The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu said he would ensure that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is achieved through the deployment of Science, Technology and innovation (STI) in the economy.
Mr. Halilu made this statement while addressing the management and staff of the Agency shortly after his assumption of office as the EVC/CEO at NASENI Headquarters. On Monday, 4 September 2023.
The new EVC/CEO, a tech-Expert and Entrepreneur was appointed to lead NASENI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, replacing Dr. Bashir Gwandu.
While expatiating on his market driven approach to things, he said his administration would leverage on technology transfer and also not forgetting domestic, home-grown technology development which is the core mandate of NASENI. According to him, “the focus is for innovation, science and technology resource to serve Nigerians and to add value to the national economy.”
He added that the Agency would play critical roles in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic Agenda for the nation anchored on areas like Food Security, Ending Poverty, economic growth and Job Creation, creating Access to Capital through consumer credit, Inclusivity, Improving Security, Rule of Law and Fighting Corruption.
R-L: Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI); Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee for the Nigerian/Czech Republic Technology Transfer Agreement; Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development Directorate, NASENI; Prof. Dansheu Gwandangaji, Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI; and Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, Director, Procurement, NASENI, when the new EVC/CEO was being giving a guided tour of NASENI on his assumption at the Agency’s Headquarters on Monday 4 September, 2023 in Abuja.
The new EVC/CEO said in the 21st century, there are immense opportunities for Nigeria to leapfrog in the areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation, even as he promised that NASENI during his tenure would play effectively those central roles through technology transfer revolution that is coming.
According to him, “Our duty here at NASENI will be to use our resources, our talents, our capacity, and our energy to drive economic development priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, in line with the Act establishing this Agency. “As a preeminent Agency saddled with enormous responsibilities, NASENI with its development institutes and over 4,000 members of staff, is appropriately positioned to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
The new EVC/CEO who pleaded with the staff to put in their best, to work with full commitment and dedication, promised that in return, as EVC/CEO, that the welfare of all NASENI staff will be his priority. While promising an open-door policy for staff, he said he was willing to learn from all staff across the Agency, “I will be open and receptive to your ideas and contributions, and together we will renew NASENI”.
“We will make NASENI an employer of choice in the public sector, a place where people will be proud to contribute their quota to the success of the organization and to the overall development of our country, and where they will be treated with respect and dignity. Change is coming, and you are all going to be a part of it.” He said.
He continued, “We shall adopt, adapt and domesticate cutting-edge technologies, wherever we find it. We will build a pool of well-educated and talented personnel, support world-class research and development (R&Ds), and build partnerships and collaborations across Nigeria, Africa and the world.”
“We shall collaborate with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), at Federal and State levels, with the private sector, the international community, development partners and the media. In consultation with you, our staff, and our various partners, we will put together a detailed vision and plan of implementation that is built on the foundation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and priorities”, he affirmed.
While answering questions from the journalists, Mr. Halilu said that he was going to make a significant change by putting NASENI on the economic development map and most importantly churn out products that would increase the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, which is a priority now with the current economic crisis.
Highlighting his agenda as the EVC/CEO of the Agency, he said, “Number one thing we want to look at is the area of technology transfer, everyone is looking at Africa and there is no better chance than now. Other countries are competing to bring and exchange technologies especially with Africa”
“We cannot ignore our talents. We, Nigerians are amongst the best, doing things in different parts of the globe. We have to bring in all these wealth of experiences. We will ensure that we provide the environment and the necessary support to be able to achieve this mandate”, he added.
The new EVC/CEO was received by top management staff of the Agency, led by Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director Planning & Business Development, who guided him on tour of the Agency’s facilities. Mr Khalil held a maiden management meeting with the officials, who took turns to pledge their supports for him and also their desires to work for the good of NASENI and to create positive impacts on the economy.
L-R: Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI); Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI; Prof. Umar Gaya, Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI; and Prof Dansheu Gwandangaji, Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI during the press briefing by the new EVC/CEO of NASENI on assumption of duty at the Agency’s Headquarters on Monday 4 September, 2023 in Abuja.
Mr. Halilu is an entrepreneur and technology expert who had excelled in business development, including managing successfully high-profile concerns both at local and international spheres. He hails from Kano city, Kano state, Nigeria. He has held several positions in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He has a Master of Science (M.sc) degree in International Business and also B.Sc in Business Administration from University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom respectively. He honed his skills in Data Science from John Hopkins, USA. He is an expert in Database Administration, Big Data and E-Commerce and Oracle Database Programing 10G.
Prior to this appointment as EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil sits on the Boards and plays advisory roles in many successful companies like Kuming Power China Group, Nuli Foods Company, CGC Construction, Dantata Foods Ltd., Gongoni Company Ltd., Broadbased Connectivity Limited, Fata Tannery and Sudabelt Medical.
He was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ShapShap Technologies Ltd., OyaOya Strategic Services Ltd., Managing Director of KSH Construction & Design Ltd., Co-Founder/Director of KWNNC Paper Recycling as well as Prymo.ng. He was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Scirrocco International Ltd.; Director/COO of Africa Infotech Consulting; and Director of JIGS Environmental Services & Agro Allied Ltd. He previously worked at ZCET Global Metering Company and W.J Bush and Co.
The Pointer Award: Aniagwu hails Delta journalists
DAN DENT (ASABA)
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu has sent a message of appreciation to journalists in the state and country for their support since coming into governance in 2015.
Aniagwu
Aniagwu who was bestowed with The Pointer Newspaper Public Service Excellence Award at the 30th Anniversary of the newspaper held yesterday at Grand Hotel and Resorts, Asaba, dedicated the award to journalists in the state and country.
Aniagwu a former Commissioner for Information in the state, appreciated immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for finding him worthy to serve amidst other qualified Deltans.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Aniagwu said, “Let me appreciate my bosses starting with Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who gave me the privilege to serve as his Commissioner for Information and of course the privilege I also have at the moment under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
“For me to have that say in this state, I deeply appreciate these leaders because it is possible that if these positions that I had the privilege to hold is also extended to any other Deltan they could possibly perform even better than I did.
“But to be distinguished and recognised, I give God the glory and for me it is a reminder of the need to try as much as possible when you are given a responsibility to discharge it with the best of your ability.
“When such recognition is coming from my colleagues, you know the journalism profession is one critical profession that tries to examine what people do.
“So when you have your colleagues who are in the same profession agreeing that you have done well, all you need do is to give glory to God and also appreciate them for the support they extended to you.
“In my sojourn as Chief Press Secretary and the Ministry of Information I really enjoyed the support of my colleagues both those in the media and those managing the media houses, my colleagues in Government and the state.
“I give God all the glory for the kind of support I have continued to enjoy since coming into this state for the purpose of working for the state government in 2015. I feel quite excited about this recognition and I do not take it for granted.”
Speaking on the journey so far for The Pointer Newspaper, Aniagwu commended the paper for weathering the storm over the years.
“I have had the privilege of presiding over the affairs of the paper and I can tell you that there a whole lot of misunderstanding around the operations of the newspaper.
“So much needs to be done especially as they are still printing through a third party process, it will be better if we can provide them with a good printing press, so that they begin to print for themselves.
“The moment they can print the paper by themselves, it will make it easier to increase the print run, it becomes easier to be in control of their speed as well.
“Once that is done and a proper distribution facility is provided, the paper can then have their independence to go and generate their own money and ensure they remit something to the state government.
“But I can tell you that the way they are now if thatASABA assistance is not given, they may still continue to struggle to be able to meet up.
“Looking at the conditions they operate, you will appreciate the women and men who work in that establishment that they are actually putting in a lot to be able to produce on daily basis.”
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has announced the successful completion of its share reconstruction, a strategic action aimed at maximising long-term shareholders’ value.
The facade of Transcorp Hilton Abuja from the pool
The share reconstruction involved a consolidation of the total number of issued shares at a ratio of 1 to 4, reducing the total issued and fully paid shares of Transcorp Group 40.6 billion shares to 10.2 billion shares.
Whilst the number of shares reduced pro rata, the total value of shareholders’ investments remains unchanged with no dilutive impact to shareholders.
Commenting on the share reconstruction, Owen D. Omogiafo OON, President/GCEO of Transcorp Plc, said, “This share reconstruction is in line with the Company’s corporate strategy and growth plan and is aimed at maximising shareholder value.
The reconstruction will bring the company’s capital structure to a manageable position.
Transcorp Plc remains committed to driving growth and creating value for its shareholders through strategic actions that align with its business objectives.
About Transnational Corporation Plc Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.
Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited.
The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and has the digital platform, Aura by Transcorp Hotels. www.transcorpgroup.com
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has reported its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, showcasing remarkable year-on-year growth.
The Group’s Q3 2024 unaudited results demonstrate strength across key financial performance measures, highlighting the success of its growth-driven strategy.
In Q3 2024, Transcorp Group achieved revenue of N298 billion, a 133% increase from N128 billion recorded in the same period of 2023. Profit before tax (PBT) increased by a remarkable 303%, to N105.5 billion, compared to N26.2 billion recorded in Q3 2023, further solidifying the Group’s position in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Key Financial Highlights:
Revenue Growth: 133% increase, rising to N298 billion from N128 billion in Q3 2023.
Profit Before Tax: Surged by 303% to N105.5 billion in Q3 2024, from N26.2 billion in the same period last year.
Total Assets: Grew by 29%, increasing from N530 billion in December 2023 to N684 billion in Q3 2024.
Shareholders’ Funds: Increased by 34%, from N187 billion in December 2023 to N251 billion in Q3 2024, driven by profit accreting to retained earnings.
Operating Expenses: Increased by 38% to N32 billion in Q3 2024, compared to N23 billion in the previous year, reflecting the impact of inflation on the cost of operations.
Net Finance Cost: Increased by 12% to N12 billion in Q3 2024, from N10 billion in Q3 2023, due to rising interest rates. Owen Omogiafo, OON, President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Group, attributed the Group’s exceptional performance to its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and ability to navigate a complex market environment.
She said: “We are proud of our consistent year-on-year growth. This remarkable financial performance is a reflection, once again, of our vision and spirit of execution. As we approach year end, we will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, investing in high-growth sectors, and delivering long-term value to our shareholders. We are investing for the future, particularly in the energy and hospitality sectors, delivering for our shareholders and our nation.”
About Transnational Corporation Plc
Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination.