UBA grows Profit Before Tax by 32%, declares 55kobo Per Share Dividend

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, the pan-African financial services group, operating in 19 African countries, has released its audited 2016 full year results, showing significant growth in gross earnings and profits, an attestation to its resilience, enhanced productivity and geographic diversification, evident in the impressive contribution from its African subsidiaries.
According to a press statement from the bank, the Group recorded an impressive 22 percent growth in gross earnings to N384 billion, as at December 2016, from N315 billion at the end of the 2015 financial year, illustrating the Bank’s ability to grow profitability despite the difficult macro-economic environment. In addition to the rising adoption of electronic banking channels in many of the African markets, where UBA operates, the Bank leveraged its strong franchise and geographical footprint.
The bank disclosed that as reflected in the results released on March 24, 2017 at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), covering the period January to December 2016, the Group saw a significant 32 percent growth in profit before tax to N91 billion, compared to N68 billion profit recorded over the same period of 2015. UBA’s profit after tax grew by 22 percent to N72 billion, from N60 billion recorded the previousyear. ‘‘The performance was buoyed by considerable growth in both interest and non-interest income, as well as increasing efficiency gains from cost management initiatives. UBA’s subsidiaries outside of Nigeria are increasingly gaining market share, reinforcing the strong and impressive subsidiary contribution to the Group, estimated at one-third of profit in 2016, from a quarter in 2015 financial year.
‘‘Following the impressive performance, the Board of Directors proposed a final dividend of 55kobo, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be held on 07 April, 2017 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The Bank had earlier paid an interim dividend of 20k to shareholders, bringing the total dividend for the 2016 financial year to N0.75, an unprecedented yield of 13.9%, based on the stock’s unit price of N5.39 on the floor of the NSE. The results and dividend proposal justify investor confidence in the Bank, as reflected in the 20% year-to-date rally in the share price, compared to the overall market loss of 5% over the same period,’’ the statement read in part.
Commenting on the results, the group managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, Kennedy Uzoka expressed satisfaction at the resilience of the Bank, despite the macroeconomic challenges in a number of countries where UBA operates. “Given the operating environment in 2016, I am very pleased with our profitability – an impressive 32% growth in profit before tax to N91 billion – whilst we have also focused keenly on operational efficiencies, illustrated by the reduction in our Cost-to-Income Ratio.” Uzoka said.
Speaking on its outlook for the 2017 financial year, Uzoka expressed optimism, as the Bank’s pan-African operations increasingly gain critical mass across its chosen markets. “As we implement our Customer First Philosophy, we are approaching 2017 with real optimism, especially with the outlook remaining positive in many of our markets, where we benefit from our increasingly diverse revenue streams. We reiterate our pledge to delivering excellent service to our customers, and remain committed to creating superior and sustainable return for our shareholders.”
Also, chief financial officer (CFO) of UBA Group, Ugo Nwaghodoh stated that he Bank extracted efficiency gains across its operations to boost profitability. He confirmed that the Bank has seen significant improvement across major performance metrics, including an improvement in the net interest margin. “Our performance in 2016 reflects the strong potential and resilience of our business. We grew top and bottom lines by 22% and 32% respectively, despite the stagflation in Nigeria, our core market. Reflecting improved balance sheet management and better value extraction, our net interest margin (NIM) improved 40bps YoY to 6.7%,” the CFO noted. He also expressed delight at the performance of the Group’s African subsidiaries (ex-Nigeria), which contributed a third of the Group’s profits, adding that the Bank will continue to leverage innovative offerings to grow its share of the respective markets. “As we diligently execute our Customer First initiative, I am particularly upbeat on the future of business and the value creation for shareholders.” he noted.United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading financial services group in sub-Saharan Africa, with presence in 19 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France. From a single country operation founded in 1949 in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, UBA has emerged as a pan-African provider of banking and other financial services, to about 11 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in sub-Sahara Africa; 632 business offices, 1,750 ATMs, some 13,500 PoS, and a robust online and mobile banking platform.

REVEALED: Pressure that pushed Lagos doctor into suicide

*Colleagues recall his last day at work
Fresh insights have emerged as to why Allwell Orji, a 35-year-old medical doctor with the Papa Ajao branch of Mount Sinai Hospital, decided to take his own life by jumping into the lagoon in Lagos last Sunday.
A close associate of the deceased doctor told The Nation that he (Orji) once confided in him that he was fed up with life and “wanted to end it all.”

He said: “We were close and we often discussed about his life. He was a brilliant young man and he liked helping people. He was in the habit of taking part in free medical outreaches and he loved to study.
“Despite his condition, he was still studying further. He ought to be rounding off his post-graduate studies which would have enabled him to become a consultant,” the young associate said.
Although it was gathered that the deceased medical practitioner was a sickle cell anaemia carrier, the associate, who pleaded not to be named, said the deceased doctor sometimes had moments of mental instability.
The young man added: “Sometimes it happened like a convulsion, and it even embarrassed him at his place of work while he was busy with a patient. Although the family did their best to manage the situation, there were times when he and some members of the family exchanged words because they taunted him for acting abnormally.
“His frustration heightened when his father died about four years ago and some family members believed the burden of his health condition contributed to the father’s death. These were some of the reasons he told me at that time that he wanted to end it all, but I tried to encourage him with the word of God”.
The close ally also said that the late doctor’s mother had tried to get him a wife but it did not work out. He said the mum, a wealthy woman who owns a number of vehicles, also hired a driver for the doctor as a way of monitoring his movement to prevent him from taking his own life since he had exhibited such tendencies.
“The jeep (SUV) he was riding belongs to the mother and she also got him a driver to take him around. The mother tried to arrange marriage for him at a time but it did not work. The deceased’s younger brother is already married and his sister is also a medical doctor,” the . said.
When one of our correspondents visited the Odunukan residence of the deceased on Thursday evening, a sober atmosphere pervaded the entire street. One of the residents, who identified himself simply as Mr. Oluwole, recalled that Oluwole had attempted suicide about four years earlier, adding that he saw Dr. Orji walking past the Saturday before his death.
Oluwole said: “We were here four years ago when he wanted to jump from the top of the storey building owned by his family. His family members do not relate with other people in the neigbourhood, and it was the same thing with the late doctor. I often saw him walking on the streets bespectacled on days he was not on call at the hospital. He walked like someone who was thinking too much.”
Oluwole also believed that things could have turned out differently if the deceased doctor’s family had not changed his driver.

Missing Lady Found Living With Her Boyfriend

 

A 25-year-old lady identified as Suzan Luka, went missing on the 24th of February 2017, after she left her school, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, but did not return home.
The development caused severe grief among family and friends. Surprisingly, three weeks later, it was discovered that she had left home to go and be with a man.

Suzan’s family got really worried after they received a call from her on the day she went missing, claiming that on her way back from school, she had met some people smoking weed and when they called to her but she did not answer, they began chasing her.She told her cousin, whom she was living with, that she was hiding from the thugs in an uncompleted building. By the time her cousin got to the location, Suzan was nowhere to be found so, fearing the worst, they informed the police.
The search for Suzan who was assumed missing spanned across media houses. Flyers were printed and shared, friends were informed and eventually, an acquaintance came forward to tell the police that the missing woman had earlier hinted that she wanted to run from home and go visit her boyfriend since they don’t grant her the freedom at home to go out.

Transcorp Power Positively Impacts Host Community

Transcorp Power Limited commissioned a 115MW gas turbine to much fanfare. This commissioning is one of three milestones the GENCO intends to achieve in order to increase the power plants total generating capacity to 850MW. This by all standards is truly an impressive feat considering the fact that the plant had a total generating capacity of 160MW when it was acquired by Transcorp Power Limited, barely three years ago. As remarkable as the commissioning was to those at the event, the plants CSR initiatives and commitment to empowering those in the host communities that surround the Ughelli power plant managed to gain equal applause.

Transcorp Power Limited finds itself in a unique location, on the border of three communities; The Ekakpamre community, Ekrerhavwe community and the Eruemukohwarien community. This has not stopped the company from pursuing development initiatives that have benefitted all three. Since 2014 one capital project is undertaken annually in each, based on the recommendation of the communities themselves led by their traditional rulers.

CEO Transcorp Power Limited, Kalyana Sundaram explained that the company sustained community development relationships with host communities. “We awarded contracts for three projects (secretariat, town hall and teachers’ house) in 2017 which will be beneficial to the communities upon completion. The projects are in various stages of completion.  Also, in line with our empowerment drive, we continued with the “on the job” artisan program under which six artisans were admitted in two batches with each of our host communities nominating two artisans into the program.”

This CSR initiative is an undertaking, the company intends to expand on as it moves forward into the future. speaking on the development, President/CEO Transcorp Plc. Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, described the initiative as proof of the company’s commitment to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with the host community. 

In his response, The executive Governor of Delta state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa commended the CSR initiatives of Transcorp Power Limited and reminded all in attendance that anything done in the empowerment of Niger Delta youths will ultimately deplete the pool of candidates that could be attracted to negative activity.

Also speaking, the Honourable minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, commended the rare initiative by Transcorp, saying the youths of the Niger Delta must recognise that nobody could be more Niger Delta than Tony Elumelu. He has chosen to invest here to support our collective growth as well as impact lives positively, so every time you take away gas from this plant, you are hurting one us, you are hurting one of your own and you are losing opportunity.

Sir Ogbemudia Laid To Rest

 Tears and tributes flowed freely on Friday as the remains of a former Military Governor of the defunct Mid-West region, late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, were laid to rest, after an interdenominational service held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.
The late governor died last Thursday at the age of 84 in a private hospital, having suffered from diabetes for some years.

He was also a former democratically elected governor of the Old Bendel State.

His body arrived at the stadium in a glass coffin ‎at about 11 a.m. with a military escort.‎
Among the dignitaries at the event were the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Philip Shaibu; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; the immediate past Governor of the Edo, Adams Oshiomhole; his former deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu; another former Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and a former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Also present were a former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.); the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, and a former Federal Commissioner, Chief Edwin Clark.
Others are senior chiefs from the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and members of the National Assembly and state House of Assembly.
The venue of the event is also filled to capacity with students and pupils drawn from different schools across the state.
Various groups, including traditional rulers, civil servants and market women from Edo and Delta States were also present to bid the elder statesman farewell.
There was a heavy presence of security, provided by personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Legion, to ensure orderliness as more residents flooded the stadium to participate in the ceremony.‎
‎In his tribute, Governor Obaseki said that Ogbemudia led a life of uncommon passion for service dedicated to God and man.
He said that‎ the late icon was a patriot who fought on the side of the federal forces to preserve the unity and security of our country and dedicated himself to the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation of the state and the country.
Obaseki said, “He undertook landmark improvements in the area of sports, urban development, education, public transportation, housing and commerce.
“He built the Ogbe sports stadium, now named the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which is one of the very many landmark achievements he will be remembered for.”
The governor also said that the late Ogbemudia’s legacy of patriotism, courage and uncommon administrative acumen had made him (Ogbemudia) “the outstanding individual of our time”.
Okowa, who was represented by his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, noted that the former military administrator’s overriding passion was for peace, progress and development, adding that he worked with like-minded individuals, irrespective of their political affiliation.
“He was truly an officer and gentleman; he leaves behind an endearing legacy of good governance and selfless leadership that continue to inspire the generation after him,” he added.
On his part, Gowon, who appointed the late elder statesman as a military governor in 1967 before the 1975 coup, lamented that the death‎ of Ogbemudia had depleted the rank of “old soldiers”.
While recalling the achievements of the former governor, Gowon described him as a bold soldier who played his part well during the civil war, adding that he (Ogbemudia) “had just moved to a spiritual barracks,” as “old soldiers never die”.
Gowon added, “It is sad that Sam is no longer with us. But, as it is said, to live in the hearts of people is not to die. Sam has played his part and has made his exit.
“I pray God to comfort his family as well as the government and good people of Edo State and, indeed, Nigeria. ”
Oyegun, who spoke on behalf of former governors of the two states, said that the late Ogbemudia’s achievements had a positive impact on him, as a former civil servant.
According to him, the former mi‎litary administrator was instrumental in the repositioning of Edo as the heartbeat of the nation.
One of the officiating ministers said that the late octogenarian sowed a seed of love, knowledge and wisdom in the hearts of the citizens of the state.
The remains of the deceased governor were later taken to his residence at Iheya Street in a black Mercedes-Benz hearse at about 1:35 p.m. and interred in the grave, which he personally prepared and directed to be buried in.
He was also given a 21-gun salute by soldiers from the 4 Brigade Command in Benin.
‎

Elumelu Speaks on Africapitalism to youths at Ghana’s leading institution

Tony Elumelu visited Ghana as the first stop of his UBA tour of Africa, propagating the ideal of Africapitalism.  In continuation of his strategic vision of engineering a robust economic and business relationship across the continent through Africapitalism as a necessary tool for the socio economic development of Africa,   the Group Chairman UBA Plc, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, spoke at the prestigious University of Ghana, Legon,  before hundreds of Ghanaian youths, academics and entrepreneurs.

 

The serial entrepreneur who at the young age of 34, became the Managing Director of one of Nigeria’s top banks(Standard Trust Bank), reiterated the usefulness of preparedness. He expanded on the qualities that make a successful entrepreneur.  ‘The first is dedication,  then vison, focus, ambition, and our ability to do things when we want to do them. We must always remain laser focused and aim to execute to perfection’ Elumelu said.

 

These are some of the qualities that enabled Elumelu lead one of the biggest mergers in Nigeria’s history to date. Today, UBA is amongst the top 3 banks in the country and rapidly growing in Africa.  According to Elumelu, ‘I saw us grow a bank from 5 branches to 1000 branches with presence in 19 African countries and in Paris, London and New York. The lesson here is start small, have a purpose, be disciplined, think long term’

He went on further to stress  that entrepreneurship and not Aid, is key to achieving poverty reduction and empowering Africans to solve our challenges without dependence on aid from western countries.

In his words, “Knowledge has no currency or value. It is priceless, and there is no greater gift than the gift of knowledge” Speaking further, he said “Africans must come up with innovative, home grown solutions for challenges we continue to face.” He added that UBA embraces this innovation: “UBA was the 1st bank to encourage customers to come and bank with zero account balance.”

Earlier during the working visit, on Monday, Tony Elumelu met with the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo where they held fruitful discussions on matters of mutual benefit as well as deliberated on issues geared towards the growth and development of Finance and entrepreneurship in Ghana.

Of the meeting, Elumelu stated “I am delighted to be on this historic visit to Ghana which has been a shining light of UBA’s business across Africa. It was a great opportunity to meet with and congratulate the newly elected president of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo and to extend our readiness to partner with his administration in the rapid development of Ghana and Africa at large. It was also an honour to meet with young and vibrant Students and share my Vision of Africapitalism”.

Transcorp Hotels Plc Posts N4.5bn Profits, Announces a dividend of 40k per Share

Transcorp Hotels Plc has announced a profit after tax of N4b at its 3^rd Annual General Meeting which took place at Transcorp Hilton Abuja. At the meeting, the Shareholders of Transcorp Hotels Plc   commended the management and staff of the Company for recording a strong financial and operational performance in the financial year ended 31st December 2016, with improvements across all indices despite the economic recession which took a hefty toll on hospitality businesses generally. 

The Shareholders gave the commendation at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Company held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Wednesday March 15, 2017, attributing the feat to the quality of Transcorp Hilton Hotel as the leading hospitality destination in Nigeria. They also described the management of the Company as visionary and dedicated, as demonstrated by the Hotel’s constantly improving quality of service.

The Shareholders unanimously approved the Board’s recommendation of a final dividend of 40 kobo per share, stating that they are confident that as the Company continues to make progress, it will not relent in meeting their expectations.

Speaking on behalf of shareholders, Mr. Boniface Okezie, Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), expressed appreciation to the Company’s Board and Management for paying dividend at a period when the country’s economy is in dire straits, leading to significant drop in hotel occupancy. He said, “At a time when a lot of companies prefer to cut dividend with a ready excuse in the current state of the economy, we are delighted that our Company has paid dividend which will go a long way in meeting our financial needs".

Also speaking, AlhajiMuktarMuktar, President, Trusted Shareholders Association, commended Transcorp Hotels for what he termed "a stellar financial performance" amid a challenging period and the dividend payout which he said was equally laudable. According to Muktar, Transcorp Hotels has not relented on its oars and has continued to shine brightly delivering world class service to an ever growing clientele of top notch guests across the world. Little wonder it has consistently won numerous awards and most recently bagged a long list of honours in 2016 that will make even its competitors go green with envy. “We are proud of this achievement and encourage the MD and the Board to continue in this direction”. At this point, the shareholders gave a standing ovation to the MD/ CEO  for not just winning the Seven Stars 2016 CEO of the Year at a global event, but for also leading Transcorp Hilton to win the Seven Stars Seal of Excellence Award for the first time.

Earlier, Chairman of the Company, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor explained to shareholders that the strong performance recorded by the Company is because the Company continued to re-invent its offerings, in keeping with service excellence. He noted that the Company was relentless in maintaining market leadership in its flagship property, closing the year with an occupancy of 60%, well ahead of competition. This according to him ensured Transcorp Hotels delivered a resilient performance even in the face of the impact of economic recession on the hospitality industry which has seen occupancy for large hotels dropping below 35%.

“2016 was a year of notable achievements for Transcorp Hotels Plc, despite the strong economic headwinds. The upgrade of Transcorp Hilton Abuja is underway in line with our commitment to stakeholders to build Africa’s choice hospitality assets”, Emerhor said.

 He noted that, in validation of Transcorp Hilton Abuja as the prime hotel property in Abuja, the Hotel won numerous awards in 2016 and for the fourth year in a row emerged the proud recipient of five prestigious awards at the 23^rd World Travel Awards; the laurels include Africa’s Leading Business Hotel; Nigeria’s Leading Business Hotel, Nigeria’s Leading Hotel and Nigeria’s Leading Hotel Suite (the Presidential Suite). The World Travel Award is recognized globally as the hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which others aspire. The Hotel also went on to clinch the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’Choice Awards and the 2016 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle awards, Emerhor said. 

In his review of the 2016 results, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo said that the Company recorded a 10 percent growth in gross revenue at N15.31bn as against N13.98bn in 2015.  This according to him was largely driven by key events including visits by very high profile guests, many foreign heads of government and representatives of consulates. All this he said was due to aggressive business development.

 He said the Company recorded a Profit Before Tax of N5.24bn in 2016, maintaining 2015 performance of N5.38bn while the Profit After Tax for the year surpassed 2015 performance of N3.5bn by 17 percent to N4.10bn in 2016. "Our major priority now is creating value for our stakeholders, improving customer service for our guests and maximizing shareholder value, and we believe very strongly that the foundation that we are laying, with the current upgrade and refurbishment of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and repositioning of Transcorp Hotels Calabar, is certain to yield very positive results.” He said.

“On this premise, I am happy to add that our turnaround initiatives for Transcorp Hotels Calabar are equally paying off as the Hotel recorded laudable profit for the first time since 2012”. This development, he explained, was predicated on strategy of increasing occupancy and proactive cost management" Ozigbo stated.

Speaking on 2017 prospects, Mr. Ozigbo maintained that the Company will keep up with the tempo to sustain the financial performance in 2017, despite the impacts of the temporary airport closure. He also confirmed that the Company is on track to deliver on the ongoing upgrade of Transcorp Hilton Abuja as preparations get on for the 30^th anniversary of the Hotel in the 2^nd quarter of this year.

 

Presidential committee to Buhari:Magu can serve indefinitely,

The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to remove the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, whose confirmation was rejected by the Senate on Wednesday.
The committee further stated that Magu could continue in acting capacity indefinitely.It was learnt that the committee had resolved to communicate its resolution to the President in writing.
The Chairman of the PACAC, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), told The PUNCH that the resolution was unanimous and that members were of the view that removing Magu would negatively affect the war against corruption.
He said, “I had a telephone conference with all members of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption and we unanimously agreed that Magu is the best candidate in this country for that position and that he should continue acting indefinitely until he is confirmed and there should be no change whatsoever; otherwise, there will be a major setback in the fight against corruption.
“We observed that those who do not want him are those who are opposed to the fight against corruption. So, we are 100 per cent behind him.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency, on Thursday, said it would not respond to the rejection of the nomination of Magu until it received a formal communication from the Senate on the development.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated this on his Twitter handle.
“The Presidency will respond to the non-clearance of Magu as EFCC boss after it receives official communication in writing from the Senate,” Adesina wrote.
The Senate had, on Wednesday, rejected Magu’s nomination for the second time.
Also, a rights advocacy group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, described as illogical, the manner in which the Senate rejected Magu as the substantive EFCC chairman.
In a statement on Thursday by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation described as a slap on Nigerians the rejection of Magu by the Senate “on the pretext of conflicting and inconsistent reports on him (Magu) by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
SERAP posited that the Senate and the President had failed their legitimate governmental purpose of working together to promote and enhance the independence, integrity and effectiveness of the country’s main anti-corruption agency, the EFCC.
It argued that what the Senate should have done was to have “critically engaged with the two reports by the Department of State Services and provided Magu with meaningful opportunity to be heard,” before rejecting him.
“The entire process for the submission of Magu’s name for confirmation by the Senate, and the purported confirmation hearing by the Senate is utterly unsatisfactory,” SERAP declared.
The organisation argued that while it conceded that it was within the right of the Senate to accept or reject the nomination of anyone, such a right must be exercised “constitutionally, reasonably, logically and rationally.”
“He (President) should then take rational and reasonable measures to re-nominate him for confirmation.
“We also urge the Senate to carry out its duty to confirm Magu in line with constitutional and international requirements and without any political or ulterior considerations whatsoever,” SERAP demanded.
The statement read in part, “But by providing conflicting and inconsistent reports to the Senate on Magu’s confirmation, the government of President Buhari has not taken a logical, fair, and reasonable constitutional and international measure to promote, advance, establish and maintain an independent and effective EFCC.
“And the Senate, on its own part, would seem to have acted mala fide by picking and choosing the least favourable DSS report to reject Magu’s nomination.
“The proper and reasonable action the Senate should have taken in the circumstances of this case would have been to invite the leadership of the DSS to appear before it to explain the manifest contradictions and inconsistencies in its reports.”

Meddy Spa: Your skin tells a lot about you

 

 

People, who desire to stand out in the society, may have to pay a little attention to their lifestyle. Lifestyle that includes; what they eat, how they present themselves and how well they take care of their body both inside and out.

In taking care of the body, one area that must be considered, is the skin. A beautiful skin is one that is spotless and radiates confidence.

Bearing this in mind, it means care has to be given to the skin. Small wonder some people go all out to ensure their skin speaks volume, always.

This they do aside regular exercises and eating healthy, by visiting spa shops regularly, to ensure consistent glowing and radiating skin.

For this, ‘body wrap’ will come handy.

A body wrap, also known as a ‘body cocoon’ or ‘body mask’, is a spa treatment created to enhance the health and appearance of skin, and/or reduce body measurements.

Is has the ability to condition, detoxify, tone and tighten skin, and take inches off a person’s frame almost instantly.

A nourishing oil or mineral-rich formula is applied to the spa guest’s limbs and torso before they are wrapped in cotton, mylar bandages or a plastic film. This promotes the extraction of dirt, toxins and excess water from the skin- giving the skin that healthy, feel good and exciting glow.

While most wraps are performed on the entire body (minus the face and genital area), some - such as cellulite and bust wraps - are applied to certain areas alone.

The different types of body wrap include; Algae body wrap, Bust wrap, Cellulite treatment wrap and Chocolate body wrap among others.

For a good body wrap, visit Meddy Spa at 19, Olatunde Onimole Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.  

Mercy Johnson Gets Political Appointment

 Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, on entertainment, arts and culture.

The mother of three was appointed along with 53 other Senior Special Assistants to the governor into various offices in the administration.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mrs Ayoade Folashade Arike, states that the appointments take effect from April 1.

According to the statement, the rationale for the additional appointees at the state level is to “plug identified gaps in service delivery, fill key positions with the right people and to broaden inclusiveness in governance by bringing people from more communities on board.”

Okojie made her acting debut in the movie, The Maid. To her credit, she has won several awards including the Best Actress (Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award), Best Actress (AMAA), Nigeria Entertainment Award, Golden Icons Academy Awards (GIAMA) and a host of others.

Brazilian club sign goalkeeper convicted of murdering ex-girlfriend

 Goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes, who was sent to prison for killing his ex-girlfriend and feeding her to his dogs, has signed for Brazilian second division club Boa Esporte.

Fernandes, known in Brazil as Bruno, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the 2010 murder of Eliza Samudio.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former Flamengo player was released last month on a legal technicality.

“I am very happy for the opportunity I have been given,” said Bruno at a news conference.

The signing has been widely condemned in Brazil, and has sparked protests from fans and the withdrawal of several Boa Esporte sponsors.

Both Boa Esporte’s main sponsor, Gois and Silva Group, and kit maker Kanxa have removed themselves from association with the club as a result.

At his news conference, Bruno, who has been released pending an appeal, refused to answer questions about the murder of Ms Samudio, his former partner and mother of his child.

Although Ms Samudio was never found, Bruno’s cousin told the court her body had been fed to dogs.

Prosecutors said she was killed after demanding that Bruno pay child maintenance for their baby son.

At his trial, the footballer admitted to knowing that Ms Samudio had been strangled and her remains fed to dogs, but denied ordering the killing.

“I want to help Boa Esporte to get to the first division,” Bruno said after joining his new club.

“I thought several times that I wouldn’t make it. But I can’t throw in the towel, my wife wouldn’t accept it. I have to believe in me.”

The 32-year-old added he had been made “very welcome” in Varginha, the city where the club is based.

He said: “People demand a lot of me for what happened in the past. Boa Esporte is opening the doors for me.”

He has also said he did not rule out making Brazil’s national team, having once been tipped as a likely starter for the 2014 World Cup.

“One should always keep dreaming. One day I dreamed of making my comeback and I am now living this moment.”

Duties on old vehicles: Customs CG makes a U-turn, to honour Senate summons

 

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), has dropped his earlier plan not to honour the summons of the Senate.

A reliable source close to the leadership of the Senate told one of our correspondents on Tuesday that Ali was advised to honour the Senate invitation in order to avert a clash between the Legislature and the Executive.

Ali had told the Senate, in a letter, that he would not appear before the lawmakers on Wednesday (today) as his summons to the chamber coincided with the routine management meeting of the NCS.

The Customs boss requested the upper chamber of the National Assembly to fix another date for his appearance.

Ali’s letter, which was signed by an Assistant Comptroller General, Azarema Abdulkadir, was read to lawmakers at the plenary on Tuesday.

The Senate had, on Thursday, asked the Customs boss to appear before it “unfailingly” on Wednesday, stating that Ali would not be admitted into the chamber if he failed to appear in the uniform of the service showing his rank as the DG.

A source told The PUNCH that the Customs boss was advised by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senate, Ita Enang, to meet with Senate President Bukola Saraki ahead of his appearance before the Senate on Wednesday (today).

On Tuesday evening, Ali arrived at the National Assembly complex at 5.30pm.

He first had a short meeting with the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, before moving to Saraki’s office, where they had a closed-door meeting.

Security operatives shielded the Customs boss from journalists when he was approached for comments after the meeting.

He left the National Assembly at 6.45pm.

The letter was dated March 14, 2017, and was delivered to Saraki after the plenary.

According to the source, the Customs DG disregarded his first letter to the Senate, in which he informed the Senate of his intention not to appear before the lawmakers on Wednesday.

“He wrote a second letter after the Presidency’s intervention.

‘‘There are more chances now that he will answer the Senate’s summons tomorrow. People are now seeking soft landing for him,” the source said.

Unlike the first letter which was signed by an Assistant Comptroller General, Ali personally signed the second letter.

In the second letter, the Customs DG made no reference to the first letter.

The second letter read, “May I respectfully refer to your letter dated 9 March and inform Your Excellency that the decision on payment of Customs duties by vehicle owners, who do not have them as prescribed by law, is currently being reviewed. The goal of the review is to take a broad additional input from the stakeholders and the public. I will welcome the opportunity to avail the Senate of our findings.Regarding the wearing of uniform, I wish to advise that the Senate avails itself of the legal basis of its decision to compel me to wear uniform.

“I am similarly taking legal advice on this issue so that both the Senate and I will operate within the proper legal framework.”

Foreign missions to monitor Magu’s screening by Senate

Some foreign missions and donor agencies will monitor today’s screening of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu.
Besides, some Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) senators have opted to support Magu’s confirmation as the fourth chairman of the anti-graft agency.
The senators reportedly met yesterday.
It was also learnt that Senate President Bukola Saraki briefed the leadership of the chamber on the controversial reports of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Magu.
But the details of the brief were kept under wraps as at the time of filing this report.
The embassies, The Nation learnt, directed some of their desk officers, mostly in the intelligence unit, to monitor the confirmation.
Although the notice of the screening was sudden, more than 10 foreign missions and donor agencies have put some officials on the alert to monitor the session.
A top official of one of the missions said: “We heard of the confirmation notice at short notice but we have put all steps in place to monitor the process.
“We are interested in Magu’s screening because it might determine the direction of your anti-graft war.“So far, I think we are about 10 missions and agencies that have compared notes on the screening.”
Another said: “We were caught unawares but we will send a representative to the screening to watch the development.
“We want to monitor the process to gauge the mindset of the Senate and Magu.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “Some intelligence organisations collaborating with EFCC are interested in the screening too.”
Following the persistent intrigues over Magu’s fate, there is anxiety among some donor agencies, anti-graft war partners and foreign missions.
Most of them rate Magu highly.
Some of the donor agencies and partners that have collaborated with the EFCC include United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), US Justice Department, the DFID, FBI, the National Crime Agency( NCA), the Metropolitan Police, the Interpol, City of London police, Serious Organized Crime Agency(SOCA), UK-sponsored Justice 4 All (J4ALL) , the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Western Australia Police and some foreign missions.
The UNODC project led to the treatment of more than 5000 petitions, 400 convictions and the recovery of about $6.5billion criminal proceeds.
Some of the assistance to EFCC are as follows:
•The US Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) donation of a forensic work station, titled F.R.E.D (Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device).
•The payment of forensic accounsubsidy fraud.
•Joint tactical and operational activities like collaboration with the Interpol, City of London police, Serious Organized Crime Agency(SOCA).
•NCA collaboration with EFCC to probe the oil sector during the tenure of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison- Madueke.
•Ongoing MoU between EFCC and Western Australia Police are to combat internet fraud and money laundering.
It was learnt that some of the opposition senators claimed that they had decided to support Magu out of their belief in the anti-graft war and commitment to a new order.

Former prostitute repents, weds In church

Mrs Joy Francis (real name withheld), an Enugu born orphan and one of the OPM Diobu converted s*x worker has again joined the league of married women in OPM. Taking her marital vow at the GRA branch of OPM church, the bride expressed her joy over what God used His servant to accomplish in her life.
Speaking about her life’s experience, she said;I got involved in prostitution after the death of my mother in 2012. I am an orphan, my father died in 2007, I came from a polygamous home and could not continue my education after dropping out in my secondary school. As my last option, I took the choice of engaging in a full time prostitution to help myself. Consequently, I was admitted into a brothel in Diobu where certain rituals are made through shaving of hair from all the sensitive part of your body to be deposited with the owner of the brothel. I could not find any pleasure in the business as several ugly incidents kept occuring in the brothel…”speaking further, the bride said… ‘As I was believing God for a saviour to meet me was when Daddy OPM visited our brothel… He promised to give us house, set up businesses for us, change our lives and also to sponsor the traditional and white wedding of any of us who truly accept Christ and repent from our dirty ways, a rare opportunity I have been looking for…
‘Today, those promises were made possible in my life, I am now wedded to a husband of my choice, the church has graciously provided another accommodation for us, set up business for me and God has changed my life for better’.

Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, others to visit Nigeria

Organizers of the charity football event aimed at checking child and women trafficking, insurgency and terrorism slated to hold in Abuja later this year yesterday dismissed speculations that the project would not hold.
Speaking to The Guardian on the preparation for the visit of the world stars, the event’s coordinator, Ambassador John Fashanu said the body is working round the clock to ensure the reigning world footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo, his arch rival and FC Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi, former France captain and coach of Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, former African Footballer of the Year, Abedi Ayew Pele, Nigerian retired football stars, Austin Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo and other world football stars participate in the novelty game.
He revealed that the novelty game, which is an initiative of Next2None, would hold in Abuja on May 21, addiHe said the organization decided to use football for its campaign because it speaks the language of love, peace, hope and unity. According to him, “We are not yet certain on the particular date for the game due to logistics reasons, but I am sure it would hold this year. Such information cannot be released for the fun of it. The organization is serious to bring all the top world footballers live to Nigeria. Information needed for the event would be given to the media as details unfold ahead of the game.
“The NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, has been hinted on the game and he is in support of the initiative.’’
ng that it might be rescheduled if logistics needed for the tie were not met before the day.
-Source- The Guardian

Amosun signs bills to upgrade MAPOLY to university

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has signed into law the bill upgrading the state-owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, to Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta.
The governor, who assented to the bill, earlier passed by the House of Assembly, during the executive council meeting yesterday, also signed into law, the bill for the re-establishment of the Ogun State Polytechnic, which will be sited in Ipokia-Yewa-Awori axis of the state.
Amosun revealed that the institutions will be multi-campus, as government would engage professionals and people of high knowledge to provide technical guide, adding that this will enhance the prospect of education in the state.
Commending the House’s efforts for the timely and successful passage of the bill, the governor assured that necessary documents have been prepared and sent to the appropriate quarters.
The Speaker, Suraj Ishola Adekunbi, said the House swung into action and accelerated the passage, because of the priority the government is giving to the education sector.
He noted that the step will create jobs, open access to tertiary education in Ipokia and encourage the people to embrace education.

Sex and the Nigerian character

 

In the past 10 days, there have been three cases of sexual relationships that revealed aspects of our Nigerian character — the tendency to side with the man and punish the woman. First, there was Habiba Inusa, a nursing mother who was recently remanded in prison for adultery. Inusa had participated in the mass wedding programme periodically organised by the Kano State Government and Hisbah (the state’s religious police). Inusa was delivered of a baby the day after the wedding, a scandal that combines sexual impropriety with deceit. Inusa soon learnt that hell hath no fury like a husband-for-a-day because the man threw her out of his home. The conned mass wedding organisers seized the meagre wedding gifts bestowed on her.The austere puritanism of the Hisbah lacked either human empathy or reflectivity, and probably never stopped to consider that a woman desperate enough to tell such a short-lived lie to hide the shame of her pregnancy within a legal union deserves some understanding. If we rewind the chain of events in this woman’s life, we will see how society, religion, culture, and patriarchy have victimised her at every turn. For instance, if there were enforceable laws on child support in Kano, it would have been unnecessary for Inusa to try to pass the responsibility of a late-term pregnancy to another man. If religious-suffused Kano itself does not overemphasise marriage as a supposed cure to sexual immorality, Inusa would not have had to legitimise her child through a union with another man. Inusa is not a criminal, she is a victim of poverty, oppressive religiosity, gender disparity, and state-regulated morality.

Second was the case of Ekemini Ekerette (aka Kemen), a participant in the Big Brother Naija Reality Show series who was recently disqualified for groping a sleeping woman. Apparently, Kemen missed the memos on the imperative of seeking people’s consent before performing sexual acts on their body. Kemen’s disqualification is an important statement on the ethics of sexual relationships. Since he was kicked out, I have seen people produce one inane reason or the other to insist he did not deserve his punishment.

The most shocking instance of tacit support for Kemen, for me, came from the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Luke Onofiok, who jumped into the fray on behalf of his kinsman. Onofiok’s social media rant expressed his disappointment that their son lost his celebrity status and fan following in the wake of his disqualification. I do not think it mattered to Onofiok that Kemen overstepped his bounds when he groped a sleeping woman, or that such malfeasance carries a penalty for a reason. He seemed more interested in what Kemen had lost.

Onofiok could not even wait for Kemen himself to apologise for what he did and ask for forgiveness. Instead, the Speaker’s complaint was that those who had previously celebrated Kemen were now in a hurry to crucify him for his “mistakes”! It is rather disingenuous of Onofiok to refer to sexual misdemeanour as a mistake because Kemen was not a child who inadvertently fell on top of a sleeping woman. He crossed a line and he did so on live TV. Onofiok could have used Kemen’s disqualification as a teachable moment for others who needed to be educated on the basics of sexual consent.

Onofiok’s defence of his kinsman was not just irritating for its seeming amorality but for the added fact that he did not spare a word for the woman whose body was violated. Onofiok claimed he did not know what Kemen had done wrong but that simply cannot be true. I am more inclined to believe he simply did not want to acknowledge Kemen’s wrong so he would not have to condemn it. Instead, he would be able to focus on the more “urgent” task of philosophising about the self-righteousness of Kemen’s criticisers. Onofiok ended up religionising Kemen’s transgression and his choice of words (such as “mistakes” and “temptations”) says a lot about what one needs to know about Onofiok, his attitude towards sexual assault, and his priorities as a Speaker of his state legislature.

Third in the string of sexual misdeeds is the case of Apostle Johnson Suleman, the founder of Omega Fire Ministries. The man of God is being accused by a certain Stephanie Otobo of impregnating her and using the police to harass her. Now, I am proceeding cautiously on this story because its narratives are still unfolding but already I am appalled by the commentary of Nigerians who have almost refused to listen to the accuser’s side of her story. Almost everywhere you turn, the woman has been disparaged and called objectionable names by the usual “touch not my anointed” crowd who will defend a pastor against God himself.

I understand that Apostle Suleman currently has a reputation of a hero because of his criticisms of his state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, (whom he once prophesied would die). Both men have tussled on the issue of Southern Kaduna killings and acts of violence by rampaging Fulani herdsmen. A sexual scandal could not have come at a more fortuitous time for the cleric who can now claim to be a victim of some grand conspiracy designed by a vengeful government.

Apostle Suleman can make all the ad hominem attacks on Otobo’s looks, and even claim that it is the state government that wants to ruin him, but he cannot run away from the fact that the images of his naked torso on his accuser’s computer look suspicious. He can argue that the pictures were doctored but he will need the services of a graphics expert to prove that it is possible for anyone to photoshop that lecherous look on his face in those photographs. His wife’s defence of him is touching but she is simply not a credible witness of her husband’s virtues. There are many other wives who would do what she did either because they are in denial or they want to protect their self-interest.

While sexual indiscretion by a pastor is ideally a matter between him and his God, it is important that as a society we cultivate an attitude of moral responsibility for our pastors as much as our politicians. We cannot complain about the ime almost refused to listen to the accuser’s side of her story. Almost everywhere you turn, the woman has been disparaged and called objectionable names by the usual “touch not my anointed” crowd who will defend a pastor against God himself.

I understand that Apostle Suleman currently has a reputation of a hero because of his criticisms of his state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, (whom he once prophesied would die). Both men have tussled on the issue of Southern Kaduna killings and acts of violence by rampaging Fulani herdsmen. A sexual scandal could not have come at a more fortuitous time for the cleric who can now claim to be a victim of some grand conspiracy designed by a vengeful government.

Apostle Suleman can make all the ad hominem attacks on Otobo’s looks, and even claim that it is the state government that wants to ruin him, but he cannot run away from the fact that the images of his naked torso on his accuser’s computer look suspicious. He can argue that the pictures were doctored but he will need the services of a graphics expert to prove that it is possible for anyone to photoshop that lecherous look on his face in those photographs. His wife’s defence of him is touching but she is simply not a credible witness of her husband’s virtues. There are many other wives who would do what she did either because they are in denial or they want to protect their self-interest.

While sexual indiscretion by a pastor is ideally a matter between him and his God, it is important that as a society we cultivate an attitude of moral responsibility for our pastors as much as our politicians. We cannot complain about the immorality.Any man who can make such an admission on the altar of God is a thug and we should not be quick to put it past him that he could impregnate a woman and send the police to harass her!

‘Wenger has informed players he is leaving’

Reports in Italy have revealed that Arsene Wenger has told his players that he will quit Arsenal at the end of this season.
According to Italian football journalist, Tancredi Palmeri, the Frenchman has informed the team members about his decision but has yet to have a meeting with the club’s board to inform people running the club as well.
Arsenal are reported to have offered Wenger a two-year contract extension although the Frenchman seems intentioned to part companies with the North London club after spending over 20 years with the Gunners.Reports in Italy have revealed that Arsene Wenger has told his players that he will quit Arsenal at the end of this season.
According to Italian football journalist, Tancredi Palmeri, the Frenchman has informed the team members about his decision but has yet to have a meeting with the club’s board to inform people running the club as well.
Arsenal are reported to have offered Wenger a two-year contract extension although the Frenchman seems intentioned to part companies with the North London club after spending over 20 years with the GunnThe World Cup-winning midfielder, a cornerstone of Wenger’s ‘Invincible’ league champions of 2003-04, believes that a new breed of Premier League managers, including Chelsea’s Antonio Conte, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp – have the energy the 67-year-old lacks after over two decades at the Arsenal helm.
“I feel that the time has come,” the 2004 Premier League champion told Sport 360.
“The more the past is coming to a close, the more his time is coming – not because he can’t do the job any longer, but, perhaps because the other clubs have changed their way of working, the way of doings things.
“He hasn’t changed much, he hasn’t changed his way of working – not because he doesn’t want to, but it is not so easy to compete with clubs who spend a lot of money every season.
“Wenger has spent a lot more years than them (Conte, Guardiola and Klopp) in the Premier League. They are younger and motivated and they have a lot of energy to look around and source ways to win against Wenger.
“He has his own way of working, in which he believes. Irrespective of whether you are either a young or an old coach, you have to believe in something, and that’s what he does.”
Gilberto is not the only member of the Invincibles to have criticised Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season, in recent weeks. After last month’s 5-1 defeat former Arsenal defenders, Martin Keown and Lee Dixon said they believed the Frenchman’s time at the club was up.
Source- The Guardian

Ecobank Vital To Needbank’s African Growth Strategy

South Africa’s Nedbank on Tuesday said that Ecobank Transnational Incorporation (ETI) remains vital to its expansion elsewhere on the African continent despite booking a $293 million write-down on the value of its stake in the sub-Saharan lender. Ecobank has operations in nearly 40 countries outside its home market. Nedbank Chief Executive, Mike Brown, told reporters ““It’s obvious that we would be disappointed. But we still, however, remain optimistic on the long-term growth prospects in the rest of Africa.”

ETI’s operations in Central and West Africa are exposed to some economies that have been pressured by the commodity price slide and unfavourable currency swings since Nedbank bought a 20 per cent stake for $500 million in 2014.

Brown forecast another tough year for Ecobank, which makes the bulk of its earnings in Nigeria, before improving in 2018 and beyond. Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, has been hit by a currency crisis and its first recession in 25 years following the slide in oil prices since the middle of 2014.

Nedbank, a subsidiary of Anglo-South African conglomerate, Old Mutual, said its diluted headline earnings per share rose 4.8 per cent to 2,350 cents in 2016, the slowest pace of growth since 2009 when its EPS fell by nearly a third. Headline EPS is the main measure of profit in South Africa as it strips out certain one-off items.

Nedbank also said its results were affected by slack demand for loans as slowing economic growth and higher interest rates hit consumption and investment spending across Africa.
Brown forecast at least 7 per cent growth in 2017 annual headline EPS, saying a peak in interest rate cycle in South Africa would lift demand or loans.
Old Mutual is in the middle of an overhaul in which it will carve itself into four parts and cut its 54 per cent stake in Nedbank to a minority holding to simplify its structure.
Nedbank competes with Standard Bank, FirstRand, Barclays Africa and Capitec.

FCA Wins ‘The Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer' at Fleet World Honours

 

As the preparations gear for the arrival of the FIAT brand in Nigeria gradually moves to its peak, Weststar is excited to announce already that the ‘Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)’ has been named Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer in the prestigious Fleet World Awards. The award recognizes the strides made by the company's fleet and business department, which represents Fiat, Fiat Professional, Alfa Romeo and Jeep®. Judges were impressed not only by the strength and breadth of the vehicle line-up but also by the changes made in the last year to improve the fleet offering.

Steve Moody, Publisher at Fleet World, said:  "With the ability to cross-sell between its different brands, FCA Group has a unique and compelling offer for fleets. Newcomers such as the Fiat Tipo, Alfa Romeo's Giulia and Stelvio, and commercial vehicles including the Talento van and Fullback pickup mean it is becoming a complementary line-up suitable for the most diverse fleet needs. It's also well supported, with a central fleet and business organisation and a growing network of specialist dealers."

Receiving the award at a ceremony at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, Francis Bleasdale, Fleet and Remarketing Director at FCA, said, "We're honoured to have won this category in these prestigious fleet awards and delighted that our work to improve the bespoke service we offer to business customers has been recognised. In addition to building on our renowned low running costs and excellent service, we are continuing to expand the Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep® model ranges including specially developed, business-focused editions that will thrill both head and heart.

For the Nigerian Market, the Fiat Tipo and Fullback are a part of the new products to be launched in this year. Weststar Associates Ltd (Authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram in the Federal Republic of Nigeria) will be re-introducing the Fiat brand to the Nigerian market with the much anticipated product launch in the second quarter of the year.

“2017 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for FCA - we've just been named the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer at The Fleet World Honors 2017! This award demonstrates our commitment and dedication to delivering a multi-brand fleet solution with up-to-the-minute after-sales service to our customers, bolstered by a range of exciting new model launches in 2017.” -  Mr. Mirko Plath, CEO/MD Weststar Associates.