58
THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 17, 2012
Business News
PHOTO SHOP
•From left: Governor Kayode Fayemi, Guest Speaker, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu, President, Governing Council, Academy for Entreprenuerial Studies (AES) Excellence Club and Dr. (Mrs) Nike Akande, Chairman AES, during the monthly Business Luncheon organised by the Academy in Lagos, recently
Fayemi markets Ekiti to prospective investors
D
ETERMINED to make Ekiti State the destination of choice for old and prospective investors, the state government has put measures in place aimed at encouraging businesses across all sectors, the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has said. The governor dropped this hint in Lagos, as one of the guest speakers at the monthly Business Luncheon organised by the Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies Excellence Club. Fayemi, in his presentation entitled: “Ekiti State: Investment Opportunities and Challenges”, said investment opportunities abound in the state largely described as the “Intellectual capital of the nation” on account the devotion and commitment to scholarly endeavours by the indigenes of the state. According to Fayemi, “Although Ekiti is one of the smallest states in the country but it is bigger than 13 African countries like Gabon, Namibia to mention just a few. As a largely agrarian economy, we have a lot to offer the rest of the country and even beyond.” While recounting that his government mooted the idea of going to raise the sum of
Stories by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf
N25billion from the capital market in order to get additional fund for development projects, he said the effort has paid off judging by the different ongoing projects that dots the landscape. Citing a World Bank report which ranked Ekiti as 24th in terms of competitiveness and conducive business environment, an elated Fayemi said: “Today, this is the only state where you can obtain a Certificate of Occupancy in less than 30 days. But there is a caveat: you must explore the land within the next 12 months.” Expatiating, he said: “It might interest you to note that Ekiti is today one huge construction site with projects strewn all over parts of the state. We are expanding investment in education, we are also focusing on agriculture with emphasis on commercial farming, oil palm produce, cassava, rice, cocoa, mineral resources as well as focusing on our tourism potentials”, he stressed. While admitting that, “The challenges are enormous”, he was, however, quick to add that “the opportunities are great for those who are ready to take calculated risk.”
He urged the AES members to lend the necessary support towards helping the state to achieve its objectives, especially prospective investors, who he assured, were guaranteed quick returns on investment. Speaking earlier, Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc and STB-MCCANN, who presented a paper entitled: “Corporate Branding As a tool for Effective Positioning in the Market Place”, harped on the importance of corporate branding to any organisation. He urged organisations whether at the public or private sector not to starve their corporate branding in the interest of others. In her remarks, Chief Nike Akande, Chairman, AES Excellence Club, who recalled that the AES came on stream barely two years ago, said it was heartening to note that it has achieved modest success thus far. Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu, President, Governing Council, AES Excellence Club, said the club currently boasts of men and women in top positions of responsibilities, an indication that the club is being reckoned with by all well-meaning Nigerians.
Foundation, others seek investment at forum
T •From left: West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) President, Prince Rasaq 'Kunle Quadri presenting a plaque to the Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Alhaji Kabir Muhammed Mashi during a courtesy visit to the Service in Abuja recently
HE need for business organisations to be more proactive in carrying out their social responsibilities in their operating communities has once again been lauded at this year’s UTurn Africa Forum. The forum was a gathering of indigenous philanthropy organisations which include the TY Danjuma Foundation, Tony Elumelu Foundation and the MTN Foundation; leaders in the oil and gas, banking and telecommunication sectors. The forum discussed extensively the concept of impact investment in Nigeria and Africa. According to Mrs. Doyin
Olutona, the Co-Founder and CEO U-Turn Africa, the forum could not have come at a better time. “We want to turn things around in Africa. We want to turn around how people do their businesses in Africa. We want African countries to become first world nations and no longer third world or perpetually developing nations. We really want African countries to be developed through the right way and with the right impact,” Olutona said. In the key note address, Mr. Christian Wessels, Partner, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, challenged businesses to take the bull by the
horn by not just showing interest in doing their businesses but investing in all spheres contributing to growth. Other members of the panel include: Ms. Thelma Ekiyor, Pioneering Executive Director, TY Danjuma Foundation, Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Doug Barnett, Lead Social Business Development Officer, African Development Bank and Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, Executive Director Accion Nigeria, also stressed the need for making the most of investments coming into Africa in the interest of the continent.
60 firms compete for CSR awards
O •From left: Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Thelma Ekiyor, Pioneer Executive Director/CEO, TY Danjuma Foundation and Douglas Barnett, Lead Social Business Development Officer, Africa Development Bank at the U-Turn Africa Forum 2012 Seizing Momentum, Driving Change held at The Wheatbaker, Lagos, recently
T
HE reception area of your front office determines the first impression your business makes on clients, vendors and visitors. Carefully craft this area to be functional, professional and stylish. Various design elements such as color, materials, layout and branding can make a statement about the values of your company. Ensure that your reception area sends the right message by taking the time to thoroughly plan each detail of this important aspect of your office space. With the concept that the first impression is the most important, the front desk reception area for an office or hotel requires very close attention. The level of the attention to the overall plan may equate to a rise in sales or a loss of repeat business. There is also a certain amount of attention which must be paid to the minutest detail of the reception area to achieve a significant positive impact. Thus, the design for the reception area is crucial. When in doubt, an eclectic design theme is the best approach. Does this Spark an idea? Marble and Granite!!! Every front desk area needs several tables, high bars or a combination of both to accom-
VER 60 organisations have submitted their entries for the forthcoming corporate social responsibility awards, the flagship awards organised by TruContact Limited, a PR firm with a bias in monitoring and evaluating CSR
programmes across the public and organised private sectors. In a release made available to The Nation, the organisers said the roll-call of companies contesting for the various categories of award includes: MTN, Shell, Fidelity
Bank, Total, Promasidor, GT Bank and others. Tagged: “Creating Shared Value in a New Economy: Pushing Back The Frontiers”, the awards will take place on September 22, 2012 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
MARBLE AND GRANITE Office Reception Area - How to make a grand entrance modate clients who need to write checks, sit down for a drink, rearrange a bag and the like. Various types of tables work better together than others for an eclectic design theme. Search for tables which have legs of similar shapes, but different heights and unusual marble and granite surface shapes. Situate a table or two next to the various seating pools. Order high bar Marble or Granite counters custom made with bases that resemble the lines of the table legs. Cover all table surfaces with custom-cut marble or granite to avoid the added expense of repair and refinishing. With your office being a place where you spend time every day, it needs to be comfortable, practical and stylish. Because your office is also a reflection of who you are and how you work, you need to set a good impression for
your guests and employees by choosing the right office furniture. The number of choices available at chain stores and specialty office supply stores might seem overwhelming, but there are a number of tips and tricks you can use to ensure you are furnishing your office properly to meet your current and future needs. Put out some plants. Greenery is a simple and inexpensive way to brighten up any room. The best place to keep small plants is on a Marble side table where they can be out of the way and will not get knocked over. If you have a large floor plant, you can tuck it in the corner, out of the way. Choose a neutral paint for the walls. While it may seem boring, you can always For more information on Marble/Granite Care, Sales and pump up the style with other Delivery contact: Mike Anazodo – Email: items in the room. Neutral colors can complement anything. info@maldinimarbles.com, Tel: 01-8934967 . Maldini Paint is also easy to clean. Marble and Granite Company