Connect with us

E-Business

Jumia Nigeria Hit by Allegations of Labour Abuses

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Aggrieved ex-staff of Jumia Nigeria, Rocket Internet’s e-commerce venture have cried out against alleged unrestrained reign of terror by the management of the company on Nigerian staff.

The allegation is a chilling reminder of the resonating accusation of wrongdoing and maltreatment of Nigerians by foreign companies while Nigerian government sits idly.

Jumia Nigeria Hit by Allegations of Labour Abuses
In an email to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek,  Uche Ajene who was Jumia Nigeria, head of Marketing until October 30 claimed that the company now allegedly sold to a German firm (Rocket Internet) is hiring and firing Nigerians at will.

When contacted, Afam Anyika, Jumia’s public relations manager, said he was not authorized to speak on the issue but promised to get the managing director to comment.

The managing director did not as at the time of this report.

But Ajene said that “in 2012, 50 members of staff were fired, then more were hired, then more fired again, the total number of staff fired in this period was over 100”

“Jumia is not a Nigerian company, and for all I care they don’t care about Nigerians! Don’t be deceived by the Cameroonian and Nigerian figurehead “Harvard CEOs”, they have puppet masters pulling their strings. Jumia Nigeria has been sold! Their balance sheets are worse than you can imagine! And in a few months to years they will become subsidiaries of a bigger company and the CEOS are just waiting to cash out on their cheque, and present staff are just pawns to be used till the time comes”

According to her, Jumia Nigeria’s strategy was to lure staff from their companies with big salary promises, and after a very short time, leave them with the lower end of the straw

“They never leave you even after they “fire” you, but continue to follow you to your new place of work trying to ensure you never get another chance at working.  The company leaves out its investor’s code – hire, fire, move and dispose with rocket speed. They sack staff and hire like the wind” she added

Ajene claimed she worked in with over 60 different faces in the period she was with Jumia adding that “working for Jumia was like hell; we would resume at 8am and leave at 9pm for normal staff and much latter for management staff, understandable for a startup but not when the bait is threats of firing and legal actions”

“And if you are wondering, I was sacked and plan to take legal action soon for continued harassment and for wrongful termination. Why was I sacked? Was it for going home early at 9pm or not sacking my entire team? Well I hope a court of law will get it out of them”

Ajene was allegedly laid off following her inability to meet sales targets which she allegedly set for the e-commerce operation.

 Ajene joined Jumia in August 2012 from MIH Internet Africa where she worked as Marketing Manager for the company’s Nigeria operations, Kalahari and Dealfish between July 2010 and July 2012.

Prior to this, Ajene has worked as a Marketing Specialist for Interra Networks Inc. in the U.S and describes herself as a proactive manager and tactical planner with extensive experience conceptualizing and executing marketing communication campaigns for end users, media and other consumers.


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Business

Breaking Barriers: QNET’s Product Expo Opens Doors for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Published

on

Kindly share this post

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, in partnership with Transblue Nigeria Ltd, hosted a successful Product Expo at Anchor Events Place, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event showcased QNET’s diverse product line, addressing misconceptions and empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Nigeria Ltd, emphasized the expo’s significance: “This is our opportunity to showcase our products, tackle misconceptions, and educate people about QNET’s direct-selling approach.”

QNET’s partnership with Transblue has yielded multiple workshops and exhibitions, promoting economic viability and youth empowerment.

Ajisafe highlighted the benefits: “QNET has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s tax revenue, and our programs teach entrepreneurship skills, enabling individuals to build their own businesses.”

Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, Tincan Island Port Strategic Command, Lagos, praised QNET’s potential: “The product line is amazing, people-centric, and has great potential in Nigeria. It’s impressive, and I recommend it to young Nigerians.”

Ofoyeju emphasized QNET’s capacity-building opportunities: “This can generate wealth, increase productivity, and engage youth meaningfully, keeping them away from crime and illicit activities.”

The expo featured health products, luxury watches, jewelry, and educational materials, demonstrating QNET’s commitment to enhancing lives through innovative products.

As QNET continues to expand its presence in Nigeria, the partnership with Transblue is poised to empower entrepreneurs, promote economic growth, and foster a positive impact on Nigerian youth.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

ALX Nigeria Champions Innovation and Growth at Akwa Ibom Tech Expo and Ogun Digital Summit

Published

on

Kindly share this post

ALX, Africa’s leading tech accelerator, recently demonstrated its commitment to tech skills acquisition and fostering inclusive growth across Nigeria by participating in two significant industry events: the Akwa Ibom Tech Week and the Ogun Digital Summit.

Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager for ALX Nigeria, attended the Akwa Ibom Tech Expo, where she participated in a panel session discussing the topic ‘Leveraging Innovation for Inclusive Growth’.

She emphasised the critical role of building an inclusive community encouraging freedom and innovation through tech skills empowerment.

“ALX is an organisation focused on development, providing opportunities for the millions of African and Nigerian youths that make up our community. We recognise the uniqueness of each member of our community and encourage them to be themselves.”

Ruby stated. “When we think about innovation we encourage our community members to come from a problem-solving approach. Focusing on the problem and interrogating it with the right data will only lead to coming up with the right solution.”

Nkechi Belinda Idinmachi, Fellowship Specialist at ALX Nigeria, spoke at the event and highlighted the global talent shortage driven by widespread digital transformation across organizations.

“There is a massive shortage of talent globally with a projected spike of 83 million by 2023. ALX is on a mission to create more opportunities for young Africans, and to date, we have trained over 200,000 young people across Africa. We have mastered training at scale with our infrastructure.” She stated.

Following the Akwa Ibom Tech Week, ALX also had a notable presence at the Ogun Digital Summit, which brought together innovators, industry leaders, and tech enthusiasts from across the country.

At both events, participants had the opportunity to engage with the award-winning tech career accelerator and learn about the world-class offerings available within the ALX ecosystem.

From state-of-the-art tech hubs to a vibrant community, and world-class tech programmes, ALX continues to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

QNET’s Amezcua Workshop in Lagos: A Glimpse into Wellness & Innovation

Published

on

Kindly share this post

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, in collaboration with its Nigerian partner Transblue Limited, hosted the Amezcua Product Workshop at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja GRA, on Friday.

L-R: Bernhard Gaksch, QNET’s Category Manager and Global Trainer, Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director, Transblue Nigeria Ltd, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa and Prof.Abiodun Adebayo, Vice-Chancellor Covenant University at the Amezcua Product Workshop at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja GRA, on Friday.

Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa, who delivered an insightful speech highlighting the company’s commitment to enhancing lives through innovative products.

In his address, Fall emphasized QNET’s dedication to ethical and legal standards, noting that the company has been operating in Nigeria for the past two years through various channels across over 25 countries.

He highlighted QNET’s unique business model, which combines direct selling with an e-commerce platform, enabling the company to serve a diverse customer base and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for financial independence.

“The global direct-selling industry is highly competitive, valued at approximately $167.7 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $204.9 billion by 2032,” Fall stated.

“These significant figures act as a catalyst for growth in Nigeria’s direct-selling market, which is expected to expand considerably, thereby supporting the country’s economic development.”

Fall also shared that several of QNET’s products, including EDG3, Prospark toothpaste, and Physioradiance face serum, have been certified by NAFDAC in Nigeria.

He reflected on last year’s product workshop in Lagos, which featured experts like Dr. Shafi Shaik and Professor Abiodun Adebayo, and set the stage for a successful product expo.

The workshop focused on the Amezcua line, including the Amezcua Chi-Pendant 4 and the Bio-Disc 3, designed to harmonize and energize the body.

Fall also discussed the Amezcua E-Guard X, which offers protection from electronic radiation.

Before concluding, Fall announced QNET’s second Product Expo in Lagos, scheduled to start on November 16th, 2024, at the Anchor Events Place in Ikeja.

The expo will showcase QNET’s lifestyle and wellness products and provide insights into the company’s business model and commitment to quality.

“We are dedicated to being a leading global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling organization and look forward to welcoming our media partners to the event,” Fall concluded.

Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Nigeria Ltd, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in connecting Nigerians to QNET’s global network and empowering the youth.

He highlighted QNET’s “Say No” campaign launched in November 2023 to raise awareness about the dangers of fraudulent job offers used by scammers to lure victims into human trafficking in Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.

This ongoing campaign underscores the urgent need to protect youth from falling prey to unscrupulous individuals and organizations.

Ajisafe noted that QNET has collaborated with government agencies like the Nigerian State Consumer Protection Agency on Consumer Rights Day to eradicate harmful market practices and champion fairness and accountability.

He also mentioned QNET’s participation in the Training Program for Nigerian Youth, a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, aimed at equipping young individuals with essential skills and knowledge to safely navigate the job market.

Ajisafe highlighted QNET’s impressive efforts to implement youth empowerment initiatives in Nigeria, including the Signature of Financial Literacy Program, which has equipped over 1,350 youths with employability and entrepreneurial skills to achieve financial independence.

These initiatives reflect QNET’s commitment to debunking misconceptions about the company in Nigeria, promoting transparency, and fostering innovation among youths through education and training.

Bernhard Gaksch, QNET’s Category Manager and Global Trainer, highlighted the importance of wellness solutions in today’s tech-driven world.

“Every electronic device, from smartphones to smart TVs, emits electromagnetic fields, which research suggests may contribute to issues like headaches, fatigue, and other serious health problems,” he explained.

QNET’s response includes products inspired by nature and backed by advanced science. Among them is the Bio-Disc 3, which restores water’s natural molecular structure, improving hydration, detoxification, and immune function.

“The best water comes from a stream, but as it travels, it loses energy. The Bio-Disc revitalizes this energy,” Gaksch stated, adding that its benefits extend to plants, pets, and food.

Complementing the Bio-Light 3, which uses sequenced light technology to accelerate healing, targeting chronic inflammation, muscle pain, and migraines. Gaksch noted its effectiveness in promoting faster recovery and nerve repair.

To combat harmful EMFs, QNET introduced the Chi-Pendant 4 and Amezcua eGuard X, which protect against 5G radiation and other electronic emissions.

The Chi-Pendant preserves the body’s natural biofield, shielding users from stress and fatigue, while the eGuard X transforms harmful EMFs into beneficial frequencies, creating a safer environment. “It’s like protecting yourself from tobacco, but for the wireless age,” Gaksch remarked.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending