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[ICYMI] Ex-employees Narrate How UK firm’s director deceived, extorted Nigerians with fake sponsorships, care jobs

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[ICYMI] Ex-employees Narrate How UK firm’s director deceived, extorted Nigerians with fake sponsorships, care jobs

[ICYMI] Ex-employees Narrate How UK firm’s director deceived, extorted Nigerians with fake sponsorships, care jobs

 

 

In this feature, VICTOR AYENI writes about how the director of a United Kingdom-based social care recruiting agency, Lekan Ayuba, allegedly used his former employees to lure in applicants and amass wealth through dubious promises of care jobs and non-existent Certificates of Sponsorship

In the “About Us” section of the website of Click Operations, a United Kingdom-based firm, it described itself as “a healthcare recruitment agency” that helps to “recruit and re-train a team of highly trained, compassionate, and dedicated care workers” providing care throughout the UK.

A care worker, according to a British home learning website, www.ncchomelearning.co.uk, is “a trained professional who supports other people in all aspects of their daily life” which includes preparing and eating meals, socialising, physical activities, and medical support.

While some care workers work in care homes, others are employed on a contract basis in patient’s homes, while domiciliary carers travel to different people’s houses in the community.

Unfortunately, many Nigerian applicants who relied on the director of Click Operations, Lekan Ayuba, to provide them with their Certificates of Sponsorship to enable them to enter the UK, have described the claims on his agency’s website as “mere window dressing to lure in desperate people.”

According to the latest State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce Report, 9.9 per cent of positions in the care industry in the UK were vacant between 2022 and 2023, which is equivalent to 152,000 vacancies being advertised on an average day.

As a result of this shortfall, many UK employers rely on recruiting adult social care workers from other countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and India.

 

Some of these applicants, now stranded in Nigeria, told Saturday PUNCH that they frittered millions of naira on medical tests, international driving licences, police reports, and obtaining the CoS to travel to the UK, but Ayuba reportedly kept postponing the delivery of their CoS.

The applicants also alleged that since last year when they parted with their money, Ayuba refused to refund them and abruptly stopped communicating with them.

A travel agent, Funmilayo Dan-Musa, alleged that her 18-year-old nephew who needed to be flown to the UK for medical treatment died while Ayuba kept deceitfully delaying her after he collected monies for application, documentation, and health insurance from her.

She further stated that Ayuba had blocked her along with other primary applicants on his social media accounts and left her indebted to the people she recommended him to.

After their stories were published by Saturday PUNCH two weeks ago, some former Nigerian employees who worked with Ayuba in the UK, contacted our correspondent and accused him of using them to get more clients and amassing wealth for himself.

However, citing security reasons, the ex-employees preferred not to have their full names disclosed.

They accused Ayuba of financially extorting people by promising to issue them CoS, refusing to refund them their money, owing his former staff, and arbitrarily removing them from the company when they stopped bringing applicants to his agency.

He made money deceiving people’

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, a former Business Development Manager at Click Operations, simply known as Mr Joel, said Ayuba met him in a church in 2022, where he told him that he owned a care agency and that he had lots of contracts all over the UK.

This, he alleged, was later found to be untrue, after he was employed by the agency and he realised it had only a client.

“Ayuba begged me to work with him to build the business and I agreed. He (Ayuba) would often give instructions about which accounts we were to transfer the money from applicants. Some of this money was transferred to his account, some of which he refunded but left with £180,000.

“Most of his dealings with these people were based on lies, so when these people started asking for refunds, he would deceive them. Because we didn’t have access to his lawyer, he was the only one communicating with his lawyer, so whatever he told us was what we relied upon as the director of the company.

“It was much later we realised that he wasn’t who we thought he was. Now, he has gone incommunicado; he has blocked us on WhatsApp and changed his number. He sent someone to tell us that he’s a British citizen and nobody can do anything to him. He threatened that if we ever came to his house, he would call the police on us,” Joel said.

Joel’s wife, Ruth alleged that although Ayuba made some refunds to some of the people they brought who paid for their recruitment process, he still owed them a total of £180,000.

She said, “Lekan signed a document with one of the people who paid him where he stated how much he was owing us and how he intended to fully refund. We have evidence of this.

“We held a meeting with Lekan where a clergyman tried to settle us amicably, and in this meeting, Ayuba admitted to taking the sum of £180,000 from us and promised to pay up in August 2024.

“People are dragging us left and right for recommending him to them, people are crying because of the money he withheld. What we want for Lekan Ayuba to come up and refund their money and stop hiding.”

Also speaking with Saturday PUNCH, a former manager at the company who gave her name as Deola said she became friends with Ayuba in 2020 and through her, got his firm registered with the Care Quality Commission, a government agency that regulates all health and social care services in the UK.

“Before you can run a domiciliary healthcare in the UK, you need to be regulated by the CQC and go through a registration process. You’d need a registered manager and a nominated individual. Lekan knew I had the experience and right qualifications, so he asked me to join his team and I agreed. I got his business registered in November 2023,” she revealed.

Deola alleged that Ayuba deceived her to believe that he had a contract but it was the CQC registration that was delaying it.

“He asked me to bring people to pay for the recruitment process and they gave him money. All the money I gave him was cash and he sent one of his employees to come and pick up the money from my house. That was between September 2023 and January 2024. Thousands of pounds from people were also given to Lekan which were picked up in cash under his instructions by former employees of his organisation.

“All these people who paid were added to a WhatsApp group and Lekan was the group admin. Later, the whole thing got ugly, people were demanding refunds and Ayuba kept telling different stories to the middleman between us through whom some of these applicants came.

“Eventually, the middleman and some individuals confronted Ayuba at his house, and the police got involved. He lied that they wanted to kidnap him. This led to the middleman’s arrest and Ayuba also accused me of being the mastermind of the kidnap, and denied collecting any money from me,” she added.

Duping the desperate

A former Director of Operations at Click Operations, Theresa Omotayo, said when she met Ayuba through a colleague, he assured her that he was building a care company, which led her to resign from her previous job and join his team.

She added, “Ayuba offered me a job with sponsorship and told me about his contracts in several parts of the UK, and his plan to provide training for international candidates that he intended to sponsor.

“It was when I joined the company that I discovered that his company didn’t have numerous contracts like he claimed. He didn’t even have the CQC accreditation to sponsor caregivers.

“He got me involved in training international candidates on soft skills, asking me to create a relevant and complete curriculum and not rush the training, as he wanted the carers to be well trained and grounded before their arrival into the country. I didn’t know he had already charged these candidates and was buying himself more time with the training.”

 

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ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024  

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Zenith Bank Enhances E-Channel Services for Customers

ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024

 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024, recording a remarkable triple-digit growth of 118% from N1.33 trillion reported in Q3 2023 to N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024. This performance underscores the Group’s resilience and market leadership in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment.

 

According to the Bank’s unaudited third quarter financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the triple-digit growth in the topline also led to an increase in the bottom line, as the Group recorded a 99% Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from N505 billion in Q3 2023 to N1.0 trillion in Q3 2024.  Profit after tax equally grew by 91% from N434.2 billion to N827 billion in the same period.

 

The growth in the topline was driven by the expansion of both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income saw a notable 190% rise to N1.95 trillion, attributed to the high-yield environment. Non-interest income rose by 41% to N856 billion, bolstered by substantial growth in fees and commissions, which highlights the strength of Zenith Bank’s retail growth and the robust performance of its digital channels during the reporting period. The robust increase in profitability reflects the Bank’s focus on operational efficiency and strong risk management practices. Earnings per share (EPS) nearly doubled, rising to N26.34 from N13.82 in Q3 2023, underscoring Zenith Bank’s strong value creation for shareholders.

 

The Bank’s balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets growing by 49% to N30.4 trillion, largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 42% to N21.6 trillion. This growth in deposits was broad-based across corporate and retail segments, highlighting the Bank’s deepening reach and customer loyalty. Gross loans increased by 46% to N10.3 trillion, underscoring the commitment to supporting strategic sectors in the economy.

 

Capital adequacy ratio remained strong, improving to 21.9%, well above regulatory requirements. The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 37.8%, up from 35.1%, while return on average assets (ROAA) also improved to 4.3% as Zenith Bank maximized its asset base. Cost of funds increased to 4.3%, reflecting the broader market trend of rising interest rates, while the cost of risk was maintained at 7.3%, underscoring the Bank’s proactive approach in provisioning for credit risk. The Bank’s cost-to-income ratio rose to 39.5%, reflecting the impact of strategic investments in technology and capacity building aimed at supporting long-term growth, even as it continues to strive for greater operational efficiency.

 

Zenith Bank’s asset quality remains a cornerstone of its strength, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 4.5%, within regulatory limits. A high coverage ratio of 198.4% underscores the Bank’s disciplined approach to risk management, positioning it for resilience in the face of market volatility while supporting stable loan growth.

 

Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation. The Bank launched a capital raise program on August 1, 2024, consisting of a combined Rights Issue and Public Offer. This capital raise was driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalization directive for commercial banks issued in March 2024. While the Bank awaits final capital verification approvals from authorities, the fundraising exercise was successful, reflecting strong confidence in Zenith Bank’s brand.

 

The additional capital will enhance the Bank’s ability to expand its product offerings, deepen its penetration in strategic sectors, boost lending to the real sector and pursue its African and global expansion plan.  In furtherance of this, the Bank in September 2024 received regulatory approval for the establishment of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, which is fully operational and will enhance the Bank’s product offerings in international markets.

 

With a strengthened capital base, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to navigate the evolving economic landscape, while putting best-practice sustainability standards at the heart of its business. The Bank will also continue to prioritize opportunities that enhance stakeholder value and a strong compliance and corporate governance culture, which will reinforce the its leadership position within Nigeria’s financial sector and drive long-term growth.

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IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

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Fueling Uncertainty: Investigating Nigeria's Subsidy Removal And Dangote Refinery Debacle* By Sylvester Audu

IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

 

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products.

IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

Although discussions are ongoing with IPMAN, it is misleading to suggest that they (IPMAN Members) are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from our Petroleum Refinery, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them. Consequently, we cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities.

The payment in mention has been made through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not us. In the same vein, NNPCL has neither approved, nor authorised us to release our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.

We would like to emphasise that we can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. At present, we can load 2,900 trucks per day and we have also been evacuating petroleum products by sea. We advise IPMAN to register with us and make direct payment as we have more than enough petroleum products to satisfy the needs of their members.

Furthermore, we believe it is instructive for all stakeholders to refrain from making unfounded statements in the media, as that could undermine the economic re-engineering efforts of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Conducting business through public speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.

In the interest of our country, we encourage all stakeholders to collaborate and heed the advice of President Tinubu, while promoting a unified approach, rather than engaging in media conflicts and needless propaganda.

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Dangote embarks on mega environmental restoration project, plants 10,000 Mangrove trees

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Dangote Officials, Refiners Tackle Marketers Over Imported PMS

Dangote embarks on mega environmental restoration project, plants 10,000 Mangrove trees

 

To enhance its environmental sustainability initiatives in line with global best practices, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has embarked on a restoration project of planting 10,000 mangrove trees across coastal states in Nigeria.

 

The project, in partnership with Eco-Restoration Foundation, kickstarted at Akodo-Ise, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, was aimed at minimising the global effects of climate change, by promoting restoration, conservation and protection of mangrove trees across Nigeria.

 

In his remarks at the event, the DIL Vice-President, Oil and Gas, Mr. Devakumar Edwin revealed that “one of the primary reasons of the Dangote Group is to ensure that Nigeria keeps providing employment and lifting the people out of poverty through sustainability projects.

 

“We are also committed to creating good climate scenarios where people can live long and their livelihoods cannot be taken away from them. Apart from absorbing more carbon from the atmosphere than other tree species, Mangrove Forests serve as vital buffers against coastal erosion, and are critical for preserving marine biodiversity and supporting millions of coastal dwellers whose livelihoods depend on healthy mangrove forests,” he said.

 

Speaking after the flag-off of the tree planting exercise, the Group Chief HSSE and Sustainability, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. James Adenuga, expressed excitement at the importance of this partnership and its alignment with the organisation’s focus on the sustainable development of Nigeria and Africa, with long term carbon offset targets.

 

“Environmental sustainability is one of the seven Sustainability Pillars of the Dangote Group, and preservation of the environment is one of our core priorities wherever we operate. We are glad to embark on this project”, Adenuga added.

 

Speaking earlier during the tree planting exercise, a trustee of Eco-Restoration Foundation, Prince David Omaghomi, stated that the foundation “was more than thrilled to welcome Dangote Group as our largest corporate partner of the Eco-Park Mangrove Sanctuary & Research Centre to date.

 

He explained further that Nigeria has lost 60 per cent of the mangrove population, adding that Nigeria coastal line is at risk of going underwater in years to come if nothing is done.

 

“This project is meant to promote mangrove restoration, conservation, and protection. Nigeria has lost 60 per cent of its mangrove forests. More ocean acidification will be expected in Nigeria due to climate change and rising sea level. In the next 100 years, the coastal lines in Nigeria will be covered by water. The great blue wall will run across the coast of Nigeria by using mangroves.

 

“We are happy to receive the Dangote Group here and with their brand being blue they are the blue Big Brother of Africa. Their (Dangote’s) pledge to plant 10,000 mangroves in phases over the next few months, underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship and resilience building along Nigeria’s coasts.

 

“With their continued support, we are confident that this project will spark a wave of community-based restoration activities all along Nigeria’s coastline, in line with our persistent calls for the commencement of the ‘Great Blue Wall of Africa’ built of mangrove forests – as a natural defense against rising sea levels and climate change.

 

“Without immediate action, our multi-billion-dollar industrial complexes, Sea Ports, Oil & Gas facilities, Tourism and entire Blue Economy will be exposed to the relentless advance of ocean acidification in the coming decades,” he observed.

 

The tree planting exercise, which drew volunteer staff from Dangote Head Office, Falomo Ikoyi, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, and other units, drew widespread commendation from the Onise of Akodo-Ise, Oba Ganiu Adebowale Adegbesan, senior officials of the Lagos State Government, and members of the Akodo-Ise community, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

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