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Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Landmark Beach Deactivates App, Obi Condemns Demolition

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In the wake of the demolition of segments of Landmark Beach on Victoria Island to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Landmark Beach management has taken proactive measures to address the situation and accommodate its valued patrons.

The organization issued a statement acknowledging the unfortunate demolition and outlining measures to mitigate any inconvenience experienced by customers, particularly those with remaining funds in their app wallets designated for beach-related activities.

“We understand that some of you may still have funds remaining in your app wallets designated for beach-related activities. The App has been disabled for now to prevent bookings, however, we want to assure you that your satisfaction and convenience remain our top priorities, despite this unforeseen circumstance,” the statement reads.

Landmark Beach management presented two options for individuals with existing subscriptions or funds in their app wallets:

1. Alternative Utilization: Customers are offered the flexibility to repurpose their remaining funds for various other offerings within the vibrant ecosystem of Landmark Beach. Whether attending boulevard events, indulging in a ‘staycation’ at the hotel, or exploring other exciting amenities, funds can be seamlessly transferred to enhance experiences in different ways.

2. Refund Process: Alternatively, customers who prefer a refund of their remaining balance can avail themselves of this option. By providing account details, the dedicated team will promptly initiate the refund procedure to ensure a smooth and efficient transaction, ensuring transparency and customer satisfaction.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the unforeseen circumstances surrounding the beach demolition. Rest assured, we remain fully committed to accommodating your needs and ensuring your continued satisfaction within our dynamic ecosystem,” the statement concludes.

This development follows the demolition of segments of Landmark’s Africa property for the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. In a statement shared on social media platforms on Tuesday, the company expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s decision while extending gratitude for public support.

The demolition took place on Monday, affecting a section of Landmark Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos, to accommodate the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, deemed Nigeria’s most significant public infrastructure undertaking to date. Landmark said six years‘ worth of investment was destroyed within a mere six hours. 

Despite concerns regarding potential job losses and adverse effects on livelihoods, the demolition proceeded as scheduled. 

The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has ignited intense debates surrounding its cost, feasibility, and the ramifications of property and business demolitions along its Right-of-Way. Criticisms from Nigerians, led by prominent figures such as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have continued to trail the project.

Earlier, Atiku had described the over N15 trillion project as ‘wasteful and a highway to fraud’, questioning the cost without accompanying rail lines.

On Tuesday, in a statement titled; ‘Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG adamant on a Misplaced Priority’, Obi lamented the adverse effects of the project on people’s means of livelihood. He said the sight of ‘this insensitive demolition is heart-wrenching.’

Obi, who had earlier advised the federal government to abort the project and instead focus on existing roads that need rehabilitation, said the demolition will result in the loss of scarce jobs.

‘‘Thousands of jobs are about to be lost, with investments above $200 million at risk. Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4000 mostly youth employees.

‘‘At a time of rampant unemployment, the government is embarking on a job-losing project,’’ Obi said, adding that the timing of this and similar projects, when the nation is in its worst economic state in history, with poverty and hunger spreading, is questionable.

The former Anambra State governor questioned the rationale behind the project, at a time when the economy is struggling, and the nation’s health institutions are ill-equipped. 

‘‘Why embark on an expensive new highway project when there are close to 50 abandoned federal highway projects across the country?’’ he asked.

US Intensifies Efforts to Regulate Stablecoin to Save The Dollar

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A recent report disclosed that the United States has intensified efforts to regulate the stablecoin industry in the country.

This is coming due to the prevalence of digital assets last year that has spurred certain unscrupulous actions, as well as the overarching global transition regarding the US dollar reverence.

According to a post by Watcher Guru, it disclosed that the US is coming after digital assets in order to save and promote the US dollar while preserving the dual banking system.

For many US lawmakers, this move is necessary due to the emergence of bad actors using stablecoins which have spurred legal actions.

Speaking on this, the Head of the entity that manages Societe Generale’s digital assets business Jean-Marc Stenger said the move by the US lawmakers isn’t just a focus on bad actors, but also a focus on dollar dominance.

In his words,

“All the conditions are in place to allow a move toward rebalancing euro versus dollar stablecoins in the long term. However, it isn’t just Europe, it’s the overarching shift of global finance digitization. It’s about maintaining the status quo, thereby ensuring the dollar’s status will never shift”.

Stablecoin, a special class of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, is believed to share many similarities to the U.S. dollar. In recent years, the market capitalization of stablecoins has been growing much faster than the stock of the dollar in circulation. This indicates a surging demand for stablecoins marketwide.

For example, USDT, the most popular stablecoin, has continued to grow sharply in demand. Data from CoinMarketCap revealed that the market capitalization of USDT increased nearly 35-fold from January 2019 to June 2022.

However, in a recent development, the US is reportedly rushing to get stablecoins and cryptocurrency activities regulated as quickly as possible.

Dante Disparte, the CEO of Circle in an interview with CNBC said he was in favor of the impending stablecoin regulation, however, the US government has delayed rolling out a regulatory law. Specifically, he noted that connectivity with illicit activity which the stablecoin is often used for is “bad for the US dollar” and hinders the currency.

Domestically in the United States, there are reported cases of the use of Stablecoins for funding fentanyl trafficking and all types of illicit actions that are bad for the U.S. dollar.

The regulation act which was passed by the House Financial Services Committee in 2023, which was moved to the floor of the House of Representatives for consideration, is yet to be approved by lawmakers in the House.

The intensified regulatory efforts reflect the US government’s recognition of the growing importance of stablecoins in the digital economy and the need to address potential risks associated with their proliferation.

By implementing robust regulatory frameworks, authorities aim to promote transparency, consumer protection, and overall financial stability while preserving the integrity of the US dollar.

Unless this is addressed, analysts predict that it would be against the interest of the country and the economy. They however remain optimistic that this will be a year where policymakers get around to doing something affirmatively on stablecoins.

Museveni Challenges IMF, World Bank’s Development Model in Africa

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Ugandan leader

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda delivered a formidable critique of global leaders’ approach to African development during his keynote address at the World Bank’s International Development Association summit for African Heads of state in Nairobi, Kenya. 

His remarks echoed a resounding call for a reevaluation of long-standing paradigms and a shift towards a more holistic and transformative strategy for Africa’s progress.

“The crisis which is in Africa today is because of philosophical, ideological, and strategic economic mistakes which we have been talking about since the 1960s. It is not an accident when you see the crisis in many African countries, the collapse of States. We predicted this in the 1960s – philosophical, ideological, and strategic mistakes. I don’t have time to amplify each one but I was very happy to hear the president of the World Bank talking about prosperity instead of profiteering,’’ Museveni stated, drawing attention to the historical underpinnings of Africa’s contemporary challenges.

Central to Museveni’s critique was the prevailing focus on aid from the World Bank and other Western institutions, which he contended was often driven by motives of profiteering rather than genuine development. 

“Aid has been for profiteering, this has been the problem. Now, the World Bank people and other groups have been talking about sustainable development. Even in your documents, I have seen those words there, sustainable development”, he said.

In a bold departure from conventional wisdom, Museveni urged a recalibration of the development narrative, asserting, “Africa does not need what you could call sustainable development. Africa needs social and economic transformation.” This call for a shift in emphasis from sustainability to transformative change resonated with his vision for a more dynamic and inclusive development agenda.

“I would ask you to change those words in your documents… The main reason why there’s no growth is because the growth factors are not funded, they are not even understood. What are the growth factors, we now talk of private sector growth. Yes, but for the private sector to grow what does it need? It needs a low cost of production”, he said.

Identifying critical areas for intervention, Museveni emphasized the imperative of low-cost funding for pivotal sectors such as transportation, power, and agriculture. He underscored the pivotal role of infrastructure, particularly railways, in driving down production costs and stimulating economic growth, citing successful examples of railway projects in Africa funded by China.

“Wonderful people, IMF, where will low-cost operations come from if you don’t have a railway? If you don’t fund the railway, how would you get low transport costs? I have been here for the last 64 years, I have been watching as a student leader, as a freedom fighter, and now as the leader of a country. How many railways have been constructed or funded in Africa? The few that have been was by China, the Tanzanian railway to Zambia, and recently, another one here in Kenya. Tanzania on its own is building a railway line. So if you’re talking of developing Africa, fund the railway. If you fund the railway, you will have a low cost of transport and you can produce cheap products which can be bought all over the world.

“The second cost pusher is electricity. If you don’t fund electricity and you talk about sustainable development, what are you then talking about? We must have low-cost electricity not exceeding 5 cents per kilowatts, per hour. That is what I insist on in Uganda. I am tired of all these stories, I have put my foot down saying I don’t want to hear those stories. Uganda is a developing country and it will continue to develop because I don’t entertain nonsense anymore,” he said.

Furthermore, Museveni lamented the bureaucratic hurdles hindering access to funding for vital projects such as the establishment of the Uganda Development Bank and irrigation initiatives. He criticized the prioritization of frivolous expenditures over critical infrastructure projects, decrying the disconnect between funding priorities and developmental imperatives.

In a poignant rebuke, Museveni highlighted the incongruity of certain funding allocations, deriding the notion of “capacity building” seminars held by the World Bank, the IMF, and other Western organizations in luxurious hotels, as a misplaced investment of resources. 

However, his statement has not been well-received by Africans, given that it attempts to exonerate the leadership failure in the continent. Museveni has ruled Uganda for 40 years, with little development to show for it. Like in many other African countries, leadership in Uganda is mired in corruption and incompetence – significantly stymieing development.

Critics say that African leaders have developed a fondness for blaming their failure on the West while doing little or nothing to address their nations’ challenges. In most cases, they note, the challenges were created by leadership gaps. 

Against this backdrop, critics say Museveni’s address at the summit encapsulated a potent call to action for African leaders. While they acknowledge that his critique of existing development models and advocacy for social and economic transformation resonated with a growing sentiment for change within the continent’s development discourse, critics believe that genuine progress and prosperity in the continent depend on the leaders. 

How To Bet On Kentucky Derby 2024 from Georgia – GA Sports Betting

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You can bet on the 2024 Kentucky Derby in Georgia by joining the top US racebooks featured in this article. 

5 Top Georgia Sports Betting Sites 2024 For Kentucky Derby

See listed the best Kentucky Derby sportsbooks to sign-up with and then place bets ahead of the big race on Saturday 4 May. If you are 18+ and live in Georgia, you can sign up below with up to $6500 in free bets to claim. 

  1. BetOnline – $1000 bonus for Kentucky Derby
  2. BetWhale – New racebook with $1250 bonus
  3. BUSR – Original dedicated racebook with $2500 in bonuses 
  4. Bovada – $750 bonus for horse racing
  5. BetNow – Established racebook with $1000 welcome offer

How To Bet On The Kentucky Derby In Georgia

If you are wondering how to place your bets on the 2024 Kentucky Derby, you can do so with these three simple steps. 

  1. Open your BetOnline account

2. Deposit up to $2000 (Get 50% bonus up to $1000)

3. Place your Kentucky Derby bets

*Note: The minimum deposit to get this offer is just $55 ($27.50 free bet)

Kentucky Sports Betting Latest – Can I Bet On The Kentucky Derby In Georgia?

No, Georgia has yet to pass any gambling laws so wagering is still restricted. 

This is why Georgia residents turn to offshore betting sites to get their horse racing bets on, as these racebooks don’t have to follow any set state gambling laws. Meaning anyone that lives in Georgia can bet on the Kentucky Derby online with safe and secure operators.   

These racebooks have been allowing US bettors to safely and legally place wagers for many years, in ANY US State and with all the popular depositing methods including fiat and cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. 

The extra plus with the horse racing betting sites listed is they don’t have any KYC checks to perform on joining and with their lower margins can offer much more competitive odds, which are often better than the trackside markets. 

Georgia Derby Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

1. BetOnline (50% Deposit Bonus, Up To $1,000)

Horse racing lovers across America have been trusting BetOnline for over 25 years to bet on the Kentucky Derby.

Joining is easy, with a 50% deposit bonus to claim (up to $1000) and then once signed-up you can also claim their 9% daily horse racing rebate and $25 risk-free bet ready for The Run For The Roses this weekend. 

BetOnline also offers many payment options to fund your account, including Bitcoin, plus have super-fast payouts if you are lucky enough to find the Kentucky Derby winner on Saturday. 

Why Join BetOnline For Horse Racing?

  • $25 Horse Racing Risk-Free Bet 
  • 9% Daily Horse Racing Rebate 
  • Many Horse Racing Bets Supported (Inc, Win, Place, Show, Exacta & Trifecta)

2. BetWhale (125% Deposit Bonus, Up To $1,250)

BetWhale, only launched earlier this year, but they are already making a big name for themselves in the sports betting sector due to their extensive racebook offering and competitive odds. 

Being one of the newer offshore sportsbooks also means more US bettors won’t have claimed their lucrative welcome offer of up to $1,250 – which can be used for the Kentucky Derby this weekend. 

Why Join BetWhale For Horse Racing?

  • Newer Site With Welcome Offer To Claim  
  • Existing Customer Free Bets 
  • Competitive Kentucky Derby odds

3. BUSR (100% Deposit Bonus, Up To $2,500)

BUSR stands for ‘Bet US Racing’ so it’s clear this US offshore sportsbook has horse racing as one of their main aims since launching in 2014.  

Sports betting is also available at BUSR, but horse racing has remained its core business which is why thousands of US citizens pick them when betting on the Kentucky Derby each year. 

New players can also start with a 100% deposit welcome bonus of up to $2,500, plus horse racing bettors can take advantage of their 10% daily rebates and also a $150 racebook bonus.  

Why Join BUSR For Horse Racing?

  • Dedicated Offshore Horse Racing Site   
  • 10% Horse Racing Rebates (Daily) 
  • $150 Racebook Bonus  

4. Bovada (75% Deposit Bonus, Up To $750)

Bovada started back in 2011, so with over 10 years behind them they are a well-established offshore betting site that also has an extensive racebook for horse racing bettors ahead of the Run For The Roses this Saturday. 

As well as the standard Kentucky Derby win market there are many associated offerings at Bovada that include top 3 finish betting and even the option to bet on which horse will come last – if that’s your thing.  

Bovada has a 75% deposit welcome bonus of up to $750 too, which means to claim the full amount you just have to deposit $1,000 (but small amounts still qualify for this offer). 

Why Join Bovada For Horse Racing?

  • Rewards Loyalty Program 
  • Competitive Kentucky Derby odds
  • Many Horse Racing Bets Supported (Inc, Win, Place, Show, Exacta & Trifecta)

5. BetNow (100% Deposit Bonus, Up To $1000) 

Having launched in 2005, BetNow is now a very familiar name for sports betting fans. 

When it comes to horse racing and betting on the Kentucky Derby there is also a dedicated racebook at BetNow too, that has all the Friday and Saturday 27 Churchill Downs races covered with top odds and some great existing customer offers once joined. 

New players can start with a 100% deposit bonus, plus horse racing bettors can also take advantage of their weekly 10% rebate and reup bonuses of up to $25.  

Why Join BetNow For Horse Racing?

  • 10% Horse Racing Rebate (Weekly)
  • Reup Bonuses (up to $25)
  • Competitive Kentucky Derby odds

Kentucky Derby Odds 2024

See below the latest 2024 Kentucky Derby odds from BetOnline, with Fierceness one of the big favorites after his recent Florida Derby romp.

The Todd Pletcher-trained runner will be looking to give the barn their third win in the race after past successes in 2010 (Super Saver) and 2017 (Always Dreaming) and will also have veteran jockey John Velazquez in the saddle, in what will be his 26th ride in the race. 

This season’s Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Sierra Leone is another horse high up on many people’s list as the most likely winner. He’ll be looking to give trainer Chad Brown his first Run For The Roses win, but it won’t be easy from post position 2, with the last winner from that stall in 1978. 

The race will also have an international feel again this year with Japanese horse racing lovers having a keen interest with two runners that include the unbeaten Forever Young. Can he become the first Kentucky Derby winner from the Far East? 

You can also place bets on the win, place, show and trifecta with our featured Kentucky Derby sportsbooks.

  • Win Bet: You horse must win the race 
  • Place Bet: Your horse must finish in the first two 
  • Show Bet: Your horse must finish in the first three 
  • Trifecta: Pick the first three horses in the correct order (this can also be permed)

2024 Kentucky Derby Runners and Betting Odds

  1. Dornoch: 20-1
  2. Sierra Leone: 3-1
  3. Mystik Dan: 20-1
  4. Catching Freedom: 8-1
  5. Catalytic: 30-1
  6. Just Steel: 20-1
  7. Honor Marie: 20-1
  8. Just a Touch: 10-1
  9. Encino: 20-1 (scratched)
  10. T O Password: 30-1
  11. Forever Young: 10-1
  12. Track Phantom: 20-1
  13. West Saratoga: 50-1
  14. Endlessly: 30-1
  15. Domestic Product: 30-1
  16. Grand Mo the First: 50-1
  17. Fierceness: 5-2
  18. Stronghold: 20-1
  19. Resilience: 20-1
  20. Society Man: 50-1
  21. Epic Ride: 40-1 

*Note: Odds are subject to change

Tips and Strategies for Acquiring a New Customer and Retaining Them

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A handshake after acquiring a new customer.

In the competitive landscape of modern business, acquiring a new customer is a multifaceted challenge that involves strategic planning and expert execution. The stakes are high and the rewards substantial for companies that master the art of customer acquisition and retention. Below, we embark on an exploration of the most effective tactics to attract and keep customers engaged over the long term.

Crafting a Compelling Value Proposition for New Customers

Essential to customer acquisition is a clear and compelling value proposition that sets your business apart from the competition. This statement should succinctly explain how your product or service solves a customer’s problem or improves their situation, delivering specific benefits.

Such a value proposition must be easily communicated and understood. It must resonate with the target audience on an emotional level, ensuring that the solution provided aligns with their values and desires. More than just a functional benefit, it should tell a story that the customer wants to be part of.

Businesses should leverage testimonials and case studies to reinforce their value propositions. Authentic success stories can significantly influence prospects by showcasing real-world applications and benefits of a product or a service.

Implementing a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy

In today’s digital age, customers interact with businesses through numerous channels, making it imperative to adopt a multi-channel marketing strategy. This approach allows a business to reach out to prospective customers wherever they prefer to spend their time.

One-size-fits-all messaging is no longer effective; instead, content must be optimized for each channel, whether it be social media, email, digital ads, or direct mail. This demonstrates a brand’s understanding and respect for the customer’s media consumption habits.

Tracking and measuring the effectiveness of multi-channel efforts allows for agile marketing. By understanding which channels yield the best results, businesses can allocate resources more efficiently and improve return on investment (ROI).

Engaging and Personalizing the Customer Experience

A customer makes a purchase. 

Personalization is the cornerstone of modern customer engagement. Leveraging customer data to understand purchasing behavior, preferences, and pain points can help create individualized experiences that resonate with the target audience.

Technology plays a pivotal role in scaling personalization. Tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can help manage personalized customer interactions at various points of contact throughout the buyer’s journey.

Maintaining a dialogue with customers through feedback loops is another way to enhance personalization. It communicates that a brand cares about their opinions and is committed to continuous improvement, thereby boosting customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Businesses should always look for personalized mail solutions that align with their brand voice and address customer needs directly. This approach helps foster stronger connections and encourages repeat engagement from their audience.

Always being there for your customers can create relationships that stand the test of time while building trust in your brand. Businesses are often using Leading VOIP Platforms to maintain open lines of communication, allowing them to respond quickly to questions or concerns. This immediate support helps customers feel valued and keeps them engaged with your services. It also shows your commitment to providing a responsive and attentive experience for every interaction.

Developing a Customer Retention Program That Works

Acquiring customers is just the beginning; nurturing them into loyal advocates is what sustains a business. A customer retention program that works is one that continually offers value and acknowledges customer loyalty.

Effective retention strategies include loyalty programs that reward repeat business, customer service excellence that exceeds expectations, and regular communication that keeps your business top-of-mind.

Retention is also about staying ahead of customer needs. By predicting what customers will need next and offering it proactively, businesses cement themselves as indispensable partners rather than just vendors.

Setting up a system to identify at-risk customers can prevent churn before it happens. Intervening with personalized offers or support can save the relationship and often turns dissatisfied customers into some of the most loyal.

Overall, by deepening the understanding of the customer journey, crafting a resonant value proposition, employing a multi-channel strategy, personalizing the customer experience, and implementing a smart retention program, businesses set the stage for sustained growth and a vibrant customer base.