Events

Investment in Football Capable of Growing Nigeria’s Economy – Abubakar Lawal, GMD, GTI Group

Published

6 years ago

June 10, 2018

Eric

Photos by Ken Ehimen

In the face of several challenges that have in recent times befuddled optimal performance in Nigerian football, preparations for the Russia 2018 Mundial has succinctly buttressed the importance of investing in the sector, which holds great economic potentials for the country.

This fact was made bare at the GTI’s first Football Townhall Meeting with investment and finance analysts, policy makers; finance and sports journalists in a brainstorming session on football and its subservience to economic development, at the GTI House in Lagos on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

MD GTI Asset Management, Mr. Amos Aledare

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, GTI Capital Group, Mr. Abubakar Lawal tasked Nigerians to see the period as best time to invest in sporting activities, especially football as a business that is capable of growing the nation’s economy.

Engineer Adewunmi Adeyemo, MD GTI Micro-finance Bank, Mrs. Hauwa Haruna-Sheidi with a guest

The GMD hinted that, “Apart from oil production in the country, football and other sports competitions have occupied a vantage position in building the desired economy for the country. He reaffirmed the need to shift attention to sporting activities from oil”.

He pointed out that with possible combination of football and oil exploration development, the nation could easily tackle the high rate of poverty level which currently stands at 60.7 percent, grow the GDP and position Nigerian economy on strong pedestal.

Answering questions on how the country missed it, Lawal identified government’s succession problem, negative perceptions against the country and its citizenry, corruption, nationalist problems and other sharp practices like bending the rules as responsible for sports underdevelopment in Nigeria, pointing out that sports provided a veritable platform for public and private sectors to make money for the country and citizens.

Finance Director GTI Group, Mr. Boye Adegbemi with Engr. Adewunmi Adeyemo

On his own part, the Chief Economist/Head, Corporate Transformation, GTI, Professor Martin Ike-Muonso, argued that football in Nigeria served as a means of social cohesion and the building of the communities.

According to him, as at 2012, about 43 million Nigerian youths were actively involved in sports with official statistics suggesting that about 93 percent of this number were involved largely in football.

He said, “3.53 percent of these numbers were professionals while the rest were involved solely for recreational purposes as fans. This is consistent with 2014 Repucom world football report which equally found out that about 85 percent choose football as the favorite sports to watch on TV.

Mr. Nnamdi Obi with Mrs. Olufunke Tona-Obafemi

He further harped on the enormous economic benefits of the game to the country quoting its stupendous accrual to the UK economy.

“The premier league presents a fantastic example of the prospects held by the football economy. The league’s economic impact on the UK economy shows that it improves the national economy by 6.2 billion pounds; domestic output by 3.4billion pounds and 2.4billion pounds in taxes. Over 6000 jobs are directly provided by the league while it supports the provision of more than 103 thousand jobs across the UK through the clubs.”

Mr. Pius Ayinor

Elaborating on the course to take while investing in the sector, Professor Martin averred that;

“A mutual fund type investment vehicle that focuses exclusively on establishing a vibrant football ecosystem may be a good stimulator of these initiatives. Such a vehicle should be able to use the extant tremendous support base to translate the value chains in the sub sector into vibrant generators of surplus values. Substantial parts of funds should be invested in the upgrade of football infrastructure and real estate such as stadia. It should also support the emergence of vibrant clubs and construction and implementation of adequate safety nets for current and past players and eventually birth a private sector driven league”.

Mr. Pius Ayinor, GMD GTI Group, Mr. Abubakar Lawal, Lagos SWAN Chairman, Mr. Debo Oshundun with Group Sports Editor, The SUN Newspapers, Mr. Emma Jemegah

The Managing Director, GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, Mr. Amos Aledare, listed public, private participation in growing football, encouraging rural talents, personal interest on the side of the coaches, signing of age long football strategic plans and strengthening policy framework in favour of football as leeway to getting back the desired benefits of playing football.

He also called on other stakeholders to commence with immediate effect, major restructuring and investment in the sub-sector and in line with best practices.

Chief Economist and Head, Corporate Transformation, Prof. Martins Ike-Muonso

Several other inputs from participants in the Football Town hall meeting emphasized the need for corporate institutions involvement in football, abstinence of personal interest of the coaches to uphold national interest, a detour to the grassroots to raise talents, an end to legal tussles in NFF, an end to setting up of football clubs mainly as means of siphoning funds from Government etc.

Company Secretary, GTI Group, Ms Omotayo Akapo with MD GTI Micro-finance Bank, Mrs. Hauwa Haruna-Sheidi

Other suggestions to move the game ahead were; calling on government to come up with policies that will enhance private participation, promote conducive business environment to enable local production of kits and jerseys, Infrastructural development, playing by the rule and kick out corruption, creating efficient system that will allow private businesses to come in, following the best practice as done by the rest of the world while restoring investors’ confidence, integrity and transparency in order to put the world number one sport on proper track in the country.

Events

The Splendid Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Barr. Daniel Aramide

Published

4 months ago

July 28, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The ancient city of Abeokuta was agog when celebrated lawyer and businessman, Barrister Daniel Aramide, pulled all stops to give himself a well deserved diamond jubilee bash.

The event, which took place in his palatial residence at Boldan House, Kemta Housing Estate, Zone II, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was a beehive of activities as friends, colleagues, family members and well wishers came in their numbers to grace the spectacular event.

It was a moment of joy and visible emotion as the birthday boy beamed smiles after smiles and grinned from ear to ear in absolute ecstacy amid cheers from guests even as he danced away to the sonorous voice of music maestro, Yinka Ayefele, and tunes from the wheels of DJ Secxy, who rocked the house with a combination of oldies and present sounds.

The event, planned by Que-Brand Events, also made available plenty to eat and drink as Topsy Catering, Jimmysgrillz, Pop House Cocktails, Slot Films, Amala Iya Oyo, Sansan Pots Catering and Annidre’s Food were all on hand to serve both local and continent dishes as well as assorted beverages.

Among dignitaries in attendance were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, HRM (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Otileta VII; the Olowu of Owu Kuta, HRM, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude; Mrs. Funmi Kehinde, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola and friends from the United Kingdom.

A seasoned lawyer, Aramide graduated with LLB honors from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, and later attended the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1989, and afterwards, returned to England to start his law career, working in several organizations to gain valuable experience.

Barrister Aramide is also a qualified Notary Public, having completed two years of studies at University College London. His firm is based in Dagenham, East London.

He is married to Alhaja Aminat Bolupe Aramide and they are blessed with three children: Bola, Emmanuel and Olamide.

Photos: Segun Lawal

Events

Sights and Sounds from Bimbo Oloyede’s ‘Command Your Stage’ Book Presentation

Published

5 months ago

June 9, 2024

Eric

Photos by Koya Adegbite

Veteran broadcaster, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede, on Thursday, hosted a public presentation of her new book, Command Your Stage, at the Metropolitan Place, in Victoria Island.

Among dignitaries that attended were Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu and CEO, Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo.

Events

Glamour, Class As Prince Akintoye Adeoye Becomes 5th President of REDAN

Published

6 months ago

May 25, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a night of massive turnout of dignitaries, display of pomp and delivery of well orchestrated speeches as the Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN) pulled all the stops to celebrate its 5th Anniversary, which coincided with the investiture of Prince Akintoye Adeoye as the new and 5th President of the prestigious organisation.

Prince and Mrs Akintoye Adeoye with Dr. Oroville Wamakko, Dr. Ugo Chime and Chief Olabode Afolayan

The talk of the town show was beautifully coordinated by the GMD of Gracias Group, Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta, also known as Dr. OVA, who doubled as the chairperson of the Contact and Public Alliance Committee of REDAN. She has been praised for practically throwing her weight behind the event to ensure it was successful.

GMD Gracias Group, Dr. Olalade Valentina Abuta and Chairperson, Contact and Public Alliance Committee, REDAN with GMD, Adron Homes, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking

Other stakeholders in the successful organization of the event were the GMD, Adron Homes, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking and CEO, Victoria Crest, Mr. Kennedy Okonkwo.

Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta (Dr. OVA) in a tete-a-tete with Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi

The event, which took place at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, was themed Distribution National Prosperity and Wealth Creation Through a Transparent Real Sector, with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Chief Host, and the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the Special guest of honour.

Cross section of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly

Other prominent personalities that graced the occasion were the HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who functioned as the Chairman of the day.

The Adeoyes with Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi

A colorful display of elegance, poise and intellectual dissertation, the occasion kickstarted with a procession of the REDAN president, BOT members, past presidents, immediate past president and dignitaries as they made their grand entry into the hall, and unto their various seats, before Rev Peter Ameadaji said the opening prayer to set proceedings into full motion.

Chairman, Ogun REDAN, Dr. Adeyemi Adeniyi and wife

In his welcome address, the Investiture Committee Chairperson, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, traced the efforts of the members in putting together the evening of class, and appreciated all guests for heeding the invitation while encouraging all and sundry to relax and savour every interesting bite the REDAN had planned to offer on the night.

Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, Aare Dele Momodu and Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta

Other members of the Investiture Committee as reeled out by Dr. Okonkwo are 1. Dr Roland Igbinoba, 2. Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta, 3. Hon. Peter Inuaeyen, 4. Engr. (Pst.) Emeka David Nwachukwu, 5. Alh. Muawuiyah Farouk, 6. ESV. Osilama E Osilama, 7. Alh. Mohammadu Maccido, 8. Dr Kunle Adeyemi, 9. Alh Abdul Malik, 10. Sir Chika Arinze, 11. Engr Debo Adejana, 12. Mrs. Udo Okonjo, 13. Barr Komolafe, 14. Mallam Yunusa Shuaibu, 15. Dr. Mrs Lami Ahmed, 16. Mr. John Oamen, 17. Dr Dotun Oloyede and 18. Mr. Uko Okon Essien.

L-R: Dr. Oroville Wamakko, Dr. Hakeem Oguniran and Dr. Ugo Chime

There was also a section created for exciting, and diverse companies were on hand to showcase their projects including but not limited to Gracias Energy, Adron farms & fitness, Federal mortgage bank, London Real Estate Academy, Parallex Bank, CUTSTRUCT TECHNOLOGY, ROYAL CERAMICS and LAFARGE.

L-R: Aare Emmanuelking of Adron Homes, Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy Okonkwo of Victoria Crest and Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta of Gracias Group

Following Okonkwo’ speech was a brief remark by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Prince Seyi Lufadeju, who used the opportunity to give special recognition to the members and patrons of the BoT, thanking them for being a worthy ally in the effort to have a unified and strong REDAN.

Aare Emmanuelking (L) and Dr. OVA (M)

Other leading personalities in the real estate world and in government, took turns to offer short remarks in appreciation of the Association’s contributions to humanity and the society. They include Founding Partner of Diya, Fatimilehin & Co., Mr. Gboyega Fatimilehim; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Akinderu Fatai Moruf and Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

Treasurer, REDAN Lagos and GCEO, Zylus Group International, Dr. Oluwatosin Olajutoye

It was not until after the valedictory speech of the immediate past president (IPP), Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Ciroma Wamakko, that the major highlight of the occasion occurred. The investiture of Professor Akintoye Adeoye!

Editing REDAN Chairman and MD Furtail Properties Ltd, Mr. Fayose Tomiwa

Flanked by members of the BoT, IPP, past presidents, dignitaries and immediate family members, Prince Adeoye was decorated as the 5th president of REDAN to the applause and loud cheers of the capacity filled hall.

North Central vice Chairman, Esv Osilama E. Osilama with Ogun REDAN Chairman, Dr. Adeyemi Adeniyi

In his acceptance address, Prince Adeoye pledged to take the Association to much greater and higher heights as well as lead by the rules and carry every member along in his administration.

Dr. Emmanuel Obikoye of Billionaire Realtors, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo and Dr. Gbenga Adeleke of Tribitat Real Estate

The keynote speakers, Dr. Timi Agama and Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, thereafter took centre stage, holding the audience spellbound with their oratorial and intellectual prowess, passing the message in the simplest of forms and language to the amazement and admiration of everyone.

Dr. OVA with some special guests

The 7th EXCO was thereafter inaugurated with Prince Adeoye as the president, to begin another prolific journey of accomplishments and achievements.

REDAN National Vice President (Southwest), Dr. ‘Kunle Adeyemi with National Financial Secretary, Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed

With performances from a cultural troupe, vote of thanks by Mrs Maryanne Udo Okonjo, wholesome networking among the audience, and closing prayer by Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, the night of grace folded.