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UBA, DEG Sign $50m Term Loan To Support Small Businesses In Nigeria

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Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, and Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, the German Development Finance Institution, have entered into a partnership aimed at supporting small and medium scale businesses (SMEs) in Nigeria.

To this end, both institutions have signed a USD 50m Term Facility Agreement. The facility with a tenor of six years is targeted at supporting SMEs and family-owned businesses in Nigeria.

UBA America’s Chief Executive Officer, Sola Yomi-Ajayi, who spoke about the partnership, said as a financial institution, UBA remains passionate about the growth of the private sector and small businesses which according to her, remains critical for any developing country. She noted that the passion to see this sector succeed is what led both organizations to collaborate on this laudable feat.

Yomi-Ajayi, who is also the Global Head for Financial Institutions, Multilateral and Development Organizations, said, “At UBA Group, we are proud of this collaboration with DEG, particularly as it supports our financial intervention in the SME space, enabling financial inclusion, as well as facilitating economic empowerment.

Continuing, she said, “These objectives remain core aspects of our strategy, particularly as regards to facilitating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals on the African continent.”

In his comments, DEG’s Regional Director for West Africa, Bernhard Tilemann, said, “DEG is delighted to enter into long-term cooperation with UBA in Nigeria and the region. This cooperation will address the current economic challenges of the country while fostering private sector growth and impact in the largest economy of the continent.”

According to Tilemann, the funding provided by DEG is partly supported by EB-SME Finance Fund Emerging Markets, while the fund’s adviser is a 100% subsidiary of Evangelische Bank (EB).

The Regional Director noted that DEG has offices on the African continent in Lagos, Abidjan, Johannesburg, and Nairobi; and pointed out that the move is a major milestone for DEG’s Regional Representative Office in Lagos which was opened in 2019.

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BIG STORY

Tesla To Lay Off 10% Of Global Workforce, Cites Role Duplication, Cost Reduction

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Tesla plans to lay off 10% of its global workforce as demand for electric vehicles (EV) declines.

According to a Bloomberg article published on Monday, Elon Musk conveyed the downsizing to employees at the automobile company via a memo.

Musk cited duplication of duties and the necessity to save expenses as reasons for the reduction.

“As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity,” Musk wrote.

“As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10 per cent globally. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done.”

Responding to a comment on the planned layoff on X, Musk said “about every five years, we need to reorganize and streamline the company for the next phase of growth”.

If the cuts apply companywide, the dismissal would amount to more than 14,000 employees, the publication noted.

Tesla ended 2023 with 140,473 employees, nearly double its workforce three years ago.

The decision to lay off workers comes as Tesla faces declining sales and an intensifying price war for EVs.

According to the publication, Tesla announced that vehicle deliveries early this month missed expectations by a wide margin, posting its first quarterly decline in four years.

“Several analysts are bracing for the EV maker’s sales to potentially shrink for the year, citing slow output of its newest model, the Cybertruck, and a lull in new products until the company starts producing a next-generation vehicle late next year,” the publication said.

“The EV slowdown Tesla has felt of late has been widespread. China’s BYD Co. delivered just 300,114 battery-electric vehicles in the first quarter, down 43 per cent from the final three months of last year, when it briefly pulled ahead as the world’s top EV seller.”

Manufacturers including Volkswagen AG, General Motors Co., and Ford Motor Co. have delayed, dialled back or altogether scrapped EV projects as customers protest high prices and a scarcity of charging points.

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BIG STORY

Exploring Economic Opportunities: Why You Should Buy Land In Sagamu With Adron Homes [VIDEOS]

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Nestled in the heart of Ogun State, Sagamu stands as a beacon of economic potential in Nigeria. Its strategic location along major transportation routes, including the bustling Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the proposed Lagos-Ibadan railway, positions it as a prime investment destination for those seeking lucrative opportunities in real estate.

Sagamu’s allure lies not only in its proximity to Lagos, Abeokuta, Papalanto, Ibadan expressway, and other commercial nerve centers but also in its evolving urban landscape. The city is experiencing rapid urban expansion, fueled by population growth and industrial development. This expansion paves the way for diverse investment prospects, ranging from residential to commercial and industrial projects.

One of the key drivers of Sagamu’s economic growth is its robust infrastructure development. Government investments in road networks, electricity, water supply, and telecommunications infrastructure have been instrumental in enhancing the city’s appeal to investors. As infrastructure improves, land values in Sagamu and its environs are poised to appreciate, offering promising returns on investment.

With the Adron Homes and Properties Houston Park and Gardens estate Kajola behind the International Breweries Ltd, Winter Park, and Gardens estate, opposite the Gateway International Stadium Sagamu and our Imperial Park and Gardens, GRA quarters also in Sagamu. You can also be part of the industrial and economic prowess of this city.

Sagamu’s status as an industrial hub further enhances its investment potential. The city is home to thriving industrial estates and manufacturing hubs, attracting businesses seeking affordable land and a conducive business environment. Investors keen on capitalizing on the burgeoning industrial sector can explore opportunities in land acquisition for commercial and industrial purposes.

Beyond industrialization, Sagamu boasts fertile land suitable for agriculture. With a growing focus on agricultural production and food security, investing in farmland presents an enticing opportunity. Commercial farming, agro-processing industries, and agribusinesses stand to benefit from Sagamu’s agricultural potential.

Tourism also plays a pivotal role in Sagamu’s economic landscape. The city boasts natural attractions such as the iconic Olumo Rock and the scenic Oyan Dam, drawing tourists from far and wide. Investors eyeing the tourism sector can explore opportunities in land acquisition for hospitality and recreational facilities, catering to the needs of visitors.

Government policies and regulations governing land ownership and development are critical considerations for prospective investors. Ogun State’s pro-business policies aimed at promoting investment and development provide a conducive environment for real estate investment in Sagamu.

Market demand analysis is another crucial aspect to consider when buying land in Sagamu. Factors such as population growth, employment opportunities, and lifestyle preferences influence market demand for different types of properties. Investors should conduct thorough market research to identify lucrative investment opportunities aligned with market demand.

In light of Sagamu’s promising economic prospects, investors are advised to exercise due diligence and seek professional advice before making investment decisions. Making informed decisions means going to a tested and trusted real estate company with a proven record of 12 years of real estate development across major cities in Nigeria. Adron Homes has proven to be the best in real estate development and practices with over 40,000 customers and 3,000 homeowners who have benefitted from the company’s flexible payment structures which allow buyers to pay for land In installments without stress.

In conclusion, Sagamu, Ogun State, offers a wealth of economic opportunities for investors looking to buy land. With its strategic location, urban expansion, robust infrastructure, industrialization, agricultural potential, tourism attractions, favorable government policies, and market demand, Sagamu stands as a compelling destination for real estate investment in Nigeria’s evolving landscape and when deciding to buy in this location, consider buying from Adron Homes And Properties.

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BIG STORY

Report Excessive Price Increases, Unscrupulous Exploitation Of Consumers — FCCPC Urges Nigerians

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said that business that engage in price-fixing will face swift legal action.

It called attention to the burden that this practice places on the financial security and well-being of consumers and exhorted them to denounce such acts.

This was revealed by the FCCPC in a statement that was published on its official X (formerly known as Twitter) handle on Sunday.

The statement read, “The FCCPC acknowledges that the rising cost of essential goods impacts consumers’ well-being and economic stability.

“While we recognise that the commission cannot directly control prices, we are committed to safeguarding consumers’ interests and ensuring fair market practices, necessitating fair pricing.

“Arbitrary price increases stemming from untoward practices like price gouging and conspiracy to manipulate supply violate existing laws.

“The commission will not hesitate to invoke Section 17(s) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 against any perpetrator of such acts. This section prohibits obnoxious trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.”

The statement urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and report any unfair trade practices they encounter.

It added, “We encourage consumers to remain vigilant and report unfair trade practices to the FCCPC.

“Consumers can provide details, including the conduct, location of perpetrators, and other relevant information for investigation, through [email protected].

“The FCCPC remains committed to promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and fostering a regulated marketplace. We appreciate citizens’ vigilance and encourage active participation in reporting any violations.”

Earlier report in February had it that FCCPC closed a popular supermarket in the Garki area of Abuja, Sahad Store, for lack of transparency in products pricing.

Similarly, it also encouraged electricity consumers to report distribution companies that failed to comply with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.

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