Business

I Started as a Camera man.. passed through thick and thin to get to this stage – Planet TV Owner,Wale Akinlabi

Published

9 years ago

July 27, 2015

Planet TV is a musical channel on GOTV transmitting to the world from south Africa, a couple of weeks ago an affiliation kicked off in Nigeria transmitting from onward building in oregun, ikeja Lagos. The president of the planet image communications both in south Africa and Nigeria is a young Nigerian that has traveled far wide and especially through every nook and cranny of African continent promoting both Africa and Nigeria culture through selling our musical contents. Sahara weekly had the honor of speaking one on one with Mr Wale Akinlabi a man of vision and focus on how it all began and how it has been so far. Enjoy….

Sw: can we meet you sir?

Wale Akinlabi: my name is wale akinlabi the president of planet image communications,the owner of planet TV on GoTV channel 37 and good morning africa on africa magic

Sw: kindly tell us your background

WA:I hail from oyo alafin in oyo state and happens to be the first child in a family of seven. I studied theater arts from lagos state university,bachelor of arts(BA)visual & performing arts, I’m married with 2 beautiful kids from the most beautiful woman(smiles)

Sw: Recently you unveiled planet T.V a music channel on cable network in nigeria apart from the planet TV in south Africa,kindly tell us how and when planet TV started?

WA: Planet TV actually originated from Nigeria. I started the company in 1990 but as a one man business there was not much to write home about . So in year 2000 after resigning my appointment from where I was working I went into full operation.

Sw: As at that time were you still in Nigeria?

WA: I relocated to south africa in 2004,the beginning in south Africa was also not rosy. I was just there with nothing but just hoping for the best,in 2008 things started improving and I got planet image registered

Sw: earlier you talked about resigning your appointment to fully concentrating on planet TV from which company did you resign?

WA: I was working with Audio visual first( AVF) who actually owns this facility before resigning in year 2000

Sw: For you to set up planet TV in south Africa you must have recorded a huge success?

WA: (smiles) we still can not deny the fact that planet TV has come of age inspite of the fact that we still target the sky as our limit

SW: what makes planet TV different from the others ?

WA: we strive to stand ahead of others in our programming, we target both the youth and the matured audience and try to balance the two. As for our picture quality, we broadcast with HD and also transmit with the most powerful and effective transmitting machine from South Africa which is the latest technology in terms ot transmission, we are only the only one using it in Nigeria while all others make do with satellite dish which is not always reliable, when it rains the signal becomes unstable.

Sw: that is quite wonderful!!!

WA: that is not all,we are the first cable TV channel with live interaction,so we could feel the pulse of our viewers and give it instant attention,they tell us what music to play and we put it on their screen immediately …

SW: what prompted the decision to have a live interactions while others are not so inclined….

WA: like every other youth, everybody has a vision but the way we actualise our dreams is what brings about the difference, it depends on how individual go by it. Another point of note is the fact that we all have dreams but not all are given the grace to actualise our dreams. All in all I give glory to God for making my dreams come to life.

SW: life is not always a bed of roses, along the line the road must have been rough and bumpy, what are the challenges?

WA: it has not been an easy journey all through. I passed through thick and thin to get to this stage . Like I told you earlier,1990 till 2000 when I resigned at my working place to fully concentrate on my own project,I was not getting anything but only sacrificing time, energy and capital,the situation continued till we left Nigeria’s shore in 2004

SW: once in south Africa,things turned around for good?

WA: Not immediately ,the first few years in south Africa was full of unrewarding efforts making it the same old story, it was self determination coupled with patience and lot of sacrifice that saw us through and we had an upturn in the business. My brother the challenges were tough and discouraging but above all I give all the glory to God for where we are today..

Sw: let’s get on how you found your self in the media world,was it a dream or somehow accidental?

WA: I actually started from the scratch. Its a long story but I’ll take time to tell you to the barest details

SW: Go on,I’m all ear sir?

WA: (sigh) I passed through all aspects of production
,Started as a cameraman, I later moved to Galaxy TV owned by Steeve OJO, I was working as an editor,I was one of the first set of people that built and developed galaxy tv in ibadan, I trained virtually all the editors and also doing the broadcast. One thing I can say about steeve ojo is the fact that he would not tolerate half measure . He made me work hard and every body said he was using me but the fact remains that I was building myself morally,physically and technically. He employed me as an editor but made me understand professional camera handling. We rotate different departments,it was him that turned me into an animator, my dexterity on it with time made all my friends call me animation,it became my nick name .

SW: so you moved from minor camera operation to editing and from there to animation?

WA: you are right,it was when I moved to AVF that I became content producer

Sw: Hmmm Jack of all trades- (cuts in)

WA: master of all (General laughter) so imagine you going through all these processes,knowing almost everything in all facets of it. Setting up your own company will no doubt be an easy thing.

Sw: so in one word experience has really worked positively for you ?

WA: exactly after knowing all the rudiments of each departments nothing should stop one from reaching the sky. When I started the planet TV because I could do everything I made myself the capital. I would do the capital work and later edit the stuff, after editing I would send the content to where I want it to go . It was really a humble beginning.

SW: Planet TV having been on GoTV for couple of years what positive impact have you made on Africa magic?

WA: I myself have made positive impact that would linger on for quite a long time. Good morning africa which is totally one of the best breakfast show in the continent of africa is my brain child ,it started in 2009 in south africa . After watching africa magic for a long time,I conceptualized the program and started selling the content for africa magic…

SW: ok ,that was when you started selling content for them ?

WA: Nooo…I started selling content for them in 2004,before the good morning africa, I was commission to get contents for them so I started producing small small contents like the ”star zone featuring Nigerian stars on their channel, growing time, weekend plus,home trend,chillers,design & life style , design & automobile and so on …

SW: that is quite a lot sir but before I go, to every hard working and commitment there must be one or two benefits or let me say reward, have you ever been awarded before ?

WA: we give all Glory to God!to God be the glory I have been awarded the following accolades!!(1) Best television producer with the most african content 2012 by african achievers award at kings college united kingdom, (2)media excellence 2011by leaders voice magazine south africa,(3)entrepreneur of the year 2011 by Applause magazine united kingdom,(4) Heritage award 2014, excellence media practice & profound commitment to success 2014 by supreme magazine. And by the grace Of God more are still coming our ways…

SW: Whao!!! what an achievement! So at this juncture sir what would you tell those who aspire to become a TV channel owner like you?

WA: patience,endurance and sacrifice because it can never be an instant success,it takes a whole lot of time. But with God All things are possible

SW: thank you very much sir for your quality time….

Business

ATMs empty as banks ration withdrawals

Published

16 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

ATMs empty as banks ration withdrawals

The Automated Teller Machines of Deposit Money Banks have consistently remained empty in recent months as banks grapple with a sustained low cash supply.

It was also gathered on Wednesday that some DMBs, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, have begun another round of cash rationing, restricting maximum over-the-counter withdrawals to a daily limit between N5,000 and N20,000.

While banks struggle to get cash, Point-of-Sales operators have been fulfilling the cash needs of customers.

Speaking at the Facts Behind the Rights Issue Presentation of FBN Holdings at the Nigerian Exchange Limited recently, the Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer of First Bank, Patrick Iyamabo, said that the matter was an industry-wide one and not peculiar to a specific bank.

He said, “It is an industry problem. Most customers after exhausting the options available in other banks, tend to settle at FirstBank to address their cash needs. The challenge differs by location but we know it is a challenge that the regulator is looking into to address. But as we speak of physical cash, we must appreciate that the direction of the industry is to go digital.

“A lot of our customers do most of their transactions digitally, and you heard the GMD speak to this, very often people don’t want to transact in cash. In terms of this new order, your bank, FirstBank is very well positioned so if you look at the statistics and I’m speaking to independent statistics, just pick up your NIBSS report, the bank with the most stable platform meaning availability to always transact digitally is FirstBank. So, all our customers have the benefits of having their cash in First Bank and having access to this cash anytime anywhere and as necessary. It’s a huge advantage.”

Speaking anonymously with The PUNCH, a banker at a tier-1 bank put the blame on the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As a result, many people have turned to Point-of-Sale operators, who have become the primary channel for cash withdrawals, albeit often at higher transaction fees.

Major commercial banks visited by one of our correspondents on Wednesday claimed not to have sufficient cash allocation hence the ration withdrawals to serve more customers.

The banks visited include Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank along Airport Road, and EcoBank at Jabi in Abuja.

A bank customer at EcoBank, who spoke without mentioning her name, said she was only allowed to withdraw N5,000 from N20,000 previously allowed.

“I was just informed that I can only withdraw N5,000 from my account. Can you imagine? The amount will can’t even take me home.”

Our correspondent received the same answer when he attempted to obtain cash.

At GTBank and Zenith Bank along the airport road, customers were permitted a maximum withdrawal of N20,000 from N100,000 previously disbursed as a daily limit.

A customer, Mr Faith, who visited the bank expressed shock about the new limit. He said the banks didn’t give any cogent reason for reducing the withdrawal limit.

“I just visited these banks, and I was informed that I can only withdraw N20,000 from N100,000, which was the previous limit. They didn’t even give any reason for reducing, now I have to start looking for cash elsewhere. This country is just so annoying,” He vented.

Cash scarcity became a recurring and widespread issue across Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced a controversial policy in January 2023, which significantly reduced the daily and weekly cash withdrawal limits to N100,000 daily, N500,000 weekly for individuals, and N5m for business entities.

This decision, aimed at encouraging a cashless economy, led to long queues at ATMs, increased difficulty in accessing physical cash, and a general disruption of daily financial transactions for millions of Nigerians.

The policy’s impact was felt particularly by those in rural areas and lower-income groups, who rely heavily on cash for their day-to-day needs, exacerbating economic hardships across the country.

Last week, data from the CBN showed that currency in circulation climbed 56.1 per cent year-on-year to reach N4.31tn, up from N2.76tn in September 2023, reflecting an increase of N1.55tn.

This is just as currency outside banks surged by 66.2 per cent in September 2024, reaching N4.02tn compared to N2.42tn in September 2023, a notable rise of N1.60tn in just one year.

This indicates that the volume of currency retained outside the banking sector outpaced the total released for circulation within the past year.

Compared to August 2024, currency in circulation rose by 4.0 per cent month-on-month, adding N166.2bn from the previous figure of N4.14tn.

The CIC is the amount of cash–in the form of paper notes or coins–within a country that is physically used to conduct transactions between consumers and businesses. It represents the money that has been issued by the country’s monetary authority, minus cash that has been removed from the system.

Earlier in September, the CBN announced plans to sanction banks that fail to dispense cash through their automated teller machines, as part of efforts to improve cash availability in circulation.

The CBN also revealed plans to release an additional N1.4tn into circulation over the next three months to ease cash flow within the banking system.

This strategy aims to ensure that ATMs and bank branches have sufficient cash, addressing ongoing challenges faced by customers over cash shortages.

Efforts to get a reaction from the apex bank on the new situation proved abortive as the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Hakama, did not respond to enquiries sent to her phone number.

Business

NNPCL Makes New Leadership Appointments

Published

17 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPCL Makes New Leadership Appointments

The Board of Directors of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has just made fresh leadership appointments.

A communication by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the nation’s oil company, announcing the development reads…

The Board of Directors of NNPC Limited is pleased to announce a series of strategic leadership appointments. These changes
reflect our continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The following key appointments have been made:
1. Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Segun previously served as the Executive Vice President, Downstream, where he made significant contributions to the company’s downstream operations.
2. Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been named Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream.
3. Mr. Udobong Ntia has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream.

These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.

NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritizing the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.

Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
November 13, 2024S

Business

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

How Prophet Kingsley Predicted The Rumble In Pastor Adeboye Led RCCG

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, which held in the capital city. While Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his remarks echoed the ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.

The Dangote Refinery based in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos is the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, and Adeboye’s comments reflected the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing fuel for personal gain.

Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result. He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”

Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption. He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.

These marketers, the renowned pastor claimed, have formed alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.

He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.

Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.

Recently, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).