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Abakaliki agog as multi million naira Roban Stores opens

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By Our Correspondent

Roban Store Limited has commissioned a multi million naira retail store in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The Ebonyi State Government led by His Excellency, Engineer David Umahi, has congratulated the management for the investment drives that gave employment to many indigenes of the state.

Speaking at the grand opening ceremony of the international standard one stop shop in Abakaliki on Thursday December 14, 2017, Governor Umahi commenced, the Group Chairman of the Roban Store Group, Sir Rob Anwatu and his wife, lady Nwanne Anwatu for their vision and resolve to make Ebonyi people have the test of one stop retail shop where quality products are sold at a high competitive rate.

He said that this government is already building a mall which will be the biggest in the country and most beautiful in West Africa which is sitting on ten thousand square metre besides the Ecuminical Event centre in Abakaliki.

He said he was offering Roban the right of first refusal in the shopping mall and also pleaded for Sir Rob Anwatu to come and look at the drawing and advise them on its possibilities.

Gov. Umahi also commended Sir Anwatu for involving his family in his business which according to him has made Roban store unique.

Meanwhile, the State has issued Roban store limited with the Certificate of Occupancy on Friday, December 15, 2017.

Earlier in his speech, the Group chairman of Roban store, Sir Anwatu appreciated God for his love and mercy upon his family that has keep the business growing.

He commended the governor and his wife for honoring them despite his tight schedule, “initially when l muted the idea of establishing Roban store in  Abakaliki, a lot of people discouraged me , but I  said No, God has a reason for bringing t he idea to my mind at the initial stage. When I started it and gave a dateline, some also believed that it’s unachievable, but thank God we are today Declaring it open”

Sir Anwatu said that Nigeria Business needs the support of the political class. “Sometimes we support foreign business more than local business we give land and provide them with all needed infrastructures for them to come in and invest. Unfortunately, no nation, no state, can develop or move further economically without indigenous company” So whether we like it or not, we must support our local businesses. Roban store is totally 100% indigenous” in another quote he said “if I have one hundred stores in Nigeria today, Roban store can never employ any foreigner to work for me. It’s unfortunate that the government doesn’t want to do the right thing, but for Roban, we are teaching the people to do the right thing”

Sir Anwatu said that Roban store has employed 80% of ebonyi state people that is working in Abakaliki branch of roban store.

He noted that he is happy that for finally establishing Roban store in Abakaliki. He stated that what you cannot find in Roban store would be impossible to be found in other shop.

However the governor and his wife was accompanied by the wife of deputy governor, Her Excellency Mrs  Nnenna Igwe, Chief of Staff, Mr. Emmanuel Offor Okoli, Head of Service, Mr. Chamberlin Nwaele, PDP Chairman South East , Chief Austin Umali, H.R.H, Igwe S.N. Oketa (OMEOHA III) the traditional ruler of Nkaleke Autonomous community.

Others include Chief Barr. Ofili Nwosu ( Traditional Prime Minister Of Nnnewi) Chief Dan Ulasi (Okosisi Nnewi), Prince Chris Atuegwu, Lady Chika Nwajiagu , Mr. Christain Anwatu and many others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Finance

Stanbic IBTC Capital leads Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 Billion Bond Issuance to drive West African market growth

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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Presco and Stanbic Capital
L-r: Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital; Kenneth Ugo, Investor Relations Manager, Presco PLC; Olaronke Arigbede, Group Treasurer, SIAT Group; Reji George, Managing Director/CEO, Presco PLC; Felix Nwabuko, Group CEO, SIAT Group and Bayo Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, during the signing ceremony of Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 billion 7-year 23.75% Series I Bond held recently in Lagos.

Presco PLC (Presco or the “Company”), has achieved a significant milestone with the successful issuance of its ₦82,896,000,000 7-year 23.75% senior unsecured fixed rate Series I Bonds under its ₦150 billion bond issuance programme (the “Transaction”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited (“Stanbic IBTC Capital”) acted as the Lead Issuing House on the Programme.

The proceeds from the Transaction will enable the Company fund its acquisition of a 100% equity stake in Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC), further supporting its strategic expansion objectives.

Speaking on the transaction registration, Mr Reji George, Managing Director / CEO, Presco PLC commented:

“The successful completion of our Series 1 Bond issuance solidifies Presco’s foundation for continued growth and expansion. Aligned with our strategic objectives of increasing our planted area of palm oil and, to lead Africa in the fully integrated edible oil and fats business in the nearest future, the proceeds from this issuance will be primarily directed towards the acquisition of a majority equity stake in the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC).

This not only enhances our operational efficiencies, It also solidifies our market presence and competitive advantage in the palm oil sector beyond Nigeria. Most importantly, this will enable us to better serve our valued customers and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders. We extend our sincere gratitude to Stanbic IBTC Capital and all our advisors for their support throughout this process.”

Also speaking on the transaction registration, Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, said:

“Stanbic IBTC Capital is proud to have advised Presco PLC on the successful issuance of its ₦82.9 billion Series 1 bond. As the largest local currency corporate bond issuance in the Nigerian market in recent years, this milestone underscores our deep expertise in capital markets and our commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact financial solutions.

Beyond reinforcing Presco’s strategic growth, this transaction enhances funding diversification within the agricultural sector, driving sustainable industry expansion. We appreciate Presco PLC’s trust in Stanbic IBTC Capital and the consortium of advisors who contributed to the successful execution of this landmark deal.

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Transport

Travelers to Make Money as Ozi Launches to Redefine $460 billion Global Package Delivery Market

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Ozi Goes Live

Key Takeaways from Ozi launch:

  • With logistics representing a $1.34 billion in Africa, the demand for innovative delivery solutions has never been greater
  • Nigerians face numerous hurdles when it comes to moving packages, ranging from delays and high costs to a lack of secure options 
Ozi Founders
L-r: Co-Founders of Ozionline.com: Ikenna Ani (COO), Azubike Augustine (CTO) and Engr. Christian Chime (CEO)

Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.

By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.

Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.

With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”

“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient. 

“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.

He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.

“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in other country outside Nigeria but for their believe in the Nigeria dream and its potentials made us to choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, the CEO said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.

Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.

Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.

In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.

“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.

To enhance security further, Azubuike said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.

“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”

“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.

“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.

He added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025.  Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.

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Transport

Beer Sectoral Group and FRSC Warn Drivers on the Dangers of Drunk Driving

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BSG and FRSC
L-R: Executive Officer, Food, Beverage and Tobacco, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Elizabeth Lawal; Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun; Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma; Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), (Lagos State Sector), Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat; Chairman Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) and CEO Nigeria Breweries, Hans Essadi; Lagos state secretary National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Usman O Teslim and Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde during the launch of the Annual Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign organized by BSG in Partnership with FRSC at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, on Tuesday, 10th of December, 2024.

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has reiterated the dangers of drunk driving at the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign.

The two-day campaign began with a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, and continued with park rallies on Wednesday, December 11.

Both events emphasized the importance of avoiding drunk driving, the consequences of impaired driving, and the critical need for responsible road habits to enhance safety across Nigeria.

Speaking at the press conference, Chairman, BSG and CEO Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essadi, commended FRSC for its dedication to road safety and pledged continued support for initiatives that reduce traffic accidents. He stated: “Each year, countless lives are lost to preventable accidents caused by impaired driving. This campaign is built on three pillars: education, enforcement, and encouraging responsible behavior by all road users.”

Essadi also announced the following day’s park rallies, during which campaign teams visited major motor parks in Lagos—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi. At these locations, they engaged commercial drivers in discussions on the risks of impaired driving, distributed educational materials, and offered voluntary breathalyzer tests.

FRSC Lagos Sector Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat emphasized the importance of defensive driving and passengers’ rights to challenge reckless drivers. He also highlighted FRSC’s new app, which alerts users to speed limits, dangerous roads, and potholes.

The press briefing attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including executives from BSG, senior FRSC officials, and road safety advocates. Speakers highlighted the campaign’s objectives, shared success stories from previous editions, and renewed their commitment to reducing road accidents caused by impaired driving.

BSG and FRSC
L-R: Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun; Communications and Sustainability Manager, International Breweries, Damian Igwe; Head of Integrated Communications, Nigerian Breweries, Ayodele Alabi; CEO Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma; Chairman Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) and CEO Nigeria Breweries, Hans Essadi; Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola during the launch of the Annual Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign organized by BSG in Partnership with FRSC at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, on Tuesday, 10th of December, 2024.

The park rallies saw impactful interactions with drivers and park officials, with many participants pledging to adopt safer driving habits. The campaign reinforced the message of accountability and safety through practical demonstrations and community engagement.

The 2024 “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign exemplifies the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing critical societal issues. BSG and FRSC reaffirm their shared commitment to reducing alcohol-related crashes and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.

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