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LANDMARK! Wike receives commendations for signing 1,000 CofOs to River Park Estate
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike has been commended for signing over one thousand Certificate of Occupancy to house owners in the sprawling River Park Estate, Abuja.
Mr. Paul Odili who now acquires full ownership of the estate commended the magnanimity of the minister in signing such a huge number of C- of- Os for an estate at once.
He said the kind gesture of the FCT minister will go a long way in encouraging investment in real estate and build robust confidence in house owners .
Odili on Saturday alongside other dignitaries at a brief ceremony held during a meeting at the estate handed over the Certificates to lucky house owners.
Lauding Wike, he said “the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike has graciously signed over a thousand Certificates of Occupancy for beneficiaries on River Park Estate.
“I want to commend him, appreciate him for this noble gesture. He has helped us build more confidence to invest in real estate in Nigeria, Abuja especially.
“And I want to use this medium to thank the Director of Land in the Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA) .
“He has done marvelously well in ensuring the signing of these C – of – Os and it has greatly helped our project on this Estate
“I also thank all staff of FCDA secretariat like the Urban and Regional Department, Mapping and Survey Department, Estate Department and most especially the Land Department. My sincere gratitude goes to the administration of the FCT.
On the issuance of the Certificates, Odili said “this meeting was called to give them their C- of- Os because it was given to us in trust for those who are beneficiaries.
“That is why we have to call the Press to witness that it was actually delivered as was agreed by the FCT administration that, I Paul Odili, the developer, should take it and give it to them because I am the one that allocated these properties to them and that is why I have to make sure it is seen by all, that they were delivered as told”
During the meeting, Odili informed investors in the estate that he has fully acquired 100 percent stake in the business and he owned the estate completely.
Speaking on the new ownership, Odili said “Houses for Africa Holdings was owned by John Townley- Johnson who has 80 percent stake and he became our international partner for the development of the estate.
“But now, he has sold all the shares owned by Houses for Africa to me and now, I Paul Odili is now 100 percent owner of the River Park Estate, Jonah Capital Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria.
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“Adrian Ogun was the founder of Jonah Capital before Houses for Africa Holdings came to invest here.
“Now, both of them have relinquished their shares to me. Payment has been made, agreement signed and by January 30th, 2025, I will become the 100 percent owner of River Park Estate”
Confirming the new ownership status, John Townley – Johnson said “we no longer have interest in Houses for Africa Nigeria and we have now transfered our rights to Mr. Paul Odili.
“We think it was the best thing to do because he is credible in the real estate developing sector.
“We have absolute confidence in him, Odili, to handle the business. I think his involvement shows that the houses will be completed to the standard he has set for the estate”.
Also, Mr. Adrian Ogun confirmed the new ownership and expressed confidence in the new ownership.
He said he has come a long way as business partner with Paul Odili and was sure that the estate is in a good hand and that house owners will enjoy full services for their investments in the estate.
Some of the lucky house owners whose certificates of occupancy were issued praised the sincerity of Mr. Odili in dealing with investors on the estate.
Engr. Benjamin Ogwuche, President of KRPC Cooperative Society, Kaduna said “this is dream come true. We have come a long way with Paulo Homes. We have over 100 properties here . I am delighted that our members own houses here. These C- of- Os issued to us today are proof of ownership”.
Mr. Daniel Okoebor said he felt very happy receiving the certificate. He said “this show that my investment is now secured. It shows that I have title document and that my house is safe”.
…Aig-Imoukhuede honoured as “Titan of the Year”
By Gloria Ikibah
Access Bank PLC has received the prestigious 2024 THISDAY Global Bank of the Year award in recognition of its transformative impact on the global banking industry.
Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, was also honoured with the THISDAY Titan of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the financial sector.
At the 2025 THISDAY Awards held in Lagos, Access Bank surpassed competitors such as the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM) and United Bank for Africa (UBA) to claim the highly coveted title. The event, marking the 30th anniversary of THISDAY Newspapers and the 12th anniversary of Arise News Channel, carried the theme “When the Going Gets Tough… The Tough Get Rewarded.”
Access Bank was lauded for its strategic growth, innovative leadership, and commitment to sustainability. It also received recognition for its technological advancements, clinching the 2024 Digital Jurist Award for Best Digital Bank.
In addition, the bank’s emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles earned it the 2024 Euromoney Award for Best Bank for ESG in Nigeria and Ghana. With an expanding international presence across Africa, Europe, and Asia, Access Bank continues to strengthen its global influence.
Managing Director Roosevelt Ogbonna, while accepting the award, credited the achievement to the bank’s stakeholders and stated, “This honour reflects decades of hard work and the vision of trailblazers like Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe. We dedicate this award to our customers and team members who inspire us daily.”
Aig-Imoukhuede, recognised alongside other top leaders, reflected on his career, thanking Prince Nduka Obaigbena for his mentorship and shared, “This recognition is a testament to perseverance and vision. I am grateful to stand among exceptional peers.”
The ceremony, attended by luminaries from the private and public sectors, celebrated excellence across industries and highlighted the impact of visionary leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in conducting a national population census in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance in establishing the country’s actual population.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct a biometric-based census, the Speaker described the exercise as long overdue.
He affirmed his commitment to engaging with the President, following consultations with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the matter.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the NPC board and management, led by Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra and Director-General Dr. Ojogun Tellson Osifo, the Speaker criticized the 19-year gap since the last census, calling it unacceptable for a nation of Nigeria’s size and significance.
Rep. Abbas noted that a fresh population census would help dispel doubts and counter claims of population overestimation by critics. The NPC chairman confirmed that the President had approved the biometric census to take place in 2025.
He said: “Statistics don’t lie,” expressing his belief that the biometric system is the only way to determine the actual population with less deployment of resources.
“I will be part of those who will engage Mr. President on the issue of conducting census this year”.
Speaket Abbas who noted that the budget of NPC was inadequate to conduct a successful census, said the Federal Government may consider other sources of funds, including the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
“I will see my counterpart in the Senate on how to see Mr President. It will be a historic thing in Nigeria while it would also be something that will immortalise his (President Tinubu’s) name”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of NPC briefed the Speaker on the plans for the census and the preparations made so far. He solicited the support of the House, and National Assembly by extension, with regards to funding and enabling laws.
According to Hon. Kwarra, part of the plans for the census included acquisition of technology, recruitment and training of officials, establishment of a situation room as well as advocacy/stakeholders engagements, including visits to former Presidents and ex-Heads of State.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, has commended the FCT Minister, BarrIster Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to developing the nation’s capital.
In a congratulatory message, Betara, who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, praised Wike for earning the prestigious “Best Minister of the Year” award by THISDAY/Arise TV, citing his dedication to infrastructure and transformation in Abuja.
He said: “On behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Bar Nyesom Wike (CON, GSSRS), on your well-deserved recognition as the Minister of the Year by THISDAY/Arise TV.
“This prestigious honour is a testament to your visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and exceptional contributions to the infrastructural transformation of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Your unwavering commitment to service and your determination to improve the lives of residents and visitors alike to the FACT has been nothing short of exemplary.
“Through your bold initiatives and strategic policies, you have not only enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of Abuja, but have also reaffirmed the FCT’s position as a beacon of progress and modernity in Nigeria.”
According to Betara, the award reflects the Minister’s positive impact and the widespread admiration he has garnered across different sectors.
“I celebrate this outstanding achievement with you and express my gratitude for your leadership and passion for development.
“May this milestone serve as an inspiration for even greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with integrity and purpose.
“Once again, congratulations on this remarkable feat. I wish you continued success in your endeavours,” he noted.
Betara described Wike as an outstanding leader whose transformative vision for the FCT is delivering remarkable results.
Access Bank Wins THISDAY Global Bank of the Year Award
Speaker Abbas Hails President Tinubu’s Order For Biometric Headcount
Betara Hails Wike’s Transformation Efforts, Celebrates Best Minister of the Year Award
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