₦airaland Forum

After a dogged fight, Chief Anthony Ani, Nigeria's Finance Minister in the Sani Abacha regime seems to have finally cleared his name of the financial mess of that era. WAHEED ODUSILE Reports



BEEING a member of the notoriously corrupt military regime of late General Sani Abacha is not an honour to be proud of. It is also unimaginable to think that there was a saint of that era, who found themselves in the position of leadership. But these are exactly what the Finance Minister of that time, Chief Anthony Ani is claiming and justifiably too.


Vilified by many and called all sorts of names for being the economic manager of a regime, which was later discovered not to be incorruptible, Ani, a chattered accountant , has had to go to through a series of investigations, detentions, legislative inquiries, court cases and even exile, all in a bid to establish his innocence and clear his name.



Hailed as a good choice when he was appointed Finance Minister in 1995. Ani quickly brought his professional expertise to bear on the management of the nation's economy, especially in 1995 and 1996 when he succeeded eliminating the annual budget deficit (N108b in 1994) of 11% GDP to a modest surplus (N37 billion) of 1.5 GDP. The annual growth of the economy moved from negative -1.5% GDP to a positive 3.2% GDP. One of the most remarkable achievements of his tenure , analysts say, was the exchange rate which was N118 to $1 in 1984 but which he stabilised at N85 to $1, thus making long term economic projection and planning by both the government and the private sector easier as well as possible.



The inflation rate, which stood at 88% before he took over also came down to 28% and ultimately 6.5% by May 1998. Also Ani's tenure as Finance Minister saw the lowering of the interest rate which used to be 60% in 1994 to between 16% and 21%. Nigeria's external reserve was also built up from less than one billion ISD in 1994 to $4.1 billion in 1996, while external debt came down from $32.6 billion in 1994 to %28 billion by the end of 1996.



Taking a holistic look at the economy then, all these in addition to some other economic measures, had a positive effect on the economy, although as some would argue, at what and whose expense.



The reputation of General Sani Abacha not withstanding, Ani was able to carve a niche for himself as a good manager of the economy and was so recognised and even hailed in and by the media. The academia also recognised his sound management of the economy, so to speak, that he was conferred with a Honourary Doctorate degree on March 20th 1997 by the University of Uyo.



But all these achievements and sterling qualities soon paled into insignificance shortly after General Abdusalami Abubakar came to power following the sudden death of Abacha. Ani was to be changed and replaced by a former deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Alhaji Ismaila Usman whom he had earlier sent on suspension on the orders of Abacha for alleged complicity in fraud, embezzlement and murder at the CBN. With Usman's appointment trouble began for Ani, especially with the Abubakar regime which seems to have no place for his style of economic management. Even when he discovered a massive fraud committed by Abacha and his advisers on security, under the guise of protection of national security and in spite of his getting the Abacha family to make a refund of US$770 million to the CBN in that regard, General Abubakar still was not comfortable with Ani. And when the information on the recoveries from Abacha's got leaked to the press, Ani's sins multiplied and it became a matter of time before the Federal Government would deal with him. That did not take too long.



After his public disclosures of the recoveries following government's reluctance to do so, Ani got the first public hint when the Chief Press Secretary to Abubakar, Mallam Mohammed Haruna, denied his role in the recoveries and instead accused him of fraudulent involvement in the controversial Gwarimpa Housing Project, but the accusation didn't stick. According to Ani a friend in government telephoned to alert him about plan by security agents to arrest him following his public disclosure of the Abacha recoveries which was embarrassing to the government.



That was on 11th November 1998 and he was in Calabar then. Finally his troubles had begun and he had to go into hiding same day to, according to him,"avoid arrest, detention and possible death." For six days he was in hiding and nothing happened untill 29th December 1998, when he was invited for questioning by the security agencies. He was there untill 31st December, and only secured his freedom after he disclosed that Abacha gave him a cash gift of 30 million Deutschmark and US$3 million. He also disclosed receiving a car gift from the late Head of State, in addition to material gift during each festival. These gifts including the cash he said he was not going to release. Following his complaint to a close associate of Abubakar, he learnt the Head of State frowned at his disclosure of the monetary gifts which was later to become a major plank of government's battle with him. On 26th January 1999, he was again arrested and detained for three days and given six days to either refund the money to government of face the wrath of the law. On 2nd February 1999, the monetary gifts were refunded; DM 30 million and US$3 million.



Before the arrests and detention however, the Abubakar government had caused it to be known that Ani together with another cabinet member under Abacha, Bashir Dalhatu, Minister of Power and Steel, had fraudulently transferred $2.5 billion to an offshore account for the purchase of a debt worth DM3.03 billion or ($1.76b). The allegation contained in a press statement by Abubakar's Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Haruna, was later to be known as Ajaokuta Debt Buy Back scam and became Ani's albatross.



For years, Nigeria had been trying to build a steel company with the help of the Soviet Union. The agreement to this effect was reached during the Shehu Shagari administration, but over the years the project had suffered due to Nigeria not meeting up with her financial obligation to the Russians. The huge debt became almost impossible to liquidate as successive Federal Government found it very hard to settle the debt. The option of a debt buy back became attractive and Ani as Abacha's Finance Minister acting under his (Abacha's) instructions, pursued this option through a third party as is customary. But this action was to later lead to the Haruna's allegation once Abacha was out of the picture.



Try as much as Ani did to clear his name, the allegation stocked even when it was proved to be untrue. People chose to believe it because it was against the backdrop of public excitement and anger over revelations of "large scale looting of the treasury" by Abacha. It was easy to tar persons who served under Abacha with the same reckless brush. It also came some days after Ani, the influential Finance Minister of Abacha regime, had announced that Abacha gave him monetary gifts.



Following Haruna's press conference Ani faced an unparalleled siege in the media. He was traduced by all and sundry and his name became a byword for corruption of the Abacha regime. This was a 360 turn in the media images of a man, who was once,hitherto hailed for his skill in managing economy despite the limitations of the head of state he was serving.



He strenuously denied the charges, insisting that he acted in the best interest of Nigeria on the Ajaokuta debt buyback. Nigeria indebtedness to Russia was DM3.03 billion. It was bought back at a 62% discount for DM 974 million. At the conclusion of the exercise, the matter was closed and no one could claim against Nigeria on it again. But this still seems not to satisfy those bent on bringing Ani down even as he declared he was ready for a probe to prove his innocence.



Series of investigations are carried out both by the Abubakar administration and that of President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Senate also carried out its own investigations through a public sitting and the results cleared him of all the allegations. Even a court case in London on the issue found that he was cleared.



It is, however, noteworthy that General Abubakar refused to come out clearly to state the findings of the government or to clear those not implicated in any fraud. The closest he came to doing so on a sleight of hand, was to claim at a briefing later that there was no evidence against Ani and other Abacha aides to accentuate their prosecutions.



The case took a different legal turn when Mr. Nessim Gaon (aka Noga) a business man, who had links with various governments in Nigeria, sued the federal government claiming rights over the Ajaokuta Bills of Exchange. Mr Gaon claimed that Chief Anthony Ani a shareholder and signatory to Me... Securities Inc and Partner, brokers of debt buy back. The Court found all that to be totally false and unfounded.



A government witness, Mr. Peter Gana, testified in Court that there was no scam of any kind in the Ajaokuta debt buy back. Mr. Gana was head of the special investigation Panel set up by the federal government to probe the matter.



Latter, the Senate set up a committee to examine and review controversies arising from the debt buyback. The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts examined debt buyback transactions in Nigeria from 1983 to 2000 "With Emphasis on the Ajaokuta Debt Buyback."



Senator Idris Abubakar served as the chairman of the 13-member committee that also included Sen Patrick Aga, Mohammed Alkali, Danladi Bamiyi, John Azuta-Mbata, Femi Okorounmu, Haruna Abubakar, Melford Okilo, Samuel O. Meroyi and Mamman Bello Alo.

Submissions or actual physical appearances were made by people from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ministry of Finance, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, Chief Anthony Ani, Gen. Aliyu Mohammed, the National Security Adviser.

The Senate averred in it's findings thus: "Regarding the ASCL (Ajaokuta Steel) debt buy back, there is no doubt that the country befitted from the transactions in the following ways:

An all inclusive debts of over DM2 billion was whipped out by the payment of DM973,006,450 i.e in effect a 62% discount on debt.

The Nigerian Government was able to take over the Steel Complex free from encumbrances with liberty to engage any other contractor to complete the project which all agreed will greatly determine the industrialisation of programme of the country.

The Senate Committee also said Mr. Mohammed Haruna, who originated the controversy, "behaved exactly as a public officer in a position of thrust should never behave," in making false assertions before the country in an unauthorised press briefing. He did not take trouble to correct the falsehood he unleashed on the nation, when he realised he was wrong.

The report noted about Haruna: "He admitted making press statement at which he claimed that two Ministers in the cabinet of Gen. Sani Abacha had siphoned the sum of $2.5 billion and paid the Russian only $.5 billion." He admitted that he never saw the records of such a transaction. He admitted he never had the clearance of his boss, the then Head of State, when he made the press statement. He finally admitted that the statement made him could not have been correct in view of the facts that later became manifest that his figures were as much as 300% wrong.

The records available from the Committee from the Ministry of Finance , the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited as well as all the witnesses who appeared before the Committee and also those who sent in memorandum clearly showed that the figures spewed out by him were a figment of his imagination."

Chief Ani was also investigated in various areas including the Federal Super phosphate Fertilizer Company(NAFCON) and the Gwarimpa Housing Project. No wrong could be imputed or found against him.

The investigations and their findings, no doubt, were a vindication of Ani. His claim of transparency and acting in the best interest of Nigeria had remained consistent and has been upheld in all investigations: the Special Investigations Panel, the Senate Committee of Local and Foreign Debts and the courts in the matter of Noga vs FGN in London.

The Federal Government in a show of reasonableness and good sense, obtained from a London High Court on October 21, 2001 a consent order to withdraw the case against Chief Ani and unfreeze his assets with the Australia and New Zealand Bank.

Chief Anthony Ani's saga is evidence that good men still exist in Nigeria's public service, men who served with integrity and in the best interest of the country.

His only offence? He was conscientious, proud, of that fact and loquacious in proclaiming what he had done for his country.

Rather than vilification, perhaps Nigeria should celebrate and lionise Chief Ani as an exemplar of rectitude and integrity in public office.

This Article is culled from THISDAY NEWSPAPER, Friday, December 21, 2001, Vol. 7, N0. 2434, p.18.

A former Minister of Finance and the Obong of Calabar Elect, HRH Etubom Anthony Asuquo Ani has said that plans have been concluded to set up a factory that would create a thousand jobs in Efik Kingdom of Cross River.

The former Minister under the late Gen. Sani Abacha who also promised a modern Palace for the kingdom, said that the vehicle assembly factory was one of his plans to bring prosperity to the people.

Ani disclosed this at his Palace in Calabar when the Ikoneto Community paid him a solidarity visit on Friday.

He said he would use his wealth of experience to change the narrative of the people who have had to contend with various adversities.

According to him, "I will bring a new Palace starting from this year that will contain all that we need.

"We will not complain but will do things to let people know that we are rising.

"We must make our youths have jobs, make you happy in your houses by making jobs available.

"A big factory is underway in Odukpani that will emoloy 1,000 people and will kickoff in 24 months time.

"I will make jobs available in your community so you don't need to come out of your community," he stated.

On the Obongship tussle, he said the Ikoneto people have been cheated since 1973 when the Accord was signed.

He said the Ikoneto people were supposed to assume the throne in 1990 but they voluntarily left it for Henshaw Town.

He added that he was selected to be Obong of Calabar in 2007 but they again overpowered the Ikoneto people but this time they are determined to right the wrongs.

"They selected me to be Obong fifteen years ago in 2007 but they again overpowered us and took over.

"But like David fought Golaith, though we are not many but we have increased and have fought them.

"We have no Obong of Calabar now, I am the Obong Elect. The gods have agreed, the Ekpe, Ndem and even the witches have agreed that I am the Obong of Calabar," he said.

On his part, Etubom Ephraim Etim Nsa from Ikoneto said his people sent him to celebrate with the Obong Elect.

He said they are grateful that after so many years of marginalisation, the Ikoneto people have finally produced the Obong of Calabar.

Also speaking, HRH Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efio, the Chairman of the Etuboms Traditional Council since 2007 said it was the turn of Western Calabar to become the Obong of Calabar.

He said Adiabo and Creek people had earlier produced Obong of Calabar and it will not be fair for them to produce Obong when the Ikoneto people are still waiting.

He added that the position Ani is occupying now is that of Ikoneto and when he completes his tenure it will rotate to another part.

He stressed that the council taking place at Effanga Ansa Street is an illegal council because by the Supreme Court judgment, all the people there have gone with Edidem Abasi Otu.

On his part, former Nigeria Ambassador to Uganda and Chairman publicity of the event, Etubom Nya Eyoma Asuquo they are in the process of installing the new Obong and different houses will pay him homage.

He said the Supreme Court judgment said the people of Ikoneto should be given an opportunity to become Obong because it is their turn.

He said by the court judgment all what the former Obong did has been nullified and only people who were Etuboms in the palace as at 2008 are the people qualified to choose the new Obong.

It would be recalled that he apex court had recently nullified the election of Abasi Otu as the
Obong of Calabar.

Mr Dennis Idahosa (APC-Edo) has raised the alarm over looming danger on the Benin-Ore highway over a faulty bridge on the busy road.

This is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on media, Mr Friday Aghedo and made available to newsmen in Benin on Wednesday.

He regretted that the bad session on the Ovia bridge on the highway have led to lost of several lives in addition to properties worth million of Naira.

Idahosa lamented that the unwarranted deaths and destruction and hardship commuters suffers on that session of the highway day, prompted him to move a motion on the floor of the Green Chamber.

The representative of the Ovia federal constituency, said that the Ovia bridge is very strategic on the highway that is a gateway to major parts of the country to be left in that state.

"As you are aware that presently there are failed portions on the road which has become notorious for
multiple accidents resulting in severe injuries, loss of lives of innocent hardworking Nigerians and properties running into millions of Naira on a weekly basis.

"Just last week, June 29th, all passengers of an eighteen seater vehicle, including a little baby, died in an accident on Ovia bridge killing all the passengers on board.

"Two days ago on the same bridge, five vehicles, with one plunging into the river, was recorded on the same bridge.

"I am also worried about the untold hardships faced by commuters due to the unending gridlock on
the failed portion of the road spanning kilometres.

"I am particularly concerned that the bridge serves as a major route for the transportation of goods and
services to various parts of the country, but the failed portions on the bridge have affected the delivery services, thus affecting economic development of the country," he lamented.

Idahosa said that he was elated that the House of Representatives showed concern over the situation and called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently address the situation.

He further said that the House maandated the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to immediately remove all damaged and accidental vehicles from the bridge and around the failed portion.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says that building a Federal Secretariat in the state will have multiplier economic and aesthetic effects on the state’s overall development.

Otti said this on Wednesday, when Chief Sam Onuigbo, a former member of the House of Representatives (Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency), paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia.

He regretted that while almost all the states in the federation, including those created in 1996 (six years after Abia), had functional federal secretariats, Abia had yet to have its own.

He expressed dismay that efforts to construct a federal secretariat in the state were frustrated in the past by some state actors.

The governor commended Onuigbo for his unwavering pursuit of the project, in spite of the frustrations encountered along the way.

He said that he was excited that Onuigbo shared similar perspective on the matter and the construction of the 16-kilometre Umuahia-Umudike Road from Abia Tower.

Otti said that he had started the process of dualising the road from Abia Tower to Okpara Square, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

According to him, the project is in line with his vision of enhancing the aesthetics of Umuahia, the capital city.

He said he was pleased to learn from Onuigbo that a plan was already in motion for the project, including the construction of a flyover from Amachara to Ossah.

Meanwhile, Otti has expressed concern over the impact of climate change and the need to prioritise sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the state.

He expressed serious interest in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

He further spoke on the importance of creating opportunities and achieving Low Green House Gas emissions, including green growth and sustainable economic development.

Ealier, Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, praised the governor’s vision and pledged to offer his legislative, intellectual and technical expertise to drive climate change action in Abia.

The former lawmaker also spoke on some of his achievements in his eight-year stay in the National Assembly.

The list included the ongoing reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road, Okwe-Obuohia-Nkari Road connecting Abia and Akwa Ibom and proposed
Federal Secretariat in Abia.

Mr Dennis Idahosa (APC - Edo) and the immediate past chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance has urged President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye report as there is no better time to do so than now.

The lawmaker who represents Ovia Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber said implementation of the report would cut wastage in government as well as strength the civil service.

Idahosa who lauded the decisions so far made by the President to save the nation economy, made the call in a press statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen in Benin on Monday.

He said that the dwindling revenue of the country in the face of increasing demand for infrastructural development, high debt burden, and better welfare for the citizens, posed a great danger to the survival of the country.

He noted that it was as a result that there have been increase and sustained campaigns for cost-cutting measures in governance across the board.

The lawmaker said that the Oronsaye committee revealed a high level of competition among several overlapping agencies, which had not only created ill feelings among government agencies but also brought about unnecessary wastage in government expenditure.

It would be recalled that the Oronsaye committee submitted an 800-page report on April 16, 2012, which recommended the abolition and merger of 102 government agencies and parastatals, while some were listed to be self-funding.

The committee also recommended, among other things, the discontinuation of government funding of professional bodies and councils.

These measures were meant to free funds for the implementations of government programmes.

Idahosa however regretted that after ten years after, no administration have muster the courage and political will to implement the report.

He allayed the fear that implementation of the Oronsaye’s committee report would led to job loss in the federal civil service.

He also said that the National Assembly (NASS) would give legislative backing for the report implementation where necessary.

According to him, "I must commend the move so far by the President Bola Tinubu's efforts to stopping the haemorrhage in the nation's economy since he took over the reign of power on May 29th.

The far reaching decisions such as removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rate, would free up revenue to implement policies and programmes aimed at bettering the lives of Nigerians.

"However, I am urging the President to also look other ways to free more revenue such as the implementation of the Steve Oronsaye committee report that was set up by President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

"But, sadly, the government, rather than reduce, harmonise or merge some agencies as recommended in the report, has gone ahead to establish more agencies.

"It is better we endure the short term effect of the inconveniences that will come with the implementation, and later enjoy the long term effect, than to further delay its implementation," he stated.

The lawmaker who concluded with a call to Nigerians to be patient as President Tunubu continue with his reforms, assured that these reforms would at the end led to the enthronement of good governance in Nigeria.

Arthur Jarvis University (AJU), a private University in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River, says it has initiated random testing of students to curb menace of Drug abuse among the students.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ani Nkang made the disclosure during the seventh matriculation of the University in Akpabuyo, near Calabar on Friday.

The VC who expressed worry on the issue of drug abuse among the youths, said any prescription drug in use should be properly registered at the University hospital.

He warned the 329 matriculants that the institution also have in place, tought sanctions against other social vices.

According to him, "Resist any undue influence by friends as the effects may be devastating. Please note that this university has zero tolerance to examination misconduct, drugs, secret cult activities, possession of dangerous weapons on campus, rape, fighting, stealing and impersonation.

"These activities attract visible and proportionate disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

"Moreover, perpetrators of activities which are considered criminal offences are promptly dismissed from the University and handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution."

Nkang said that the University which was issued with full operational licence in 2020, boasts of been the most affordable private University in the country and also has excellent student-teacher ratio in classes and good hostel accommodation.

A Socio-Cultural group under the aegis of Akoko-Edo and Owan Alliance has lampooned some alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State over the appointment of Mrs Mailmary Aipoh as board member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

The group said that the unwarranted attack on her appointment by president Muhammadu Buhari by the persons is borne out of mischief and ignorance.

This is contained in a communique signed by Mr Sunny Ifijen and Ogumah Umeiza, convener and secretary respectively, and made available to newsmen in Benin on Monday.

While commending the President for finding her worthy to be appointed into the NEDC board, the group described the "naysayers" as those planning to cause division between the two council areas that have co-existed without any form of trouble over the years.

It further stated that the people behind the statement are feigning ignorant on how federal appointments are made in order to sway unsuspecting public to their mischief ploy to cause crisis in the polity of Owan federal constituency.

The group however noted that the essence of the communique was to correct the false narrative that the beneciary, though an Owan West Local Government Area by birth, is and remained a member of the APC in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It noted that her appointment was a welcome development to the people of Owan West and by extension Owan East and Akoko-Edo that have been marginalised over the years when it comes to federal appointments.

According to the statement, "First of all, we wish to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment which was long in coming.

"We are indeed proud of the appointee. She has a humble political pedigree, sagacity, and versatile in all field of human endervour. She will be a golden anchor for Afemai, Edo and South-South region.

"We outrightly condemn the sponsors and signatories of a petition letter dated May 7th 2023, by a non-existent APC Equity Group, where they demanded for the withdrawal and replacement of Mrs Aipoh with someone from Owan East council area.

"We are sad that these petitioners did not see anything good in this appointment to congratulate the beneciary, buy chose to malign and cast aspersions on her well deserved appointment.

"Consequently, we urge relevant authorities to ignore all forms of unholy antagonism against a gender-sensitive appointment of Mrs Aipoh."

The alliance called on the leadership of the party and the State unravel this faceless group that is tyring to sow a seed of discord in the party and Owan federal constituency in particular.

The group concluded that it woukd continue to support any individual or cause that would bring development and unity to the people irrespective of party affiliation.

A Socio-Political group under the aegis of Akoko-Edo and Owan Alliance has canvassed support for the former National President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Hon. Peter Akpatasoasson to be given the responsibility to deputise the speaker of the House of Representatives.

The group noted that for nothing, the Akoko-Edo representatives in the Green Chamber and currently the Deputy Majority leader of the House, is no longer a stranger to the politics of the National Assembly (NASS) as a fourth timer.

The convener of the group, Mr Sunny Ifijen and his Secretary, Omeiza Ugumah, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin on Thursday.

The statement noted that it was time that the former NUPENG boss is compensated for his loyalty to the party, in addition to been from the minority area of Edo State that have remained faithful to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the years.

It explained that Akpatason had during the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency, shun all forms of pressure to defeat to the then ruling party.

The group said not only has Akpatason contributed to the growth and development of the party in Akoko-Edo, Edo State and the country in general over the years, he has been instrumental to stabilising the polity in Nigeria.

According to the statement, "Ordinarily, this is not something that we should have brought to publis domain as the leadership of the APC and specifically the Mr President-Elect is not unaware of Akpatason's contributions to the party.

"But just want to say that it is high time that his consistency and loyalty was rewarded and we feel the best way to go is with the Deputy Speaker position of the soon to be inaugurated 10th assembly.

"Aside individual contributions to the growth of our dear party, Edo State have also remained faithful to the APC. We are all familiar with the roles and contributions of Adams Oshiomhole and Pally Iriase to the party.

"Let it be known that we are not alone on this position, the people of Edo State are into this project as well as the people of Akoko-Edo and Owan who incidentally are the most marginalised local government areas in Edo North where Akpatason hails from.

"Whatever nomenclature they want to ascribe it, whether compensation or reward for loyalty, Akpatason and Edo state deserved support of the leadership of the APC and other elected members of the House of Representative."


Sunny Ifijen

Barrister Kenneth Imansuagbon(aka Riceman) has joined workers in Nigeria to mark the day set aside to commemorate the World's Workers Day.

In his goodwill message Barrister Imansuagbon, who is the proprietor of Pacesetters Group of Schools, Abuja,
sought for a better reward system for workers in the country.

While he prayed to God for the workers
to have three best of health, he stressed that a better reward system would make their years of labour not to be in vain.

According to the educationist: "I join workers all over the country, especially in Edo State, on this auspicious occasion of their day tagged Workers Day. My prayer is that their labour, hardwork, and preserverance should never be in vain.


"I want to also acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous contribution of the hard work of Nigeria workers. In deed , your tireless efforts, dedication and commitment to nation building has kept the Nigeria going cannot be over-emphasized despite the obvious challenges.

"May the dutiful workers always count bounties of blessings everywhere they find themselves. This is sure way of getting the right reward for all they have invested in keeping the wheel of the nation's economic sector moving smoothly without any setback.

"As an employer of labour myself, I see the hours of hardwork my employees put into making the organisation function optimally.

"My wish is that such personnel who put in much effort in their work schedule should always be blessed with heavenly support in their undertakings."

Going further, Barrister Imansuagbon reminded the workers in Edo State that 2024 is the year of the governorship poll in the state and he count upon their support "so that together we can change the fortunes of the state for the better."

Former Edo State Governorship Aspirant, Barrister Kenneth Imansuagbon, has enjoined Muslims faithful in Edo state and Nigeria to be steadfast and hopeful of a better Nigeria as they mark the end of the Ramadan fast.

The Chairman, Pacesetters group of Schools in statement to Muslims also noted that period also calls for prayers among Nigerians in overcoming the hydra-headed challenges confronting the nation.

He also called for tolerance, perseverance; sacrifice and love which he noted are some of the lessons of the Ramadan period.

The Edo born philanthropist popular for his yearly annual rice sharing to the needy also called on the privileged class to reach out to the poor in the society who could not afford one square meal a day.

“I want to use the Ramadan occasion to felicitate with Muslims in Edo State and Nigeria at large to congratulate them on the successful completion of the month long Ramadan fast.

“This is period also calls for deep reflection among well—meaning Nigerians to pray for unity of the Country especially in the face of the daunting economic and security challenge facing the Country” .

He further urged Muslims adherents to show love and compassion among others as demonstrated by Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) and work towards the peace and progress of Edo State and Nigeria as they celebrate.

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Many millionaires and landlords in Lekki and Ibeju-Lekki today became wealthy by discovering and investing in land investments very early on when the risk and acquisition cost were both on the low, low.

That has opened the eyes of many, not just in Lagos, but in other cities, to acquire land as a form of investment. Leaving it until it appreciates enough to give them bountiful ROI.

The sad thing is that the cons have also taken advantage of that to mislead and even defraud people. It will be heartbreaking for many to realize that after waiting for 10 years or more, they discovered they never really had any land all the while, or that what they were told about the locations of their investment weren’t true.

To avoid being a part of those that have told such sad tales, you must consider a few things before investing in buying land.

Do Your Homework
If you value money and work hard for it, then you will not want to gather just to throw away. This is why you will do your homework before buying that land.

Find out who is selling the land (person, family, or company)? What rights do they have over the land? Can you confirm their claims to the right? What government title does the land have?

Follow Your Instinct
Before, it used to be that you can be assured of genuineness when buying from a registered real estate company. But that isn’t the case anymore as some companies have been known to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by selling imaginary lands and lands that they have no approval to sell.

Therefore, follow your instinct. Don’t shut down your reasoning regardless of who you’re buying from. if you’re having doubts, clarify them.

If you’ve done your homework thoroughly, you’d leave no stone unturned, you’d check with the right government agencies and double-check the integrity of real estate firms, family or persons you want to buy from.

Location
Since you’re buying for the future, you’re not considering the location for what it currently is, but for what it can be. What would be the best fit for it, commercial or residential? How developed is it, and how long do you think you’d have to wait for your investment to yield a reasonable ROI. What would that location look like in 10 or 20 years, judging from the Lekki and Ibeju-Lekki revolution?

Future Promise
Land appreciates based on prospects. So, find out what plans the government or any multinational company may have for such areas, and how it will impact the real estate value of such areas when those plans are executed.

Payment Mode
Until payment is made, you’ve not purchased land. but in making payment, avoid paying in cash or even checks. this is because necessary documentation is needed, which is still one of the benefits of buying from a real estate firm.

Proper Documentation, Signatory, and Next Of Kin
You’re going to leave that land bare for a very long time, and the truth is no one knows what tomorrow holds. It is therefore important to have proper documentation in your possession.

Not just that, if you don’t have a safe place to keep them, use the bank.

If you’re married, let your spouse be fully aware and also be a signatory to this piece of property you’re acquiring for the future. Enlist the names of your next-of-kin where necessary as well.

Some people have bought properties for the future and didn’t live long enough to see that future. They lost their life, their hard-earned money, and even their investment because they are all alone in the deal with no other person with them. If they have families, their family will continue not knowing that a land investment was made somewhere by the deceased.

While we pray to live long and reap the fruit of our labour, we also have to be thoughtful and prepared for the inevitable

In Conclusion
Long-term land investment can span up to 10 years, 20 years, or even more. But if the investment was right, the ROI will definitely worth the wait. But before you can make such an investment and commitment to wait, it is helpful to do your due diligence so that you don’t wait in vain.

source https://www.calebella.com/things-to-consider-when-buying-land-for-investment-purposes/

Before engaging a builder or a construction company with your project, you have to be sure they are ideal for your kind of project, and that they are fit to do the work.

Here are some questions to help you know the contractor better and determine if they are a good fit for your project.

QUESTIONS TO KNOW THE CONTRACTOR

#1. How long have you been building?
Why You Should Know: You need to know how long a builder has been in the business of building. This will help you determine their experience and exposure level.

#2. Are you a legal entity?
Why You Should Know: It’s important to know if you’re dealing with a corporate body or with an individual or group, especially for the legal implications of each case.

#3. What kind of experience do you have?
Why You Should Know: Asking to know what kind of experience they have will help you know if they have handled a project similar to yours, which can also help you determine if you want to engage them.

#4. Who have you worked for?
Why You Should Know: This is important, especially if they are not well known. Knowing who they’ve worked for can help you in trusting them with your project.

#5. Do you belong to any professional organizations, and which ones?
Why You Should Know: Are they an independent island or are they well integrated into the industry they belong to? A good and competent builder will be a member of relevant professional organizations in his industry.

#6. Do you have the required license to practice?
Why You Should Know: Contractors are required to be licensed to operate legally. So, find out if the contractor you want to engage has the license to take on contracts.

#7. What do you prioritize in your work?
Why You Should Know: This should tell you what they value most in their work, it could be relationship, integrity, money, speed, or something else. Knowing what it is will help you determine if you share in what they value, bearing in mind that what they value most will affect how they work, and will also show in the finished work

#8. Can I see examples of your past work?
Why You Should Know: Anyone can claim to have done things even when they haven’t, seeing the projects will prove the veracity of their claims, and will also help you check out the quality of their work.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT

#9. Do you have experience with this kind of project?
Why You Should Know: Knowing they’ve done something similar to what you want to embark on can help you trust them with your project because if they’ve done something similar before, they can do it again.

#10. How much will it cost to complete this project?
Money talks are important, first because you probably already have a fixed budget for the project, and also because agreement on this is needed to commence work

#11. How long will the project last?
Why You Should Know: You should know the estimated timeline for your project. You may also want to ask them how often they deliver a project on schedule as that will also tell you a thing or two about your project delivery.

#12. How will I be involved in the project?
Why You Should Know: Your satisfaction is important as the project is yours, and for that to be, the builder should work closely with you throughout the lifespan of the project.

In Conclusion
it’s important to know and understand who you want to commit the building of your project to. If you’re satisfied with the answers you get from asking these questions, chances are that you’ll be more likely to sign the dotted lines and engage them. And if you don’t get satisfactory answers, you’d most likely look somewhere else. Therefore this exercise can save you unnecessary heartaches.

source https://www.calebella.com/12-questions-you-should-ask-your-building-contractor-before-engaging-them/

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