Business
Heritage Bank identifies high prospects in Nigeria’s £4bn Gold market
Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, disclosed that Nigeria’s Gold market is worth £4 billion Pounds with high prospects of profitability for all players in the subsector.
The MD/CEO, Ifie Sekibo, who stated this at the Nigeria-Canada Investment Summit, held in Abuja, yesterday also disclosed that the enormous potential of the industry was one of the reasons why Heritage Bank delved into the mining sector despite enormous risks.
According to him, the bank has Dukia Gold as its partner that would facilitate access to local miners and artisans to get value for their commodity at international market price after being registered with Dukia Gold.
Sekibo, who was represented by the Team Lead, Agric Finance and Export, Adelana Ogunjirin, explained that prior to now, local miners of Gold found it difficult to trade their commodities favourably but with the involvement of Dukia and its partner, Heritage Bank, a Quality-and-Quantity test will be conducted based on the arrangement they made with Dukia Gold and that will lead to additional value to the small holder miners. He explained that this will leverage the small miners the opportunity to also trade their commodities at international market price.
He further stated that a metric tonne of Gold is currently valued at $30million adding that it is worth investing in the industry, especially as gold is a kind of commodity that does not easily lose its value.
He said: “Mining sector is an area which has not been fully tapped in terms of the potentials around it, as there are quite a lot of opportunities around that sector. Recently we secured $1 billion funding line with our funding partner AfreximBank, which also is to support areas like solid minerals.
“Now with respect to this we have looked at the value chain of this space and we have looked at the opportunities that are there. A lot of fund providers have not really delved into this and it is because of the lack of understanding of the market.
“In terms of value, gold is an area where you can enhance the value. You hardly see Gold losing value and you see that in different exchanges you even trade those commodities.
“Looking at it in terms of trend, you see that gold is something that will appreciate definitely. So in terms of the profitability of this business, we have looked at it, the crunch, the numbers we see that is a space that the Bank will definitely earn a lot of income.”
He also expressed optimism that other banks would like to come into the Nigerian mining sector, but may be studying to understand the sector properly.
“Definitely other banks will come into the sector. For us we are leading, but the truth is they need to play in an area and space that they understand, as not everybody would be able to play in that space.
“Heritage Bank has already carved a niche for itself in agribusiness space, just like the Gold commodity, this would be exported. So, in terms of export proceeds too, there are opportunities to be explored. Generally, looking at the Nigerian outlook, on the long run, this will also enhance the country’s external reserves. There are multiplier effects of what we are doing today and that is why we are also moving in this direction,” the MD noted.
Also speaking, Managing Director, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, Abba Bello, revealed that the bank had gone into high level discussions with heavy equipment manufacturers and suppliers that would lease equipment to miners for exploration and processing, adding that this was expected to make the equipment accessible and affordable.
Bello said, “For equipment supplier or outright purchase of equipment, we have gone into discussions with Bluecare and now Mantrac for the supply of heavy equipment for gold processing or exploration on lease basis and, it is something that does not exist currently within the industry.
“Barrick Gold and Bullion Mart is something that happen in the mining world. You don’t have to own the equipment, but there are vendors who supply the equipment for explorers to hire.
“Discussions have gone very far with the equipment suppliers and very soon we will announce the programme.”
Meanwhile, the Country Manager, ITM, Nigeria, Habibah Waziri, raised concerns on human resources development that would sustain the sector.
Waziri also said there is need to formalize the sector and also invest in human capital in the sector for growth and development.
Alpha Morgan Bank Expands Footprint with Three New Branches
Alpha Morgan Bank announced the opening of three new branches in Maitama Abuja, Garki Abuja and Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, a strategic move that reinforces the bank’s commitment to expanding access to satisfying banking services across Nigeria.
With headquarters in Wuse 2, Abuja, and kickstart with over 14 branches nationwide, the bank’s expansion is expected to create several opportunities, supporting employment opportunities, stimulating small business growth and development initiatives through strategic partnerships and outreach.
“This growth is about deepening our connection to the communities we serve,” said Mr. Ade Buraimo, Managing Director/CEO of Alpha Morgan Bank. “We are not just opening doors; we are opening opportunities.”
The bank also offers tailored banking solutions, through its digital and *734# USSD banking. Alpha Morgan Bank is ensuring that individuals and businesses, regardless of background or digital literacy, can participate fully in the financial ecosystem.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s growth is anchored in a bold commitment to delivering satisfying banking to customers.
As the new branches open their doors, the Bank invites individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients to walk in and experience its approach to Satisfying Banking.
Business
Actress Joke Lawal Unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Giant African Real Estate Firm, Masterpiece Homes
Actress Joke Lawal Unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Giant African Real Estate Firm, Masterpiece Homes
– Seals Three-Year Contract
By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited has taken a bold step in strengthening its brand presence by unveiling celebrated Nollywood actress Joke Lawal as its new brand ambassador. The landmark announcement came with the signing of a three-year contract at the company’s head office in Lagos on Friday, August 22, 2025.
The unveiling ceremony, described as a major milestone in the company’s growth, featured a symbolic presentation of a branded Masterpiece T-shirt and the signing of official documents by Joke Lawal and the company’s Chairman, Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, alongside the Group Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel Oladimeji. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and guests applauded the partnership.
Speaking at the event, Prophet Ogundipe expressed pride in the company’s achievements despite industry challenges. He emphasized the importance of youth participation in Nigeria’s real estate sector for long-term sustainability. “Masterpiece Homes continues to be a trailblazer in the industry. This partnership with Joke Lawal is a testament to our vision of connecting heritage, innovation, and trust,” he said.
Group Managing Director, Mr. Oladimeji, hailed the initiative as a strategic move that positions Masterpiece Homes beyond the confines of a conventional real estate firm. “This is more than business—it is about celebrating our resilience and creativity as Nigerians. Our new brand ambassador will play a pivotal role in reinforcing our value chain while ensuring we preserve a genuine real estate culture for generations,” he stated.
Joke Lawal, visibly elated, described Masterpiece Homes as a symbol of innovation and authenticity in Nigerian real estate. “This unveiling represents a bold step in redefining the real estate sector in Nigeria. Masterpiece Homes is not just a company—it is a celebration of identity, trust, and vision,” she remarked.
The event featured vibrant performances, with guests clad in branded attires, reflecting the company’s culture of community celebration.
Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited has long been recognized as a reputable real estate brand connecting Nigerians at home and abroad to legitimate homeownership opportunities. With Nigeria’s real estate now ranked as the nation’s third-largest sector—behind crop production and trade—the company has renewed its commitment to bridging investment opportunities between Africa and the diaspora.
The unveiling of Joke Lawal as brand ambassador, according to Mr. Oladimeji, is not only a milestone for Masterpiece Homes but also a stimulus for broader industry growth. “Diaspora investments in Nigerian real estate remain vital. By creating systems that make homeownership seamless, Masterpiece ensures a win-win for all stakeholders,” he noted.
With this partnership, Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited positions itself to expand its influence and uphold its reputation as a trusted leader in Africa’s booming real estate market.
Oluwaseun Fabiyi is the official media consultant to Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited
Adron Homes Chairman Hosts NSE Ibeju-Lekki Executives, Explores Strategic Partnership
The newly approved Ibeju-Lekki Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), which recently emerged as the 91st branch of the Society, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, at the company’s headquarters.
The delegation of engineers, led by Engr. Olufemi Dare, FNSE, the Chairman of the Branch, described the visit as a strategic step towards strengthening relationships with corporate organizations that have consistently upheld professionalism and structural integrity in their projects.
In his remarks, Engr. Dare praised Adron Homes for its exceptional commitment to quality housing delivery across Nigeria and beyond, emphasizing that its reputation for structural integrity and innovation in real estate development stands as a reference point for engineering excellence. He further informed the Adron Chairman that the branch would be conferring an award of recognition on him at their forthcoming official inauguration ceremony, in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to housing development and infrastructural growth in Nigeria.
The discussions also explored potential partnership opportunities between NSE Ibeju-Lekki and Adron Homes in engineering, professional development, and sustainable housing innovations.
Responding, the Chairman of Adron Homes, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed delight at the prospect of a lasting partnership. He acknowledged the critical role engineers play in national development, while also noting the numerous challenges facing the engineering sector in Nigeria. He stressed that these challenges can only be surmounted by engaging qualified and dedicated professionals, a principle upon which Adron Homes has built its reputation.
According to him, “Engineering is the backbone of any meaningful infrastructural advancement, and as developers, we cannot afford to compromise on professionalism. This is why I am excited about this partnership and look forward to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the NSE Ibeju-Lekki branch.”
The NSE Ibeju-lekki delegation included Engr. Tiramisu Bello, MNSE (Vice Chairman); Engr. Omolola Adetola, FNSE (General Secretary); Engr. Taiwo Musa, MNSE (Assistant General Secretary); Engr. Ayodele Agunloye, MNSE (Financial Secretary); Engr. Opeyemi Olabisi, MNSE (Technical Secretary); Engr. Oluwadare Raji, MNSE, among several others.
On the part of Adron Homes, the Chairman was joined by key members of the executive team, including Adenike Ajobo, Managing Director; Tolani Roberts, Deputy Managing Director, Business Investment and Development; Mr. Kunle Ifeanyi Konwea, Director of Brand and Communications; Maureen Echefu, Chief Press Secretary, among others.
The visit not only highlighted Adron Homes’ enduring commitment to professional engineering standards, but also set the tone for a new chapter of collaboration between the real estate giant and the newly inaugurated NSE Ibeju-Lekki Branch, with both parties pledging to drive innovations that will redefine housing and infrastructural development in Nigeria.
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