BEST OF NIGERIA - Volume 2

BEST OF

nigeria Volume

2

Celebrating 100 years

100 Years of Nigeria: Best of Nigeria Volume 2 Celebrates

Thapelo Letsholo

Sven Boermeester

Mpho Laing

Gia Bischofberger

The year 2014 marks 100 years since the naming of Nigeria. The nation is steeped in rich cultural and political history. Although the journey has been marred by turmoil and upheaval, the diversity and richness is cause for celebration. These 100 years have not been in vain and seem to be leading the country to greatness and new heights of economic freedom. The Best of Nigeria Volume 2 aims to celebrate the nation of Nigeria – not only in remembrance of its past, but also in looking forward to the vision of a new future.

After the resounding support and positive response received from Best of Nigeria Volume 1, it was a natural decision to launch Best of Nigeria Volume 2 using the momentum gained from the first project. It seems that Nigeria had been eagerly calling out for a publication such as this to showcase and highlight her vast successes. It is with pride that we once again share the pride of Nigeria with the world. The renewed excitement and faith of Nigeria is not only felt among her people, but the same faith is being shared by international entities. The constant and rising growth of the economy is evidence of this.

Since the settling of the political landscape in Nigeria, a renewed strength is seen rising up in the people. Further confidence and modernisation will closely follow this new political stability through further balancing and even distribution of the economy. This is a mountain to climb, but the developing nation of Nigeria has struggled over many mountains and evidently has the strength and capacity to continue to the peak.

Through government’s proactivity in dealing with these issues, not forgetting the immense field of natural resources, Nigeria is sure to maintain its upward trajectory. The key is in ensuring its resources remain a blessing to the entire country.

Nigeria’s tourism potential has lain untapped for decades, and is slowly being uncovered and shared with the world. The land has a striking diversity of natural beauty in its contrasting landscapes – combining the best elements of the tropical beaches, rainforests, savannah plains and semi-arid desert. Opportunities for international investors in this growing market abound.

With one of the most capable governments in Nigeria’s history, the country is in good hands and can reach new heights, granting the collective effort of all her people. The world’s gaze is fixed on Nigeria as the country takes over the reins as the largest economy in Africa.

Best of Nigeria Volume 2 once again brings a collection of success stories in a visual celebration of all that Nigeria has achieved. As the country unlocks her potential, we share with you her journey and look forward to Nigeria’s next century with hope.

Proudly African - Connecting Minds - Building Communities

International Group Publisher Sven Boermeester Africa Group Publisher Thapelo Letsholo Nigeria Publishing Partner Mpho Laing Project Manager & Production Gia Bischofberger

GVPedia Communications cc Managing Editor Rebecca Lovett Webmaster Werner ten Krooden Printing Creda Communications Contact details: GVPedia Communications cc Fax: +27 86 586 1999 • Email: info@gvpedia.com / gia@gvpedia.com www.GVPedia.com • www.ProudlyAfrican.info To view all our books online in eBook format.

GVPedia.com Success, Sustainability and Culture

Nigeria Contact Cell: +2347033716076 | Email: mpho@gvpedia.com Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in The ‘Best of Nigeria’ Vol.2. Neither ‘Best of Nigeria’, nor GVPedia Communications cc assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. The editor reserves the right to amend and alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary.

All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.

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Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Best of Nigeria, Volume 2 celebrates our nation’s successes. It serves as a lasting reminder of all that this great nation has achieved, as a poignant reminder of our vision and as an inspiration to us to sustain our efforts at growing and developing the country through innovation and judicious use of our human and natural resources.

Our collective service to the country is paying dividends, though not without its

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challenges. Our efforts are geared towards various goals including poverty reduction, increased jobs, access to affordable housing and improved economic conditions that would propel economic growth. Our goals and shared vision of a growing and productive economy with jobs and inclusive growth will not materialize without the combined efforts of the public and private sector. Thus, we all need to

FERERAL MINISTRY OF

FINANCE

work together to achieve our common goal and vision.

We are working hard to sustain our position as the preferred investment destination in Africa. The private sector is an essential partner in this effort as it creates jobs for our teeming youths, continues to scale up investments in agriculture, manufacturing and services and extend trade and partnerships, thereby promoting socio-

economic development. The Best of Nigeria celebrates the private sector and the various industries it has nurtured over the years.

The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to ensure that growth is inclusive and translates to increased jobs, reduced poverty and lower inequality. Our work has catapulted Nigeria to the forefront of Africa as the largest economy and we will continue to maintain our commitment to our citizens

by sustaining the reforms and building strong institutions. This publication helps to highlight our passion and results as we make progress on this front.

This unique collector’s volume showcases the journey of our great nation’s growth. I hope you will enjoy sharing a part of our country through Best of Nigeria.

By the Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria

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Proudly African

Boosting Trade, Development and Cultural relations across Africa

Thapelo Letsholo, CEO Proudly African Proudly African is an initiative of Global Village Africa which is a marketing and business platform geared towards showcasing and harmonising Africa’s development, trade and cultural diversity to a global audience.

This is where the BEST OF AFRICA in business, government and non-profit organisations unite, promoting their vision and best practice in order to find the right customers, partnerships and joint ventures - in order to grow alongside the continent’s indisputable economic potential.

The initiative has an unstoppable magnetic presence with its ever growing country and sectoral window already in over

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20 African states. We invite all leaders in business and government across Africa to showcase and integrate their visions and activities so as to promote inter-Africa trade, investment and technology transfer from around the globe.

We also invite all Africa’s media, trade exhibitions, conferences and business chambers to use the platform to gain mutually beneficial exposure. Fully unlocking Africa’s promise requires greater continentwide economic integration and inter-trade; such as in Europe, where integration has enabled the continent to become the world’s single biggest market. Integration and inter-trade is not only urgent, but also

indispensable to unlock economies of scale and propel Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy, thus aligning the continent with the global flows of trade and finance as an equal partner.

Africa’s massive economic potential still lies largely untapped - but not for much longer. The world is coming and so is the dream of a more united Africa. We need to make sure we maximise on the growth for the benefit of all of Africa and its people.

Proudly African - Connecting Minds Building Communities

www.ProudlyAfrican.info

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ChapterS 74

Hotels and Hospitality

Chapter 2

Chapter 1

44

States

112

Arts, Culture and Festivals

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

92

Travel, Tours and Leisure

98

Luxury Goods and Fashion

Chapter 6

Chapter 5

92

Luxury Lifestyles

110

Banking, Finance and Investment

Chapter 8

Chapter 7

106

Healthcare and Wellness

132

Property and Real Estate

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

124

Security

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150

Broadcasting

Chapter 12

Chapter 11

140

Public Relations, Media and Marketing

176

Oil and Gas

Chapter 14

Chapter 13

166

Energy

196

Training and Education

Chapter 16

Chapter 15

188

Technology and Communications

Chapter 17

202

Corporate Profiles and Entrepreunership

BEST OF

nigeria Best of Nigeria

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Nigeria at a glance Predicted to become a new world superpower and as the new largest economy in Africa, Nigeria is oil rich and business savvy.

Motto: Anthem: Location:

“Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” “Arise, O Compatriots” Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon Capital: Abuja Largest City: Lagos Official Language: English National languages: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba Regional languages: Edo, Efik, Fulani, Idoma, Ijaw Kanuri Ethnic Groups: Over 250 ethnic groups including Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5% Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, Indigenous 10% Government: Presidential Federal Republic President: Goodluck Jonathan Vice President: Namadi Sambo Independence: From the United Kingdom - Unification of Southern and Northern Nigeria: 1914, Declared and recognised: 1 October 1960, Republic declared: 1 October 1963 Area: 923,768 km2 (1.4% water) Population: 155,215,573, density 164.8/km2 (2010 estimate) GDP (PPP): US$510-billion (2014) Currency: Naira (₦) or NGN Time Zone: +1 GMT Dialling Code: +234

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President Goodluck Jonathan

The captivating country of Nigeria abounds with prospects. Although the image of the country has been tarnished, there is much to praise.

Nigeria is the dominant force of influence over West African economics, politics and culture. This is evident in the world-wide reach of its music and literature.

Sensationalist negative reviews often overshadow the complexity and many sides of this expansive and diverse land.

Ancient kingdoms across southern Nigeria maintain their customs which are reflected in their sculptures to venerate ancient gods. Nigeria is also home to one of the world’s pioneering primate conservation organisations. Ancient Saharan trade routes still show themselves in the Muslim trade cities of the dusty northern regions stretching out towards the desert.

Nigeria is a country of extreme juxtapositions. Immense wealth contrasts with immense poverty daily. This, coupled with diverse religions, lays the foundation of ancient civil tension between differing

communities. There are a small number of areas which are still problematic but the majority of the country’s people are warm and hospitable. Nigeria is Africa in its most raw form.

It is a challenging travel destination, but if necessary rigmarole is followed, Nigeria will prove itself to be a most worthwhile visit.

Nigeria’s vibrant contrasts include varying cultures, rich history, cascading waterfalls, electrifying heritage festivals, equatorial forests, beautiful beaches, exotic landscapes, towering rocks, rolling hills, ancient caves, diverse wildlife in numerous game reserves and hospitable people.

Holding enormous quantities of natural resources, Nigeria is the sixth largest oilproducing nation with a well-educated and industrious society. As the largest economy in Africa and set to become a new world superpower, Nigeria is oil rich and business savvy.

However, the government has recently been looking to diversify the economy by

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expanding on the vast tourist resources, so as to lessen the gap between the rich and the poor. Although tensions still sizzle, a higher level of excitement seems to be rising to the fore.

A member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world.

The economy of Nigeria is one of the fastest growing in the world and the International Monetary Fund has projected massive growth for the country. The position

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Nigeria holds on the continent has created a general sense of pride among Nigerians.

Government The Federal Republic government of Nigeria is modelled on the government of the United States, which gives the president executive power. The Westminster System model influences the composition and management of the bicameral legislature with the President as both head of state and head of government in a multi-party system. The political framework is modelled on a federal,

presidential, representative democratic republic. Legislative power lies with both the government and the two chambers of the legislature - the House of Representatives and the Senate, forming the law-making body in Nigeria called the National Assembly which serves as a check for the executive arm of government.

Language Nigeria currently has 521 languages catalogued, including 510 living languages, two second languages and nine extinct

languages. English is the official language of Nigeria the most common being Pidgin English. Native languages are mostly represented in three major African language families. Niger-Congo languages are the most common and include Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa (which are Afro-Asiatic); and Kanuri (Nilo-Saharan).

Religion Religious freedom is granted by the constitution in Nigeria. Religious practices are varied throughout the country, with the

south predominantly Christian and the north Muslim. Throughout the country are those who practice Native religions, which involve the belief in deities, spirits and ancestors.

The unorthodox indigenous religions are

often mixed into the beliefs of Muslims and Christians.

www.state.gov Best of Nigeria

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Nigeria 1914 – 2014: Looking back over 100 years as Nigeria looks forward

The name Nigeria was taken from the Niger River running through the country. This name was coined by Flora Shaw, the future wife of Baron Lugard, a British colonial administrator, in the late 19th century. In 1914, it became formally known as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

After World War II, Nigerian nationalism rose and independence was demanded.

This saw the British Government moving Nigeria to self-government representation.

Independence In October 1960, full independence was granted to Nigeria in a federation of three regions - northern, western, and eastern - retaining relative self-governance under a constitution providing for parliamentary governance. Exclusive powers lay with the federal government in defence, security,

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foreign relations, and policies. Nigeria proclaimed a federal republic in October 1963 under a new constitution, creating a fourth region, the Midwest. Over time Nigeria suffered upheaval in a number of coups and leadership changes: 1966: Government overthrown by army officials on 15 January. Ethnic tensions rose.

1966: Another coup in July after military government attempted to abolish federal structure.

1967: Independent “Republic of Biafra” declared in May resulting in military crackdown.

1970: Biafra defeated bitterly after long and bloody civil war.

1975: Gen. Murtala Muhammed accused military government of Gen. Yakubu Gowon of not keeping promises to return to civilian rule. On 29 July he staged a non-violent coup.

1976: General Muhammed assassinated on 13 February but coup was aborted.

Chief of staff Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office. He modernised armed forces, developed the economy with oil and stuck to timeline for return to civilian rule. The number of states increased to 19 – gradually becoming 36 in 1996.

Second Republic 1978: New constitution signed on 21 September and political activity resumes with parties formed.

1979: Elections held and Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) elected president.

1983: Shagari won the next elections held in August after violence and questions of vote rigging.

1983: Military overthrew NPN on 31 December and Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari became leader of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) and led the country.

1985: Buhari relatively popular through him tackling corruption but was overthrown peacefully in August by Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Babangida freed the press, released uncharged political detainees and reformed the economy.

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Third Republic 1989: Political activity restored under new constitution.

1990: Failed coup attempt in April saw 69 accused executed after secret military trials.

1990: Local government elections held in December.

1991: State legislative elections held in December which were relatively peaceful but poorly attended.

1992: Babangida cancelled primary elections scheduled for August and September.

1993: Delayed presidential election held on 12 June saw wealthy Yoruba businessman M.K.O. Abiola win in Nigeria’s most fair elections. Babangida annulled the election and riots left over 100 dead.

Umaru Yar’Adua

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1993: In August, Babangida agreed to step down to an “interim government” led by non-partisan businessman Ernest Shonekan. Elections set for February 1994.

1993: Shonekan forced to resign amid growing chaos as Defence Minister Sani Abacha assumed power on 17 November after cancelling elections. He dissolved political parties and failed to announce a timeline to his “promised” return to civilian rule. Sanctions imposed.

1994: The “National Democratic Coalition” (NADECO) formed by opposition to campaign for an immediate civilian rule and on 11 June, Abiola declared himself president and was arrested on 23 June.

Abacha consolidated power and economy halted through strikes.

1995: Abacha accused 40 military officers and civilians of a coup plot - including prominent human rights activists and journalists. Death sentences were given under military tribunal and executions included nine opposition activists.

1998: Abacha expected retaining power in the boycotted elections of 1997 and 1998. However, he died of a heart attack on 8 June. General Abdulsalami Abubakar replaced him.

1998: Elections conducted by Independent Electoral Commission in August saw newly released former military head of state Olusegun Obasanjo win.

1999: Democracy in Nigeria after 16 consecutive years of military rule as new constitution promulgated before 29 May civilian inauguration.

With a stagnant economy, Olusegun Obasanjo set about rebuilding democratic institutions as a representative of all Nigerians. Nigeria saw improvement in human rights, democratic practice, and freedom of press.

Conflicts and friction arose between differing ethnic and religious communities over allocation of resources and the sharing of oil wealth, land and other resources. The constitution was also questioned. The hotly contended 2003 national elections saw Obasanjo re-elected.

Elections were held in April 2007, with the participation of more than 35 political parties. Umaru Yar’Adua replaced Obasanjo as President on 29 May 2007. Yar’Adua promised to reform the electoral process and instil peace and security in the Niger Delta, specifically over spurts of violence from terrorist group Boko Haram.

After becoming ill, President Yar’Adua was released of his presidential power on 9 February 2010 which was

passed to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. After the death of President Yar’Adua on 6 May 2010, Nigerian Chief Justice swore in Goodluck Jonathan as President.

The Independent National Electoral Commission organised elections in April 2011. President Jonathan and ruling party PDP won with 59 per cent. The elections were considered the most successful since Nigeria’s return to multiparty democracy in 1999. President Jonathan was sworn in on 29 May 2011.

Nigeria’s steady progress over the last 100 years is indicative of further strides to come. As the new super power of Africa, Nigeria’s entry into its second century is one filled with hope.

Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo

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Top 20 reasons to visit, live, invest and do business in Nigeria

1. Economy: Nigeria is one of the fasted growing economies in the world and has taken over South Africa as Africa’s biggest economy - much sooner than predicted. The country has stable economic growth.

2. Investment Climate: Nigeria’s laws encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The government continues to make positive changes to encourage the ease of doing business in the country.

5. Beaches: Sandy beaches stretch several kilometres in the coastal regions of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri.

3. Tourism Opportunities: Nigeria abounds in unique attractions, but many lack packaging. There are numerous opportunities for the development and marketing of existing sites, with a need for networking in the global tourism market to entice investments in the sector from across the globe.

7. National Parks: There are currently eight in existence – Yankari, Chad Basin, Cross River, Old Oyo, Okomu, Kamuku, Kainji and Gashaka-Gumti. They all feature various wildlife and migrating bird species.

4. Landscape: Nigeria’s diverse landscape offers a variety of beauty comprising of waterfalls, savannahs, rainforests and other geological wonders, local wildlife, nature, and historical heritage.

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6. Forest Reserves: With natural attractions in Cross River, Edo and Abia states, the rolling hills in Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba and Ekiti states, and numerous waterfalls, the Nigerian landscape alone is well worth a visit. Nigeria’s jungle is often considered the main attraction and showcases Africa at its most raw.

8. African Business Leaders: Many of the African continent’s most prominent and successful entrepreneurs hail from Nigeria, such as Aliko Dangote who is the wealthiest man in Africa according to the prestigious Forbes list. The country has also never been under better governance and leadership.

17. Population: As the most populous country in Africa with Lagos as the most populated city on the continent, Nigeria is booming.

A large part of this can be attributed to the entrepreneurial spirit of this industrious nation, which is leading the way in Africa.

18. Nollywood: Nigeria’s world-renowned film and television industry is hugely popular across Africa and is a growing and valued sector of the economy. Icons of the genre are based on formulas used in both Hollywood and Bollywood.

9. Oil: Nigeria is a huge exporter of gas and oil products and oil is the mainstay of the economy. Nigeria has about 35-billion barrels of oil reserves which makes it the 10th highest in the world. It is the 9th highest in gas reserves with about fivetrillion cubic metres.

10. Market Access: Through its membership to ECOWAS, Nigeria has market access to an enormous population. Nigeria also enjoys duty and quota free access to the US market through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

taking place in the city through numerous development projects is a direct mirror of the progress of the country.

13. Eko Atlantic City Project: This development is a planned new ultra-high density business and residential district of Lagos, built out of a 9km² parcel of land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.

14. Zuma Rock: This large 725-metre high monolith in Niger State is one of the many treasures in Nigeria which is depicted on the currency.

11. Infrastructure: Due to foreign investment and massive oil earnings, Nigeria is rapidly developing and this has directly spilt out over the infrastructure of the country, with potential for further investment remaining.

15. Institute of African Studies: This hallmark of the city of Ibadan houses remarkable pre-historic bronze carvings and statues.

The Ibadan University zoo and botanical garden are also reasons to visit.

12. Lagos: Often thought of as the capital of Africa, this bustling city is a gateway to business on the continent and is a trade hub for West Africa. Lagos is a melting pot of culture and enterprise in true African urban form. The rapid development

16. The Cocoa House: Known as the first skyscraper in Africa, this dominating presence of Ibadan’s skyline provides a panoramic view of the city and serves as a reminder of Africa’s development boom and Nigeria’s significant part of it.

19. Spirit of Naija: Nigerians are warm and friendly people who are open and welcoming of guests at all times. Their national pride is exemplified in the spirit of Naija which they all share. The rich culture and heritage of Nigerians is part of this kindred spirit. Nigeria has a colourful culture evident in numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year.

20. Naija Seven Wonders: The search for the inaugural Top Seven Wonders of Nigeria was organised by West Africa’s first Travel Magazine, African Travel Quarterly.

The search was narrowed down to 15 finalists between 2010 and 2012 through a rigorous voting process. The wonders were announced as: Obudu Mountain Resort, Sukur Kingdom, Osun Grove, Kano Walls, Oke Idanre Hills, Benin Moat, and National War Museum. The results have been endorsed by the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).

www.naija7wonders.com Best of Nigeria

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Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy On Monday 7 April 2014, it was officially announced that Nigeria’s economy had overtaken South Africa’s to become the continent’s largest economy.

After a detailed recalculation, the first since GDP was last accurately calculated in 1990, Nigeria’s economy was given a boost of US$240-billion – which brings the country’s total GDP to US$510-billion. This 89% increase has far outshone predictions and has brought the nation to its powerhouse target far sooner, first estimated to be reached by 2020.

The overdue rebasing was calculated using the 2013 figures – a process which is recommended to take place every five years, according to the United Nations Statistical Commission. South Africa’s second place comes with some distance at US$384-billion.

In a statement, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has said that this has offered a far more accurate picture of where Nigeria is as a nation. Not only does the country now have the largest economy on the continent, but also the 26th largest economy in the world.

This achievement cannot be credited solely to the state or natural resources and investment, but also to the collective

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entrepreneurial spirit of the Nigerian population – as Per Capita Income has risen drastically with a 60% increase between 2009 and 2013. This feat can only truly be celebrated once all Nigerian’s directly feel the effects of this impressive growth, and government has vowed to continue to transform lives for those living in poverty.

The new data was released by Yemi Kale, head of the National Bureau of Statistics, at a news conference in the nation’s capital, Abuja. The value was recalculated according to production patterns from 2010 which increased the number of industries measured from 33 to 46 – inclusive of growing new institutions which highlight a more diversified economy and changes in consumption output.

The update has taken into account the massive transformation of digital telecommunications and ICT, impressive contributions from the ever-growing Nollywood industry, changes within the music industry, airline growth, online retail outlets, as well as the growth within services and finance.

The implications the rebasing has for foreign investment are extensive – which will be accompanied by a newfound confidence both within the country and emanating from around the world.

Already since 2013, business tourism was noted as a booming industry in Nigeria. With the new claim as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria can expect further booms for those in tourism through a rise in investment conferences.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s economy has grown by over 6% per year since 2006. The International Monetary Fund expects a rate rise of 7.4% in 2014 as the

government of Nigeria is expecting an oil and gas income of N7.16-trillion. Nigeria is a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and is Africa’s biggest oil producer.

Although it is a significant milestone for Nigeria to overtake South Africa’s economic position on the continent, this is only the first essential step for Nigeria to more accurately align economic policy.

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Nigeria’s Environment Nigeria is a land of plentiful resources. It is biologically diverse and endowed with rich soil, varying climates, a wide array of wildlife and expansive topography. Some of Nigeria’s biodiversity has worldwide significance. Its protection and conservation is therefore of global importance.

Diversity and landscape It is believed that Nigeria may contain the largest diversity of butterflies in the world – mostly seen in the Calabar areas and Cross River State. Nigeria is also the home of the drill monkey – an endemic and protected species which is only found in the south-east of the country and Cameroon.

The landscape ranges from tropical rainforest, to coastal plains, savannah, and the desert conditions of the north located on the doorstep of the Sahara Desert.

The rainforest region has created vast expanses of mangroves or salt water swamps in the south and fresh water swamps in the north.

Climate Being close to the equator, Nigeria’s climate can be generally considered a humid tropical climate, characterised by hot and wet

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conditions associated with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). With only slight variations, temperatures are consistently high year-round. Seasons and regions are distinguished by varying rainfall distribution.

The far south has a prolonged rainy season with long-dry periods in the far north. As a result, Nigeria comprises of two major seasons - the dry season and the wet season.

Climatic regions: • Southern Lowlands - humid subequatorial; • Far North - hot tropical continental; • Plateaus and Mountain Highlands moderated sub-temperate; • Hinterland Middlebelt - hot, wet tropical.

Topography Chappal Waddi is 2,419m high and is

Nigeria’s tallest peak. The country’s two main rivers are the Niger River and the Benue River, which together converge and spill out into the fans of the picturesque Niger Delta.

The Niger Delta is one of the largest Delta’s in the world.

The Niger and Benue River valleys are the most significant contributing factors to Nigeria’s topography – carved out of the rugged highlands of the south-west. The Benue hills form the Mambilla Plateau in the south-east – are the highest in Nigeria.

Environmental issues Nigeria’s environment is now in need of rehabilitation after years of unfortunate deforestation, due to numerous contributing factors and encroaching grassland. An area of focus is the land between the Niger and the Cross Rivers in the south. Many organisations and bodies within Nigeria and throughout the world have guided government in improving environmental policy.

The country’s main environmental agencies are the Environmental Planning and Protection Division within the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and a division within the Ministry of Industry. They have been tasked with reversing current issues and damage in the interest of Nigerians and international observers.

Current issues being contended with include soil degradation, rapid deforestation, urban air and water pollution, desertification, and soil pollution. The price of Nigeria’s rise to economic glory and growth has been noted in cases of oil spills, loss of arable land, and rapid urbanisation. These environmental issues are typical of a developing state.

History and statistics In the decade before 1993, 20% of Nigeria’s forest and woodland areas were lost to deforestation. In the early 1990s, Nigeria was among 50 nations with the world’s highest levels of carbon dioxide emissions. Nigeria has 221km³ of renewable water resources, with 54% used for agriculture and 15% for industrial purposes. Safe drinking water was accessible to 78% of urban dwellers with only 49% of the rural population having access.

Nigeria has 26 endangered mammal species, nine birds and 16 plant species.

Endangered species include the drill, Presuu’s red colobus, and the Ibadan malimbe. The Sahara oryx has become extinct in the wild and remains a symbol of the urgency of state protection.

The future of Nigeria’s environment With a new focus on developing the potential of the tourism industry in Nigeria, as well as numerous enticing business and investment opportunities, the protection and preservation of the country’s bounty of environmental resources has never been more prevalent.

Ensuring that generations to come are able to appreciate these same unique endowments is a current priority of government. Corporate

sustainability is a pre-requisite for any local and international investor in Nigeria.

It is the dream of the nation to be able to share in the beauty of its diverse wildlife and topography – with a new appreciation amongst the people of Nigeria as well as tourists and investors from throughout the world.

tourism.gov.ng www.nationsencyclopedia.com Best of Nigeria

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Traditional Leadership in Nigeria Traditional leadership has been an integral part of Nigerian culture and administration for centuries.

Comprised of various tribes, groups and religions, traditional leaders still hold authority and influence in Nigerian society - although no formal political power - and are therefore garnered with respect.

There is still intense competition for royal seats amongst eligible dynasts and honorary titles can be awarded - with the wealthy and elite valuing the acquisition of such titles. Traditional leaders are useful in communicating and negotiating between civilians and the state. They create national identity and broker peace, and can be likened to holding positions of high-nobility.

History The earliest known inhabitants of Nigeria were members of the ancient Nok culture.

The Nigeria-Cameroon border was home to speakers of Bantu languages - spoken in most sub-Saharan African countries.

In the late 19th century, empires were divided into emirates, with emirs slightly subordinate to the Sultan of the empire and often acting as independent rulers.

Before colonialism took place, kings held absolute rule over the territories of northern Nigeria – even predating the arrival of Islam over 200 years ago. During the colonial years, these northern emirates were adopted by the British as an important part of administration and they therefore enjoyed increased power.

Ethnic groups The diverse ethnic groups which make up Nigeria today vary largely in language and tradition. Generally the Igbo groups traditionally occupied the south-east, the

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Yoruba occupied the south-west, and the Hausa and Fulani occupied the north. There are more than 200 different ethnic groups present in Nigeria.

Over 2,000 years, various kingdoms were established. The most prominent included: • The Kingdom of Kanem-Borno in the north-east; • The Hausa Kingdoms of Katsina, Kano, Zaria and Gobir in north-central Nigeria; • The Yoruba Kingdoms of Ife, Oyo and Ijebu in the south-west; • The Kingdom of Benin in the south; and • The Ibo Communities in the east.

Titles Traditional leaders in Nigeria often get their names and titles from rulers of independent states or communities which were in existence before modern-day Nigeria was formed.

There are a wide variety of titles used for traditional leaders in Nigeria – ranging between the myriad of local languages.

Emir is the common English title used in the Muslim north – with local names including Sarki, Shehu, Mai, and Lamido. The Edo tribes use the title Oba, with Enogie referring to a duke and Odionwere a governor. The Yoruba tribes also use the title Oba with other titles including Alake, Alaafin or Olu’wo – depending on the people or place being ruled.

Igbo rulers in the south-east are referred to as Obi, Igwe and Eze, with local titles including Amanyanabo, Orodje, and Obong.

There are currently 78 Kings or traditional leaders in power in Nigeria, as part of 82 ancient Kingdoms within the various states.

Ceremonies Little has changed in terms of protocol and tradition in courts for many centuries and traditional garments, jewellery and palaces are still a firm part of the practice.

The awarding of a title to a new chief is an event which still holds symbolic prestige, dating back to medieval times. During these traditional investiture ceremonies, the Oba is

the centre of attention amongst the Yoruba.

The ceremony is comprised of a nominee procession in front of guests and wellwishers, followed by festivities accompanied by traditional drumming. Significant emblems are adorned according to rank and elaborate drapery is worn by the Oba. These ceremonies often receive wide media coverage and become a part of the public domain. There are secret initiations of the highest ranking chiefs which are considered private.

Roles In the Muslim north, traditional leaders are viewed as custodians of religion and tradition – genuinely upholding values with respect to traditional beliefs. Some religious and traditional rites of the Yoruba are only performed by the Oba. The blessing of traditional leaders is deemed important to any politician seeking office. Their role in elections is to bless, not support, the politician by ensuring they respect the people that they are ready to serve. Emirs see their main role in society as intervention in disputes in order to maintain peace in their communities.

Maintaining peace Throughout Nigeria’s turbulent years, the institution of traditional rulers of various kingdoms has played an important role in stability.

A consultative meeting on 16 May 2013 organised by the Global Peace Foundation in Abuja, saw over 180 eminent Muslim, Christian and traditional tribal leaders from across Nigeria gather to address the need for peace and stability.

The theme was “The Role of Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers in Building a Culture of Peace, National Unity and Integration”. It was a momentous occasion for these leaders to gather on a neutral platform, speaking in a collective voice.

Marking 100 years since the Northern and Southern protectorates amalgamated to form present-day Nigeria, the country is still divided along the lines of religion, tribe and ethnicity.

Religious and traditional rulers are vital to building social cohesion.

www.kingdomsofnigeria.com www.globalpeace.org Best of Nigeria

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Tribute to an African Icon: The legacy of Nelson Mandela “I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.”

The world has collectively mourned the passing of one of the African continent’s greatest legends, Nelson Mandela. Life slipped away from the father of the nation on 5 December 2013 at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa, after 95 years of life. Nelson Mandela was laid to rest, forever free, in his homeland

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of Qunu in the Eastern Cape of South Africa on Sunday 15 December 2013.

His memorial service and state funeral saw leaders and public figures from across the world pay their final respects – a telling reminder of the impact of this life. Even at his death he successfully united people from all walks of life,

from across borders. Although Tata Madiba’s passing was imminent after an extended struggle with lung infection, the announcement still seemed to send shockwaves across the continent and the world. Although his time on earth has ebbed away, the light of his legacy still radiates, stronger than ever. There

Popartic / Shutterstock.com

is arguably no other figure in Africa’s history who has garnered more respect and admiration.

Mandela set the benchmark for leaders across the continent of how to relinquish power at the height of success and to achieve peaceful transitions into the new territories of freedom.

Fondly known as Madiba, he was the first president of democratic South Africa from 1994 until 1999 - when he stepped aside as president of the ANC. He remains a symbol to all of great humility and reconciliation.

Mandela displayed immense wisdom, strength and grace in his fight against apartheid. His pursuit of freedom as an activist left him imprisoned for 27 years. He emerged from prison on 11 February 1990 full of forgiveness and strength – ready to lead a new country. This feat, together with his care for children and love of family, are endearing values which have left a great example for the human race – and most importantly, for Africa.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918. His understanding of human spirit and pride aided him in uniting the previously divided country. Over the decades, Mandela has received over 250 awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

His ascension to power 20 years ago, marked a momentous turning point of the history of South Africa and the continent at large. It significantly came at the end of centuries of colonial domination over Africa – and the unified struggles of the African people.

Mandela’s presidential inauguration on 10 May 1994 was not only a victory for South Africa but for those across the African diaspora who had suffered years of racial oppression. The anti-apartheid movement was an international movement – with leaders across Africa coming to the aid of the ANC party. It was through Mandela that the gaze of the world rested on South Africa; as it became aware of the organised racial oppression of the Apartheid government.

There had been so many people across the world who had joined together to help in achieving South Africa’s democracy. It

was a victory for all; and the ever humble Mandela endeavoured to ensure that recognition was not solely given to him.

In the eyes of Africa, Mandela’s election was a beacon of hope and signified a new era of racial and ethnic unity – divisions which have devastated many other African countries. The ‘Miracle Nation’ of South Africa, a country on the brink of civil war, managed to prevail against all odds into peaceful reconciliation. These notions of peace and forgiveness were inspired by Mandela.

At his death, the world has reflected on his legacy and numerous everlasting contributions to South Africa, Africa and the world. His philosophy of collective leadership endures as an inspiration for current and future leaders. He was a courageous leader who gave voice to his beliefs regardless of which authority or power was at fault.

Even after retirement from politics and achieving democracy in South Africa, this world icon strove to improve the lives of all Africans. His focus shifted to social issues such as HIV and AIDs and the wellbeing of children.

Mandela is survived by his wife Graça, three daughters and 18 grandchildren.

This legacy of Nelson Mandela will remain for generations to come.

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“The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.”

“I have fought against White domination, and I have fought against Black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve.

But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Rivonia Trial, 1964. www.mandela.gov.za Best of Nigeria

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Olusegun Obasanjo Olusegun Obasanjo was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State in 1937. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958 as his parents could not send him for higher education. He trained at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. Back in Nigeria, Obasanjo specialised in military engineering.

Obasanjo’s life in politics began in January 1975 as federal commissioner for Works and Housing. After a coup, he became the number-two man under the new Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, initiating a return to democracy. After General Muhammed was assassinated in a coup attempt which Obasanjo narrowly escaped six months later, Obasanjo was given the top job.

During his three years as Head of State, Obasanjo created an industrious Nigeria. He committed Nigeria fully to the anti-apartheid crusade and involved university academics in the formulation and execution of foreign policy.

Obasanjo introduced a series of economic austerity measures, whilst prioritising education and health. He pushed for the transfer of the nation’s

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capital from congested Lagos to Abuja.

He liberalised the telecommunications sector which allowed Nigeria to become Africa’s largest and fastest growing market for ICTs. He also created the country’s first Economic and Financial Crimes Commission - the first time that public officials were prosecuted for misusing state funds. Most notably, Obasanjo pursued transition back to civilian government. Many Nigerians still regard this time as a period of exemplary good governance.

After retirement, Obasanjo became a commercial farmer with Obasanjo Farms - one of the biggest and most diversified in Nigeria. He established the African Leadership Forum and was a member of several international, UN, Commonwealth and other agencies.

Again Obasanjo received the honour to lead Nigeria out of the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha with a majority over his opponent in the February 1999 election. He served as President from May 1999 to May 2007.

In 2008 he was appointed by the UN as a special envoy for Africa and has since overseen democratic elections on behalf of the African Union and Ecowas across Africa.

He has since emerged as an advocate for investment into Nigeria and Africa.

President Obasanjo is also Founder of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation - a UK based charity with a mission to advance Human Security for All.

www.olusegunobasanjofoundation.org www.onlinenigeria.com

Dr Mike Adenuga Successful entrepreneur Dr. Mike Adenuga (Jr) was born in Ibadan on 29 March, 1953 as the son of Chief Michael Agbolade Adenuga (Snr) and Madam Oyindamola Adenuga. He attended the Ibadan Grammar School in Oyo State and then North Western State University, Alva Oklahoma, and Pace University, New York, both in the United States of America.

The reserved Adenuga is described as a visionary leader and adept manager of men and resources. His rare level of intellect has helped him oversee his vast business empire which has substantial investments in telecommunications, oil and gas, and banking. This success has also largely been due to his immense positivity, energy and determination.

During the Government’s move to encourage indigenous activity in oil in 1990, Adenuga was allocated oil blocks. In 1991 his company, Consolidated Oil Limited, became the first indigenous oil company to produce oil in commercial quantity. He acquired National Oil and quickly recovered the company’s profitability – later renaming to Conoil Producing Limited, which is now the

leading indigenous oil and gas exploration and producing company in Africa.

Launched in 2005, Adenuga’s Globacom Limited provides services in mobile, fixed, broadband, and international gateway telephony. Since launching in Benin in 2008, Globacom has spread across West Africa with licences in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, and others underway in Togo and Senegal.

Adenuga’s Equitorial Trust Bank is a leading highly profitable post-consolidation mega bank in Nigeria, engaged in commercial and development banking.

Adenuga has changed the face of African football as sponsor of the Glo-CAF Awards, an annual recognition of African stars featuring in top leagues all over the world. Dr. Adenuga’s contributions to the development

of the business terrain in Africa have been acknowledged through several awards. He was honoured with the National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and later with the award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Adenuga the title of Pillar of Football in Africa for his strong support for African Football at both national and continental levels.

At the age of 60, his net worth as of March 2013 according to Forbes was US$4.7-billion and he is the second wealthiest man in Nigeria. Adenuga is married with seven children.

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Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Teacher, political campaigner and women’s rights activist

taxation, among others. She also organised workshops for illiterate market women.

In 1953, she founded the Federation of Nigerian Women Societies which subsequently formed an alliance with the Women’s International Democratic Federation.

For many years she was a member of the ruling National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) party.

Prior to independence she founded the Commoners Peoples Party in an attempt to challenge the ruling NCNC, ultimately denying them victory in her area. She was one of the delegates that negotiated Nigeria’s independence with the British government.

In 1978 Funmilayo was thrown from a second-floor window when her son Fela’s commune, the Kalakuta Republic, was stormed by 1000 armed military personnel.

She entered a coma in February and died on 13 April 1978.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (25 October 1900 Abeokuta, Nigeria - 13 April 1978 Lagos, Nigeria), was born Francis Abigail Olufunmilayo Thomas. She is remembered to have been one of the most prominent leaders of her generation.

Heavily involved in political activism, she is regarded as the ‘Mother of Africa’.

A pioneer in women’s rights, she was influential in Nigerian women receiving the right to vote.

Ransome-Kuti was the mother of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, famous musician and activist, Beko Ransome-Kuti, a doctor and activist, and Professor Olikoye RansomeKuti, a doctor and former Nigerian health minister of Nigeria. After completing secondary school at Abeokuta Grammar,

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she went to England for further studies.

She became a teacher on return to Nigeria. On 20 January 1925, she married Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti.

Ransome-Kuti was awarded the national honour of membership in the Order of Nigeria in 1965. The University of Ibadan awarded her an honorary doctorate of law in 1968. She was also seated in the Western House of Chiefs of Nigeria as an Oloye of the Yoruba people.

She founded the Egba or Abeokuta Women’s Union along with Eniola Soyinka (her sisterin-law and the mother of the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka), with a membership of more than 20,000. She gave women a voice by rallying them through a series of protests on issues including work limitations and unfair

Achievements • Elected to the native House of Chiefs serving as an Oloye of the Yoruba people.

• Ranking member of the NCNC. • Treasurer and President Western Women Association of NCNC. • Leader of Abeokuta Women’s Union.

• Leader of Commoners Peoples Party.

• Leader of Nigeria Women’s Union.

• Winner of the Lenin Peace Prize.

• Alleged first Nigerian woman to drive a car and ride a motorcycle.

• Co-founder of the Nigerian Union of Students.

• Co-founder of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

• Founded the largest African women’s organisation ever with 20,000 members.

• As leader of Egba women, led a campaign against arbitrary taxation of women - leading to abdication of Egba King Oba Ademola II in 1949.

• Nigeria’s first representative at a women’s international conference in the USSR in 1963.

• Ran the junior section of Abeokuta Grammar School.

• Led a concerted campaign to ensure that girls attended school.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a fearless hero who remains immortalised in the words of her son, Fela Kuti - as she “became the spirit of the rain and still speaks to us in a voice of storm clouds and thunder”.

Ken Saro-Wiwa “I am a man of ideas in and out of prison - my ideas will live.”

Nigerian writer, artist, journalist and television producer Ken Saro-Wiwa was the Niger Delta’s most vocal environmental activist.

Born in 1941 to an Ogoni family, Saro-Wiwa attended the government college at Umuahia and the University of Ibadan.

He held numerous administration positions in government – including Education Commissioner in Rivers State in the late 1960s and Information and Home Affairs Commissioner in the early 1970s.

His literary works included two children’s books, a collection of short stories, and a novel. He also created the widely popular television sitcom entitled “Basi

and Company”. His final book, published posthumously, was entitled “A Month and a Day: A Detention Diary”.

He was President of the Association of Nigerian Authors for three years until he left in 1991 to aid the struggles of the Ogoni people – using poetry, prose and peaceful protest as his weapons to fight for the preservation of their homeland at the mercy of oil exploitation.

In 1990, Saro-Wiwa founded the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which protested against the exploitation of Ogoniland – situated in eastern Nigeria on the Niger River

Delta – through misuse of oil revenue and subsequent severe pollution and degradation. Saro-Wiwa was spokesperson and then its president.

In 1994, Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Right Livelihood Award with three other environmental activists. In 1995, he won the Goldman Environmental Foundation of California prize.

Saro-Wiwa was arrested in May 1994 after he and eight other Ogoni were held responsible for violence at a meeting in which four elders were killed – even though he had not been present. Accused of murder without legal counsel or right to appeal, they were hanged on 10 November 1995 by the military government of General Abacha.

The arrest and deaths of the “Ogoni Nine” led to an international outcry which led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations for more than three years, including recalling foreign diplomats and imposing economic sanctions.

A series of cases were brought against Royal Dutch Shell in reaction to the deaths.

On 9 June 2009, Shell agreed to an out-ofcourt settlement of US$15.5-million to the families, stating that the payment was for reconciliation and not liability – bringing the battle near to an end. This money was to help recover legal costs and expected to further aid the Ogoni people.

He married Nene Saro-Wiwa in 1967 and had five children: Ken, Gian, Tedum, Noo, and Nina.

In death, Saro-Wiwa’s cause for the Ogonis prospered even more than in life. He is a lasting reference point - symbolising the struggle of the Niger Delta.

www.cleanthenigerdelta.org Best of Nigeria

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Wole Soyinka Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka was born on 13 July 1934. He has published over 20 works in English – dramatic plays, novels and poetry. As a social and political critic, he has been imprisoned, exiled and under threat of assassination under various Nigerian military regimes.

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka was born in Abeokuta, Western Nigeria as the second child of six. Soyinka was exposed to both traditional Yoruba beliefs and Christianity early on and religious syncretism had a great influence on him.

After studies at Government College in Ibadan in 1954, he continued at the University of Leeds, where in 1973 he took his doctorate. During his six years in England, he was a dramaturgist at the Royal Court Theatre in London (1958-1959). His first major play was “The Swamp Dwellers” in 1958, followed by “The Lion and The Jewel” in 1959 - both showcased in Ibadan.

In 1960, he returned to Nigeria with a Rockefeller Research Fellowship, studying African drama. His Satire “The Trials of Brother Jero” established him as Nigeria’s foremost dramatist. He taught drama and literature at various universities in Ibadan, Lagos, and Ife. He has been professor of

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comparative literature at Ife since 1975.

He founded theatre groups “NineteenSixty Masks” (1960) and “Orisun Theatre Company” (1964). He has been visiting professor at the universities of Cambridge, Sheffield, and Yale.

In late 1963, his first feature-length movie “Culture in Transition” emerged. In April 1964 his famous novel “The Interpreters” was published and launched in London.

He founded the Drama Association of Nigeria in December 1964. Shortly after, he was arrested for the first time. An outcry from international writers saw him released a few months later.

He then became Headmaster and Senior Lecturer in Department of English Language at the Lagos University and his speeches became politically motivated and critical of corruption and African dictatorships. The Biafran War began in May 1967 after severe political tensions. Soyinka became Chief of Cathedral of Drama at the University of Ibadan. On order of President Gowon, Soyinka was arrested and imprisoned in August.

Soyinka was released from prison in October 1969, after Biafra Secession came to an end. He stayed on a friend’s farm in southern France and wrote one of his greatest masterpieces, “The Bacchae of Euripides”. A tome of his poetry, “Poems from Prison” was released in London.

After the political situation in Nigeria worsened, Soyinka went on voluntary exile. More of his plays were showcased worldwide for the next few years, as well as a number of novels published. He was awarded Honoris Causa doctorate at the University of Leeds.

In 1975 Soyinka became editor of “Transition” magazine in Accra, Ghana – using it to voice his activism.

On return to Nigeria in 1975, Soyinka took command of the Cathedral of Comparative Literature at the University in Ife. He also graduated as Professor at the University in Ife. In 1977 he staged his renowned adaptation of Bertold Brecht’s “Three Penny Opera” called “Opera Wonyosi”.

In 1981, Soyinka’s first autobiographical novel called “Ake: The Years of Childhood” was released. Soyinka founded another theatrical group called “Guerrilla Unit”. He continued work on numerous plays.

The years 1975 to 1984 saw Soyinka enter a period of increased political activity.

Wole Soyinka was awarded the Nobel

Prize for Literature in 1986 – the first in Africa. He also won the Agip Prize for Literature and decorated as Commander of the Federal Republic.

In 1988, a new collection of poems “Mandela’s Earth, and Other Poems” was released in New York – along with further essays and plays all over the world. In 1993, Soyinka was awarded with Honoris Causa doctorate at the Harvard University.

On 21 October 1994, Soyinka was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Promotion of African Literature and Communication. After fleeing Nigeria in 1994, Soyinka was charged with treason in

1997 under General Abacha. In 1999, a tome of his poems entitled “Outsiders” emerged.

In 2001, he released the satirical play “King Baabu”. In 2002, a collection of his poems “Samarkand and Other Markets I Have Known” was printed. In 2004, “WS: A Life is Full” was released - an illustrated biography of Wole Soyinka by Bankole Olayebi with more than 600 photographs since 1934.

Soyinka’s latest release was a memoir called “You Must Set Forth at Dawn”, published in April 2006.

wolesoyinka.blogspot.com Best of Nigeria

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Nike Davies-Okundaye Nigerian artist, designer and philanthropist Nike Davies-Okundaye specialises in Batik and is the leading designer on the West coast of Africa.

Nike was born on 23 May 1951 in the town of Ogidi in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. She was brought up with the commonly practiced tradition of weaving and dying but has since become known for her modern approach with traditional themes. Through her highly colourful batik and paintings, she entices visitors to enter Nigeria’s world of ancient culture which thrives in modern cities - a world that moves easily between talking drums and the internet. The world-renowned Batik is a colourful patterned Nigerian cloth used in garments and linen.

Nike has given workshops on traditional Nigerian textiles to audiences in the United States and Europe during the past 20 years. Her fame as an artist and teacher has taken her all over the globe. Her hope is that now, visitors will accept her invitation to visit her in Nigeria and immerse themselves in African tradition.

Nike found that the traditional methods of weaving and dying that had been her original inspiration were waning in Nigeria.

Through her international success, she launched a cultural revival - building art centres where young Nigerians could master traditional arts and crafts for free.

The world of the Yoruba, a culture that has flourished in Western Nigeria for well over 1000 years, can now be accessibly visited and explored.

Nike entices African arts specialists, enthusiasts, and those interested in immersing themselves into a new culture, the opportunity to see Nigeria with fresh eyes. Visitors stay at guest houses at her homes in Lagos, Oshogbo and Ogidi and travel through Nigeria in air conditioned cars and buses with guides and teachers.

Days are spent visiting museums, galleries, and traditional markets, or studying the techniques used by Yoruba craftsmen and artists. Nike opens her family and encourages apprentices at mealtimes to sample Nigerian specialties.

Her son Olabayo Olaniyi is a graduate at the College of Santa Fe and is also an artist. Nike has more than 150 students in Europe and America.

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Fela Kuti Fela Kuti is most well known for having given the world the popular musical style known as AfroBeat. Over a decade after his death, AfroBeat lives on in homes throughout the world.

Born as Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela Kuti was renowned for his voice and ability to play several instruments including saxophone, keyboards, trumpet, guitar, and drums.

AfroBeat has been described as a mix of funk, jazz, salsa, calypso, and African drum beats. In Fela Kuti’s hands, this music was a

political weapon with which he could voice his ideals for Nigeria and the continent.

AfroBeat was officially born in 1967 after Kuti had returned from studying music at the Trinity College of Music in London. His brief time in the United States in 1969 heavily influenced the political and social direction of his music.

Kuti’s songs were known for their authenticity and deliberate rebellion against commercialism. He rose to fame in the early 1970s during newly won independence.

Kuti was a voice for the everyman – even though he was born into a middle-class family. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a feminist activist in the anti-colonial movement and his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was a Protestant minister and school principal and the first president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.

His brothers, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, are both wellknown medical doctors. Kuti’s first cousin is Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.

Fela Kuti stirred up controversy wherever he went – most memorably through his

marriage to twenty-seven women. He often said questionable things but his passion for Africa and originality were unquestionable.

In the 1980s, Kuti continued to release albums with his band Egypt ‘80 and successfully toured the United States and Europe. In 1986, Fela performed in Giants Stadium in New Jersey as part of the Amnesty International A Conspiracy of Hope concert - sharing the bill with Bono and Carlos Santana.

On 3 August 1997, Olikoye RansomeKuti, already a prominent AIDS activist and former Minister of Health, announced his younger brother’s death a day earlier from an AIDS related illness. More than a million people attended Kuti’s funeral.

There has been a recent revival of Fela Kuti’s music and influence, notably with another re-release of his catalogue controlled

by Universal Music, Broadway biopic shows, and new AfroBeat bands, such as Antibalas, meeting new listeners.

www.fela.net www.felaproject.net Best of Nigeria

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Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde The Queen of Nollywood

The Nigerian actress, singer and philanthropist at the age of 34, has made it onto The 2013 TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people.

Born on 7 February 1978, Omotola grew up in a family of five with her parents and

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two brothers. She was a model when she accompanied a friend to a movie audition for the film Mortal Inheritance in 1996. The friend was rejected and asked Omotola to try for the role. She was chosen for the role – and so began her on-screen career.

Her breakout role in Mortal Inheritance was as a woman fighting for her life against sickle-cell disease – earning her several awards, such as Best Actress in an English Speaking Movie and Best Actress overall at the 1996/97 Thema Awards. The film is still considered as one of the best ever made in Nigeria.

Omotola also won a Grand Achiever Award from the Global Excellence Recognition Awards in 2004 as well as ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ during the African Movie Awards in 2005. In 2012 Omotola received The Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts BEFFTA Icon Award - an exclusive honorary award for her outstanding contributions to the global film industry.

Being a part of an industry which is the world’s most productive English-language film industry – ahead of Hollywood – is the dream of any actress. But to lead the pack in Nollywood, the Nigerian cinema industry which produces 2,500 movies per year, is something that Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde managed to achieve.

Nollywood is a major source of employment in Nigeria, and numerous fans are drawn in due to the artful skill and allure of Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who has made over 300 features, selling millions of copies.

One of her most notable films is Ijé of 2010 – a mega-production which had scenes shot in Los Angeles and became the highest growing film in Nigeria’s history.

Omotola is married to airline pilot Capt.

Matthew Ekeinde – their wedding was held on a flight from Lagos to Benin – and she is the mother of four children. Not only is she

also a singer and reality-show star, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is a seasoned philanthropist, through her role as founder of the Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme (OYEP).

OYEP brings hundreds of youths together for the Empowerment Walk and Convention.

One of the program’s renowned projects includes the 20 Widows Makeover, receiving a nomination for Best Charity/Cause Related Event at the Nigerian Event Awards in 2012.

She has also been active with various other charities and organisations, including Save The Children UK, Enough is Enough, and Amnesty International. She has worked on specific causes such as the Maternal Mortality struggle in Sierra-Leone and the Own Up, Pay Up and Clean Up campaign for Niger Delta. She’s been a UN ambassador for the World Food Programme since 2005.

Her greatly anticipated music career was launched in 2005 through her debut album GBA, followed by the album Me, Myself, and Eyes. Her music career has allowed her fans greater access to the star.

Omotola was invited to attend the 2011 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in recognition of her work for Amnesty International through her song “Barren Land”. The song was used to address the Shell Oil spill in the Niger Delta.

She is also a talented writer and has her own column in OK! Nigeria, as well as having co-written on many of her films.

In late 2012, she became the first Nigerian to ever have their own reality television show through Omotola: The Real Me – aired on Africa’s most popular network, Africa magic TV, becoming the most watched television series on the continent.

As Africa’s most famous and celebrated leading lady, Omotola has had numerous opportunities to leave for Hollywood.

However, even after her massive success, she has stayed grounded and attached to her homeland and the industry which helped her to achieve her fame. She has received numerous high-profile awards, launched a music career, and drawn an enviable fan base. She has been celebrated in African press as Nigeria’s ‘Best Actress’ and Africa’s biggest star. For over a decade, Omotola has pioneered in Nollywood – now the most watched actress in Africa. It is no surprise that Nigeria’s leading lady is one of the world’s most influential people.

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Israel Adebajo & Stationery Stores Football Club (Ssfc) Nigeria’s Premier Football Icon and Brand

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are household names in Nigeria. SSFC has an unprecedented level of National following, easily the Liverpool or Real Madrid of Nigeria.

After a 10 year absence from competitive top flight football, Adetilewa Adebajo In January 2014, led the resurgence and return of SSFC to the top flight, with the acquisition of Union Bank Football Club.

ACHIEVEMENTS Nigerian FA Cup • Winners 1967, 1968, 1982, 1990 • Runners Up 1980 and 1992

SSFC was established in early 1950.

With over 60 years of football history, the club is the oldest surviving football club in Nigeria today. It was founded through acquisition by The Late Israel Adebajo, a businessman who named the club with the same name as his stationary trading and paper converting business. (Nigerian Office Stationery Supply Stores).

Early success in the sixties endeared the team to the Lagos crowd as they played a Brazilian brand of football, leading to the nicknames and logo “FLAMING FLAMINGOS”, “SUPER STORES” and “ADEBAJO BABES”. The “Super” in “Stores” was adopted by the National Team,

transforming from the “Green Eagles” to the “Super Eagles”.

There was also a memorable drawn encounter between SSFC and Pele and his Santos team at the Onikan waterfront home Stadium in the sixties. Ten Players from the SSFC squad represented the Nigerian National team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, where, they played a 3-3 draw with the legendary Brazilian team. Three, SSFC players were also in the Nigerian team that won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Pioneers of Professional Football in Nigeria, Five Players from SSFC have captained the National Team at various competitions, including two World Cups. Former players

Nigerian Premier League • Winners 1977, 1992 • Runners Up 1993 African Cup Winners Cup • Appearances 1983, 1991 • Runners Up 1981 African Champions League • 1993 Semi Finalist • 1970 Second Round • 1968 Quarter Final Lagos State Challenge Cup • Record 18 Times Champion

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles football team flying high The year 2013 was a big year for the Nigerian national football team as they took the African Cup of Nations title for the third time and successfully qualified for the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup.

After a 19-year wait, Nigeria’s Super Eagles took the title of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2013 for a third time. They beat Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final to win the cup at the FNB National Stadium in Soweto, South Africa in front of a full crowd of 85,000 on 10 February 2013. The only goal of the match was scored by Sunday Mba in the 40th minute. They have been runner up in the continent’s competition four times and have finished third seven times.

AFCON is the football championship of Africa organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Nigeria then represented CAF at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. After facing a tough grouping, Nigeria bowed out of the Confederations Cup, held in June, behind Spain and Uruguay.

Held in South Africa, the 2013 AFCON edition saw Nigeria as favourite in their group, including previous winners Zambia,

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Burkina Faso equaliser in the 77th minute with a fingertip save.

Burkina Faso and Ethiopia in Group C. Coach Stephen Keshi had been at the helm of the team since 2011. Keshi was a key member of the Nigerian squad of 1994, when the Green Eagles became the Super Eagles after their AFCON victory and first participated in the World Cup. This victory made Keshi the second man to win the Cup of Nations as both player and coach.

John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, both Chelsea players, ran the engine of the team, with Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal) playing upfront alongside Eastern European players Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev) and Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow). The squad was captained by Joseph Yobo, who equalled the record of Nwankwo Kanu by playing in his sixth AFCON. The memorable 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will be remembered as Nigeria’s comeback story.

Their first match in the competition was a 1–1 draw with Burkina Faso. Nigeria’s road to the final then included a 1-1 draw with defending champions Zambia and a 2-0 win against Ethiopia to progress in their group. The quarterfinals saw Nigeria upset tournament favourites Cote d’Ivoire 2–1.

Nigeria then crushed Mali 4–1 in the semi-finals, with Emenike as Nigeria’s top tournament scorer with four goals.

The final match was considered to be a comfortable win for Nigeria, who outplayed their opponents with a display of high energy.

Early on in the game, the Super Eagles had two close chances at goal with Burkina Faso showing little threat. Sunday Mba’s skilful goal came with a left-footed volley after a right-footed flick over the defender.

The second half gave Nigeria numerous opportunities to extend their lead and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama prevented a

Nigeria qualifies for 2014 FIFA World Cup Nigeria’s road to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was considered sealed by their 2-1 defeat of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on 13 October 2013, with two second-half goals from Emmanuel Emenike.

Victor Nwangu, a Match Commissioner with the Nigerian Football Association (NFA), said the ability to take victory on away ground showed the character and discipline of the Super Eagles.

The match was the first leg game of their 2014 FIFA World Cup Final Elimination Round fixture – the CAF Third Round play-offs. The second leg game was held at home in Nigeria in Calabar on 16 November, where they proved their title as African champions and worthy competitors in Brazil 2014. Coach Stephen Keshi sealed their entrance by utilising the best players in the team.

The play-offs saw five of Africa’s 10 remaining nations inch closer to World Cup destinies, through the pairing off of winners over the course of two fixtures, home and away.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are an African force to be reckoned with and they will bring a newfound confidence into their 2014 FIFA World Cup performances. The future looks bright for Nigerian football.

www.cafonline.com www.afcon2013online.com www.fifa.com www.allafrica.com Best of Nigeria

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Polo in Nigeria The ancient and noble sport of Polo has been embraced by the Nigerian elite in recent years with clubs and tournaments receiving frequent attention from the country’s growing number of wealthy business moguls.

The oldest team sport in the world, Polo has been in Nigeria for over a century now – thus being the first organised sport in the country.

This distinctive game unites man and horse in sporting activity – and it can be easily understood why it stirs so much passion.

Although views surrounding the origin of Polo differ, there are some points of its history which are indisputable. It is the oldest team sport in the world and was most likely first played by nomadic warriors over 2000 years ago as training for cavalry. The first matches were played in Asia (then Persia).

British officers then re-invented the game in 1862 after being exposed to a horsemanship exhibition in India.

History of Polo in Nigeria It may be a surprise to many that the roots of Polo in Nigeria have long been established.

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It first began in Lagos with the opening of the Lagos Polo Club in 1904 – introduced by British Naval officers. Membership was first restricted to British officers, then expatriates, and then opened up to Nigerian civil servants and high-ranking citizens.

When businessman Dr Oladele da Rochas Afoda became the first Nigerian member of the club in 1958, it signalled the start of Nigerians entering the game of Polo.

After Lagos Polo Club, numerous Polo clubs popped up all over Nigeria. With an increase in quality players, came the need for regular organised competition.

Polo is known as the “Game of Kings” and fittingly in 1914, the German King, Kaiser Wilhelm II, presented a sterling silver Cup (now known as the Independence Cup) for a championship between Nigeria and the German Cameroons.

Other cups were played alongside the Kaiser Wilhelm Cup, until 1962 when member Dr Majekodunmi donated the now famous Majekodunmi cup.

During the petro-boom years of the 1960s, Polo was considered the national sport by a rising Nigerian middle class.

Its appeal was connected to Nigeria’s long history of cultural interaction with horse riding - due to the influence of Arab nomads. As a result, it is particularly popular in the Muslim North of the country, where many renowned riders originate. The lavish festivals of the Emirs kept interest in the game going after colonialism ended.

In 2010, the Lagos Polo Club committee launched an ambitious redevelopment master plan and road map to be completed within 10 years.

MTN Polo Carnival The MTN Polo Carnival held in Katsina, is regarded as the biggest Polo event around and sees prominent names in the Nigerian Polo calendar vying for the win. The 2013 tournament was run from 7 to 14 September at the Usman Nagogo Polo Ground – with a record number of 35 teams of 800 thoroughbred horses and 300 competitors. Teams came from Kaduna, Zaria, Sokoto, Abuja, Keffi, Bauchi, Minna, Jos, Yola and Port Harcourt.

Founded in the 1920s, the grand event is the first tournament in the Nigerian Polo season and has had the backing of communications giant MTN for more than 10 years. It attracts delegations and visitors from Benin, Niger, Ghana, Mali and Burkina Faso.

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Africa’s Queen of Polo Polo is now also the “Game of ‘Queens’” as one Nigerian woman has proved. Uneku Atawodi is the only black woman in the world to play professional Polo. She is symbolic of growing interest and diversity in the sport.

She nurtured a passion for horses from an early age and her unwavering determination saw her eventually achieve her dreams of becoming a professional Polo player.

The 25-year old from Kaduna has made a great success for herself and also runs an upmarket bar in the capital Abuja.

The growth and expansion evident in Polo is indicative of a healthy and thriving global sport – which has captured the hearts and imaginations of many Nigerians. Part of the thrill of the sport is the social and lifestyle aspect attached to it.

Playing Polo doesn’t come without a price tag. Atawodi has attempted to break perceptions that Polo is reserved to the privileged by setting up an NGO called “Ride to Shine”, which introduces orphans to the game.

Uneku Atawodi

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Lagos International Polo Tournament Held at the Lagos Polo Club, the tournament is known as the best collection of Nigeria’s Polo players as well as international stars of the game. Held over two weeks, matches were held between 27 February and 10 March in 2013.

The 2013 tournament saw Kano Ashbert Titans claim the biggest Polo prize in the country – the Majekodunmi Cup. More success went the way of Kano as RTC beat Lagos Caverton in the Low Cup final. HST won the Governor’s Cup at the expense of Bell Oil & Gas while Linetrale Delaney

salvaged their pride by beating Anadariya to win the Independence Cup - which is the oldest Polo trophy in the country.

Nigeria Polo Association There has been great talent discovered throughout Nigeria, with many young riders taking up the sport.

The ruling body of the game is the Nigerian Polo Association (NPA), now a federation. It was founded in the early 1920s and has functioned ever since. The first head of the NPA was “The Father of Nigerian Polo”, Sir Usman Nagogo - whose wide travels helped give the Association international recognition.

Affiliated to the Hurlingham Polo Association in the United Kingdom, the NPA has 14 affiliate clubs, including the Nigerian Army and Police Polo associations.

Today, the high-profile and wellestablished modern game of Polo is played across Nigeria, with Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Port Harcourt being the major areas.

Nigerian Polo clubs • Kaduna Polo Club • Lagos Polo Club • Kano Polo Club • Port Harcourt Polo Club • Ibadan Polo Club • Katsina Polo Club • Jos Polo Club • Yola Polo Club • Abraka Polo Club

Polo Patrons Due to the rising interest in Polo among Nigeria’s elite, there are a number of high-

profile patrons of the sport who have merged their entrepreneurial skills with their passion for the game - and their love of the networking social scene. Most Nigerian Polo patrons usually prefer to import their horses from Argentina, which is largely considered the home of modern Polo. This luxury sport is the highlight of many social calendars and creates a visual spectacle like no other.

By sponsoring teams, these patrons have been able to compete at professional levels in the sport as well as create enduring marketing legacies for their conglomerates.

• Sayyu Dantata: Dantata is half-brother of Nigerian billionaire and Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote. Dantata heads MRS Holdings, which is a leading West-African oil marketing company.

Ranked as one of the best Polo players in Nigeria, Dantata sponsors the MRS Polo Club.

• Mustapha Fasinro: Fasinro is CEO of Linetrale, which is a leading petroleum products supplier in Nigeria. He is the patron of the Linetrale/Trafigura Polo Team.

• Bode & Rotimi Makanjuola: The Makanjuola brothers are heirs to the Caverton Group - a US$1-billion Nigerian conglomerate. They are patrons of the Caverton Polo Team.

• Kola Karim: The WEF Global Young Leader of 2007, Karim is one of Nigeria’s most popular Polo players. He is CEO of Shoreline Energy group, one of Nigeria’s most varied conglomerates. Karim sponsors the Shoreline Polo club.

poloclubph.org globalpolo.blogspot.com www.fifthchukker.com lagospolo.com www.forbes.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 1 States

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Cross River State - The People’s Paradise Cross River State is one of the oldest out of the present 36 States Structure of Nigeria.

A part of the Southern Protectorate in the Pre-amalgamation era, it became a part of the Eastern region during the 1st Republic and South Eastern State after the first Military intervention in 1967.

However, the New Cross River State as presently constituted came into being with the excision of Akwa Ibom State in 1987 by the General Ibrahim Babangida Military administration.

LOCATION One of the six States in the South-South geo-political zone in Nigeria, Cross River State lies between latitude 5’32 and 4’27 North and longitudes 7’50 and 9’28 East.

It shares a common boundary with the Republic of Cameroon to the East, Benue State to the North, Imo and Anambra States to the West and Akwa Ibom State to the South.

Incunbent Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, Conceptualised Destination Cross River Brand

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THE PEOPLE Cross River can appropriately be described as a miniature nation because of its varied ethnic, cultural, and artistic nature. Even though most of the people of Cross River speak any or all of the major languages of Efik, Ejagham and Bekwarra, many

other dialectical groups are dominant across the State. In fact in Okiro Obudu Local Government Area far North of the State, there is a situation of mystical proportion where men and women speak a different language. Efik is widely spoken in the Southern Senatorial District and was a predominant language for trade and commerce in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ejagham is spoken by communities in the South, Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of the State extending into South Western Cameroon while Bekwarra is easily understood and spoken by people in the Northern Senatorial District of the State.

Other linguistic groups include the Bettes, the Bokis Ekois and Becheve among others.

CAPITAL CITY: CALABAR The Capital city of Cross River State is Calabar. An Ancient City, it boasts of a rich socio-cultural, political and mercantile past.

Known to European Sailors as far back as

Old Residency Museum, Calabar

the 15th century, Calabar was a major slave route. It is on record that about 30% of the estimated 2.5 million slaves taken from Africa during the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade to the New World passed through the Calabar seaport. The New Leaders of Cross River State have sought to recognise this history by building a Slave Museum at its Ultra modern Marina Resort, which graphically captures the slave experience from captivity to liberation in animated form.

CALABAR’S RICH HISTORY It is the seat of government of the Niger Coast Protectorate, Southern Protectorate and the Oil River Protectorates.

It has one of the earliest Military Barracks in Nigeria, the first public Hospital in Nigeria, the first place to experience monorail in Nigeria, as well as having the oldest Post Office in Nigeria. Calabar equally has the first Social Club, the African Club, and produced the first Nigerian Professor – Prof. Eyo Ita. Eminent frontline Professor, including the

late venerable Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe the first President of Nigeria and Sir Akanu Ibiam, all passed through the famous Hope Waddel Training Institution, Calabar.

In contemporary Nigeria, Calabar is developing into a megacity with the reputation for being the cleanest and greenest city in Nigeria with magnificent tourists’ centres including the TINAPA Business and Leisure Resort, the Marina Resort and the Calabar International Convention Centre among other alluring recreational facilities.

Calabar has emerged in the New Millennium as arguably the preferred destination for business and Leisure in the West African Sub-region. Its annual festival, the 32-day extravaganza Calabar Festival, has as its main component a carnival reputed to be the Biggest Street Party in Africa.

THE MILLENIAL SURGE The advancement of Cross River to the

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Studio Tinapa

CICC

Leboku

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status of a modern city State could be traced to the emergence of a youthful political leadership in 1999.

Hitherto, Cross River State had been regarded as a Civil Service State with literally no ambition to break from the shackles of this classification.

However, when Nigeria returned to civil democratic rule in 1999, it was lucky to have a youthful political leadership that had not only assessed its sordid development projectory but had equally articulated a development blueprint to set the State apart from other States.

The first post 1999 administration therefore picked on areas of the State’s comparative and competitive advantages to launch its advancement into the new millennium in the year 2000.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION Launching into a contemporary development option, Cross River State took advantage of its rich tourism potentials and identified and developed some of its natural attractions to world standard. Its flagship tourist resort, the Obudu Cattle Ranch, with an altitude of 1,716 metres above sea level enjoying a climate typical of the temperate regions of the world, received the State Government’s attention. Facilities like the cable car, the Water Park and a Presidential retreat camp akin to camp David in the United State were added to the alluring Resort. An Airstrip was also built and equipped to land light aircraft

and afford tourists easy access to the resort, which is about 332 kilometres from Calabar State Headquarters. The Resort has been host to an International Mountain Race since 2005.

TINAPA the business and Leisure Resort was also built as a catalyst to a business climate in the State. Complete with a stateof-the-art Film Studio and a three Star hotel with expansive shopping emporiums, TINAPA is touted to reverse the business traffic from Dubai to Calabar in the not too distant future.

The Calabar Marina Resort, the Agbokim Water Falls, the Nkarasi Monoliths and a host of other colonial relics scattered around Old Calabar especially have continued to attract tourists to Cross River State.

With these beautiful sites, Cross River State equally launched into innovative tourism promotion programmes, designing a tour event annual calendar that has the capacity to bring a huge volume of tourists to the State every year. Leboku, an enduring trado-cultural festival celebrated by Yakurr people in Central Cross River, has been adopted by the State Government and is held late August every year. The Obudu International Mountain Race is held at the pristine Obudu Ranch Resort every November.

Paying the highest prize of $50,000 among other such races in the world, it is a sports tourism event that has further sold the Obudu Resort to the world. The Calabar Festival is a 32-day festival - arguably the

Carnopy WalkWay

longest and most eagerly awaited Festival in Nigeria. Its carnival component has galvanised the tourism culture in Nigeria but remains uncontestable as the biggest street party in Africa. With five competing bands, carnival Calabar is held on the 27th of December every year.

DESTINATION CROSS RIVER BRAND Conceptualised by incumbent Governor

of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, Destination Cross River is a brand aimed at giving Cross River a distinct identity of best practices in service delivery and qualitative project execution. The brand physically captured in the blue and white colours of the State has spanned educational revival, healthcare delivery, investment promotion and above all the actualisation of the dream of the political leadership, to position Cross

River as a preferred Destination for business and Leisure in the West African Sub-Region.

With Cross River State’s rising profile through investment drive and tourism promotion, its upward surge in the New Millennium has been a source of pride to its cultured and hospitable people.

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Lagos State Lagos State is an administrative division of Nigeria, located in the south-western part of the country.

The smallest in area of Nigeria’s states, Lagos State is arguably the most economically important state of the country, containing the city Lagos which is the nation’s largest urban area.

LOCATION The state is located on the south-western part of Nigeria on the narrow coastal floodplain of Bight of Benin. Lagos State encompasses an area of 3,577km² and is bordered in the North and East by Ogun State, in the West by the Republic of Benin, and in the South by the Atlantic Ocean.

The dominant vegetation of the State is the tropical swamp forest, consisting of the freshwater and mangrove swamp forests. As a wetland region, Lagos has an environment of aquatic splendour.

The state has two main seasons: Dry (November-March) and Wet (AprilOctober). The drainage system of the state is characterised by a maze of lagoons and Waterways which constitute about 22% of the total landmass. The major water bodies

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are the Lagos and Lekki 8 lagoons, and the Yewa and Ogun Rivers. Others are Ologe Lagoon, Kuramo Waters and Badagry, Five Cowries and Omu Creeks.

THE PEOPLE Modern-day Lagosians have so intermingled that no single tribe or people can claim it, even though the predominant language is Yoruba. Although Lagos state is the smallest state in Nigeria, it has the highest population.

As at 2006, the population of Lagos State was 17.5 million, (based on the parallel count conducted by the state during the National Census) with a growth rate of 3.2%, the state today has a population of over 21 million.

The UN estimates that at its present growth rate, Lagos state will be the third largest mega city in the world by 2015, after

Tokyo in Japan and Bombay in India.

Of this population, Metropolitan Lagos, an area covering 37% of the land area of Lagos State, is home to over 85% of the State population.

The rate of population growth is about 600,000 per annum with a population density of about 4,193 persons per sq. km. In the built-up areas of Metropolitan Lagos, the average density is over 20,000 persons per square km.

CAPITAL CITY Lagos is a port and the most populous city in Nigeria. It is the second fastest-growing city in Africa and the seventh in the world.

The latest reports estimate the population of Lagos to be at 21 million, making Lagos the largest city in Africa.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS There are 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State. These are Agege, AjeromiIfelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, IfakoIjaiye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos-Island, Lagos-Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, and Surulere.

HISTORY Prior to the Portuguese name of Lagos being adopted, Lagos was originally called Eko, which stems from either Oko (Yoruba: “cassava farm”) or Eko (“war camp”), by its Bini conquerors. Still today, the Oba of Lagos is the head of all the Kings in Lagos State. The present day Lagos State has a higher percentage of the Yoruba sub-group who allegedly migrated to the area from Isheri along the Ogun River.

History has it that the Awori were actually from Ife, the cradle of Yorubaland. Due to war, those from the hinterlands ran towards Isheri around 1400AD. The Olofin that brought those fleeing to Ebute-Metta was Ogunfunminire, later known as Agbodere.

The Olofin was said to have 32 children.

With one of his sons becoming the Oloto, his other children parted ways into what are known as visible settlements in the present day Lagos. Aromire, whose name means “defeated the river” or “became the river’s friend”, is likely to be the first to have crossed the river.

Until the coming of the Binis, Lagos’s geographic boundary was what is known now as Lagos Mainland. Lagos Island, the seat of the Oba of Lagos, then consisted of a pepper farm and fishing posts but was uninhabited.

The name Eko was given to Lagos by its first King Oba Ado during its early history. It also saw periods of rule by the Kingdom of Benin. Eko was the land area now known as Lagos Island where the king’s palace was built. The Palace is called Iga Idunganran, which translated means “palace built on the pepper farm”.

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL Lagos is Nigeria’s financial, commercial and industrial nerve centre with over 2,000 manufacturing industries and over 200 financial institutions - including the Nigeria Stock Exchange, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The State alone harbours 60% of the Federation’s total industrial investments and

foreign trade while also attracting 65% of Nigeria’s commercial activities.

The headquarters of many multinational conglomerates are located within the State, including UAC, Unilever, John Holts, BEWAC/VYB, Leventis, Churchgate, Chevron, Shell, and Exxonmobil.

Lagos State is not industrially saturated and there is vast potential in underdeveloped land in the Eti-Osa Area of Lagos, Badagry, Epe, Ikeja and Ikorodu Divisions.

In a bid to decongest the Ikeja and Lagos Industrial Estates and thus open up other areas for development, the State Government has provided small-scale industrial estates in all of the State’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Development Councils.

TOURISM Lagos is currently taking steps to become a global city. Since the re-modernisation project achieved by the current administration of Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola, Lagos is gradually becoming a major tourist destination - as one of the largest cities in Africa and in the world.

Lagos has a number of sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean, a few are: Badagry beach, Eleko beach, Elegushi, Alpha beach, Bar Beach, and Lekki Beach. Other places of interest include The Tafawa Balewa Square, Festac town, Lekki Conservation Centre, The Remembrance Arcade and the Slave Jetty in Badagry.

State Government Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria Email: info@lagosstate.gov.ng www.lagosstate.gov.ng Best of Nigeria

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Top 10 Nigerian States Nigeria is divided into a total of 36 states, which differ significantly according to their region and administration. All states have their own attributes which makes them attractive to the visitor for various reasons. As a result, Nigeria’s states can be ranked in a number of ways.

Some states excel in having the top tourism sites in the country - which can be further broken down into culture, heritage and wildlife. Others excel in having the best potential for investment and growth. Other more obvious rankings include size and population, GDP and wealth, security and stability, and so on. It is impossible to compile a list combining all these factors.

The most useful indicators for business and investment purposes would include state rankings by GDP as well as ease of doing business.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) released a report which entailed the health of Nigeria states, which alluded to their financial floatability. The NGF Secretariat compiled the list in order to decipher which states would manage with the imposed 30% wage bill. These states were listed as Abia, Akwa

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Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo and Rivers.

Top 10 Nigerian States according to GDP (PPP$): 1. Lagos State - $33,679,258,023 Before the Portuguese naming of ‘Lagos’ was adopted, ‘Eko’ was the original Yoruba name given by its Bini conquerors (meaning either “cassava farm” or “war camp”).

Located in south-western Nigeria, Lagos State lies on the narrow coastal flood plain of Bight of Benin. Lagos State is bordered

by Ogun State in the North and East, the Republic of Benin in the West, and the Atlantic Ocean in the South. It has five administrative divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe. Lagos State’s territory spans an area of 3,577sq. km. (www.lagosstate.gov.ng) 2. Rivers State - $21,073,410,422 Rivers is the largest on-shore oil producing state, the nation’s largest gas producing

state, the headquarters of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, as well as several off-shore oil and gas fields. Rivers state hosts multinational Oil and Gas Companies. It has a population of 5.1 million people (2006). Rivers State’s area is 11,077sq. km. and is largely bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It is strategically situated as an economic hub servicing the South-East and South regions, including the oil rich Niger Delta region. (www. riversstate.gov.ng) 3. Delta State - $16,749,250,544 Delta State was created on 27 August 1991 from the defunct Bendel State.

Presently the State is made up of 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Delta State is a leading producer of Crude oil and Natural gas in Nigeria. The people of the state are well known for their arts and crafts. Delta State has numerous compelling attractions - fascinating palaces, historic sites, monuments, birthplaces of famous people, traditional festivals and craft centres. (www.deltastate.gov.ng)

4. Oyo State - $16,121,670,484 In the south-west of Nigeria, Oyo State was one of the three States carved out of the former Western State of Nigeria in 1976. It consists of 33 LGAs and covers a total area of 27,249sq. km. It is bordered by Ogun State in the South, Kwara State in the North, Ogun State and the Republic of Benin in the West, and Osun State in the East. The landscape consists of ancient rocks and dome-shaped hills, ranging from 500m in the South to 1,219m above sea level in the North. (www.oyostate.gov.ng) 5. Imo State - $14,212,637,486 Lying in the South of Nigeria, Owerri is its capital and largest city. Imo State originated in 1976 along with other new states. The state is named after the Imo River. With an area of around 5,100sq. km it is bordered by Abia State in the East, the River Niger and Delta State in the West, Anambra State in the North and Rivers State in the South. It

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is made up of 27 LGAs and is rich in natural resources including crude oil, natural gas, lead, zinc. The estimated population is 4.8 million (2006). (www.imostateblog.com) 6. Kano State - $12,393,103,864 Kano State is made up of 44 LGAs. The total land area is 20,760sq. km with a population of 9,383,682 (2006). Kano City is the capital of Kano State; located within the semi-arid Sudan savannah zone of West Africa about 840km from edge of the Sahara desert.

Kano’s most renowned legacy is the Emir’s Palace, the seat of Kano’s prestigious Sarauta institution (Kingship) built over 500 years ago.

The Kano State Government House is located in Tarauni LGA. (kano.gov.ng) 7. Edo State - $11,888,446,884 Edo State was formed on 27 August 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States. The State has a land mass of 19,794sq. km. Edo State is mostly low lying, apart from the Northern and Esan plateaus which range from 183m to 672m. It forms the nucleus of the Niger Delta region and is bordered by Kogi state to the North, Delta State to the East and South, and Ekiti and Ondo States to the West. With Benin City as capital, the population of Edo state is approximately 4-million. There are 18 LGAs. (www.edostate.gov.ng) 8. Akwa Ibom State - $11,179,887,963 Wedged between Cross River, Abia, and Rivers on the sandy coastal plain of the Gulf of Guinea, Akwa Ibom State is bordered in the South by129km of Atlantic Ocean. Akwa Ibom’s land area measures 6,900sq. km. and has a population of 3,920,208. The state comprises of 31 LGAs and its capital is Uyo. (www.aksgonline.com) 9. Ogun State - $10,470,415,017 Ogun state was created in 1976 and its capital is Abeokuta. The state occupies approximately 16,406,226sq. km. and is bordered in the West by the Republic of Benin, in the South by Lagos State and the Atlantic Ocean, in the East by Ondo State, and in the North by Oyo State. Ogun State has a population of 3, 728,098 (2006) and has 20 LGAs. (ogunstate.hostei.com) 10. Kaduna State - $10,334,763,785 Kaduna State occupies almost the entire mid-central portion of the Northern parts of Nigeria and shares common borders with Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Plateau States, and the Federal Capital Territory. The total land area is 46,053sq. km and its population is 6,113,503 (2006). Kaduna State is made up of 23 LGAs. (www.kadunastate.gov.ng) Top 10 easiest Nigerian States to do business in: (DoingBusiness.org) Doing Business in Nigeria 2010 compares

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business regulations across Nigeria’s 36 states, including the capital. The report focuses on state and national regulations affecting the stages in the development of a small to medium-size domestic firm: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering property and enforcing contracts.

Doing Business in Nigeria 2010 was collaborated between the World Bank Investment Climate Team for Africa, the subnational Doing Business team and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The Government of Germany and the Government of Switzerland also contributed to the report.

Nigeria has a tough but lucrative business environment. It requires great resilience and resourcefulness to enter this market and it is essential to enter the market with care and to be armed with knowledge. The Doing Business in Nigeria report offers such knowledge. The report discovered that Nigerian states had undergone a number of reforms in order to encourage further business activity.

1. Jigawa – Population: 4,988,888 (2005); GDP: $2.99 billion (2007); Per capita: $673 • The leadership, institutional frameworks and business regulations are indicators that make Jigawa state the best place to do business in Nigeria.

• Starting a business takes 35 days in seven procedures.

• Ranks 1st in dealing with construction permits with only 10 procedures and taking 47 days to complete.

• Registering property takes 11 procedures in a total of 28 days.

• Only two inspections during construction.

• Ranks 4th in enforcing contracts.

• Resolving a commercial dispute takes 261 days.

2. Gombe – Population: 2,353,000 (2006); GDP: $2.50 billion (2007); Per capita: $1,036 • Ranks 4th in the list of easiest states to start a business, with eight procedures and 24 days to complete.

• Easiest to register property.

• Legal fee for registering property is only 1% of the property value.

• The cost of starting a business is 66.2% of income per capita, 9th in Nigeria.

• Obtaining a building permit does not require inspections from development authorities.

3. Borno – Population: 4,588,668 (2005); GDP: $5.18 billion (2007); Per Capita: $1,214 • Starting a business takes 34 days in eight procedures.

• It takes only 14 days and eight procedures to register a property.

• It takes two weeks to transfer a property title.

• It takes two days to obtain a Governors’ consent.

• The cost of registering property is set at 5% of the property value.

• Ranked 5th easiest state when enforcing a contract, taking 371 days in 40 procedures to complete.

4. Kebbi – Population: 3,630,931 (2005); GDP: $3.29 billion (2007); Per capita: $993 • The business premises permit can be obtained in one day, at a single-access point within the Ministry of Commerce, against a small flat fee.

• It is easy to start a business with eight

procedures lasting 30 days. Kebbi is 3rd easiest place to start a business.

• Ranked the 3rd easiest place to enforce a contract in 40 procedures lasting 365 days.

5. Kogi – Population: 3,595,789 (2005); GDP: $4.64 billion (2007); Per capita: $1,386 • Starting a business takes 28 days in eight procedures, ranking 2nd.

• Registering property takes nine procedures and lasts 33 days.

• Three procedures merged into one when registering property.

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6. Yobe – Population: 2,532,395 (2005); GDP: $2.01 billion (2007); Per capita: $843 • Starting a business takes 38 days in eight procedures.

• The Ministry of Commerce charges NGN5,000 (USD37.50) for business premises registration for a medium-sized company.

• Takes one year and costs 26.1% of the claim value to resolve a commercial dispute.

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• Registering property takes nine procedures in 80 days and costs 5.2% of the property value.

• Obtaining a building permit takes four days.

• Getting a warehouse wired to the National power grid can take as little as 14 days.

• The 2nd easiest place to enforce a contract in 40 procedures lasting 368 days.

7. Katsina – Population: 6,483,429 (2005); GDP: $6.02 billion (2007); Per capita: $1,017 • Starting a business takes 37 days in nine procedures.

• The easiest place to enforce a contract in Nigeria in 40 procedures and lasting 285 days.

• It costs 26% of the claim value to enforce a contract lasting 285 days.

• Registering a property ranks 8th, takes 11 procedures and lasts 33 days.

8. Kano – Population: 9,383,682 (2006); GDP: $12.39 billion (2007); Per capita: $1,288 • Starting a business takes 38 days in nine procedures.

• Ranks 3rd in dealing with construction permits with only 14 procedures and taking 56 days to complete .

• Registering a property ranks 4th, takes 11 procedures and lasts 31 days.

• Eliminated the consent fee in registering a property.

• Obtaining Governor’s consent has been decreased to 14 days.

• Among large states, overall performance is better than Lagos, Rivers, and Kaduna.

• Introduced reforms in three areas, thus becoming Nigeria’s top reformer since the publication of Doing Business in Nigeria 2008.

9. Zamfara – Population: 3,602,356 (2005); GDP: $4.12 billion (2007); Per capita: $1,237 • The business premises permit can be obtained in one day, at a singleaccess point within the Ministry of Commerce, against a small flat fee.

• Starting a business takes 36 days in eight procedures.

• The 3rd easiest state to register a property with 10 procedures in 32 days.

10. Bauchi – Population: 4,706,909 (2005); GDP: $4.71 billion (2007); Per capita: $983 • While Bauchi is the best overall

performer among medium-size states, it should implement good practices when starting a business.

• Starting a business takes 36 days in 10 procedures.

• Ranks 7th in dealing with construction

permits with only 11 procedures and taking 59 days to complete.

• It takes four days to stamp property registration documents, where FIRS maintains a stamp-duty office.

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Chapter 2 Hotels and Hospitality

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Eko Signature “You’ll soon feel the friendly calm of unpretentious luxury”

Caring comes easily to those of us who are privileged to cater to you at Eko Signature.

Its elegant sophistication lies in simple details.

It’s in the Smile, Sound, Scent, Service and Scenery.

The vibrant colours of the furnishing indulge you.

Our suites embody elegance that expresses the art of simple luxury, one whose soft warm embrace can’t wait to relax you.

The best thing about us is in the lasting memories we help to create.

We look forward to pampering you.

Suites With a bold contemporary style and 171 exquisitely furnished 5-star suites, every detail has been designed and created to

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relax and indulge your senses. Each room has an elegant yet modern setting, with a contemporary European touch. It’s tastefully designed and furnished with the professional executives and guests in mind.

Accommodation • 146 Club Suites, 51.5m2 • 9 Premium Suites, 71.22m2 • 15 Signature Suites, 93.85m2 • 1 Presidential Suite, 202.87m2

The luxurious features of all bedrooms • In-room; central air-conditioning with control unit, WI-FI internet access, Cisco guest interface, NIMO enabled TVs & Telephones, • 42” LCD Flat Screen TVs – Club Suites • 55” LED Flat Screen TVs – Premium &

Signature Suites.

• Create the perfect cup of coffee with our Nespresso Coffee stations in all our suites • White marbled bathroom with both hand and fixed powered showers, amenities

by Pascal Morabito.

• Parquet floorings and the finest European linens • Exquisite seating area provides an ideal place to work, relax and entertain guests.

• A spacious and well-organised built-in wardrobe • Secure WI-FI throughout the hotel • Interconnecting rooms available on request • The Club, Premium, Signature and Presidential Suites are ideal spaces for small meetings

Our Presidential Suite • Waiting area • Kitchenette • Dining section • Library • Guest toilet • 84 inch LED TV with Nemo application • Mobile Full bar option • Two living areas overlooking the view of the lagoon.

• Individually decorated furniture by Philippe Hurel.

Butler Service Available On Request We have a designated butler on request who welcomes you with a smile in your suite.... he anticipates your needs before you even know you have them.....he is a silent shadow when you need some rest and is at your service at all times. He will meet and exceed your expectation of a perfect stay at Eko Signature.

Room Service Spa With our promise to pamper you, we have provided a room service spa request with a

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dedicated masseuse to ensure that your stay is stress-free.

F&B Fine Dining Embark on a journey of culinary excellence with the finest Italian cuisine. A subtle blend of classical and jazz music sets the mood at 1415 Bar An exquisite bar and lounge for the discerning connoisseur of fine wines and spirits.

Services The rooms have fascinating features such as: • King size beds with soft beddings • Internet Protocol TVs • Designer amenities by Pascal Morabito (Paris) • Nespresso coffee machines in all rooms • Central air conditioning with individual control • Full mini bar • Safe box • Smoking and non-smoking floors • Complimentary unlimited broadband Internet access is available in all suites.

• Banquet facilities and a boardroom fully equipped with organised equipment for your meetings and conferences.

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SEATING CAPACITY SIZE (M )

BANQUET

CABARET

CLASSROOM

THEATRE

COCKTAILS

BOARD

103.93 103.96 74.28 102.99 102.98 72.89 93.85

60 60 40 70 70 40

48 48 32 56 56 32

36 36 20 30 30 20

80 80 50 100 100 50

80 80 50 100 100 50

36 36

120 100 200

96 80 160

72 56 150

180 150 380

180 150 380

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AFRICA ASIA AMERICA AUSTRALIA ANTARCTICA EUROPE BOARDROOM AFRICA - ASIA ASIA - AMERICA AFRICA – ASIA -AMERICA

Facilities • NEMO application • Emergency Exits - For Emergency purposes, our emergency exits illuminate in the dark to guide you to safety.

• Our entire hotel is braille equipped and wheel-chair accessible.

• • • • • • •

Conference & Banqueting Our Professional conference and banqueting team will coordinate every aspect of your event. We have six meeting rooms and one boardroom with state-of-the-art presentation technology, onsite technical assistance and advice, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access throughout.

Information • Chief concierge services and Duty Managers at hand • Address: Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, PMB 12724, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

26 30 30 26 82 72 104

U-SHAPE 34 34 24 30 30 24 62 56 74

Africa Asia America Australia Antarctica Europe Boardroom

Plot 23 Adetokunbo Ademola Sreet,PMB 12724, Victoria Isand Lagos, Nieria Tel: +234 1 2624600-19 2772700-25, 4606100 Fax: +234 1 2704071 2615202, 2618083 Best of Nigeria

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Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos V.I., Nigeria City Hotel

Photo: Kelechi Amadi Obi

Welcome to the World of Radisson Blu, in the bustling Metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria.

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Designed by famed swedish hospitality designer, Christian Lundwall and Moyo Ogunseinde of Anchorage Leisures Ltd and the first Radisson Blu Hotel in Nigeria, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel certainly stands out amongst its counterparts in Lagos.

Nestled in the waterfront area of Victoria Island, the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel offers an ideal location to use as a base whilst in Lagos. Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel is situated in the heart of the business district and close to the consulates and banking district. Guests can easily explore the exciting Victoria Island life from the prime location in Lagos.

Popular attractions within a short walk or drive from this hotel in Lagos include Bar Beach, City Mall, National Museum, Tafawa Balewa Square and the Civic Centre. The Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel provides

premier services and amenities that include a fully equipped fitness area, outdoor infinity pool and massage and steam rooms. This Victoria Island hotel’s additional services include 24-hour concierge, an extensive range of satellite TV channels, free high-speed WIFI, on-site secured parking, and One Touch Service to reach the hotel staff at the touch of a button. All you need for a successful stay!

Rooms designed with your comfort in mind Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel offers 170 rooms and suites decorated in two original styles. These spacious, modern rooms, which range from standard to elegantly furnished suites, feature spectacular views of the Lagos Lagoon or the city.

Our business class, and more spacious superior rooms offer uninterrupted views of the Lagos Lagoon as well as complimentary access to our business lounge. The eight suites all offer spectacular waterfront views and are ideal for the executive. All rooms have both bathtubs and walk-in showers. Guests also enjoy individual climate control in their room, a mini bar, free high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel, as well as premium tea and coffee making facilities.

Practical and stylish meeting rooms equipped to ensure success “For meetings and events, we suggest the extraordinary”.

Combining state-of-the-art meeting facilities with an excellent convenient location for business travellers and local businesses, the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel promises to be a sought-after conference, meeting and events venue.

Ideal for small to medium size meetings, the hotel offers four meeting rooms, two executive boardrooms, and a meeting suite.

All meeting rooms provide natural light as well as first rate audiovisual equipment, individual

climate control, and complimentary wireless Internet access.

The terrace and Golf Bar offer unique locations for outdoor cocktail parties, with a wide range of menu options for that special occasion.

Mouthwatering meals, in an environment where simplicity and elegance fuse Offering a choice of four restaurants and bars, the hotel caters for all.

The Voyage Restaurant offers guests a wide range of both local and international flavours. With views of the lagoon, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in Voyage.

Located on the terrace overlooking the lagoon, the Surface Bar, provides the perfect setting for sipping sundowners, whilst the Surface Grill, serving lunches and dinners, offers delectable dishes from the lava stone barbeque. From sandals to suits - our terrace is ideal after a productive day, or when you just need to unwind.

True to its name, the View Bar and Lounge provides stunning views and a relaxing retreat whilst offering a tempting menu of light snacks and drinks. Our bars and restaurants offer world-class wines and champagnes for a successful celebration. For the adventurous our cocktail menu will surely delight.

Fantastic for year-round warm temperatures,

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel offers a panoramic view of the lagoon from the rimflow pool. A soft breeze from the water will certainly make you feel as though the hustle and bustle of the city is miles away.

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel 1A Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island P.O. Box 71639, Lagos V.I., Nigeria Tel: +234 (0) 708 061 0000 or +234 (0) 1461 0125 Fax: +234 (0) 1461 0126 info.lagos@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com/hotel-lagos Best of Nigeria

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Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel A warm welcome greets guests to Southern Sun Ikoyi in the bustling city centre of Lagos, Nigeria. Located within easy access to the central business area and Government offices, this hotel offers business and leisure travellers exceptional convenience.

The hotel’s stylish sophistication and classic, contemporary design combined with discreet service provides an uncomplicated approach to giving guests a memorable experience.

Tastefully decorated rooms offer spacious living areas fitted with all modern amenities one may require to feel at home. Featuring a pool and fitness centre with sauna and steam rooms, the hotel caters to traveller comfort on every level.

Guests can also make use of the comprehensive Business Centre, executive lounge, banqueting and meeting facilities available.

ROOMS These warm and inviting hotel rooms in Lagos at Southern Sun Ikoyi offer stylish finishes and modern amenities to ensure a practical and comfortable stay.

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Accommodation is spacious and features private en-suite bathrooms, all luxuriously fitted. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available on request.

Business Centre This hotel has a fully-equipped Business Centre with group and conference facilities.

SERVICES & FACILITIES Catering to your comfort, services and facilities at Southern Sun Ikoyi are available to all hotel guests. Some services or facilities may not be available on the hotel premises and may incur additional costs for the guest’s own account.

Gym The hotel Fitness Centre is accessible to all guests of the hotel.

Wireless Internet Access High Speed Internet Access is accessible complimentary to all hotel guests.

Nearby Facilities • Beauty Salon • Casino • Entertainment Centre • Golf Course • Restaurants • Shopping Mall

Mini Bar Guests are treated to a fully-stocked mini bar in the comfort of their private rooms.

Swimming pool Spend the day lounging on the sun deck at our swimming pool.

CONFERENCING Conferencing at Southern Sun Ikoyi offers a full range of services and facilities that can be tailored to suit your meeting requirements.

The following Conference equipment is available as standard. Additional services and facilities can be arranged on your behalf, on request.

• • • • • •

Video Projector & Screen Plasma TV Wireless Microphone Voice Conferencing Flip Charts and Pens Whiteboard and Pens

DINING Dining at Southern Sun Ikoyi is a special occasion with an extensive menu complemented by a fine selection of international wines. Casual lunches and light dinners can be enjoyed on the outside terrace while the stylish cocktail bar is the ideal spot for meeting colleagues and friends.

Hours of operation Monday to Friday - 06h30 to 10h30

Weekends and Public Holidays 06h30 to 11h30 Lunch and Dinner, Monday to Sunday 12h30 to 22h30 24hrs open cocktail Bar, 24hrs room service Directions From the Airport, drive straight through airport road linking Oshodi expressway to the left. Continue through Oshodi expressway linking the third mainland bridge through oworonshoki to your right. Drive straight across the third mainland bridge turning to your right to link Osborne/Ikoyi road.

Link Osborne road to Alfred Rewane road (Kingsway road), then turn right to Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel after Golden Gate restaurant.

Added Values • Buffet Breakfast • 10% Service Charge • 5% VAT • 5% Lagos State Government Consumption Tax • 2 bottled waters in rooms daily • 2 shirts for ironing on arrival • Free Wi-Fi /High-Speed Internet Access • Secretarial Services in Business Centre

• • • •

State-of-the-art Gymnasium Sauna and Steam Room facilities Swimming Pool Loyalty Program (Frequent Guest), allows you to accumulate points that can be redeemed in any Southern Sun Hotels • Free Parking • Complimentary Ladies Pack (Pamper Box)

Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel No. 47 Alfred Rewane Road Ikoyi, Lagos Tel: +234 1 280 5200 Fax: +234 1 280 0658 reservations@southernsunikoyi.com www.facebook.com/SouthernSunIkoyi GPS Co-ordinates : N-6.539º, E-3.4304 www.tsogosun.com Best of Nigeria

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Bukka Hut Restaurant and Lounge Having a decent meal in an environment conducive to dining used to be challenging for residents, visitors and workers in Lekki Phase 1 and its environs - until Bukka Hut restaurant opened its doors for business on 1 August 2011, on the highbrow Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Since then, similar businesses have been inspired to open from the success of the Bukka Hut model.

Our vision is to be the restaurant of choice for discerning taste buds by providing quality Nigerian dishes while focusing on exceptional customer service in a healthy and clean environment.

To further our vision, a second outlet was opened on our 2nd anniversary on Road 3, Ikota Shopping Complex, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. This outlet best suits our brand identity with its unique look.

WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT? Exceptional Customer Service - In spite of the stiff competition in the Lekki area, we are proud to have been able to retain our loyal customers by striving to always exceed their expectations through responsive customer service. Our food delivery service is very efficient and we have a customer feedback process that ensures that mistakes are corrected immediately as they are noticed/ reported with suitable compensation where necessary.

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Our Menu - The menu comprises of sumptuous dishes from the western and eastern parts of Nigeria that are enjoyed by the majority of Africans, as well as for adventurous foreigners who want to experience the richness of Nigerian food.

Our popular dishes include: ewa agoyin and dodo (mashed beans with pepper sauce and fried plantain), charcoal cooked Jollof rice, efo riro (vegetables mixed with dried fish and pepper), edi kaikong (popular vegetable delicacy from the Calabar part of Nigeria), yam porridge etc.

We also provide a “Chef Special” dish every Wednesday by choosing a meal from any part of the country that is not on our regular menu.

Buka Style Service - Our menu items are offered “buka style” (fast food). This is to give our customers a wide array of food items to choose from as their stomach and pocket permits. This also helps in minimising long wait times.

Restaurant Ambience - Our eating areas are neat and tidy at all times and have

...ur favourite meals

Bukka Style!!

a cosy, ethnic feel with beautiful African paintings and artefacts on the tables.

Our Price - This is the clincher - quality food served in a lovely ambience with friendly staff at very affordable prices.

We also offer outdoor catering for weddings, birthdays, meetings and other events.

BUKKA HUT LOUNGE We established a lounge on the upper floor of our flagship outlet in Lekki to cater to the needs of fun-loving individuals that desire relaxing in a nice, cosy and intimate environment after a hard day’s work or who want to hang out with friends for drinks. Sports lovers also have a home at our lounge where they can enjoy popular games on TV. There is something happening at BH Lounge every day, ensuring there is something for everyone - from young adults to the elderly.

Lounge Attractions: • Reggae Night - Every Tuesday night is a date for all reggae fans to have

a blast by listening to their favourite songs from top reggae artistes worldwide - played by our in-house reggae DJ. • Old Skool Music - For the veterans and curious young adults, every Wednesday night is a day to be at BH Lounge to go down memory lane with one of our in-house DJs on-thewheels, as he spins all the favourite old school jams from the 60s right up to the 90s.

• Bukka Hut Comedy Club - Hosted by MC Galaxy, our comedy show held on Thursday nights is extremely popular and features top comedians in Nigeria doing what they do best, cracking your ribs, in between performances by upcoming artistes and dancers. “A” list artistes also make appearances at this hugely popular show.

• Karaoke Night - For the fun-loving individual that wants to test their singing prowess, BH Lounge is the

place to be on Sunday nights where you have a chance to sing to your heart’s content by choosing from our wide array of popular songs.

• Bar Menu - Our bar bites includes customer favourites like Suya (charcoal grilled stick meat), Cat fish pepper-soup with yam and unripe plantain, Asun (goat meat spiced with hot peppers), charcoal grilled fish (croaker and cat fish) and Sharwarmas.

Business Hours: 9am - 9pm Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm Saturday - Sunday Deliveries: 07044997604 07045115204 07046075487 9am - 7pm Monday - Saturday www.bukkahut.com Best of Nigeria

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TERRA KULTURE Founded in 2003 by Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, Terra Kulture has become the Premier destination in Lagos for visitors, students and culture practitioners seeking to learn about Nigerian arts, food, fashion, theatre and history.

Terra Kulture is Nigeria’s foremost cultural centre focused on the promotion of Nigerian Arts and Culture. With a Gallery, Theatre, Bookstore, Restaurant, Fashion House and Language School, it is also the only comprehensive Arts Centre in Nigeria Terra Kulture showcases artworks of internationally renowned and upcoming artists in its gallery and has organised several exhibitions and auctions in its eleven years of existence. Its auction house has acquired a credible reputation amongst art collectors.

Theatre at Terra is an initiative started to

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promote African drama and other creative performances. It has witnessed world-class performances by famous Nigerian actors and actresses of works by such renowned authors as Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi, Chinua Achebe and many others.

There are shows every Sunday afternoon and evening. Successful theatrical production was the 100 man cast Broadway – Style musical titled ‘SARO THE MUSICAL”, arguably the largest theatrical production in Nigeria, created and produced by Bolanle AustenPeters.

The Restaurant serves local and continental dishes and boasts of a unique and exquisite African decor. The rooftop terrace offers the outdoor appeal with the sea breeze from the nearby Atlantic Ocean and a sneak view of the beach front. The restaurant has become a destination for members of the diplomatic community, expatriates, visitors and Nigerians who seek to enjoy high-quality Nigerian food in aesthetically pleasing surroundings.

The Bookstore stocks a variety of Nigerian and African literature and has a contemporary section with current journals,

articles and newspapers from all over the world. Famous Nigerian authors and writers are regular visitors here. Wole Soyinka and Chimananda Ngozi Adichie are known to visit.

In a bid to ensure Nigeria’s cultural heritage is passed on to future generations, Terra Kulture runs a Language School which teaches the three prominent Nigerian Languages as well as art and craft, Nigerian history, dance and cookery. It also organises cultural induction training courses for foreigners living in Nigeria. Annually, over 20

schools visit Terra Kulture on excursions to learn about Nigeria’s history, art and craft.

There is always a show or event at Terra and Nigerian stars such as Davido, Dbanj, Sasha, Wiz Kid, Ice Prince, Kate Henshaw, TY, Teju Babaface, Julius Agwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Kolade Oshinowo are regular faces at this popular cultural destination.

There are ad hoc performances of live music, poetry, comedy and the spoken words. These events present a unique opportunity for professionals to network and meet people from other cultures.

Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos Tel: +234 12700588 +234 12700599 EMAIL: info@terrakulture.com TWITTER. www.twitter.com/terrakulture FACEBOOK. www.facebook.com/ terrakulture BLOG: www.terrakulture.wordpress.com www.terrakulture.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 3 Travel, Tours and Leisure

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Tourism in Nigeria

Nigeria is a melting pot of diverse attractions and is not only blessed with an abundance of natural resources, but also with a range of different habitats with varying flora and fauna. Nigeria’s tourism attractions are not solely centred on its magnificent topography and natural environment, but include a rich, multi-layered culture of diverse people and ancient traditions. The country’s numerous historical artefacts and ruins spread throughout the country are indicative of its fascinating history.

Nigeria consists of large rivers, beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, tropical forests, waterfalls, ancient and expanding cities, ideal climate, tradition, cultural heritage, historic sites, monuments, and arts and crafts.

With an area spanning 923,768km², Nigeria has over 700km of pristine sandy

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beaches. It’s most popular include Bar Beach, Calabar Beach, Coconut Beach, Eleko Beach, Ibeno Beach, Lekki Beach and Tarkwa Bay. The ECOWAS grouping is proving to be an effective way to promote and develop West African tourism. This movement has seen Nigeria and Ghana become the heart of tourism in the multi-destination region.

Potential and investment Encompassing pristine wilderness, energetic urban areas, and culture-filled rural villages, the country’s wide range of attractions appeal to varying travellers – including business, leisure, and adventure.

Dining and nightlife are important parts of Nigeria’s overall tourism potential.

Tourism is vital for the economic advancement of any developing country.

Nigeria’s vast natural and cultural heritage has much to offer. Its potential has been hampered under years of upheaval and lack of funding but is receiving attention from the government.

Their aim is to develop the sector and then hand it over to the private sector, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating employment.

Investment is needed for the modernisation of infrastructure and tourism facilities. Reforms are set to enhance professionalism in marketing and promotion of tourism on an international and local stage. Part of this is to work at branding the country’s image.

Nigeria’s investment climate is now conducive to tourism as it offers abundant

available resources, a large target market, a legacy of enduring democracy, as well as a government incentive package. Incentives include basic infrastructure, land concession, tax rebates, as well as soft loans with lengthy grace periods. Regulatory policies and laws protect both tourists and industry insiders.

National Parks Nigeria conserves and protects eight national parks and over ten game reserves. Nigeria’s National Parks are listed as:

• Chad Basin: Covering 2,258km² of Borno and Yobe; including part of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands and the Sambisa Game Reserve.

• Cross River: Covering 4,000km² of Bashi-Okwango and Oban Forest Reserves, Cross River holds the last remaining rainforest in Nigeria.

• Gashaka-Gumti: Covering 6,731km² of pristine wilderness mountains in Taraba and Adamawa; Nigeria’s most ecologically diverse conservation area.

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• Kainji: Covering 5,382km² of the Borgu and Zugurma Game Reserves in Kwara and Niger State; also contains the Kainji Dam. • Kamuku: Covering 1,121km² of Kaduna; has a typical Sudanian Savanna ecology; adjacent to the Kwiambana Game Reserve.

• Okomu: Covering 181km² of Edo and part of the Okomu Forest Reserve; holds only one third of the rich forest it once was and is the last habitat for many endangered species.

• Old Oyo: Covering 2,512km² of Oyo and Kwara; rich in plant, animal and cultural resources and is easily accessible.

• Yankari Game Reserve: Covering 2,244km² of Bauchi; most pop­ular reserve in Nigeria because of beauty, size and accessibility; includes Wikki Warm Springs by Gagi River.

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Highlights of Nigeria • Freedom Park Located on Lagos Island, Freedom Park stands at the site of a colonial prison as a symbol of freedom. Open daily to the public, it is now a peaceful place for contemplation and interaction. It was conceived by Lagos-born architect Theo Lawson.

• Mambilla plateau A grassland plateau with an average elevation of about 1,524m, Mambilla is the highest plateau in Nigeria. Located in the highland region of Taraba State, it houses Chappal Waddi Mountain - the highest point in Nigeria with an average height of about 2,419m.

• Agbokim Waterfalls Not far from the Nigeria-Cameroon border is the captivating Agbokim Waterfalls, encircled by green vegetation.

The Falls are situated in Cross River

•

•

•

•

•

•

State less than 30km from Ikom and are a popular spot for scenic picnics.

Azumini Blue River Rose Azumini Blue River is located in Abia State near the border of Akwa lbom State. It has become a tourist resort. The River attracts tourists with its crystalclear water and offers canoe rides, relaxing sandy beaches and grilled delicacies for picnickers.

Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings In the South of Jigawa State, Birnin Kudu is noted for the presence of magnificent rocks holding fascinating ancient paintings. The different paintings provide eloquent information on the lives of early settlers in the area.

Ezeagu Tourist Complex In Enugu State, the complex exhibits one of the natural wonders of nature.

At 22 hectares, it comprises a lake, a cave and a waterfall of spring water. The 5km-long Obinofia cave’s sheer size is awe-inspiring. The cave has several interconnected tunnels branching out in different directions, with large chambers.

Hills of Benue Located in the middle belt region of Nigeria in Benue State, the entire landmass presents hills of various interest and appeals. These include lkyogen Hills, Ushogbo Hills, Bassa Hills, and Swern Hills. The hills are believed to be the place for origin of the Tiv people.

Idanre Hills The historic Idanre Hills are situated in Idanre Town in Ondo State. These towering tourist attractions create the appearance of an ancient castle with its expanse of impenetrable hills. The top of one of the hills can be reached by 600 steps, allowing for stunning views over the beauty of the area.

Ife Popular legend among the Yoruba people is that creation started in lle-ife town.

This ancient town’s traditional ruler is the Ooni. His palace, with its wealth of

•

•

•

•

•

relics, has been designated a historical monument. The lfe Museum is managed

by National Monuments and holds numerous archaeological artefacts. The Obafemi Awolowo University Museum and Opa Oranmiyan (Oranmiyan’s Staff) are other attractions.

Ikogosi Warm & Cold Springs Ikogosi Springs are 55-km from Akure, the state capital of Ondo State. The warm spring rolls down over a hilly landscape and from another hill, rises a cold spring which joins the warm spring at a confluence forming a continuous stream.

The fascinating landscape comprises of green vegetation.

Lake Chad Located in Borno State and the largest natural lake in Nigeria, Lake Chad not only serves Nigeria, but also Niger, Cameroon and Chad. Apart from serving the agricultural and economic needs of the people, it attracts multitudes of tourists, with boating and visits to the numerous fishing villages.

National Theatre Opened in 1976, The National Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and a multipurpose cultural landmark located at Iganmu at the centre of Lagos. At 23,000m² and over 31m tall, it was established for the preservation, presentation and promotion of Arts and Culture in Nigeria. It is the cultural headquarters of Nigeria.

Nok Village The Nok Village in Kaduna State introduces visitors to the renowned 2,500 year-old culture of the Nok people.

Numerous excavations have been made by scholars and researchers, with finds of ancient terra cotta pots, pottery heads of animals and man, as well as weapons – all of which are on display.

Obudu Ranch The Obudu Ranch is a popular holiday destination for adventurous tourists, in Cross River State close to the Cameroon

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border. The Obudu Plateau is 5,200ft above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate. The spectacular landscape has rolling grasslands, wooded valleys and waterfalls. There is a natural swimming pool, horse riding, a scenic waterfall, a gorilla camp, bird watching, sports facilities and accommodation.

• Ogbunike Cave Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State is a wonder of nature and is made up of different segments or sections. Located close to the Onitsha market town, there are varying stories about its sections that constitute the cave – which are told by local tour guides.

• Oguta Lake Holiday Complex In Oguta about 40km from Owerri the Capital of Imo State, this freshwater lake is the second largest natural lake in Nigeria. Attractions not only include a wide range of water-based recreation, but also an 18-hole Golf Course, a Biafran War Relic, recreation park for small children, boat cruises, accommodation and dining.

• Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary Located in Benin City, Edo State, this was the first in the country to be protected by law for conservation in

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August 1985. It is jointly managed by the Edo State Government and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

The sanctuary contains numerous rare species. The Okomu Forest Reserve is the second largest in the country after the Oban Forests in Cross River State.

• Rojenny Tourist Village In Anambra State on the outskirts of Onitsha market town, Rojenny Village is a leading tourist resort in Nigeria. It offers an amusement park, sports and recreation facilities.

• Yola The capital of Adamawa State in NorthEastern Nigeria, Yola is noted for its striking topography of hills - particularly the Three Sister Hills standing side by side at the same height. The cultural calendar of the town peaks between March and May when it celebrates the fishing festival at Lake Njuwa.

• Zuma Rock Located along Kaduna/ Abuja highway, Niger State, this magnificent giant rock was used for defensive purposes by the Gwari tribe. It is believed to have rendered enemies powerless and provided the Gwari with good hiding places. From the Abuja side, it looks like a human face.

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AERO - The Shining Star in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry Aero, West Africa’s 53 years young Aviation Company is a well respected aviation service provider in scheduled commercial and rotary wing (helicopter) offshore oil and gas sector operations. It has maintained the leadership position in the aviation industry in terms of innovation and operational efficiency.

Aero currently operates scheduled passenger services with the Bombardier Dash8 Q300 aircraft (a modern 50-seat pressurised turboprop aircraft) and the Boeing 737400 and 500 variants with 104 to 144 seat configurations respectively. The airline has recently enlarged its fleet with an additional Boeing 737 (fixed wing), three Eurocopter 365N2 Dauphins and one Augusta Westland AW 139 helicopter to the Rotary Wing fleet to bolster the capacity of its support for the Oil and Gas industry. This acquisition is part of

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the airline’s expansion programme to double the fleet and add new destinations. Aero’s foundation is built on delivering the highest standard of service to its customers.

Aero takes innovation as a core value, and has set the pace in the aviation business with its products which focus on convenience and consistency. Presently, the fastest growing domestic carrier in passenger traffic, Aero is determined to offer world-class aviation services with affordable air fares, quality onboard services, good customer relations,

value adding online products and operational competence. Aero offers a wide range of domestic destinations. At the moment, Aero flies principally in Nigeria, and operates between Lagos and Accra twice daily. Aero operates over 50 flights a day to more than 10 destinations, including Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Warri, Benin, Uyo, Kano and Enugu with plans to open more routes particularly to West African destinations. Customers can save time and money on www.flyaero.com when booking

online. Aero aims to empower more people to fly more often by offering the most reasonable fares for business, leisure and visiting.

Aero has introduced some groundbreaking products that underscore its innovation drive.

Some of these products include: • Online check in • SMS/Mobile booking and payment • Book on Hold and pay through designated banks and ATM terminal • Ticket payment via Point Of Sale (POS) system and external travel portals • Online excess baggage

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• • • •

Online ticket voucher Online travel insurance Web mobile book and pay for flights using mobile phones SMS booking and payment

With the dynamism of cutting edge technology, Aero promises to make air travel simple, convenient, affordable and fun!

The airline offers the most robust distribution and payment system when ranked with other Nigerian airline service providers.

Furthermore, Aero, has earned the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certificate from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

This approval authorises Aero to handle maintenance of all registered fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In effect, Aero handles maintenance for other airlines too.

The authorisation to undertake A-checks for all its B737 aircraft.

Aero also has the capability to undertake A-C Checks on all their Dash 8s. It is the only airline in West and Central Africa with this capability.

The technical unit of Aero is well established and has stores equipped with spares to maintain all its aircrafts. Its competences include coupling wheels and tyres of its aircrafts, thus saving importation costs.

Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited is without doubt a pioneer in this industry, as its initiatives have been emulated by other airlines in the Nigerian aviation sector.

For more information on latest offers, updates and contact details, please visit :

AERO CALL CENTRE: Tel: +234 (0) 1- 6284140 Email: corporate@acn.aero; www.flyaero.com 82

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Chapter 4 Arts, Culture and Festivals

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The Africa International Film Festival (Afriff) The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), was founded in 2010 by Ms Chioma Ude, an entrepreneur and film lover. It is a world-class showcase and complete immersion into the world of film making, with participation from both local and international players - actors, directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, film buyers, distributors, visual artists, sound and light engineers, musicians, editors, students, enthusiasts, press, equipment manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

African economies but other developing economies as well. AFRIFF provides a bridge for partnerships with international counterparts to enable growth in quality, expertise, standards and commercial value of our local industry. AFRIFF helps promote Africa’s significance as the original home to all and indeed the last frontier for unique film stories and content. In three years since its inaugural edition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 2010, AFRIFF has achieved these appreciable statistics:

After three successful editions, AFRIFF has gained a significant place on the African entertainment calendar, getting bigger and better with each passing year. The festival features a rich and diverse programme, including red carpet movie premieres, screenings of films from around the world, training/skills development workshops, scenic excursions, networking events and

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discussion panels which explore possible collaborations for the development of film content and trade channels, not forgetting electrifying parties anchored by celebrity DJs. The vision of AFRIFF is to raise awareness for African Cinema and the tremendous socio-economic impact it has not only on

• Over 2,000 training workshop participants.

• Over 1,000 film entries sent in by professional and amateur filmmakers worldwide.

• More than 2,000 film industry guests in attendance, notable amongst them are Hollywood celebrities like Lynn Whitfield, Tchina Arnold, Rockmond Dunbar, Malcom Jamal-Warner, Vanessa A. Williams, Giancarlo Esposito, Eriq Ebounaey; Bollywood’s Adnan Siddiqui; and Nigerian-born Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Omotola Jalade-

Ekeinde, Chris Aire, Agbani Darego (Miss World 2001), Kunle Afolayan, Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Segun Arinze & many others.

• An international and domestic audience of over 10,000 attendees.

The 2nd edition was held in Lagos, Nigeria in 2011 and for its 3rd edition in 2013, AFRIFF found a new and permanent home in TINAPA, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

The festival has gone through a number of changes, expanding its programme of activities from four to seven days thus showcasing a lot more films, increasing its training workshops and also creating additional discussion fora during the festival.

Part of the Festival programme is the recognition of excellence through AFRIFF awards handed out during the gala finale.

Awards include Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Short and Best Student Short. The latter was created as an incentive to students and young filmmakers to help develop the immense potentials that abound throughout the continent. A Special Jury Award is given to the most outstanding film that cuts across all categories of movies in competition, and an Audience Choice Award is voted for by the viewing public at the

festival. Awardees receive a beautiful AFRIFF crystal statuette as well as monetary prizes ranging between 2,000 - 6,000 US Dollars.

About Afriff’s Host City - Tinapa, Cross River State Cross River State, in the southern part of Nigeria, in the Nigeria Delta Region, is known for its beautiful touristic assets. The people are friendly and the food famous for its rich and diverse menu. There are several attractions developed by the State government to widen the tourism offerings, including the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, where AFRIFF is held. Tinapa is currently the biggest free Trade Zone in West Africa with an array of facilities like “The Tinapa Lakeside Hotel”, an 8-Screen digital Cinema, International standard restaurants serving both African & Western cuisine; a night club; pubs; a modern movie production studio commonly known as “Studio Tinapa”; a Games Arcade and a mini amphitheater.

There is an artificial tidal lake that feeds from the Calabar River which itself flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and a water park comprising of a collection of children and adult size pools, water slides, wave pool and a lazy river.

Come and share a memorable African experience at the next AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AFRIFF).

AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AFRIFF) 5th Floor, Ibukun House 70 Adetokunbo Ademola Street Victoria Island, Lagos State Nigeria info@africafilmfest.org www.facebook.com/Africafilmfest www.twitter.com/afriff www.youtube.com/AFRIFF www.africafilmfest.org Best of Nigeria

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Festivals in Nigeria Festivals play an important part in the rich cultures of Nigeria. The country has numerous local festivals which date back to before major religions were introduced.

Today, these are celebrated as events of masked costumes and dancing including harvest festivals, betrothal festivals, festivals to welcome a new chief, and funerals. There are now professional dance troupes which tour the country for festivals.

Durbar The Durbar festival dates back hundreds of years to the time when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare. Once or twice a year, the military chiefs invited various regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir - a showcase of horsemanship and readiness for battle.

Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honour of visiting Heads of State and at the culmination of two Muslim festivals. The Katsina Durbar is the most spectacular.

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Argungu Fishing Festival This annual festival takes place in Argungu, a riverside town in Kebbi State, around March.

It is the leading tourist attraction in the area and originated in August 1934, when a fishing festival was organised as a tribute to the visit of Sultan Dan Mu’azu.

During the festival, hundreds of local men and boys fish in the shallows of the Argungu River with large fishnet scoops.

There’s also canoe racing, wild duck hunting, bare-handed fishing, diving competitions and swimming – followed by food, drink, singing and dancing into the night.

The festival marks the end of the growing season and the harvest. The 1.6 kilometre stretch of the Argungu River is protected throughout the year.

Sharo/Shadi Festival The complex Fulani culture is made up of

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ancient initiations and traditions. The Sharo or Shadi (flogging meeting) is considered the most important. During the Sharo festival, bare-chested single men contest against each other in a ring, surrounded by a cheering crowd and banging drums.

The challenger meets his opponent with a whip as intimidation. He then flogs his opponent who endures without showing pain, to prove his bravery.

Eyo Festival Unique to the Lagos area, it is believed that Eyo was the forerunner to the modern day carnival in Brazil. On Eyo Day, the main street in the centre of Lagos is closed to traffic to allow for a mass procession.

Participants pay homage to the honorary Oba (traditional Yoruba leader) of Lagos. Eyo festival takes place whenever occasion and tradition demands, but is usually held as the final burial rites for a highly regarded chief.

The Benin Festival This ceremony marks the end of the rainy season, after the harvest is gathered. It is partly a harvest festival but also serves as a matchmaking ceremony. Eligible young men and women of the village are displayed before each other to be ritually acquainted.

The festival occurs every four years with only the very wealthy able to take part.

However, all the villagers are able to join in the festival celebrations.

Other Festivals Many communities throughout Nigeria have a version of the harvest festival. In the south, this is often a new yam festival.

The tribes in the Niger Delta hold the Ikwerre, Kalabari, and Okrika festivals to celebrate the water spirits of their region.

Participants wear carved headdresses made to look like the heads of fish or water birds.

Festival Calendar in Nigeria NAME OF FESTIVAL & STATE • Argungu Fishing Festival, Kebbi State • Kano Durbar, Kano State • Katsina Durbar, Katsina State • Minna Durbar, Niger State • Nyonyo Fishing Festival, Taraba State • INE Festival, Isele Uku, Delta State • Igboukwu New Yam Festival, Anambra State • Usi Day Celebration, Ekiti State • Calabar Carnival, Cross River State • Osun Osogbo Festival, Osun State • Ilero Ekiti Cultural Festival, Ekiti State • Igue Festival, Benin, Edo State • Owu Day Celebration, Ogun State • Olokun Festival, Badagry, Lagos State Olojo Festival, Ile-Ife, Osun State • Ojude Oba Festival, Ijebu–Ode, Ogun State • Puuskat Festival, Mangu, Plateau State • Children’s Day Celebration, Nationwide • Igbo Uturu Cultural Carnival, Abia State • Ovia Osese Festival, Ogori, Kogi State • Nupe Day Celebration, Niger State • Beere Festival, Saki, Oyo State • Kwagh-hir/ Masquerade Festival, Makurdi, Benue State • Shiloh Religious Conference, Ota, Ogun State

DATES March During Sallah During Sallah During Sallah March/April September August August Nov/ December August August December October October October November May May 27 December/January May June April/May December December

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Chapter 5 Luxury Lifestyles

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Porsche Porsche Centre, a member of the Stallion Group, recently celebrated the opening of their new facility in Victoria Island. The group has made a significant investment in developing the most modern facility in sub-Saharan Africa to world-class standards that allow customers to experience the Porsche experience as they would in any other Porsche showroom worldwide.

Highly trained sales staff undergo extensive training and regularly attend training abroad to ensure absolute professionalism and to offer customers the best advice when ordering their own custom built vehicle.

The showroom is fitted with a complete fitting lounge that boasts a full range of colour, leather and Alloy rim samples thus allowing customers to select the vehicle colour of choice and match this with the interior colour and wheels of choice, to build a truly customised vehicle with no two vehicles having the same options. A vehicle configurator allows customers to view their vehicle with both interior and exterior views as they build their vehicles and allows customers to see their vehicles in real time.

Customers have the option of test driving one of our demonstration vehicles

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prior to purchasing their vehicle so as to experience the ride and performance of each model. Not only do customers have the option of building their own custom vehicles; they can also purchase a complete range of Porsche branded clothing and accessories from the Porsche design Drivers Selection boutique in the showroom while enjoying a refreshing drink in the customer lounge.

All new vehicles have a standard two year unconditional factory warranty with the option of extending the warranty annually for up to nine years or 200,000km, whichever comes first. Full service and parts facilities are available in both Lagos and Abuja with the additional quick service to be built at our showroom on V.I. thus allowing customers the convenience of being able to bring their vehicle for service while they wait for their

vehicle in our coffee lounge or make use of the chauffeur drive service to drop them at work.

Full custom tailored financing options are available to suit customers’ needs with as little as 20% deposit and terms of up to 60 months with monthly payments as low as 398,000 Naira; making owning a Porsche more affordable.

The complete range of models is available starting with the new Boxster @ 12,200,000,00 Naira and Cayenne from 16,000,000,00 Naira, through to the Panamera from 25,000,000,00 Naira. The complete model range has been fully tropicalised with extra cooling and stronger suspension to cater for the challenging driving conditions in Nigeria. The Cayenne SUV is the biggest selling in the range with the Panamera with height adjustable suspension being very well accepted due

to the good ground clearance and ability to deal with the conditions in Nigeria. Basic specifications of all models for the Nigerian market are much higher than other markets such as USA and Europe where customers would have to pay for such options. Built to the Euro 4 emission levels due to the low quality of fuel available and ensure optimum performance.

Nigerians have traditionally purchased their vehicles abroad with the perception that the vehicles are cheaper; but there are many disadvantages of buying such vehicles as they are not suited for African conditions and many experience overheating and poor air-conditioning. The vehicles built for other markets are built to Euro 5 specifications and are not suitable for operating with the fuel available in Nigeria and therefore experience many problems with the engine management systems which can lead to permanent damage to the engine. Customers are not well informed by dealers overseas who do not have the customer’s best interests at heart as they do not have to honour the warranty and offer no after sales support.

Porsche Nigeria offer the opportunity to trade in all vehicles purchased from our dealership when customers wish to upgrade to a newer model.

Porsche Centre Lagos 179, Akin Adesola/Kofo Abayomi Street, V.Island, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 9033800 www.porschelagos.com Best of Nigeria

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Luxury Lifestyles of Nigeria As Africa’s largest economy which is rich in natural resources, Nigeria is becoming a big economic player in the world. Its large oil reserves have generated an influx of direct foreign investment.

The Future Eko-Atlantic City in Lagos Nigeria

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As a booming economic hub, interest from big business has generated great wealth for some - directly translating into a transition in lifestyle. Nigeria now has a burgeoning middle-class as well as a growing elite upperclass.

The retail market in Nigeria has long been considered as untapped – with Nigerians holding a healthy appetite for luxury. Nigeria is home to Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, and over 25% of those on Forbe’s list of 40 wealthiest Africans hail from Nigeria.

With a population of 174 million people, one out of every five people in sub-Saharan Africa is a Nigerian. However, over half of

Nigerian citizens are still living below the poverty line. But the remainder of around 74-million Nigerians form an expanding market - more than South Africa’s entire population.

These are the new big spenders of Nigeria who enjoy global quality and luxury goods and brands. Lagos is at the centre of this evolving lifestyle and is the city built on “black gold”. Lagos has welcomed the world’s biggest brands in beauty, fashion and lifestyle and is home to a mass of high-net worth individuals.

These big spenders have traditionally been frequent travellers doing most of their

shopping abroad – which is where their tastes for the luxurious were developed.

This is slowly changing as more and more of their favourite brands arrive on home soil, becoming readily available.

High-level international brands are bustling for a share of the flourishing wealth of Nigeria. Conquering Nigeria is often the first step for brands to make their mark in Africa.

Property and Real Estate One of the sectors most notably affected

by Nigeria’s growing elite is the residential property market. Expensive neighbourhoods are flourishing in Lagos, with the latest being Banana Island. In comparison, the Ikoyi neighbourhood is home to Nigeria’s “old money” residents. There is also a booming middle-class suburb in Lekki. The once popular Victoria Island is now a commercial property hub of most commercial brands, offices and the like.

Private Jets, Cars and Boats Nigeria has the second largest concentration of privately-owned jets and aircraft in Africa.

The economic boom has fostered the demand for private air travel and private aircraft charters. Nigeria has a total of 70 private aircraft operating within its borders – and this number is growing quickly.

Similarly, Nigeria has become a hub for luxury cars on the African continent – many of them being custom-made. Porsches, Range Rovers, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Bentley and even Maseratis are a common sight on the streets of Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital, as well as Lagos, the economic centre of the oil rich Niger Delta region. The favourite choices are usually Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) – the bigger and higher the four-wheel drive vehicle, the more prestige is attached to it. Cars are symbolic of one’s wealth in Nigeria.

With a coastline such as Nigeria’s, it is no surprise that super yachts and speedboats

abound at the Lagos Motor Boat Club. These are frequented on weekends by Nigeria’s high-society who often choose to boat to Ilhasa – an exclusive beach known as “Millionaire’s Playground”.

Fashion and Jewellery Nigeria Fashion Week is becoming Africa’s most in demand fashion event and has hosted both local and international brands. Nigeria is not only the most populous nation in Africa but has also managed to maintain the largest market for fashion and luxury brands. Globally acclaimed brands including M.A.C. (Make-Up Art Cosmetics), Maybelline, Mango and Fendi have launched in Nigeria over the past two years – to name a few. Many more have their sights on Nigeria.

For a number of years, luxury watch and jewellery retailers have held franchises for global brands including Cartier, Piaget and Rolex.

Shopping and entertainment experience Although shopping is the primary focus for trips to the Mall, many also seek an experience in entertainment and dining. With growing demand from Nigerians seeking

quality shopping experiences, there are numerous new Mall developments all over the country – with many aiming to cater to Nightlife through establishing reputable bars and restaurants.

The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki Peninsula is one of the biggest shopping malls in Nigeria - located on 40,000m² of land in Lagos and currently undergoing expansion.

The Palms is one of two internationalstandard malls of at least 20,000m² in Lagos – the other being Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall in Surulere. Other top Malls around the country include Enugu Shopping Mall, Ceddi Plaza in Abuja, Tinapa Shopping Centre in Calabar, Kwara Mall in Ilorin, Odu’a Twin Malls in Ibadan, Ikeja City Mall, Grand Towers Abuja Mall, and Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island.

The retail prospects in Nigeria offer longterm opportunities which will need to be met with developed infrastructure and stability if these are to be sustainable. Many know that Nigeria is a relatively new and untapped market and comes with its own challenges, but it seems as though it is currently worth the risk – especially taking note of the value of potential retail spenders.

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Chapter 6 Luxury Goods and Fashion

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Polo Limited Polo Limited is Nigeria’s leading luxury goods company representing the world’s leading brands in high-end watches, jewellery, writing instruments, and accessories.

The company is part of Polo Luxury Group (PLG), a holding company of luxury companies in Nigeria. Polo Limited is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria with boutiques in three cosmopolitan African cities.

Polo Limited’s foundation is rooted in its core values, which are customer delight, integrity, mutual respect, and teamwork.

The company has a diversified portfolio that consist of over 13 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands such as Rolex, Cartier, Chopard, Hublot, Piaget, Breguet, Roger Dubuis, Franck Muller, Frederique Constant, Montblanc, Longines just to name a few. The company’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by providing exceptional products with excellent customer services.

From POS to After Sales, Polo provides elevated customer service to cater to all the touch points of the consumption of luxury products to its

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...the reward of success

customers. A first of its kind in Nigeria, Polo has a Rolex installed after sales service centre with three highly qualified watchmakers that are trained by worldrenowned watchmakers.

In February 2014, to meet the growing demand of luxury products by Nigerians, PLG launched a new subsidiary – Polo Avenue. Polo Avenue is a multi brand specialty retailer that focuses on fashion, leather goods, footwear and fragrances.

With Polo Avenue, the company has been able to make luxury leather goods, accessories, footwear, and fragrance easily accessible to Nigerian customers.

Polo Avenue’s flagship store is located at the Polo Towers.

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The store currently offers Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, and Nancy Gonzales.

In addition to being a successful luxury company, Polo is known for its philanthropic endeavours and initiatives that improve the social and economic development of the society.

For example, Polo’s initiative to promote arts by working with local artists to showcase their work at local galleries. Also, Polo’s use of its expertise and tradition to promote the sport of polo in Nigeria. This resulted in Polo Limited being selected as the official timekeeper for Lagos Polo Club, one of the most renowned Polo clubs in Africa.

Dedicated to his life’s vision to spread beauty and nobility, John Obayuwana founded PLG over 20 years ago out of the desire to create a company that enriches people’s lives with products of the finest quality and craftsmanship. Polo Limited has grown into an enterprise that is influencing the way Nigerians consume luxury. The company’s savoir-faire on how to maintain and build the prestige of luxury brands continues to contribute to why many international luxury brands continue to look to Polo as a unique vehicle to expand their footprint in Africa.

Polo Towers, Plot 166, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 (0) 19100000 www.pololuxury.com Best of Nigeria

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Nikki Khiran Couture Moulded by western influences mixed with African flavour; fascinated by beauty, colour, flavours and sights.

Nikki Odu-Khiran, from an early age, has always dabbled in fashion, fabric-making and art. She’s a graduate of the London College of Fashion where she majored in Fashion Design Technology. She started off with individualised couture pieces and then diversified into ready-to-wear collections as

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well as handbags. This visionary has also unveiled her NK Home furnishing range - a collection of intricately crafted pieces from Europe and Malaysia.

THE NIKKI KHIRAN WOMAN connotes elegance, sensuality and mystery. She creates her own style rules; she’s a

modern woman, a global gypsy, sensual yet conservative, playful yet reserved and confident - and she’s the ultimate lady!

Nikki Khiran’s influences are a mix of African/ Caribbean culture and Middle Eastern fusion meets ethnic glamour. Her unique interpretation of ethnic local fabrics,

her ultra-feminine bohemian dresses, patchwork detail skirts and dresses on tulle, as well as her diaphanous, fluid silk drape caftans - are never enough.

Gorgeous fabrics, bold prints, ethnic details, beadwork and flawless finishing complete her iconic pieces of ready-to-wear art that fit like a glove. Her expertise and skill in manipulation of fabric has had her dressing up all types of women. She designs and caters to women of all shapes and proportions - fashion is all about packaging, she says.

She started her NK line of clothing over 20 years ago in the UK and moved to Nigeria to build the NK brand 12 years ago. She has dressed celebrities, style icons, first ladies and women who love fashion from all over the world. Her work has been worn and featured in all the major magazines and on television across Africa. NK have expanded their brand by opening a new shop in the capital city of Abuja, Wuse 2.

When asked why she hasn’t spread her tentacles to include global enterprise, she states that she’s “still dealing with challenges of basic infrastructure, unskilled labour and a lack of funding. There are millions of women I can dress in Nigeria; from the woman who just came out of the boardroom and wants a

more relaxed vibe, to the elegant housewife who is entertaining, to the first lady who is constantly in the limelight, to the socialite or celebrity - Nikki Khiran Couture has something for every woman.”

The Nikki Khiran brand is a lifestyle brand that encompasses timeless clothing, enduring quality mixed with sophistication and exclusivity. “Our next focus is to take our skills, knowledge and know-how and empower the younger generation with a skills and acquisition centre and mentor the youth.

This is a project I’m very passionate about.

I believe that everyone is a diamond in the rough - with proper care we can discover so much potential, and change lives!”

For more information please contact: Nikki Khiran Couture 14 Norman Williams Street Ikoyi ,Lagos 142 Adetokunbo Ademola Oti Carpets Mall Wuse 2, Abuja Tel: +234 8033348561 +234 8072905971 Email: nikkikhirancouture@yahoo.com www.nikkikhiran.com

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Chapter 7 Healthcare and Wellness

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Chapter 8 Banking, Finance and Investment

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A BRIGHTER

FUTURE

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Access Bank PLC www.accessbankplc.com

Access Bank PLC is a full service commercial Bank operating through a network of over 349 branches and service outlets located in major centers across Nigeria, Sub Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom. As a leading African Bank, our sustainability strategy is an integral part of our business centred on promoting development that meets the needs of the present without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable Banking for us is the positive and deliberate actions we take towards ensuring infrastructural development, oiling the wheels of commerce and growing prosperous communities across Africa.

Presentation of Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of the the FT/IFC FT/IFC “Sustainable “Sustainable Bank Bank of the the Year Year Award” Award” to to the theformer Group MD/CEO, Managing Access Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede by former Vice by formerfor Vice President for Business Advisory, International Finance Corporation President Business Advisory, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Rachel Kyte. (IFC), Rachel Kyte.

At the Scheme, the formal formallaunch launchof ofTotal TotalUpstream UpstreamCompany CompanyLimited LimitedContractor ContractorFinance Finance Scheme, Group Managing Director, Bank Plc, Herbert signing the in MOU in Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Access Bank Plc, Herbert WigweWigwe signing the MOU companyof ofthe theManaging Managing Director/CEO, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Maurice. company Director/CEO, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, GuyGuy Maurice.

Dangote Cement factory, Obajana, financed by Access Bank.

Our customers are the heart of our business and as such we help to grow their business by empowering their employees, suppliers and distributors. True to our commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our customers, we have realigned our operations

and repositioned our business processes using Information Technology as a major driver to ensure we consistently deliver enjoyable experience to our customers.

Our people are passionate about our customers, highly skilled, disciplined and ethical. We seek out promising talents and provide them with a strong platform to acquire the skills and capabilities required to deliver value to our customers, and grow into strong professionals with the leadership potential.

This underscores the reason why in 2012 Access Bank was named one of Nigeria’s Best Workplace in the annual study conducted by the London-based Great Place To Work Institute.

A cross-section of female employees at the inaugural Access Women Network Conference themed, “Building a Personal Leadership Brand”.

The Bank is committed to ensuring the socio-economic development of the communities we serve and delivering value on every facet to our customers. We drive change and set the standards for others to follow while continually measuring our impact on society.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Workshop organised in conjunction with The George Kerry Foundation under Access Bank Employee Volunteering Initiative.

Through our Employee Volunteering Scheme (EVS) initiatives, our employees have been able to positively impact the local communities. EVS allows all employees volunteer during work hours for the purpose of community service, mentoring, participating in environmental actions and offering their skills to local and non-profit organizations.

Our investors value our commitment to transparency and our relentless focus on performance. We hold ourselves accountable to global best practice and standards which has earned us the trust of the local and international markets.

Our Scorecard Winner of the 2013 Web-Jurist “Website Effectiveness Award” Winner of the 2013 African Banker of the Year Awards Winner of the 2012 Banker Magazine Deal of the Year Awards Winner of the 2012 Business in Community (BITC) Big Tick Awards Winner of the 2012 FT/IFC Sustainable Bank of the Year Awards Winner of the 2012 Most Active GTFP Issuing Bank in Africa

We are strategically located in major financial centres.

Nigerian International Securities Limited (NISL) Nigerian International Securities Limited (NISL) is a customer-oriented independent financial services firm specialising in investments within the Nigerian market space. The firm is over 30 years old and has been involved in landmark financial transactions through the decades.

The firm is a Registered Dealing Member of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and is also registered by the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to act as Broker/Dealer.

Our team is made up of young, dynamic, resourceful and highlymotivated individuals who are driven by the passion to maximise wealth creation within acceptable risk parameters, thereby exceeding our clients’ expectations.

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Our Vision To be a leading independent financial services firm, distinguished for its passion for exceeding customers’ expectations and wealth creation.

Our Mission To be the sought-after financial services provider, specialising in securities trading, with a drive to surpass our diverse customers’ financial needs and investment objectives by deploying exceptional

service delivery, good people and a genuine “win-win” philosophy.

Our Promise The NISL promise is to transact business in the most professional and transparent manner, leveraging on ICT - ensuring our clientele enjoy services and investment rewards delivered in line with global best practices.

Core Values • Integrity: We are true and honest in all our dealings. Standards are maintained without compromise.

• Professionalism: We operate with the highest level of professionalism and in line with global best practices.

• Confidentiality: The highest standards of confidentiality are maintained in all our dealings.

• Dedication: Our structure guarantees that your business would be prioritised and not treated as “just another account”.

• Transparency: We carry-on business in the most transparent manner and in the client’s best interest at all times. We strongly believe in and imbibe a “winwin” philosophy.

• Team Work: We are a One-Firm organisation and strive to imbibe team work in the culture of the firm. We believe the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts.

“We do not just execute transactions, we build relationships”.

Our Service Offering: Securities Brokerage At NISL, we offer a bespoke and highly efficient securities trading service to our clientele. We execute transactions on the most competitive terms, drawing on our strong trading experience, deep knowledge of the markets and relationships with top investment firms, market-makers, et al.

As Brokers/Dealers, NISL will be willing to place its experience and expertise in trading in the following classes of securities: • Bonds • Quoted Equities • Other Fixed Income Securities • Unquoted Equities

We have considerable experience in handling large and significant transactions across these asset classes in a timely and efficient manner and our team of dedicated traders are always available to execute transactions in the most professional and efficient manner.

NISL has the capacity to transact wholesale deals as required by large institutional investors and high net-worth individuals; sourcing and disposing of block shares and bonds at competitive rates due to its extensive and far-reaching network in the market. An impressive and growing list of major institutional investors (foreign and local) and high net-worth individuals continue to benefit from NISL’s knowledge and securities trading expertise.

Our brokerage services cover trading in equities, bonds (and other financial income securities) and over-the-counter securities (i.e. unquoted securities).

Our expertise in our areas of service and excellent customer service delivery has continued to endear us to our teeming clientele. Their unalloyed loyalty over the years is based on our seamless and uncompromising delivery of quality services that are in line with global best practices.

For more information or enquiries please contact: Email: laolu.martins@nisl-ng.com Cell: +234 807 600 4468 Email: rasheed.jaiyeola@nisl-ng.com Cell: +234 807 600 4476 Land: +234 1 818 3201 Fax: +234 1 6281718 Corporate website & email: Email: info@nisl-ng.com www.nisl-ng.com Best of Nigeria

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Economy & Industry of Nigeria Nigeria has a rapidly growing market-based economy. The oil-rich country started economic reforms and diversification in 2008, which are beginning to bear fruit. Reforms include modernising the banking system, curbing inflation, and resolving oil wealth distribution.

Economic reforms are set to continue under President Jonathan with a pledge that has emphasised improvement in infrastructure, the power sector and the financial sector.

Oil and gas Nigeria has about 35 billion barrels of oil reserves, the 10th highest in the world, and five trillion cubic metres of gas reserves, the 9th highest in the world. The oil industry generates enormous capital, with 95% of foreign exchange earnings and 80%

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of budgetary revenues. As a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), oil and gas contributors include Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Oando, Chevron Corporation, CNOOC, CNPC, Conoco, ENI, Exxon Mobil Corporation, GEPetrol, Petrobras, Shell, Statoil and Total.

Multinational oil companies have launched numerous community development programs to try improving relations with host communities, such as the Niger Delta

Development Commission (NDDC). By 2025, Nigeria aims to achieve 7% renewable energy.

Agriculture Agriculture provides employment for 70% of the Nigerian population and is a major part of the economy. It is being commercialised at all enterprise levels. Major crops include beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnuts, gum arabic, kolanut, maize, melon, millet, palm kernels,

palm oil, plantains, rice, rubber, sorghum, soybeans and yams.

Small-scale agriculture is common and the sector is largely divided into food crops for local consumption as well as those for export.

The most vital of these food crops are yams, cassava, sorghum and millet.

Agriculture now provides a significant fraction of around 10% of non-oil growth.

Outside of oil, cocoa is the biggest foreign exchange earner with a potential for over

300,000 tonnes of cocoa beans annually, with rubber coming in at a close second.

Demand is high in poultry, cocoa, and fisheries During the initial oil boom years in Nigeria, Agriculture was largely abandoned and suffered from mismanagement and lack of basic infrastructure. The sector is being redeveloped under sector reforms and economic diversification - now accounting for about 40% of GDP. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world

and potential investors need to keep in line with agricultural policies to help alleviate that.

Finance Nigerian external debt has declined sharply from 36% of GDP in 2004 to less than 4% of GDP in 2007 – an impressive economic feat.

In 2009, Nigeria took significant steps to strengthen the banking sector by completing financial audits of all 24 national banks. The Central Bank replaced much of

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80,500km of roads, more than 15,000km are officially paved, but are in need of upgrade – which is gradually being implemented.

Four of Nigeria’s airports, namely Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Abuja, currently receive international flights.

Nigeria has several domestic private carriers and air service between cities is generally reliable.

the management of struggling banks and invested around US$6-billion into the sector.

Nigerian financial services are well developed and include local and international banks, asset management companies, brokerage houses, insurance companies and brokers, private equity funds and investment banks.

Competitive sectors include retail, corporate, Internet banking, and the home loan market. Since 1999, the Nigerian Stock Exchange has enjoyed strong performance.

Infrastructure One of Nigeria’s key challenges, transportation infrastructure is a constraint to economic development. Principal ports are at Lagos (Apapa and Tin Can Island), Port Harcourt, and Calabar. Of the

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Mining Nigeria’s solid minerals industry is still vastly untapped and underdeveloped due to the focus on oil. Investment is actively promoted with Government proposing interested investors partner with local mining license holders.

Cement Nigeria has Africa’s largest cement production after the sector also underwent fundamental reform and government privatised most of its holdings in cement companies. Self-sufficiency for the domestic market is being approached.

Cement production should be ready for export supply within the next few years as a result of a massive increase in new cement plants.

Progress Nigeria is a member of the International Advisory Group of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) initiated by the G8, playing an important role in piloting

EITI’s new disclosure and validation methodologies.

Nigeria’s economic authority enjoys an excellent reputation within the international community. The IMF described Nigeria’s budgets as responsible with prudent management. This is partly thanks to the detailed economic reform blueprint - the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS). Other positive developments of government included: • Efforts to deregulate fuel prices; • Creation of effective Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); and • Development of several governmental offices to monitor official revenues and expenditures.

Future Growth Since military rule officially ended in 1999 and democracy was successfully installed in Nigeria, economic growth has been impressive with an average GDP growth of 7.4% yearly over the last decade – with this average predicted to continue in the next few years.

Nigeria’s powerful transformations are widening the investment landscape. The country’s rapid growth is being driven by the non-oil sectors. Non-oil sector growth is being driven by: the services industry, particularly telecommunications and trade; publicly and privately financed infrastructure; agriculture; and a reformed banking and

finance sector. Nigeria’s ambitious longterm development plan, Vision 2020, aims to propel the nation into top 20 status within the world’s largest economies. It has been earmarked as one of the ‘Next-11’ countries to drive global economic growth by Goldman Sachs.

Africa is the second fastest growing region in the world and was one of only two regions with growth in foreign direct investment in 2012. As the current largest economy, Nigeria is propelling Africa’s growth. Considering it has the largest workforce on the continent, it is not hard to see how it managed to take over the reins from South Africa.

Continental Economic Giant Not only does Nigeria have a wealth of petroleum, it is also rich in other resources as well as a growing consumer population.

The long-awaited revision of Nigeria’s economic data lifted the country’s economy beyond previous projections to become Africa’s greatest economy – sooner than anticipated.

The IMF projected Nigeria’s 2013 GDP at US$292-billion and South Africa’s at $354-billion with Nigeria’s economy growing much faster than South Africa’s at 6% versus 2% - a noticeable reduction.

The new accurate GDP figures released in 2014 showed an increase of 89% with Nigeria’s economy standing at US$510-billion - becoming the continental forerunner.An increase in GDP sees a

greater share for Nigeria’s 169 millionstrong population and further attracts investment.

Investment With many positive attractions for careful and targeted investment, Nigeria is expanding as a regional and international market player. Outside of the energy sector, profitable markets have developed through government’s reform program – including specialised telecommunication providers.

Nigeria has one of the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the world.

The infrastructure expansion has seen the arrival of space based communications including a space satellite monitored at the Nigerian National Space Research and Development Agency Headquarters in Abuja.

Foreign investment is essential to Nigeria’s realisation of potential. There are thus countless opportunities for longterm investment and joint ventures – most notably for those looking to utilise local raw materials. Government is aware that to sustain this interest, it is necessary to sustain democratic principles as well as improve security, living conditions, and infrastructure.

Potential investors are advised to familiarise themselves with local business conditions when establishing a local presence and carefully select business partners.

www.nigeria.gov.ng www.iol.co.za www.nigerianstat.gov.ng Best of Nigeria

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The Nigerian Stock Exchange Founded in 1960, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and now serves the second largest financial centre in sub-Saharan Africa. The NSE is a registered company limited, licensed under the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria.

The NSE is a founding member of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), is an affiliate member of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) and an affiliate member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).​ As an automated exchange, The NSE’s services include listing, trading, electronic Clearing, Settlement and Delivery (CSD), securities listing and trading services, market data dissemination, market indices, among others.

The NSE is continually evolving at the highest level of competitiveness in order to meet the needs of its valued clients. With about 258 listings, The NSE operates fair,

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orderly and transparent markets - bringing together the best of African enterprises with local and global investor communities.

The NSE champions the acceleration of Africa’s economic development. It operates by adhering to its core values of transparency, teamwork, integrity and professionalism.

National Council Committees The National Council is the governing body of The NSE. It directs The NSE’s business and financial affairs, strategy, structures and policies; monitors the exercise of any delegated authority; and deals with challenges and issues relating to corporate

governance, corporate social responsibility and corporate ethics. The Committees of the National Council were formed for the speedy and efficient functioning of the National Council: • • • • • • •

Audit & Risk Management Committee Demutualisation Committee Disciplinary Committee Governance & Remuneration Committee Rules and Adjudication Committee Technical Committee MEMART Committee (Ad-Hoc)

The Gateway to African Markets The Nigerian Stock Exchange operates in 12 diverse sectors, including several global brands. It is also the third largest stock exchange in Africa by capitalisation and the leading exchange in West Africa.

Currently, The NSE has 13 branches spread across key cities of Nigeria (Abuja, Owerri, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Benin, Kano, Kaduna, Ilorin, Bauchi, Yola, Ibadan, and Abeokuta) with corporate headquarters located in Lagos. From these locations, The NSE provides the best services in its class within the trading and distribution of exchange products through a dedicated team of professionals.

Services are hinged on: • Exciting partnerships for value added services to listed companies; • Active Advocacy on behalf of listed companies;

• Transparency in reporting, regulation and compliance; • Efficiency in processes and transaction dynamics; • Offering wider issuer choice through an expanding suite of product offerings.

Nigeria is becoming the preferred investment destination in Africa. The Nigerian market has: • A large and growing population of 160 million, attracting increasing direct investment from consumer goods and infrastructure companies; • One of the fastest growing economies in the world; • Been identified as one of the Next Eleven countries projected to be one of the world’s largest economies in the 21st century; • One of the largest pools of investment capital on the continent, with five million registered capital market investors.

Benefits of Listing • Growth – Access to long-term capital; can also facilitate lower cost of borrowing.

• Visibility – Inclusion in local and foreign indices and portfolios.

• Transparency – Greater public confidence through listing disciplines.

• Continuity – A basis for company valuation and existence beyond founders.

• Sustainability – Spreads risk of long-term investment projects.

STOCK EXCHANGE HOUSE 2/4 Customs Street, P.O. Box 2457, Marina, Lagos Tel: +234 1 463 8333-5 www.nse.com.ng Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 9 Security

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G4S Plc G4S is the largest risk management and services provider in the world with Group turnover of US$10billion, market capitalisation equivalent to US$4 billion and net assets of US$1.5 billion.

G4S employ 625,000 people in 125 countries across six continents and have a Standard and Poor’s Credit rating of AAA, making us a secure and internationally recognised counterparty for our clients.

We focus on providing risk consulting, security systems, manned security and secure logistics to Corporations and Governments around the world. We have worked in Africa for over 50 years and now employ over 100,000 people in 39 Countries. Our team of professional security risk experts who have operated at high levels within the military, police services and corporate security environments, deliver security solutions to clients wherever they operate, and often in remote and hostile environments. We have operated in Nigeria

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for over 10 years teaming with AssetGuard Services Nigeria Limited to enable us to deliver security solutions to clients.

AssetGuard Services Nigeria Limited G4S Nigeria provides manned security through AssetGuard Services Nigeria Limited with whom there exists a technical partnership and management agreement.

AssetGuard manned security teams perform a range of services including access control, patrols, dispatch and collection, searching, equipment checks, car park/traffic control, reception duties and Control Room functions. AssetGuard provides a well-trained and professionally managed guard force whose services are based on the G4S Plc’s

worldwide standards. Guards are recruited to stringent standards at local levels to match a client’s specific roles. Training includes first aid and CPR, firefighting, reception or customer services, all tailored specifically to meet a client’s specific requirements. The teams are equipped with radios, vehicles where required, and a range of security technology, as required to meet our clients’ specific requirements.

Our manned security solutions are customised to each client’s individual needs, using the most appropriate combination of manned guarding and security technology.

Site specific and tailor-made procedures are agreed with the client at the onset of each contract. Regular consultation between our Security Managers and clients, especially with

regard to risk assessment and customer care, ensures continual adaptation and improvement of performance management and consequent customer satisfaction.

This concept of integrated security solutions is based on simple objectives; the company aims to offer the client the most cost effective option available in the market and sets clear quantifiable goals in terms of benefits generated.

Electronic Security System CCTV – Digital monitoring, recording and retrieval systems Video monitoring or CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is one of the fastest developing systems in the security sector. G4S installs and maintains a wide range of video monitoring systems for many customers.

We can provide a simple videophone with camera or multi-cameras and multi-sites systems. G4S can provide an effective solution to achieve various objectives: • Preventing theft, vandalism and other forms of crime • Detection and location of persons (unauthorised individuals) • Gathering evidences • Process control • Access control Various options are available to suit your needs when choosing a type of CCTV: • Analogue or digital cameras • Analogue or digital (IP) transmission of images • Recording capacity • Number and type of screens • High quality megapixel camera • Single or multiple systems Panic Alarms & Response G4S Nigeria provides a

comprehensive

alarm monitoring and armed response to our customers with packages developed for single residences, estates and businesses.

G4S alarm systems have been tried and tested around the world and include back-up batteries for when mains power supplies fail.

This ensures that your alarm system continues to work in the absence of mains electricity.

The alarm systems transmit signals by radios which are monitored 24 hours a day at the central monitoring station. All G4S Nigeria monitoring stations have sophisticated failsafe emergency generating units, which ensure uninterrupted power in the event of mains outages.

Our response vehicles and armed policemen are strategically deployed 24hrs a day to ensure they are always on standby and just minutes from client’s locations to provide a rapid and effective response to security, fire and other emergencies.

Armed Response Team organization The ART is on 5 minutes’ notice to move, and also conducts patrols of all registered client facilities on a regular basis. All members of the team, including the MOPOL, have received specific training from G4S in response.

Vehicle Tracking The G4S solution provides vehicle tracking, data management and security system designed to deliver tangible business benefits, ensuring assets are secure and their usage is optimised.

The G4S system provides real-time data and instant visibility through mapping and vehicle control modules that are user friendly and provide a rich environment to be in complete control of a client’s mobile assets.

Managing a fleet of vehicles is no easy task.

The G4S system is dynamic and with versatile features gives clients the means to do so.

Controlling a fleet; the G4S solution will provide the means to do this with: Customised management reports to:• Reduce operational and maintenance costs • Increase vehicle utilisation • Optimise scheduling of deliveries to reduce costs • Real-time vehicle location • Distribution management, dynamically optimising future delivery schedules to meet end customer requirements • Driver behaviour management

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• • • • • • •

Security for vehicle occupants Increased fleet visibility Reduced operational expenses Reduced insurance claims Improved asset recovery Peace of Mind Improved customer satisfaction

Secure Mobility Our Secure Mobility service is of the highest quality service, which has been refined over many years of successful operations in Nigeria. The system makes maximum use of vehicle tracking technology, with VHF handheld radios and GSM phones on all vehicles to ensure that clients are able to effectively communicate their needs from the initial booking and response and are then correctly and safely secured throughout the period of time they are in country.

G4S uses a tried and tested SM system that operates to clearly defined standard operating procedures, using highly trained, professional and dedicated personnel, who are directly supervised and managed from one of our three Secure Mobility Centers in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Controlling safety; the G4S solution will provide the means to do this with: • Real- time Vehicle Location • Automatic vehicle location for vehicle recovery • Geo-fence Management • Accident alert and reconstruction

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Managing your fleet is core to running your business efficiently and effectively. With G4S advanced tools and support system clients will benefit from: • Better fleet efficiency • Reduced accidents • Reduced motor vehicle theft

Secure Mobility Team G4S Secure Mobility operating procedures comprise of Secure Mobility team to facilitate the movement of its client. The SM system uses a Principal Vehicle (PV) supported by an Escort Vehicle (EV, sometimes referred to as a

back-up vehicle). The PV can in effect be any vehicle type, capable of carrying the required amount of passengers (principals) in safety and comfort.

A PV will be crewed by a team of driver and commander. Each will be thoroughly trained in their own disciplines to City and Guilds standards. Both will be dressed in G4S branded uniforms – providing a distinct professional appearance. The commander of the PV will also act as the Team Leader. Commanders all carry VHF handheld radios and mobile phones to maintain communication within the team and the control rooms when dismounted from their vehicles.

The final element to the SM team is the Escort Vehicle (EV), equipped with flashing lights and sirens, which are only be used in an emergency. The EV will follow discreetly but overtly behind the PV unless required to act in the event of an emergency or other incident.

The EV is also fitted with GPS tracking, VHF radio, first aid kits and fire extinguishers. The G4S team also carries mobile phones as back-up to their VHF radio.

The crew of the EV consists of a driver and commander, trained to the same high standard as the crew of the PV. The vehicle also carries

two Nigerian Mobile Police men (MOPOL).

These men are dressed in uniform, armed with AK47 rifles or similar variants, supplied with sufficient ammunition and are operating under license from the Inspector General of Police.

The MOPOL will remain inside the vehicles, unless required and the client will have little, if any, contact with them. They have the full authority of MOPOL pertaining to Nigerian Law, being serving police officers.

As with all operational planning in Nigeria, it is prudent to mitigate any risk rather than rely on requiring a support response, given the extended lines of communications, lack of first world emergency services and hospitals and the expense of resourcing a ‘capture all’ contingency plan. G4S strongly advocates the use of armed back-up vehicles whenever appropriate. All G4S vehicles are fitted with first aid trauma packs and fire extinguishers, and all vehicle Commanders and Drivers are fully trained in their use and attend regular refresher training courses.

days of the year. Each control room is staffed by seasoned professionals, highly trained experienced staff who will ensure all Secure Mobility is handled correctly, from the initial enquiry and booking by clients to the control of each individual task from start to finish.

Each control room is equipped with VHF radios for direct and immediate twoway voice communication with the Secure Mobility vehicles and teams. The control room constantly monitors the GPS vehicle tracking system that is installed on every vehicle.

The panic alarms, if activated, are received immediately, with a visible and audible alarm being received over the system.

Clients have immediate and direct access to G4S Risk Management Services senior management at all times to ensure any issues or problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently, minimising any impact on the individual.

G4S Control Room Each of the three operational hubs of Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt has a Secure Mobility Control Room that functions 24/7 365

Mathew Lamb (Managing Director) On +234 (0) 809 526 9932 Email: matthew.lamb@ng.g4s.com enquiries@ng.g4s.com Head Office: 27 Oba Akinjobi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 (0) 8176656010 www.g4s.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 10 Property and Real Estate

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LOCKE HOMES LIMITED LOCKE HOMES LIMITED began business as LOCKE INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY LIMITED in 2005 with joint venture development of plots of land in Lekki Phase 1 for various individual owners.

Doing about 20 of such over a space of five years, the company has amassed deep expertise in joint venture and extensive experience in start-up real estate development.

First in 2005, LOCKE acquired a land of about five hectares in Apo Village, Abuja and began the development of Covenant Gardens - an estate comparing about 100 prototype units of semi-detached bungalows.

Covenant Gardens then was one of the early privately funded estates in Abuja and today is fully built-up and inhabited by purchasers (picture). In 2006, LOCKE signed a PPP arrangement with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the development of 560 prototype bungalows at Ishen – Olofin, Lagos. The PPP was operated with the Federal Housing Authority, (FHA) and construction began the same year and fully completed in 2008. The Estate is in the popular FHA Diamond Estate, along LASU–IDIMU ROAD, ISHERi-OLOFIN, after Egbeda/ Idim roundabout, Lagos.

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The estate was well–received by the market and fully subscribed even before completion. The success recorded from the FHA Diamond Estate made the FHA and Good Homes Limited surrender the failed joint venture partnership for actualisation.

By this time in 2008, LOCKE HOMES LIMITED has fully evolved as a separate entity on its own and went ahead to inject life into an already dead partnership. That endeavour translated into 109 units of bungalows at the FHA – GOOD HOMES ESTATE, EGAN-IGANDO, LAGOS. LOCKE HOMES LIMITED then extended its activities to Western State of Ondo signing to develop 300 housing units at a designated land by the State Government under a PPP arrangement. The estate is now the popular SUNSHINE GARDENS OBA–ILE, AKURE. The Sunshine Gardens is now the only successfully completed and fully subscribed estate in Akure since the development of Ijapo Estate. The estate will be commissioned by the Ondo State Governor in August 2012.

In 2011, LOCKE HOMES LIMITED

was requested to partner with the Niger State Government for a similar delivery of the Sunshine Gardens in Niger. The company is willing bid for the effect of the state of insecurity on the marketing of the estate. The same applies to the Osun State Government where the company will soon forward a request for an MoU to the Government to formalise the PPP arrangement.

In 2012, LOCKE HOMES LIMITED entered a joint venture agreement with Lagos Co-operative Building Society Limited for the development of 120 bungalows on 6.5 hectares of their 40-hectare land at AYOBO with C of O granted by the Lagos State Government.

The proposed estate is tagged “LCBSGOLD ESTATE” and has commenced approval processes. Construction (of infrastructure) is to commence upon the grant of approval-in-principle.

In 2006, LOCKE took over the refurbishment of the burnt NNPC building on Kingsway Road under a PPP agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NPC). The refurbishment has been fully completed since 2009 and the building is fully occupied by tenants of international class and operations.

The building is now branded “MULLINER TOWER” after completion of the works.

It is a popular complex on Kingsway Road with its imposing visage. It offers about 8,000 square metres of office space.

LOCKE also entered into a partnership agreement with an individual for the completion of a three-storey office complex with a penthouse altogether offering about 4,500 squares metres of space.

LOCKE HOMES LIMITED has moved to strengthen its business position in Abuja with the acquisition of a total of

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about 45 hectares of land both in Lugbe, and Karsana though direct purchases and Government bid. The company has commenced development in both locations since 2011. The estate in Lugbe is christened GOZA ESTATE, LUGBE and comprises of 150 bungalows of which 40 are presently at various stages of completion, being the first Phase.

Various co-operatives have indicated interest in purchase and expressed willingness to make deposits upon LOCKE’s request.

Projected for CAMP DAVID GARDENS, KARSANA is about 1,000 housing units over a period of three years comprising bungalows, flats, detached houses and semi-detached duplexes in a beautiful and integrated community. Grounds have been broken for commencement of development in March 2012.

Finally in 2012, the Bayelsa State Government has also indicated interest to engage LOCKE HOMES LIMITED for the development of 880 housing units under a PPP arrangement. The units also cover detached houses, semi-detached duplexes, flats and bungalows. A series of meetings have been held and final positions are being taken.

A delegation of the Bayelsa State Government had visited the Sunshine Gardens Akure to inspect and assess the estate for suitability to their purpose. The delegation was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Ball Oyarade and they expressed their Government’s satisfaction with the estate and the State’s desire for the same.

Consequently, an MOU is already in the works for signing and commencement of works.

In conclusion, the above history of delivery of LOCKE HOMES LIMITED reflects a deep appreciation and experience in PPP arrangements and joint venture developments of which gamut would be deployed for the successful implementation of the proposed PPP arrangement with Lagos State Government.

Block 113, Plot 32A Jay Jay Oladimeji Street Lekki Phase 1, Lagos 0700-LOCKEHOMES 08037189525 08095595595 08024186767 Email: info@lockenigeria.com www.lockenigeria.com Best of Nigeria

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Structon Limited Structon Limited is an organisation formed and whollyowned by Nigerians to deliver engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to clients in diverse industries around the world.

We complete all the work from initial feasibility studies, to detailed engineering, and as far as construction and operations management of the actual project facilities.

We work with clients in government and private sectors to design, build, and maintain the most complex and challenging capital projects. Our diverse portfolio encompasses residential and commercial projects.

We have quick access to international markets via our geographical spread and

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technology. Our global partners in the US and Europe provide design, engineering and construction management support to our domestic team of experts.

While we work for governments and commercial customers, our projects have helped grow local economies and improve the quality of life for communities and people around the world. Time and again our work has demonstrated that the only limits on human achievement are those that we place on ourselves.

Our core values are: • Integrity • Quality • Service Excellence • Zero Accidents

Tel: +234 012953456 Email: info@structonlimited.com www.structonlimited.com

IPDC Limited IPDC Limited (International Property Development Consortium), a Nigerian Property Development Company, was established in 2002 with the objective of developing and managing properties of the highest quality and standard.

We provide professional real estate services to aspiring property owners - either corporate bodies or individuals on issues regarding: Real Estate Development; Real Estate Marketing/ Acquisition; and Property Management.

Our expertise also covers property brokerage, negotiating and structuring joint-

venture investments, property development analysis, and project management.

IPDC Limited is an emerging leader in the Nigerian real estate industry. Our competitive edge is our competitive service delivery style, as well as our team of seasoned professionals united by a firm resolve to deliver...

Our development activities comprise of conceptualisation, design, and implementation of various residential, commercial and retail development plans.

The developments we conceptualise are driven by the desire to enrich the quality of peoples’ living, working and leisure environments.

IPDC has purchased property in huge dimensions since 2003 to date. We put the knowledge we’ve gained to work for our clients in evaluating and structuring their real estate transactions to meet their business goals.

Working closely with clients, we evaluate the potential of individual properties by identifying capital expenditures, leasing risks, investment returns and a recommended purchase/selling price. We can then develop a strategic plan for the property that accommodates clients’ objectives.

Tel: +234 012952617 Email: info@ipdclimited.com www.ipdclimited.com Best of Nigeria

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Car Rental

Car Leasing

Car Sale

Trucks

Heavy Duty Equipment

Alto Leasing is a premium car leasing company that provides end to end fleet management service - car, driver, fuelling and vehicle maintenance. With a fleet that comprises saloon cars, SUVs, trucks and buses: our well trained and experienced staff give our customers a ‘wow’ experience at a friendly rate.

We have redefined the delivery of car leasing services in Nigeria, with local and foreign companies on our clientele; Alto leasing is marked by excellence.

Our services are available 24/7 in major cities in Nigeria and we offer flexible service packages tailoured to meet client-specific fleet need. Alto Leasing - your one stop fleet management company.

Get up to 40% discount on longer leases, call our hotlines: +234 8122214070 +234 8122214054 +234 8074540662

Customer care Line: +234 1 295 3 818 customercare@altoleasing.com reservations@altoleasing.com info@altoleasing.com www.altoleasing.com Head Office: Block 14A Akintunde Adeyemi Drive , Off Adewole Kuku Street, Road 26 Lekki Phase1, Lagos, Nigeria.

ALTO LEASING

Luxury Apartments

Middle Class Apartments

Basic Apartments for Project teams in Power, Oil & Gas sector and Construction Industry Flexible pricing, lease and outright purchase options available

Call our Hotline: +234 8122214070 +234 8122214054 +234 8074540662

Alto leasing is a premium housing solution provider for multi-nationals and diverse project teams across Nigeria.

We provide end to end housing solutions for our clients, our prefabricated living quarters with standard features such as: Swimming Pool

Gym

Sports Bar

Sit-out Area etc

Office: 14A, Akintunde Adeyemi Drive, Off Adewole Kuku Street, Road 26, Lekki Phase I, Lagos.

Tel: +234 1 2953818 Email: info@altoleasing.com Website: www.altoleasing.com/apartments

Chapter 11 Public Relations, Media and Marketing

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Silverbird Consolidating value

Established in 1980 to provide contemporary family entertainment and relaxation to Nigerians, The Silverbird Group has become the leading media/entertainment business in sub-Saharan Africa, with horizontally integrated interests in Communications (TV & Radio), Cinemas, Production, Real Estate and most recently Retail.

An ever expanding opportunity landscape has informed our Pan-African strategy with presence in Accra and Nairobi while profitable partnering opportunities continue to emerge across the continent.

The growth of the last three decades has been financed primarily through medium term loans from local banks, at very high interest rates, with group turnover around N6 billion in 2010.

A comprehensive Strategic Value Review exercise by the Board of The Silverbird

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Group has concluded that the capital base of the Group needs to be restructured and strengthened for the next phase of the Silverbird growth and value creation story.

In line with the above, Management decided that the current medium term obligations of the Group be refinanced to reduce operating costs, and equally important, to ensure the matching of our financing with the Group’s asset profiles.

We are also revamping our processes and delivery capacity as we position the group for the next five years of opportunities.

Our Businesses Silverbird Communications Encompassing both Silverbird Television and our flagship radio station, Rhythm FM, Silverbird Communications operates in six of the ten Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (“NBC”) Zones as tabulated below: Zone Abuja Benin Enugu Jos Lagos Uyo

Location Abuja Benin City Awka Jos Lagos Port Harcourt

Operation Radio Radio & Television Radio & Television Radio & Television Radio & Television Radio & Television

Our radio offering is uniquely distinguished by highly interactive call-in shows, On-Air Personalities (OAP), up-to–the-minute news reports and air play of the most current music hits as well as evergreen oldies.

Silverbird Television’s main objective is to provide its audience with quality and wholesome family entertainment, leveraging our wide array of local and internationally syndicated shows and live programs in a unique 24-hour broadcast format.

A notable attribute of our radio and TV offerings is the commanding brand trust and affinity that the Silverbird brand enjoys with the younger generation of Nigerians, the majority demographic grouping in the most populous country in Africa.

In late 2010, Silverbird Communications was awarded a network license by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) which permits the business to broadcast both radio and television programming nationwide. There is no gainsaying that this will allow the Company to significantly extend its footprint and brand across the Nigerian territory.

installed Silverbird Cinemas as a game changer and the de facto leader in the Nigerian leisure and entertainment industry.

We continue to provide Nigerians and expatriates day and date releases of blockbuster movies in an environment and ambience that is comparable to, and sometimes arguably better than, the service quality available in developed markets.

Further cinema asset additions have since expanded our footprint in this area, including: • the three-screen Cineplex located in Abuja’s Ceddi Plaza.

• the eight-screen facility in Showtime Port Harcourt.

• the 12-screens/8 VIP lounges Silverbird Entertainment Centre (SEC) in Abuja West Africa’s largest Cinema complex complete with the international shopping and entertainment experience.

• the five-screen multiplex cinema and lifestyle store in Accra (Ghana) – in conjunction with local partners.

• A five-screen multiplex cinema in the Ikeja City Mall to name a few.

Silverbird Cinemas The 2004 opening of The Galleria firmly

There is tremendous scope for expanding our cinema business – one needs only look

at cinema density in developed markets as a benchmark, or take a backward glance into the local market some 30 - 40 years ago to get a sense of the immense growth potential of this invaluable component of our business portfolio.

Silverbird Productions This unit oversees the production and management of live events such as beauty pageants, concerts and other live shows. It’s annual signature event is the Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria (“MBGN”) which after 27 years remains Nigeria’s most anticipated event and over time has showcased some

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of the country’s most beautiful and noble women. The brand has since been extended to include productions such as “Silverbird Man of the Year”, “Mr. Nigeria World” and “Rhythm Unplugged” - an entertainment platform that showcases established and upcoming Nigerian talents.

An untapped vein in this business is its natural extension into the reality TV genre, a cross-platform opportunity that is presently being critically explored by both Silverbird Productions and the two arms of Silverbird Communications (TV and Radio).

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Silverbird Properties The stand alone Cinema is now a relic of the past, as modern cinematic experience is invariably set out in malls and shopping centres. The shopping traffic flow invariably translates into footfalls for cinemas and other relaxation offerings within such total experience centres. Our experience in the local market as well as in Accra shows that this trend is no different in Africa.

Our properties business has evolved primarily out of the economic need to develop multi-use economic mall or shopping centres to boost the traffic flowing through our cinematic assets.

This division is responsible for all our real estate related activities including: • Operational Management.

Responsible for the day-to-day operations for all the locations • Facility Management. Upon completion of the Uyo complex in 2011 Galleria will execute a management contract with the Akwa-Ibom State Government to manage the Complex, which includes Cineplex, Theme Park, Hotel and Conference Centre.

Silverbird Film Distributions Silverbird Film Distribution Limited is an independent film distributor of theatrical and non-theatrical films. Established in July 2007, Silverbird Film Distribution Ltd has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in the film supply chain services industry.

Silverbird Film Distribution continues to be the resource for some of the most invigorating voices in modern cinema.

Our quest is to engage an ever expanding audience with a rich variety of films that range from box office hits to Academy Award winning dramas and comedies.

Our scope of coverage across Africa is listed below: In West Africa, we have the following distribution: • Silverbird Cinemas, The Galleria, Lagos – 5 Screens • Silverbird Cinemas, Ceddi Plaza, Abuja – 3 Screens • Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Abuja – 12 Screens • Silverbird Showtime Cinemas, PortHarcourt – 8 Screens • Silverbird Cinema, Ghana – 5 Screens

• Ozone Cinema, Yaba, Lagos – 4 Screens • Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Lekki – 6 Screens • Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Port - Harcourt – 4 Screens • Silverbird Cinema, Ikeja – 5 Screens In East Africa, we have the following distribution: • Fox Theatres, Kenya – 2 • Nyali Cinemax, Mombassa, Kenya – 2 • Hub Entertainment, Uganda – 4 • Falcon Estates, Uganda – 1 • Century Cinemas, Tanzania – 3 • Ster-kinekor Theatres, Zambia – 5 The total number of screens that is being supplied by Silverbird Film Distribution pan Africa is 69. This number would increase with future joint ventures and collaborations.

MEDIA CAMPAIGN With the help of our Television, Radio, and the Print Media, we are able to promote and create media awareness for all our movies with reference and acknowledgement to all exhibitors. For where we are NOT present (STV and Rhythm), we partner with indiginous radio and TV stations for our media campaign.

This is what we have in East-Africa and some West-African countries. Below is a schedule of events which is done across all media regardless of their location.

Silverbird TV • We currently have 15 slots daily to run all movie campaigns pan Nigeria.This is shared across the board to give each and every movie adequate exposure before and during screening.

• A tv program called BOXOFFICE RELEASES FOR AFRICA is being done by STV for public sensitisation on the happenings in the movie world.

RADIO • HYPEs are done about the current movies by the presenters or DJ from the various radio stations.These Hypes would be done five daily.

• On-Air-Personalities run shows that focus on top movies of the season and reward winners with prizes to promote public paticipation and awareness.This medium seems to get a high rate of response from the public because the shows are mostly slated during high traffic.

Our Locations & facilities Business Locations Rhythm FM Radio Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Jos, Awka, Benin Silverbird TV Lagos, Port Harcourt Silverbird Malls Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt Silverbird Cinemas Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt Accra Silverbird Lifestyle Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja Accra List of some radio stations and their Locations.

FM station Rhythm Fm Y Fm

Location Nigeria Ghana

PRINT MEDIA • We currently run two newspaper add per title.

• When doing this, we give acknowledgement to all exhibitors.

• Three movies are reviewed weekly in a national newspaper.

• There is also a movie schedule sent to one of the media houses detailing the time listing of movies showing at the cinemas for a week.

Our Business Opportunities In the course of 30 years, our group businesses have evolved naturally into two distinct themes or areas of focus: • Our core family entertainment/ relaxation businesses - Silverbird Communications (radio and TV), Silverbird Cinemas, Silverbird Productions and our nascent retail effort, Silverbird Lifestyle.

• Our expanding entertainment related commercial prime real estate portfolio

Country Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria Ghana Nigeria Ghana

and operational/facilities management business.

Opportunities Pipeline Entertainment: • National Network Radio and TV broadcast licence allows us to completely cover the Nigerian broadcast space in direct competition with the state offerings. Expanded footprint translates into increased advertising rates and volumes and also makes outside broadcasting a profitable proposition.

• Raising the Cinema/Population ratios in key urban centres of Lagos, south-west, south-east and south-south Nigeria and high density locations in northern should keep our cinema business managers busy for the foreseeable future.

Properties: Our business model means that opportunities for expanding our real estate portfolio will grow hand in hand with our entertainment business expansion and roll out locally in Nigeria, and across the African continent.

www.silverbirdgroup.com

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Mattson Creations Photography Your one-stop Portraiture studio that renders diverse photography services as well as creative prints.

At Mattson, we combine technologically advanced methods and equipment with extreme creativity, adapted to the unique style of our individual photo artistry to deliver not just excellent quality pictures, but the most contemporary styling. Our core values are founded on a commitment to Customer Satisfaction and best industry practice, with our organisation’s success hinged on positive referrals from satisfied customers, which is our greatest asset.

We currently operate from three locations within Nigeria’s commercial city of Lagos with a flagship studio in the Lekki Phase1 area of Victoria Island, housing our state-of-theart multi-media and photo suite and also, pioneering a first of its kind Photo Academy, where professional photographers would be trained, re-trained and certified. Our core values portray what we believe and represent; they reveal winning traits that have sustained the MATTSON brand over the years, even in the midst of stiff competition, and set us apart as the undisputed industry leader.

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• Customer Satisfaction • Creativity • Result Oriented

Our Vision To be the pioneering and leading Photography company within the industry in Africa; spear-heading and promoting innovations.

Our Mission Using best practice, we strive to produce great quality images at economical rates within an accelerated turnaround timeline and ultimately grow a satisfied customer network.

Our Services • 100% Photography • Stock Photography • Photo Project Documentation • Archival Documentation

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Media Co-ordination Video Documentary Photography Academy & Training Model Management TV/Documentary Project Multi-media Service Content Development Printing Project Development Content Development Concept Generation Advertising Photography Photography Gallery

11b, Fatal idowu Arobieke Street Off Admiralty Road Lekki Phase 1, Lagos Tel: +234 08054119906 08023003689 www.mattsoncreations.com Best of Nigeria

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The BEST OF

AFRICA We brand and build the image of the world’s most exciting economic regions to affect a change in the perception of a continent, a nation, a city and its people by the rest of the world.

Global Village Africa is Africa’s premier platform for showcasing and networking governments, leading companies and entrepreneurs in business, tourism and lifestyle. The ‘Best of series’ books crisply profile leading companies and innovators, as leaders within their genre.

We celebrate the success of countries, individuals and companies with ‘the good news’ editorial and pictorial imagery in the highest quality print format available.

Branding a Continent, a Nation, a City and its People

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All books now available for download on your iPad with the new VIPedia app.

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Chapter 12 Broadcasting

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National Broadcasting Commission Nigeria

The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, is the broadcast regulator in Nigeria, and is guided by the following Vision and Mission: Our Vision To enable the emergence of a sustainable Broadcasting Industry that satisfies the social, political and economic needs of the people of Nigeria.

Our Mission The National Broadcasting Commission shall evolve defined standards in all aspects of broadcasting to effectively licence, monitor and regulate an environment that encourages investment and development of quality programming and technology for a viable industry, which competes favourably in the global information society.

Our Catch Phrase Your Right to Quality Broadcasting

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Powers and Mandate The Commission was created on 27 August 1992, deriving its powers from the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP NII Laws of the Federal, 2004. It served as mid-wife to the deregulation of the broadcast Industry in Nigeria, ending government monopoly and allowing private investors to own and operate broadcasting stations.

The Commission’s core mandate is to licence, monitor, regulate and control the entire broadcasting industry in Nigeria.

The law permits the Commission to

perform executive, legislative, quasijudicial, as well as arbitration functions, which it achieves by establishing a code for the industry, and monitoring and enforcing the prescribed standards, as well as training broadcast operators and relating with the public on licencing issues.

Administrative Structure The Director General is the CEO of the Commission and the headquarters of the Commission resides in Abuja, the capital city of the Federal Republic

of Nigeria. Since its inception in 1992, the NBC has had five Chief Executives. Mr. Emeka Mba is the present Director General. The Secretary to the Commission is the Secretary to the Board of the Commission - the custodian of the Commission’s Records and the coordinator of the Commission’s licencing issues. Other Directorates are those of Broadcast Policy and Research, Broadcast Monitoring, Investigation and Enforcement, Engineering/Technology, Human Resources and Administration, and Finance and Accounts.

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There are two Departments - Public Affairs and Audit under the office of the Director General - and three Units: Africast, Procurement, as well as Servicom and Anti-corruption.

To ensure adequate monitoring of all broadcasting stations all across the nation, the Commission also has 10 Zonal Offices located in Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Ibadan, Jos, Kaduna, Lagos, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and Uyo; as well as 17 State Offices located in Akure, Bauchi, Birnin-kebbi, Calabar, Gombe, Gusau, Ilorin, Jalingo, Kano, Katsina, Makurdi, Onitsha, Osogbo, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Umuahia, and Yola.

The law setting up the Commission also provided for a board representing different sections of the society, which would give policy direction to the Commission. The Director General is, of course, a member of the board as well.

Since inception, the Commission now has its fourth board under the chairmanship of Professor Herbert Orji.

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Impact of the Commission The first set of broadcast licences was issued in 1999 to 14 televisions and 13 MMDS stations. Today, we have 433 stations in Nigeria; included in these are 18 campus stations, which are serving as experimental community broadcasting stations.

The Commission invests in the development of the industry in terms of content and technology. Through its regulatory activities, the music industry took a giant leap to the position it is today in Africa and the world. Fifteen years ago, the broadcasting industry depended largely on foreign music. The regulation on the family belt also led to burgeoning local channels across Africa.

The policy of local content also helped in the evolution of the now soughtafter Africa Magic channels on DStv and several other platforms, and in the process also giving a boost to Nigeria’s Nollywood industry.

Digital Switchover The Commission is currently in the forefront of the industry’s transition from analogue to digital terrestrial transmission. Despite the strong challenges of time and resources the NBC is driving the digitisation process so as to meet the world deadline for the digital switchover, which has been set for 17June 2015. Nigeria has opted for 1 January 2015 as its switchover date. This however is a second date; an earlier target date of 17 June 2012 could not be met due to the absence of a government white paper to move the process forward.

DigiTeam Nigeria was set up by the federal government to work closely with the Commission to ensure a successful transition and switchover.

The National Broadcasting Commission is committed to bringing sanity to the airwaves in Nigeria and raising its professional standard to compete favourably with the best anywhere in the world.

Africast Conference Africast is a biennial conference of Africa broadcasters. It brings together players in the broadcast sector including producers, distributors and marketers of broadcast content, as well as policy makers, advisers, administrators and end-users from around Africa and the rest of the world.

The exhibition introduces cutting-edge broadcast equipment and the content market providing a platform for trade, while the Master Class segment tackles current issues from a practical perspective.

Africast provides a great atmosphere of deep examination, reflection and discussion of current broadcast issues by high-profile key speakers from around the world with real expertise in the area of broadcasting, as well as networking and business opportunities on a continental level. The conference has been held every two years since 1996. The next edition is in October 2014 (www.africastabuja.com).

Highlights • A model broadcasting code freely negotiated with the Nigerian broadcasting industry, has been instituted and reviewed every four years since inception of the Commission; • A vibrant private broadcasting sector from the first 14 TV stations and 13 MMDS stations licenced in 1993 to a current total of 433 stations operating today; • The 18 campus broadcasting stations as pilot community radios; • Rapidly expanding local content production sector providing movies and musicals for Nigerian and other broadcasting channels and platforms; • Synergy with local and international organisations, such as ITU; • Synergy with other regulatory bodies and organisations.

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EbonyLife TV: The emergence of Africa’s first Lifestyle and Entertainment TV Brand Since its unprecedented launch in Lagos on 30 June 2014, a highly glamorous and continuously resounding event which featured the international media mogul, Mr Steve Forbes of Forbes Media as special guest, among hundreds of the society’s crème de la crème personalities, EbonyLife TV has continued to gain prominence as Africa’s first ‘Global Black’ Lifestyle and Entertainment Channel.

With a vision to be the preferred global network for premium African entertainment, through the creation of original and inspiring content, EbonyLife TV showcases the best of Africa for a Global Black audience.

With actual broadcast commencing on 1 July 2013 on DStv’s channel 165, EbonyLife TV has stopped at nothing in its mission to establish itself as the home of the best African content for its primary target demographic of youth aged 18 to 34, producing over 1000 hours of premium home-grown content yearly with world-class production values to underscore this goal.

Through a Joint Venture Agreement with the Cross River State Government, EbonyLife TV is the concessionaire of Studio Tinapa, sub-Saharan Africa’s first and only state-of-the-art and purposebuilt Film Studio located within the Tinapa Free Zone & Resort in Calabar, Cross River State, providing first-class production and post-production services for all the channel’s content. From here the channel has continued to deliver on its promise of delivering a fresh new energy and perspective to audiences across the globe.

The channel has continued to attract local and global attention. Barely three

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months after its launch, EbonyLife TV struck a deal with Disney Media Distribution to co-produce “Desperate Housewives Africa” - a Nigeria-based version of the hit American series. This partnership deal was announced at a global press conference in Cannes, France, during the MIPCOM event in October 2013, where EbonyLife TV had participated to seek carriage and distribution deals worldwide for the channel that currently airs in 44 African countries across the continent.

The EbonyLife TV mantra, “everything you think you know about Africa is about to change forever”, is the compelling credo that drives the channel to constantly challenge the status quo in order to deliver a fresh new entertainment wave and energy across the continent - by telling engaging and universally human stories with an African outlook and attitude; with heart, understanding and compassion.

Beyond representing the continent as Africa’s first Global Black media and entertainment powerhouse, EbonyLife TV also passionately pursues its avowed quest to be a lightning rod and rallying point for the entertainment industry through partnerships and collaborations at crucial and definitive

moments in time. One such moment was when it rallied some of Nigeria’s biggest music and entertainment stars to perform in honour of the late Nelson Mandela in a free all-night, all-comers tribute concert tagged “The Legacy Lives”. Performances from stars such as D’banj, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, Ikechukwu, Waje, Darey Art Alade, Burna Boy, Timi Dakolo, Julius Agwu, Nikki Laoye, among a host of others, helped to thrill hundreds of enthusiastic music lovers and guests who trooped out to the Ocean View Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos.

This was to commemorate the exemplary life and legacy of the iconic freedom fighter, democrat, philanthropist, humanitarian, nation builder, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who was buried on 15 December 2013 in Qunu, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

EbonyLife TV continues to embody its brand philosophy, even as it strongly emerges as the continent’s first and only Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, celebrating the beauty of Africa with vibrancy and positivity while creating content that tells the African story from a fresh and positive African perspective.

The channel boasts a magnetic viewer experience that sharply reflects the cultures, attitudes, aspirations and values of its audiences, while combining a fresh, ‘Afropolitan’ and ‘Africana cool’ swagger with an eclectic mélange of the finest entertainment values of world-class

bias. This amazing cocktail of attitude and entertainment speaks to the emerging new generation of intrepid and aggressive young Africans who are increasingly unrelenting in their passion and aspiration for global citizenship.

Programmes With a programme line up designed to leave the viewer with nothing short of that cool, glossy, polished and sophisticated experience, the channel is a rich kaleidoscope of various interesting aspects of African lifestyle entertainment.

It parades a multi-genre programme ensemble that encompasses Talk, Reality, Entertainment, News, Magazine, Drama, Comedy, Festivals, and much more.

The glamorous flagship talk-show, “Moments with Mo”, presents Africa’s Queen of Talk, Mo. Mo’s selection of her two new fascinating co-Hosts, during an intense search, is chronicled in the dramatic, must-watch reality show, “Mo’s Search”.

From Left to Right: Catherine Powell, SVP & GM, Media Distribution, The Walt Disney Company, EMEA; Giovanni Mastrangelo, General Manager, Disney Media Distribution, Emerging Markets; Mo Abudu, Chairman & CEO, EbonyLife TV, at the Press Conference in Cannes announcing plans for the co-production of “Desperate Housewives Africa”, by EbonyLife TV and Disney.

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“EL Now”, the glitzy daily entertainment news show, features the hottest global black news, the latest celebrity buzz, African success stories and all things ‘Africana Cool’ across music, movies, TV, fashion, beauty, design and the arts.

“Screen Divas” features some of the biggest Nollywood Queens as they combine their star power to produce a short film “New Horizon”, tackling the poignant issue of domestic abuse; while “Fattening Room” follows six beautiful, feisty modern women from Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Kenya as they embark on a journey of self-discovery by revisiting the legacies of the timeless Efik tradition.

“Culture Connects” explores the intersection between the customs and traditions of Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and America in a cultural odyssey that investigates the interesting values that both continents hold very dear.

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In “The Banky & Tiwa Show”, two remarkable artistes and iconic celebrities come together, outside of their regular forte of music, to do something totally different and mind blowing as they (and their often electrifying guests) deal with random controversial and street-wise issues that a lot of people are too scared to talk about.

“Squatterz” is a riveting comedy revolving around four guys with huge characters and differing backgrounds, who have to live with each other’s differences when they end up sharing an apartment as a result of problems encountered in their previous individual accommodations.

“AY’s Crib” is a sitcom that tells the story of a younger version of AY, the popular comedian who lives in a house with two of his friends from university days, a distant cousin from Warri who works for him as his gateman, and his date - a rich, spoilt and beautiful girl.

In “Shop Naija” viewers can pour themselves some juice, put their feet up and shop for great quality products and services in comfort and convenience, right in front of their television screens. Life surely doesn’t get any cosier than that!

“Deadline” tells the story of how Isabel Olu-Williams, United States of America returnee and new Chief Executive of ECHO a failing newspaper publishing outfit inherited from her late father - now has the onerous task of helping the paper regain its popularity and recognition with the market.

“EL Reports” dishes out the latest African headlines, with positive and up-to-date news from around the continent and the globe that focuses on progressive, upbeat and human interest angles.

More blockbuster home-grown programming on the channel includes: the seasonal, fashion forward “EL Runway”; hilarious sitcom “Ojos in D’House”; the

youthful ensemble chit chat talk show “The Spot”; the romance and relationship clinic titled “Love Lounge”; the glitz, glamour, fun and ‘captured on camera’ lives of the “Sistaz”; and the talent focused “In My Shoes”, which tracks a day in the life of Africa’s top personalities, providing an intimate look at the lives of the real people behind the celebrity names.

Every programme drips of the best of African style and sophistication and EbonyLife TV takes pride in the team of industry experts it has assembled to bring Africa and the rest of the world this superlative, home-grown programming experience. The team consists of awardwinning directors of programming, experienced multi-genre producers, production executives, broadcast operations experts, as well as technical and production crew from all walks of life - who are committed to the vision of building Africa’s first Global Black entertainment and lifestyle network.

EbonyLife TV Media and Entertainment City Africa Tinapa, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria EbonyLife TV, VLA House Plot 1646, Oko-Awo Street Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 1461 6360/ 6362/ 7227 +234 803 313 5747 +234 816 854 6560 Email: jolaoluwa@ebonylifetv.com Facebook: ebonylifetvafrica Twitter: EbonyLife_TV Youtube: ebonylifetv www.ebonylifetv.com

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Chapter 13 Energy

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The Oando Group Oando is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading indigenous energy groups. Through dynamic vision, dedicated leadership, audacious moves and consistent value creation Oando’s subsidiaries are now market leaders in their respective fields. The company is currently listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

economy. Primarily listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange, Oando is the first African company to have a cross-border inward listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

In addition, its subsidiary company Oando Energy Resources is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Intro From the company’s origins in downstream petroleum retailing, Oando has refocused its business model to encompass the complete value chain. Today, the company comprises of six companies that specialise in upstream, midstream and downstream activities; combining to form one of Africa’s leading indigenous energy companies.

Oando is driven by the desire to provide efficient energy solutions for Africa. The company is committed to exploring, producing and supplying the energy that drives the future growth of West Africa’s

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Oando Energy Resources Oando Energy Resources (OER) is Oando PLC’s upstream subsidiary in respect of Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) and Oil Prospecting Licences (OPLs).

It is a leading exploration and production Company that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with a current market capitalisation of US$850-million.

The Company has successfully built a vast portfolio of oil and gas assets in selected African basins and acts as both operator and partner to Nigerian and Multinational companies. OER holds interests in 10 licences for the exploration, development and production of oil and gas assets located onshore, swamp, and offshore. OER maintains a daily production of ~5kbopd from its producing portfolio, with 19mmboe in 2P reserves and 38mmboe in 2C resources.

Oando Energy Services Oando Energy Services is a leading provider of energy services to exploration and production companies in Nigeria; Oando Energy Services offers its clients high-quality support for their operations with a view to increasing efficiency and lowering operating costs.

The company provides three product services - swamp drilling rigs, drill bits and engineering services and total fluid management. With four swamp rigs in its fleet Oando Energy Services is the largest swamp rig fleet operator in Nigeria.

The company has invested over US$450million in the acquisition and upgrade of its four rigs and continues to invest heavily in asset maintenance and integrity programmes with the aim of optimising operational performance.

Oando Gas & Power Oando Gas & Power was the first private sector company to enter gas distribution in Nigeria and is now the largest private sector gas distributor and developer of captive power solutions in Nigeria. The company pioneered gas distribution in the greater Lagos area, expanding into eastern Nigeria

and is set to link western and northern Nigeria.

Oando Gas & Power continues to focus on aggressively developing Nigeria’s domestic natural gas infrastructure and leveraging the same towards becoming a leading gas and power provider to the lastmile customers. The company’s assets include: 1. Gaslink Nigeria Limited, a Lagos-based distribution entity with over 100km of gas pipelines in metropolitan Lagos serving over 130 industrial customers.

2. Central Horizon Gas Company is located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and was set up to rehabilitate and expand the natural gas distribution network in the Greater Port Harcourt area.

3. Gas Network Services Limited was established to compress natural gas in order to make it transportable. This is then supplied in high pressure cylinders to industrial and commercial users within a coverage radius of 200km.

4. Akute Power Limited is a 12MW captive power plant set up to supply power to the Lagos State Water Corporation.

5. Alausa Power Limited, a 10MW captive

power plant presently supplying the power requirements of the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa.

6. Compress Natural Gas Facility that compresses natural gas, transports and delivers to customers not connected to the gas grid and as far as 100km away.

Oando Downstream Oando’s Downstream division consists of three main business lines: the fuels retailing business, Oando Marketing Plc (OMP), its international trading and supply business, Oando Supply & Trading, and the infrastructure business, Oando Terminals and Logistics.

Oando Marketing is the nation’s leading supplier and distributor of refined petroleum products. Distributing over two billion litres of products annually and with a market share of 18, 22, and 15 percent in refined products, LPG, and lubricants respectively, Oando Marketing has successfully transited into the leading consumer brand in the downstream over the last five years.

Oando Marketing has subsidiaries in Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso.

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subsea pipeline, and a 16 inch, 3km onshore line capable of delivering over 3 million tonnes a year. This infrastructure will allow 45,000DWT vessels to berth and discharge their products without lightering and demurrage. The cost saving across the industry will be over $120m per annum.

Commitment to Safety Oando is committed to sound EHSSQ practices in all aspects of its business to prevent injury and protect all employees and subcontractors from work hazards and occupational diseases in the execution of their responsibilities.

The company regards the protection of the environment and promotion of health and safety measures at all levels of its operations as paramount to the way in which it conducts its activities.

Corporate Social Responsibility Oando is committed to high standards of corporate governance, ethics and goodwill. CSR is integrated into the company’s business practices through value-adding products and services and the development of local communities through sustainable social investments.

Oando adheres to high standards of business practices, and is mindful of the impact of its activities on internal and external stakeholders as well as the environment.

Oando Supply & Trading is the largest indigenous importer of petroleum products in the sub-Saharan region, supplying and trading crude oil and refined petroleum products. The company trades a broad range of refined petroleum products and crude oil and has access to 160 million litres of physical storage in major markets.

The company is involved in large-scale export and import of petroleum products and is a leading supplier of petroleum products to Nigeria.

Oando Terminals and Logistics is the newest division of the Oando group; it is pioneering the construction of a mid-stream jetty in Apapa Lagos that will provide a more efficient platform for product receipt to all marketers currently using the Moman jetty. The jetty, which is near completion, will have a half-kilometre

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Oando Foundation Through its independent charity organisation, Oando Foundation, Oando remains steadfast in its resolve to transform lives through education and economic empowerment. One of the foundations initiatives is the Adopt-A-School programme aimed at increasing access to basic primary education by renovating depleted public primary schools and providing teachers training to enrich the curriculum, enhance the learning environment and provide learning aids.

To date Oando Foundation has adopted 47 schools in 19 states and through its scholarship programme awarded 529 students scholarships.

To ensure that the laudable goals of Oando Foundation are adequately funded, Oando PLC gives 1% of the Group’s annual pretax profit to the Foundation each year.

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Aiteo Energy Resources Limited is an integrated energy company that provides a host of products and services: Bulk Petroleum Storage; Distribution of Refined Petroleum Products; Oilfield Services; Electricity Generation; Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Bulk Storage. Aiteo also maintains a retail distribution network for the purpose of supplying petroleum products directly to the consumer.

Aiteo is spearheading development in the Nigerian energy sector by actively diversifying our portfolio of energy assets with complementary acquisitions; developing innovative projects; and by driving hydrocarbon exploration of promising highrisk oil and gas basins.

Aiteo has reached and surpassed many milestones as we pursue our long-term vision of becoming a major part of the world’s energy solution, including entry into new markets, investment in capital project, refinement of our operational efficiency, and efforts to attract and retain the brightest minds in our industry. As a result of the efforts by the team at Aiteo, our ability to harness profitable opportunities offered by the global marketplace has increased exponentially.

Our strategy going forward remains anchored on the philosophy of judicious growth, practical innovation, and an intelligent approach to market entry. In addition to strengthening our position in our proven markets, Aiteo’s core directives

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include a measured diversification of our portfolio of energy assets and the continuance of efforts to establish profitable international partnerships.

In Aiteo we believe the future holds the promise of even greater prosperity as energy rich nations across Africa, including Nigeria, have begun distancing themselves from state-run programs in favour of deregulation and privatisation. Although these transitions are sure to create unforeseen challenges for our industry in the short-term, these reforms bring fruitful opportunities for businesses with the strategic foresight and developed capacity to compete in a globalized marketplace.

OUR BUSINESS

Our strategy going forward remains anchored on the philosophy of judicious growth, practical innovation, and an intelligent approach to market entry.

Aiteo is strategically focused on: EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION The onshore Niger-Delta basins contain some of the richest untapped energy reserves in the world and Aiteo intends to put them to work. By spearheading the exploration and development of these undiscovered resources, Aiteo is paving the way to a prosperous future for generations to come.

REFINERY Achieving Aiteo’s long-term goal of securing petroleum products solely from imports will not be possible based on the volatility and unpredictable nature of the world market, therefore the need for sound investment into crude processing facilities and new technology is needed to ensure an efficient, constant supply of refined petroleum. To that end, Aiteo’s strategy involves aggressively exploring exciting investment opportunities over the coming years.

GAS Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a logical focus of Aiteo as a result of Nigeria’s position as the largest holder of natural gas on the African continent. Aiteo’s long-term objectives include leveraging all sectors of the natural gas value chain by expanding LPG’s role in our energy portfolio, as well as our strident efforts to enter into partnerships necessary for exploring, tapping and processing these reserves.

BULK PETROLEUM STORAGE Aiteo’s enduring downstream petroleum strategy includes securing and maintaining one of the largest petroleum product storage facilities in all of Africa. Aiteo is well on the way to achieving that goal, currently boasting of holding the largest private storage facilities for refined petroleum products in sub-Saharan Africa.

POWER GENERATION AND ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION Energy gives life, drives development, and enlightens the world.

At Aiteo, we believe that all people have the right to access energy.

To that end, we have set an ambitious goal to connect millions of Nigerians to a safe and reliable power grid.

ENGINEERING AND OILFIELD SERVICES Aiteo through its subsidiary company, Sigmund Engineering, is positioned to provide a full-range of engineering and oilfield services to oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region.

Our services include: • • • •

oilfield logistics shoreline protection provision of onshore fabrication and maintenance services provision of offshore fabrication and maintenance services

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PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MARKETING, SUPPLY AND TRADING Aiteo’s strategic penetration into the Marketing, Supply, and Trading sectors continues to deliver promising results. As we increase our capacity to reliably bring petroleum products to market in large quantities, we can only expect our successes to increase in turn.

RETAIL SERVICE STATION NETWORK Aiteo’s rollout of its franchised network of gasoline stations continues to pick up steam. By providing access to gasoline to areas of Nigeria with the most pressing need, we are helping to not only grow the development of presentday Nigeria, but are also setting the stage for a future where mobility is no longer an obstacle.

OUR MISSION IS FUELLING SUCCESS The prosperity of Africa’s future hinges on the continent’s ability to locate and secure access to reliable sources of abundant energy in the present-day.

By increasing our exploratory efforts to map and develop high-risk, deepwater resources; Aiteo has taken up the call and pledges to continue our efforts to make energy accessible to all.

ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE We believe that Aiteo’s position as a growing leader in the PanAfrican energy movement comes with the responsibility to ensure that everything we do is done with excellence in mind.

This dedication runs throughout Aiteo, from ensuring that the quality of our product is unmatched to the operation of our many facilities.

OUR COMMITMENT Our vision of harnessing and supplying abundant energy resources to people with the greatest need remains the driving force behind everything that we do. To make this vision a reality, Aiteo pledges to raise the bar on standards of excellence in our industry each and every year.

THE ROAD MAP Aiteo’s strategic road map includes a smart investment approach with regards to acquiring the most promising human and physical capital on the market. By leveraging these assets in the right way – and at the right time, Aiteo is poised to reap a rich return on investment.

we are helping to not only grow the development of present-day Nigeria, but are also setting the stage for a future where mobility is no longer an obstacle.

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY As a growing leader in the exploration and production of the earth’s resources, Aiteo is devoted to: • • • • • •

Ensuring Occupational Safety Putting People First Acting With Integrity Ethical Decision-Making And Responsibility For Actions Innovation-Driven Approaches Building Trust By Earning It

Aiteo’s devotion to social responsibility runs company-wide - from our facilities to our headquarters and everything in between.

CARING FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET As a forward-thinking energy company with long-term plans for the future, we view protecting the communities and

environment of the world we live in as nothing short of our responsibility. As we grow, we will continue to keep to a course guided by social responsibility and ethical business practices.

Our support of social and charitable programmes that benefit people and communities throughout Nigeria will continue for the foreseeable future, realised through monetary donations, grant opportunities, and seed capital for likeminded, principled enterprises.

SAFETY Aiteo’s risk mitigation policies, safety management procedures, and occupational safety practices are but a few of the measures taken to ensure that the most valuable part of business is safeguarded from harm: our people. At Aiteo, everyone has a role in ensuring that work is performed safely, no matter what position is held.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY MARKET-LEADING VISION TO ENGINEER GROWTH Aiteo believes that trust can only be earned and that words are no substitute for actions. We value the communities we serve and we want them to know it.

To that end, Aiteo supports promising social investment projects, including those which improve education, promote community development, enriches the arts and cultural expression, and those that raise political awareness.

In addition, Aiteo’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy includes making sizeable donations to registered charities, and not-for-profit charitable organisations.

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Chapter 14 Oil and Gas

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Vision Statement from Capt. Akin Oni, MD of BRISTOW I rose to my current position through dedication, hard work and guidance by mentors who believed in me. I have been an Engineer, a Pilot, Flight Safety Officer; Training Captain, Chief Pilot, Operations Manager, Area manager, Deputy MD and now the MD.

Background I attended the Aircraft Engineering programme at Oxford Air Training School in Kidlington, Oxford, UK where I obtained the UKCAA Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence. I joined Bristow Helicopters Nigeria

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Limited as an Aircraft Engineer in 1984. With a strong desire to fly, I became one of the many national pilots trained by Bristow Helicopters at the then Bristow Helicopters Training School at Redhill, UK - now the Bristow Academy in Titusville, USA.

Bristow Bristow Helicopters Nigeria is the largest helicopter services provider in the country and provides helicopter logistics services to both international and indigenous Oil & Gas companies. With a focus on medium/ supermedium and heavy type of helicopters for the support of deep-water exploration and production activities. Bristow hopes to use its focus on safe; efficient and cost-effective helicopter services to deliver superior value to clients. Our goal is to work with our clients to reduce their operating costs and we promote innovative ways to reduce their helicopter support costs.

Bristow has been in Nigeria for just over 55 years and is proud to be part of the Nigerian success story. Our people and our passion to provide the safest and most efficient helicopter operations globally are our daily inspiration. Our staff forms the backbone of this company. We take pride in the fact that some of our personnel have been with the company for more than three decades. This thread is evident in our history, it is evident in our operations today and it is what sets us apart.

Bristow Helicopters started more than 60 years ago, founded by Alan Bristow, a former Pilot with Britain’s Royal Navy. In almost all the Oil & Gas exploration and Production regions of the world, Bristow has led in the introduction of new helicopter types in the support of Oil & Gas exploration and production. We were at the forefront of safety innovations such as Health & Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) and Traffic & Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II).

Through our Target Zero safety program, we deliver “Confidence in Flight” daily to our clients and passengers.

Nigeria’s progress after 100 years Nigeria’s investment and economic growth over the last century has been immense. You only need to look at our area of specialisation and make that comparison across other industries. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to pour into Nigeria, we have a steady rising middle class and our banking system appears to have stabilised to some extent. These are all recipes for economic success. The challenge before the public

and private sectors is to now harness these various opportunities, widen their impact and propel the country to the next phase of development.

Lessons abound all over the world of countries that have faced similar challenges like ours and have managed to stare these challenges down and push ahead towards economic growth. Despite the challenges we face in our Energy industry, it is still one of the most attractive and lucrative investment opportunities in the world and with the proposed reforms we are clearly going to see an explosion in growth. This was evident in the kick-off of the GSM market in 2001 and its multiplier effect on the economy.

Given the opportunities available to us as a nation, we must swiftly act to confront our challenges head-on. Imagine what we can achieve.

Nigeria’s Future I believe the future is bright. According to the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development’s World Investment Report 2012, Nigeria is Africa’s biggest destination for foreign investment in 2011 with total inflows of US$8.9-billion. This optimism must however not be misplaced or misunderstood.

The next century will be dependent on how successful “we” are in creating the right environment for economic growth and success. We need to change the way we see and do things in order to realise the true potential of this country. A good example is the continued dilution of earnings from crude oil sale as a result of our inadequate refining capacity. This must change.

I see in the very near future the setting up of various aircraft assembly plants catering to the very unique needs of aircraft operators in Nigeria. We have seen the re-emergence of automobile assembly plants already, so the foundation is being laid.

The next century will see us working hard as a people to correct a number of imbalances that exist in our nation today and that have plagued us for the past century.

For us as Bristow in Nigeria, our eyes are set on the horizon; we want to be here in 100 years; we want to have significantly increased our contribution to project Nigeria; we want to deploy aircraft that can go deeper offshore and help unlock a new era of hydro-carbon discoveries and above all, we want to stay safe.

Proudly Nigerian Our dedication, our commitment to the mission and our unwavering safety standards make us proudly and uniquely Nigerian. We

all around capability from crew transport to oil spill dispersant spraying

Our commitment to maintaining high standards in a highly regulated industry is the price we are willing to pay for excellence. While safety is unquestionably a priority for our industry, we’ve gone a step further to ensure our standard remains unbeatable. As we strive to ensure the continuous safety of our passengers, we will never relent in our drive to add superior value to your business.

ACCIDENTS

zero accidents zero downtime zero complaints

DOWNTIME

COMPLAINTS

bristowgroup.com

have an unmatched safety performance and are proud to have initiated the recruitment and training of Nigerian cadet pilots and engineers since 1984. Our training program combines both local and foreign training at no financial cost to the trainee. We have recently entered into partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria providing world-class learning opportunities for their instructors and also providing a US$1m grant through the Bristow Group to help them in the delivery of aviation training in Nigeria.

With the passing of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development

Act of 2010, we at Bristow feel proud to have chosen our path of local content development. Today Bristow-trained pilots and engineers are spread across the Nigerian and global aviation industry and also the Nigerian and global oil and gas industry, where they continue to build on a solid Bristow foundation.

Positive Aviation Developments The continued transformation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and its efforts to ensure safer Nigerian skies is worthy of mention, we are also buoyed by the eagerness of oil and gas

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Whenever you board, be assured of our preparedness.

We constantly aim to meet up to the challenges of overall performance while pursuing the goals of target zero and operational excellence.

Our efficiency is backed up by a highly professional workforce.

At Bristow, we have adhered to the strictest standards in everything we do; this is why our foundation is based on building the highest standards of safety, quality and integrity in our workforce.

companies to push further offshore. One of the biggest movements this past year was the 2013 Fiscal Policy measure on the adoption of zero import duty and zero VAT on all aircraft and aircraft spares imported for use in Nigeria. This has a significant impact on our operations in Nigeria.

The aviation industry currently presents unique investor offerings, the

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Free Trade Zones sprouting up in different parts of the country are also unique in the opportunities and offerings they present.

Community-based initiatives I will attribute our local training of personnel as a sustainable investment to our local base of operation; we not only train Pilots and Engineers we vest our interest also in training administrative staff.

Since our entry into Nigeria, we have taken to heart the commitment to contribute to the communities in which we operate.

Our Pilot and Engineer cadet recruitment program is open to all Nigerians and we have paid particular attention to communities in the Niger Delta encouraging them to field children from their various communities. We have also actively helped in the development of several communities in the Niger Delta.

Some of the activities we have engaged in include provision of water in some communities in Akwa Ibom state.

Several years ago we launched a new initiative called “Bristow Uplift” to create positive change in our communities. Our employees give their time and go into the communities to assist and drive the change needed for growth. We move around the country identifying areas of need and devise sustainable solutions to those needs.

Recently we provided the Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired in Surulere Lagos with a solar powered photovoltaic (PV) system that supplies energy to computers in the IT classrooms and also powers the school’s sick bay. The computers were equipped with the latest version of Microsoft Office and have full Internet access. For us providing an alternative energy source to power the computers unlocks learning opportunities for the students and the teachers.

Full detail on Bristow please log onto www.bristowgroup.com www .bristownigeria.com

exceeding your expectations

As the leading provider of offshore helicopter services based on our extensive fleet, global scale, history of standard-setting innovations and renowned safety record, Bristow Group remains steadfast in our commitment to operational excellence in all that we do.

Our promise is to provide added value to our clients by delivering safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service through our unique programs focused on Target Zero Accidents, Target Zero Downtime and Target Zero Complaints.

Bristow is reducing its inventory of older aircraft while upgrading to newer models.

ACCIDENTS

zero accidents zero downtime zero complaints

DOWNTIME

COMPLAINTS

Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Ltd. | General Aviation Area, Murtala Muhammed Airport | Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria t +234 (1) 2704590-2 | t +234 (1) 2710174 | f +234 (1) 2707683 | enquiry@bristownigeria.com | bristowgroup.com

Schlumberger is the world’s largest oil services company employing well over 120,000 worldwide in over 85 countries. Schlumberger has cultivated a company-wide culture of environmental awareness.

In its annual Green Ranking, the US magazine Newsweek placed the company third among its 31 peers. Newsweek commented on Schlumberger’s large-scale efforts at carbon sequestration – a process that stores harmful CO2 underground. Today, Schlumberger’s business spans the globe and provides a wide range of essential and innovative services to oil prospectors and producers alike. Schlumberger is a core provider in the deepwater segment, and its Nigeria Integrated Centre of Excellence NICE addresses problems of production from mature fields (both onshore and offshore) and deep water well placement and recovery challenges amongst others. It has operated in Nigeria for nearly 62 years.

Federal Government Girls College Owerri, Imo State 2013 Challenge winners

Schlumberger Oilfield Services Reservoir Characterisation Group

Drilling Group

Reservoir Production Group

Research Centers

Wireline

Drilling & Measurements

Well Services

Schlumberger Cambridge Research

Testing Services

Geoservices

Artificial Lift

Schlumberger Dhahran Carbonate Research

WesternGeco

PathFinder

Completions

Schlumberger Moscow Research

Data & Consulting Services

Bits & Advanced Technologies

Sand Management Services

Schlumberger Information Solutions

Drilling Tools & Remedial

Water Services

Dynamic Pressure Management

Subsea Surveillance

Schlumberger Stavanger Research Schlumberger-Doll Research

Carbon Services Flow Assurance

Schlumberger Nigeria is a global company with local execution strength, roots and practices that are powered by local multi-talented and multi-national workforce.

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The Service Partner of Choice in Nigeria Schlumberger is committed to excellence and we conduct business in a safe, ethical, and socially responsible way; positively impacting the people, economy, and society. In Nigeria, we maintain our commitment towards achieving excellence in execution of our services; while striving to meet and surpass formal local content obligations. Through collaboration with Nigeria’s oil & gas industry stakeholder’s and by sharing our knowledge, competencies, and expertise our journey contributes to the advancement of Nigeria’s economy, people and society. The diversity of our people is our greatest strength and differentiator. We are a local company in our approach and our Nigerian employees contribute to this diversity by bringing their unique talents to workforce at home and abroad. For Schlumberger Excellence in Execution is about making excellence our most steadfast habit. It’s about ensuring that we perform flawlessly on every job we do—the first time, every time.

Schlumberger is quietly changing the Nigerian World through Education An adjustable blade lawn mower, a batterypowered forklift to move office supplies around with, and a solar-powered water heater made from discarded car parts – these were some of the devices that propelled school children-turned-inventors to the grand finale of the Schlumberger Excellence in Education Development (SEED) Science Project Challenge in November 2013. After demonstrating their contraptions on the stage of the Lantana Hall at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos – overcoming stage fright in the process – the budding inventors saw their work judged by a panel of academics from the Nigerian Academy of Sciences (NAS) and oil industry executives.

Eke U. Eke VP & Group Managing Director – West Africa

“As part of Schlumberger’s global citizenship initiatives, we engage with the people around us by establishing partnerships with schools, providing resources essential to stimulate growth in science education and challenging young Nigerian talents to use their creativity to solve problems around them.”

CREATIVE KIDS The SEED Science Project Challenge finale counted on the participation of 22 schools from across the nation brought together to demonstrate both the vitality and talent of Nigeria’s young. Vice-President and Group Managing Director of Schlumberger West Africa, Mr Eke U. Eke, remarked that the event has “again revealed that Nigerian children can be creative and innovative when encouraged and challenged.”

SEED’s mission is to inspire, influence, and enable educators in underserved communities where Schlumberger people live and work.

This vision is realised as Schlumberger supports and encourages the development of Nigerian talents by engaging youth, educators, and volunteers alike to collaborate on science projects in secondary schools through the Schlumberger Excellence in Education Development (SEED).

SEED has a holistic integrated approach to stimulate science learning through an annual calendar of continuous science learning activities as students, teachers, mentors, volunteers and other stakeholders engage and collaborate on science activities culminating in the yearly SEED Challenge finale in November.

For schools, the SEED project is a journey and adventure of exploration and learning as the school community perseveres in the work of finding solutions to problems and enriching their experiences by practically applying the concepts they learnt in the classroom. The goal is to advance beyond the mere learning of sciences in schools to inspiring the students to apply the knowledge they have gained in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into solving problems and overcoming challenges within their immediate environment.

SEED is much more than a vehicle that showcases the amazing resourcefulness of

Nigeria’s up-and-coming generation. The programme aims to provide simple solutions to common problems affecting society. And that it does: Students of the Wesley Girls Senior School in Yaba, Lagos, demonstrated how the cultivation of a common fish species can help control mosquito infestation. This discovery, made by accident, provides an innovative and effective means of controlling malaria at the earliest of stages by having edible fish eat larvae and pupae of the mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

The Science Project Challenge established as a yearly program to encourage school children to use their learning to drive innovative solutions to problems in Nigeria.

WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING It is not just young children Schlumberger aims to help attain a better prospect in life through education. Women, underrepresented in sciences and engineering at the tertiary education levels, are also benefitting from the company’s dedication to furthering education. The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future programme supports outstanding women from developing countries in their pursuit of advanced graduate studies in engineering, science, and technology at leading universities worldwide.

Since its launch in 2004, 405 women from 68 emerging countries have received Faculty for the Future fellowships to pursue advanced graduate studies at top universities abroad.

To date 74 fellows are from countries along the West African Coast, 52 of them are from Nigeria.

The programme’s long-term goal is to generate conditions that result in more women pursuing academic careers in scientific disciplines. Grant recipients are expected to return to their home countries to continue their academic careers and inspire other young women to choose careers in engineering, science, and technology.

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Universities are also a fundamental source of talent and ideas for Nigeria. The Schlumberger University Relations program is the third key area where Schlumberger engages to The Schlumberger University Software Program offers software developed by Schlumberger Information Solutions to selected colleges and universities by providing three-year, renewable licences; software maintenance; training; and technical support for instruction or academic research.

Lagos Address Schlumberger Oilfield Services 17/19 Idowu Taylor Street Victoria Island P.O. Box 1625, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 1 2778500, +234 1 4627188 Bunmi Omole, Marketing Manager www.slb.com.

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Desicon Engineering Limited Desicon Engineering Limited is an indigenous oil services company which was founded on a commitment to excellence, value, and reliability.

Desicon Commercial Office, Lagos

Desicon Engineers

With Headquarters in Port Harcourt and a commercial office in Lagos; Desicon is located at the nerve centres of the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria.

A dependable Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) solutions provider; we are able to reduce project timelines through the synergy harnessed from longstanding relationships with key International Buying Houses, in-house and external expediting, planning and engineering teams that ensure we always deliver projects on time.

We are local content partners with Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (SCNL); a structural mentoring program that grants us access to the technical proficiency and equipment of one of the world’s largest oil services companies.

We have implemented an investment plan to increase capacity, which has already begun with the establishment of separate work teams capable of executing large scale projects simultaneously. We are equipped with the most modern electrical and instrumentation calibration and test laboratories. We also boast of a fully Mobile Double Stage Vacuum Transformer Oil Treatment Plant designed for on-site use to completely regenerate insulating oils in energised or de-energised power transformers.

WHAT WE DO

Overview of OGP Train 2 at OML 58 - E&I Works by Desicon

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Electrical and Instrumentation We offer Electrical & Instrumentation construction, installation, and commissioning services. We recently deployed a full spectrum of E&I services on the 180MW Open Cycle Afam Power Plant in Rivers State which included construction, procurement, installation, and commissioning. We have entered into technical partnerships with several Multinational companies including Saipem (SCNL), Switchgear and Instrumentation, Tamini Transformer to boost our technical expertise and develop a project management

structure that optimises project execution and delivery to our clients. Desicon also carries out E&I maintenance services with a team of highly trained professionals with the experience and competence to solve malfunctions.

Our fixed and mobile workshops are equipped with electrical and instrumentation testing equipment. We ensure we perform necessary tests before proceeding with any maintenance or repair works.

Procurement The procurement department plays a vital role in ensuring that our clients are able to minimise downtimes during planned shutdowns or turnarounds, and also when unexpected challenges occur. We guarantee competitive pricing, priority placement on manufacturers’ production lines, and delivery as scheduled.

We also offer a door to door service, eliminating any risk to the client.

We have exclusive partnerships with two European Buying Houses, both of which have an established record of delivering on time-bound and cost effective procurement orders. Furthermore, we are able to deliver specialist procurement on the petrochemical and drilling & exploration segments through our partnerships. We understand that speed is essential with procurement; our expeditors ensure we meet project timeline targets.

Scope of Supply: • Pipes • Valves • Flanges & Fittings • Heat Exchange Tubes • Strainers • Stainless Steel Special Grades • Electrical & Instrumentation equipment and spares • Transformers EPC Temporary Camps One of our focus areas is in the construction and installation of EPC Temporary Camp Sites.

The insulated prefabricated modular buildings are self supporting and only require perimeter concrete foundations for erection. Owing to their ease of installation and a wide variety of intended use, the prefabricated buildings are ideal for the construction of oil and gas, engineering, and construction camps.

HDD Horizontal Directional Drilling is an area we are embarking on with a technical partner that has vast international experience. Some of the benefits of HDD compared to conventional

Camp Housing units using Modular concepts by Desicon Civil & Construction Works (DCCW)

Fully Equipped Mobile Calibriation Workshop

methods include minimal surface disturbance as the working area is confined only to entry and exit side pits. Projects can be executed without damage to or difficulty from surface obstacles or existing utilities, including community unrest. It can also reduce project time drastically.

TRACK RECORD Project: Olero Creek Restoration Project Client: Chevron Nigeria Limited Scope: E&I Installation and

Commissioning

Subsea cable lying Project: OML58 Upgrade Project Client: Total E&P Nigeria Limited Scope: E&I Construction and Installation Logistics Expediting Project: Client: Scope:

Afam Open Cycle Power Plant Rivers State Government E&I construction, Installation, and Commissioning

Project: Ebocha Early Gas Recovery Client: National Agip Oil Company Limited

Scope:

E & I Installation and Calibration Construction of Electrical Lines

Project: Gbaran Ubie Equipment Procurement Client Shell Petroleum & Development

Company Limited Scope: E& I Installation Procurement Desicon is an ISO (9001:2008) certified organisation with a focus on continuous improvements to its processes in order to exceed client expectations.

Commercial Office: 6B, Oko Awo Street Off Adetokunbo Ademola Street Victoria Island, Lagos Tel: +234 1 4638348 Operations Office: 87, Woji Road G.R.A. Phase2 Port-Harcourt, Rivers State Tel: +234 84 360996 Fax: +234 84 330997 www.desicongroup.com Best of Nigeria

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From our home base in South Africa, Sasol is a global leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, and is the world’s largest producer of synthetic fuels. Our international growth is based on our unique value proposition, which links our diverse businesses into an integrated value chain. This enables us to produce a range of high-value product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals and lower-carbon electricity.

Our ability to deliver sustainable shareholder value is premised on maintaining solid operations, and accelerating our growth strategy. The positive position we find ourselves in today is as much due to the strengths we have in our organisation as it is to the strong partnerships we are harnessing to deliver mutually beneficial results. We pride ourselves on developing our people, keeping them safe and healthy, contributing meaningfully to the social and economic development of the countries and communities within which we work, and doing so in an environmentally responsible fashion.

Sasol is well positioned to further expand and excel. In collaboration with our business, government and social partners, we look to the future with confidence.

Sasol has been in Nigeria as early as the 2000s with the inception of Escravos GTL (EGTL). Located in Escravos, the EGTL plant will process about 325 mmscfd of gas sourced from EGP to produce 33 000 bbl/day (66% diesel; 30% naphtha; 4% LPG).

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Chapter 15 Technology and Communications

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Nigeria leads Africa’s Space Race “Space Technology for Socio-economic Benefits of the Nation”

President Goodluck Jonathan is urging Nigeria’s budding space industry onto greater heights in an ambitious initiative.

It is the start of a new era of scientific progression and space exploration in Africa.

The global space race of the 1950s and 1960s, which culminated in Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon in 1969, captured the imagination of millions worldwide.

On 23 August 1963, President John F. Kennedy in Washington D. C. telephoned Nigerian Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa aboard USNS Kingsport docked in Lagos Harbour. This was the first live two-way call between Heads of State, linked by the world’s first Communication Satellite.

The space frenzy subsided after the 1970s with only the superpowers continually furthering exploration.

However, with Nigeria rising as Africa’s own superpower, it seems an appropriate time for the country to join the race. The reasons for doing so are far more practical than claiming the lead and planting flags.

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There are long-term benefits to Nigerian development.

Nigeria’s reputation and brand is gradually being transformed in the eyes of the world. The country’s advancements in cutting-edge space technology may come as a surprise to many worldwide. But with the right goals and aims in place backed by the right reasoning, as well as financial support, this ideal seems to slowly be transforming into reality.

Nigeria’s role in space exploration in Africa is undeniably admirable. With only starting the space program in 2001, Nigeria is the only country on the continent to own and operate its own spacecraft - including three satellites currently in orbit around earth.

The NigeriaSat-X was even built by Nigerian engineers. Nigeria is the clear frontrunner in the African space race.

The President inaugurates the National Space Council A major milestone in the implementation of the Nigerian Space Programme was

achieved with the inauguration of the National Space Council by President Goodluck Jonathan on 11 June 2013 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

As Chairman of the council, in his inaugural speech, the President charged the National Space Research and Development Agency to develop the capacity to design a Nigerian-made satellite and launch the satellite from Nigerian soil in the very near future.

He congratulated members of Council and encouraged the regular meeting of the Council to discuss space science and technology development in Nigeria. The National Space Council is the highest policy making body for space science and technology development in the country.

President Jonathan announced their mandate of overseeing the next stage of Nigeria’s space-related development. The council’s mission is to use space technology to jumpstart the Nigerian economy.

To achieve this, they need to evolve clearcut initiatives to fast track industrialisation, which will lead to Nigeria gaining an ability to manufacture its own motor vehicles, boats, aircraft and satellites.

Benefits to Nigeria Satellite imaging has already shown tangible benefits in some parts of the country. All the satellite data and up-to-date information is collated and analysed at the NASRDA headquarters in Abuja.

• NigComSat-1R, built in China, was launched in 2011 and boosted internet and telecommunications services across the country.

• Britain’s Surrey Satellite Technology

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built two earth-observation satellites, including the top-of-the-range NigeriaSat-2, which at the time of its launch was producing the highest resolution images of any UK-built satellite.

A trained team of 26 Nigerian engineers put together the second satellite, NigeriaSat-X; both satellites are now providing data to help government agencies with planning.

The satellite-based project will help manage agricultural production satellites are tracking crops and weather around the country in an effort to protect long-term food supply.

Closer monitoring of the oil-rich Niger Delta, watches over crude oil theft and environmental damage from oil spills.

A useful vantage is provided in the Nigerian government’s fight against militants in the north.

Satellite capability should help with effective disaster management.

Advancement is inspiring a new generation of Nigerian scientists.

In Lagos, satellite images are being used for urban planning and tax collection, helping manage the rapidly growing population.

As a great investment into the country’s visions for economic generation, the space programme is essentially centred on satellites for weather and communication.

This aids Nigeria’s progress and development as a nation.

National Space Research and Development Agency (NSRDA) - Federal

Ministry of Science & Technology NASRDA was established on 5 May 1999 with a broad objective to pursue the development and application of space science and technology for the socioeconomic benefits of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s space programme started in 2003 but its first satellite lost power and disappeared from orbit. It now has three in space, NigComSat-1R, NigeriaSat-2, and Nigeria-Sat X which is the first to be constructed by Nigerian engineers.

Although it has bought its own satellites and launched on Russian rockets, Nigeria has built laboratories which it hopes will produce its own space craft by 2028.

In July 2013, NASRDA’s Director General, Professor Seidu Onailo Mohammed, announced their road map of having astronauts prepared by 2015, with recruitment of astronauts starting by the end of 2013. The first Nigerian astronauts are being trained to join Russian, Chinese or American missions within the next two years.

NASRDA Centres: • Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) • National Centre for Remote Sensing (NCRS) • Centre for Space Science & Technology Education (CSSTE) • Centre for Space Transport & Propulsion(CSTP) • Centre for Geodesy & Geodynamics (CGG) • Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSSS)

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Nigeria welcomes cinema to cellphones Always ahead of the pack, MTN Nigeria has ushered in a groundbreaking new mobile application, MTN dobox, to users in Nigeria.

MTN dobox allows Nigerian consumers to turn their phones into personal cinemas, giving them easy and quick access to all their favourite Nollywood movies.

This creative technology is a partnership between MTN and dobox – a proudly Nigerian start-up company. Together, they aim to bring the cinema closer to its consumers by using their mobile phones.

The innovative initiative came from the joint desire of MTN and dobox to deliver high-end and exclusive entertainment to MTN’s subscribers at unprecedented and unrivalled speed.

In its history, cinema began as a luxury and occasional experience – often the highlight of one’s month. Predating television, it allowed an insight into life elsewhere and ushered in visions of adventure and fantasy. The cinema soon aimed to serve the ‘everyman’ and this helped shape the selection of genres.

This has been most notable in Nigeria through the rise of Nollywood cinema – which perfectly mirrors and explores everyday Nigerian modern life. These stories should not be reserved for the select few or the elite. The introduction of mobile cinema technology, in a continent that has more mobile phone users than the United States or Europe, is revolutionary.

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It seems a logical step to unite the two frontrunners in media and communication in Nigeria – cinema and cellphones. Access to the movies has now never been closer for Nigerian consumers.

In a nation so enamoured with the nuances of cinema, the application fits perfectly into the market. In order for MTN subscribers to access the service, they simply need to send the word “dobox” to 131 to get the MTN dobox App. After clicking on the link, users can register on the MTN Next apps Store to enjoy red-carpet access to the movies from the convenience of the cellphones.

This partnership with Do Media provides users with a seamless user experience, through Dobox Internet Bundle (DIB). It allows customers the convenient access to rental movies. Importantly for the Nigerian market of entertainment-seekers, viewers can now choose to access movies in different languages - Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba and others - on the go, whenever they desire.

Working through rental charges, MTN dobox offers movies from a selection of preferences including Premiere, Blockbuster, Short Film/ Series and others. Customers can subscribe to rent premium moves for a specific duration – without further use of data.

MTN Africa is currently following a path of digital technology – hoping to deliver a new world to its users. This bold move has again reinforced their position as the leaders in delivering invaluable digital information and communication technology to subscribers throughout the country.

The product has been well-received within the Nollywood movie industry, as many feel it will help lessen the industry’s distribution challenges – making it less appealing for piracy. The future of Nigerian home-grown movies looks bright as the industry can rise to a new level of development and popularity. Nollywood movies are now able to reach viewers like never before.

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Nigeria is becoming Africa’s e-commerce leader The next few years will see significant growth in e-commerce within Africa. This comes as a result of increased broadband availability, affordable data costs and the consistent development of mobile devices and services.

It is believed that Nigeria will soon overtake South Africa in e-commerce activity after Nigeria was identified as a region of potential. Nigeria’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector has grown exponentially over the past five years. Nigeria has recently implemented its five-year National Broadband Plan, which aims to increase broadband by 80% by the end of 2018.

DHL Express recently partnered with Jumia, Nigeria’s first online retailer and the largest of its kind on the continent outside of South Africa.

Africa has eagerly taken to online shopping since seeing increases in technological growth on the continent.

E-commerce is making life easier for consumers and saves them having to deal with customs challenges and high import taxes. There are many opportunities for new entrants to the market, granted

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they have the right supporting network of partners and suppliers, although Nigeria does present a challenge for online retailers as the payments methods are unlike others. It is necessary to configure payments through differing networks.

This does however present a further opportunity for payment service providers or facilitators.

Nigeria’s business environment is unique in that once challenges are overcome and business agreements are made through personal contact, implementation happens quickly and is driven forward. The effort all becomes worth it when considering the massive consumer market of 170 million people.

At this exciting time with Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, becoming a global business destination, the time is ripe within the Nigerian market to establish a strong presence.

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Chapter 16 Training and Education

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Children’s International School Outstanding Campus, Results, Teaching and Learning

Welcome to Children’s International School, where you will see our focus is to enable students to become successful life-long learners with a desire and drive to achieve the best they can.

At Children’s International School, we do not just enable students to become confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives; we foster our students to become responsible citizens who will make a positive contribution to society both now and in the future.

Children’s International School (CIS) is a co-educational Primary and Secondary School, setting the standard for first-class Primary and Secondary education for boys and girls from the ages of 2 ½ years to 16 years in Nigeria.

With over 25 countries represented in our student population, we offer a rich, diverse and stimulating programme following the National Curriculum of England that appeals to, and challenges, all our students.

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This programme is not only confined to the classroom but in the vast range of extracurricular opportunities afforded to the students to ensure that every student is able to develop, enhance and showcase their talents.

As a school community, we are aware that we live in a rapidly changing world, where today’s students will be seeking work in jobs that as yet do not exist and we are determined that we will prepare our students for the challenges they will face.

In order to achieve this, we provide a learning programme which fully develops each individual’s talent and interests so that they will all reach their potential and be able to not only apply the skills learned, but also to lead others to do the same - both now and in the future.

The development of young people at Children’s International School is not just about academic success in the classroom; we equally strive to underpin our academic achievement by ensuring, developing and furthering a mutual respect for all people, irrespective of ability, race and gender, cultural or religious differences.

All of this is securely backed up by a thorough guidance programme, coupled with individual mentoring and specialised support.

We focus on the child, treating them as individuals and offering them learning experiences which are memorable and allow them to develop skills to cope with the demands of the ever-changing environment around them.

We look to develop the whole child and pride ourselves on the fact that we see each child as unique, with their own strengths and personality.

Over the years we have been on an amazing journey of improvement with a skilled and committed local and expatriate staff, who always go the extra mile to support and develop the children in their care.

We are the only OFSTED accredited National Curriculum of England School in Nigeria. In addition, we are the sole accredited independent authorised Examination Centre for all Edexcel examinations, including IGCSE and GCSE external examinations to ‘A’ Level.

The School is a full and influential member of both the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA)

and Association of International School Educators of Nigeria (AISEN) in addition to being a fully accredited centre for the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL). CIS is fully accredited to CfBT (Ofsted’s largest provider of inspections worldwide).

Now we are on the next step of our journey, the continuation of setting the benchmark for educational development in our new purpose-built campus in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

• Children’s International School, Lekki offers the very best in Educational Good Practice for students from 2½ to 16 years.

• Small classes with unmatched staff-pupil ratios, resources and on-site training facilities.

• Only the most highly-trained staff, experienced in current good practice teaching of the British Curriculum, ensuring your child receives the best there is in the educational field.

• Approved and Authorised Independent Edexcel Examination Centre for all available examination levels courses.

• Applications are now open for all Year Groups; demand is high so spaces are limited.

• The most complete Additional Needs Support Programme in the country.

• Extensive Sporting/ Academic/ Leadership and Social After School activities, Monday – Friday and Saturday mornings.

• Superb educational visits programmes both locally and overseas.

• National Curriculum of England taught to 21st Century standards approved and inspected by OFSTED (UK Government Official Inspectorate).

Children’s International School Funke Zainab Usman Street, By “This Present House - The Dome” End of Admiralty Way Lekki Phase 1, Lagos Tel: +234 01 791 8646, 01 810 4052 0704 625 0413 Email: info@cislagos.com www.cislagos.org Best of Nigeria

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Greenwood House School Greenwood House School is an independent, friendly co-educational nursery and primary school in the highbrow area of Parkview Estate, Ikoyi Lagos. It runs classes from playgroup to primary six and accepts children between the ages of two to 10 years irrespective of their cultural and religious backgrounds.

It is one of the top primary schools in Nigeria, with an impressive record of academic successes. Greenwood House School students are consistently top performers in entrance examinations, gaining admissions and scholarships into competitive secondary schools within and outside Nigeria.

The school was established on 9 January 1995 by Mrs M.I. Durand and Mrs T.E. Abudu. Mrs Durand, who is the Principal, is a hardworking disciplinarian with decades

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of teaching experience. On the Board of several other schools, she can boast that many of her students have become notable personalities in Nigeria. Mrs Abudu, a Chartered Administrator and a lawyer, is the current administrator of the school and is currently the serving President of AISEN (Association of International Schools Educators in Nigeria), which strives to improve the quality of education in Nigeria to match global standards.

Greenwood House School is a favourite choice for children. We pride ourselves on creating a close, secure and happy environment. It is a testimony that all our school events through the year are inundated with old students who keep coming back years after they have graduated to join us for Sports Day, Fun Day, World Book Day and school plays, amongst others, and to visit the school shop. The Greenwood child knows how to work hard and play hard,

and is confident and lively. At Greenwood, learning and a deep sense of value and mutual respect are fundamental to our community life. Our vision of “Building Lives to Fulfil Purpose” makes us conscious of promoting personal development in and outside the class.

With very little staff turnover and the core members of staff having started with the opening of the school, there is a sense of stability and tradition. Every class boasts

of two highly qualified teachers. Greenwood prides itself in its motivational teaching style as it combines traditional methods with the use of new technologies. Our highly qualified and dedicated teachers encourage our pupils to develop confidence and skills by building a rapport with them. All pupils are given homework and parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s learning.

We organise open days for parents to meet with staff over the course of the school year, creating an avenue for the parents to discuss school matters and to check on the progress of their children.

The students are taught in purpose-built classrooms, each with its own interactive whiteboard. The lessons are full of activity within an atmosphere that is warm, caring and conducive for learning. The curriculum combines the best of the British and Nigerian curriculum. Science is an important subject for the pupils and it is taught in our modern and well-equipped laboratory. Our modern computer suite caters for all their cyber needs and the woodland themed library is a sanctuary for many of the children.

Extra-Curricular Activities Greenwood is proud of its diverse, extracurricular and imaginative programs which actively promote the holistic development of the children. It also provides the opportunity for them to discover new hobbies and interests, as well as pursue existing ones they may have, while having a great deal of fun. These activities include the creative writers’ club, chess, ballet, contemporary dance, tennis, swimming, football, art and crafts, taekwondo, gymnastics, mad science, drama, etiquette, Lego robotics, Red Cross, boy scouts, brownie, three Nigerian languages, and music.

We also set aside days for the children in playgroup and nursery section to wear specific colours to the school like red, blue, yellow and green. On those days, they incorporate their learning into the colour day as they get to present facts about the colour that they are wearing for the day.

We aspire for excellence in all that we do and encourage healthy competitiveness among the children. The pupils participate in music and sports competitions with different schools and boast of successes in these competitions. Most notably, Greenwood won music competitions organised by the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) consecutively for years. Our football team is also one of the strongest among primary schools in Lagos, winning the Gold Cup at the latest Inter-School Football League organised by the AISEN. Greenwood House School recognises that educational needs and natural talents vary and we take great care to treat every child as an individual. We look forward to welcoming you.

Greenwood House School 1 Greenwood House School Road Off Layi-Ajayi Bembe Road Parkview Estate Ikoyi Tel: +234 07035253300 08092862534 / 08023231025 Email: info@greenwoodhouseschool.com www.greenwoodhouseschool.com www.greenwoodhouseschool.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 17 Corporate Profiles and Entrepreunership

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Nigeria’s Billionaires

Aliko Dangote

Most of the African continent’s billionaires are Nigerian. There were previously only 16 known billionaires in total on the African continent; however a recent report published by Ventures Magazine on 7 October 2013, states that there are a minimum of 55. This highlights the elusive nature of Africa’s mega-wealthy.

The pan-African magazine was able to get to this number through exhaustive on-theground research.

Nigeria is home to a total of 20 billionaires – more than any other African country. Many of these are oil barons.

Nigeria is also the home of the richest man on the continent.

Aliko Dangote Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote maintains his position as Africa’s wealthiest person according to both Forbes and Ventures.

His estimated fortune is placed at US$20.2-billion. He made his fortune in cement, which grew into an empire ranging from products including flour and sugar, as well as large oil refining interest.

He began building his fortune over 30 years ago after getting a loan from his

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uncle to begin trading in commodities such as flour, sugar, rice and cement. By the early 2000s, he had started to produce these products himself.

Dangote Group is now the largest manufacturing conglomerate in West Africa and its interests include sugar refineries, salt processing facilities, a beverage manufacturer and a string of cement plants across the continent.

Mike Adenuga Nigeria’s second richest person and the third richest in Africa, Mike Adenuga is worth US$8-billion from the industries of oil and telecommunications. He made his first fortune in his mid-twenties by distributing lace fabrics and Coca-Cola, and by handling lucrative government contracts.

Folorunsho Alakija Worth US$7.3-billion, the continent’s richest woman is Nigerian Folorunsho Alakija – who comes in as the fourth richest person in Africa, as well as the wealthiest black woman in the world.

After starting as a fashion designer with her own label, she now owns Famfa Oil which acquired a 60% stake in OML 127 in 1993 – a prolific offshore oil block off the Niger Delta in southern Nigeria.

Her recent massive rise in earnings came after Petrobas, a Brazilian oil company that owns an 8% working interest in OML 127, announced in March 2013 that it was looking to sell its stake for between US$1.5-billion and US$2.5-billion.

Alakija was born into a wealthy Nigerian family and took her first job as

Folorunsho Alakija

Gilbert Chagoury & Family Coming in as the eight wealthiest person in Africa with a fortune of US$4.2-billion, the Nigerian-Lebanese industrialist and diplomat is a co-founder of the Chagoury Group. This multi-faceted Nigerian conglomerate has interests in manufacturing, construction, real estate, hospitality and healthcare.

Business moguls Even though questions often abound around the legitimacy of the fortune of African business moguls, such as through political patrons, Aliko Dangote has proven that hard work and entrepreneurial spirit win the day.

The massive increase noted in the number of mega-wealthy Africans comes at a time of wide-ranging continental economic growth. Since 2010, there has been an average of 5% GDP expansion. Poverty inclines still need to be kept in check as a rising population has prevented the fruits of expanding GDP from filtering all the way through society. However, the growth is indicative of healthy investment on the continent as well as an ever-growing sense of entrepreneurship.

www.ventures-africa.com

Gilbert Chagoury

Mike Adenuga

a secretary at the International Merchant Bank of Nigeria in the mid-1970s. In the early 80s, she studied Fashion design in England and returned to Nigeria to start Supreme Stitches, a premium Nigerian fashion label whose clientele included the wife of Nigeria’s former military President Ibrahim Babangida. She was able to leverage this to acquire her oil prospecting licence.

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Nigeria’s job creation dreams President Goodluck Jonathan aims to create three million new jobs.

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The Office of the Special Assistant to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria on Job Creation, was created by President Goodluck Jonathan to show his commitment to the promise made to Nigerians during his campaign to increase job opportunities to Nigerians by paying more attention to issues relating to job creation.

The subsequent appointment of a young Nigerian female (Josephine Washima) whose active work life has been focused on human capacity development for self-sustainability, does not only go to show his seriousness but also his good intention to actualise his promise.

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation (OSAPJC) will monitor and evaluate sectors that directly affect job creation, and ensure that qualified Nigerians are appropriately engaged without questions.

The OSAPJC will partner with the Private Sector as well as Government MDAs to deliver on its mandate.

2. Develop strategy for self-employment and entrepreneurship with emphasis on Agriculture and Agro-Industries, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Mineral Resources etc.

3. Establish national database for employment generation which Government can use for planning and intervention purposes.

4. Explore possibility of a youth employment safety net support programme that includes conditional funding and vocational training.

5. Organise, in collaboration with public and private sectors, Employment Fairs, Exhibitions, and Symposia etc. to promote entrepreneurship.

Mandate 1. Develop model for mass employment of Nigerian youths and interface with all Job Creation Agencies on policy direction of the Government.

NCDMB employment collaboration with Amnesty Office The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, are

Vision and Mission To harness the potential of job creation by engaging in activities that, create an enabling environment for economic development. To create 20 million new jobs for skilled youths within the next seven years.

collaborating towards integrating exagitators from the Niger Delta into the Oil and Gas Industry.

The plan is to upload the list of exagitators who had completed training in oil and gas service areas into the Nigerian Oil and Gas Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS), which is the database of choice for talent sourcing in the oil and gas industry.

The industry can create thousands of jobs through the execution of its projects incountry and manufacturing of components used by the industry.

Establishing Nigerian facilities, hi-tech assets and manufacturing components for the industry can create jobs and retain spend in the country. Some of the capacities already developed for the industry, are being utilised in other sectors of the economy like power, telecommunication, construction and information technology.

Agriculture A new government plan, “Youth in Agriculture”, is expected to create jobs for youth. The Federal government is developing a presidential initiative aimed at creating 700,000 young commercial farmers in the agricultural sector of the country.

It aims to attract the youth into agriculture, as the sector holds the greatest potential to create millions of jobs. The Federal Government would work in partnership with the state governments to put in place technical training facilities, business skills acquisition centres and entrepreneurship development centres.

Nigeria’s inclusion in the G8 food security and nutrition coalition will help create 3.5 million new jobs and provide over US$2billion additional income for farmers. Nigeria was named a partner country in the new alliance for food security and nutrition, which is a G8 initiative to boost private-sector investment in African agriculture. Through this inclusion, Nigeria’s agribusinesses and

major multinationals will leverage domestic resources to deliver its agricultural promise.

The country has bold targets for agriculture transformation and the world is noticing. Results are being noted from bold policy reforms, donor country support and private sector commitments. This initiative will help Nigerian farmers and agribusiness to sustain this momentum.

Nigeria is a strong advocate for substantive initiatives to improve agricultural production and incomes, focusing attention on empowering women farmers.

The country’s new partnership continues to drive the need to reduce the food import bill; promote domestic and regional markets and create jobs across the entire value chain, ultimately keeping the country on track to meet its agriculture target of increasing food production by 20 million metric tonnes of food for 2015.

Integrated Youth Development Initiative The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to create about 1 million jobs through an online initiative, the Integrated Youth Development Initiative. It has been designed to address Nigeria’s high unemployment rate in a practical way, by monitoring youth development in the country closely.

Through the initiative, Nigerian youth will be equipped with the required skills that will help transform their lives. The Nigerian government has stated its

focus on the economy and one of the strategies it has employed is the process of diversification. The government seeks to help reduce unemployment by funding young entrepreneurs.

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ECOWAS The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen countries, founded in 1975. Its mission is to promote economic integration in “all fields of economic activity, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, social and cultural matters...”

The Institutions of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) are as follows: • The Commission • The Community Parliament • The Community Court of Justice • ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) The ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, more often called The Fund, are its two main institutions designed to implement policies, pursue a number of programmes and carry out development projects in Member States. Such projects include intra-community road construction and telecommunications; and agricultural, energy and water resources development.

ECOWAS Commission The Heads of State and Government broke with the past by their decision to

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The 15 ECOWAS Member States

The Republic of BENIN BURKINA FASO

transform the ECOWAS Secretariat into a Commission. The difference goes beyond a name change and an increase in the number of officers at the management level. After 30 years of existence, ECOWAS finds itself at cross-roads.

Changes have already been underway with the support of development partners.

These initiatives have been boosted by the Heads of State and Government when they endorsed institutional transformation covering all ECOWAS Institutions.

By implementing this transformation process which should reposition ECOWAS vis-à-vis the West African populations to whom pledges have been made, the leaders of the region have taken the destiny of their institution into their own hands. Indeed, by subscribing to the vision of the founders of ECOWAS, they have taken ownership of the objectives designed to improve the living conditions of the citizenry, ensure economic growth and create an environment conducive to development and integration.

By becoming a Commission with enhanced powers and Commissioners in charge of smaller and clearly defined sectors, the ECOWAS Secretariat will have more impact and become more visible in Member States. Regarding the Community

Parliament, the restructuring is designed to make it more efficient by providing it with relevant management support. Similarly, the Community Court of Justice is being re-organised to have its judges also concentrate on their core competences.

Rebirth of the institution to ensure development and integration through: • adapting to the international environment; • playing a more effective role in the integration and development process; • a President, Vice-President and seven Commissioners; • a smaller and more clearly defined sector for each Commissioner; • supporting Member States to build their capacities for programme implementation; • a predictable rotation system based on equity, transparency and functionality; • acknowledging consequences of the restructuring process; • consolidation of the Community spirit; • enhancement of the powers of the Commission; • strengthening of supra-nationality; and • adoption of a new legal regime (decisions directly applicable in Member States and by the Institutions).

The Republic of CABO VERDE The Republic of COTE D’IVOIRE The Republic of GAMBIA The Republic of GHANA The Republic of GUINEE The Republic of GUINEE BISSAU The Republic of LIBERIA The Republic of MALI The Republic of NIGER The Federal Republic of NIGERIA The Republic of SENEGAL The Republic of SIERRA LEONE TOGOLESE Republic

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The Nigeria - South Africa Chamber of Commerce The Nigeria - South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC as it is fondly called) is one of the most dynamic Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria. NSACC is a bilateral organization that was formed in May 2000 to promote trade relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Foluso Phillips Chairman Since the inauguration of NSACC, trade between the two countries has grown tremendously, this is a testimony to the fact that NSACC has been a veritable economic tool in the growth of trade between Nigeria and South Africa. In the year 2000, the level of trade between the two countries was at $16million; in the year 2013 the level of trade had gone up to over $3.6billion.

NSACC has also been a catalyst to the increasing number of South African Companies doing business in Nigeria and also in Nigerian Companies doing business in South Africa. We bring together regularly,

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Government and Private bodies. This is done through our sector led events and topical forums.

The membership strength of the Chamber as at January 2014 was 315.

These are financial members all of which are corporate members. We have an impressive 95% member retention rate. Membership comprises fully Nigerian owned firms, South African firms and those with ownership by both Nigerian and South African investors.

NSACC’s member profiles cover almost the whole spectrum of business activities in Nigeria, including: banking/finance services;

manufacturing; insurance; advertising; accounting/auditing; management consulting; airline services; broadcasting; engineering; law; freight; hospitality; health/ pharmaceuticals; oil and gas; property; telecommunication; stock brokering; and information technology. Membership is also spread all over the country with specific presence in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan and Onitsha.

We have an increasing number of South African firms that have indicated interest in joint partnership with Nigerian firms and other forms of economic cooperation. This

The Nigeria - South Africa Chamber of Commerce

Toyin Cameron Executive Secretary is further facilitated by our regular Trade Missions, and our collaborations with the Economic Arm of the South Africa High Commission in Nigeria. We work with the South Africa’s Department of Trade officials in Nigeria. We also constantly receive Trade Delegates from South Africa.

The objectives of NSACC are lofty but are quite achievable. They are to: promote bilateral trade and investment between Nigeria and South Africa; to represent members affected by changes in Nigeria and /or South African legislations; to serve as an interactive lobby for Nigerians and South African having commercial interest in Nigeria - through the organizing of regular monthly business breakfast. Prominent Nigerian and South African Business personalities are invited to speak on topical matters of trade and providing an ideal, enabling environment for business relationships and information exchange.

Other objectives of NSACC are: to conduct regular sector specific seminars with the aim of encouraging members to meet and discuss problems of mutual interest; to maintain close liaison with officials in government departments and representative bodies concerned with furthering Nigerian-South African trade and industrial relationships; to publicize the views of the Chamber on matters of common interest in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter; ‘NSACC news’ and the Chamber website; to hold a data bank of information to members wishing to obtain advice on matters relating to Nigerian-South African trade and industry, to update regularly a relevant list of contacts for Nigerian and South African importers and exporters. NSACC also notifies members of current South African and Nigerian trade fairs and specialized exhibitions and provides

reference to domestic and foreign supply sources and information on tariffs and customs procedures.

For International Business partnerships; enquiries about South African Businesses; creation of a platform for contact making, and other business related features; the solution is at your fingertips – Nigeria -South Africa Chamber of Commerce - your onestop solution to International Trade. Visit our website - www.nsacc.org.ng - for regularly updated information on our forums and events.

Address: 4B, Manuwa Court Apartments 5, Manuwa Street SW Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Email: t.cameron@nsacc.org.ng nsacc@nsacc.org.ng Tel: +234 17755765 Cell: +234 8169822662 www.nsacc.org.ng Best of Nigeria

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Preston Consults Preston Consults is a world-class management consultancy firm committed to developing pragmatic solutions that surpass the expectations of clients, while maintaining high ethical standards.

We enjoy an impressive reputation for providing high-quality customer-driven strategies and critical insights from an independent and objective perspective, to a growing list of clients including multilateral institutions, governments, regulatory bodies and leading institutions. Our team comprises of enthusiastic, resourceful and dynamic consultants who apply innovative business, economic, and financial theories to initiate cutting-edge solutions. Our people draw on their vast knowledge of global economic, financial and strategic issues to develop critical insights and viable policies that promote the corporate goals of our clients.

Our Vision To become a world-class management consultancy services provider.

Our Mission To define service standards in the management consultancy industry through

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reston Consults Research  Public Policy  Capacity Development  Advisory

our service quality and drive for a unique client experience.

Our Core Values Excellence: We strive to meet the highest standard of quality because we believe that to be the best, you have to beat the best.

Professionalism: Our framework ensures that our services are consistent with global ethical practices, accountability and transparency.

Client satisfaction: We are committed to maximising the wealth and expectations of our diverse clients. For us, our clients’ needs always come first.

Diligence: We believe that diligence pays and our clients can be assured that in any of their projects, Preston Consults will follow through until its successful completion.

Diversity: We believe that there is strength in diversity. This is why we have a team that consists of experts who have gained considerable experience from across the globe.

Ethics: Ethical practices such as honesty, integrity and responsibility are observed at our organisation.

Team work: We provide a conducive environment to work with thoroughbred professionals. At the same time, we benefit from numerous experts in diverse fields who act as mentors.

Collaboration: We have developed an enviable network of industry alliances. For every mission, no matter the scale, Preston selects the optimum combination from a highly talented group to provide first-class support services that our clients expect.

Culture: We depend on our people and our reputation depends on our people building relationships.

• Whether with colleagues, clients or communities, our relationships demonstrate our integrity and reflect our values.

• We nurture open and honest communication, trust and collaboration to enhance organisational performance.

Our Services We offer practical, customised solutions tailored to align with the needs of our diverse clientele. These include: Research – Our team provides in-depth analyses of economies, businesses, commodities, equities, foreign exchange markets, industries, investments, surveys, diagnostics, modelling and forecasting amongst other areas.

Public Policy Analysis – We provide government, its agencies and related organisations with support in the areas of budget analysis, public financial management, monetary policy, health and education policies, project evaluation and impact analysis, etc.

Capacity Development – Our worldclass capacity development programmes encompass trainings on executive management, customer service, personnel development, information technology, statistics, research methodology, banking operations, corporate finance, etc.

Advisory Services – We provide our clients with business plans and feasibility

reports, performance assessments, management retreats, strategic planning and institutional reviews, corporate performance management, financial advisory, event secretariat consulting, etc.

Our Track Record We have carried out projects for several notable clients such as: • Action Aid • African Development Bank • Budget Office of the Federation • Bureau for Public Service Reforms • Department for International Development (DFID) • Federal Ministry of Finance • Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity • Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) • Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President • World Economic Forum Publications Preston Consults publishes the Public Policy Brief on a monthly basis. Interested readers can subscribe to the Brief on our website.

Contact Us Address: No 2 Bouar Close, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria.

Tel: +234 8035388227 Email: info@prestonconsultsltd.com www.prestonconsultsltd.com Best of Nigeria

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Wecyclers – Nigeria’s recycling innovation The Company operating a fleet of low-cost cargo-bicycles to collect recyclable waste.

As the most populated city in Africa, Lagos produces 10,000 tonnes of waste every day. A new loyalty scheme is starting to change the locals’ attitudes towards rubbish.

Wecyclers, started by CEO Bilikiss AdebiyiAbiola, offers a financial or physical incentive to those who recycle plastic bottles, bags and tin cans.

The young entrepreneur and innovator Adebiyi-Abiola graduated from MIT Sloan School of Management in the United States with a Master’s in Business Administration. It was there that she came up with the globally acclaimed Wecyclers concept.

She believes that people need to understand the implications of waste and pollution – such as flooding caused by clogged drains and polluted soil from chemicals of plastic waste. Wecyclers helps highlight these impacts on health, livelihoods and productivity.

Adebiyi-Abiola started “Wecyclers” in 2012 with backing from Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) as well as a number of powerful sponsors. The initiative collects waste directly from households on special bicycles which carry big sacks. The waste is then weighed and transferred into

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credits for each household. Points can be traded in for basic food products, kitchen equipment, airtime or cash.

The “wecycles” are distinctive on the streets of Lagos and are starting to generate conversation points amongst residents, who are talking about and engaging in recycling for the first time. The rewards principle is an ideal way to start people off on a habit of recycling – rather than merely promoting the principles of environmental awareness. Once residents begin recycling, they start seeing the benefits of cleanliness in their city.

Repurposing Waste Once collected, the wecycles then transport the waste to two hubs on land provided by LAWMA, where it is sorted and then sold to recycling factories - such as Bridgeco Global, which cleans and then melts plastic into small balls at its factory in the Ikeja neighbourhood. Resold at US$1,76 per kg, these granules are then used by factories to create plastic items such as basins or buckets.

Recycled plastic is also used to make padding for pillows and mattresses, textile fibres, rubbish sacks, and flip-flops - while tin

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, CEO. Bilikiss is a graduate of Fisk University, Vanderbilt University and MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

cans are melted down and turned into other aluminium products. Wecyclers provides a consistent supply of well-sorted, high-quality recyclable material to processors, alleviating their supply constraints.

The Wecyclers Solution The model solves the urban waste challenge for households and recyclers. Wecyclers uses a fleet of low-cost cargo bicycles to offer convenient household recycling service in densely populated low-income neighbourhoods. They motivate families to recycle through the SMS-based incentive program. Families receive collection reminders and rewards updates directly on their cellphones.

The lightweight and cost-effective bicycles, which are welded to a trailer, create a convenient waste collection system capable of holding large bags of sorted waste. The necessary lightweight low-cost cargo bicycles are manufactured using local materials.

Apart from the bicycles, a crucial aspect of the concept is the database which holds all records of weight of waste per household and allocates scores. The scheme then activates SMSes which let clients know how they are doing and after every three months they are able to redeem their collected points.

Achievements In a short time since launching activities in

August 2012, Wecyclers had 13 bicycles in operation, collected over 60 tonnes of waste and generated over US$20,000 in revenue, which was enough to hire 16 full time staff.

Over 3,200 low-income households had already subscribed to the free service.

In October 2013, Wecyclers won a Cartier Women’s Initiative Award for Laureate 2013 for sub-Saharan Africa Cartier Women’s Initiative – an award which recognises female entrepreneurs across the world. Wecyclers was also selected as a 2013 Echoing Green finalist.

Wecyclers currently employs about 30 people but is aiming to add more than 100 by the end of 2014. Other future plans include expanding to two other low-income areas of Lagos in 2014 as well as to Abuja and Uyo State.

The incentive-based recycling concept of Wecyclers has given developing

communities a chance to create value from waste whilst simultaneously cleaning up their neighbourhoods.

Adebiyi-Abiola has over five years of technology and management experience.

She worked at IBM Corporation as a software engineer for five years. In addition to her MBA from MIT Sloan, she has an MA in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University, and a BS in Computer Science from Fisk University. She is based in Lagos full-time where she runs her concept Wecyclers with Kenyan co-founder and CTO, Jonathan Kola.

The two founders have also partnered with large firms, such as Coca-Cola, GlaxoSmithKline and Shoprite, as sponsors of prizes and events.

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Participators Index Access Bank PLC........................................................................................................... 110 Aero.................................................................................................................................. 80 Africa International Film Festival (Afriff)........................................................................ 86 Aiteo Energy Resources Limited.................................................................................... 172 Alto Leasing.................................................................................................................... 138 Bristow Group - Bristow Nigeria.................................................................................... 176 Bukka Hut Restaurant and Lounge.................................................................................. 68 Bulwark Vault & Safe Deposits Limited.......................................................................... 126 Children’s International School...................................................................................... 198 Cross River State............................................................................................................. 44 Desicon Engineering Limited.......................................................................................... 184 EbonyLife TV.................................................................................................................. 156 Eko Signature Hotel & Suites........................................................................................... 58 Federal Ministry of Finance................................................................................................ 2 G4S - Group 4 Securicor Nigeria Limited...................................................................... 128 Global Village Partnerships............................................................................................ 148 Greenwood House School............................................................................................. 200 IPDC Limited (International Property Development Consortium)................................... 137 Israel Adebajo & Stationery Stores Football Club (SSFC)................................................ 36 Lagos State ..................................................................................................................... 50 Locke Homes Limited.................................................................................................... 134 Mattson Creations Photography.................................................................................... 146 MTN Nigeria................................................................................................................... 192 MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd.................................................................................................. 160 National Broadcasting Commission Nigeria.................................................. IFC, 150, IBC NFVCB - The National Film & Video Censors Board of Nigeria..................................... 165 Nigerian International Securities Limited (NISL)............................................................. 116 Nikki Khiran Couture...................................................................................................... 104 Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos....................................................................................... 108 Oando Group.................................................................................................................. 166 Polo Limited - Polo Luxury Group (PLG).......................................................................... 98 Porsche Centre Lagos...................................................................................................... 92 Preston Consults............................................................................................................ 212 Proudly African ............................................................................................ 1, 4, 148, OBC Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel........................................................................................ 64 Sasol............................................................................................................................... 186 Schlumberger................................................................................................................. 182 Silverbird Group............................................................................................................. 142 Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel................................................................................................. 66 Structon Limited............................................................................................................. 136 Terra Kulture..................................................................................................................... 70 The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS)..................................... 208 The Nigeria - South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC)........................................ 210 The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).............................................................................. 122 Wecyclers....................................................................................................................... 214

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