively
on telecom landscape and the consumers.

“We are putting real value in the hands of Nigerians because we have
top notch quality product, financial re-engineering, technological
re-engineering with our partners by bringing innovation to Nigerian
landscape where consumers are being given access and value for their
money,” he said.

Mr Tayo Ogundipe, CEO, SOLO Phone explained that the company is out to
drive the delivery of content and accelerate phone adoption in Africa,
adding that digital content and services have enormous significant in
emerging market, entertainment, consumers, operators, music, movies,
games and services among others.

According to him, price is the reason that we are not following in
smart phone adoption with the rest of the world where people’s devices
are subsidized, stressing that the partnership of SOLO, Airtel and
Renmoney, would bring in technology to bridge the gap.
On his part, Ian Abrahams CEO, Renmoney Microfinance Bank Ltd,
disclosed that the bank choose SOLO Phone as a partner that can
provide the channel with features that will make life easy, while
Airtel with its reach will get the bank to where it want to be.

“ One of the key functions we have is that when you apply for credit
and want to get a loan, we cannot let the people to wait for days as
we deliver in real and quick time of 30 minutes,” he said.
Bobby Iduoze Senior Manager Devices and Data highlighted that to get
the smartphone which is free, customers will have to first make an
initial cash deposit of ₦4,150 and then pay same amount monthly for 11
months.

“The sweetest part of the whole deal is customers will make the
subsequent (that’s after the initial cash deposit) payments via
recharge cards. No cash deposits or money transfers. Just airtime!!!
As for those who default on payments, the device will be locked and
will not be able to make calls or use any phone functionality until
payment is continued,” he stressed.

Ogundipe, while fielding question from Daily Times, disclosed that the
“deal is only open to Airtel Nigeria subscribers who have been
pre-qualified (they will get an SMS to that effect). They’ll
thereafter be required to complete an application at a partner store
after which they’ll be issued the Solo Aspire M Smartphone.
“Pre-qualified customers from other networks will have to purchase and
register an Airtel SIM in order to successfully complete an
application in-store. Customers who successfully complete an
application in-store will walk out with the Solo Aspire M bundle
package.

“Non-prequalified customers from Airtel and other networks- who
haven’t been prequalified may apply. However, they are not likely to
walk out of the store with the bundle package on the same day. Their
details will be stored and a RenMoney sales agent will contact them
and advise them on how to proceed.”