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  • Pedro’s premium ogogoro, the Afrocentric liquor that is loved in homes and bars across the world

    Pedro’s premium ogogoro, the Afrocentric liquor that is loved in homes and bars across the world

    In commemoration of this year’s Africa’s Day, Facebook draws attention to a brand that is helping to reshape, refine and reproduce a drink viewed by many as a ‘drink for the streets’. This drink is popularly known as ‘ogogoro’ and the brand that’s putting this drink on the global map is Pedro’s Premium Ogogoro.

    With an Instagram page that has been deliberately designed to charm people from all walks of life into getting a taste of this drink, Pedro is doing a great job of spreading the tentacles of Nigeria’s cultural drink into the world’s most urban regions. From Lagos Nigeria, Pedro’s premium ogogoro has now found a market in Ghana, Kenya and London. Let’s take a quick peek at seven things we can learn about this Afrocentric liquor that’s now finding its way to bars across the world.

    Ogogoro can be both traditional and modern
    A first glance at Pedro’s Instagram page portrays the enticing look of a bottle with a splendid blue label. Pedro’s has proven that the drink called ‘ogogoro’ can look premium and be compared with Western alcoholic drinks like vodka, whiskey, brandy, etc.

    Ogogoro is loved by all and sundry
    From the riverine communities of Nigeria’s southern regions, Pedro’s shows that ogogoro can transcend rural borders and find its way into the hands and homes of people living in highbrow areas of Lagos and other countries like Ghana, Kenya and the UK.

    Ogogoro isn’t just about the drink, it’s about the culture
    Pedro’s Premium Ogogoro constantly shows how the culture behind the drink is vital. A preview of the photos on the brand’s Instagram page shows several images of African cultural items. It’s obvious that the culture is what drives the brand, not just the liquor. Maybe, there’s a spirit in this spirit drink called ogogoro.

    People love ogogoro
    Every now and then, you’ll see Instagram posts from Pedro’s explaining that their stock has been sold out which leads to a safe assumption that the demand for premium ogogoro is almost more than the supply.

    You can use ogogoro in cocktails
    Cocktails are known to contain such heavy spirits as whiskey and vodka but it’s interesting to note that ogogoro can also make for a good base in cocktail drinks and they can actually look and taste great.

    Ogogoro can also use some pairings
    Fans of alcoholic drinks are definitely aware of the multiple variations of meals and other stuff that probably go well with their favourite liquor. Ogogoro is not an exception. Asides distilling this premium spirit, Pedro’s goes through the task of educating the inexperienced or unknowing drinker about possible pairings that would be great with this drink.

    Premium ogogoro is made from four key processes
    Premium ogogoro is obtained from the oil or raffia palm tree and has to go through four key processes namely, tapping, fermentation, distillation and refinement. The tapping is done in the rural areas by palm wine tappers; this is also where the natural fermentation occurs traditionally using wild yeast. The first round of distillation is also carried out by rural practitioners to help preserve the otherwise fermented sap. The final process is what separates premium ogogoro from its rural counterpart to give it that premium taste.

  • Hogan Lovells establishes multi-disciplinary Sovereigns Practice

    Hogan Lovells establishes multi-disciplinary Sovereigns Practice

    Global law firm Hogan Lovells has enhanced its focus on sovereign clients by establishing a global, multi-disciplinary Sovereigns practice, aligned with the firm’s priority to invest in strategic markets.

    The practice is led by a core team with extensive experience in representing clients in sovereign matters across the globe, including Infrastructure partners Jeremy Brittenden (London) and Bruno Ciuffetelli (Houston), Regulatory senior counsel Senator Coleman (Washington DC), Arbitration partner Laurent Gouiffès (Paris), and Competition partner Ciara Kennedy-Loest (London).

    Together this team will coordinate a group of partners working across the entire Sovereign Cycle, from advising on Sovereign Debt, Infrastructure development and complex PPP projects, to Public law issues, International Arbitration and management of sovereign resources, all underpinned by a critical understanding of the environment in which sovereigns and their private sector partners operate.

    Hogan Lovells’ existing clients evidence the firm’s broad strength in sovereign matters, from government-owned banks in Iceland, Brazil and China, central banks and Ministries of Finance in Latin America, West Africa and North Africa,  national energy companies including Petroamazonas and Equinor, development finance institutions including African Export-Import Bank and International Finance Corporation, state pension funds including the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, Queensland Investment Corporation, sovereign wealth funds in Asia and MENA including HRH Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Holding Company, and governmental departments of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United States, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, and Hong Kong, to name a few.

    Jeremy Brittenden, Global Head of the Sovereigns practice, commented: “Sovereigns play a leading role in creating, stimulating, and stabilizing markets and will be fundamental in driving economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. In a sense they ‘make the weather’. The breadth of our practice means that we are uniquely positioned to advise and support sovereigns and their private sector partners as they navigate this challenging environment, and seek to deliver positive outcomes for the economy, society and the environment.”

    Reflecting on recent work, Bruno Ciuffetelli, Head of the Americas Sovereign practice, added: “Our work over the past 12 months has exemplified how we can support sovereigns and their partners to deliver swift positive outcomes. For example our work  advising the Government of Ecuador on their sovereign debt restructuring, supporting the UK government on the ground breaking Supercomputing 2020+, assisting in the reshaping of the UK sanctions applicable to Russia and successfully closing the innovative disposal of UK renewable energy rights.”

    A key driver of the initiative is Hogan Lovells CEO, Miguel Zaldivar, who has an extensive background representing clients in significant sovereign matters around the world said: “We’re not alone in seeing the importance of this practice, and the distinctive environment in which sovereigns operate. However, our extensive track record as the leading global provider of legal services at the intersection of business and government combined with our  network of local partners connecting key financial centers and emerging markets gives us an edge, and enables us to provide a unique integrated local and global advice tailored to the needs of our sovereigns clients and our clients who wish to work with sovereigns around the world.”

  • Facebook makes platform safer for Nigerian Journalists

    Facebook makes platform safer for Nigerian Journalists

    Nigerian journalists can now voluntarily register for our new security feature specifically tailored to protect their Facebook and linked Instagram profiles from harassment, hacking and generally from online abuse and harm.

    Today, Facebook announced the roll out of stronger security features for people who work at news organizations across the nation to voluntarily register as journalists in order to protect their Facebook profiles, while accessing benefits, tools and features built with journalists’ needs in mind. Facebook has also provided the option for journalists to extend this protection to their linked Instagram accounts. Registered journalists will also have access to CrowdTangle Search and can also apply for Facebook Blue Badge Verification.

    This new registration feature provides protection of information and online presence on Facebook against harassment and potential hacking threats for journalists and media professionals who are at a higher risk of online abuse and harm.

    Registration is voluntary. Journalists and news media professionals are encouraged to register as a journalist using their personal Facebook account.

    Facebook is providing this feature to journalists living in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya.

  • Access Bank Lagos City Marathon rescheduled for April 10

    Access Bank Lagos City Marathon rescheduled for April 10

    Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have announced the postponement of this year’s edition of the event earlier slated for February 13 to April 10.

     

    The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Bukola Olapade, put out this statement. Bukola Olapade asserted that the postponement became necessary as a result of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

    He, however, maintained that the decision to reduce the total number of athletes to participate in this year’s edition from 100,000 runners to 300 remain sacrosanct. This, according to him was in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocol.

    He said the 300 tickets would be distributed to athletes from the country and those coming from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, United Kingdom, USA, and other countries.

    “We are not going to increase the number from 300 runners even though a lot of foreign athletes want to use the silver label Access Bank Lagos City marathon to cement their qualification for the Tokyo Olympics,” he said.

    “As we speak, this Lagos city marathon has been listed by World Athletics as qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics. Even the April 10 date is already on their website.

    “The 2021 Lagos City Marathon would be exclusive for the 42km race. The 10km race and the wheelchair race won’t be part of this year’s edition. The health of the athletes and everyone, who will attend the event, is very important to us. The absence of the 10km race won’t take away the glamour of the event.”

  • Emirates offer Nigerians special rates to Dubai, US, UK

    Emirates offer Nigerians special rates to Dubai, US, UK

    Emirates is launching its much awaited global sale to inspire and enable Nigerians to reconnect with family and friends as well as explore new destinations in the new year.

    Nigerians can now travel to London at a special price of N317,655. The all-inclusive Economy Class fares to Manchester (UK) is N329,875 and N313,585 to Dubai.

    Flights to Washington DC and Toronto are pegged at N378,745, and N456,120 respectively. Similarly, Business Class travel toLondon is fixed at N1,478,320, Dubai is N1,215,645, while Washington DC has been discounted to N2,260,240, and Toronto N2,423,140. With these attractive offers, Emirates customers can make up for lost time in 2021.

    Bookings have to be made between 11 January 2021 to 25 January 2021, for travel between 11 January 2021 and 15 June 2021. Emirates’ booking policies also offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel.

    Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before 30 June 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans. Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for 2 years. .

    Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is also making sure members get the best out of their travels with special Cash + Miles rates.

    Bookings made from 3 to 20 January 2021 for travel between 3 January and 15 June 2021 can enjoy a special conversion offer where 2,000 Skywards Miles is equivalent to USD 20 for Economy Class flights; and 2,000 Skywards Miles is equivalent to USD 40 for First and Business Class flights.

    With no minimum number of Miles needed to spend, Skywards members can pay for part of their ticket’s cost with as little as 1 Mile.

    Emirates delivers outstanding value through industry-leading service and products across every class of travel. Customers can explore over 4,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on the airline’s award-winning inflight system, ice; as well as regionally inspired multi-course meals and complimentary beverages in every class.

    Emirates customers can also travel with confidence and peace of mind with the airline industry’s first, multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover. This cover is offered by Emirates on all tickets purchased on or from 1 December 2020, at no cost to customers.

    The insurance also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories, similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products. Some limitations and exclusions apply.

    Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to all customers.

  • Lagos Business School announces Banjo as the new Director of Executive Education

    Lagos Business School announces Banjo as the new Director of Executive Education

    The graduate school of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos Business School, has announced the appointment of Victor Banjo as its new Director of Executive Education.

    Effective January 1, 2021, Banjo became responsible for the department that manages Lagos Business School’s executive education. He will lead the strategic direction and marketing of executive programmes, open seminars and custom programmes.

    Before joining Lagos Business School, Banjo functioned as the Chief People Officer of Green Africa, where he led strategic people leadership and direction for a culturally diverse workforce as a member of the airline’s leadership team. His career in people management started with Spicers Limited in the United Kingdom as a regional training and development officer. He has also held the Human Resources leadership position (or its equivalent) at British American Tobacco, Virgin Group, Jagal Group, Oceanic Bank and developed/implemented HR strategy involving career management and succession planning, performance management and competency design.

    Banjo replaces Lilian Uwaeme who has led the Executive Education team for nearly three years. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development UK, with 21 years of experience as an accomplished human resources practitioner and business leader. On his plans for the Executive Education department, Banjo said, “I am excited to be joining Lagos Business School, the leader in executive education in Africa. I look forward to raising the bar of excellence that the school is known for through innovative, research-based business solutions developed from our deep knowledge of doing business in Africa”.

    Commenting on the appointment, Dean, Lagos Business School, Professor Chris Ogbechie said, “As we begin the new year, our dedication to developing responsible business leaders remains unwavering. To achieve this goal and others, we must bring on experts who have a track record of success on our team and Victor Banjo’s achievements and professional reputation precede him”.

    Banjo has worked in the FMCG, Aviation, Manufacturing, Consulting, Maritime and Financial Services industries in the United Kingdom, Africa and the United Arab Emirates. He brings to this role a working knowledge of over twenty African countries. Banjo is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, and an International Finance Corporation (IFC) certified trainer for Corporate Governance and Director Development.
    Lagos Business School is committed to developing responsible leaders, solving Africa’s business problems.

  • Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited Announces Alfred Olajide As New Managing Director

    Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited Announces Alfred Olajide As New Managing Director

    The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Alfred Olajide as its new Vice President and Managing Director for its Nigeria Operations following a reorganization of The Coca-Cola Company’s global leadership structure.

    Alfred Olajide brings several years of experience to bear in his new role, nine of which were at The Coca-Cola Company having served in different capacities across the African Continent including Franchise Director for Cluster Markets in the Southern and Eastern Africa Region, Director of Revenue Growth Management in the East and Central Africa Region, and Strategy Head for Nigeria Franchise.

    In August 2020, The Coca-Cola Company, announced a global restructuring aimed at furthering the leading beverage company’s aspiration to emerge stronger amidst a fast-changing global business environment. The new structure sees its erstwhile 17 Business Units compressed into 9 Operating Units focused on strategic local and regional business objectives supported by the company’s newly created Platform Services.

    Announcing the change in structure, Company Chairman and CEO James Quincey, noted that the changes in the company’s operating model will shift marketing to drive more growth and “put execution closer to customers and consumers while prioritizing a portfolio of strong brands”.

    Speaking about his appointment as VP, Operations and Managing Director of the Coca-Cola business in Nigeria, Alfred said; “These are very exciting times for the global Coca-Cola business, and I look forward to contributing my own quota to a business I love so much, especially at such an interesting time as this. Nigeria is a huge market, and I am optimistic about the growth we can achieve together with our bottling partners”.

    Alfred holds a First-Class Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and an MBA from University of Leicester, United Kingdom. His extensive experience in leading market growth, strategy and operations management built from years in management consulting and FMCG will undoubtedly help drive business growth, strategy formulation, and market execution, in the Coca-Cola Nigeria Franchise Operations. He is passionate about leading with impact and empowering young talent for growth. In his free time, he enjoys running, playing soccer, tennis and spending time with his family. He is also an ardent sportsman.

    Alfred Olajide replaces Yebeltal Getachew whose tenure ended December 31st, 2020.

  • NCAA reels out penalties of $3,500 fine for new travel rules

    NCAA reels out penalties of $3,500 fine for new travel rules

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to foreign airlines operating into Nigeria from the UK and South Africa that failure to adhere strictly to the new travel rules will attract penalties.

    The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 over the weekend issued new travel rules for passengers on direct flights from the UK and South Africa due to the variance of coronavirus discovered recently in these two countries.

    The penalties are says a fine of $3,500 for each passenger boarded and who fails to meet the new travel measures recently announced by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.

    In a letter to all foreign airlines operating into the country from the United Kingdom and South Africa, the NCAA also notes that airlines will bear the burden of returning non-Nigerian defaulting passengers to point of embarkation for non-compliance to the new rules.

    “Punitive measures shall be taken against airlines who fail to comply with this All Operators Letters.  The punitive measures shall include but not limited to the following:

    “(i) Airlines shall be fines $3,500 (Three thousand five hundred dollars) for each defaulting passenger. (ii)Airlines may be required to return non-Nigerian defaulting passengers to point of embarkation. (iii) Repeated non-compliance by any airline will lead to the suspension of the airline’s approval/permit to fly into the country.”

    The letter signed by the Director General, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu and addressed to all Country and Accountable Managers of all foreign airlines also  made it clear that airlines who continues to flaunt these new rules will have their permit or approval to fly into Nigeria suspended.

    The letter stresses the PTF requirements that all local and foreign operators flying in and out of Nigeria from the United Kingdom and South Africa must ensure their passengers present Pre-departure permit to fly, a QR Code generated  from Nigeria international travel portal and a documentary evidence of a Negative Covid-19 PCR test result done within 96 hours of boarding.

    “Thee new rules are applicable to scheduled and non scheduled flights from the United Kingdom and South Africa”.

    “Passengers must present the following two documents in order to be allowed to board their flights to Nigeria: (a) Pre-departure permitto fly/ QR code generated from the Nigeria International travel portal (https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng) showing evidence of payment for the post arrival day 7 COVID-19 PCR test and (b) Documentary evidence of a Negative COVID-19 PCR result done within 96 hours(4days) of boarding from verifiable laboratory or health facility.”

    “On arrival in Nigeria, passengers will be received and processed separately by public health authoritiesAll passengers will be required to self isolate for 7 days after arrival followed by COVID-19 PCR testPassengers with a post arrival Negative COVID-19 PCR result can exit self isolation and further management.”

  • 12 Year Old, British-Nigerian, Janelle Allison, releases her First Novella

    12 Year Old, British-Nigerian, Janelle Allison, releases her First Novella

    British Nigerian sensational kid, Janelle Allison, debuts her first novella. 

    The book titled “RAINBOW” is an amazing masterpiece that captures the very essence of life and the inevitable ups and downs associated with humans and the fear of the unknown. Its lead character, Kimberly, teaches us to recognize the impermanence of our lives and not to cling to the “good” or run from the “bad.” She shows us how to appreciate every moment for what it is, because it’s there for a reason, and it’s not something that’s going to last forever.

    The book has earned massive reviews and commendations from several quarters. 

    In her review, Nicola Ritchie, Families Pastor, Milton Keynes Christian Centre, Milton Keynes, UK, notes that “Rainbow depicts Kim’s journey, a young girl who faces multiple changes in her life, moving house, starting a new school, making friends and losing something very precious. Whatever life throws at her, Kim faces each challenge with resilience and comes out at the end of the rainbow having learned some life lessons. At just age 12, this is a super exciting read from an extraordinary young author”.

    The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and thought-provoking. Rainbow’s clear written style and illustrations seize the reader from the moment they hit the first page and get them to read the entire book in one gulp.


    The author, who is just 12 years old, started writing at age Five. At that tender age, her work was selected amongst the school collection that was made into a book titled ‘We Are Writers!’ Similarly, her poems “Predators and Prey” and others have been published in a British thriller “Hunted – Amazing Adventures” and ‘Poetry Wonderland’. 

    Rainbow is currently on Amazon (Kindle and Paperback) and Jumia Nigeria, an e-commerce platform.

    Janelle Allison is a highly driven young writer who took to writing at the very young age of Five. Authors like Jacqueline Wilson and David Walliams are amongst the authors whose books inspired her to begin writing at such an early age.

    She is currently twelve years old and a Year 7 student at Oakgrove School in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.

    Having discovered writing at an early age, she was quick to develop such a keen interest in it, with a decision to make it a part of a lifelong career.

    Rainbow is her first book, the idea for which she had when she was Nine. She is already working on some other materials and looks forward to publishing them in the nearest future.

  • Feature: A look a global governments and COVID-19 – Kronsten

    Feature: A look a global governments and COVID-19 – Kronsten

    by Gregory Kronsten

    As much of Europe and the US struggle with the second wave of COVID-19 infections, it seems a good time to share a few opinions on what their governments and their health practitioners have learned from the first wave that broke in March.

    The number of new cases has soared in these countries in recent weeks, due in part to the continued growth in testing capacity. Fortunately, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of deaths. This probably reflects lessons learnt by medics in treating COVID-19 during the first wave.

    Unfortunately, we cannot be as generous with governments in the West on their learning from the first wave. They have access to resources beyond the dreams of their counterparts in low-income countries. Before any recent measures, the additional fiscal stimulus in response to COVID-19 in the UK was estimated at 14.5% of GDP in August, compared with 1.5% for the response to the global financial crisis in 2008. The comparable figures from the same source for the US were 12.1% and 4.9%, and for Brazil 5.5% and 0.6%. With the exception of South Africa and a few other states, the figure for African countries would be less than Brazil.

    Governments in Western democracies are admittedly spending again in response to the second wave. They do not want to appear uncaring or faceless, and are responding to pressure from the political opposition, the media and the soaring number of policy units. Had it not been for the imminent presidential election, the US Congress would surely have agreed on a second fiscal relief package. Nevertheless, several of them have acknowledged that their fast-disbursing loan schemes for business are targeted by criminals. In the UK and US for example, there seems little doubt that taxpayers will be footing a very large bill for fraud, yet given the circumstances we do not see what else the governments in question could have done.

    The reality remains that there is no standard official response to the second wave. This tells us that the jury is out on what was the best response to the first. Some have closed down hospitality completely, some have closed down part of it and others have shortened opening hours. In some cases, schools have been closed and in others they remain open. 

    Governments have limited the restrictions because of the cost, and because of worries about compliance. A small minority of the population are opposed to the controls on libertarian grounds and on the basis of assorted conspiracy theories, but the far greater threat comes from fatigue with restrictions. We must now question whether severe lockdowns on the scale seen in France and Spain for example in the first wave are feasible a second time. Are there enough police to enforce the controls, particularly in volatile inner cities? If there are not, are the new controls warranted? The riots in major Italian cities in recent weeks may provide an answer.

    COVID-19 has given a huge boost to forecasting and modelling in macroeconomics, medical science and behavioral science. But governments are guided by at best average advice because to be very blunt, practitioners simply do not really know. Perhaps we should not be surprised, because we are in new territory with the first global pandemic in modern times. The best we can expect is that, as events unfold, our medics and our leaders will learn from experience.   

    Gregory Kronsten is the Head, Macroeconomic and Fixed Income Research, FBNQuest

  • GTBank Corporately Re-Organised to be a Financial Holding Company

    GTBank Corporately Re-Organised to be a Financial Holding Company

    ...Obtains In -Principle Approval from Central Bank of Nigeria and No-Objection from The Securities & Exchange Commission, Nigeria

    Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) has announced that the it has obtained in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Security and Exchange Commission in a bid to be corporately re-organised as a Financial Holding Company. This was contained in a statement from the Banks’s Company Secretary, Erhi Obebeduo.

    The bank will now be described as a leading African banking group, comprising of the Bank and its banking subsidiaries. The Group’s principal business is conducted in Nigeria, directly through the Bank where it offers a wide range of commercial banking services to corporate and retail customers. The Bank also provides commercial banking services to individuals and institutions through its banking subsidiaries in Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the United Kingdom.

    The statement reads-

    Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank or the Bank) is pleased to announce that it has obtained the approval-in-principle of the Central Bank of Nigeria {the CBN) to commence the formal process of the reorganisation of the  Bank  to  a financial holding company (the Restructuring), which will be implemented by means of a scheme  of  arrangement  between  the  Bank  and  its shareholders pursuant to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (the Scheme).

    The Bank has also obtained the “No-objection” of the Securities & Exchange Commission [the SEC) in connection with the proposed Scheme.

    Overview of the Restructuring

    Under the Restructuring, it is proposed that the issued shares in the Bank be exchanged on a one-for-one basis for the shares in a financial holding company. The Bank’s existing Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are also proposed to be exchanged on a one-for-one basis for new GDRs to be issued by the financial holding company.

    The Board of Directors of GTBank made the decision to embark on the Restructuring following a comprehensive strategic evaluation of the operating and competitive environment of the Nigerian banking sector in the near term. The Board expects that the financial holding Company will have greater strategic flexibility to adapt to future business opportunities as well as market and regulatory changes than is currently the case.

    Subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Scheme  by  the  Bank’s  shareholders,  the  relevant regulatory authorities and the Federal High Court of Nigeria, the holding company will have an organisational structure similar to  that used  by a significant number of major financial institutions globally.

    The financial holding company will be regulated by the CBN as an Other Financial Institution and listed on the Official List of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (The NSE) and the London Stock Exchange (the LSE }. Concurrently, the Bank will be delisted from the Official List of The NSE and the LSE, and re­registered as a  private  limited  liability  company  under  the relevant  provisions of Nigeria ‘s corporate legislation.

    GTBank will continue to be subject to the full suite of CBN banking regulations.

  • Jubilation galore as Nigeria High Commission pays staff

    Jubilation galore as Nigeria High Commission pays staff

    Information reaching News Wings indicates that the hitherto tension pervading the Nigeria High Commission London located on 9 Northumberland Ave, Westminster, London WC2N 5BX, United Kingdom has given way to amity as staffs are paid their outstanding salaries.

    The staffers were planning to down tools over the non-payment of salaries recently

    A cross-section of excited staff who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed appreciation to all those who worked behind the scene to ensure that they received their salaries.

    Breaking the cheering news on the phone, our source exclaimed, “We have been paid! Now, we can pay our bills and meet up with our other obligations both here and at home in Nigeria.

    “We just received part of our salary and there is a promise that we will receive the remaining before the week runs out. We are so grateful, extend our appreciation to all who stood with us during this trying time.”

    Our source who spoke glowingly of the High Commissioner, Justice Oguntade, whom he described a listening leader who usually worked round the clock in making staffs happy and has the best interest of everyone at heart.

  • Alan Sinfield becomes 9mobile New CEO

    Alan Sinfield becomes 9mobile New CEO

    A seasoned telecom expert, Alan Sinfield has been appointed a new Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s fourth telecom operator, 9mobile.

    He became the first substantive CEO of the telecom firms since it changed from Etisalat to 9Mobile, succeeding Stephane Beuvelet, who held the position in an acting capacity when the new board took over the company in November 2018.

    Prior to his appointment, Sinfield has held leadership roles at numerous mobile, fixed-line, and broadband data operators as well as retail, media, and wholesale distribution businesses across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

    Making the announcement, Chairman of 9mobile, Alhaji Nasir Bayero, said: “Alan’s wealth of experience of building high performance and high-growth organisations will play a pivotal role in strengthening 9mobile’s market position in the highly competitive telecommunications industry.

    “He brings with him the vision, passion, and years of experience from diverse environments, which will consolidate our priorities to provide superior customer experience and sustained network quality.

    “He is expected to work closely with the Board of Directors and all stakeholders to define credible and achievable long-term business plans, through the introduction of solutions to address the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunication market.”

    Expressing happiness at the new position, Sinfield said: “The Nigerian telecoms industry is characterised by strong competition, but it is also an industry that is important to people everywhere.

    “Nigeria is rich in diversity and boasts of energetic, resilient, friendly, and hard-working people. I am delighted to join the 9mobile family and I look forward to using my experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey.

    “The goal is to build on the existing strong foundation of the company to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecoms sector.

    “I also look forward to embracing the people, the culture, and the unique knowledge that Nigeria has to offer.”

    Sinfield has been a Chief Executive Officer since 2006. He brings extensive international and operational experience from wireless telecom, fintech, and banking sectors to his new role at 9mobile.

    His global experience covers countries as diverse as the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Slovakia, Iraq, Qatar, Myanmar, South Korea, Cambodia, and Hong Kong.

    He was previously the Chief Executive Officer at Amara Communications Co. (ananda), a 4G LTE mobile broadband operator in Myanmar, and before this he was the Chief Executive Officer of Cadcomms (qb), in Cambodia.

    Other roles Alan Sinfield 9mobile CEO has held include CEO at Ooredoo (Starlink), a subsidiary of the listed Qatari Telecommunications Group, operating in Qatar and regionally, and also as Chief Information Officer and Chief Customer Services Officer at Orascom Telecom (IraQna), a subsidiary of the listed Egyptian Telecommunications Group, operating the first mobile network in Baghdad and surrounding territories, providing voice and nascent data and satellite services.

  • OVH Energy appoints new Chief Operating Officer

    OVH Energy appoints new Chief Operating Officer

    OVH Energy,licensee of Oando retail brand, has announced the appointment of Mumuni Dagazau as Chief Operating Officer of the Company.  

    Mumuni Dagazau is a business strategist with over 30 years’ experience in the private sector. Prior to his appointment, he was Chief Operating Officer at A.A. Rano Nigeria Limited. Dagazau is vastly experienced in establishing operational organizational optimization across diverse industries with core competence in the Oil and Gas sector.

    Mumuni Dagazau has over the years, in various capacities, become recognized for his talent in Strategy Development, Process Optimization, Corporate Vision actualization with maximum revenue generation. As Chief Operating Officer of OVH Energy, he will be responsible for Supply and Trading; Customer Service; Sales and Marketing; ASPM; Engineering and Terminal business.

    Dagazu stands out as a professional with the unique ability to convert strategic plans into reality. In his previous roles, he has guided companies to establish themselves as viable businesses. He is an associate member of the Association of Business Executives, United Kingdom and Alumnus of Valley Forge Military Academy in the Unites States.

    “We are pleased to have Dagazau join OVH Energy Marketing. His strong background in operational organizational optimization coupled with his technical expertise make him an ideal person to take on this position. His appointment is also an indication of our commitment to build a business that continually provides our customers with products and services of the highest standards.” said Huub Stokman, CEO OVH Energy.

    Commenting on his appointment, Mumuni Dagazau said “I am excited to lead operations for OVH Energy Marketing. There are significant contributions that this Company has made to the downstream business and indeed the Nigerian economy, and I am confident that together with the capable team here, we will continue to do significant work seamlessly and with utmost integrity”.

    OVH Energy Marketing is the marketer of choice providing trusted petroleum products and services in Nigeria with expertise in jetty and terminaling services as well as the marketing and distribution of refined petroleum products for retail, commercial and industrial purposes. 

  • Puchercos takes Over from Makoju As Dangote Cement Group CEO

    Puchercos takes Over from Makoju As Dangote Cement Group CEO

    The Board of Dangote Cement Plc has approved the appointment of Mr. Michel Puchercos as the new Group Managing Director/CEO, for the organisation, effective February 1, 2020.

    Mr. Puchercos is taking over from Engr. Joseph Makoju who will retire as GMD/CEO effective from January 31, 2020, a position he has held since 2018.

    Michel Puchercos, the former Managing Director of Lafarge Africa, in a statement released on December 20, 2019, Lafarge notified the investing community that Puchercos tendered his resignation which would be effective on January 17, 2020.

    However, in a statement e-signed and made available to the media by Edward Imoedemhe, the company’s Deputy Secretary reads, “This is to announce the retirement of Joseph Makoju from the Board of Directors, and as the Group Managing Director/CEO of the Dangote Cement Plc effective from 31 January 2020,”

    “The board has approved the appointment of Michel Puchercos as his replacement on the Board of Directors, as the Group CEO, effective from 1st February 2020.”

    Explaining his background, Imoedemhe said: “Puchercos has more than 20 years’ experience in the cement industry, having served in various capacities at Lafarge including as the President & Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Halla Cement, Director of Strategy and Systems at Lafarge Gypsum through Chief Executive Officer of Bamburi Cement, Kenya, Hima Cement, Uganda and chairman, Mbeya Cement, Tanzania.

    “His last appointment was as the Group Managing Director and Country CEO of Lafarge AFRICA Plc, a company listed on premium stock exchange (Lagos).”

    Dangote Cement however said his appointment will be included in the agenda at its next Annual General Meeting for ratification by the shareholders in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters act.

    Engr. Makoju, popularly called “Mr. Cement”, is bowing out after 45 years of transformational leadership in the cement industry.

    Mr. Puchercos, who until his latest appointment, was the Group Managing Director and Country CEO of Lafarge AFRICA (March 2016 – Jan 2020), a company listed on Premium Stock Exchange (Lagos). He has more than twenty years’ experience in the Cement industry.

    The French national who will resume to his new position on February 1, 2020, had worked extensively at Lafarge, including as the President & Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Halla Cement, Director of Strategy and Systems at Lafarge Gypsum through Chief Executive Officer of Bamburi Cement, Kenya, Hima Cement, Uganda and Chairman, Mbeya Cement, Tanzania.

    The outgoing GMD/CEO of Nigeria’s largest cement manufacturer, holds a B.Sc (1st Class) honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Nottingham, UK and an M.Phil. in Mechanical Engineering from the same university.

    He is also an alumnus (mni) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

    Before his current position, Makoju was Honorary Adviser to the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, from 2009 to 2018. He was also Chief Operating Officer, Dangote Cement.

    Engr. Makoju has worked in several world-class organisations including Shell-BP; Blue Circle (UK), and WAPCO which he headed as Managing Director/CE for about a decade before taking up an appointment as Managing Director/CE of the National Electric Power Authority (now Power Holding Company of Nigeria).

    He served as Special Adviser (Electric Power) to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria under two separate Administrations. He was pioneer Chairman of the Board of the West African Power Pool for 8years and remains today an Honorary Member of the board. He is also Chairman of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN).

    Engr. Makoju belongs to several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Management and British Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

    He holds a number of awards which include a national honour from the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR) and a national honour from the Republic of Niger – Grand Commander of the Special Order of Merit (GCSO).