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Competition will drive courier operation -Akinkunmi

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Sadiq Akinkunmi, general manager, Rowsy International Cargo and Courier Services has said that the increased number of operators in the courier sector will help drive courier business to efficiency.

Speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Akinkunmi said that competition in the courier industry is not a bad development even as he disclosed that without competition there won’t be any meaningful development in the industry. Competition, he informed, makes them to brace up to the challenges of doing business and he noted that the company is well positioned for effective competition.

One of the strategies adopted by the firm apart from the Nigeria Express Mail service that delivers goods and parcels coming into Lagos from the U.K next day in Lagos and Abuja, the company handles branding in a distinct manner. Akinkunmi revealed that the outfit has special way of packaging their consignments meant for both local and international destinations. "This is to make the brand different from the others and it has been working for us as once you sign on as our customer, you don’t just seize patronizing us," Akinkunmi disclosed.

In the delivery of consignment, he said once the goods are out, it takes them no time to get across to the customer on phone to inform him or her of the arrival of the goods before actual delivery is made.

On the level of expansion so far undertaken by the company, the general manager said even though the company is young but that within the short period it started business it has made remarkable progress.

The company started with a small warehouse for their consignments at Ikeja, but over time has acquired a bigger warehouse at Ajoa Estate when it discovered that the warehouse could no longer contain the volume of goods arriving into the country from their head office in the U.K as well as from their branch networks in Dubai and the United States.

The operations of the company according to Akinkunmi have also expanded. Five more offices have been strategically opened in different locations outside Lagos.

The courier firm has opened offices in Ado Ekiti, Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja and Port Harcourt. These offices, Akinkunmi said, are strategic and are meant to link up transactions in the other parts of the country.

Though the company may be young in terms of start off date, but it has been able to distinguish itself in customer satisfaction in all facets of courier business the company engages in.

With the Express Mail service, parcels and consignments which they call Next Day Delivery, goods can arrive in Lagos today from the United Kingdom and the next day the consignee receives the goods in Lagos or Abuja.

 

In terms of human resource, the company has also grown from one staff for its Lagos office to thirteen after few months of operation.

To motivate the staff to achieve more, he said the management of the company has designed a welfare package that will be implemented soon which is tailored towards making staff satisfaction a major component of the company’s drives.

As part of the efforts of the company to monitor trends in the industry, Akinkunmi said the company staff always attend seminars and workshops organized by the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) and emphasized that the import of those seminars are far-reaching as they are enriching. They are also told things to be considered in courier at such workshops.

In addition to the seminars organized by the CRD, Akinkunmi also revealed that internally, the courier firm trains its workers on the use of computer and other aspects. Their greatest asset in that area is that 90 percent of their workforce are university graduates and so lectures are quickly assimilated and this, he said, facilitates the efficiency of the company in their various line of courier business and also helps the company to achieve its mission of "Delivering Smiles Worldwide".

On the 48hours clearance process directive by the federal government, Akinkunmi disclosed that as the workers are able to operate the computers and with the company already online, they deliver next day from the U.K to Nigeria and within Nigeria. In that case, the company operates within 24 hours delivery ahead of the 48hours clearance directive issued by the government. Their target is also to surpass this achievement.

On the challenges faced in the industry, Akinkunmi said that if you talk of courier that you are talking about express delivery of consignments. However, he said that to effect this traditional role, courier companies in Nigeria especially in Lagos are constrained by a lot of factors. The traffic in Lagos hampers the speedy delivery of parcels by courier.

Another major challenge according to him is the local government officials that always harass and intimidate their despatch riders and making spurious demands from them.

They also suffer the same fate in the hands of Lastma officers and the police. He said that as long as the vehicle conveying the goods is branded and the staff of the courier firm inside the vehicle has identity card and driver’s license on him, what the police is expected to do is to ask for the waybill of the consignment and with the contact address of the consignee, the police could phone and confirm if the person is expecting the goods or not. He lamented over the delay and said that some of these goods in transit are time sensitive and needs to be treated as such.


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QNET Celebrates Father’s Day by Empowering Dads with Business and Wellness Solutions

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In celebration of Father’s Day, QNET, a leading global e-commerce company, reaffirms its dedication to empowering dads around the world with business opportunities and wellness solutions. Acknowledging the crucial role fathers have in families and communities, QNET is providing them with the chance to excel effortlessly in their roles through its direct selling business opportunity, along with products that enhance their wellness and lifestyle.

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A recent report on Balancing work and dad duties in Nigeria recognises the sacrifices incredible Nigerian fathers make to be providers and active caregivers.

The report highlights the challenges fathers face in balancing work and family life. Understanding these challenges, QNET is dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly fathers, by providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.

For fathers who aim to build a better future for their families, the company offers a platform that not only helps kick-start their businesses but also nurtures their growth. Through QNET’s business platform, fathers gain access to comprehensive product and business training and customer support, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive and feel empowered in their entrepreneurial journey.

“We believe that every father deserves the chance to succeed both professionally and personally,” said Biram Fall, Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our mission is to provide fathers with the opportunities and resources they need to achieve their goals and support their families.

“Through our business opportunities and health-promoting products, we are dedicated to empowering fathers to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones.”

In addition to business opportunities, QNET offers a variety of products designed to help men lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

This Father’s Day, QNET is highlighting two exceptional products that exemplify this commitment: QAlive and the Bernhard H. Mayer 150th Anniversary timepiece.

QAlive is a plant-based supplement that naturally increases testosterone levels for men’s complete health and performance. Packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, QAlive supports immune function, boosts energy levels, and helps fathers stay healthy and active.

The Bernhard H. Mayer 150th Anniversary watch is more than just a timepiece; it symbolizes sophistication and success. Designed with precision and style, it is perfect for the modern father who values both functionality and elegance. With its advanced features and sleek design, the Bernhard H. Mayer wristwatch is a testament to QNET’s dedication to quality and innovation.

“Fatherhood is a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering love. We recognize the profound impact fathers have on shaping the future.

“This Father’s Day, we stand alongside fathers worldwide, offering not just products, but distinct products created through extensive research.

“These products have been rigorously tested and proven effective in promoting good health and wellbeing” remarked Hakeem Ajisafe, Chief Executive Officer, Transblue Limited.

This Father’s Day, QNET invites everyone to celebrate the fathers who work tirelessly to provide for their families and communities. By offering unparalleled business opportunities and top-tier health products, QNET continues to support and empower fathers to reach their full potential.


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Bolt Hosts Second Edition of ‘Bolt Driver’s Football League’ to Foster Unity and Inclusion

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Bolt, a leading ride-hailing platform, continues to strengthen its bond with driver-partners by hosting the second edition of its ‘Bolt Driver’s Football League’ in Lagos on Wednesday.

The second edition tournament, themed “Fostering Unity and Inclusion”, aimed to enhance the relationship between Bolt and its driver-partners. The event underscored the platform’s commitment to the well-being of its drivers, recognising the essential role they play in the ride-hailing ecosystem.

Organised in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, OneHealth by AXA, Oraimo, and Mycovergenius, the event was a resounding success.

Bolt driver-partners from various locations across Lagos participated enthusiastically in the mini football tournament. The event featured knockout matches between four teams formed by the drivers, showcasing their sporting skills in a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition.

In addition to the football matches, the event offered a safe and enjoyable playground for the children and families of the drivers. They spent the Democracy Day holiday engaged in games, activities, and entertainment, making the event a memorable occasion for all attendees.

Giving the opening remarks, the Director of Public Transport and Commuter Services (PTCS), Engr. Olusoji Adebayo said, “I would like to thank Bolt for organising this brilliant initiative.

“It is indeed an opportunity for Bolt drivers to meet and relate with transport regulators in an atmosphere that encourages cohesion and exchange of ideas, challenges and solutions that is peculiar to Bolt drivers in Lagos State.

“I hereby express my sincere appreciation for the efforts of the Bolt team for organising this event which is important to portray and ensure an attitude of excellence and professionalism among the e-hailing operators in Lagos State.”

Speaking at the event, Yahaya Mohammed, Bolt’s Country Manager said, “We believe in fostering a strong sense of community and building meaningful relationships with our drivers. Through initiatives like this, we are not just a ride-hailing platform; we are a supportive and vibrant community that values the contributions of our drivers.

“Together, we are driving towards a future of excellence in service and driver empowerment. I am thrilled to witness the incredible comradeship and passion displayed by our drivers today. This event exemplifies Bolt’s unwavering commitment to driver engagement and satisfaction”

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Acting Head of Regulatory & Policy Africa at Bolt, expressed enthusiasm about the event, saying, “We are thrilled to host this novelty football competition as a way to bring our driver community together in a spirit of unity and inclusion.

“Our drivers are the backbone of our service, and this event is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication. By creating opportunities for our drivers and their families to connect and engage in a fun, relaxed setting, we aim to strengthen the bonds within our community and celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger.”

The event concluded with the presentation of medals and trophies to the top three teams, along with outstanding prizes for participants. The winning team received a cash prize of N500,000 plus an additional N200,000 from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

The runner-up team was awarded N350,000 plus an additional N150,000 from Oraimo, while the third-place team received N250,000. In total, the cash prizes amounted to 1.3 million naira. Additionally, exciting prizes were won by female drivers and other attendees during the raffle draw.


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9PSB CEO says Women are Breaking Barriers in Fintech and SMEs

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9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Nigeria’s digital payment service bank, focused on financial inclusion, has echoed the impressive progress demonstrated by the female professionals and entrepreneurs in the fintech sector, and Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SMEs) at this year’s Digital Pay Expo and Exhibition held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The year’s event themed, Redefining Payment,’ focused and analyzed the payment habits of the Millennials and Gen Z, the largest generation groups. It spotlighted the crucial effects of the group on the payment world to continue to develop solutions that will gain their loyalty and that of the total market.

Speaking at the session, Women in Fintech, themed, Inclusive Finance for SMEs, designed to mentor participating female undergraduates across institutions of higher learning in Lagos State, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Branka Mracajac, emphasized that women are making significant breakthroughs in the fintech sector and in Smal and Medium Scale Enterprises in recent years compared to what was obtainable in the past.

Although, women are still contending with the male counterparts for positions, it is evident that many women are assuming key executive positions in the finance and fintech sector, as well as other areas of human endeavours. The fintech industry is striving to improve the situations occasioned by gender disparity, inclusivity, and financial inclusion to ensure equal growth and opportunities.

In her words, ‘’Women are founding many business entities and SMEs, it is important to have the right mindset, work hard and put in more efforts to educate yourselves, acquire the right expertise and skills, network and find someone who will inspire you and the opportunities would present itself. We need more prominent professional women leaders in fintech to inspire young girls. We did not have this in my time, but the dynamics have changed. Women should stay focused, connected, and look for opportunities to kick-start their careers’’.

Other female Chief Executive Officers in the fintech sector who also formed part of the session are Ronke Kuye, (Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited, SANEF Nigeria); Dr. Markie Idowu (Xpress Payment Solutions Limited); Kemi Okunsanya (Hydrogen, Nigeria), and Yemi Keri (Heckerbella Limited).

They also shared pieces of advice to the young undergraduates on the need to have mentors who have attained progressive stages of career growth; build good rapport; have improved social capital, utilize the social media as a means of communication; and communicate their capability, competencies, and experience.

In addition, they advised them to offer their best and be ready to add value to prospective organizations they will be employed in. Furthermore, the youngsters were also implored to build and keep relationships with colleagues and ensure leave on a good note whenever they meet people, because the future is unpredictable.

Digital Pay Expo is a yearly event designed to bring together industry regulators, fintech top executives, and innovators in the fintech and payment solution space to collaborate and move the industry forward.

The platform provides a unique opportunity for industry players to discover new innovative cases and technologies that will accelerate the much-needed growth in the fintech ecosystem.


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