Web Trends Nigeria » Events

Lovebase.com a top Nigerian Dating site becomes profitable

Possicon — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:59:56 +0000

Lovebase.com is formally alarena.com a top Nigerian dating site with over 60,000 members and growing, turned positive. We got this tip-off from the founder Simdul Shagaya in our recent interview we conducted with him.

How it works

You sign up on the site with the basic information you wish to be recognized on the site, and activate via your email.

To get people of interest, you can use its search function which allows you to specify whether you need male or female and the age grade, location and users with picture.

A New Deal?

Yea! We asked the founder of the reason for the change of name and he said; “The name change happened for several reasons. One was to have the brand appeal to a greater population of Nigerians in terms of ethnicity and age. As you know, Alarena means matchmaker in Yoruba. The brand now addresses an ethnically wider and younger crowd that may be looking for casual relationships in addition to those seeking marriage”.

The design is sleek and aesthetic, a world-class and web 2.0 compatible website. It’s really one of the top Nigerian sites with powerful user-experience.

The site also has a dedicated line 080-66-33-22-99 for customer support.

The Real Deal

The site has two options; premium and free membership. With premium membership, user get message from serious people and reduces spam. You can actually upload your picture to increase relevance. On the other hand, the free membership allows people to use the site for free!

Business Model

The site has seen considerable number of people making payment for the premium service. With this, the site has been able to sustain itself, innovate and reach broader audience. The model adopted by this site is Subscription model under Web Business Model structure.

Downside

The site can leverage the power of social media to reach far more audience as we now have more than 1.6 million Nigerians on Facebook. Integration with Facebook will do the site good and help users find match faster and better.

Also understanding that mobile has more penetration than computer, a mobile site and SMS alert will help users get result faster and make them stick to the site, eventually increasing word-of-mouth.

Have you used this site before? How was it?

visit: Lovebase.com

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Interview with Emmanuel Okoegwale – Organizer MobiFest2010

Possicon — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:34:54 +0000

Emmanuel is the Principal Consultant at MobileMoneyAfrica and a leading mobile commerce on the Africa space. We asked couple of questions regarding the upcoming event MobiFest2010 of which we are partner; these question can shed light on some of the questions you might want to ask, go through and endeavor to ask more in the comment section below.

WTN: What is mobiFest2010 About?

Emmanuel: MobiFEST is Nigeria’s first mobile apps, contents and devices
conference and exhibition. It will hold in the heart of the Nigerian
youth market in the Yaba axis of Lagos, targeting students from
about five higher institutions. MobiFEST was conceived to accelerate
mobile apps development focusing on areas of strong compelling need
across all areas of human endeavors in Nigeria.It will be hosted at
the University of Lagos.

WTN: How will it impact Nigerian mobile market?

Emmanuel: Immediately what we are looking at is a Nation wide buzz on mobile apps and how it can be leveraged to address some developmental challenges
in Nigeria.When this has been achieved,the next stage is to commence
development efforts in making this a reality.

WTN: From the developer’s perspective… what should we expect?

Emmanuel: Basically, we want the event to be a launch pad for Nigerian
developers to gain a share of the market. Nigerians are very
intelligent people. However, it is important to note that abilities
are limited where there are no opportunities. My expectation is that
the mobile network operators and device manufacturers active in the
mobile landscape in Nigeria will consider setting up an innovation lab
in Nigeria where Young mobiprenuers can develop their ideas. Such a
lab can be housed in one of our universities to create a hub for a
thriving mobile apps developer community.

WTN: What should we expect from the business perspective too?

Emmanuel: If new innovative services are successfully launched and it becomes
commercial success, then those players will reap the benefit of such
efforts. If we have More Nigerians striving to become the likes of
Alexandre Amosu, Chika Nwobi, Goke Akinboro in their own
communities,then we are on our way to launching a Nigerian Renaissance
via the mobile technology.

WTN: Looking at the speakers they are such movers in the industry, is there going to be a kind of synergy between budding technopreneurs and the established players?

Emmanuel: The essence of bringing the established players like you rightly
noted,is to bridge the gap and learn from them.The disconnection
between these two groups is the reason for the limited growth in that
sector. We need to come together,share experiences and forge a way
forward.

WTN: In the mail we got, top mobile brands are coming to look at innovations worth investing in, what’s your advice to our mobile developers?

Emmanuel: Apart from top Brands, some enterprenuers are actively seeking out
young developers to explore outsourcing developmental jobs from EU /
North America.While it will be great to attract these scouts,my advice
is,present or showcase what you have and where you are. Dont hurry to
complete your developments only to get it wrong. Be proud of your
efforts and show is as it is,even if it is still at conceptual
stage. You may not just know who will be interested at that stage.

WTN: Looking forward, what chapter will this event open, will it be an annual event?

Emmanuel: It will give us the ability to measure what is out there. Measure the efforts,understand the short falls in terms of resources and what is
needed to move forward.It is my sincere believe that this humble
efforts will open a new vista for Nigeria developers as we celebrate
the 9th year of GSM in Nigeria and hopefully, we may get our version
of mobile Monday and maybe, an innovation lab to make all these dreams
a reality. It will be an annual event and we hope to replicate it
across the geo-political zones in Nigeria.

Thank you.

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Web Trends Nigeria partners Mobile Money Africa for Mobifest2010

Possicon — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:42:56 +0000

Tagged: Reaching the M-Generation. It’s a two-day event targeted at mobile application development and innovations. The event will bring together thought-leaders in mobile technology industry. The event aligns with our continuous effort to seek and showcase development and innovation in the Nigerian technology space, hence our interest in supporting this event.

The focus of the event;

Independent mobile application developers / vendors.
Device manufacturers.
Content providers.
Integrators and Aggregators.
SMS services providers.
Location based services.

Speakers

Idaresit Abasiama: FaceBook local partner -WildFusion Nig Ltd.
Akin Naptal – MobileWorld
Tim Akinbo – Timobjects Nigeria.
Paulette Erijo – Letche tech Ltd
Yomi Adegboroye – Mobility Nigeria.
Bimbo Adewole – MobileCV Nigeria.
Onanuga Tosin – Mobilexectera
Goke Akinboro – Cellullant Nigeria.
Jide Akindele – MMIT
Dayo Adefila – Insight communications Ltd
Femi Adeagbo – SaveMy Contacts
Chika Nwobi – MTECH
Samuel Legunsen – Sony digital EU.
Kofi Oroh – Mobitronics Nigeria Ltd

Other Event line up is;

Developers Hub

Developers’ hub is an “event within an event” at Mobifest 2010 that will present a unique opportunity to tap into local resources that is available in Nigeria and connect with young innovative players that are striving to enter the mobile applications market.
The developers’ hub Showcase at Mobifest is an area on the show floor dedicated to young innovators demonstrating and displaying their innovative mobile applications.

Who should attend?

Marketing and communication agencies that needs to understand the growing importance of mobile applications to their industry.
Financial, Insurance Institutions and Micro finance Banks seeking for cost effective mobile Banking and financial solutions.
Religious,NGO and Government agencies seeking new innovative channels to engage the citizens.
Application developers interested in staying current on the latest developments from the largest platforms.
Content providers seeking new, directed networking opportunities.
Operators who want to find that next cutting edge app that will help attract and retain customers.
Device makers and platform owners trying to recruit the best app developers.

Mobifest 2010, will be the largest event focused exclusively on the mobile applications ecosystem and will attracts thousands of mobile product enthusiasts looking to discover the latest developments and hottest products for different industry segments.

If you have an innovation you are currently working on, try to package it better as Nokia and Samsung will be available on ground to demo your products for possible investment/sponsorship.

Date: 17^th – 18^th August 2010
Venue: University of Lagos Auditorium, Akoka Yaba, Lagos.

So what are you waiting for, thick your calendar and get ready for the day!

Nigeria Internetworld Conference and Exhibition (NICE2010)

Possicon — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:42:57 +0000

Nigeria Internetworld Conference and Exhibition (NICE2010) is a internet for business focus conference to be held next week in Unilag.

Nigeria Internetworld Conference and Exhibition (NICE) is an annual event which provides education, empowerment, networking, business opportunities for Nigerians. It is a gathering of Internet based businesses, service providers, e-Commerce providers and experts that are involved in online marketing, e-commerce technology, web technology and development, content development and management.

Focus
-Internet access and Connectivity
-E-commerce and Digital marketing
-Web technology and development
-Internet security
-Social media
-Content development
-Internet and its application in different fields like media, medicine, governance, security
-Internet Trends and Business opportunities like domain name business, web hosting etc.
-Legislation

The theme: Internet for Business (I4b); Empowering Nigerians through the Internet.
Date: July 20, 2010
Venue: Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos.

The conference will feature discussion and internet product exhibition. If you have a product and willing to let the word out, Register here. Room is also available for sponsorship.

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HIIT offers 60% scholarship for certification training at Change Summit 2010

Possicon — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:28:21 +0000

Hands on Instititute of Information Technolgy (HIIT Plc) is Nigeria’s first Indigenous ICT certification company. HiiT Plc basically handles ICT certification training of people and also serves as a certification testing centre. HiiT maintains a website at http://www.hiitplc.com/. HIIT will be issuing out 60% scholarships to participants at this year’s CHANGE summit.

In the words of the Business Manager, HiiT Plc(Sola Stephen),” HiiT Plc, a foremost ICT Training/Education and software development company is co-sponsoring this year’s CHANGE Summit, organized by YGC-Africa. In line with our mission, we are supporting the programme financially and more importantly by the award of 60% training scholarships to winners and participants. We will be present at the venue to deliver the scholarship award letters with a short empowerment message, and also for the launching of the “Transformed Magazine”.

What are you waiting for?, Join Steve HARRIS(Head of Consulting, Visible Impact Consulting), Tolu OGUNLESI(CNN Afrcan Journalist of the year), Tosyn BUCKNOR(Host, Morning show, Top radio 90.9 FM), Chude Jideonwo(Copy Editor, NEXT Newspapers), Cobhams ASUQUO(International music Producer), Rico Slim, Spaceship boy, Bez, The wordsmith, Simi, Omega dance group and of course HiiT Plc @ CHANGE 2010.

Confirm your seat now: RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138520662831451&ref=mf

Tick your calendar to take advantage of this event to get discounts for your next certification.

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TEDx VI, Abuja holds this weekend [update] Venue changed

Possicon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:01:25 +0000

TEDx Victoria Island will be holding tomorow while TEDx Abuja holds on Saturday at Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja.

TEDx VI

Venue: Grand Ball Room, Oriental Hotal, 3, Lekki road, Lagos.
Time: 10am-5pm
Theme: Recreating our World
Registration cost: $100 or N15,000 (covers lunch and brunch and conference materials.

You can register via SMS by sending “YES to TEDxVI” to 08023053575

Visit tedxvictoriaisland-ng.com for speakers and other information.

TEDx Abuja

Venue: Shell Hall, Muson Centre Lagos.
Time: 10am-5pm
Theme: Technology the Language for Development
Registration cost: N2,500

Speakers includes; Gbenga Sesan, Saheed Adepoju, Anthony Onugba, Oluwafemi

Visit: Tedxabuja.com for more information.

Are you attending?

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TEDx Victoria Island Lagos; Recreating Our World

Possicon — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:11:20 +0000

TEDx is a self-organized local event patterned after the hugely popular TED event. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share ideas worth spreading. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized event. The TED Conference provides general guidance to the licensees of the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

It’s an international event with focus on Technology, Entertainment and Design. It has hosted people from various background including; Technology, Politics, Environment etc.

TEDx VI

Theme: Recreating Our World

Date: 9^th July 2010

Venue: Shell Hall, Muson Centre Lagos.

Time: 10am – 5pm

Speakers;

Mrs. Abimbola Fashola:
Her Excellency, The First Lady of Lagos State

Professor Pat Utomi
Professor of Political Economics and Entrepreneur

Betty Irabor
Editor – in – Chief; Genevieve Magazine

Mo Abudu
Business Consultant; Talk show host

Atuyota Akporobomeriere (Alibaba)
Ace comedian and Business Man

Mr. Adebola Akindele
Managing Director, Courteville Investments Plc.

Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu
MD/CEO Infographics Nigeria Ltd.

Mr. Gbenga Sesan
Information Technology Ambassador

View complete speakers list here;

It’s important that you register; register here.

Note: TEDx Abuja is coming up on the 10^th of July, we will post update as soon as we have detailed information.

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Show ya sef eagles – Naijaborn.com live from South Africa

Possicon — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 01:16:21 +0000

The much awaited, talked about, and first ever world cup on African soil is get started today in South Africa. Our own super eagles will also be trading tackle with other top football team the world.

Football is lovely, fun and packed with memories… thanks to Naijaborn.com… we will not miss the experience. Naijaborn.com will report live from Jo’bourg where the world cup is taking.

Naijaborn.com also support the super eagles; Show ya sef eagles…Naijaborn say so!

You can follow Nigerian matches on twitter or download a mobile application built by Nigerian (odutan) for the world cup.

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Techcrunch.com down on 5th anniversary courtesy of wordpress.com

Possicon — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 01:02:58 +0000

We are already catching the fever of the 5th anniversary of techcrunch.com and I’ve been glued to the site for the past 20hours. Suddenly the site went down! I have been refreshing for minutes now, I guess the error is from Wordpress.com as the error message reads “WordPress.com will be back in a minute!”.

I’m very sure the TC tech people are working on it! We are already preparing to pop champagne tonight ooo.

Get well soon Techcrunch!

Update: Site is back up but most recent post still missing! World said “We are working on restoring WordPress.com as quickly as possible.“

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Most visited Nigerian Sites in May 2010

Possicon — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:23:31 +0000

Another month just went by as we march right on to the mid year. In what has become our norm every month, let’s take you through top Nigerian sites for last month of May.

As usual, Nairaland.com remains on the top spot! In fact am looking for the Nigerian site that will displace Nairaland. It’s been consistent for the past 5 years. Punchng.com that was a contender last year, lost it due to its ill-informed strategy. After the decision was reverted, it has found very difficult to give Nairaland a fight! Punchng.com sits comfortably on the second spot. Thisdayonline.com also maintained the 3^rd spot while vanguardngr.com moved two places to the 4^th spot. 234next.com also moved 2 places to the 5^th spot while gtbank.com drop another 1 spot having drop 1 last month, dropping another this month is a sign something could be wrong, aren’t people orange friendly again? The biggest casualty on the top-ten is naijahotjobs.com which dropped 5 places and eventually dropped out of the top-ten. Nigeriagalleria.com, ngrguardiannews.com and nigerianbestforum.com are on the 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th spots respectively. Nigeriagalleria.com, made it to the top ten this month with a staggering, 3 places move to push naijahotjobs.com out of the top ten!

View this month’s table here.

Top Ten

The Movers

fansconnectonline.com +61
unilag.edu.ng +31
compassnews.net +26
newsstarng.com +25
naijaecash.com and huhuonline.com +22

The Shakers

Jambonline.org -24
Buyright.biz -22
naijapals.com -15
zenithbank.com and bbnsms.com -12
osundefender.org -9

Debutants

Couple of sites found their ways into the top-fifty sites in April.

fansconnectonline.com
completesportsnigeria.com
newsstarng.com
clicksng.com
acn.aero

The Trends

It is sure football season as the hype towards this year’s Fifa world cup has taken hold of the internet. Two of our debutant sites are football related sites, while one break into the top twenty slots.

The Nigerian tech scene is waxing strong, Barcamp Nigeria was held last month and was super successful. This weekend, Alternative 2.0 will be held to channel Nigerian youths energy towards positive online ideals.

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