By Abigael Joshua

The UK leadership development organization, TEXEM UK has praised Mrs. Hilda Ozoh, the incoming chairperson of Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) for her outstanding achievements.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website signed by the Director, Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, it is stated that Ozor is an alumnus of TEXEM having attended its programme.

The programme she attended was titled “Strategic Leadership for Success in an Unknown Tomorrow” which was held between May 15 and May 19 in the United Kingdom.

“Mrs. Ozoh’s journey to this prestigious position has been nothing short of inspiring, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the field of accounting and her relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Mrs. Ozoh’s ascent to the position of National Chairperson of SWAN is a well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts and exemplary contributions to the accounting profession in Nigeria.

“Her impressive resume speaks volumes about her dedication and expertise,” Lucas said.

She asserts that in the world of finance and accounting, leadership and dedication are essential qualities that pave the way for success.

Lucas said Ozoh’s participating in TEXEM’s programme reflects her forward-thinking approach and her commitment to staying at the forefront of leadership and strategic thinking in the ever-evolving field of finance and accounting.

Ozoh currently serves as the Honourable Commissioner at the Tax Appeal Tribunal for the Tax Appeal Tribunal (South-South Zone).

“Her role in overseeing tax matters and appeals in this critical region showcases her deep understanding of taxation and her dedication to ensuring fairness and justice in the tax system.

“Furthermore, Mrs. Ozoh’s involvement in various professional bodies and committees highlights her commitment to the betterment of the accounting and insurance sectors in Nigeria.

“She serves as a member of the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), showcasing her dedication to the advancement of the accounting profession,” the TEXEM Director said.

Lucas spoke of Ozoh’s role as Chairperson of the Risk Management and Compliance Committee at the Nigeria Insurance Association and her past position as Chairperson of the Accounting Technical Committee.

She said that Ozoh has demonstrated from these positions, her expertise in risk management and compliance, making her an invaluable asset to the insurance industry.

Lucas added that Ozoh’s membership in the Risk-Based Solvency Regime Committee underscores her involvement in shaping the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s insurance sector, ensuring its stability and integrity.

“As Mrs. Hilda Ofure Ozoh takes the helm as the National Chairperson of SWAN, she brings with her a vision of empowerment and progress for women in the accounting profession.

“Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring accountants, particularly women, who are striving to make their mark in this challenging field.

“Under her leadership, SWAN is bound to flourish as a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy for women in accounting,” she said.

Lucas said that Ozoh’s extensive experience and her commitment to gender equality in the profession will undoubtedly guide SWAN towards even greater heights. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Monday Ajogun

The  Management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has expressed regret over the power outage being experienced by its customers in Awada, Anambra and other locations.

This is contained in a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications of the Company, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in Onitsha on Saturday.

He said, “EEDC wishes to inform its customers that the fault at Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Awada station, which was the reason for the blackout being experienced for some days now, is receiving attention.

“Currently, the TCN engineers are transferring our 3-3, Obosi, and Ossamala 33KV feeders from the faulty TR11, 60MVA 132/33KV power transformer, to the newly commissioned 100MVA power transfomer in Awada TCN station.

“In order to create a safe working space for the engineers, the TR13 60MVA and Mobitra 40MVA 132/33KV power transformers are switched off, thereby affecting Niccus, Nnewi-Oba, Nnewi Industrial, Awada 2 and Army Barracks 33KV feeders.

“All customers that receive electricity supply from these feeders are currently out of supply.”

Ezeh said that the company regrets any inconveniences the development has caused its customers and assured them that once the maintenance is completed, supply will be restored.

He noted that EEDC remains committed to providing improved service delivery. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Vivian Emoni

President Bola Tinubu has successfully attracted a monumental 3 billion U S dollars investment pledge from Indian investors, to boost steel industry in the country.
This is according to a statement by Mr Abdullahi Haruna, Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shauib Audu, in Abuja on Wednesday,
The president made the commitment during the Nigeria-India economic roundtable in India.
“In a historic move that promises to bolster Nigeria’s steel industry, President Tinubu has successfully attracted a monumental $3 billion investment pledge from Indian investors.
“This achievement was met with applause and commendation from the minister.
“Jindal Steel and Power Limited, one of India’s foremost private steel producers, made this momentous commitment to invest $3 billion in iron ore processing and steel development in Nigeria.
“The announcement came after extensive discussions between the president and the leadership of Jindal Steel and Power Limited on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, India,” he said.
Audu expressed his jubilation at the development, adding that the pledge was a game-changer that would revitalise and transform the nation’s steel industry.
He appreciated Tinubu for his exceptional efforts in attracting such a substantial investment for Nigeria’s steel sector.
“Furthermore, this news comes on a day when the presidential tribunal upheld the election of the president.
“As the country eagerly anticipates the positive impact of this massive investment, it marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Yakubu Uba

The Borno Geograhic Information Service (BOGIS), has raised concern over the proliferation of illegal lottery houses in Maiduguri and environs.

A statement by the Executive Secretary of the BOGIS, Adam Bababe, said there was noticeable increase in people leasing out thier lands in residential and commercial areas for such lottery or game house operators.

“BOGIS wishes to inform the public that it has noticed the increase in leasing legally allocated spaces, whether for commercial or residential purposes, to lottery or game house operators which is strictly against the law.

“The presence of these gaming/bet houses within our state has led to numerous complaints from concerned residents because it exposes a significant number of our youth to various forms of criminal and notorious activities, all in the pursuit of funds to finance lottery games.

“In view of these, BOGIS would like to reiterate that providing spaces and shops for lottery and gaming houses contradicts established regulations,” Bababe said.

He noted that Section 13, sub-section 2 of the Borno State Land Use Regulation 2022, mandates title holders to adhere to the terms and conditions of their right of occupancy.

According to him, any deviation from the conditions, including engaging in activities that conflict with approved land use, could result to the revoking the land title.

“Furthermore, Section 205 of the Penal Code laws of Borno State specifies that maintaining a house or place for betting or playing games of chance e.g. bet king, bet Naija, sport bet etc, as well as assisting in such activities, is a criminal offense that may lead to imprisonment.

“It is important to note that the law establishing the Borno Geographic Information Service grants the agency the authority to address any land-related administration and management.

“We kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that our shared spaces are utilized responsibly and in accordance with the law,” Bababe said. (NAN)

By Rukayat Adeyemi

One of Nigeria’s leading real estate developers, Sterling Homes, has launched the first inclusive housing scheme named ‘Ojo Ola’, designed to make buildable lands accessible to low income earning Nigerians.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sterling Homes, Dr Kunle Adeyemi, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

Adeyemi, also, General Secretary, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), South-West chapter, stated that the Ojo Ola housing scheme, meant a “better tomorrow housing Scheme”.

He said the scheme was designed for customers at the base of the pyramid of the housing need, who could not afford to own a decent home.

The developer listed the categories of people under the group as the petty traders, average salary earners, teachers, artisans and motorists, among others.

The realtor said that the locations of the affordable housing scheme were at Anuoluwapo layout scheme at Igbodu in Epe, Lagos.

He mentioned also Irewolede layout scheme at Kobape in Abeokuta and Orelope layout scheme at Alabata in Ibadan.

“We have other layout schemes underway at Ikorodu, Ifo, Badagry, Atan and Idi-iroko.

“ We also plan to launch an initiative in Asaba, for the South-South region by November and cover other regions of the nation soon.

“The housing pyramid is like a triangle and at the apex of it, are the high income earners, at the middle of the triangle, are the middle income earners.

“ At the base of the triangle, are the low income earners.

“ The base of the pyramid is where we have majority of Nigerians, hence, Ojo Ola initiative was borne out of a compelling need to help these category of people own a home,” he said.

According to him, the layout scheme is custom-made for the set of people, with free architectural design from Sterling and no developmental level or land grabbers issue.

He explained the subscribers were at liberty to build their prefered house design on the land, because it had no developer’s control and must not necessarily pick from the Home’s free architectural design.

“The free architectural design we are providing to our subscribers to select from the pool of available designs, would have cost them whooping N300,000, so they can save that to build their houses,” he said.

Adeyemi stated that statistics had revealed that Nigerians at the base of the pyramid of housing, were well over 75 per cent of the population.

He noted that more than 18 million out of the estimated 20 million housing deficit in Nigeria, were the low income earning Nigerians.

Adeyemi expressed worry that the middle income earners in the country were gradually closing up and as such, the country now had either the rich or poor classes of people.

The realtor noted that there was less attention to low income earners in the arrays of available housing scheme, hence, the future was not guaranteed for them to own a home.

“ Many low income earners are eager to own a home, while they also have the right to, but do not have enough resources to acquire it.

“ Over 60 per cent of Nigerians earn below N100,000 monthly, and except many of them engage in fraudulent activities, they may not be able to afford a home.

“To guide against such fraudulent activities within our system, arising from the desperation to own a home, led to the launch of the Ojo Ola housing scheme,” he said.

According to him, the scheme, in its magnanimity, does not compel the subscribers to build their houses within a specific period of purchasing a land, but at their own pace.

The developer stated that the two major targeted audience for the scheme were the home seekers and the investors.

Adeyemi explained that the home seekers were people who desired to have a shelter as basic need of life and to stop the harassments from landlords.

He said the payment plan for the home seekers was designed to accommodate a lowest entry cost, which could be paid in installments of N7,500 weekly or N30,000 monthly.

The realtor said the journey of the initiative’s home seeker’s plan began from owning a land, to becoming a landlord and after the sale services.

Adeyemi said the initiative’s investor’s plan was designed for those interested in investing in real estate, to sell the land when it appreciated more or to build houses for rent opportunity.

According to him, the lands are located at places with huge potentials because of the ongoing development around the vicinity and as such are accessible to build.

Adeyemi urged Nigerians to embrace the initiative to secure a future, as real estate is the new oil of the nation.

The realtor pledged that Sterling Homes would deliver on its promises to its customers on the initiative. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Constance Athekame

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company(AEDC) has announced Mr. Christopher Ezeafulukwe as its new Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer.

AEDC’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Donald Etim, in a statement in Abuja on Saturday said that the new managing director assumed duty on Friday.

Etim said that the Board of AEDC appointed Ezeafulukwe as the MD following the acquisition of 60 per cent stake in the company by Transcorp-led investors.

He said that Ezeafulukwe while taking over from the outgoing MD Mr Adeoye Fadeyibi expressed commitment to take AEDC to its rightful position in the country’s power sector.

The AEDC boss also promised to improve the performance of the company as it relates to its customers and other stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Neveah

By Femi Ogunshola

Neveah Ltd, a leading commodity trading company has announced Mr Akinsola Akinyemi as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director of the company.

The announcement is contained in a statement by Mr Ibidapo Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer of Neveah.

He described Akinyemi as an experienced finance professional with over 12 years of hands-on experience in treasury management, regulatory reporting, and financial accounting among others.

Lawal said Akinyemi is skilled at identifying business growth opportunities and has supported notable companies in achieving business expansion.

He said the firm was enthusiastic about Akinyemi’s leadership judging by his track record.

He said that they were confident that Akinyemi is worthy of taking over from where the CEO left off in ensuring the financial wellness of the company

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Neveah’s services are centred around sourcing the finest solid minerals and agricultural products.

It`s majorly from the domestic market and exporting them to meet the demands of customers in the international markets.

Its main minerals for exports are tin, columbite, lead, zinc, tantalite, and tungsten concentrates.

NAN reports that Neveah’s main agricultural commodities for exports are; dried split ginger, dried hibiscus flower, dried orange peels and sesame seed.

The company`s major markets are in Europe, North America, and Asia, where they export commodities to Switzerland, Germany, The United States, Hong Kong and China. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh