General News
Prudential, Google Cloud Partner to Make Healthcare and Financial Security Accessible Across Africa
Insurance group, Prudential plc (Prudential) and Google Cloud announced a strategic partnership to enhance health and financial inclusion for communities across Africa and Asia.
Under this alliance, Prudential will leverage Google Cloud’s data analytics capabilities, secure and sustainable infrastructure, and the broader Google ecosystem, to accelerate its digital transformation and to enhance user engagement of its health and wealth platform, Pulse.
For Google Cloud, this partnership presents an opportunity to collaborate with a leading insurance provider to make protection, health and savings solutions simpler and more accessible across Asia and Africa.
Pulse is part of Prudential’s multi-channel strategy to make healthcare more accessible and increase financial inclusion. The app provides users with access to services such as health risk assessment and online doctor consultation to help them better managefi their health needs, as well as digital wealth tools to make financial decisions simpler1. Pulse is available in 17 markets and 11 languages.
Solmaz Altin, Managing Director, Strategic Business Group, Prudential, said: “Across our markets, people are living longer, but not necessarily healthier and better. Harnessing technology, we want to empower people to live well for longer by making it easier for them to take care of their health and plan for their financial futures.
“Through this strategic partnership, we will leverage new technology solutions to make the Pulse platform more intelligent and engaging with the aim of reaching out to more people across Asia and Africa, in particular those who cannot easily access health and financial information and services.”
This announcement deepens the existing relationship between Prudential and Google that began in 2019. Prudential is using Google Maps in the Pulse application, and further projects with Google Health, Document AI and Fitbit are being explored to enhance efficiency, functionality and user engagement.
Prudential expects to benefit from Google’s suite of data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools such as Kubeflow, Looker, BigQuery and Vertex AI, to enhance customer interactions and to provide more personalised, accurate healthcare information and education to Pulse app users.
In the longer term, Prudential will look to adopt Google’s AI across a broader digital strategy to make accessing insurance simpler, to drive greater efficiency, and to increase agent productivity.
For example, through technology such as advanced analytics and AI, Prudential aims to use data to help its agents better understand the needs of their customers. It is also looking to improve customer experience, by digitising the entire claims process, making submission, assessment, and approval more seamless and efficient.
“At Google Cloud, our aim is to help our enterprise customers use technology to deliver outstanding experiences for their customers,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “Prudential is a significant partner of ours and a leading insurer that has been protecting lives for nearly 175 years globally. Our work together will make it easier for people to safeguard their health and protect their finances for the long term with digital tools that are accessible.”
Prudential has more than 530,000 agents across its 23 markets in Asia and Africa and over 170 bancassurance partners with access to circa 27,600 bank branches, serving more than 19 million customers2.
General News
Nigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke
Federal government has received $52.88m recovered Galactica assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke from the USA.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America in Abuja on Friday, January 10.
While speaking at the ceremony, Fagbemi explained that $50m of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank to the development of the rural electrification project and the remaining $2m will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the Justice system and also counter corruption.
Speaking further, Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law
He said the event is also a significant effort by President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of corruption.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills called for the monitoring and effectively utilizing the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to benefit Nigerians.
Diezani served as Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
General News
TikTok Announces Plans to Cease Operations in the U.S. by January 19, 2025
TikTok has officially announced plans to cease its operations in the United States by January 19, 2025.
“Absent such relief, the Act will take effect on January 19, 2025,” TikTok said in a Dec. 9 legal filing. “That would shut down TikTok—one of the Nation’s most popular speech platforms for its more than 170 million domestic monthly users on the eve of a presidential inauguration.”
Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law, a legislation to remove TikTok from U.S. app stores and prohibit internet providers across the nation from allowing access to the platform if ByteDance cannot sell to an American company by Jan. 19.
The legislation was put in place amid concerns of China possibly using TikTok to spy on U.S. residents.
In response, TikTok filed an emergency motion for an injunction to stop the ban from taking effect, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and will generate “substantial losses,” per legal documents.
The Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments on Jan. 10 over whether or not the law should be upheld.
Meanwhile, several entrepreneurs have launched a bid to purchase TikTok, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.
“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets,” he wrote in a Jan. 6 message on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users.”
O’Leary continued, “It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms. TikTok has immense potential, not just as a tool for creators but as a driver of meaningful economic and social impact.”
However, O’Leary said he’ll likely need an assist from President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn into office on Jan. 20.
“Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead,” he explained during a Jan. 6 appearance on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum, per The Wrap. “So, I wanted to let him know—as well as others in his cabinet—that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help.”
General News
Transform Your Health with QNET’s BELITE 123: The Ultimate Weight Management Solution
With the start of a new year, many of us set ambitious goals to improve our health and manage our weight. While resolutions often fade, QNET’s LifeQode BELITE 123 stands as a proven, reliable companion on the journey to sustainable health.
A well-established product trusted by thousands worldwide, BELITE 123 offers a holistic and science-backed approach to weight management that goes beyond quick fixes to support lasting well-being.
Irfan Aziz from Kuwait is one of many who have experienced life-changing results with BELITE 123. “After years of struggling with my weight, BELITE 123 made all the difference.
“I initially lost 2 kg, which kept me motivated; now I’ve shed 12.4 kg in total! But it’s not just about the weight—my mental clarity, sleep quality, and overall emotional balance have improved significantly,” Irfan shares. “BELITE 123 takes the ‘T’ out of Can’t!”
A Proven Formula for New Year Success
With its three-step system, BELITE 123 has become a cornerstone of health for individuals looking to stay fit and energized, even during festive seasons and indulgent celebrations. Each component is meticulously designed to support the body’s natural processes:
• BELITE 01 (Green Tea & Kaffir Lime): Boosts metabolism and helps regulate blood pressure.
• BELITE 02 (African Mango): Reduces appetite and supports cholesterol management, with studies showing a 27.3% reduction in LDL.
• BELITE 03 (Peppermint & Cinnamon): Detoxifies, improves digestion, and promotes restful sleep.
This effective system allows users to embrace healthier habits without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether it’s savoring holiday treats or maintaining daily routines, BELITE 123 supports a balanced lifestyle year-round.
A Long-Term Commitment to Wellness
Trevor Kuna, QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, underscores the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to health. “Weight management isn’t just a resolution; it’s a lifestyle.
“BELITE 123 is built to help people achieve their health goals by integrating seamlessly into daily life.
“It’s not about quick fixes but creating long-lasting habits that lead to better health and greater vitality.”
Kuna emphasizes that the secret to BELITE 123’s success lies in its holistic approach. “Our product doesn’t just target weight loss; it addresses overall well-being, which is key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life,” he adds.
Easy to Follow, Backed by Science
The BELITE 123 system is simple to incorporate into even the busiest lifestyles:
1. BELITE 01: Drink after breakfast to jumpstart your metabolism.
2. BELITE 02: Take before lunch to curb appetite and support fat burning.
3. BELITE 03: Drink after dinner to cleanse and detoxify overnight.
With natural ingredients sourced from Asia, Africa, and Europe, BELITE 123 combines ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver sustainable results.
Its global following is a testament to its effectiveness and the trust it has earned over the years.
Renew Your Commitment to Health This Year
As we step into 2025, BELITE 123 offers a trusted solution for anyone looking to take charge of their health. It’s more than just a product; it’s a partner on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Let BELITE 123 help you turn your resolutions into reality—and sustain them throughout the year.
- E-Financial2 days ago
SEC to Strengthen Borrowing Framework for Governments, Corporates
- E-Business2 days ago
Kaspersky Reviews Main Business Headache Related to IT Security
- E-Business3 days ago
Firm Explores 2025 Potential IT Outage and Supply Chain Risk Scenarios
- Telecom2 days ago
Bismarck, Economist Claims Planned Tariff Hike by Telcos Will Reduce Inflation
- E-Financial3 days ago
GTCO Completes First Phase of Capital Raise Initiative with N209bn
- General News23 hours ago
Nigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke
- Telecom3 days ago
Call, Data Tariffs Will Increase – Nigerian Minister, Tijani Declares
- E-Business2 days ago
FG to Add Iris Biometrics to Digital ID for more Inclusion