General News
Gionee Brands will Checkmate Fake Phones, Other Devices-Nwabueze
Gabriel Nwabueze, is a senior executive of Gionee Communications Equipment Limited.
In the last two years Gionee, a Chinese company has been studying the Nigerian mobile device market with the intention of addressing some challenges associated with quality of devices flooding into the country.
The company also has comprehensive plan to combat the e-wastes surge; research and development (R&D); and development of local talents. Nwabueze spoke to peter ugwu on these and other issues.
About Gionee Communications Limited
Gionee is an international brand. We started in Nigeria about two years ago.
We have plans for Nigeria and other African countries; we want to enrich the market with products that could satisfy the people and at affordable prices.
We are the first to launch such slimmest Smartphone and feature ones; we are launching deeper into the market with the slimmest phones and long lasting battery lives.
We have also recorded a number of firsts in terms of quality of our devices and meeting the consumers demand.
We are also bringing in mass intelligence and feature mobile phones for the customers’ convince. We know the existing level of mobile devices in the market.
Since 2011, Gionee had rapidly moved for branding in Nigeria, Vietnam, Taiwan, Myanmar, India, Thailand, Philippines, and so on.
And once launched one product, it soon became a best seller in the market, even in some cities and countries customers need to wait for new deliveries. Gionee is a hot word as everyone is talking about where to buy one. Gionee is working speedily for the number one brand which is most welcomed by customers.
What Makes Your Devices Unique?
Before we launch into the market we usually carry out feasibility studies to ascertain the desires of the consumers; this lasts up to six months.
So we have seen that Nigerians like quality and they want devices that the battery life can last due to the power challenges.
At the stage of designing the phones, we tried to use material that can be converted to other use after several years of the phone’s life.
How do I mean, we are coming in not as other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) whose primary objective has been to flood the market with devices without thinking on how to give back to the society.
We are coming in with a different business mindset. We are working toward partnering the government and institutions to unleash our plans for the market, which are going to benefit the people.
Gionee as a brand is recognizable as durable, long standby and easy to use, Gionee now is featured with new tags like fashionable, stylish, and premium user experience.
Many Asian super stars have high praise for Gionee products and they are willing to tell people how nice the products are.
As a matter of emphasis, we have been able to understand what the Nigerian market loves and what the users tend to align themselves with.
Competition in the Nigerian Market
The Smartphone industry in Nigeria is actually been beclouded by brands that are there to just launch devices.
Most time, they end up encouraging digital divide among the people.
How do I mean? When you are producing high end devices without considering those below the cadre definitely some people will believe you are not for them.
So, we have feature phones that can meet the needs of those people and add value to what their do, their social lives, among other.
Meanwhile, a tight partnership with MediaTek and Qualcomm allows Gionee to offer a wide product portfolio covering both low end feature phone and high end Smartphone.
As all products are designed and manufactured by Gionee and as the company is only working with tier-1 suppliers, Gionee is awarded the Best Quality Mobile Phone Manufacturer in China.
Local Partnership
Presently, we are into partnership with one of the major local telecommunication company. Surely, we are going to deepen our relationship, embrace as many as that would come to around.
In fact, in the couple of months we have seen tremendous enthusiasm among some industry players, that is the among the telecoms who have approached us, we have made presentations to them as regards the functionality, durability and integrity of our phones, they are willing to partner with us.
The interest has been massive since we launched into the market. It is a win-win situation for both parties, because it is like a contract for mutual benefits.
Of course, there are tenets in every relationship. We can always add some extra agreement, if need be. So, presently we can boost of having local backings and the market is ripe for us.
Research and Development (R&D) Platform
In Gionee we believe that technology entails the strength of an enterprise and R&D is the key to sharpen the competitive edge of mobile phone industry chain roundly.
Gionee has over 10,000 employees, out of which 1000 belong to R&D and 8000 belong to the factory. So, we shall always insist on the strategy of independent R&D and innovation.
At present, Gionee’s R&D system mainly comprises six professional R&D organs: Application R&D Institute, Smartphone R&D Institute, overseas BU R&D Institute, CDMA R&D Institute, GOSO R&D Institute and AORA R&D Institute.
As a matter of fact, persistence in quality is the impetus for Gionee’s sustained development. With deep R & D as core, lean manufacturing as foundation, outstanding after-sale service as guarantee and high-tech products as core competitiveness, Gionee has kept developing practical and handy products.
Gionee has persisted in independent R & D by establishing professional R & D institutions in cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou, thus ensuring its outstanding R & D performance.
Form of Your R&D in Nigeria
For now, we know that the Nigerian market has suffered so much in terms of people who turn it into a dumping ground; they come with the intention to dump their e-wastes here, which is unwholesome.
Therefore, in our discussions with the regulatory bodies like the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), we had some preliminary talks on the need for Gionee to have some investments in the form of R&D in Nigeria.
Although in Nigeria, it is still at preliminary stage, but it is something we have been doing, and we replicate same in all the places we have established strong relationships and strong presence. We hope to achieve that in Nigeria in the nearest future. In essence we are looking at tackling the issue of e-waste as may come from our side.
Nevertheless, statistics showed that for every one thousand unit of Gionee phones sold, we do not record up to ten damages, meaning that our phones are durable and that is the first step to tackle e-waste.
Gionee has over the years built a strong reputation and we do not intend to tarnish it in Nigeria. We cannot be part of the people that do that; we are going to represent our brand and image even in Nigeria.
Challenges in the Last Two Years in Nigeria
One of the challenges is actually the issue of grey material which cuts across the products not limited to phones.
They copy and normally the sub-standards are replicated.
The problem is usually that the original equipment manufacturers cannot actually affect a control over their products.
We are here to phase out such practice, bringing in originality and quality.
The only people that actually help to affect control are those in government; however in Gionee due to our excellence in R&D we are very innovative and can adapt, create a change tailored towards more customers’ satisfaction.
Plans to Manufacture Tablets and Notes
We are actually discussing on growth issues and it will be an excitement moment when we eventually go into that.
Developing Local Talents
Already we have Nigerians working with us and they are doing excellently well. Of course a company launching into any market with the intention of surviving there must embrace the local talents.
So, the answer is yes. At the same time, our products are meant to satisfy the local consumers and we are not going to leave Nigeria behind in the quest to achieve that. And that will give us a leverage to grow.
Following our strong international presence and reputation, we hope to establish a strong presence in Nigeria as well, thereby erasing the impression that all products from China are inferior. It is not true and we are going to prove to the people that genuine, durable and long lasting devices are coming from our factory.
General News
TD Africa Unveils Super App Version 2, Transforms Technology Access Across Africa
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TD Africa, a leading technology distributor in Africa, has launched TD Super App Version 2, an upgraded, feature-rich platform designed to revolutionize technology procurement for individuals and businesses.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Omowumi-Oladele-Project-Manager-TD-Africa.jpg?resize=300%2C187&ssl=1)
Omowumi Oladele, Project Manager, TD Africa
The enhanced App offers seamless access to a wide range of cutting-edge tech products at unbeatable prices, with faster delivery options to improve efficiency and convenience.
Available on both web and mobile, the revamped TD Super App boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever for users to discover and purchase technology products.
This latest upgrade reaffirms TD Africa’s commitment to affordability, efficiency, and convenience, ensuring that businesses and individuals can access the tools they need to succeed.
With exclusive deals and discounts, registered users can enjoy significant savings on a vast selection of technology products, including computing devices, smartphones, consumer electronics, and power solutions. Optimized logistics and accelerated delivery times further enhance the shopping experience, ensuring that customers receive their technology essentials quickly and reliably.
“At TD Africa, we are dedicated to delivering value, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology solutions that drive business growth and streamline operations,” said Omowumi Oladele, Product Manager, TD Africa.
“The upgraded TD Super App Version 2 is designed to simplify procurement, enhance productivity, and maximize savings—empowering businesses and individuals across Africa.”
The App is now available for download on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Users can also access the platform via web browsers at superapp.tdafrica.com
General News
FG Drops Merger of NCAA, NAMA
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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has stepped down the merger of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as recommended by the Steve Oronsaye report.
He also revealed that the aviation industry was exempted from the foreign travel ban placed on federal government officials last year. The President announced the ban which took effect from April last year.
Keyamo disclosed that the aviation sector was exempted from the ban because President Tinubu is desirous of change and growth in the sector.
The ban was placed following the rising cost of travel expenses by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government.
The memo released last year stated: “Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr Presideni’s directive to place a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for all federal government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from 1st April 2024.
“All government officials who intend to go on any publicly funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed necessary”.
The Minister disclosed the reasons for the exemption in Abuja at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
On the merger of NCAA and NAMA, he said: “From modest beginnings, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in our sector, ranging from enhanced supervisory measures and policies formulation, safety and security oversight, robust legislative and regulatory frameworks, advancements in air traffic management, development, expansion and certification of airports, accurate meteorological services, timely accident investigations, manpower development, and indeed, the growth of indigenous airlines.
“These achievements have not come without challenges. However, with the efforts of past administrations and the total support of the present administration under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the five focus areas of the ministry, we have overcome challenges and reached new heights.
“NCAA is a child of God, and despite turbulent waters and attempts sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCA has survived 25 years. And I’m sure you know that any child that is born at the age of 25, of course, is undoubtedly an age of maturity.
“The Oronsanye reports also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA. And so that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA. That report was passed from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government, and then to the present government.
“It was one of the first items we considered in this government. So the Oronsanye reports came up that day, and the president went on and on, considered every item in the Oronsanye report, and asked the council to vote. And for each item, they would listen to the ministers and so the president came to the merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body.
“I raised my hand, I spoke for about five minutes and because we have a wonderful president who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, an item dropped, the merger of NCAA and NAMA would not remain”.
On the reasons for the exemption, he said: “It is a fact that the aviation sector remains a pillar of national development, facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Whilst it is yet to realize its true potential in terms of contribution to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative, and prosperous aviation industry.
“This necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in human capital development to keep our skies safer and secure and attain cohesive and efficient air transportation services.
“The President directed that foreign travels should stop, except in exceptional circumstances. Last year, there was a memo around March that said it was for three months, and the President, because of his desire to ensure that we are frugal in our spending; there was another memo again in December reiterating that memo last year we should cut down on foreign travels, except by direct presidential approval.
“But let us also give particular thanks to Mr. President, because despite that memo, since last year, he has made an exception for the aviation industry. I wrote a memo to him after that directive on behalf of the entire agency that says; Sir, we respect your directive; yes, we need to be frugal because the Nigerian people have also tightened their belts in the face of the economic reforms that are taking place.
“However, because of the safety of this sector, Sir, we need to make some exceptions for this sector. And the President graciously granted this for the aviation sector”.
General News
Researchers Develop Innovative Treatment for Malaria
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/malaria-vaccine.jpg)
An international team of researchers have introduced a groundbreaking drug, known as the covalent kinase inhibitor, which shows promise in combating treatment-resistant malaria.
Developed by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, this innovative drug could surpass current medications by effectively targeting and disabling the proteins used by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite to replicate within the human body.
This is according to a report titled “Targeting Pf CLK3 with Covalent Inhibitors: A Novel Strategy for Malaria Treatment.”
The development, led by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, was outlined in a November publication in the “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.”
According to the researchers, covalent inhibitors form bonds with proteins, usually irreversibly modifying them, and this new drug could be more effective than current medications at all stages of malaria infection.
The new drug works by permanently disabling a protein that Plasmodium falciparum, one of the mosquito-borne parasites that spread malaria, uses to replicate itself inside the human body.
The drug also has the potential to work as a single-dose treatment, a significant improvement over existing therapies.
This breakthrough marks the first adaptation of an approach from cancer treatments to tackle malaria.
The team expressed optimism that the parasite is unlikely to develop resistance to the new drug, which targets the protein Pf CLK3 and disrupts the parasite’s ability to splice RNA.
The researchers, including Prof. Martins Emeje from the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency and Prof. Oyewale Tomori from the West African Academy of Sciences, emphasise the importance of regular calibration and accreditation for medical laboratories to ensure accurate results and reliable treatment.
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