Classmates-ng.com is a new social networking site that will help you find your old friends and schoolmates. The site was launched on beta testing since May 20 2008 and now has a database of cities, schools, universities, as well as users. 

The site allows you to send messages to those you lost contact with and possibly arrange meeting them. You can also add your school, if you can’t find it on the list. To register, you need to:

1. Choose the region and country you studied in from the list.
2. Choose your primary school or secondary school, and
3. Fill in the form.

With classmates-ng.com, you can search for classmates, groupmates, former colleagues, find friends, communicate with them by mails, view their photos, organize meetings, setup ‘watches’ to alert you when someone registers.

It seems that some telecoms firms in Nigeria can’t hold on to their brand name and build that brand to compete with other telecoms companies like MTN Nigeria and Globacom Nigeria. Just recently, Celtel Nigeria changed its name to Zain Nigeria as a result of a rebranding effort by the Zain Group.

Now, as a result of its new strategy which will place it on a leading role in the telecom industry in Nigeria, Reliance Telecommunication Limited (Reltel Wireless), has changed its name to ZOOM Mobile and acquired a 0707 GSM line which comprises an additional 10 million lines from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Mr. Ken Aigbinode, Executive Vice-Chairman, ZOOM Mobile , said the 0707 lines would drive the ZOOM brand and that all the company’s products and services would continue to bear Reltel until the launching of the ZOOM mobile has been actualised.

Aigbinode also stated that the company is making progress to be listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Meanwhile, Starcomms is the first telecoms company to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

The company’s new numbering plan makes it the first CDMA operator in the country to clearly identify itself with a 4-digit prefix, alongside GSM operators as the new name honours the company’s 10th year anniversary.

The new logo ‘ZOOM’ is boldly written while the ‘mobile’ is placed underneath it in a small size. The black, white and orange colours are also utilized to unveil the brand attributes which include enhanced speed in both voice and data services as well as clarity and transparency.

Other features of the ZOOM mobile brand are the brand pillars which means affordability, dependability, innovation and service; brand promise means the wind beneath your wings full speed ahead; the core values means professionalism, integrity, innovation, customer-centric, one-family orientation and brand personality meaning youthful, determined, zestful, ambitious and distinct.

Via: NigerianBulletin

Visafone, the newest mobile phone company that is wholly Nigerian-owned has been voted the Best Telecom Brand in Nigeria at the 2008 edition of the Nigeria Telecom Awards.

Visafone unveiled its brand and services less than 6 months ago on February 22, 2008 and became the first telecoms company in Nigeria to roll out commercial operations in 12 states and over 40 cities from day one. It has since spread its coverage areas to 17 states and over 150 cities and is set to garner an unprecedented 1 million subscribers in less than 6 months of operations.

The company has also unveiled a new and innovative product that extends its value added services to its subscribers. The product, called the RC Data Pay, allows data users (internet subscribers) on the Visafone network to recharge or pay for internet subscriptions through their handsets, using recharge cards. The service can be used from any Visafone phone handset on any tariff plan, and the data subscription is automatically updated within seconds at the dial of a short code if the subscriber has sufficient balance.

The company’s promise to enable Nigerians experience the joy of communication has been exemplified in its introduction to the market of some of the classiest, most stylish and lowest priced phones that subscribers have seen in the history of the Nigerian telecom sector.

The company’s vibrant red colour and aesthetically pleasing shops and Visafone zones have also raised the standard in telecom outlet branding across the nation.

The telecoms company emerged triumphant out of a crowded field of older telecom companies in a poll conducted by Phillips Consulting. The company was founded by Jim Ovia, the MD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc- one of the most respected banks in Nigeria.

Congratulations to Visafone!

Via: NigerianBulletin

This article was culled from Kingnetkk’s blog which was recently started to provide entrepreneurship advice to blogs, startups and businesses from Nigeria. I’m featuring this article on this blog to provide useful advice to wannabe entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Starting a Small Business

Starting a small business requires determination, motivation, and know-how. Here’s a list of available resources to provide you with the know-how to have a successful small business startup.

1. Identify Your Business Opportunity

Choosing what kind of business to start can be an immobilizing task when confronted with the multitude of opportunities. Here at About, we have identified the hottest business opportunities to give you a few ideas. It’s important to determine where your passions lie and to understand your entrepreneurial personality type. So you think you have found the one business opportunity that will bring you freedom, fame, and plenty of profits? Does it meet the 8 simple rules?

2. Build a Business Plan

For the majority of start-ups, a business plan allows you to gain a better understanding of your industry structure, competitive landscape, and the capital requirements of starting a small business. If business planning is beneficial, why do so few startups use business planning? Learn the critical steps to writing a business plan.

3. Name Your Business

What’s in a business name? Everything and nothing. The right business name will help distinguish you from a sea of bland competitors, provide your customers with a reason to hire you, and aid in the branding of your company. Apply these 10 commandments when choosing a name for your business.
Choose a Business Structure: Find the best ownership structure for your small business. The most basic of all business legal structures is the sole proprietorship. Other possible structures include the popular limited liability company, a partnership, or an S corporation.

4. Register Your Business

Starting a small business requires the usual paperwork and regulations. Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is responsible for this, for a small business start up you might not really need to incorporate the business as a Business name registration will do. Setting up your small business may require a business name registration to avoid embarrassment from local government authorities and to enable you get a a corporate account with a bank.

5. Find Start-up Money

Contrary to popular belief, most small business start-ups aren’t funded by grants, venture capitalists, or banks. Your seed money will come from your personal savings, friends, family, and any other creative means such as bartering.

6. Determine Your Business Location

A 2001 Inc 500 survey revealed over 56% of the fastest growing companies were started at home. Discover what you need to make your home office design more productive. If home business isn’t for you, learn how sharing office space can aid your startup. Don’t forget to review the pros and cons of office space leasing vs. buying.

7. Get Business Insurance

(This might not really be applicable here in Nigeria, ask me why) As a new small business owner, you have the responsibility to manage the risks associated with your business. Don’t put your new start-up at risk without getting the proper small business insurance to protect your company in the event of disaster or litigation.

8. Create an Accounting System

Unless you’re a number person, the accounting and bookkeeping aspect of running your business can’t be avoided. Setting up your accounting will help you understand the financial aspect of running a business.

Today, I was looking through my Google Reader for news when I found this inspiring article from Joe Budde, a social media blogger at joebuddejr.com

He relates his experiences from his recent visit to Nigeria where he was able to teach two Nigerians, named Victor and Daniel how to utilize the resources on the web to educate themselves on the web marketplace, programing trends, standards, and how to find the best and brightest on the web to assist them.

The most awesome thing for these two Nigerians was Google Gears attached to Google Reader.  They could run into a internet cafe with their PC, download 200 articles, and then head back to their non-wired homes to read and learn how to do everything from use photoshop, learn about taking pictures, or even how to code better.

He believes that “the ability to take the online offline with you may not seem like a big deal in the USA - where wireless access seems to be almost as easy as clean water, but for developing nations, Gears is the technology that will drive internet adoption for the next 30 years.”

He then asks: How and where do you see google gears-esque technology making an impact in the developing world?

Naija Connect is an online social media allows users to make free internet calls and connect with other users. The site allows producers of original content, a traditional Television station or event organisers to showcase themselves on NaijaSounds TV. Users can connect with other people in a vibrant community.

One unique feature of the site is that you can make free calls to friends, family, and business partners using your PC, as long as you have broadband internet access. All you need to do is register with NaijaConnects, log in and start making calls.

With NaijaConnects you can make free internet calls to other users. Also, other SIP services, instant messaging and video mail are free so you can chat online. Plus, you can make cheap international calls to mobile or landlines from your PC.

How does it work?

You can download the software and install on your PC, before you can start making your calls. There are no heavy downloads, especially when you want to use Naijaconnect on your desktop, since the desktop version offers more functionality.

At the Nigeria Telecoms Awards 2008 held in Lagos, Mr. Bayo Ligali of Zain Nigeria (formerly Celtel Nigeria) was named CEO of the Year.

Ligali was recognised for his astute leadership and outstanding contributions to the growth of Zain Nigeria, and development of telecommunications in Nigeria, as well as for being the face of the industry within a short time of coming into the telecommunications business.

According to the Board of Trustees of Telecom Awards, his philosophy of constructive engagement with government and lawmakers on the issue of Quality of Service led to a moratorium for operators, which has resulted in significant improvements.

Ligali made headlines and drew public acclaim early this year, when he apologised to customers for poor quality of service and committed to immediate and accelerated network expansion to remedy the situation. He was also honoured for “not only keeping his word, but leading his company, Zain Nigeria, to become the fastest growing with over 200 per cent increase in base station and switches, and a corresponding increase in network capacity.

The Board of Trustees of Telecom Awards praised Ligali’s leadership, saying “since he took over the reins of Celtel (now Zain) a year and half ago, he has re-invigorated operations and galvanised the workforce into committing to reclaiming the top position in the telecommunications industry.

“Zain’s active customers, it further stated, “have increased from 5.4 million in May 2006, to over 15.5 million and the company currently ranks strong second (and contending No. 1) in the highly competitive Nigerian telecommunications market, with a vision to become number one by 2011,” the statement said.

Profile

Bayo Ligali, 52, has over 15 years top management experience, having held various executive positions within the Unilever Group. Prior to his appointment as CEO of the Zain Nigeria, he was the Managing Director of Dangote Pasta Plc. A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, he is also an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Via: ITNews Africa