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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WORLD BANK LAUNCHED GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT EQUITY WINDOW

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The federal government, in partnership with the World Bank on Tuesday launched the Growth and Employment (GEM) Equity Window, a grant scheme to support micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

The World Bank has committed $165 million to the project.

The grant would be made available to qualifying venture capital and private equity firms and other equity providers to incentivise them to provide equity finance to MSMEs. The GEM project seeks to support participating MSMEs to enable them increase their market and their contribution to employment.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Lagos, the Lead Financial and Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, Michael Wong, said the GEM is a project that the government decided to put in place to enhance enterprise development and to also diversify the economy.

“The objective of the project is to generate employment particularly among young Nigeria. The World Bank is the funder of the project. Those to benefit include any small enterprise, any aspiring young person that wants to set up a business can register under the business innovation platform which would be launched in December,” he explained.

The project has windows for equity companies, which are companies that should provide capital to aspiring high growth potential firms, he said.

On his part, the Project Coordinator, GEM, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Sani Labaran, pointed out the project has a lifespan.

“It became effective in July 2013. It is a 5-yearprogramme. But what we are saying is that whoever we support in the next few years should become effective in whatever business he is doing. The equity grant is what we are launching today.

“Firstly, for an entrepreneur to benefit, he or she must register on the Business, Innovation and Growth (BIG) platform and must receive training. You must tell us areas you are having challenge  so that when you go back to your business your profitability will increase. Everybody has equal opportunity. The ultimate goal is to create employment opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.

Also speaking on the initiative, a senior official of theHenshew Capital Partners, Barbara James, said the facility was one of the many interventions that had been proposed.

She decried the low number of private equity firms in Nigeria when compared with countries such as South Africa, Brazil and Malaysia.

“In these countries, they have over 100 private equity firms operating in the SME sector, in larger companies, in aviation and so many other sectors. But in Nigeria, we have just very few. So, we need to facilitate and activate more managers of such funds to come up so as to support SMEs and other sectors of the economy,” she said.

GEM project targets 100,000 jobs

Project Coordinator, Growth and Employment Project, Mr Sani Labaran, has said the venture was aimed at creating about 100,000 jobs upon completion.

Labaran made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the GEM Equity Window Launch on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to him, the project is open to every Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneur without discrimination.
“Everybody has equal opportunity,” Labaran said.

He explained that the ultimate aim of the project was to ensure the growth of the economy beyond oil.

The coordinator said that interested investors should register on the Business, Innovation and Growth platform to qualify for the equity financing through the GEM project.

He added that SMEs must first be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission to be eligible.

Labaran said, “It became effective in July 2013. It is a five-year programme.

“But what we are saying is that whoever we support in the next few years should become effective in whatever business he is doing.

“Whoever we support must be able to stand on his or her own. The GEM project has a life span that will expire by September 2018.

“If the objective of the project is achieved, we can ask the government to create more projects that will be financed by the World Bank.”

He advised SMEs to leverage on the opportunities created by the performance and equity grant segments of the project.

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Valentine Season: Adron Homes Encourages Nigerians to Build Lasting Love Through Real Estate

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Valentine Season: Adron Homes Encourages Nigerians to Build Lasting Love Through Real Estate

 

 

Adron Homes and Properties has continued its ongoing “Love for Love Promo” as part of its Valentine season initiatives, encouraging couples, families, and investors to move beyond traditional gifts by embracing shared property ownership as a lasting expression of commitment and financial stability.

 

The company stated that the promo, which has been running throughout the Valentine period, was designed to inspire Nigerians to build long-term value and legacy through real estate investments. It noted that the initiative offers attractive discounts, flexible payment options, and a variety of exclusive gift items across its estates and housing projects nationwide.

 

Under the promo structure, clients who pay ₦100,000 receive cake, chocolates, and a bottle of wine, while those who pay ₦200,000 receive a Love Hamper. Subscribers who commit ₦500,000 receive a Love Hamper with cake, and those who pay ₦1,000,000 enjoy a choice of a Samsung phone or a Love Hamper with cake.

 

The incentives increase with higher commitments. Clients who pay ₦5,000,000 receive either an iPad or a romantic couple’s getaway at a top Nigerian hotel, while payments of ₦10,000,000 come with options including a Samsung Z Fold 7, a three-night stay at a premium resort, or a full solar power installation.

 

High-value investors are also rewarded, as clients who pay ₦30,000,000 on land receive a three-night couple’s trip to Doha or South Africa. At the same time, purchasers of houses valued at ₦50,000,000 are presented with a double-door refrigerator, further reflecting the company’s focus on combining lifestyle experiences with strategic investments.

 

The company added that the promo covers estates located in Lagos, Shimawa, Sagamu, Atan–Ota, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger states. It reiterated its commitment to secure land titles, affordable pricing, and prime locations, urging Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of the ongoing Valentine campaign to build a future rooted in love, security, and prosperity.

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14 Reasons Nigerians Should Own Property with the Trusted Real Estate Brand

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14 Reasons Nigerians Should Own Property with the Trusted Real Estate Brand

 

As part of activities marking its 14 years of transforming Nigeria’s real estate landscape, Adron Homes and Properties has unveiled 14 compelling reasons why individuals and families should consider owning property with the company reinforcing its commitment to accessible, stylish, and sustainable homeownership.

 

In a statement released by the company, Adron Homes described property ownership not just as an investment but as a strategic lifestyle decision rooted in long-term security, wealth creation, and community development. The company noted that over the past 14 years, it has remained consistent in providing affordable housing solutions while delivering well-planned estates that cater to diverse income levels.

 

According to the statement, Adron Homes’ success is anchored in its strong value proposition, which ranges from affordable pricing and flexible payment structures to prime estate locations nationwide. The company emphasized that its gated communities are designed with security, modern architectural standards, and structured infrastructure that ensure comfort and functionality for residents.

 

Adron Homes further highlighted its transparent documentation process and verified property titles, which have continued to boost investor confidence and encourage long-term property ownership among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. The company added that its developments are intentionally designed to promote thriving communities, environmental sustainability, and long-term urban planning.

 

With a proven track record of helping thousands of customers achieve their property dreams, Adron Homes reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-value investments that appreciate over time while maintaining strong customer service support from initial inquiry to allocation and beyond.

 

The organisation also noted its culture of appreciation for clients, partners, and staff through consistent reward programmes and promotional incentives. This strategy has strengthened loyalty and deepened engagement across its growing customer base.

 

Reflecting on its 14-year journey, Adron Homes reiterated that its mission goes beyond selling land and houses; it focuses on building vibrant communities where families thrive, investments grow, and futures are secured. The company encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of its flexible ownership opportunities, stressing that the best time to invest in property is now.

 

As it continues to expand its footprint across Nigeria, Adron Homes remains committed to innovation, excellence, and redefining the real estate experience through sustainable developments that stand the test of time.

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Ogun Unveils Plan for ₦1bn AI-Driven Digital Classroom at Remo Secondary School

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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.

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