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OBASA BROTHERS UNVEILS TEKOWI

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Obasa Specialty Vehicle (OSV), located at Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State was originally commissioned on the 5th of December 1980 by the late High Chief Joe Oluware Obasa Jp. as a car distributor for Peugeot Automoble Nigeria. The company was upgraded to manufacturing of special vehicles for security personnel and civilian uses by his 2 sons High Chief Johnson Obasa and Victor Obasa Sr.

On Saturday 15th of April 2017, OBASA SPECIALTY VEHICLE unveiled an all terrain vehicle named Tekowi, which was manufactured at the company’s factory in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Speaking at the unveiling event, one of the brothers High Chief Johnson Obasa said Tekowi was coined from “te oko wi” an Ekiti local dialect which means sandals or boots farmers and hunters wear regularly to the bush to stamp on anything. He also said that TEKOWI is a combination ruggedness and luxury.

 

According to the other brother, Victor Obasa {snr} he stated Tekowi’s unique design features which are; 4 wheel drive, High ground clearance, Custom interior tailored to customer specification, Stereo system integrated with latest technology, Diamond floor plate flooring, Reinforced steel structure, Double utility storage, Engine air scoop and Name branding option, to mention a few.

He said that Tekowi is hand crafted with simple tools and locally sourced materials.

The guest of honour at the event His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebayo Adewole, the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom Ekiti expressed sincere and heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty for blessing Ijero Ekiti with the Obasa brothers.

He said the development that OSV has brought to the Ijero Ekiti community will go a long way to encourage his people and create a lot opportunities.

Dr. Mann Alli while presenting a toast at the unveiling said OSV will go places, aside going round Nigeria but round the world.

 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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NIHOTOUR Nigeria, South African High Commission Deepen Collaboration on Hospitality, Tourism, and Cultural Exchange

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NIHOTOUR Nigeria, South African High Commission Deepen Collaboration on Hospitality, Tourism, and Cultural Exchange

 

 

 

 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has taken a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa in the areas of hospitality, tourism, and travel. This follows a strategic visit by Professor Bobby J. Monroe The Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos Nigeria to NIHOTOUR headquarters abuja, where he engaged with the Director General/CEO of NIHOTOUR, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, on fostering deeper collaborations between Nigeria and South Africa.

 

NIHOTOUR Nigeria, South African High Commission Deepen Collaboration on Hospitality, Tourism, and Cultural Exchange

 

Speaking during the meeting, Aare Abisoye Fagade emphasized the importance of using the tourism potentials of nigeria and the viral Nigerian hospitality sector as seen with the recent surge in Lagos Nigeria’s Detty December, as a tool for enhancing security perceptions in Nigeria and for promoting peaceful coexistence between both nations. He highlighted how a robust cultural and training exchange between Nigeria and South Africa could contribute to eradicating xenophobia and strengthening ties between South Africans and their Nigerian counterparts.

 

“Tourism is not just about travel and hospitality; it is a bridge that connects cultures, fosters understanding, and drives economic growth. Through structured training, knowledge exchange, and mutual collaboration, we can dispel misconceptions, improve security narratives, and build a future where Nigerians and South Africans see each other as partners, not rivals,” he stated.

 

NIHOTOUR Nigeria, South African High Commission Deepen Collaboration on Hospitality, Tourism, and Cultural Exchange

 

Key Areas of Collaboration:

1. Hospitality & Tourism Training Exchange: Enhancing capacity building through joint training programs and certification initiatives between NIHOTOUR and South African institutions.

2. Cultural Diplomacy: Leveraging cultural tourism to promote stronger people-to-people connections and combat stereotypes.

3. Security and Perception Management: Showcasing Nigeria’s ongoing improvements in tourism security to attract South African tourists and investors.

4. Joint Tourism Development Projects: Encouraging cross-border investments in hospitality and tourism infrastructure.

 

Professor Monroe reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with NIHOTOUR, stressing the need for Africa to unite through tourism and leverage its cultural diversity for economic prosperity.

 

NIHOTOUR remains dedicated to positioning Nigeria as a leader in tourism education, regulation, and sustainable development while fostering international partnerships that drive growth in the sector.

 

Both parties resolved to pursue vigorously the opportunities presented by this collaboration between NIHOTOUR and the South African mission in Nigeria.

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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

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KongaFM -103.7 Launches "Shop On Radio”

KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

 

For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping. KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio.” On Monday 24th of February, 2025.

KongaFM -103.7 Launches "Shop On Radio”

This is a game changer at a time Nigeria increased data cost by 50%.

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without wasting so much cash on Data. Nigerian shoppers now have options with Konga.com and most importantly rock buttom prices on all items announced live on radio and delivered same day in lagos if orders are placed before 12noon.

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on first paid.

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.
“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers. We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.
Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery in Lagos, while we conclude logistics for same day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever. This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24hours every day.

How It Works
Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com. A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.
Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.
A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses
With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.
Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.
More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience
KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences. The station kicks off each day from 5 -7am with Morning Inspiration, featuring best global gospel music with uplifting words to start you day blessed captioned -Start your Day with God, and same All Sundays. It is inspiring both for Entrepreneurs, students, unemployed, employed and those retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigeria radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.
KongaFm 103.7 in support of a new economy is also extending Free Advertisement to both big, medium and small businesses to showcase their products. Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email info@kongafm.com

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!

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Aliko Dangote: The Billion-Dollar Gamble That Transformed Africa’s Energy Future

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Aliko Dangote: The Billion-Dollar Gamble That Transformed Africa’s Energy Future

Aliko Dangote: The Billion-Dollar Gamble That Transformed Africa’s Energy Future

 

In a candid reflection on his monumental $23 billion Dangote Refinery, Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, has described the project as the most significant risk of his life. Dangote, who is no stranger to high-stakes ventures, revealed the staggering challenges and financial strains behind building one of the world’s largest oil refineries and a cornerstone of Africa’s energy landscape.

A Gamble Like No Other

The 67-year-old industrial magnate shared with Forbes the harrowing journey that began with an estimated $10 billion budget in 2013 but ultimately ballooned to more than $20 billion. “If this didn’t work, I was dead,” Dangote admitted, underscoring the existential nature of his gamble.

Originally planned for southwest Nigeria, the refinery’s location was changed after disputes with local officials led to delays. In a decisive pivot, Dangote relocated to the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, paying $100 million for the land. The new site, however, posed its own challenges: swampy terrain requiring the dredging of 65 million cubic meters of sand and the construction of a dedicated port to support transportation.

Despite these formidable hurdles, the refinery began operations in 2024, initially processing 350,000 barrels of crude per day (b/d) and ramping up to 500,000 b/d by January. Once fully operational next month, it will reach its full capacity of 650,000 b/d, positioning it as the seventh-largest refinery globally and the largest in Africa.

The Financing Web: An Ambitious Masterstroke

Financing such a colossal project was no small feat. Dangote secured $5.5 billion in bank loans and sold stakes in his cement empire, raising $600 million from investors, including Dubai’s investment corporation and an Australian sovereign wealth fund. His holding company, overseeing businesses in cement, flour, and sugar, provided a $10 billion intercompany loan to cover surging project costs.

However, the project still faces financial turbulence. With $3 billion in outstanding debt, Dangote’s venture drew scrutiny after Fitch downgraded its credit rating in August 2024. Contributing factors included under-utilization of the refinery during its initial months and the Naira’s freefall—the currency has depreciated over 70% since being floated in June 2023.

Despite these challenges, Dangote remains bullish on the refinery’s financial stability. The project’s revenue model, based largely on dollar-denominated transactions with foreign clients, provides a critical buffer against Nigeria’s currency volatility.

Shaping Africa’s Industrial Future

Adjacent to the refinery is a petrochemical complex producing 3 million metric tons of urea annually, making Dangote the largest fertilizer producer on the continent. Further cementing his vision, Dangote plans to build a subsea pipeline to transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Lagos. He is also eyeing an expansion of the refinery’s fertilizer production capacity.

In another bold move, Dangote hinted at plans for a public listing of the refinery within the next few years. This potential IPO underscores his long-term vision and confidence in the refinery’s future success.

The Stakes and Legacy

The Dangote Refinery represents more than just a business venture; it is a transformative project that could redefine Africa’s energy independence and industrial landscape. Dangote’s willingness to bet everything on the refinery’s success highlights his unwavering belief in Africa’s potential.

As he navigates the final hurdles and prepares for the refinery’s full-capacity launch, Dangote’s story is one of unparalleled ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of a legacy that could shape the continent for generations to come.

 

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