(Brands & Consumers)
Jinjiang Group, a contractor for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, has denied allegations by Brazilian authorities that its workers were subjected to “slavery-like conditions” at a construction site in Bahia state. The company attributed the claims to translation errors and cultural misunderstandings, dismissing the accusations as inconsistent with the facts. Brazilian labour officials recently announced…
Nigerians could face higher charges for calls, SMS, and data services starting early 2025, as the federal government considers approving a long-awaited tariff review. Telecom operators have been advocating for a price adjustment, citing financial strains that have worsened over the years. Last Tariff Review Was Over a Decade Ago The current telecom tariffs were…
Brazilian labour officials discovered 163 Chinese nationals working under “slavery-like conditions” at a construction site for a factory owned by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD in Bahia state, according to the local labour prosecutor’s office on Monday. The workers, who were hired in China by a third-party company, were allegedly brought to Brazil illegally. They…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Walmart and fintech company Branch Messenger on Monday, accusing them of forcing more than a million Walmart delivery drivers to use costly deposit accounts to access their paychecks. According to the CFPB, Walmart and Branch Messenger opened bank accounts for the company’s Spark Drivers using…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has accused Rocket Homes, a subsidiary of Rocket Companies, and The Jason Mitchell Group real estate brokerages of engaging in an illegal kickback scheme to direct mortgage applications to Rocket affiliates. According to the CFPB, Rocket Homes, one of the largest mortgage lenders in the U.S., provided real estate…
The Container Store, a long-standing name in home organization, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing financial struggles and shifts in consumer spending habits. The announcement comes as the retailer faces mounting debt and competition in a challenging economic environment. In a statement released late Sunday, the 46-year-old company outlined plans to use the…
Despite economic challenges, Nigerians are trooping to bus stations and airports to journey to their hometowns for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, this year’s festive travels are marked by complaints of skyrocketing fares, both for road and air transport. Road Travel: High Fares and Safety Concerns Major bus parks across Lagos, including Yaba,…
The Nigerian government has announced plans to collaborate with Bloomberg on a two-year initiative aimed at reshaping the country’s international reputation and attracting foreign investment. This development was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Finance on Thursday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The partnership, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance…
The battle over sugary drinks has reached Capitol Hill as major beverage companies Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper push back against a proposal to remove sugar-sweetened beverages from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has sparked debate with…
Nordstrom, the 123-year-old upscale department store chain, is set to go private in a $6.25 billion deal led by its founding family in partnership with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool. The move, announced on Monday, marks a significant shift in the company’s trajectory amid ongoing challenges in the retail sector. Family Takes the Helm…
Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its smart home product lineup with the introduction of a Face ID-enabled smart doorbell camera. According to a report from Bloomberg, the tech giant is looking to leverage its facial recognition technology to enter the smart home security market, competing with established players like Google and Amazon. Revolutionizing Smart…
The year 2024 proved challenging for several iconic brands, as inflation, shifting consumer trends, and operational hurdles led to a wave of high-profile bankruptcies. From retailers to airlines, many companies struggled to adapt to a changing economic and consumer landscape. Although filing for bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a business, it often signals…
Starting January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will discontinue support for a range of older Android smartphones, signalling the end of its compatibility with devices running on outdated software. This update impacts roughly 20 models from brands like Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony, many of which were popular during the early 2010s. Why Support is Ending…
The luxury perfume brand Clive Christian has launched its exclusive Absolute Collection in Lagos, marking a significant collaboration with Seinde Signature, one of Nigeria’s leading niche perfume stores. The unveiling took place in a refined setting at the Centre Point Luxury Workspace in Ikoyi, attracting Nigeria’s affluent consumers and perfume enthusiasts. Renowned globally for its…
Elon Musk’s financial empire has soared to new heights, propelled by the extraordinary growth of SpaceX, the aerospace company he founded with the goal of transforming space exploration. SpaceX’s valuation has recently surged to $350 billion, a remarkable 67% increase since June. This leap has elevated Musk’s net worth to a staggering $443 billion, further…
LG Electronics has unveiled a new feature for its smart TVs, offering users a way to enjoy live radio, podcasts, and music without the need for a separate subscription. Dubbed LG Radio+, the ad-supported streaming service is now available for LG smart TVs running webOS 6 or higher. Designed as an alternative to traditional music…
Apple is preparing to phase out the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE in Europe by the end of 2024. The move comes in response to the European Union’s USB-C charging port mandate, which requires all smartphones sold in the region to adopt the standardized port. The legislation passed in 2022,…
Moon Beast Productions, a new independent game development studio founded by veterans of the iconic Diablo and Diablo II series, is embarking on a mission to redefine the action RPG (ARPG) genre. With a $4.5 million seed investment, the studio is channelling its resources and decades of experience to deliver a groundbreaking new game. Founded…
On December 5, Nigerian authorities confiscated more than 2 metric tons of pangolin scales in a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking. The seizure took place in two warehouses in Mubi, Adamawa state, where the scales were stockpiled for export. The operation, which was based on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), also led to…
Apple is under mounting pressure to remove its newly launched AI-powered news summarization feature after it falsely attributed a headline to the BBC, prompting concerns from press freedom advocates. The controversy erupted last week when Apple Intelligence, the generative AI tool integrated into Apple devices, pushed a notification falsely summarizing a BBC report. The summary…
Armani Beauty made a remarkable entry into the Lagos beauty scene with Armani Mare, a groundbreaking fragrance experience that blended elegance, innovation, and artistry. The first-of-its-kind event was held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Mako Lagos, a serene beachfront venue that provided the perfect backdrop for the luxurious experience. Curated for an exclusive audience,…
United Airlines has achieved a record-breaking milestone in 2024, transporting 175 million passengers globally across its routes. The airline revealed this accomplishment in a recent statement, marking it as the highest passenger volume recorded in a single year. Highlighting trends observed throughout the year, United offered insights into passenger preferences for entertainment, beverages, and travel…
KFC is stepping outside its comfort zone with its newest venture, “Saucy,” a one-of-a-kind prototype restaurant opening Monday in Orlando, Florida. Swapping its iconic red branding for a vibrant pink, KFC is reimagining its “finger lickin’ good” slogan with a focus on bold sauces, trendy chicken tenders, and an aesthetic tailored to younger, adventurous eaters….
SanDisk has unveiled a fresh creative direction and corporate branding as it prepares for a major relaunch as a standalone leader in flash and memory technology. The company teased its next-generation storage innovations, which are set to debut in early 2025. At the heart of SanDisk’s new identity is a philosophy dubbed the “Mindset of…
Leading pan-African e-commerce platform Jumia has joined forces with customer engagement platform MoEngage to redefine personalized experiences for its customers. The strategic partnership aims to enhance how Jumia connects with its users through tailored communication across various channels. With the new collaboration, Jumia is set to deliver more targeted messages at the right time via…
Google has launched Google Agentspace, a new AI-powered platform aimed at improving enterprise productivity by simplifying workflows, enhancing data access, and automating routine tasks. The tech giant unveiled Agentspace as a solution to the growing challenges businesses face in managing vast amounts of data and operating across multiple tools. With employees often juggling various platforms,…
Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan are in discussions about a potential merger, a move that could reshape the automotive landscape by uniting two of Japan’s biggest car manufacturers. Both companies confirmed the talks in a joint statement on Tuesday but offered few specifics, including the nature of the collaboration or a timeline for when a…
Taco Bell is shaking up its menu with an unexpected addition: chicken nuggets. Known for its Mexican-inspired offerings, the fast-food chain is taking a more American approach with this limited-time item, launching Thursday. Putting a unique spin on the classic fast-food staple, Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets feature all-white meat marinated in a zesty jalapeño buttermilk…
Huawei may soon expand its groundbreaking triple-foldable smartphone lineup, with reports hinting at a new device launching next year. Tech tipster SmartPikachu claims the Chinese tech giant is preparing to update its tri-fold series, following the recent debut of the Mate XT. The Mate XT, launched in September, introduced Huawei as the first company to…
Google DeepMind has introduced Veo 2, its latest AI video generation model, just days after OpenAI’s widely discussed Sora made headlines. The unveiling marks Google’s determined push to take the lead in the rapidly evolving AI video landscape. Veo 2 boasts the ability to produce videos at up to 4K resolution – a significant improvement…
Despite increasing scrutiny and pressure from conservative activists, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives remain deeply embedded in corporate America. While some companies are making adjustments to DEI policies and language, experts argue that the changes are largely cosmetic rather than structural, with businesses continuing to prioritize inclusive practices as a strategic advantage. Major corporations…
Snapchat is rolling out a revamped monetisation program aimed at rewarding creators across its Stories and Spotlight platforms. This move consolidates previously separate programs, aligning monetisation opportunities for both formats. Under the new system, creators will earn revenue from ads displayed within eligible Stories and Spotlight posts, marking a shift that acknowledges Spotlight’s growing popularity….
In the bustling Sheephaven Bay pub, tucked just behind London’s Camden High Street, Guinness is no longer just a drink – it’s a cultural phenomenon. For owner Pat Logue, the Irish stout now makes up more than half of the pub’s draft beer sales, and demand shows no sign of slowing. This year alone, Logue…
The Dangote Refinery has extended its export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa in recent weeks, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, made this known during a visit by a delegation…
Amid concerns over Netflix’s reported restructuring in Nigeria, popular comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, widely known as AY, has shed light on the streaming giant’s true stance in the Nigerian market. The conversation began earlier in December when Victor Ohai, President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, announced during the Zuma Film Festival in Abuja…
It’s been decades since Sony was this close to the summit. The last time its market value soared so high, the world was spinning to the tunes of the Walkman, Bill Clinton was in the White House, and the PlayStation 2 was on the brink of revolutionising gaming. Fast forward to today, the iconic Japanese…
A federal appeals court has refused to temporarily halt a ban on TikTok, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle at the U.S. Supreme Court over the controversial legislation. On Friday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously denied TikTok’s request to pause the impending ban while it seeks further review by the Supreme Court….
Global consulting firm McKinsey & Co has agreed to pay $650 million to resolve a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into its advisory role in promoting the sales of OxyContin, a powerful opioid produced by Purdue Pharma. The settlement comes as part of a five-year deferred prosecution agreement filed in a federal court in…
Apple and Google must be ready to remove TikTok from their U.S. app stores by January 19, two bipartisan lawmakers have warned. In a letter sent Friday to the CEOs of Apple and Google-parent Alphabet, Republican Representative John Moolenaar and Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi—leaders of the U.S. House Select Committee on China—emphasised the companies’ responsibility…
Elon Musk is once again at odds with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), revealing that the agency has demanded he pay a fine related to his 2022 purchase of Twitter shares – or face multiple charges. Musk, who disclosed the situation on his social platform X, posted a letter from his attorney Alex…
Bud Light’s decades-long reign as the top beer on tap in U.S. bars has officially come to an end, as Michelob Ultra has now taken the top spot. According to data from Draftlines Technologies, which tracks over 1 million draft lines across the country, Michelob Ultra surpassed Bud Light in share of U.S. draft taps…
Tech giants Google and Samsung have announced plans to release a mixed-reality headset, marking a significant push to rival Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3 in the expanding wearable technology market. The forthcoming headset, expected to launch in 2025, will be developed by Samsung and powered by a newly designed Android operating system for…
Popular subscription-based platform OnlyFans, widely known for hosting sexually explicit content, is no longer accessible in China after briefly working in recent weeks. The development follows reports on social media platform X in late November that OnlyFans was functioning within the country. These claims were subsequently verified by CNN checks at the time. China, which…
Access Holdings Plc has revealed that its banking arm, Access Bank Plc, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the entire equity stake in Bidvest Bank Limited, a South African financial institution. In a statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, Access Bank highlighted the acquisition as part of its strategy to…
Walgreens is facing significant financial setbacks, with its stock plummeting by over 80% in the past five years, making it one of the worst-performing companies in that period. In response to its ongoing troubles, the pharmacy giant is closing 1,200 stores, or about 15% of its total locations, and is reportedly in talks with private…
Meta has confirmed a $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, marking a significant step in rebuilding ties between the tech giant and the incoming administration. The donation, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes shortly after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s private meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago two weeks ago. This move…
German industrial powerhouse Bosch has revealed plans to slash approximately 8,250 jobs globally over the coming years, marking yet another setback for Germany’s struggling economy. The job cuts will primarily affect Bosch’s Mobility sector, which supplies parts to automakers worldwide. The company cited sluggish demand, rising costs, and growing competition as key reasons behind the…
Australia has announced new regulations that will require major tech companies, including Meta and Google, to financially compensate Australian media outlets for news content shared on their platforms. The initiative, dubbed the “News Bargaining Initiative,” is designed to create a financial incentive for digital platforms to reach agreements with local news publishers, Assistant Treasurer and…
A former employee of TD Bank in Florida has been arrested for allegedly facilitating a major money-laundering operation tied to drug cartels. The arrest follows the bank’s record $3 billion fine imposed by the US government for systemic failures in monitoring transactions. Leonardo Ayala, 24, was arrested and charged with one count of money laundering…
Meta has announced that it is close to resolving a significant technical issue causing widespread outages on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company acknowledged the disruption on Wednesday, stating, “We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps. We’re working to get things back to normal…
