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Economic hardship: Dangote Foundation distributes rice to host communities …shares 40,000 bags in Ogun

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Economic hardship: Dangote Foundation distributes rice to host communities

…shares 40,000 bags in Ogun

 

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF)’s N15 billion National Food Intervention programme has landed in Yewa land as the Foundation commenced distribution of 40,000 bags of rice in Ogun state.

Yesterday, the 17 host communities of the Dangote Cement, Ibese plant, along with Itori, Igbogila, and Ilaro, received their share. Beneficiaries in Ibese and Araromi were accredited and received one bag each at the palace of Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Mulero.

Ijebu-Igbo, the host communities to Dangote Granite Mines will soon receive their allocation as the rice for the area has been delivered in preparation for distribution.

Chairman of ADF and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, launched the food intervention programme in Kano in March, promising that the Foundation will distribute over one million 10kg bags across the 774 local government areas of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, FCT in Nigeria at a cost of about N15 billion.

The Aboro of Ibeseland expressed gratitude on behalf of his communities to the Foundation for its benevolence in distributing rice at this time of economic challenge, saying the gesture would benefit many households where staple food like rice has become scarce.

He likened Dangote’s initiative to Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), introduced by the military government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo over 46 years ago to revitalize agriculture and ensure food availability for all Nigerians.

Oba Mulero stated, “we are grateful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote. The rice gift is very impressive given the current situation in the country. We really appreciate him. What he has done can be likened to Operation Feed the Nation of those days. That is what I will call it. He has done well to decide to feed the people. Everybody is vulnerable now in this country.”

He continued, “What Alhaji Dangote is doing is worthy of emulation by other well-meaning Nigerians. When food is out of the problem equation, the equation is easy to solve. We are using this opportunity to thank him for this gesture. You can see the way my people are happily receiving it. We pray to God to continue to uplift him.”

The Aboro of Ibese commended Dangote for his job creation efforts through investments. He said the rice distribution to the people of Ibese is like the icing on the cake as the Cement Plant sited in the community has absorbed some of the host communities’ indigenes and that the food palliative would go a long way to cushion the effect of the economic hardship.

He pledged the support of the people to the Dangote Cement, Ibese plant to ensure the company operates in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity so that the company can continue to benefit the host communities.

One of the beneficiaries, Odunfa Ayodele Adams, an indigene of Ibese on behalf of others expressed appreciation to the ADF. He said it was the first time such a programme would be brought to the Ibese community and prayed to God to give Alhaji Dangote long life to do more for the society.

It would be recalled that Alhaji Dangote while speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the programme explained that the initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by the country.

He also emphasized the importance of compassion and generosity, stressing that all stakeholders must play a part in supporting the government to alleviate hunger in the land.

“Our distribution of rice symbolizes our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity, which are at the core of our humanity. ADF has decided to spearhead the food intervention programme,” he said.

On the modalities for distribution of the rice, Dangote said: “the modalities for the programme involve collaboration with state and local governments as well as local community partners to ensure effective delivery of the rice to the most vulnerable across the country, regardless of state, tribe, gender, religion, politics, or other attributes, “he added.

In her own remark then, the Chief Executive Officer of the ADF, Zouera Youssoufou said the rice distribution is in addition to the Foundation’s daily bread relief programme, that is producing and distributing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos States every day since 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

She said: “It is noteworthy that Dangote’s efforts in nutrition strengthening in Nigeria extend well beyond the foundation’s food relief programmes and nutrition activities. The Dangote Group has been actively investing in food fortification across the Nigerian food industry, with its iodized salt, vitamin A fortified sugar, while researches are on-going into micronutrient fortification of staples like rice, wheat, and bouillon cubes”.

Economic hardship: Dangote Foundation distributes rice to host communities
…shares 40,000 bags in Ogun

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RealtorMax Extends 50% Promo, Sets for Land Allocation at Luxurious Estate, Aje: The Wealthy Residence”

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RealtorMax Extends 50% Promo, Sets for Land Allocation at Luxurious Estate, Aje: The Wealthy Residence”

 

 

RealtorMax Limited, a fast growing real estate firm in Lagos, has announced that subscribers to the luxurious Aje: The Wealthy Residence Estate in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos will receive their land allocation on Saturday, June 29.

Dr Micheal Adeyemi, the Chief Executive Officer of RealtorMax, revealed that all necessary documents will also be presented to the subscribers, allowing them to begin construction immediately and fulfill their dream of owning a home in this prestigious estate.

Adeyemi stressed that prompt allocation of property to paid up subscribers as well as fulfilment of all promises made to customers irrespective of unforseen development is one of the key reasons the firm has gained the loyalty of customers and continued to thrive.

He said: “On Saturday June 29, we shall be allocating plots of lands to all our paid up subscribers for Aje: The Wealthy Residence Estate. All necessarily documents would also be presented to help them begin construction of their choice homes on the land. We pride ourself on and take delight in delivering all promises made to clients including prompt property allocation which we are demonstrating again and which has gained us full trust of the people and helped us grow quite rapidly in the industry.”

Aje: The Wealthy Residence Estate is located in the fastest-growing community of Lagos, known as the “NEW LAGOS,” in the Ibeju Lekki, ilamija axis on the Lekki Epe expressway. The area has seen significant infrastructure development and has become a hub for businesses and housing. With key projects such as Alaro City, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the newly commissioned International Airport, 2 Lekki Seaports, Dangote Refinery, and Pan Atlantic University, the Ibeju Lekki axis has become a sought-after location for luxury living and business.

The estate itself is situated on a vast expanse of dry land, offering a serene environment with a sea view and eco-friendly features powered by green energy. Upon completion, the estate will be equipped with top-notch luxury facilities, including a sea view, green zones, and a perimeter fence with a gatehouse. The carefully planned amenities, reminiscent of those found in top global cities, aim to provide exquisite luxury and comfortable living for esteemed subscribers.

To further ease the burden of payment on Nigerians who desire to own a portion of our well sought after property, RealtorMax is currently running a 50% promotion on all plot sizes in the estate. Prospective buyers have the opportunity to purchase a 500SQM plot for N16 million naira instead of the original price of N32 million naira, and a 300SQM plot for N9.6 million naira instead of N19.2 million naira. This promotional offer will last until the end of July.

In addition to the discounted prices, subscribers of Aje: The Wealthy Residence Estate will enjoy a range of amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. These amenities include a game and recreation center, children’s playground, 24-hour power supply, mini football field, basketball court, tennis court, green areas, an artificial lake, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa and wellness center, an emergency clinic, a fire service center, an estate maintenance center, a concrete road network, street lights with security CCTV cameras, a full WIFI network, a shopping mall, a pharmacy, a library, a bakery, a farm market, an eatery, and fast food. The estate also offers short-term apartment rentals for guests.

The Aje: The Wealthy Residence Estate offers three categories of buildings: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver plan includes a 300SQM plot with a 4-bedroom duplex and a bq, as well as ample parking lots. The Gold plan offers a 500SQM plot with a 5-bedroom duplex, a bq, a private swimming pool, and ample parking lots. The Platinum plan boasts a 1000SQM plot with a 6-bedroom duplex, a bq, a private swimming pool, a private cinema, a private gym, and ample parking lots.

Upon completion of payment, subscribers will receive a Receipt of Purchase, Contract of Sales, Certificate of Allocation, Copy of Government Allocation Document, and estate layout plan. To ease the financial burden, customers have the option of paying in installments, allowing for a more flexible payment timeline.

Dr Mike Adeyemi emphasized RealtorMax’s commitment to helping Nigerians build their dream homes, whether they seek luxury or affordable housing options. The company aims to bridge the housing deficit in the country and empower individuals to own their own homes in desirable locations like Aje: The Wealthy Residence Estate.
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Why investors will buy Fidelity Banks offers, by capital market stakeholders

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Why investors will buy Fidelity Banks offers, by capital market stakeholders

 

 

Fidelity Bank Plc started its N127.1 billion combined rights and public offers to a rousing support from the investing public as key capital market stakeholders recalled the symbolic importance of Fidelity Banks impressive growths and investor-friendly disposition over the years.

From the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) to stockbrokers, investors and customers; the N127.1 billion combined rights and public offer received unreserved recommendations, with industry thought leaders citing the performance of Fidelity Bank in its core banking operations and as a quoted company at the stock market.

They said Fidelity Banks N127.1 billion combined rights and public offer was the right way for the nations banking recapitalisation exercise to start as the bank, which has the highest corporate governance rating and an average annual capital gain of more than 100 per cent at the stock market, has strong appeal to the investing public.

Fidelity Bank is offering a rights issue of 3.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N9.25 per share. The bank is also simultaneously offering 10 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to the general investing public at N9.75 per share.

The acceptance and application lists for the rights issue and public offer, which opened on Thursday, June 20, 2024, are scheduled to close on Monday, July 29, 2024. The rights issue has been pre-allotted on the basis of one new ordinary share for every 10 existing ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Friday, January 05, 2024.

The Doyen of Stockbrokers, the oldest practicing stockbroker, Alhaji Rasheed Yussuff, said Fidelity Bank has good records going for it with its history of impressive growth and profitability and dividend payments.

According to him, the bank is known to the market as a good investment, with evident records of impressive returns and corporate responsibility.

Yussuff, who was already a leading stockbroker and managing director of Trust Yields Securities Limited in 2004-2005 when Fidelity Bank launched its initial public offering (IPO) and listed its shares at the stock market, said the bank has been hitting all positive records that should encourage investors to buy more into it.

Referencing the banks impressive returns, Yussuff, who has more than five decades in the capital market and was principal dealing clerk for ICON Limited/ICON Stockbrokers in 1976, particularly noted that Fidelity Bank has been paying good dividends.

Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr Sam Onukwue, who recalled the founding days of Fidelity Bank in 1987, said he had watched Fidelity Bank sustained commendable growth trajectory over the years.

He said the bank has shown exceptional growth and resilience, rising from being a private merchant in 1987 to becoming one of the largest, publicly quoted commercial banks in Nigeria. Fidelity Bank is one of the seven Nigerian banks with international banking licences.

Onukwue, who is also managing director of Mega Equities Limited, said Fidelity Banks history of performance underlines the strength of its management, noting that the bank has proven to be able to keep investors trust.

Chairman, Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Mr. Ahonsi Unuigbe said the combined offer marked a pivotal moment for the bank and the financial services sector.

This is a testament to Fidelity Banks unwavering commitment to strengthening its own capital base and ensuring sustainable growth through amazing roles played by all of the professional parties to this transaction, Unuigbe, an investment banker and former director at Standard Bank, said.

He said the new banking recapitalisation is aimed at bolstering the resilience and stability of the nations financial institutions.

According to him, the ongoing recapitalisation has set robust minimum capital requirements that will ensure Nigerian banks are not only more solvent, but also capable of supporting the growth and development of the economy.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka, commended Fidelity Bank for its performance and willingness to avail the investing public of every relevant information.

He assured that the NGX remains committed to supporting companies like Fidelity Bank in its quests to deepen the capital markets and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth and innovation.

Founder, KAM Holding, Dr Kamoru Yusuf, said Fidelity Bank has shown to be an exceptional bank with focus on the development of Nigerian economy and companies.

He said investing in Fidelity Bank will be an investment in the growth of Nigerian economy and companies like KAM Holding, the nations largest wholly indigenous metal and steel production company.

Yusuf, whose group has metamorphosed into a global business conglomerate operating in three countries across two continents, confirmed that KAM Holding has benefited immensely from financial supports from Fidelity Bank.

Yusuf, who was physically present at a session at the NGX to present facts behind the offer to the investing public, underlined the relationship between increased capital for a business-focussed bank like Fidelity Bank and the overall development of the Nigerian economy.

Addressing the investing public at the NGX, Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, reiterated the commitment of the bank to delivering impressive returns to shareholders and supporting the growth of the Nigerian economy.

She explained that the new capital raising by Fidelity Bank was driven by its proactive business expansion plan having secured shareholders approval to raise new equity funds as early as August 2023. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)s directive on new minimum capital was released in March 2024.

The offer will increase our capacity to support our customers and their businesses. In summary, this capital raise will help our customers to grow, their businesses to thrive, and their economy to prosper, Onyeali-Ikpe said.

She assured that with its groundswell of supports from enthusiastic shareholders, customers and stakeholders, the bank is on course to achieving the N500 billion new minimum capital base, which will clearly confirm the bank, beyond any doubt, as one of the biggest banks in Nigeria.

Onyeali-Ikpe noted that being the first bank to launch offer out of the many banks in Nigeria after the CBN directive, Fidelity Bank has shown again to be a pace-setter.

According to her, Fidelity Bank seeks the CBN recapitalization directive as a significant opportunity for a stronger and more resilient banking industry.

We have embraced the challenge as a catalyst to propel us, towards a long-term vision of becoming a market leader across every product that we offer and segment that we sell, not just in Nigeria, but as an international bank, Onyeali-Ikpe said.

She said the proceeds from the N127.10 billion capital raising exercise would be instrumental in achieving its strategic growth plan.

She highlighted that the funds, firstly, would be deployed to drive, business growth and regional expansion.

We will strategically expand our footprints within and outside Nigeria to serve as a broader customer base and to unlock new market opportunities.

Secondly, we will have what we call technological transformation. We are committed to leveraging proprietary technology to improve operational efficiency and deliver exceptional customer service.

Thirdly, we intend to diversify and grow. By investing in information technology (IT) infrastructure and product distribution channels, we will aim to diversify our earnings base through digitalization and business expansion, Onyeali-Ikpe said.

She said the management recognised the importance of investors and are committed to delivering value to them as well.
Our track record of accelerated growth and consistent dividend payment is a testament to this, Onyeali-Ikpe said.

A recent review had shown that Fidelity Bank outperformed all major market indices for measuring returns at the Nigerian stock market, with the banks average annual return over the past five years twice the average return by the overall market and almost four times of average return in the banking sector.

A review of official trading reports at the Nigerian stock market showed that investors in Fidelity Bank have earned more than 507 per cent in capital gains over the past five years, between May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2024
Fidelity Banks share price rose by 507.14 per cent over the period, representing average annual capital gain of 101.43 per cent. This significantly exceeds all other major return benchmarks, including the banking sector.

With 507 per cent capital gain in five years and average annual gain of more than 100 per cent, the return analysis implies that investment in Fidelity Bank is more attractive than other class of assets, including fixed-income securities such as government and corporate bonds; real estate investment and mutual funds among others.

These returns underscore Fidelity Banks immense value as a stock for all times, helping investors to hedge against inflation while preserving significant long-term value.

The high divisible nature of shares investment and high free float of Fidelity Bank, which makes the banks shares easily available, underline the bank as a most attractive investment option for all cadres of investors- small, medium and high networth; retail and institutional investors.

The All Share Index (ASI) – the common, value-based index that tracks all share prices at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), which is widely regarded as Nigerias benchmark for equities market, recorded a five-year return of 219.61 per cent, an average annual return of 43.9 per cent.

Contrary to the significantly above average performance of Fidelity Bank, the NGX Banking Index-which tracks the banking sector, doubled by 120.53 per cent over the five-year period, representing average annual return of 24.11 per cent, more than 77 percentage points below Fidelity Banks average return.

Two other major price indices- the NGX 30 Index and NGX Main Board Index, recorded five-year cumulative return of 185.73 per cent and 265.6 per cent respectively, representing average annual gain of 37.15 per cent and 53.1 per cent respectively.

The NGX 30 Index tracks share prices of the 30 largest companies at the stock market while the NGX Main Board Index represents the largest and most diversified group of listed companies at the stock exchange. Fidelity Bank is quoted on the main board, like most other major banks and companies at the stock market.

The average annual return of 101.43 per cent underlines that Fidelity Bank provides substantial return for investors, even where such investors had borrowed money at the ruling interest rate and the invested fund was adjusted for impact of inflation rate.

Nigerias inflation rate peaked at a high of 33.69 per cent in April 2024 while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), otherwise known as benchmark interest rate, to 26.25 per cent.
Fidelity Banks share price, which closed May 31, 2019 at N1.68 per share, rose successively to N10.20 per share by the end of May 2024.

The ASI had, during the period, rose from its opening index of 31,069.37 points to close weekend at 99,300.38 points. The NGX Banking Index rose from 361.57 points to 797.37 points. The NGX 30 Index, which opened the period at 1,286.68 points, closed the period at 3,676.44 points. The NGX Main Board Index appreciated from 1,267.54 points to close weekend at 4,634.31 points.

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US-Based Trailblazer In Leadership, Human Resources, Mrs Tracy Ekam Honors With The High Chieftaincy Title ‘Yeye Bobajiro’ (Diaspora) Of Iro, Egbaland

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US-Based A Trailblazer In Leadership, Human Resources, Mrs Tracy Ekam Honors With The High Chieftaincy Title 'Yeye Bobajiro' (Diaspora) Of Iro, Egbaland

US-Based Trailblazer In Leadership, Human Resources, Mrs Tracy Ekam Honors With The High Chieftaincy Title ‘Yeye Bobajiro’ (Diaspora) Of Iro, Egbaland
… A honour well deserved
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

 

A Quintessential philanthropist Chief Mrs Tracy Ekam, is an exceptional woman she wears many hats. She has established herself in business; and as a foremost America-based which today she remains an humanitarian, philanthropist and peace ambassador. Chief Mrs Tracy Ekam’s professional dynamism and unwavering dedication remain a beacon of excellence. As she continues to trailblaze new paths of success, Tracy Ekam remains a guiding light in the realm of professional excellence and leadership to community development.

In every endeavors, the newly crowned ‘Yeye Bobajiro’ of Iro, Egbaland (Diaspora) Chief Mrs Tracy Ekam exemplifies the true essence of leadership—inspiring, empowering, and driving positive change. Her exceptional abilities, coupled with her unwavering commitment to excellence, make her an invaluable asset to any organization fortunate enough to benefit from her leadership prowess.

On Saturday, 22nd of June he added another feather to her hat as she was honoured with the high chieftaincy title of ‘Yeye Bobajiro’ (Diaspora) of Iro, Egbaland in Ogun State. Nigeria. By his Royal Majesty, Oba Najeemdeen Alani Eyiowuawi Arole1 1(Oniro Of Iroland);.

The journey which started on Saturday; March 3rd, 2024 when “The Royal Majesty”! Oba Najeemdeen Alani Eyiowuawi (Arole 1), The Oniro Of Iroland, proclaimed Chief Mrs Tracy Ekam as the new Yeye Bobajiro (Diaspora) of Iro, Egbaland.
By this singular honour, all the America-based of Iroland, family, friends, associates and well-wishers were all present to grace the occasion
Her commitment and unflinching loyalty to Yoruba ancestry/culture and heritage, will ensure she reign as the Yeye Bobajiro for a very long time, in honour of this, there were many Chiefs from neighbouring towns, and dignitaries from every part of the State both in diaspora as Iro, Egbaland was agog.
Big Congratulations ma’am!

 

US-Based A Trailblazer In Leadership, Human Resources, Mrs Tracy Ekam Honors With The High Chieftaincy Title 'Yeye Bobajiro' (Diaspora) Of Iro, Egbaland

Oluwaseun Fabiyi is a seasoned Journalist writes from Lagos

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