logo
Nigeria: Credit Ratings reflect our strong financial position—Odu'a Investment boss

Nigeria: Credit Ratings reflect our strong financial position—Odu'a Investment boss

Zawyaa day ago
The Group Chairman of Odu'a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Chief Bimbo Ashiru, has described the recent upgrade of the company's corporate credit rating to 'Aa-' by Agusto & Co. as a reflection of the strong financial position, operational resilience, and sound governance structure it has consistently upheld.
Ashiru, who made these remarks at the Ground-Breaking Ceremony of the redevelopment of Obafemi Awolowo House into Awolowo Technology Mall, in Lagos, believed the rating was also a testament to the confidence reposed in the company's strategic direction, and a reinforcement of its credibility before its stakeholders, partners, and the financial markets.
The two-term Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State also used the opportunity of the event to restate the Group's resolve at preserving its heritage and repositioning its assets for relevance and value in the current and future marketplace.
According to him, the transformation and redevelopment of the 47-year-old Awolowo House into a five-storey ultra-modern technology mall, was one of the company's ways of aligning its legacy with the future, and ensuring that what was once iconic remains impactful.
The OICL boss described the project as the outcome of the company's strategic shift from passive asset management to proactive, value-driven real estate investment, under the leadership of its flagship real estate subsidiary, Wemabod Limited.
'The Awolowo Tech Mall, when completed, will serve as a catalyst for commercial activities in the Ikeja Central Business District and a launchpad for youth innovation, business incubation, and technology-driven enterprise. It is, in every sense, a project that aligns with our investment philosophy—sustainable, inclusive, and impact-oriented,' he added.
In his remarks at the event, the CEO, Wemabod Nigeria, Bashir Oladunni, explained that the redevelopment became imperative to enable the company to align with the urban infrastructure efforts of the Lagos State government, which, he noted, that continued to evolve.
He added that with the new planning permissions and the repositioning of Ikeja Central Business District, the company, in partnership with El-Salem Nigeria Limited, would be transforming the historic site into a 21st-Century digital and commercial powerhouse.
Bashir described the new structure, which would, more than double the commercial space from 4,800 sqm to approximately 9,000 sqm, as aligning with Wemabod's strategic direction to increase market share and contribute meaningfully to the state's economic development.
Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

State Minister Calls for Rigor and Responsibility in Economic Discourse at Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) Conference
State Minister Calls for Rigor and Responsibility in Economic Discourse at Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) Conference

Zawya

time3 hours ago

  • Zawya

State Minister Calls for Rigor and Responsibility in Economic Discourse at Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) Conference

State Minister of Finance, Dr. Eyob Tekalign, opened the 22nd International Conference on the Ethiopian Economy, organized by the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA). In his keynote address, Dr. Eyob praised the EEA for its consistent contribution to policy-relevant research over more than two decades, highlighting the Association's role as a vital platform for evidence-based economic dialogue. In his opening speech the state minister conveyed a strong message on the importance of professionalism, analytical rigor, and responsible communication in shaping the nation's economic future. The State Minister also outlined the progress Ethiopia has made under its ongoing macroeconomic reform program, noting significant gains in inflation control, export performance, debt sustainability, and tax revenue mobilization. Beyond the macroeconomic achievements, Dr. Eyob shed light on a growing challenge in the public policy space: the need for clarity, integrity, and responsibility in economic analysis and communication. 'In recent months, we have witnessed how unclear communication or imprecise use of statistics, particularly around sensitive issues such as debt sustainability, can sow confusion and erode public confidence,' Dr. Eyob remarked. 'In today's fast-moving information environment, rigor and clarity are not optional—they are essential.' He emphasized the EEA's unique responsibility as a trusted and independent economic institution to uphold the highest standards of analysis and avoid sensationalism or politicized interpretations. Dr. Eyob underscored the Ministry of Finance's readiness to deepen collaboration with the EEA and other institutions that share a commitment to informed, evidence-based policymaking. The annual international Conference on the Ethiopian Economy brings together leading economists, academics, policymakers, and practitioners to deliberate on key economic developments and policy directions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia.

President Boakai Departs Liberia to Attend West Africa Economic Summit in Nigeria
President Boakai Departs Liberia to Attend West Africa Economic Summit in Nigeria

Zawya

time4 hours ago

  • Zawya

President Boakai Departs Liberia to Attend West Africa Economic Summit in Nigeria

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., departed the country earlier today, June 19, 2025, to participate in the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), taking place from June 20–21, 2025, in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The West Africa Economic Summit brings together Heads of State, senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the region to explore strategies for accelerating trade, investment, and regional integration. The summit is a key platform for shaping policies and partnerships that promote sustainable economic growth, job creation, and industrial development across West Africa. President Boakai is scheduled to address the WAES Forum, where he will articulate Liberia's vision for economic transformation and present investment opportunities in critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, and digital innovation. He will also hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with fellow regional leaders, investors, and institutions to advance Liberia's development agenda and secure meaningful economic partnerships. The WAES is being convened in fulfillment of a commitment made by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his chairmanship of ECOWAS in 2023 to organize a special summit focused on trade and investment in the region. The forum will culminate in the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, June 22, where leaders will deliberate on pressing regional issues including economic cooperation, peace and security, and sustainable development. The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the following officials: 1. Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti – Minister of Foreign Affairs 2. Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan – Minister of Finance and Development Planning 3. Hon. Magdalene Dagoseh – Minister of Commerce 4. Hon. Alexander Nuetah – Minister of Agriculture 5. Hon. Wilmot Paye – Minister of Mines and Energy 6. Hon. Jerolinmek Piah – Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture 7. Hon. Jeff Blibo – Chairman, National Investment Commission 8. Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah – Minister of State Without Portfolio for Special Services 9. Hon. Samuel Kofi Woods II – National Security Advisor 10. Hon. Morley Kamara – Senior Economic Advisor to the President 11. Hon. Sekou Dukuly – Managing Director, National Port Authority 12. Hon. Amos Tweh – Managing Director, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company 13. Hon. Christopher Onanuga – Special Envoy for Tourism 14. Hon. Mohammed Bah – Special Envoy for Trade and Investments This President is also traveling with his teams on communication, security and protocol. While the President is away, the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, will chair the Cabinet in consultation with the President via telephone, ensuring continued oversight and coordination of national governance. Following the conclusion of the summit, the President and his delegation will return to Liberia on Monday, June 23, 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Upstream Momentum Builds in Ghana as Eni Declares Eban-Akoma Commercial and Tullow, Kosmos Extend Licenses
Upstream Momentum Builds in Ghana as Eni Declares Eban-Akoma Commercial and Tullow, Kosmos Extend Licenses

Zawya

time6 hours ago

  • Zawya

Upstream Momentum Builds in Ghana as Eni Declares Eban-Akoma Commercial and Tullow, Kosmos Extend Licenses

Ghana's oil and gas sector is showing clear signs of resurgence, underscored by Eni's recent declaration of commerciality for the Eban-Akoma complex in the Cape Three Points Block 4. Estimated to hold between 500 and 700 million barrels of oil equivalent, the find marks the country's largest offshore discovery in years and lies adjacent to Eni's existing Sankofa production hub, allowing for rapid and cost-efficient development. The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of Africa's energy sector, welcomes and strongly supports this development as a significant step forward in Ghana's upstream revival. Together with other recent industry milestones – including 15-year license extensions granted to Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy – it signals growing confidence in Ghana's potential and stands as a testament to the bold measures taken by President John Mahama's administration to restore momentum and investor trust in the sector. Ghana Secures Long-Term Energy Commitments Last month, Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy – alongside partners PetroSA, Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) and Explorco – signed a Memorandum of Understanding to secure the extension of petroleum licenses in the Jubilee and TEN fields through 2040. While the Eban-Akoma discovery points to Ghana's geological upside, the agreement with Tullow and Kosmos underscores the country's institutional capacity to drive and sustain long-term energy growth. At the center of both developments is a renewed focus on production-led investment. Eni is preparing a development plan to bring its new find online, while Tullow and Kosmos have committed up to $2 billion to drill 20 new wells in Jubilee. These aren't speculative ventures – they're anchored in existing infrastructure, supported by regulatory clarity and structured to deliver returns for both investors and the Ghanaian state. The resulting uplift in oil and gas production will expand the country's revenue base through GNPC equity, royalties and taxes – laying the groundwork for greater investment in national development priorities such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. Crucially, Ghana's ability to secure long-term upstream commitments also sends a strong signal to global markets that the country is stable, serious and investment-ready. Expanded Output to Power Industry and Jobs Energy security is also central to both projects. Eni already supplies a large portion of Ghana's domestic gas needs, and Eban-Akoma will enhance that capacity. ​​Under the extended production license agreement, Tullow and Kosmos have committed to delivering 130 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from the Jubilee and TEN fields, supported by a restructured pricing and payment model that enhances access for power producers and industrial users. These volumes are vital for stabilizing the power sector, strengthening energy-intensive industries and supporting job creation. With sustained drilling and field optimization, Ghana's proven and probable reserves will continue to grow, further strengthening its resource base and outlook. Ghana's institutional capacity also stands to benefit. Partnerships between Eni, Tullow and Kosmos and national bodies like GNPC and the Petroleum Commission include frameworks for knowledge transfer, technical support and regulatory alignment – all of which strengthen the country's ability to manage its energy resources. Eni's ongoing expansion, along with Tullow and Kosmos' drilling programs, is expected to directly and indirectly support thousands of jobs across engineering, logistics, fabrication and services, while creating new opportunities for Ghanaian companies to play a greater role in the oil and gas value chain. 'Ghana is proving that a clear regulatory environment, strong national institutions and consistent political will can unlock real energy growth,' said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. 'The Eban-Akoma discovery and the government's smart approach to extending production at Jubilee and TEN are exactly the kinds of moves that send a message to global investors: Ghana is open for business and serious about long-term energy security.' As Ghana works to revitalize its upstream sector and accelerate economic growth, these commitments represent crucial milestones that strengthen the country's reputation as a dependable oil and gas producer while driving energy security, building institutional capacity, creating jobs and fueling sustainable development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store