Afriq Group CEO, Staff graduates of Certified Cryptocurrency Compliance Specialist 3Cs

The A&D Forensic Institute has awarded staff members of the Afriq Group of Companies the Certified Cryptocurrency Compliance Specialist (CCCS) certification after they successfully completed the required training. The ceremony, held in Abuja from November 4 to 8, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Afriq Group’s dedication to compliance and security in the cryptocurrency sector.

Notably, Afriq Group of Companies is the first Cryptocurrency company in Africa to train over 12 staff members as Certified Cryptocurrency Compliance Specialist.

During the event, Mr. Jesam Michael, CEO of Afriq Group, expressed his gratitude to the A&D Forensic Institute for their in-depth training. He acknowledged that previously, the company focused mainly on trading and profit-making in the crypto space but had now realized the value of knowledge and compliance. “We were mainly focused on making money, but A&D has helped us see the importance of a knowledge base in the crypto space,” Mr. Jesam Michael said.

A highlight of the training week was the introduction of Mrs. Faith E., Afriq Group’s new Cryptocurrency Consultant, who visited the staff on the fourth day. The CEO described her as a mentor and guide for the company’s growth. Mrs. Faith, a seasoned expert in cryptocurrency since 2016, emphasized the importance of education in the evolving technological space. She noted, “People often view technology as magic, but anything lasting over a decade is no longer a trick; it is innovation.” Mrs. Faith stressed that staying educated is essential for Afriq Group to protect its reputation and thrive within the global community, especially given the challenges of operating in a sensitive and risky sector.

She also highlighted how this training would elevate the staff’s capabilities and open new career paths for them. “This training benefits you as individuals first, making you certified specialists, which is recognized internationally,” she said. Mrs. Faith urged the participants to make the most of their knowledge and continue learning to strengthen Afriq Group’s position in the market.

After completing their certification exams, the staff received their CCCS certificates. Mr. Martin, CEO of Farm Trading, joined the ceremony to present the certification to Mr. Jesam Michael as a newly certified Cryptocurrency Investigator. In his remarks, Mr. Martin praised the achievement as a positive step for compliance in the industry and emphasized the balance between business operations and regulatory standards. “Work closely with management, document processes, and follow rules carefully. This way, your role as compliance officers can drive success without jeopardizing business integrity,” he advised.

The event concluded with renewed excitement and a sense of purpose among the staff, who now hold specialized expertise in cryptocurrency compliance. Mr. Jesam Michael reminded everyone to continue their dedication, noting that their work would be under the scrutiny of experts like Mrs. Faith to ensure excellence and adherence to best practices.

BUA Foods Bags Multiple Awards

…Becomes first Nigerian business to win AABLA Company of the Year Award

BUA Foods Plc, the makers of IRS Pasta, BUA Sugar, IRS Flour, and BUA Rice, has emerged as the 2024 Company of the Year at the prestigious CNBC’s Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) held in South Africa.

This historic win makes BUA Foods the first Nigerian organisation to win the Company of the Year award in the 12-year history of AABLA, Africa’s largest premier business award renowned for recognising outstanding achievers in Africa’s business landscape.

The award came hours before BUA Foods was named the “Most Valuable Indigenous Food Company” at the 2024 BrandCom Award in Lagos State. In late September 2024, Marketing Edge also awarded BUA Foods as the “Customer-centric FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year” while Media Consortium named IRS Premium Wheat Flour the “Premium Brand of the Year”.

According to the leading Nigerian food company, the awards acknowledge its significant contributions to the African food industry, commitment to sustainable growth, and positive impact on the continent.

The Managing Director of BUA Foods, Engr. Ayodele Abioye (PhD.), in his acceptance speech at the AABLA award in South Africa, noted that the award is not just for BUA Foods but for the entire African food industry.

A statement from BUA Foods on Sunday quoted Abioye as saying, “We are deeply honored to be acknowledged as the Company of the Year. This recognition is a testament to our position as a leading force in the African food industry. We are proud to contribute to economic development and positively impact the continent.

“This award is not just for BUA Foods but for the entire African food industry. It acknowledges our collective efforts to bolster food security in the region, especially in the face of ongoing challenges.

“Just last month, we solidified our position as a global player by signing agreements with Italian and Turkish firms to expand our Pasta and Wheat production to 900,000 metric tonnes per annum and 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum respectively. This strategic move positions us to become the largest milling company in Nigeria by 2025, and ultimately Africa in the near future”.

Ayodele subsequently expressed gratitude to the organisers of the award, valued stakeholders, and employees of the company, saying their trust and loyalty have fueled BUA Foods growth.

He also reaffirmed BUA Foods’ commitment to empowering African communities through sustainable food production and distribution.

“As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to feed Africa and contribute to the region’s economic development. We will continue to explore new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and invest in innovative technologies to elevate the African food industry to unprecedented levels,” he added.