FAREWELL TO THE GREAT IROKO OF AFRICA; CHIEF ENGR. DR. EMMANUEL IWUANYANWU CFR, OFR, MFR, FNSE, FNICE, FNIST, KSC, GCSI, AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO (PRESIDENT GENERAL OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO)

BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

Sahara Weekly Reports That It is with a heart filled with grief that I received the death of my political leader and mentor, my father and role model, my boss and benefactor; Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, OFR, MFR, FNSE, FNICE, FNIST,KSC, GSI, AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO(PRESIDENT GENERAL OF OHANAEZE ND IGBO WORLDWIDE). I was privileged to serve him as his Special Assistant (Special Duties and Special Projects) for five years, I was his National Coordinator/Board Secretary of Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance Foundation for five years. Coordinator of Iwuanyanwu Foundation for five years. Indeed I was his most favorite personal aid while he was alife. I was so close to the great AHAEJIAGAMBA of Igbo land that I was among the very few he allowed access to him even in his bedroom whenever he had retired from work for the day. So I know this man too well and in fact was one of his authorized biographers.

We started writing his biography while I was still a Corps Member at the Presidency SURE-P and concluded writing the biography seven years later. The book “AMAZING GRACE” (A 940 pages biography of Chief Iwuanyanwu) was officially launched on his 80th birthday in 2022. I was very instrumental to ensuring that the 80th birthday of our great leader and boss was a huge success as I traversed round the nook and crannies of this country reaching out to very prominent Nigerians to attend the birthday celebration.

I personally convinced the former President of Nigeria Dr. Goodluck Ebere Jonathan GCFR to be physically present at the event,even when he had told me he was earlier scheduled to be outside the country for an International assignment. I ensure President Ibrahim Babangida sent in his goodwill messages as I met him personally for that purpose. I ensured our current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent in his goodwill messages as I follow him up through his son Seyi and his personal assistant. I personally ensured over three former Senate Presidents of Nigeria attended the 80th birthday of my hero and great leader as I personally met each and everyone of them. I ensured several captains of industry and billionaires where properly followed up and constantly reminded to be physically present at his landmark 80th birthday event.

I knew that was the last biggest honour I needed to pay my great leader while he was still alife. Today our great Iroko is gone and his impact resounds all over the country because he is one man that has raised Global leaders and several billionaires within and outside the country. Chief Iwuanyanwu is one man honoured and respected more outside the shores of Nigeria than even in Nigeria; this I got to find out in my recent partnerships with foreign business partners and organizations.

Chief Iwuanyanwu was a living legend respected and honoured more in the far north than in Igbo land, this I got to find out during my one month tour of Nigeria in preparation for the 80th birthday of my hero.

As his personal biographer, there are secrets of his greatness I got to find out that had been the propelling force that made him stand out as a global business and political Titan. Chief Iwuanyanwu considered humanity first before any other considerations while stepping into business or politics. In business he set up the Oriental Airlines, Champion Newspapers, etc in other to project and promote his people;Ndigbo. In civil engineering, he set up the Hardel and Enic Group in other to compete with the International construction firms at that time. In politics he was practically pushed into politics after a group of Igbo Leaders/Traditional rulers picked him as Ndigbo’s sole Presidential candidate to fill in the gap created by the ban of older politicians from contesting elections at that time. Chief Iwuanyanwu almost rejected the call but he struggled within himself and accepted to be the consensus presidential candidate for NDIGBO at that time and he was subsequently taken to the great Zik of Africa Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe for his blessings and guidance. Even though Chief Iwuanyanwu eventually never became president of Nigeria, he has successfully raised leaders within and outside Nigeria to carry on from where he stopped in politics.

Time will fail me to talk about this great man, but I will forever remain grateful to God for bringing me in close contact with the great AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO.

Adiu my hero, gee nkeoma Okeosisi NDIGBO!

Your Very Loyal Son/Boy

Chinedu A. Nsofor

Former SA/National Coordinator of Iwuanyanwu Foundations

Jamsalod Nigeria Limited Director, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele Honoured With Exemplary Leadership Awards

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Managing Director of Jamsalod Nigeria Limited, Engineer Jamiu Ogundele has been awarded with exemplary leadership awards by Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta today 26th of July 2024.

According to Distinguish Senator Oluwashina Aramide Bello, he said Engineer Ongundele Jamiu was awarded based on his exemplary leadership acumen and philanthropy to the people at large.

The awards were presented on the 26th of July, 2024.

In his acceptance speech, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele appreciated the Students of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta FUNAAB for deeming it necessary to bestow him with a leadership awards. He promise to continue rendering assistance to the less privileged and sponsorship of education for children and youths whose parents are not financially buoyant to send them to school.

10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

Have you ever thought about buying a house or apartment that hasn’t been built yet? This is called buying “off-plan” property. In Nigeria, more and more people are choosing this option when they want to own a home. Let’s explore 10 big advantages of buying off-plan property in Nigeria.

1. Lower Prices

One of the best things about buying off-plan is that it’s usually cheaper than buying a finished home. When you buy early in the building process, developers often offer lower prices to attract buyers. This is because they need money to start or continue building. By buying off-plan, you can get a great deal on a property that might cost much more once it’s finished.

For example, let’s say a developer is planning to build a block of apartments in Lagos. They might offer the first few buyers a 20% discount on the final price. This means you could save millions of Naira just by buying early!

2. More Time to Save Money

When you buy off-plan, you don’t have to pay for everything at once. Usually, you pay a deposit first, and then you make more payments as the building goes up. This gives you more time to save money or arrange a mortgage. It’s like having a savings plan that ends with you owning a home!

Let’s say the apartment you want costs 50 million Naira. You might pay a 10% deposit (5 million Naira) when you agree to buy it. Then, you could have 18 months or more to save up or arrange the rest of the money before the apartment is ready.

3. Customization Options

Another great thing about buying off-plan is that you often get to choose how your home looks inside. You might be able to pick the colors of the walls, the type of flooring, or even the layout of the rooms. This means your new home can be just the way you like it, without you having to do any extra work.

Imagine being able to choose between having a big kitchen or an extra bedroom. Or picking the perfect tiles for your bathroom. When you buy off-plan, you often get these choices!

4. Newer Designs and Technology

Off-plan properties are usually more modern than older homes. Developers use the latest building techniques and include new technologies. This could mean better insulation to keep your home cool, solar panels to save on electricity, or smart home features that make life easier.

For instance, your new off-plan apartment might come with high-speed internet already installed, or a modern security system to keep you safe.

5. Higher Potential for Increase in Value

Property values in Nigeria often go up over time, especially in big cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. When you buy off-plan, you’re locking in today’s price for a property that will be finished in the future. By the time your home is ready, it might already be worth more than what you paid for it!

Let’s say you buy an off-plan apartment in Abuja for 40 million Naira. Two years later, when it’s finished, similar apartments in the area might be selling for 50 million Naira. You’ve already gained 10 million Naira in value!

6. Better Locations

Developers often choose great locations for their new projects. They look for areas that are growing or improving, places close to important roads, schools, or shopping areas. By buying off-plan, you might get a chance to own property in an area that will become very popular in the future.

For example, a developer might start a project in an area of Lagos that’s getting a new train station. By the time your home is ready, you could be living in a well-connected, sought-after neighborhood.

7. Guaranteed New Home

When you buy off-plan, you know you’re getting a brand new home. Everything will be fresh and unused. This means you probably won’t have to spend money on repairs or renovations for a long time. New homes also often come with warranties, so if anything does go wrong, it can be fixed for free.

Imagine moving into a home where you’re the first person to use the kitchen, or sleep in the bedroom. Everything is clean, new, and working perfectly!

8. Easier Budgeting

Buying off-plan can make it easier to plan your finances. You know exactly how much you need to pay and when. This can help you avoid surprises and make sure you have enough money saved at the right times.

For instance, if you know you need to pay 20% when the foundation is laid, 30% when the walls are up, and the rest when it’s finished, you can plan your savings or loan payments to match these stages.

9. Potential for Better Deals

Developers want to sell their properties quickly, especially at the start of a project. This means they might offer special deals to early buyers. You could get extras included in the price, like air conditioning units, a parking space, or even furniture.

Some developers might even offer a guarantee to buy back the property at a higher price if you decide you don’t want it when it’s finished. This can give you peace of mind about your investment.

10. Excitement and Anticipation

Last but not least, buying off-plan can be really exciting! You get to watch your future home being built from the ground up. Each visit to the site shows more progress. It’s like watching a dream come true in front of your eyes.

This excitement can make the waiting time feel special, rather than frustrating. You have time to plan how you’ll decorate, or to save up for furniture. By the time you move in, you’ll already feel a strong connection to your new home.

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041