Business
“Change Should Be More Than Mere Slogan” – Julius Nwokolo
Julius Nwokolo, the CEO of Ultramoda Nigeria limited , a clothing company, in this interview gives an overview of the state of the nation, proffering solutions to thorny issues and explaining how he has managed to attain and maintain the high standard his company is noted for
Can you give us a brief history of your company?
We have been on this work for 16 years. I started it while I was a student. It was a hobby but it later took part of me and became etiquette, so to say. I resigned from lectureship in Europe, came back and embarked on it and since then, I’ve been on it, trying to sustain it. I’ve always dreamt to be a master of myself. From my course of study, I went through developmental studies, so I think that influenced me that I could also be an employer of labour. That’s a brief history of my company.
As an economist, can you take us through the gamut of the economy of this great country?
It’s been good that we have beautiful structures historically and every time we push this to the colonial masters. We have had all the years to restructure the economy but if we turn the pages, everything about us is beautifully written but implementation is always the issue. Implementation is part of the problem we basically have in Nigeria and this has to do with the government.
Proffering a solution to this problem, how can we go about it?
The government should restructure the situation. Nigeria is very rich. They should be employer of labour instead of having full loads of cash in bank accounts. Ordinary toilet roll industry costs less than N50m. They can tap into it. We have about 10 families that will feed under that directly. Ordinary wooden hanger is being imported from China. We have woods all over Nigeria; we can establish a furniture company. We can tap into establishing small scale businesses. We overlook things that could contribute to national economic development.
What is your take on efforts by the current administration?
Unfortunately, you can’t talk about them without mentioning the past administration; which was very weak and corrupt. And that is why Nigerians rushed into the acceptance of the slogan ‘Change’.
Basically, it’s like the ‘Change’ is just a slogan thing. I won’t be surprised if at the end of the regime there was no change, because the structure for change was not made. You cannot embark on a project without the foundation. Change isn’t just from pages of newspapers or on television. You have to have the right people to be there. I seriously doubt if there will be any change.
What is your take on the new ministers?
The ministerial nominees are a serious disappointment after the long wait. You can’t tell me that you can’t find the ‘Change’ in personalities in a country of over 200 million people. I wouldn’t want to take it personal but the truth is the nomination is like compensation. It is not about what they know. We are bringing the same people together. It is like compensation, maybe because they have been part and parcel of you. We have different vibrant Nigerians who are very capable but they were not nominated. We need someone who can give the radical change.
The nomination was based on compensation. They were nominated because they helped the President during election. If we want change, we need new people too. Even if they don’t perform well, history will acknowledge that, at least, you did it.
A lot of people believe Buhari is diverting his strength to fighting corruption, thereby neglecting economic policies. What is your take on that?
It takes me back to what I said earlier – lack of super structure. This is a distraction from focus. He has deviated. Fraud isn’t the function of the President; it is the work of the law enforcement agencies. It’s not an achievement. It’s a complete distraction. Instead of hearing that Niger Bridge has been completed, I’m hearing that Diezani [Alison-Madueke] is being held in London. What is my business with that? Does that contribute to my meal ticket, as an average Nigerian? What’s the accountability on the looted funds?
Basically, are you cautioning or advising Buhari?
Buhari is my president, I cannot caution him. My advice to him is to be focused. He should read the theory of change, he should establish the super structure for what a change is supposed to be and take it over from there and restructure all that has gone wrong. We are waiting on him because we need a real sense of change. The people who will make the change are in this country and they should be invited to do that. Not those that we already know; we want freshers. You don’t have to be a member of a party to bring a change. We are talking about Nigeria, not APC or PDP.
Let’s take a look at Lagos State. A lot of people think Governor Akinwunmi Ambode hasn’t really taken off. Whats your take on that?
Don’t forget he is an accountant by profession. He could be very good in his field. With that background, I’m not expecting much. Take a look at Allen Avenue and Opebi Road, even Ikeja, which is Lagos State headquarters. You can’t just drive around. From Opebi to Allen is just too bad. You can’t tell me government officials don’t pass through there. We are not thinking in Nigeria. They should also stop disturbing the movement of people all in the name of construction. They can do it on Sundays or even midnight. A lot of things had gone slow before Ambode took over, so it is going to take him some time.
Can you tell us what has been the secret of your success?
Consistency. No matter how it comes, I try to correct myself when I need to. That’s the magic so far. Practically, the way I talk about developing people. A lot of people have worked in and established themselves from this place. If I can do that, you can do that, it will be easy; it’s not all about the government. The other part of is humility, I don’t think there is anyone that will say I offended him or her, even as a customer. Financial challenge is the negative part of it but as much as it is, we’ve been trying to manage it.
What would you say makes you unique?
I try to source for uncommon things and then do achievable things. We have what everybody wants.
How have you been able to manage where you source your materials from?
My relationship with my supplier has been very cordial. Most of my current designers now have known me for long. We have known each other for more than 15 years. I’ve never been arrested for refusing to pay up; whenever we have debt, we manage it.
Do you have any plans to bequeath the business to any of your children?
Funny enough, my children have chosen academics. It doesn’t have to be my children. Someone working under me can take over. I know people who I’ve planted in and have seen them grow. People like appreciation. Many of them are far richer than I am but I’m happy that they passed through me. It gives me joy
How have you been able to maintain the brand?
It’s the same consistency. If you answer to a different name every time, something is wrong, it is not about branding.
Ogun Unveils Plan for ₦1bn AI-Driven Digital Classroom at Remo Secondary School
The Ogun State Government has announced plans to deliver a 900-capacity, Artificial Intelligence-enabled digital learning complex at Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, in a move aimed at strengthening technology-based education across the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed activities marking the institution’s 80th anniversary, noting that the proposed facility represents a deliberate investment in modern learning infrastructure designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving, knowledge-driven global economy.
He explained that the digital classroom project complements ongoing smart-education initiatives within the school, which already features a functional resource centre and a state-of-the-art robotics laboratory established to nurture innovation, problem-solving skills, and digital competence among learners.
Reaffirming his commitment to the school’s growth, the governor announced a financial pledge of ₦100m, stating that ₦50m representing half of the amount would be released immediately to kick-start development efforts. He also assured stakeholders that at least one of the outlined projects would be fully executed before the end of his administration.
Abiodun further disclosed that the state government had upgraded the school’s science laboratories, equipping them with modern facilities and teaching tools to ensure safer and more effective practical learning experiences for students.
He added that renovation works had also been completed on both the male and female hostels to improve accommodation standards, enhance security, and promote the overall well-being of boarding students.
Describing Remo Secondary School as a symbol of enduring heritage, the governor said the anniversary celebration went beyond mere commemoration of years of existence, emphasising the institution’s long-standing role in shaping generations of leaders and professionals.
He praised members of the old students’ association for their unwavering support and contributions to the school’s development, stressing that their collective efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to sustaining its legacy of excellence.
According to him, the projects and improvements carried out at the school reflect a strong belief in education as a foundation for future growth, as well as the power of collaboration between government, alumni, and the wider community.
Abiodun also revealed that the institution had been recognised as one of Ogun State’s model schools, urging students to remain focused on their academic pursuits, uphold strong moral values, and continue the tradition of excellence for which the school is known.
Business
BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Calls for Shift from Extraction to Value Addition at AFC Event during Mining Indaba 2026
BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Calls for Shift from Extraction to Value Addition at AFC Event during Mining Indaba 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu CFR CON, has called for a decisive shift in Africa’s development strategy, urging governments, financiers, and the private sector to move the continent from raw material extraction to large scale industrial processing and value addition.
Rabiu made the remarks as Special Guest of Honour at an Africa Finance Corporation forum during Mining Indaba 2026, where African leaders, policymakers, financiers, and industry executives gathered to discuss the future of mining, industrialisation, and real sector development on the continent.
Commending AFC for its role in mobilising long term capital for Africa’s industrial sectors, Rabiu noted that the institution’s leadership and recent S&P Global rating with a positive outlook underscored the importance of strong development finance institutions in shaping Africa’s growth trajectory.
Drawing from BUA Group’s experience, he recounted the company’s decision over sixteen years ago to transition from cement importation to local production in Nigeria, despite the capital intensity and long gestation periods associated with mining and heavy industry.
“At the time, Nigeria was importing cement despite being richly endowed with limestone,” Rabiu said. “We were spending more time chasing foreign exchange than selling cement. The real question was not whether the resources existed, but whether there was enough conviction to stop importing and start producing locally.”
Today, he noted, BUA mines and processes about forty thousand tonnes of limestone daily, producing roughly one million tonnes of cement every month. That shift has helped Nigeria move from being a cement importer to a net exporter, saving the country billions of dollars in foreign exchange annually.
Rabiu stressed that such transformation would not have been possible without patient, long term financing from DFIs, particularly the Africa Finance Corporation, which has supported BUA’s cement and industrial operations with over four hundred million dollars in financing.
He added that a significant portion of those facilities has already been repaid, demonstrating that well structured African industrial projects are not only developmental but also commercially viable and recyclable.
Turning to the broader continental picture, Rabiu highlighted what he described as a structural paradox: Africa remains one of the world’s most resource rich regions, yet exports the bulk of its minerals and agricultural produce in raw or minimally processed form.
He cited examples across gold, cobalt, copper, iron ore, diamonds, and cocoa, noting that while Africa supplies much of the world’s raw inputs, it captures only a fraction of the value created downstream.
“Africa does not lack resources,” he said. “What it lacks is processing capacity, industrial scale, and disciplined execution.”
He argued that the same challenge extends beyond mining into agriculture, where Africa holds a majority of the world’s arable land yet continues to import billions of dollars’ worth of food annually.
Rabiu called for coordinated action among governments, DFIs, and the private sector, urging DFIs to scale long term financing targeted at beneficiation and industrial value chains, while governments adopt deliberate policies that incentivise local processing and invest in power, transport, and industrial infrastructure.
“Industrialisation does not happen by accident,” he said. “Countries that industrialised did so by design, not by chance. Africa must do the same.”
He concluded by stressing that Africa’s opportunity lies in aligning private enterprise, patient capital, and supportive policy to move the continent from extraction to transformation, and from potential to shared prosperity.
Business
Adron Homes Celebrates 14 Years of Excellence, Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities
Adron Homes Celebrates 14 Years of Excellence, Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities
Adron Homes and Properties Limited, a leading player in Nigeria’s real estate industry, proudly celebrates its 14th Anniversary, marking over a decade of transformative impact in affordable housing delivery, sustainable community development, and structured urban growth across the country.
Over the last fourteen years, Adron Homes has evolved into a nationally recognised real estate powerhouse, delivering over 60 livable estates and communities across Nigeria and enabling more than 100,000 Nigerians to achieve their property ownership dreams. With strategic developments spanning Ibeju Lekki, Lekki-Epe, Badagry, Shimawa, Papalanto, Sagamu, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger State, and other emerging urban corridors, the company continues to reshape access to land and housing through affordability, innovation, and long-term planning.
Speaking on the milestone, the Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, described the anniversary as a celebration of vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerians through property ownership.
“Fourteen years ago, we set out with a clear vision to make property ownership accessible and achievable for every hardworking Nigerian. Today, we celebrate not only the growth of Adron Homes but the countless families whose dreams have become reality through our communities. Our journey has always been about impact, empowerment, and building environments where people can truly thrive.”
Highlighting the company’s philosophy of developing structured environments rather than just selling land, the Chairman emphasised Adron Homes’ focus on sustainable urban planning and community building.
“At Adron Homes, we build cities, not just estates. Each development reflects thoughtful planning, infrastructure, accessibility, and a long-term vision for modern living. As Nigeria continues to urbanise rapidly, our mission is to ensure that growth is inclusive, structured, and sustainable.”
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking also acknowledged the role of customers, staff, stakeholders, and media partners in the company’s sustained growth and national relevance.
“This milestone is a testament to the trust of our customers, the dedication of our workforce, and the unwavering support of our partners and stakeholders. Together, we have demonstrated that affordable housing can be delivered with quality, innovation, and integrity.”
Looking ahead, Adron Homes reaffirmed its commitment to expanding mass housing solutions, embracing technology-driven real estate innovations, and strengthening partnerships that contribute to Nigeria’s economic development and housing accessibility.
“The future of Adron Homes is defined by innovation, expansion, and deeper community impact. We remain committed to democratizing property ownership, building sustainable communities, and shaping the future of real estate in Nigeria for generations to come.”
As Adron Homes marks 14 years of excellence and national impact, the company continues to position itself as a catalyst for structured urban development and a trusted partner in the realization of property dreams across Nigeria.
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