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​”My Priority Is To Provide Jobs For Teeming Unemployed Anambra Youths” – Hotel Mogul Umenwobi Henry

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Who is De Don?
My name is Umenwobi Abuchi Henry (JP). I am the CEO of New World lounge and Las Vegas night club, Awka, Anambra State. I’m from Ezinifite Aguata local government Area in Anambra State. I grew up in Ezinifite before heading to Bauchi to learn trading. After that I came to Awka where I resided briefly before traveling abroad. 
How long did you stay abroad?
I stayed for about 8 years because, no matter where I  go my heart is always in Nigeria. 

Since your arrival how would you describe your experience? 
Well, so far so good.  I saw a lot of nice changes especially in Anambra State. I was surprised to see that the state is one of the safest in Nigeria now thanks to chief Willie Obaino. People can move freely at any time now.  
What inspired you to go into hospitality business?
OK,  I’ll say that the major reason I went into hospitality business is because, since I was a kid I’ve always told myself that I’ll like to do something that will benefit people. So when I came back from abroad I thought of many business ideas,  but later settled on building hotels and clubs. Because first it’ll employ many people, provide the people a place to rest and a place to enjoy themselves. You can imagine my joy when I see people propose to their girlfriends every week at my club. It also gladdens my heart to see happy couples coming to my hotel for honeymoon. There are so many positive experiences but I can only name a few. 

How were you able to build New World Hotel and Las Vegas Night Club into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Anambra State? 
I’ll say it all boils down to good service. We always make sure that our customers are well treated. That keeps them coming back. Next is security. I’ll say that our place is one of the safest places people can lodge or club with rest of mind. Then the types of events we host to appease the customers matters too.  People love our activities such as, the white party, which attracts the high and the mighty in Anambra State. We also hosts Jersey party which involves people coming out wearing their clubs’ jerseys. I’ll say it’s been one of the most successful parties hosted in Las Vegas night club. We also do champagne Night,  which as the name implies is all about champagne. We have 30 queens,  where we host reigning pageantry winners from across the state. There’s also Arabian nights where the biggest boys and the biggest girls don Arabian attires. It’s really a sight to behold. We’re introducing two new parties,  one is the Mask party which is coming up on Friday the 29th of June 2018, and the second one is celebrity night,  which involves hosting popular celebrities once a month in the club. That doesn’t mean that celebs have not been frequenting our place. People like Terry G, D Prince,  Vector, Nkoli Nwa Nsuka,  Zubee Michael, Award winning film producer Lawrence Lurrenzo Onuzulike,  Junior pope and host of others do visit our outfits.
How would you rate hospitality business in the Eastern part of the country, most especially Anambra?
I would say that my people are trying. Since the change in the security level of the state, hospitality business has surged dramatically. The  biggest issue hindering growth is lack of electricity. I ran desel daily every year.  It takes a lot from the business. But I don’t think that’s just an Anambra issue. I think it’s more of Nigeria’s issue. 
It’s no doubt you’re a massive employer of youths. How has it been managing them?
I won’t lie to you, it hasn’t been easy. In every twelve apostles there must be a Judas. But we deal with them with patience and most importantly we train them always and ensure they know whats required of them at the work place. In all, I’ll say it’s God that helps us. 
What are some of your plans in changing the face of hospitality business in Anambra State? 
I won’t it call it plans because I’m already doing things to change the face of hospitality in Anambra State. I didn’t just build a hotel and a club and then went home to rest. Instead, I work with talented  and creative people on a daily basis to keep dishing out fun activities and expanding our businesses to accommodate more customers and provide more jobs. Oh, let me add that due to the quality of our hotel and clubs and the standard we set,  most people coming home from abroad like to stay and club with us.

Why did you choose to invest heavily in Anambra State? 
If it was a few years ago, I won’t have taken the risk. But as I said earlier, when I returned to Nigeria I was shocked by the level of security in the state, again thanks to governor Willie Obaino. And also it’s my home state, they say Charity begins at home. If I don’t develop my state who will? It would’ve been a very big disappointment for me to travel abroad and see many things and not bring as much as possible back home, so that when white people visit Nigeria they will see that we are a modern society too.  We can’t leave everything to the government. 
What do you think of the current political situation in Nigeria? 
In every positive there are some negatives, and in every  negative there are some positives. I won’t say the current political situation is the best or the worst.  I’ve learned to have some positives out of every situation.
What do you think of Governor Obaino’s leadership?

 
I think he’s trying. If you noticed I’ve mentioned security many times. It’s because businesses won’t thrive without security and he has provided that. Most people of Anambra State are very proud of him. But like I always said, we need power supply in the state, after security and good roads,  power supply is very important. This is crippling many businesses not just only those in hospitality. 
Do you think Governments at the state and the national levels deserved another term in office?

If I answer the question based on how I’m being favoured,  then my answer will be biased.  I’ll rather say it depends on Nigerians in general to decide.  At this point I’m calling everyone  to come out with their PVCs and vote for what’s better for the country and  for my state.

From our little research, people of Anambra loves you immensely because of your philanthropic nature. Do you plan to ride the popularity wave and join   politics?
If I’m to follow the way people have been pushing me I would’ve been into politics long before now.   c don’t know about the future but for now I’m more focused on providing jobs for the youths and doing things that will benefit my people.

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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