Business

We Build Fantastic Homes, Sell at Affordable Prices and Generally Care for Clients’ Needs – Alaba Adewale Adebajo, CEO UT Homes

Published

5 years ago

May 9, 2019

The UT Group, in more ways than one has conquered the world of financial services with their brand UT Financial Services, and testimonies abound. Today, the company, in its grand expansion drive, has diversified into what Nigerians need most – clean, solid affordable houses, and so the emergence of UT HOMES, which in the brief period it has existed has broken new grounds, provided an alternative that has marveled clients and simplified the business of providing homes.

Sitting atop the enviable organisation is the workaholic and result oriented Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alaba Adewale Adebajo, who revealed the mouth watering delicacies UT HOMES has brought to the table. Excerpts:

What is UT Financial services all about?

As the name implies, UT Financial Services is an organisation reputed for giving glorious financial services to the public, and its service is as regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria. We are regulated to perform the functions of loans giving, investments, capital raising and anything that concerns finance generally. Just mention it, and UT is basically equipped to handle it.

How long has UT Financial Services been in this great endeavour?

UT has been in existence for as long as 10 prolific years in Nigeria, and has been regulated by the CBN in those years.

In 10 years, what could you readily say are their achievements?

In the first place, the fact that we are still here and waxing strong indicates that we are doing something great in terms of functioning within the ambit of the law, giving enduring services to the public and helping to build and raise the GDP of Nigeria. It may interest you to know that about two months ago, the CBN revoked the licenses of about 148 finance houses and micro finance companies involved in finance and loans but our professional standing stood us out, and we are still here.

Again, in the market place, it has been noted even with the regulators that UT has grown. We have done very well. We have met all our obligations. We have had no complaints whatsover in those 10 years. We have been able to meet the demands of majority of our customers. We have brought in new products. We have also expanded our branches, all within a space of 10 years.

Apart from rendering financial services, what other expansion is associated with UT as a veritable group?

Having looked at the market, we noticed the shortage of housing among Nigerians, especially in Lagos and Ogun state, so we formed a sister company called UT HOMES. This company acquires properties and goes into Joint Venture with like minds (individuals or companies), built houses, rent them out and sell some of them at prices anyone can afford.

Still on UT HOMES, what can you say is its practical mission, vision and objective as the case may be?

At the moment, UT Homes is building nice and affordable houses. We have targeted the segment of the market where people hardly go to – the low and medium income earners. In our consideration, we realised that somebody just have to cater for this set Nigerians, and we took it upon ourselves to get them something also in the neighbourhood of luxury as well. Of course, there is still profit in it. So we build nice houses, gated communities and sell at moderate prices to those in that category. On top of that, if you are not able to pay, we offer you mortgage services and gove you the loan to buy it which is mutually beneficial. As you can see, UT is basically out to bridge the housing gap in the society.

You have spoken like you have the interest of your clients at heart and paramount?

At UT, we have discovered that if your clients are not happy, the business will remain stunted – it wouldn’t grow so at the heart of everything, we put the interest of the clients above all else even at the expense of our profit. We the clients are happy and vice versa, we make profit, and that is why we make every of our product affordable. At UT, it is always customers first. Our products are also tailor made. The client can come to us and discuss their terms as regards what they can afford. We are very flexible. We can make it suit your particular purpose. And that is why our concentration is on client satisfaction.

So far, what inroads have you made in this journey of satisfying customers and providing affordable housing at the same time?

So far, UT Homes is currently building a number of houses in Mowe – about 10 units in that particular location. It is a test run for that area, and people are already subscribing. And they like it. Honestly, they are fantastic buildings in a gated community. It is a place someone can acquire as a second home for relaxation at moderate price. At the same time, UT is in JV with another company in GRA, Ikeja to build about 18 – 20 units with swimming pool and other luxuries. These apartments will be rented out, also at affordable prices.

Again, we are discussing with another company in the Aja area of Lagos for another set of apartments. We build, beat the cost down for the customer as it suits the environment.

What are the enabling environments as regards government policy, staff welfare and prolific builders that have propelled your firm to this height?

There are particularly no great challenge as God in the first place is involved in all our activities. The enabling environments are very positive. Lagos state for a start; it has been smooth sailing. In Ogun State, there was a bit of challenge and delay, but everything worked out in the end. The secret is have your paper work in good stead and there will be no problem. In terms of workforce, we have the best hand both in the field and in the office. Our builders are reputed and the equipment used are superb. Again, land is readily available as there are a lot of people who have seen our worth and what we can do and are willing to go into joint venture with us.

Let’s put it succinctly; why would I choose UT Homes among the plethora of home providers scattered everywhere?

The secret lies in this simple expression – we care. Let me surprise you – you can call us after you have bought and concluded transaction with us, in fact at anytime. UT Homes will sell to you a solid property made with the best of materials at the best of prices as well. We don’t just present ourselves to you as UT Homes; we present ourselves to you as your partner in growth, and monitor you every step of the way, resolving problems and challenges as they arise. It is that caring syndrome which most companies in the business don’t have. Over the last 10 years, our client will testify that we actually do care.

Do we take it for granted that by ‘we care’, you mean you also offer after sales services?

Of course, we really do after sell services. More especially, once you are a UT customer, you have definitely become a family member and we go with you all the way. Take this scenario: customers come for loan from us, use it to start up his business and eventually pays up will still receive our assistance when they run into problems. There are more a handful of such cases. We don’t say because you have repaid our loan so we should leave you to stew in your own juice – no. We go with you all the way, and that is the meaning of we care. Once you have come into the fold, we see you as a client forever. Note that most of these challenges are not even UT’ s problems, but we will always listen. We direct them to the right places, help them correct basic presentations and all what notes. And that’s the basic difference – We care.

Now, let’s break down the ‘we care’ policy

By we care, we mean we care. We make our rent affordable. We care to train our staff on friendliness towards the customer. We care to consider your business even after you are through with us. We also care enough to help you navigate your business. This is beyond the scope of our business. Our rates are above all, fantastic.

In five years, where do you see UT Homes?

In five years, I see UT Homes spread all over Lagos. We are already giving good returns on investment, delivering quality products, which, as they are adding up, people continue to notice. And when they do, they come looking for us, and that’s how the spread will multiply. However, the ultimate is catching the attention of the Lagos State government towards replicating what we do on a greater level. That’s where I see us going.

Any possibility of spreading beyond Lagos State and across Nigeria?

Well. we are already in Ogun State and will soon be in Port Harcourt and other places. We already have a strong presence in Ghana and we are moving on.

What would you say to those aspiring customers out there looking for you?

Come let us discuss, and you will be happy you did.

Come to 1437 Sanusi Fafunwa, Street, Victoria Island or 3/5 Regina Omolara Street, off Opebi Road, Ikeja.

Thank you very much Mr. Alaba Adewale Adebajo

Business

Oil marketers counter Dangote

Published

4 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Oil marketers counter Dangote over allegation of substandard product importation

The Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has countered the claim by Dangote Refinery that any oil importers landing petrol at a price cheaper than what the refinery is selling are importing substandard products and conniving with international traders to dump low quality products into Nigeria.

The refinery had made the claim on Sunday.

In a statement yesterday, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, said none of its members was engaging in activities that could shortchange Nigerian fuel users by conniving with anyone to bring in low quality product into the country.

“We’ve said this for the umpteenth time, and it bears repeating, those in the downstream sector business of petroleum products trade are patriotic Nigerians who will not shortchange Nigerian citizens for filthy lucre. Our members are in this business to add value to the businesses of their fellow Nigerians and not to defraud them.

“Prices of products in the international market are dynamic as they’re dictated by prevailing circumstances at every given situation. We calculate our landing costs based on the dynamics of market forces, and the templates are always in the public domain. To claim that if the landing cost of imported product happens to be lower than that of the refinery indicates importation of low quality product is not only preposterous, but also fallacious. In any case, the management of the refinery has, until now, kept its cost and prices close to its chest and put it away from public scrutiny. “

“This type of submission, targeted at projecting our members negatively before the public, cannot help the management’s desire to have oil marketers patronise its products. What will ensure such patronage is transparency, fair play, and readiness to compete with others, including foreign refineries, on an even keel and on a level playing field.”

Adewole said the disclosure by the refinery’s management that the facility has a huge stock of 500 million litres fuel reserve came to its members as news.

“We were surprised because we believe that if the refinery has such huge stock, it’s the marketers that should be put in the know first.

‘Secondly, it was even more surprising given that the news came about the time the refinery was working on rationing what each marketer could pick from the refinery. If they had such huge stock, how is it then that they’re rationing what marketers could buy?

“On all these developments in the industry, the position of our members is very clear: we’ve always played by the rules, and we’ll continue to play by the rules. We’ll not be tired of advocating for a level playing field and a highly competitive and transparent sector that’s devoid of arm twisting and devoid of any form of dominant tendencies,” he said.

Similarly, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said it had concluded plans to import the best quality petroleum product and sell at far cheaper prices.

The association said it was awaiting the NMDPRA to grant it import licence, saying it “has successfully incorporated a strategic business unit called PETROL.”

Its spokesman, Joseph Obele, said PETROAN had concluded plans with her foreign refinery counterparts and financial partners to import the best quality of PMS and “then sell far less than the present selling rate of PMS in Nigeria.”

He said the allegations that PETROAN would import inferior products and that an international company was trying to establish a PMS blending plant in Lagos “are all strategies for Dangote Refinery to push others out of the market…”

Also, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, in a statement by its Chief Executive Officer, Bob Dickerman, denied blending substandard petroleum products.

Business

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Published

4 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Scores of youths stormed the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Monday, demanding the immediate resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mele Kyari.

The protesters, led by some Civil Society Organisations, described Kyari’s leadership as incompetent, citing skyrocketing fuel prices, endless fuel queues, and economic hardship in Nigeria.

The protesters carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “we demand the immediate resignation of Kyari”, among others, said the leadership of the NNPCL boss has failed.

The aggrieved youths led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.

Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.

They also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.

They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal said, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.”

On their part, Otache and Isaac, insisted, “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

On July 7, 2019, former President Mohammadu Buhari appointed Kyari as the 19th GMD of NNPC, but with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, his current portfolio is without recourse to previous employment ranks in the company.

NNPCL reacts

Reacting, the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, said the protestors lack understanding of the sector.

He explained that contrary to their agitation, the GCEO ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.

Responding via a chat, Soneye said, “Unfortunately, they lack understanding of the sector. If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase; in fact, he ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.”

Business

Renewed Hope Agenda and Impacts in Aviation* By Mary Odoma

Published

6 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Renewed Hope Agenda and Impacts in Aviation

By Mary Odoma

President Bola Tinubu’s knack for selecting top talent is unparalleled. In his quest to build a prosperous Nigeria, he’s assembled an exceptional team. By leveraging their expertise, experience, and strategic insight, he’s fostering national stability, economic growth, and a sustainable future.

His latest win is in Aviation and Aerospace Development, where he’s appointed a fearless and straightforward leader, Festus Keyamo, SAN. Keyamo’s commitment to excellence makes him an ideal fit. President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria is taking shape, and his leadership choices are truly commendable.

A dedicated, charismatic and impactful lawyer, the dynamic and astute developer is a terror to mischief makers and enemies of progress. A tough and forceful personality who is determined with an ultimate goal to change Nigeria.

Appointed on 21st August 2023 as the helmsman of the Ministry, Keyamo has been unwavering in his drive for positive transformation, reforming the sector and bringing about enduring positive impact in a transparent manner.

His Ministry has the core mandate of regulating air travel and aviation services in the country. It is also responsible for overseeing air transportation, air development, maintenance, provision of aviation infrastructural services and other needs.

A very patriotic Nigerian, Chief Festus has several achievements, in line with the Renewed Hope Aviation Roadmap approved by President Tinubu to his credit.

In a steadfast commitment towards revitalizing the nation’s aviation sector, Mr Keyamo was able to ensure the approval of the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano Airports. This is in line with the initiation of the Nigerian Airport Concession Strategy.

Also, in line with the Federal Ministry of Aviation Roadmap, Chief Keyamo initiated the signing of an MoU with the Nile University for the take-off of African Aviation and Aerospace University (AU). This milestone achievement of the Minister aims to integrate and create an avenue for the training, research and development of ready middle-class manpower for the sector.

Equally, under his watch, the pragmatic leader led the Ministry into partnership with the ICRC and also a collaboration with the IFC on infrastructural development. This partnership is to both develop and implement a comprehensive and durable framework that will meet the infrastructural needs of the sector over a long period.

Through Keyamo’s congruence and dynamism, the BASA arrangement is another revolutionary innovation aimed at ensuring the operationalization of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

Keyamo’s motivation and altruistic devotion to having a functional aviation and aerospace sector also moved him to upgrade the Muhammadu Buhari, Airport, Maiduguri to the standard of an international airport. This airport is ready to commence full operation on January 1, 2025

In the area of staff motivation, retirees of the Ministry now have no cause for alarm as their interest is covered. Recently, the Ministry honoured 24 retirees drawn from the lowest rung to the highest. It is in a bid to acknowledge those who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the sector as Nation-builders.

His prompt response to issues including distress reveals an empathetic personality and someone who is very much alive to his responsibilities. Recently, while reacting to the accident involving a helicopter on the 24th October 2024, Mr Keyamo, immediately upon receiving the distress call, activated protocols aimed at search and rescue operations, mandating all relevant bodies to do everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of the passengers on board the ill-fated vehicle.

The Minister was also actively involved with all the relevant agencies towards ensuring a coordinated response. His active and physical involvement led to the minimization of casualties.

In a show of collaboration and solidarity, the Hon. Minister travelled to far away Marrakesh, Morrocco, to give support to the 2024 International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) congress. His presence was to underpin the importance the federal government attaches to the role of the transport workers in stabilizing the aviation sector.

Festus Keyamo as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is certainly the best thing that has happened to the industry. He has exhibited passion, dedication and selfless forthrightness in the discharge of his duties and a total comprehension of what it takes to carry out his roles. He is well-groomed for the job and his background has helped him greatly towards shaping the positive impact he is making on society.

Today, Festus has proved that a faithful, disciplined, and dedicated Nigerian can stand out of the crowd because he symbolizes what governance is all about. These feats can only be achieved by a man with the right comportment and conduct in the service of humanity and the fatherland.

Deserving of note is that Chief Keyamo, through the foresight of President Tinubu has well-prepared team leaders appointed as heads of the agencies of the Ministry.

The supportive and collaborative roles of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria Metrological Agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Airspace Management, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have brought about those tangible and noticeable volte-face experienced today in the Aviation sector.

With Keyamo at the helm, Nigeria’s aviation sector is experiencing a transformative shift, thanks to President Tinubu’s foresight in appointing well-prepared team leaders. The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria Metrological Agency, and others are working together to bring about tangible change. Keyamo’s dedication, discipline, and commitment to service have improved Nigeria’s image and reformed the aviation and aerospace sectors.

Odoma is the President of New Nigeria Network [NNN[ writing from Abuja.