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Billionaire Businessman, Harry Akande, Battles Shoprite

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Billionaire Harry Ayoade Akande towers above many of his contemporaries, particularly because he has been in warm embrace of fame for many decades.

Beyond his famed status as a successful businessman, he has also remained very relevant owing to his uncommon brilliance, a quality that has endeared him to many across the globe.

The Agbaoye of Ibadan, who set out to pursue his dreams quite early in life, had served as a business advisor and consultant to many other businessmen, including governments of several nations.

The world-class businessman in the past has scored many firsts in the nation’s business climate to the envy of many of his competitors.

Indeed, he would have scored yet another first in 2005, as the South African retail store, Shoprite, had several meetings with  his company, AIC Limited, and agreed  his company would be the exclusive operator and manager of its brand across West Africa, except Ghana where the Shoprite brand was already established.

Consequently , there were a series of business meetings between Akande’s representatives and Shoprite Checkers first in South Africa on April 16, 1998 and then at Akande’s office in Victoria Island, Lagos on May 27, 1998.

Shoprite was also said to have flown in representatives who were shown possible locations for retail stores at some locations ,including Lekki Roundabout, Trade fair Complex and Lagos National Theatre, Iganmu.

But  when the South African retail giant was ready to commence operations in Nigeria, it allegedly sidelined Akande’s AIC and incorporated another company, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, and began using the new entity to operate in Nigeria, thereby breaching agreements between them.

The billionaire was upset and this led to a prolonged legal battle with Akande securing a 2018 major victory against the South African retail group for breaching contract between both parties in Suit No LD/488/2010 —AIC Limited (Claimant) v Shoprite Checkers (PTY) Ltd of South Africa and Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (Defendants).

However, Shoprite owners appealed the judgement, while the Ibadan, Oyo State-born billionaire secured another victory  in May 2020  at the appellate court.

Though the three-man panel of Court of Appeal , Lagos Division, didn’t agree to Akande’s cross appeal, demanding 50 per cent of $92.3million as loss of profit he suffered due to the incorporation of Retail Supermarkets Limited, it unanimously affirmed the judgment of a Lagos High Court that awarded $10 million (N4.7 billion) damages against Shoprite Checkers (PTY) Limited.

Apart from the $10 million award, the court had directed the South African retail giant to pay 10 percent per annum on the damages, with effect from the date of judgment until the final liquidation of the entire sum.

Consequently, the shrewd businessman has initiated a fresh legal battle  at the Federal High Court to halt Shoprite Checkers’ exit moves out of Nigeria until the entire sum demanded is paid to the last kobo.

The billionaire, through his company, has got an ex-parte application for an order of Mareva Injunction restraining the South African retail giant, its privies, officers, nominees, successors-in-title, subsidiaries or anyone acting through it or by it from transferring, assigning, charging, disposing of its trademark, franchise and intellectual property in a manner that will alter, dissipate or remove these non-cash assets from the court’s jurisdiction.

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Nigerian born, Serumu Igberadja, Makes history, assumes  office as IVETA President

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Nigerian born Serumu Igberadja has  made his history as he assumed office as   President of the International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) USA.  Igberadja who was  also the former Vice President of IVETA  East and West Africa, and the CEO of Think TVET Global Consult and Edu Tour Global Limited assumed office January 1st 2025.

With his assumption as the president  of IVETA he becomes the first from West Africa to assumed such position.

The Delta State born is also the Director of International Relations and Business Development at Whitecloud TVET Solutions Ltd.

Igberadja who has  Bachelor of Science  (Ed) and M.Sc in Technical Education and Industrial Technology respectively is a youth leader and a community development advocate who  has special interest in good governance, non-violence, community development, quality education, vocational skills development, sustainable livelihood, and economic development.

Igberadja  is also an Alumnus of the Prestigious International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States Department of State Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

He has an interest in contributing his expertise to the growth and development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for sustainable development across the globe. He is a member of the UNESCO UNEVOC Forum and Skillman International Forum (SIF) Italy. As well, an Assistant Journalist in the Lucubrate Magazine and the Coordinator for the Lucubrate Project Nigeria.

Serumu Igberadja has facilitated several workshops, conferences, and partnerships to promote and advance TVET for sustainable livelihood and development. Notable partnerships with  Lucubrate NKB Norway and University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN), IVETA and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), IVETA and UNN UNEVOC Centre, IVETA and Ese Odo Local Government Council, and Linkages with TVET Equipment Manufacturers in Europe, Asia, and America such as Delorenzo Italy, Labtech International, Tesca India, Lucas-Nülle Germany, Lexsolar Germany, and Edibon Spain.

He has featured as Keynote Speaker in several TVET and Youth Development Workshops and Conferences, his recent outing was his participation as Moderator for   ‘Socio Professional Integration in TVET’ at the 2022 WorldSkills Africa Conference held at Swakopmund Namibia organised by the Namibia Training Authority, Keynote Speaker at the 2022 IVETA Las Vegas Conference, the US Africa Institute side event of the 2023 US Africa Leaders’ Summit Washington DC, Official Observer at Worldskills Lyon.

He is expected to rule over  the affairs of IVETA for the next 12 months.

 

During his inaugural speech he promised to enhance global TVET systems by promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing diverse needs to create impactful, sustainable outcomes. While he also highlighted his strategic priorities for IVETA in the next one year, such as Global Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with governments, institutions, industries, and global organizations like UNESCO, ILO, and World Bank to drive TVET advancements worldwide, Quality Improvement: Enhancing TVET programs to prepare graduates for the global workforce, focusing on teacher training, student outcomes, and institutional excellence.

  1. Advocacy and Awareness: Promoting positive perceptions of TVET through targeted campaigns, workshops, and community engagement across all regions.
  2. Resource Mobilization: Securing grants and funding to support initiatives that benefit diverse member regions.
  3. Governance and Representation: Ensuring balanced regional representation, strong governance, and efficient resource management to align with IVETA’s mission.

 

IVETA is a network of vocational educators. Its  network includes vocational skills training organisations, business and industrial firms, and individuals and groups interested or involved in vocational education and training worldwide.

It is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of high-quality vocational education and training throughout the world.

 

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Dr. Babatunde Onadeko Appointed as Chairman of AERMP Public Sector Committee

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The Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP), Nigeria’s leading body for risk management practice, has announced the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Onadeko as the new Chairman of its Public Sector Committee.

Dr. Onadeko, who also serves as the Chief of Staff to Distinguished Senator His Excellency Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, was inaugurated during the AERMP’s 2024 Year-End Conference and Induction of new members held on Saturday, 14th December, at Victoria Island, Lagos.

The ceremony was graced by notable figures in the industry, including AERMP President Mrs. S. Taiwo Ige, Director-General Olayinka Odutola, and several past and present leaders from related professional bodies like CIBN and the Chartered Institute of Directors.

Notable attendees included Prof. Deji Olanrewaju, Alh. Tijanni Borodo, Dr. Uche Messiah Olowu, Prof. Segun Ajibola, and Dr. Uju Ogubunka.

The event also saw Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres, delivering a keynote address, while Mrs. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard, was inaugurated to lead the Women in Risk Management initiative.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Onadeko, a distinguished fellow of the AERMP, expressed his commitment to leveraging his extensive experience to meet the committee’s objectives, aiming to enhance public sector risk management practices across Nigeria.


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From Business Maverick to Seasoned Politician: The Enduring Legacy of Otunba Gbenga Daniel

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In the archives of The Guardian newspaper, a publication dated February 29, 1988, reveals a fascinating story of a young and ambitious businessman, Mr. Gbenga Daniel. At the time, Daniel was the General Manager of H.F-Schroeder (W.A) Limited, a company that distributed Express and Sabiem lifts, Demag cranes, and Hoists.

The article highlights Daniel’s business acumen and strategic vision as he embarked on a European tour to explore new business opportunities. His itinerary included meetings with officials from Express Lift Company Limited in Northampton, Morganite International Limited in London, and Onan International in Peterborough.

Little did anyone know that this young businessman would go on to achieve greatness in multiple fields. After leaving Schroeder, Daniel established his own company, Kresta Laurel Ltd which became the first indigenous lift company in Nigeria. This bold move marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would take him to the pinnacle of success.

Today, Mr. Gbenga Daniel is known as Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), a renowned politician who has made an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. A two-time governor of Ogun State, OGD has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service and his ability to drive positive change.

Currently, OGD serves as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the good people of Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. His dedication to his constituents and his passion for nation-building have earned him a reputation as a respected and effective leader.

As we reflect on OGD’s remarkable journey, we are reminded that success is often the result of hard work, determination, and a willingness to take calculated risks. From his humble beginnings as a young businessman to his current status as a respected politician, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and leadership


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