Connect with us

BUSINESS

SystemSpecs on Course to Global ICT Hall of Fame — By Jude Iyanda

Published

on

John T Obaro 2

In the face of dwindling oil prices on the international market, most forward-looking nations of the world are exploiting viable alternatives presented by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Indigenous software giant SystemSpecs made its foray into Nigeria’s growing ICT industry with this goal in its sights. Small wonder that within a short space of time, the company is already doing Nigeria proud globally with the revolutionary changes it has made in the nation’s financial landscape.

In 1992, John Obaro left a fulfilling career in the banking industry to start SystemSpecs.

He kicked off with a skeleton staff as a partner agent of Systems Union, UK.

He has since grown to develop a firm that has become Nigeria’s foremost indigenous software house, with over 160 talented Nigerians from various backgrounds and disciplines.

Today, SystemSpecs’ homegrown HumanManager Payroll and Human Resource Management software is a leading name among public and private sector organisations in Nigeria, while its flagship software Remita is credited with redefining Nigeria’s financial landscape.

Remita is an electronic platform that helps the government, corporate organisations, SMEs and individuals make and receive payments easily. It aggregates multiple bank accounts, giving customers the ability to perform the complete suite of eTransactions. Major billers also find Remita a useful tool, since it offers multiple payment options, generates instant receipts and transaction reports

Before the President Muhammadu Buhari administration implemented the much-vaunted Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy, government agencies reportedly operated about 17,000 scattered and poorly monitored bank accounts.

This bred a culture of corruption, manifesting in fragmented bank accounts, compromised revenue remittances and deposit dormancy. For years, the government’s attempts to adopt TSA were unsuccessful, as the CBN lacked the technological capacity to manage the retail aspect of the policy.

A foreign e-technology platform, RTGS, initially expected to drive the payment leg of Nigeria’s TSA project, was subsequently found to be unsuitable for retail payments. SystemSpecs came into the picture, and lost no time overcoming this challenge from an innovative standpoint.

‘Remita has been around for 10 years, with a view to revolutionising payment in Nigeria,” said SystemSpecs Executive Director Deremi Atanda, during a recent interview on CNBC Africa’s mid-belt programme Power Lunch. “Somewhere along the line, the country wanted to implement a fiscal policy which required the support of payment technology. We got onto the scene and proved we could deliver. That actually marked the start of our involvement with a significant national initiative.”

Thankfully, this landmark has not gone unnoticed by top players in the ICT industry. At the high-profile Tech Titan awards held in Lagos last month, SystemSpecs beat notable competitors in the industry to emerge the ‘Pan African Software Company of the Year.’ Its brainchild Remita also received accolades as the ‘Most Revolutionary eGovernment Product of the Year’, while the company’s founder Obaro made the list of Nigeria’s Top 50 Tech Titans at the industry night.

At the June, 2016 CBN Cashless Card Expo, Remita came up for mention as the most efficient e-Revenue service, even as it emerged the ‘Best Software Solution of the Year’ at the Nigerian Telecoms Awards. This steady stream of recognition is hardly surprising to ICT pundits. Nigeria is reportedly lagging behind in the global ICT market share, considering that the sector contributes over 10 percent to the nation’s GDP and can potentially overtake South Africa as the continent’s largest ICT market with more investments. SystemSpecs is in the business of realising this dream. Obaro insists investment in the sector can open up new frontiers for the nation’s economy, unlocking revenue streams that would hedge the country against fluctuating oil prices on the international market. Expectedly, SystemSpecs is deploying its long track record in ICT to realise this dream and getting all the acclaim that comes with it.

SystemSpecs’ season of awards precedes its involvement with TSA. In 2012, Financial Technology Africa named its Remita ‘Outstanding Public Service Product of the Year. This was replicated at the Beacon of ICT awards in 2013, when SystemSpecs was again adjudged the ‘Software Company of the Year’ and bagged the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) ‘Public Sector Award of Excellence for FG MDA’.

The company maintained its success streak in 2014, when it bagged ‘Outstanding Achievement in Software Development’ and ‘Most Outstanding Software Solution’ at the Nigerian ICT Centenary Awards. In 2015, SystemSpecs was also celebrated as the ‘Software Company of the Year’ by NITMA and ‘ICT/Telecommunications Company of the Year’ by Leadership Group, respectively.

“We will continue to extend the frontiers of e-Payment, financial and human capital software solutions which SystemSpecs is known for,” Obaro assured recently while reacting to SystemSpecs’ consistent awards for innovation.

On a global scale, SystemSpecs is also making giant strides. Earlier this year, the company was conferred the Leadership in Technology award by the Africa Forum Scotland to recognise its promotion of excellence, best practice and innovation, especially with its software Remita. The award was multi-pronged, since Obaro was also named a fellow of the Centre for African Policy, Development and Research, Scotland for his efforts at improving ICT.

Iyanda is an Abuja-based ICT enthusiast

BIG STORY

Daniel Amokachi Excited To Participate In The 7th Edition Of Adron Games

Published

on

  • Former Nigerian Football Star Endorses Adron Games as Platform for Sporting Talent

 

Former Nigerian football icon, Daniel Amokachi, has voiced his enthusiasm for the upcoming 2024 edition of the Adron Games, marking his participation in the prestigious event. Amokachi praised the tournament as a miniature National Sports Festival, highlighting its ability to unite athletes from all corners of the country.

Expressing his delight, Amokachi remarked, “It’s an honor to be part of the Adron Games 2024. The event serves as a showcase for the abundance of sporting talent within Nigeria. It’s like a mini National Sports Festival, where athletes of all ages come together to compete.”

Encouraging sports enthusiasts, Corporate bodies, and the general public to embrace the event’s festive atmosphere, Amokachi emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to enjoy and experience the Games fully. He also stressed the significance of supporting initiatives like the Adron Games in advancing sports development nationwide.

Scheduled to commence in June and extend through August 2024, with the National finals set for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Adron Games Championship promises to be bigger and better than ever. According to Oladapo Emmanuel, Director of Operations at the Adron Sports Foundation, the tournament will feature over 64 teams competing in the football championship, with the winners advancing to the prestigious National finals.

Emmanuel further highlighted the broader objectives of the Adron Games, emphasizing its role in fostering team spirit, facilitating networking opportunities, and promoting a sense of responsibility among participants. With the backing of Adron Sports Foundation, a subsidiary of the renowned Nigerian real estate giant, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, the event aims to create lasting memories and ensure everyone involved has a fulfilling experience.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 edition of the Adron Games, the endorsement of Daniel Amokachi underscores the event’s significance within the Nigerian sporting landscape. Stay tuned for updates and coverage as the tournament unfolds, promising thrills, excitement, and a celebration of sporting excellence.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Access Holdings’ Shareholders Unanimously Back Capital Raising Plan, Hail Aig-Imoukhuede’s Return As Chairman

Published

on

  • Re-elect Olusegun Ogbonnewo, Ojinika Olaghere as a Non-Executive Directors

 

The shareholders of Access Holdings Plc (“Access Holdings” or “the Group”) at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday, April 19, 2024, unanimously backed the Group’s plan to establish a capital raising programme of up to US$1.5 billion as well as the subset initiative to raise up to N365 billion, specifically, through a Rights Issue of ordinary shares to its shareholders.

The proceeds of the Rights Issue would be used to support on-going working capital needs, including organic growth funding for its banking and other non-banking subsidiaries.

The shareholders also ratified the appointments of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Olusegun Ogbonnewo, and Ojinika Olaghere as Non-Executive Directors.

The appointment of Aig-Imoukhuede as the Chairman of Access Holdings was praised by the shareholders, who pointed to his rich history of success with the institution, having transformed it into Nigeria’s biggest lender by market value alongside Herbert Wigwe. Aigboje’s leadership was instrumental in driving the institution’s growth during the 2004 recapitalisation of the banking industry led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of its former Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo.

“We are thrilled with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s return to the role of Chairman. His proven track record, experience, and strategic insights position him as the ideal leader to steer Access Holdings towards meeting its lofty targets. During his tenure as CEO, particularly during the recapitalisation directive by the CBN, he steered Access Bank to raise an impressive $2 billion in capital, and this demonstrates his capacity to, once again, lead Access Holdings towards successfully achieving the objectives of our planned Capital Raise and Rights Issue targets,” said Chief Sunny Nwosu, Chairman Emeritus of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN).

In line with the Group’s strong financial performance, the payment of a final dividend of N1.80 kobo per every N0.50 Kobo ordinary share for the 2023 financial year was approved, marking a 28 per cent improvement from the corresponding period in 2022.

The Group’s full-year results for the period ending December 31, 2023, showcased an impressive 335 per cent increase in pre-tax profit to N729 billion from N167.68 billion in 2022. The Group also experienced an 87 per cent surge in gross earnings to N2.59 trillion from N1.39 trillion in 2022 and reported a remarkable 306 per cent growth in profit after tax to N619.32 billion, from N152.20 billion in 2022.

Commencing in the second half of 2024, Access Holdings’ global expansion strategy will enter the consolidation and efficiency phase, aligning with its five-year plan to accelerate the attainment of its 2027 strategic objectives. The Group remains focused on driving sustainable growth, and delivering value to its shareholders even as it continues to build a globally connected community and ecosystem, inspired by Africa, for the world.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Transcorp Power Plc Records 775% PBT Jump In Q1 2024 With Impressive Revenue Growth

Published

on

Transcorp Power Plc (Transcorp Power), one of the electricity generating subsidiaries of Nigeria’s leading, listed conglomerate, Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), has demonstrated impressive financial performance in its released Q1 2024 unaudited financial statements, for the period ended March 31, 2024.

The Company recorded N67.86 billion in gross earnings, compared to N21.04 billion reported in Q1 2023, reflecting a significant increase of 223%.

The strong performance is further demonstration of the Company’s strategic focus and effective execution, as part of Transcorp Group’s implementation of its integrated power strategy.

Highlights of Transcorp Group Results

Q1 2024 Revenue N67.86 billion, up 223%, compared to N21.04 billion in Q1 2023.

Profit before Tax rose by 775%, amounting to N28.77 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N3.29 billion in the same period last year.

Profit after Tax grew by 665% year-on-year to N20.1 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N2.6 billion in the same period last year.

Total assets grew to N276.2 billion in Q1 2024, up from N223.3 billion in Q4 2023.

Commenting on the financial highlights, Evans Okpogoro, the Chief Financial Officer said, “The Q1 2024 results saw a gross margin of 51%, a cost to income ratio of 70% and net profit margin of 30% compared to Q1 2023 gross margin of 37%, cost to income ratio of 87% and net profit margin of 13%. This highlights the remarkable operational efficiency gains of the Company. Transcorp Power has continued to grow its revenue aggressively and consistently over the last five years. We expect that by year end 2024, we will see a similar growth trajectory recorded between FY 2022 and FY 2023.”

Transcorp Power MD/CEO, Peter Ikenga, commented on the results, “We are pleased to report further robust financial performance, despite sectoral challenges such as gas supply issues and macroeconomic challenges. Our ability to sustain growth amidst this environment shows the resilience of our business model and the efficient execution of our strategic initiatives.”

“We remain committed to leveraging our strengths to capitalise on emerging opportunities, drive sustainable growth and provide superior value to all our stakeholders. We will continue to prioritise ingenuity, operational excellence, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement, to deliver superior value for our long-term growth”. He added.

About Transcorp Power Plc

Transcorp Power Plc is an electricity generating subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), one of Africa’s leading, listed companies, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors.

Transcorp Power is committed to creating value and driving economic growth, by improving lives through access to electricity and transforming Africa.

Continue Reading

Most Popular