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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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COURT DISMISSES LAND SUIT AGAINST NIGERIAN BREWERIES

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COURT DISMISSES LAND SUIT AGAINST NIGERIAN BREWERIES

COURT DISMISSES LAND SUIT AGAINST NIGERIAN BREWERIES

 

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The Imo State High Court of Oru Judicial Division sitting at Mgbidi and presided over by his Lordship Hon. Justice Onyekachi has dismissed Suit No. HOU/71/2019, which was instituted by Chijioke Nwadika against
Nigerian Breweries Plc in the said suit, the claimant Mr. Chijioke Nwadika prayed the court to declare that the entire Ama Ogbejelem farm land at Awo-omamma in Imo State where Nigerian Breweries Plc constructed it’s drainage for waste disposal at its Awo-omamma
Breweries plant belongs to him and his family.

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COURT DISMISSES LAND SUIT AGAINST NIGERIAN BREWERIES

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The claimant also sought the court to order Nigerian Breweries Plc. to remove the drainage system from the land and pay the sum of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) as damages for unpaid
royalty, and destruction of the family’s economic trees as a result of disposal of waste through the drainage that runs through the claimant’s
farm land as claimed.

The claimant Mr. Chijioke Nwadika was represented through-out the
Suit by his counsel Damian Uneze Esq. who urged the court through his
submission to grant the reliefs. Dr A.A Orunkoya Esq counsel to Nigerian Breweries Plc vehemently challenged the claims of the claimant and urged the court to dismiss the suit on grounds that the
claimant failed to prove with empirical evidence the ownership of the and where Nigerian Breweries is situate or any part of it where the
drainage system of Nigerian Breweries passed.

It was his contention
that the claim of Mr. Chijioke Nwadika is predicated on tittle; hence the onus was on him to prove ownership of the land before he can be
entitled to any other relief or claim for damages connected to the land.
Dr. A.A Orunkoya Esq. further informed the court that the claim of Mr. Chijioke Nwadika was statute barred as the entire suit was centered on
a contract he purported his father had with Nigerian Breweries in 1983
whereas the action was instituted in 2019 in breach of limitation of
Action Laws that requires actions founded on breach of contract to be
instituted within six years.
The trial judge Hon. Justice Onyedikachi after considering the argument
and evidence put before the court dismissed the suit in favour of Nigerian Breweries Plc. Dr. A.A. Orunkoya Esq defence counsel to
Nigerian Breweries Plc while addressing the press after the judgment,
reiterated that the judgment has further rekindled the hope of investors and corporate organizations to invest in rural communities.

He stated that private companies are usually sued by unscrupulous
persons in their host communities thereby discouraging investors.
Dr. A.A Orunkoya Esq. further stated that the suit of Mr. chijioke
Nwadika was capable of frustrating the continuous existence of the Nigerian Breweries in Awo- Omamma but because the claims lack
merit, the court appreciated the issues of law that was canvassed as a defence and entered judgment in favour of Nigerian Breweries by dismissing the suit.

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Palliatives: Dangote donates 80,000 bags of rice to Lagos residents

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Palliatives: Dangote donates 80,000 bags of rice to Lagos residents

 … Sanwo-Olu says Dangote prioritize Nigerians’ welfare above profit

 

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The Aliko Dangote Foundation, (ADF) has flagged off the distribution of 80,000 10kg bags of rice to the vulnerable in Lagos state.

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President of Dangote Group and Chairman of the foundation, Aliko Dangote, noted that the gesture is part of the over one million 10kg bags of rice that would be distributed to reach one million vulnerable people in the 774 local government areas of the country.

 

 

 

 

Speaking at the flag off in Alausa, Dangote, said the distribution of the 80,000 bags of 10kg rice is another demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.

Noting that the distribution of the rice is in addition to the daily distribution of 12,500 loaves of bread in Lagos, Dangote stressed that with the initiative, the foundation aspires to ameliorate some of the burdens faced by vulnerable communities across Lagos State.

In his remarks, Governor of Lagos state,  Babajide Sanwo-Olu, applauded the many initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, while praiseing him for showing compassion to the needy in the society.

Sanwo-Olu said the gesture of distribution of 80,000 bags of 10kg rice shows that the leadership of the Foundation prioritize the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.

The Governor said: “Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. You have choices but you have made the right one which is caring for the vulnerable. I appreciate Mr. Aliko Dangote for extending his kind gestures to the people at the bottom of the pyramid and we are grateful for supporting us in government. There is a lot of global disruption in different parts of the world, and it is a tough time to be in a position of leadership,” he said.

While encouraging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote, the Governor said the distribution of the rice would support the initiative of the state in addressing the effects of the economic hardship.

Justifying the food intervention in Lagos, Dangote said: “While our traditional Ramadan food distribution has been focused on the Muslim Community, we recognize that the current circumstances where a significant proportion of Nigerians across the nation are experiencing severe hardship due to the prevailing high prices of food, require that we broaden our program to cover communities of all faiths. This is why we are extending the Ramadan initiative to cover all the thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory as a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values and the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan,” he said.

The CEO of the ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, said the Foundation is partnering credible NGOs, civil societies, religious bodies among others to ensure the donations go to the most vulnerable in Lagos State.

She said the Foundation is guided by a vision of empowering Africans to achieve their self-actualization and full potential as it believes that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

“In times of hardship, it is imperative that we stand together as one nation, one community, extending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in their time of need as we have done with our female empowerment programme in Lagos State which targeted 40,000 (Forty thousand) disadvantaged women,” she added.

Group Executive Director Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Fatima Aliko-Dangote, noted that the flag off in Lagos is a follow-up to the 120,000 bags distributed in Kano on Saturday, said the intervention is targeted to reach the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

“We have been doing this for a while but we didn’t publicize  it because  our chairman  believes  this is between him and God but this year we decided  to publicize  it so that we can encourage  and inspire others to do so.

“There are many other things the Dangote foundation is also doing. We are also serving 2,500 breads all over Lagos daily. We started this in 2020 during COVID-19. Also in our hometown in Kano, we have been doing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past 35 years. The foundation has invested in many things. Years back, we gave women some money to be able to invest in their businesses,” she said.

Speaking further, Dangote noted that Lagos state holds a special place in the hearts of the Group, hosting two of its major investments – Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Plant.

He disclosed that the Dangote Group is also working on the nutrition agenda and has made significant strides in food fortification, investing in iodized salt and vitamin A fortified sugar. He stressed that the Group actively promotes food fortification within the Nigerian food industry and is exploring fortification methods for staples like rice and wheat and bouillon cubes to help ensure improved nutrition nationwide.

“At the heart of the Aliko Dangote Foundation lies a deep-seated belief in the importance of nutrition in human capital development. We understand that access to nutritious food is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of good health and well-being. By providing these modest bags of rice to those in need, we are not only looking to alleviate immediate hunger, but also investing in the long-term health and prosperity of our communities,” he added.

While commending Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu as a Governor with a penchant for overcoming adversity and enormous capacity in handling emergencies, Dangote urged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to emulate the efforts to support the less privileged in the communities, especially during Ramadan, which is a time of self-reflection, empathy, and charity.

Palliatives: Dangote donates 80,000 bags of rice to Lagos residents

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NIFESAF ESUT Lagos Holds 4th Edition Of Business, Career Exposition

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The Lagos State Alumni Fellowship of Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFESAF) has held the fourth edition of its Business and Career Exposition programme themed ‘Maximizing Technology and Strategic Customer Loyalty For Sustainable Business Growth In Today’s Economic Condition’ on Saturday, 23rd of March, 2024 in Lagos.

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The programme which was basically for Small and medium-sized enterprises since its inception has served as a major platform for the promotion of Nigerian-owned businesses and created several opportunities for SMEs to thrive and have access to the world through the global reach of NIFESAF ESUT.

Just like the previous editions, the fourth edition wasn’t any different; it featured an avalanche of exhibitions by several Nigerian businesses with guests who were ready to patronize them and a huge platform to publicize their businesses.

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Some of the businesses involved in the exhibition include Finet Mobile, Purch Gadgets, Congratulations Corporate Events, Exceptional Intensive Vocational Training, Farmskills Limited, Jigsimur health drink, De Luxe flour, Royal Almonds, Ifiefruit, Ihubest trading enterprise, K-shape fashion designer, Zara Caps and Hats, Chee Havillah Royal Services Ltd, Lowan Enterprises, Mace Ventures, Arif Bureau, Davis Exotic Homes, Whiztech Global Ltd, Earthblend flavours, to mention but a few.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Global Body— Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) ESUT Alumni Fellowship, Mr. Fred Nnadike, said the essence of the business exhibition was to support and build a community of excellent, Christians who would be role models in their respective careers.

Nnadike who urged believers under the umbrella to keep the faith alive equally charged them to uphold ethical standards, sound corporate governance, and avoid sharp practices in their respective professions and business endeavors as ardent followers of Christ.

“We want to encourage what we produce and link our entrepreneurs to the global space. SMEs are indispensable for economic growth and development. The government across board should do something urgently to revive the economy by making the environment conducive for businesses to thrive” he implored.

On his part, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of the Fellowship, Mr Henry Nnadike, said the leadership of NIFESAF has often reminded the government that MSMEs are still the engine room of every strong economy.

“Government must address multiple taxation, epileptic power supply, dilapidated road network, and general scorching economic environment. Governments must be transparent in their reforms and interventions. Besides, we need informed ideas, programs, and policies that must be designed by the best brains. The government should learn to put the interest of the masses above their personal interest for posterity’s sake” he urged.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of NIFESAF, Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Chika Idalah–Allison, called on the state and federal government to partner with NIFESAF and related organizations which are poised to promote skills and craftsmanship, particularly for youths.

“Government should partner with organizations promoting skills acquisition, innovation, human capital development, and creative industry. In NIFESAF we are under the mandate to support every entrepreneur under its umbrella even beyond.

Idalah – Allison told newsmen that she was able to travel to different countries for business purposes, not by her academic certifications but by the salability of her skills in artwork and design.

“Nigeria is our only country, we must build it because the world is waiting for us to step out, and that is what we must all do collaboratively, however, our education curriculum should be designed fit- for -purpose” she asserted.

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