[dropcap]V[/dropcap]ehicle Inspection Office (VIO) have no business inspecting vehicle papers on Nigerian roads, a Delta State Appeal Court has judged. The judgement follows a long-drawn case that started in 2014 involving Kunle Edun, the former publicity secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, in Delta State.
The case – a lawsuit challenging the agency’s requirement for roadworthiness from private owners – was eventually concluded in April 2021, after a notice came up to argue at the appeal, preceding an Ugheli High Court judgement in 2014. Edun won the appeal.
Edun recalled that in 2014 while driving a major road in Ughelli, Delta state, to inspect a plot of land with his client, he came across some sort of obstruction placed on the road by the VIO officers. He was stopped, asked to identify himself, which he did, and was then asked for his vehicle’s roadworthiness certificate, which he said was wrong for them to ask and was delayed for eight to ten minutes.
Edun also noted that the VIOs have no business stopping vehicles to ask for any documents.
“The fact is that they have no right to even be on a public road purporting to be asking for roadworthiness certificates. As of the time of the renewal of my vehicle particulars, if they want to check whether the vehicle is actually roadworthy, that is where they should do that, rather than get on the roads to harassing commuters and asking for documents,” Edun said.
Edun furthered sue for stopping and detaining him for 10 minutes.
“For daring to stop me and detain me for 10 minutes, I will take it up.’ I considered what they did as harassment and I didn’t like it,” he added.
According to him, they initially believed it to be a joke before challenging the move in court. Finally, the court ruled in his favour and stated, first and foremost, that VIOs had absolutely no business being on the road. Vehicle stops for document requests are not something that should be done.
“At the end of the day, the court delivered judgment in my favour and declared that VIOs – or whatever name they are called – have no business even being on the road, first and foremost.
“The judge was particular that their work and duty should be done at their offices, not on the road. The judge said, ‘You don’t inspect vehicles on the road; you inspect vehicles at your workshop or office, and the best time to do that is during annual vehicle licence renewal.’ The judge also said that they had no authority to even stop any private vehicle, demanding any document whatsoever,” Edun noted in the interview.
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enior Policy Adviser to Governor of Delta State, Rt(Hon) Funkekeme Solomon and the Internal Auditor of Federal Cooperative College Oji-River, Enugu State, Pst. Okeze Idowu will be the Keynote Speakers at the 2023 Community Newspaper Publishers under the aegis of Association Of Community Newspaper Publishers Of Nigeria (ACNPN) slated for Thursday,30th November 2023 at the Secretariat of Nigeria Union Of Journalists(NUJ) Press Centre along Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State.
Okeze and Funkekeme are billed to speak on “Co-operative Society, Model Palliative for Self- Reliance, Economic Growth and Industrialization”, and ”The Role of Media, Building Synergy Between the Government And Grassroots For Effective Service Delivery” which are the main theme of this year’s event.
A release signed by the Chairman and Secretary of 2023 Publisher’s Media Week Committee, Comrade Philip Ike Abiagom and Solomon Ogala disclosed that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State will be attending the occasion as Special Guest of Honour while HRM Amb. Donald Ejechi Ekeruche,Ebu of Umuebu Kingdom and HRM Obi Fredrick Chukwuloe Egbunkonye II, Igwe Of Abala kingdom are Royal Fathers of the Day.
According to the Chief host,Comrade Jude Obiemenyego,2023 Publisher’s Media Week will be an innovation sharing session to give Publishers and Journalist wings to fly above the challenging times in the economy and further empower entrepreneurs of any scale for enduring success in their respective fields.
“We are using the opportunity to empower our congregation and the general public with business knowledge, ideas and insights to help them maximise their potential in life especially in the area of running a successful media firm,” he stated.
The core mandate of the Association is to regulates the activities of it members in the interest of creating enabling business environment, advocate for good governance,proper grassroots reportage, adherence to professional ethics.
According to him, the programme would also be a golden opportunity for participants to gain world-class training and mentoring sessions from erudite scholars, as well as local and international experts. He said delegates would engage the experts in question and answer sessions, and also build lasting relationships and connections that could help them advance their media works and grassroots reportage with the people in their respective communities.
The event will be the fifteen in the series of the flagship annual media conference aimed at helping established businesses and startups to build needed capacity for growth and overall success of Community Newspaper Publishers in Nigeria.
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]esidents around GSM area of Asaba,Delta state capital, have raised a distressed alarm following new trend adopted by suspected criminals to rob them of their hard earned money.
The victims lamented that suspected armed robbers now invade their homes with POS machine, and forcing them, at gun point, to insert credit card into the machine to empty the account.
Most of the victims who are local traders, lamented that the trend started over a week ago, adding that some of the residents have started abandoning their homes.
Contacted, Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Bright Edafe said the command was yet to receive such report, urging residents to report any suspicious movement to the nearest police station for swift action.
One of the residents who spoke under the condition of anonymity, confirmed that most of the traders who illiterate were afraid of even going to the police.
“They (robbers) have been terrorising us, invading houses and forcing residents to part with money through transfers with their handy POS machine.
“They usually come in numbers while being armed, and break into houses. A lot of people have been robbed in the process.
“We are confused at the moment, most of are afraid of going to the police, that is why we have cried to the media to assist us inform the authorities.
“Please they should come to our aid and address the situation before the trend spread to other parts of town,” the source said.
Mr Lucky Blessing O. Abuah, CEO, Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd
[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ucky Blessing Odiakachukwu Abuah,the Chairman of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd,a real estate development company, has not just carved a niche for himself as one of the biggest players in real estate business in Delta State and Nigeria, but also a philanthropist per excellence.
The secret to living is giving. In essence, by contributing to the well-being of others, you are unarguably creating a better society. This is an ethos Lucky Blessing Odiakachukwu Abuah,the Chairman of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd, a real estate development company, lives by.
Abuah demonstrates the exact meaning of philanthropy by making a positive impact on the causes that matter to the people. Not only has he donated a substantial chunk of his wealth for the betterment of the society, he has also put in place a charge for other ultra-rich individuals to do the same in his state Delta and beyond.
Bullet Empire as he is fondly called by friends, has donated immensely through the Lucky Abuah Foundation, a charity organisation he established purposely to give scholarship to the indigent students from primary to university level. The widows are not left out.
Records show that Abuah has successfully financed the graduation of many youths through skill acquisition and other professionals through the Lucky Abuah Foundation. He is one of the pillars of youth empowerments in Ibusa Community located at Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State and he has shown commitment and dedication to curb illiteracy and poverty in the town through his foundation.
For him, the three major purpose of existence on earth is to live a life of divine abundance; worship and love God as well as love our neighbours as ourselves.
Some of the Bible passages he lives by are; ‘and God blessed them, and said unto them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth,’ taken from Genesis 1:28.
Also Matthew 22:37-39 establishes the fact that the two greatest commandments are: (1) “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” and (2) “Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself”.
Despite his love for philanthropy, he doesn’t like to make headlines for his charitable donations and other achievements, rather, he has registered his name in the heart of his people through his educational and poverty alleviation initiatives. Recently his foundation supplied school uniforms to all the primary schools in Ibusa and its environs.
Aside that, he has also been able to actualize a whole lot in the real estate industry especially in Delta. His company Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd is an indigenous and one of Nigeria’s leading Real Estate firms offering services in civil construction and property development.
Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd can boost of an impressive portfolio of historical real estate landmarks in Nigeria. In order to provide various flexible plans on all its properties, Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd finishes to taste to meet both medium and high Income earners as the company intends to bridge the gap in housing deficit across Nigeria.
Since the birth of the company, Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd’s strategy is to build trusting relationships by keeping to promises and even exceeding clients expectations with its properties spread across Delta State.
Abuah even while growing up, apart from having a big dream, has always loved to be unique and outstanding in whatever he does. As someone that has the people at heart, he knew he could never achieve his big dream with a white collar job, thus, he established himself to be able to participate and contribute to the development of his immediate community. Thus, he ventured into the real estate which was eventually how the birth of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd came about.
Obviously, the philanthropist has been doing so well as he has become a big player in the real estate industry. As an outstanding real estate developer who can boost of quality and functional estates in prime locations at affordable prices, he has become someone to be reckoned with.
Having houses and estates scattered across Ibusa, Asaba and environs, Abuah’s company has grown to be classified among the first class and leading real estate companies in Delta and beyond.
Abuah’s entrepreneurial achievements, works of charity and philanthropy as well as community development have in the past few years earned him several honours and awards which includes the Nigerian Entrepreneurs Award of Excellence; the Africa Prize for Leadership Excellence as The Property Development Personality of the year; The Award of Outstanding Leadership Recognition & Inspirational Leadership.
The big one coming up this month of November at Asaba is the recognition by Association Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN), following Abuah’s outstanding contribution to the real estate industry in Delta State. He is to be honoured and decorated with the Award of Real Estate Person of the Year.
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ne of the notable names in the real estate industry in Delta State and Nigeria, Mr Jerry Ofogu, has given tips on how to invest wisely. Mr Ofogu, who is the chief executive of Jerry Jays JJJ Homes Limited, stated that the real estate sector was one business to investing in.
He said there are vast and lucrative opportunities in the industry, but lamented that many have left it for only the rich.
However, Mr Ofogu said the real estate industry has some techniques which must involve professional know-how and expertise, pointing out that his company offers all the needed things to make investors succeed in the business.
“There are vast opportunities to invest in real estate but how many are brave enough to take the plunge? Unless you break the fear barrier, you can never start, and unless you start you can never win.
“But if you are ready, this series offers you much more. It is about a new approach to real estate investment and wealth creation, sourced from about three decades’ experience in real estate and property development. It will guide you to break through several barriers and find your own fortune in the pool,” the renowned real estate manager said.
Jerry Jays JJJ Homes Limited is a diverse commercial real estate investment company, which provides a range of services, including acquisition, asset and property management, leasing, construction management, investment advisory services, as well as development and disposition.
“Jerry Jays JJJ Homes Limited aims to enrich investors by providing safe and sound real estate investment services to reduce systemic risk and also generate positive returns and improve Nigeria’s standard of living through real estate and agriculture.
“They intend to create asset value for clients and real estate investors. We are not afraid to continually challenge conventional wisdom and actively encourage change in order to pursue growth.
“We are committed to putting our clients at the heart of our business, developing and maintaining long-standing relationships based on trust,” Mr Ofogu said.
Jerry Jays JJJ Homes Limited also uses its core values of integrity, passion, productivity, innovation and excellence to optimize client’s portfolios and address the associated risks and challenges of real estate ownership.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t says so much about our country that the government as well as our Benin Electric Distribution Company (BEDC) appear oblivious to the monumental human misery (Blackout) in Ezenei Community, Given the magnitude of the catastrophe caused by BEDC to residents of Ezenei community in Asaba, the State government should have offered relief measures to residents for the pains and agony they are passing through for the past seven months. Under the aegis of Bring Back Our Light (BBOL), a pressure group campaigning for the restoration of light in the Ezenei – Asaba Combol 1 transformer since April 2023, accused BEDC of gross misconduct.
The leader of the protesting group, Chief Paul Mordi said the Ezenei community in Asaba, Delta State are suffering in darkness for the past seven (7) months. Most small businesses are folding up because of complete black out in Ezenei Avenue. Can you imagine that whenever there is a natural disaster caused by heavy wind, rain or flood, vandalization of Transformers, BEDC will ask the people in the area to contribute money for replacement of the poles, buying of cables, repairs of transformers and even pay their workers for the service rendered. Despite all that, the power supply is still very epileptic.
The oppression from BEDC is becoming something else. The residents of Ezenei Avenue in Asaba who decried the situation said the situation hampered economic progress in their communities because BEDC left Ezenei Community in total blackout as it was alleged that BEDC Ezenei office abandoned the entire community for seven months now.
He has berated the Benin Electric Distribution Company (BEDC) over poor performance and nonchalant attitude of the BEDC Ezenei office towards the restoration of light to the Ezenei community ,noting that the situation is becoming a threat to the development of the state.
He maintained that BEDC’s epileptic power supply, high estimated billings, abandonment of their responsibilities to consumers, and workers’ nonchalant attitude towards consumers were the causes of economic under-development in the state. He lamented that no industry or economic investment could survive in the state with the way and manner BEDC is operating-without effective power supply.
According to him, “They are failing us. There is no 24 hours power supply in Asaba and environs. The situation, it was learnt, has forced some residents, particularly artisans who need electricity to ply their trades to relocate from the area.
Those who have no choice but to remain in the community, it was further gathered, have been spending a fortune on fuel to power their generating sets in other to continue to carry out their commercial activities, thereby incurring huge costs. He said, “No sane human being wants to stay where there is no electricity when there is an option of getting a better life somewhere else.
“For over seven months, no electricity, and the price of fuel has been increasing. Generally, the community is not conducive for people to live in again. We are calling on the state governor, to come to the rescue because BEDC as a company has failed us. “We have made a lot of efforts to repair our old COLBOL 1 transformer since BEDC has abandoned the entire EZENEI Community for Seven months without any solution .
“When we asked BEDC Electricity Plc to know what was delaying the connection, they told us that they didn’t have the resources and since BEDC has abandoned their responsibilities to consumers, we are appealing to the state government, member representing Oshimili South at the Delta State House of Assembly to come to our aid as BEDC is frustrating all our efforts. The power outage had heightened insecurity in the EZENEI Community and, several efforts to ensure the electricity company addressed their plight have been without luck.
We have no choice but to let the world know of the parlous state of electricity supply to our towns(Asaba) the total blackout that EZENEI Community residents are currently experiencing and the attendant negative impact on businesses and social activities in the community.”
The Ezenei BEDC office cannot continue to grandstand when clearly, they are grossly inefficient and incompetent. Ezenei BEDC office is the most unpopular and unwanted office in EZENEI Community today. The oppression from BEDC is becoming something else. “Customers have been forced to buy transformers and subjected to all forms of illegal collections. We can nolonger continue to live in pains and agony, BEDC must Bring Back Our Light. A word is enough for the wise.
By: Ike Philip Abiagom [dropcap]R[/dropcap]esidents of Ezenei community in Asaba in the Oshiimili South Local Government Area, in Delta State Capital tertiary, are currently lamenting following a seven months blackout currently being witnessed in the area. The situation, it was learnt, has forced some residents, particularly artisans who need electricity to ply their trades to relocate from the area.
Those who have no choice but to remain in the community, it was further gathered, have been spending a fortune on fuel to power their generating sets in other to continue to carry out their commercial activities, thereby incurring huge costs.
Grassroots Publishers online gathered that the community had been without electricity since April 2023.
A landlord in the community who identified himself simply as Okey, told our correspondent on Thursday that the condition forced him to go and rent an apartment in another location.
He said, “No sane human being wants to stay where there is no electricity when there is an option of getting a better life somewhere else.
“For over seven months, no electricity, and the price of fuel has been increasing. Generally, the community is not conducive for people to live in. I had to leave my place to rent an apartment somewhere else.”
When contacted, the Acting Chairman of Ezenei Community Development Association, BEDC Electricity Plc, COLBOL 1 transformer, told our correspondent that the situation had crippled many businesses with “owners opting for factory work to survive.”
“Electricity has not been supplied to the community since April this year. Some landlords and tenants have moved out of Ezenei because of the situation. The economy of the community is nothing to write home about,” he said.
He added, “We have made a lot of efforts to repair our old COLBOL 1 transformer since BEDC has abandoned the entire EZENEI Community for Seven months without any solution .
“When we asked BEDC Electricity Plc to know what was delaying the connection, they told us that they didn’t have the resources. So, the community decided to contribute money to make sure that the project was done.
“We have done that but unfortunately, the project is being delayed by because BEDC is frustrating all our effects. In a protest letter addressed to the Regional Manager of the BEDC Electricity Plc, Asaba, the residents of COLBOL 1 transformer complained that the power outage had heightened insecurity in the EZENEI Community and, several efforts to ensure the electricity company addressed their plight have been without luck.
The letter, signed by the chairman , on behalf of EZENEI Community, stated that the residents have no other choice than to stage a mass protest soon to express their grievances at the BEDC Electricity Plc in Asaba, Government house and Delta State House of Assembly.
The letter reads: “After exploiting all avenues of amity to bring sanity to our relationship by reinstalling electricity supply to our communities with no success in view, we have no choice but to organise a procession spanning protests to let the world know of the parlous state of electricity supply to our towns.”
He described as “unacceptable, the total blackout that EZENEI Community residents are currently experiencing and the attendant negative impact on businesses and social activities in the community.”
The gross inefficiency of EZENEI BEDC Electricity Plc management is very glaring in Delta State and I am glad that the state governor has spoken the minds of all Delta people concerning how they feel about the electricity distribution company.”
He urged BEDC to review its business model and harken to the voice of the people before the company is thrown out of the state as its growing unpopularity can earn it a major public relations disaster.
The Ezenei BEDC office cannot continue to grandstand when clearly, they are grossly inefficient and incompetent. Ezenei BEDC office is the most unpopular and unwanted office in EZENEI Community today. Ask the market women, small and medium scale business owners about the Ezenei BEDC office, they all have very harsh things to say about them for keeping them perpetually in darkness.”
He added that Ezenei people are very hospitable and accommodating, but warned the management of BEDC “not to take the people’s hospitality for granted.”
He advised BEDC not to wait for its current unpopularity to degenerate into a crisis before resorting to a reactive public relations strategy, instead, the agency should be proactive and restore the Ezenei Colbol 1 Transformer without further delay.
[dropcap] N[/dropcap]igeria’s Supreme Court on Thursday upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election win, bringing to an end a legal challenge brought by his two main rivals, who argued that his victory was marred by irregularities.
The ruling will give the 71-year-old Tinubu a clear mandate to govern Africa’s most populous nation, which is grappling with double-digit inflation, foreign currency shortages and a weakening naira, widespread insecurity and crude oil theft.
The judgment by seven Supreme Court judges, which is final, follows a pattern seen in previous presidential elections that have been challenged in court. None of the attempts to overturn results through the courts has been successful.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Supreme Court on Thursday described the argument of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party respectively that Bola Tinubu’s victory should be nullified because he did not score 25% of the votes cast in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The apex court made this known in its ruling on the appeal trial initiated by Atiku and Obi.The presiding justice said, “Let me drive this matter home. The poser rendered by the learned senior counsel for the second respondent in the brief comes handy. Assuming that the candidate scores the highest number of votes in the presidential election and has 25% of 1/4 of votes in 30 out of 36 States and Abuja but failed to secure 25% in the FCT. Are we saying that he cannot be president? Is that what the Constitution intended? I don’t think so.
“The court below made it very clear when it held that if the framers of the constitution had wanted to make the scoring of 1/4 of votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory a specific requirement for the return of a presidential candidate, they would have made that intention plain by using words that clearly separate the scoring of 1/4 of votes in the Federal Capital Territory as a distinct requirement.
“And of course, the above decision of the lower court is unassailable and I have no difficulty in agreeing with it.”
The apex court therefore resolved the matter against the appellants.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the real estate management sector, one name you cannot simply ignore is the Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd, a real estate development company with a large portfolio of luxury homes and apartments. Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd is reputed for its high quality finishing where intelligent designs meet aesthetics to create the perfect backdrop for the modern lifestyle. Owned by very enterprising and innovative Lucky Blessing Abuah, Hen-Ric Empire has continuously and successfully shaped new lifestyles with a focus on design excellence, space, and has built quality at an affordable price. The CEO, Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd, Mr Lucky Blessing Abuah belongs to the rare breed of young entrepreneurs who can turn stones to diamonds.
Abuah said these in a recent interview with newsmen, revealing that Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd had plans to diversify its operations in order to tackle larger and more complex projects. Lucky Abuah is making huge steps to ensure an excellent career, with the zeal to create a niche that is yet building for them a channel to create impact and remain unequivocally relevant. In a recent interview with him, we discovered some of the huge strides the young man had attained over the years.
During the interview, he disclosed how he has continued to nurture a quite successful career in Real Estate Development and Entrepreneurship. Although, he told Newsbreeze Magazine Crew that before moving into the real estate industry, he had earlier been engaged in the Hotel Accommodation consultancy and security services in Nigeria.
Below are the juicy excerpts as told by the man who has fought so many wars and won all:
Can you tell us about your background and how you ventured into the Real Estate industry?
My name is Lucky Blessing Odiakachukwu Abuah from Ezukwu/Anyalobum Village in Ibusa Community, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State. I had a tough childhood upbringing and it helped me all my working life. I have not honestly taken annual leave or months off work. I just enjoy working. That is the first contradiction about me.I started out as a Rental Agent back which played a pivotal role before I transitioned into the Sales of properties, I gradually transmuted into an astute Real Estate Developer which birthed Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited. It’s been an extensive process for me. They say you don’t grow big to manage well, you manage well to grow big. Over the years I have learnt and honed numerous skills. From leadership, team building, communication, sales and marketing, people skills the list goes on.
Sir, you are recognized as one of the Most Distinguished CEOs to look out for in 2023. What does it take to be successful in a business environment like Nigeria?
Well, thank you very much for this opportunity and privilege accorded me and my company, it’s a privilege and an honour, so I say a very big thank you to the editorial board of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers (ACNPN).But I must say that one person does not and cannot make success because there’s nothing like self-made success or millionaire, it takes a team effort among other success factors
Here in Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited, I can’t acclaim the success to myself because the success of the company (or my success so to speak) is built on team spirit, trust, dedication to work among other factors. I must also mention here that the management team of this company played a vital role in this professed success.
Again, it takes team spirit to build success in an environment like Nigeria among other factors of success such as dedication, trust, hard work, commitment to your goal etc.
Give us a background of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited
Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited was basically incorporated to solve housing problems in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. I have always been an investor, investing in stocks and shares and having an eye in real estate but for capital, but honestly, these words inspired to me delve into real estate, just to solve this pending time bomb, and of course as an entrepreneur we turn every passion into a business.
Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited is built on this premise, playing its role to solve a possible housing deficit problem in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
What is the Vision and Mission of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited and how much of it would you say has been achieved?
Our vision is simply to be the most foremost real estate service provider, providing housing and real estate services at a world-class standard.
And our Mission; To provide real estate services, making housing affordable to all in a profitable, standard, ethical and sustainable manner.
So far, I would say we are yet to achieve it, because if we have, then, there is no need to remain in business, however, we are proud to say that we have made many Landlord today, even those that never believe they can be landlord owing to their income level, but right now they can be proud to say “With Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited, I am a Landlord.”
Tell us about the services you render at Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited.
Basically we sell lands and properties, developing new lands/estate. We also do property documentation, lands surveying, property management/maintenance, architectural/structural designs, constructions and other real estate services. We make owning landed properties easy irrespective of your income level, social status, educational qualification or any other limiting factor.
How have been sustaining the good performance of your company over the years despite the challenges in the country?
Sustaining good performance in business in a country like Nigeria I must say is like cracking a hard nut, but in anyways, the hard nut needs to be cracked when doing business.
Talking about how, honestly I can’t point out a single factor but I must say that we learn to understand business and market dynamics, know the competition and our competitors and find ways to improve our visibility in our way to gain some level of market share and most especially we improve on our service delivery to maintain and satisfy our customers.
In the face of a competitive business environment in Nigeria, Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited has upheld excellence and good corporate governance. What are the factors responsible for this feat?
Well thank you very much for this remark but I must say that we are yet to attain excellence because I know we still have much work to do especially when facing the supposed giants in the real estate industry, however, if I must say; we have a clear strategy and we try as much as we can to deliver on every promise to our clients.
More so, we ensure discipline and commitment to our corporate goal.
The incidence of collapsed buildings has been attributed to private developers. What is your take on this?
Truly, building collapse can be easily traced to private developers and of course in Nigeria, it is very easy to cast blame when something or anything goes wrong but the fact remains that there are so many other players in the real estate sector and there are so many other factors that can constitute building collapse, though some of this factors can be avoided when there is proper due diligence at every phase of the building.
Well, Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited is building on this failure made by some other private developers and as such we have put up a qualified team of experts that handles all projects and every material purchased must meet the specified standard without any form of compromise whether from client, suppliers or contractors.
Sir, where do you hope to see Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited in the near future
woow… This is a wow question…. I see Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited becoming a household name in the real estate industry. I see Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited among the biggest and second to none real estate companies in Nigeria and beyond. I see 80% of Nigerians investing and/or owning property or portfolio with Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited… the list is endless my brother.
What is your take on the ease of doing business in Nigeria with particular reference to your line of business.
To this question, I will say it is tough doing business in Nigeria, this can be largely traced to the dwindling Naira fall against the dollar. Our economy seems to be built around the dollar and the fall of Naira against the dollar is affecting every sector of the Nigerian economy and let’s not forget that Nigeria seems to be a consuming economy so to speak and not producing. This means virtually everything in Nigeria is imported hence the fall of Naira and it’s really affecting our economy.
No wonder the world bank ranked Nigeria 131st out of 190 countries in 2019 in terms of ease of doing business, I think these statistics says it all.
Referencing it to real estate, the fact is this, real estate is not an essential commodity like rice, garri and the likes, only those who have eaten enough at least can delve or invest in real estate, this means when the economy is not friendly or when a common man has not eaten enough he cannot invest or go into real estate business, however, real estate being a perfectly competitive business according to an economist, that allows for free entry and free exit, anybody with enough capital can invest or go into real estate.
Please share with us your corporate social responsibility?
In many ways, I can’t start mentioning, we have affected our societies positively especially in the various environment where we are developing new lands. Like I said I can’t start mentioning all that, but the thing there is, we are rolling out more plans to impact society and our community in bigger ways come 2024.
What is your advice for Nigeria youth on career pursuit?
Honestly, when it comes to the issue of the youth, in recent times I get scared and worried, why because our youth are no more learning trades or going to school, they say school is a scam and learning a trade is a waste of time.
Anyways, my advice, there is no shortcut to success, internet fraud cannot and will never lead to success but rather to the destruction of both self and the economy. No economy is built on fraud, but rather on entrepreneurship, industrialization, education and the likes.
China is termed an economic giant today because of industrialization, no economy or future can be built on fraud.
No business grows without facing challenges. Tell us about your experience so far.
Truly, no business grows without facing challenges and here in Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited, we had our fair share of challenges and of course, these challenges come at every level of growth.
As a new brand in the market, coupled with stories of failed real estate companies, it was not easy selling, however with doggedness and resilience, selling our corporate values, we were able to break through the market.
And one thing that helped us through then was keeping to our promises. Promise little and delivering more, today we have records of clients across the continent not just in Nigeria.
More so, looking at the bureaucracy in land acquisition, land registration and land titling, this poses considerable difficulty in effective housing delivery, especially in urban cities. For instance, the process of obtaining a certificate of occupancy may take up to 2-5years following normal protocols and the cost is extremely high.
So if I must say there are challenges at every phase of the business, a wise man says, “new levels, new devils “but in anyways, we must conquer and deliver our mandate.
Lack of integrity and contract dishonour is a common feature of Nigeria Business. Tell us about the situation of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited?
integrity, if I must say, is lacking in the fabrics of an average Nigerian citizen, but you cannot do business without trust, so when it comes to this, we trust with our eyes open.But in Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited, we promise less and deliver more hence gaining the trust of our clients. We honour every contractual term and as a matter of fact, we love reducing all contracts to prints and/or get the endorsement of all involved, so every party involved is clear about his role, responsibility and liability with respect to the contract.
What are some of the significant challenges you have faced in the real estate industry in Nigeria?
One of Nigeria’s most significant challenges in the Real Estate industry is the lack of access to financing for developers and potential homeowners. There is also a lot of bureaucracy and red tape when obtaining necessary permits and approvals, making the development process more difficult and time-consuming. However I welcome the challenges. I’m not one to focus on problems, I see it as a waste of my mental strength; this does not go to say I ignore them, that said, I will rather focus on solving the problem. I am a solution-oriented mind.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward in your work?
My motivation comes from a desire to be the best I can be, to make a positive impact in the world, and to leave a lasting legacy. I am also motivated by my family, my team at Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited, and the numerous people who believe in our mission.
What one piece of advice would you give any aspiring developer reading this interview?
Believe in yourself. The sky is your limit. There’s something I hung in my office, ‘try to look at the earth from the moon, not from the earth to the moon”. That’s the kind of ambition we have here in Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited, and that’s what I recommend for young people. Don’t see limitations, don’t see challenges, see opportunities in everything. Believe in yourself. You will get there. To stand the test of time, you must have a unique identity and be able to create a captivating value proposition.
How can new clients contact your Company?
For new Clients seeking to engage with Hen-Ric Empire Garden services can easily reach us on the following phone numbers 070371185195,08020507344 and 09058829134. Instagram:empiregarden1 Facebook: Hen-ric Empire or Hen-Ric Empire Garden Website: Henricempiregarden.com
What is the most interesting thing about you and your company?
I am spontaneous; and difficult to contain in a box. I evolve quickly and respond to situations because I adapt quickly. It puts so much pressure on people who work with me because I can be very calculating. My instinct is always to come up with solutions in any situation. Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited love the process of turning a vast land of nothingness into a beautiful and luxurious structure which becomes amazing admiration.” He stated that his dream is to provide affordable luxury and quality homes in Nigeria.
Sir, you have been touching the lives of many people in your town, local government, Delta State and Nigeria in general through your foundation?
Yes, Lucky Abuah Foundation (LAF), is focused on society development and provides various forms of support to improve the lives of individuals within the Ibusa Community, Oshimili North Local Government, Delta State and Nigeria in general. We are committed to fulfilling our vision of creating a new and flourishing Ibusa, driven by peace and the empowerment of the less privileged. I have been helping people and will continue to do so because I promised my God that once he blesses me , I will give back to my people. My company Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited has empowered alots of youths in Ibusa and Delta State through skill acquisition and scholarship to alot of youth and we will continue to do more for our people as part of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited social responsibility to our communities.
Sir, What is your message to the youth?
Well, I’ll like to thank you for this. And I believe you’re also part of the youth, and I ask all of you to believe in yourselves. Nothing is impossible. You can overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow if you believe in your-self. if i can achieve success today with hard work every youth on the street will equally be great tomorrow. I appeal to our youth to embrace peace and not to get involved in crime and fraudulent activities. Thank you.
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[dropcap]V[/dropcap]ehicle Inspection Office (VIO) have no business inspecting vehicle papers on Nigerian roads, a Delta State Appeal Court has judged. The judgement follows a long-drawn case that started in 2014 involving Kunle Edun, the former publicity secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, in Delta State.
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enior Policy Adviser to Governor of Delta State, Rt(Hon) Funkekeme Solomon and the Internal Auditor of Federal Cooperative College Oji-River, Enugu State, Pst. Okeze Idowu will be the Keynote Speakers at the 2023 Community Newspaper Publishers under the aegis of Association Of Community Newspaper Publishers Of Nigeria (ACNPN) slated for Thursday,30th November 2023 at the Secretariat of Nigeria Union Of Journalists(NUJ) Press Centre along Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State.
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]esidents around GSM area of Asaba,Delta state capital, have raised a distressed alarm following new trend adopted by suspected criminals to rob them of their hard earned money.
For him, the three major purpose of existence on earth is to live a life of divine abundance; worship and love God as well as love our neighbours as ourselves.
Despite his love for philanthropy, he doesn’t like to make headlines for his charitable donations and other achievements, rather, he has registered his name in the heart of his people through his educational and poverty alleviation initiatives. Recently his foundation supplied school uniforms to all the primary schools in Ibusa and its environs.
Since the birth of the company, Hen-Ric Empire Garden Ltd’s strategy is to build trusting relationships by keeping to promises and even exceeding clients expectations with its properties spread across Delta State.
Obviously, the philanthropist has been doing so well as he has become a big player in the real estate industry. As an outstanding real estate developer who can boost of quality and functional estates in prime locations at affordable prices, he has become someone to be reckoned with.
The big one coming up this month of November at Asaba is the recognition by Association Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN), following Abuah’s outstanding contribution to the real estate industry in Delta State. He is to be honoured and decorated with the Award of Real Estate Person of the Yea
r.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t says so much about our country that the government as well as our Benin Electric Distribution Company (BEDC) appear oblivious to the monumental human misery (Blackout) in Ezenei Community, Given the magnitude of the catastrophe caused by BEDC to residents of Ezenei community in Asaba, the State government should have offered relief measures to residents for the pains and agony they are passing through for the past seven months. Under the aegis of Bring Back Our Light (BBOL), a pressure group campaigning for the restoration of light in the Ezenei – Asaba Combol 1 transformer since April 2023, accused BEDC of gross misconduct.
[dropcap] N[/dropcap]igeria’s Supreme Court on Thursday upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election win, bringing to an end a legal challenge brought by his two main rivals, who argued that his victory was marred by irregularities.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Supreme Court on Thursday described the argument of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party respectively that Bola Tinubu’s victory should be nullified because he did not score 25% of the votes cast in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Can you tell us about your background and how you ventured into the Real Estate industry?
Give us a background of Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited
Tell us about the services you render at Hen-Ric Empire Garden Limited.
The incidence of collapsed buildings has been attributed to private developers. What is your take on this?
Please share with us your corporate social responsibility?
