The following are the key ways to stay fraud free.

• Know the source: only download app from the official sources of the OS
•  Free Wi–Fi may come with a cost: Some free or public Wi?Fi connections may intercept your sensitive credentials. Only connect to networks you know and trust.
•  Lock it up: Keep your phone safe by enabling it to automatically lock after a certain period of time. Ensure your password is strong and not easy to guess, or use Touch ID to balance security and convenience.
•  Communicate with caution: Fraudsters may call, email or text you pretending to be someone else and request sensitive information or funds. Always validate the request with another party and communicate through a trusted channel.
• Check for green: Always look for green in your browser’s address bar to ensure you’re on an authentic bank website when doing online banking
•  Keep your password safe

As part of its economic empowerment agenda, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said it has disbursed a total of N366.39 billion for the execution of 465 projects under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, CACS, from 2009 to date.

This shows that funding in agriculture is moving up in Nigeria.

The Scheme, established to address the financing challenges of the entire value chain, such as production, processing, storage and marketing/distribution of agricultural produce in the country.

The Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele who disclosed this at the International Conference on Environment Dialogue on: “Diversification of Economy: The Role of Jatropha,” said the apex bank provided finance to commercial farmers at single digit interest rate.

Are you an inventor or filmmaker? A scientist or entrepreneur? Do you have a unique approach to your work that is worth sharing with the world? Could you benefit from the TED platform and the support of a dynamic global community of innovators? If yes, you should apply to be a TED Fellow.

This year, TED is looking for new, extraordinary thinkers from around the world to join the Fellows program at the upcoming TEDGlobal 2017 conference in Arusha, Tanzania.

TED Fellows are a multidisciplinary group of remarkable individuals who are chosen through an open but rigorous application process. Each TED conference, we select a class of twenty Fellows based on exceptional achievement, strength of character and innovative approaches to tackling the world’s toughest problems.

Do you think you have what it takes? Apply by November 13 at go.ted.com/tedfellowsapply.

The second major TED conference in Africa, TEDGlobal 2017 will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the continent. We encourage all talented innovators in their fields – science, art, technology, entrepreneurship, film and beyond – to apply to become a TED Fellow, especially those working on the African continent. If selected, you will attend the TEDGlobal 2017 conference, and participate in a Fellows only pre-conference designed especially to inspire, empower and support your work. Fellows will also deliver a TED talk at the conference, to be filmed and considered for publication on TED.com.

The TED Fellows program is designed to catapult your career through transformational support like coaching and mentorship, public relations advice for sharing your latest projects, hands on speaker training – and most importantly, access to the vibrant global network of the other 400 Fellows from 90 countries. We will select twenty TEDGlobal 2017 Fellows based not only on what applicants have accomplished so far, but also on their character and grit, their collaborative spirit, and their potential to break barriers as they build their careers.

The online application includes answers to general questions, short essays and three references. Only those aged 18 and older should apply. If selected, Fellows must reserveAugust 21 – September 1, 2017 on their calendars for the TEDGlobal 2017 Conference in Arusha, Tanzania.

Think this is right for you? Apply now.

Source: TED

Oando PLC, an integrated oil and gas company headquartered in Nigeria, has announced the execution of a definitive agreement with a vehicle owned by funds advised by Helios Investment Partners LLP to acquire 49% of the voting rights in Oando’s midstream business subsidiary, Oando Gas and Power Limited (OGP).

The agreed transaction consideration of $115.8 million is conditional upon the receipt of regulatory approvals and subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Upon completion, Oando will retain 49% of the voting rights in OGP. The residual 2% will be held by a local entity.

Recently, in another development, Oando PLC which is listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, has announced a $210 million recapitalization of its downstream operations by HV Investments II B.V., (“HVI”), a joint venture owned by Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”), a premier Africa-focused private investment firm and the Vitol Group (“Vitol”), the world’s largest independent trader of energy commodities (together, the “Consortium”).

As a result of this and further to the announcement on June 30, 2015, a new company will be formed to hold interests in Oando Marketing Limited, Oando Supply & Trading Limited, Apapa SPM Limited, and Oando Trippmart Limited. Oando PLC will retain 49% shareholding in the newly formed corporate vehicle, with the Consortium owning 49%, and the residual 2% owned by a local entity.

Time is hard in Nigeria indeed. It is simply unbelievable that Oando needs to sell assets to survive the low crude prices and the recession.

Saudi Arabia is innovating as it fights economic turbulence triggered by falling crude prices.

As part of austerity measure, Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that it was adopting the Gregorian or Western calendar as a basis for paying civil servants.

The kingdom had adopted the lunar Islamic calendar when it was founded in 1932.

The new development brings the birthplace of Islam in line with many of its energy customers.

The Islamic lunar calendar is actually 11 days shorter than the 365-day solar year, which will actually save the kingdom money by cutting salary days for many public servants.

It is part of a larger series of cost-cutting measures recently imposed that includes cancelling some bonuses offered to state employees and hiking fees for entry visas for foreign visitors and residents.

Millions of Muslims from around the globe visit Saudi Arabia annually as part of the hajj pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest sites.

Saudi King Salman has also ordered a 20-percent cut in salaries for civil servants and a 15-percent reduction in financial perks for the kingdom’s advisory Shura council as part of far-reaching economic reforms.

The world’s top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has seen decreasing revenues since oil prices have been in decline since 2014 as OPEC nations maintain robust output amidst static demand.