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COVID-19: SMEs’ partnership, rigorous commitment key to sustainable economy growth- Sekibo

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In light of the sharp dwindling in the global economy occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo disclosed that with partnership, truth, character and rigorous commitment to businesses, the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) stand to revamp the nation’s economy for sustainable growth.

He also stated that evidences have shown that for SMEs to continue to survive and remain the bedrock of any vibrant economy, the players must continuously reinvent themselves, complement each other, dream big, possess cutting edge ideas and think and rethink before venturing into businesses.

Speaking during a webinar session, a virtual conference platform at the Upgrade Summit 2020, on the theme, “Converting Ideas into Reality with Focus on SME’s” Sekibo emphasized the need for SMEs to look inward, learn and relearn, possess the spirit of self-sacrifice and believe, whilst advising that they must be bold and should not be afraid to fail because failing is not a failure and should not give up because they had failed.

According to him, most entrepreneurs burn with ideas but they need to mine them so that they could blossom, remarking that they need to have mentors that will enable them to achieve their goals and sell the ideas.

“Among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, there has been too much of an individual focus, rather than a holistic or intergenerational focus. There is not enough focus on partnership among Nigerian SMEs and this causes ventures to fail,” Sekibo stated.

Meanwhile, he reiterated that more needed to be done in the area of empowering entrepreneurship sector by the government and financial institutions because it is an agent of development.

On Heritage Bank’s efforts so far, the MD/CEO affirmed that its philosophy does not rely on traditional banking metrics like growth in the number of accounts, but according to him, “one of our major cardinal point as a bank is supporting micro, small and medium scale businesses and our strong desire to see young men and women succeed in any area of their business. This will help the society and economy to grow, thereby moving the nation from poverty occasioned by Covid-19 to prosperous economy,” he added.

Sekibo, however, hinted that SMEs could take advantage of its products for seamless banking transactions to boost their businesses like Stockit, HBPadie and the newly launched 24/7 alternate electronic platform via USSD Code *745#.

“We have encouraged SMEs and customers alike to adopt the self-service platforms like *745*0# for balance enquiry, Funds Transfer (Within Heritage Bank): *745*1*Amount*Account Number#, self-airtime recharge: *745*Amount#, third party airtime recharge: *745*Amount*Mobile Number# and change pin: *745*00#,” he said.

He further explained that the entrepreneur schemes of the bank in the support for business had always focused on dependable job-creating sectors such as the agricultural value chain: fish farming, poultry, snail farming, etc., cottage industry, mining and solid minerals, creative industry: tourism, arts and crafts, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications

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From Vision to Empire: How Mujahid Turajo Built Til Group into a Multisector Giant

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*From Vision to Empire: How Mujahid Turajo Built Til Group into a Multisector Giant*

What started as a single company with a bold vision has grown into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic business conglomerates. Founded by the visionary Mujahid Turajo, Til Interiors began as a modest interior design company, bringing elegance and functionality to residential and commercial spaces.

Today, that vision has expanded far beyond design—Til Interiors has evolved into Til Group, a powerful conglomerate spanning food production, construction, global trade, and beyond.
With Til Foods, Til Interiors, Til Construction, and Til Global under its umbrella, Til Group is now a driving force in Nigeria’s economic landscape, fostering job creation, innovation, and industrial growth.

Til Interiors: The Foundation of an Empire
The journey of Til Group began with Til Interiors, a company that set out to revolutionise interior design and space transformation in Nigeria. Through innovative designs, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship, Til Interiors quickly gained a reputation for creating luxurious, functional, and aesthetically superior spaces for homes, offices, and commercial properties.

“Til Interiors was our foundation—it taught us the importance of detail, innovation, and excellence. Those same principles now define everything we do across all sectors,” says Mujahid Turajo.

Til Foods: Feeding Nations, Empowering Farmers
As Til Interiors flourished, Mujahid identified a critical need for self-sufficiency in food production and distribution, leading to the creation of Til Foods, which has now grown into a leader in Nigeria’s agribusiness and food industry.

Til Foods is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, food processing, and distribution, ensuring that Nigerians have access to high-quality, locally produced food products. The company oversees the entire value chain, from farming and production to retail and exports.
Within Til Foods, two major brands stand out:
Tomatil – A multi-billion naira state-of-the-art tomato processing factory in Kano, transforming fresh tomatoes into premium tomato paste and products, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports.

Til Grills & Restaurant – A high-end restaurant located in Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional flavours with modern culinary expertise.

“Til Foods is not just a business—it’s a mission to achieve food security, support local farmers, and put Nigeria at the forefront of global agribusiness,” says Mujahid.
Til Construction: Building the Future, One Structure at a Time
Recognising the urgent need for quality infrastructure and housing solutions in Nigeria, Til Construction was established to provide innovative, durable, and sustainable building solutions.

Today, it stands as a major player in real estate development, civil engineering, and large-scale construction projects.

One of Til Construction’s flagship projects is Concord, a residential development located in Life Camp, Abuja. Designed to redefine modern living, Concord features premium residential blocks that blend contemporary architecture with luxury, comfort, and sustainability. The project is set to transform Abuja’s skyline, offering state-of-the-art amenities, top-tier security, and elegant living spaces tailored for families and professionals alike.
“We are not just building structures; we are creating communities where people can thrive. Concord is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector,” notes Mujahid.

Til Global: Connecting Nigeria to the World
To support the group’s expansion into international markets and cross-border trade, Til Global was established as the conglomerate’s trade and logistics arm. This division ensures that African goods, resources, and services reach the world stage efficiently and competitively, fostering stronger trade relationships and expanding market access for Nigerian products.

A Legacy of Growth, Excellence, and Impact
From a single interior design company to a multisector empire, Til Group’s journey is a testament to strategic vision, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Under Mujahid’s leadership, the company continues to expand, innovate, and set new benchmarks in food production, design, construction, and global trade.
“Our story is about growth, impact, and transformation. We started with a passion for design, and today, we are shaping industries and changing lives across multiple sectors,” Mujahid affirms.
As Til Group enters its next phase of expansion, the company remains committed to its core values of innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment, ensuring that its legacy continues for generations to come.

*About Til Group*
Til Group is a diversified Nigerian conglomerate with subsidiaries in food production (Til Foods), interior design (Til Interiors), construction (Til Construction), and global trade (Til Global). The group is dedicated to driving industrial and economic growth through innovation, sustainability, and excellence.

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TRANSCORP POWER RELEASES UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE Q1 ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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TRANSCORP POWER RELEASES UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE Q1 ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

 

 

 

Transcorp Power Plc (NGX: TRANSPOWER), one of the power subsidiaries of Africa’s leading and listed conglomerate, Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”), has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Robust Revenue Growth

 

o    An impressive 55% year-on-year increase in revenue, rising from 67.9 billion to 105.4 billion.

 

o    This strong performance was primarily driven by an increased available capacity of 625MW compared to 500MW in Q1, 2024. This growth has been achieved notwithstanding the liquidity challenges in the sector, showcasing our commitment to closing the power supply gap in the country. 

 

  • Significant Growth in Profit Before Tax

 

o    Profit before tax grew by 50%, from 28.8 billion in Q1, 2024 to 43.3 billion in Q1, 2025.

 

o    This substantial growth reflects not only higher revenues but also continued improvements in cost efficiency and operational excellence.

 

 

MD/CEO of Transcorp Power Plc, Peter Ikenga, comments:

 

“We delivered a strong performance in Q1 2025, reflecting our disciplined execution, reliable operations, and unwavering focus on efficiency. Despite the challenges impacting the sector, we continue to optimise our generating capacity from 500MW in Q1 2024 to 625MW in Q1 2025. We remain firmly committed to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while powering progress across Africa”.

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has congratulated real‑estate titan Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman and CEO of ADRON Homes & Properties, on his 50th birthday.

“Reaching fifty in good health and remarkable professional standing is a testament to God’s grace,” the governor said.

Governor Abiodun lauded Aare Adetola’s “exceptional journey and unwavering commitment to excellence,” noting that ADRON Homes has expanded under his leadership from modest beginnings to a leading national developer that has broadened access to home-ownership for countless Nigerians.

“As governor of your home state, I am proud of your accomplishments,” Governor Abiodun added.

The Governor highlighted Aare Adetola’s deep‑rooted investment in people and the local economy, describing it as a reflection of faith in Nigeria’s limitless potential. He credited the celebrant’s “strategic foresight and community‑driven initiatives” with lifting the country’s real‑estate sector to new heights.

On behalf of his family and the people of Ogun State, Governor Abiodun wished EmmanuelKing continued health, wisdom, and impact, extending heartfelt congratulations to his family, friends, and associates on this golden jubilee milestone.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

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