Connect with us

Business

FirstBank Offers Support To SMEs In Education Sector Through The Pandemic

Published

on

FIRSTBANK HOSTS SME WEBINAR, ENLIGHTENS ENTREPRENEURS ON WAYS TO REBUILD THEIR BUSINESS

By Chinyere Nwokeoma, NAN

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has offered to give financial support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Education Sector to cushion the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic. Mr. Bankole Adediran, Head, Transaction Banking Products, FirstBank, made this known at the Bank’s SMEConnect webinar with theme: “Managing Your School through the Pandemic: Engagement and Retention Strategies”.

Adediran said that the Bank was ready to partner with SMEs in the education sector through the period of the novel coronavirus pandemic to sustain their businesses.

“FirstBank, as an institution, is very passionate about education, and will continue to support the sector,” he said.

He said that the Bank would continue to reinforce its leading role at enabling the growth of the educational sector in the country.

Adediran said that the Bank had an array of financial products that could be accessed by SMEs in the educational sector in the period of COVID -19.

He said SMEs in the sector could key into FirstEdu Loan targeted at private nursery, primary and secondary schools to assist the schools in achieving their desired growth in medium and long terms.

According to him, the product provides funding advancement of up to N20 million for schools with a minimum of 100 students with school fees collection domiciled at FirstBank.

Adediran said that, with the product, school owners/proprietors could stay ahead to make learning easy and conducive for students.

He said the Bank had launched various interventions and initiatives to support the sector to navigate through challenges occasioned by COVID -19.

He noted that FirstBank recently launched an e-learning initiative aimed at reaching out to one million students across the country to ensure they would be academically engaged while at home.

Adediran also said that the Bank supported 10 universities and three secondary schools across the country with major infrastructure projects.

He added that the Bank donated 20,000 e-learning devices to the Lagos State Government to promote online learning for students in the public schools.

Adediran urged schools must learn from the COVID -19 pandemic by embracing automation to plug leakages in the sector.

Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, who was a panelist at the webinar, commended the Bank for donating 20,000 devices with six months data, to the state for e-learning.

Adefisayo said the state reached out to many companies for support at the wake of the pandemic and that FirstBank came to its aid.

She disclosed that all the schools were not prepared for the situation, noting that most children in public schools did not have device and data for online learning.

“This pandemic has been a terrible thing, and one lesson from it is that we have not invested enough in solutions we can deplore at a time like this,” Adefisayo said.

She said that the pandemic had forced Nigerians to be more creative and innovative, adding that schooling would no longer be the same again.

Adefisayo called on teachers to change their teaching and learning strategies, saying that COVID -19 had changed learning.

Also, Dr. Yomi Otubela, President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), said the association had responded greatly by interfacing between government and its agencies since the beginning of the pandemic.

Otubela said the Central Bank of Nigeria was working out modalities for palliatives for schools and teachers who had not been receiving salaries since the pandemic started.

He noted that there had been an increase in rape, kidnapping and robbery as a result of COVID -19.

Mr. Wale Abioye, Team Lead, Customer Practice in Management Consulting (KPMG), said the pandemic had impacted negatively on many sectors of the economy, especially education.

Abioye highlighted some of the negative impacts of the pandemic to include financial/economic, structural, social and policy challenges.

He said many SMEs in the educational sector could be out of business due to the pandemic, thereby increasing unemployment rate.

Mr. Babatunde Vaughan, Education Lead, Modern Classroom, Microsoft Nigeria, said the company had introduced a lot of products to make online learning easy and interesting.

“COVID -19 is a very unique period for everyone, change has come and we will continue to experience change.

“We must be more proactive than reactive,” Vaughan urged.

Business

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

Published

on

*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.

Continue Reading

Business

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

Published

on

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”.

Continue Reading

Business

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending