Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently inaugurated Dantinajo Gold Resort Limited, a world class hotel in Delta State
Recently, it was a gathering of who is who, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the inauguration of Dantinajo Gold Resort Limited, a world class hotel in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The multimillion naira hotel facility features an endless wave of sophistication, style and glamour and has swelled the tourism and economic value of the oil rich Delta State.
At the formal opening on a certain Saturday, it started with a special red carpet reception where the hotel played host to creme-de-la-creme of the society, top executives in the corporate world, hospitality industries, politicians and traditional rulers.
A multi-purpose hotel, Dantinajo houses a gym, spa, presidential apartment, royal apartment, suites, apartments, standard rooms, restaurant, bar, conference halls and boasts of the best comfort guests and customers can get in major cities in and outside the country.
Declaring the facility open, Obasanjo expressed joy that the hotel was established in a rural setting and would create employment for the youths who hitherto might have been roaming the streets in the city.
The elated former president used the occasion to charge government at all levels in the country to see the private sector as the engine for economic development noting that the industrial mindset of the owners of the hotel was an example of mobilising resources for national development.
He urged government to ensure to do its part in developing the country by providing the right kind of environment for the operators of the private sector to bring the right kind of investment to the country.
Chief Obasanjo, who had earlier delivered the 2019 Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Oleh, however, commended the owner of the hotel, Engr. Daniel Omoyibo, for mustering the will and resources to put up the investment.
“Coming here, when you talk of mobilising human and material resources for development, this is a practical example of what we talked about in the church. In the church we talked about it in theory and spiritually, now we have come here and we are seeing it in practical terms.
“The point is this; the private sector must been seen as the engine of development. In my address in the church, I made the point that the job of the public sector is to provide the conducive atmosphere for the private sector to thrive and of course to regulate because knowing human beings as they are”, he said.
Speaking to journalists at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Dantinajo Gold Resort, Engr. Daniel Omoyibo, said his vision for establishing the hotels is to reduce unemployment in the country, calling on other well-to-do Nigerians to tow his path.
“I give thanks to God and to my spiritual father, Prophet T.B Joshua because he’s the one that God used to build me to this level. My main reason for putting up this edifice is to make sure I bring out the unemployed youths out there, empower them, and reduce unemployment in Nigeria, Delta, Isoko and Oleh.
“I am praying and hoping that other people of means who have the resources will also come out to do more of things like this; factories, industries, it doesn’t need to be a hotel. They should just come out to build and empower the Nigerian youth.
“The hotel has 85 rooms; 53 standard rooms, 12 suites and 20 apartments. Some of the facilities here are a swimming pool, a gym, a conference hall, a restaurant and a bar. This Dantinajo Gold Resort is the best hotel in the entire Niger Delta”, he said.
Speaking at the colorful event, Hon. Eta Enahoro, chairman and chief executive Skyworld Company Limited, who was the chairman of the ceremony, urged Isoko sons and daughters to emulate Engr. Daniel Omoyibi, CEO DANMOTECK LTD, by investing in Isoko land to provide employment for Isoko people.
He noted that the development of the area is through big investments of this magnitude, which according him is key to sustainable development of the individual and the larger society. He also urged Isoko people to be self reliant through personal investment adding that, “I am totally committed towards the development of Isoko land even as most of my staff and personal assistant are from the area”.
Enahoro commended Omoyibo for the giant strides in building a world class hotel, just as he appealed to Isoko people in diaspora to come home and invest.
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by Mr. Steve Ebiogbe, director of protocol, commended Omoyibo for the successful completion of the project, noting that children yet unborn will grow to meet the edifice due to it’s modern structure and equipment. He further assured them of constant patronage of government officials and others will encourage Omoyibo in other areas of investment.
Also, Prophet T.B. Joshua, represented by Apostle Omohoro I.E., Lokoja area superintendent of the National Apostolic Church Nigeria, urged everyone to give their lives to God in whom all blessings come. He emphasised that it can only be better when God is involved in whatever we do even as success in inevitable.
Engr. Daniel Omoyibo, in his usual magnanimous way of life at the occasion, empowered 48 graduands of various vocations and he personally sponsored them with N1 million each, to enable them establish and live a normal life, a move that was received with rapturous joy by the beneficiaries.
Tourism Observer
Showing posts with label Warri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Warri. Show all posts
Saturday, 8 June 2019
Friday, 13 April 2018
NIGERIA: Delta State
Delta or Delta State is an oil and agricultural producing state of Nigeria, situated in the region known as the South-South geo-political zone with a population of 4,112,445 males: 2,069,309; females: 2,043,136.
The capital city is Asaba, located at the northern end of the state, with an estimated area of 762 square kilometres (294 sq mi), while Warri is the economic nerve center of the state and also the most populated.
It is located in the southern end of the state. The state has a total land area of 16,842 square kilometres (6,503 sq mi).
The state covers a landmass of about 18,050 km², of which more than 60% is land. The state lies approximately between Longitude 5°00 and 6°.45' East and Latitude 5°00 and 6°.30' North.
It is bounded in the north and west by Edo State, the east by Anambra, Imo, and Rivers States, southeast by Bayelsa State, and on the southern flank is the Bight of Benin which covers about 160 kilometres of the state's coastline.
Delta State is generally low-lying without remarkable hills. The state has a wide coastal belt inter-lace with rivulets and streams, which form part of the Niger Delta.
Delta State was carved out of the former Bendel State on 27 August 1991.
The state was created following agitations for the creation of a separate distinct state by the peoples of the old Delta Province, the Urhobos, Ijaw Izon, Isoko, Itsekiri and Ukwuani later joined Anioma.
There was yet another state creation movement designated as Niger State comprising the old midwestern Igbo-speaking Asaba divisions and Ukwuani-speaking Aboh division of the old Midwest region.
This was transformed into Anioma following the creation of Niger State from the old Northwestern State by the Murtala Muhammed administration in 1976.
The then Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, created the state using the name Delta advanced by Niger Delta region and Asaba a prominent town within the Anioma axis as capital.
Asaba was designated as capital of the proposed Anioma State. The proposed capital was a virgin land or Anioma city in the heart of the two constituent divisions that had evolved to become the Anioma area.
Delta state was once integrated in the Mid Western state from 1963 to 1976 and later Bendel state, from 1976 to 1991.
The name Bendel derived from the old Benin and Delta Provinces of Western Region-Delta to reflect the integration of Benin and Delta provinces.
Delta State is ethnically diverse, with various linguistic stocks.
The first region is made up of three linguistic groupings, collectively referred to as Anioma.
They are of Igboid stock and composed of three main groups namely Enuani, who inhabit the Aniocha and Oshimili Local Government Areas; Ika; and Ndokwa/Ukwuani. All three inhabit the Delta North senatorial district.
The second region consists of the other three main linguistic groups: Edoid, comprising the Isoko and Urhobo; Yoruboid, Itsekiri; and Ijoid, Izon.
The Urhobo cultural extraction is the largest in the state with over 2 million native speakers.
The Itsekiri speak a language very closely related to Yoruba but have been culturally influenced by the Edo ethnic group from neighbouring Edo state, as well as the Urhobo, Ijaw and Portuguese.
The Izon are a branch of their kith and kin, in neighbouring Bayelsa State.
The vast majority of inhabitants are Christian, with very few practicing Traditional Religion.
Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi, a member of the People's Democratic Party, was elected Governor and chief executive of Delta State in April 2015.
His deputy is Barr. Kingsley Otuaro. The state has three National Senatorial Districts, South, North and Central.
In 2011 and 2013, the elected senators were James Manager, Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi and Emmanuel Aguariavwodo who replaced Pius Ewherido who died in 2013 at National Hospital, Abuja.
In 2015, Chief Ighoyeta Amori was elected Senator of Delta Central but his election was annulled and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege sworn in as Senator of Delta Central, James Manager retained his position and Chief Peter Nwaoboshi was elected Senator of Delta North.
The Executive, Legislative and Judicial Chambers are housed in Asaba with a government house annex in Warri.
There are various solid mineral deposits within state, industrial clay, silica, lignite, kaolin, tar sand, decorative rocks, limestone, etc.
These are raw materials for industries such as brick making, ceramics, bottle manufacturing, glass manufacturing, chemical/insulators production, chalk manufacturing and sanitary wares, decorative stone cutting and quarrying.
Delta state also has huge deposits of crude oil and is also one the largest producers of petroleum products in Nigeria.
Delta State has some historical, cultural and socio-political tourist centers that attract visitors from around the globe.
Tourism Sites In Delta State:
The Nana's Palace built by Chief Nana Olomu of Ebrohim. He was a powerful 19th century indigenous entrepreneur who traded with the British. The relationship eventually turned sour.
Later, he surrendered not without putting up a fight and was exiled to Ghana. His personal effects are housed in this grand palace.
The River Ethiope which is reputed to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa (at 176 km). Its source is at the foot of a giant silk-cotton tree at Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state and flows through seven Local Government Areas in the State.
It is a place of worship for Olokun traditional religion and also a common site for faithfuls of the Igbe Religious Movement.
The Araya Bible Site which houses a copy of the Holy Bible. It is believed that the bible descended to this spot miraculously from heaven around August, 1914. The bible dropped on rain-soaked yam and it didn't get wet.
The site now attracts thousands of Christians yearly.
Demas Nwoko Edifice which was built using traditional materials, designs and construction techniques of the Igbo civilization and the Benin Empire by Demas Nwoko, an architect, builder and artist of international repute from Idumuje-Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
The Mungo Park House which is now the site of the National Museum, Asaba. The house was constructed by the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in 1886 and was used as a colonial administrative headquarters, a military house.
It was as well the colonial administrative divisional headquarters, the RNC Constabulary building, and the seat of the Urban District Council at different times.
The Niger Bridge which connects Delta State by extension, western Nigeria to the Eastern part of Nigeria. It is a beauty to behold.
It was completed in 1965 and cost £5 million. It was damaged during the civil war, but later repaired.
Lander Brothers Anchorage, Asaba which was built in memory of early British explorers. The complex has a museum, a graveyard, and many artworks and writings. It houses a replica of one of the boats that was used by the brothers.
Warri Kingdom Royal Cemetery which is 512 year old burial ground and serves as the resting place of past rulers of Warri kingdom. A tree is planted on each grave.
Delta State is known to have produced several sportsmen and women, notably Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, Sunday Oliseh, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Wilson Oruma, Efetobore Sodje Blessing Okagbare and Jonathan Akpoborie, Cindy Ofili.
Asaba is a city strategically located on a hill at the western edge of the Niger River, overlooking its sister city, Onitsha, across the Niger Bridge.
It is the capital of Delta State Nigeria. A fast developing urban area, Asaba had a population of 149,603 as at the 2006 census, and a metropolitan population of over half a million people.
Ahaba in Enuani dialect of the great Igbo language is derived from the exclamation Ahabagom, meaning I have chosen well, a quote from the founding father Nnebisi of Asaba.
The city of Asaba was once the colonial capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. It was founded in 1884. Between 1886 and 1900, it hosted the Royal Niger Company, which the British authorities set up to stimulate trade and the exportation of goods to England.
That company has grown today into UAC Nigeria PLC. Scottish explorer William B. Balkie, when signing a trade treaty with Igbo chief Ezebogo in Asaba on August 30, 1885, remarked - After our salutations, I spoke of friendship, of trade, and of education, and particularly enlarged upon the evils of war, and the benefits of peace, all of which was well received.
Owing to Asaba's influential history and geography, and current strategic political and economic influence in Nigeria, Asaba is generally known as the regional capital of the Anioma area.
The clamour for creation of Anioma state has been going on for decades.
Asaba is situated on a terrace of the lower Niger River, overlooking the point where the Anambra River flows into it.
Beyond the river banks, on the high plains which are far more extensive than the river basins, secondary forest vegetation flourishes.
The historic Niger River is a trans-African link beginning from West Africa and down into the Atlantic Ocean.
Asaba forms a connector between western, eastern and northern Nigeria through the Niger River from the north and via the Asaba Niger Bridge, an east-west link and a Nigerian landmark.
Asaba lies approximately 60 degrees north of the equator and about the same distance east of the meridian; about 160 kilometres (100 mi) north of where the River Niger flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The greater Asaba occupies an area of about 300 square kilometers. It maintains an average tropical temperature of 32 °C during the dry season and an average fertile rainfall of 2,700 millimetres (106 in) during the rainy season.
Asaba is traditionally led by the highly revered Asagba of Asaba, to whom the head or Diokpa of each of the five Ebos reports directly into on matters affecting Asaba.
Greater Asaba includes some of the other neighbouring indigenous Igbo communities—Ogwashi Ukwu, Igbuzo, Okpanam, Ugbolu and Oko, on the western section of the Niger River.
Since becoming the administrative capital of Delta State, Asaba has grown in population to over half a million very hospitable people.
Today, it maintains a cosmopolitan population of predominantly non-indigenous people. Some of the other groups in the city include Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaw, Ukwuani, Hausa, Itsekiri and Yoruba people.
Asaba is an administrative area established during the time of the Royal Niger Company now UACN.
It is currently enjoying the status of being the administrative capital of Delta state but due to the fact that Aniocha-Oshimili people maintain the identity of being Igbo, a lot of Igbo from the east of the Niger river invest in Delta state.
Precisely at Asaba thus improving the economic fortunes of Asaba area and Delta state in general.
The government also contributes to the economic development of Asaba especially considering the established Asaba textile factory constructed by Samuel Ogbemudia administration and the power substation at Asaba.
The city of Asaba also hosts Sure life pharmaceutical company that manufactures medicines, there is also a steel mill in the city and aluminium companies manufacturing aluminum products.
The Nigerian Federal Government is also trying to capitalize on the Ubu river in the Ogwashi ukwu area of the African city through the construction of a multipurpose dam that could be useful in generating electricity.
The lake that will form behind the dam could benefit the Nigerian Navy Maritime University which is also within the city and there are possibilities that the Muhammadu Buhari led administration would complete the dam project between 2018 and 2019.
The city of Asaba and neighbouring cities are accessible by air through the Asaba international airport.
Asaba Benin express road is an important road which connects parts of eastern Nigeria with western Nigeria.
There is also a road that connects Asaba areas with Ughelli while the Asaba-Ebu road connects the city of Asaba with northern Nigeria.
Asaba is served by the water transportation available through the Niger River which surrounds most parts of the African city.
Tourism Observer
The capital city is Asaba, located at the northern end of the state, with an estimated area of 762 square kilometres (294 sq mi), while Warri is the economic nerve center of the state and also the most populated.
It is located in the southern end of the state. The state has a total land area of 16,842 square kilometres (6,503 sq mi).
The state covers a landmass of about 18,050 km², of which more than 60% is land. The state lies approximately between Longitude 5°00 and 6°.45' East and Latitude 5°00 and 6°.30' North.
It is bounded in the north and west by Edo State, the east by Anambra, Imo, and Rivers States, southeast by Bayelsa State, and on the southern flank is the Bight of Benin which covers about 160 kilometres of the state's coastline.
Delta State is generally low-lying without remarkable hills. The state has a wide coastal belt inter-lace with rivulets and streams, which form part of the Niger Delta.
Delta State was carved out of the former Bendel State on 27 August 1991.
The state was created following agitations for the creation of a separate distinct state by the peoples of the old Delta Province, the Urhobos, Ijaw Izon, Isoko, Itsekiri and Ukwuani later joined Anioma.
There was yet another state creation movement designated as Niger State comprising the old midwestern Igbo-speaking Asaba divisions and Ukwuani-speaking Aboh division of the old Midwest region.
This was transformed into Anioma following the creation of Niger State from the old Northwestern State by the Murtala Muhammed administration in 1976.
The then Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, created the state using the name Delta advanced by Niger Delta region and Asaba a prominent town within the Anioma axis as capital.
Asaba was designated as capital of the proposed Anioma State. The proposed capital was a virgin land or Anioma city in the heart of the two constituent divisions that had evolved to become the Anioma area.
Delta state was once integrated in the Mid Western state from 1963 to 1976 and later Bendel state, from 1976 to 1991.
The name Bendel derived from the old Benin and Delta Provinces of Western Region-Delta to reflect the integration of Benin and Delta provinces.
Delta State is ethnically diverse, with various linguistic stocks.
The first region is made up of three linguistic groupings, collectively referred to as Anioma.
They are of Igboid stock and composed of three main groups namely Enuani, who inhabit the Aniocha and Oshimili Local Government Areas; Ika; and Ndokwa/Ukwuani. All three inhabit the Delta North senatorial district.
The second region consists of the other three main linguistic groups: Edoid, comprising the Isoko and Urhobo; Yoruboid, Itsekiri; and Ijoid, Izon.
The Urhobo cultural extraction is the largest in the state with over 2 million native speakers.
The Itsekiri speak a language very closely related to Yoruba but have been culturally influenced by the Edo ethnic group from neighbouring Edo state, as well as the Urhobo, Ijaw and Portuguese.
The Izon are a branch of their kith and kin, in neighbouring Bayelsa State.
The vast majority of inhabitants are Christian, with very few practicing Traditional Religion.
Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi, a member of the People's Democratic Party, was elected Governor and chief executive of Delta State in April 2015.
His deputy is Barr. Kingsley Otuaro. The state has three National Senatorial Districts, South, North and Central.
In 2011 and 2013, the elected senators were James Manager, Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi and Emmanuel Aguariavwodo who replaced Pius Ewherido who died in 2013 at National Hospital, Abuja.
In 2015, Chief Ighoyeta Amori was elected Senator of Delta Central but his election was annulled and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege sworn in as Senator of Delta Central, James Manager retained his position and Chief Peter Nwaoboshi was elected Senator of Delta North.
The Executive, Legislative and Judicial Chambers are housed in Asaba with a government house annex in Warri.
There are various solid mineral deposits within state, industrial clay, silica, lignite, kaolin, tar sand, decorative rocks, limestone, etc.
These are raw materials for industries such as brick making, ceramics, bottle manufacturing, glass manufacturing, chemical/insulators production, chalk manufacturing and sanitary wares, decorative stone cutting and quarrying.
Delta state also has huge deposits of crude oil and is also one the largest producers of petroleum products in Nigeria.
Delta State has some historical, cultural and socio-political tourist centers that attract visitors from around the globe.
Tourism Sites In Delta State:
The Nana's Palace built by Chief Nana Olomu of Ebrohim. He was a powerful 19th century indigenous entrepreneur who traded with the British. The relationship eventually turned sour.
Later, he surrendered not without putting up a fight and was exiled to Ghana. His personal effects are housed in this grand palace.
The River Ethiope which is reputed to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa (at 176 km). Its source is at the foot of a giant silk-cotton tree at Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state and flows through seven Local Government Areas in the State.
It is a place of worship for Olokun traditional religion and also a common site for faithfuls of the Igbe Religious Movement.
The Araya Bible Site which houses a copy of the Holy Bible. It is believed that the bible descended to this spot miraculously from heaven around August, 1914. The bible dropped on rain-soaked yam and it didn't get wet.
The site now attracts thousands of Christians yearly.
Demas Nwoko Edifice which was built using traditional materials, designs and construction techniques of the Igbo civilization and the Benin Empire by Demas Nwoko, an architect, builder and artist of international repute from Idumuje-Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
The Mungo Park House which is now the site of the National Museum, Asaba. The house was constructed by the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in 1886 and was used as a colonial administrative headquarters, a military house.
It was as well the colonial administrative divisional headquarters, the RNC Constabulary building, and the seat of the Urban District Council at different times.
The Niger Bridge which connects Delta State by extension, western Nigeria to the Eastern part of Nigeria. It is a beauty to behold.
It was completed in 1965 and cost £5 million. It was damaged during the civil war, but later repaired.
Lander Brothers Anchorage, Asaba which was built in memory of early British explorers. The complex has a museum, a graveyard, and many artworks and writings. It houses a replica of one of the boats that was used by the brothers.
Warri Kingdom Royal Cemetery which is 512 year old burial ground and serves as the resting place of past rulers of Warri kingdom. A tree is planted on each grave.
Delta State is known to have produced several sportsmen and women, notably Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, Sunday Oliseh, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Wilson Oruma, Efetobore Sodje Blessing Okagbare and Jonathan Akpoborie, Cindy Ofili.
Asaba is a city strategically located on a hill at the western edge of the Niger River, overlooking its sister city, Onitsha, across the Niger Bridge.
It is the capital of Delta State Nigeria. A fast developing urban area, Asaba had a population of 149,603 as at the 2006 census, and a metropolitan population of over half a million people.
Ahaba in Enuani dialect of the great Igbo language is derived from the exclamation Ahabagom, meaning I have chosen well, a quote from the founding father Nnebisi of Asaba.
The city of Asaba was once the colonial capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. It was founded in 1884. Between 1886 and 1900, it hosted the Royal Niger Company, which the British authorities set up to stimulate trade and the exportation of goods to England.
That company has grown today into UAC Nigeria PLC. Scottish explorer William B. Balkie, when signing a trade treaty with Igbo chief Ezebogo in Asaba on August 30, 1885, remarked - After our salutations, I spoke of friendship, of trade, and of education, and particularly enlarged upon the evils of war, and the benefits of peace, all of which was well received.
Owing to Asaba's influential history and geography, and current strategic political and economic influence in Nigeria, Asaba is generally known as the regional capital of the Anioma area.
The clamour for creation of Anioma state has been going on for decades.
Asaba is situated on a terrace of the lower Niger River, overlooking the point where the Anambra River flows into it.
Beyond the river banks, on the high plains which are far more extensive than the river basins, secondary forest vegetation flourishes.
The historic Niger River is a trans-African link beginning from West Africa and down into the Atlantic Ocean.
Asaba forms a connector between western, eastern and northern Nigeria through the Niger River from the north and via the Asaba Niger Bridge, an east-west link and a Nigerian landmark.
Asaba lies approximately 60 degrees north of the equator and about the same distance east of the meridian; about 160 kilometres (100 mi) north of where the River Niger flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The greater Asaba occupies an area of about 300 square kilometers. It maintains an average tropical temperature of 32 °C during the dry season and an average fertile rainfall of 2,700 millimetres (106 in) during the rainy season.
Asaba is traditionally led by the highly revered Asagba of Asaba, to whom the head or Diokpa of each of the five Ebos reports directly into on matters affecting Asaba.
Greater Asaba includes some of the other neighbouring indigenous Igbo communities—Ogwashi Ukwu, Igbuzo, Okpanam, Ugbolu and Oko, on the western section of the Niger River.
Since becoming the administrative capital of Delta State, Asaba has grown in population to over half a million very hospitable people.
Today, it maintains a cosmopolitan population of predominantly non-indigenous people. Some of the other groups in the city include Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaw, Ukwuani, Hausa, Itsekiri and Yoruba people.
Asaba is an administrative area established during the time of the Royal Niger Company now UACN.
It is currently enjoying the status of being the administrative capital of Delta state but due to the fact that Aniocha-Oshimili people maintain the identity of being Igbo, a lot of Igbo from the east of the Niger river invest in Delta state.
Precisely at Asaba thus improving the economic fortunes of Asaba area and Delta state in general.
The government also contributes to the economic development of Asaba especially considering the established Asaba textile factory constructed by Samuel Ogbemudia administration and the power substation at Asaba.
The city of Asaba also hosts Sure life pharmaceutical company that manufactures medicines, there is also a steel mill in the city and aluminium companies manufacturing aluminum products.
The Nigerian Federal Government is also trying to capitalize on the Ubu river in the Ogwashi ukwu area of the African city through the construction of a multipurpose dam that could be useful in generating electricity.
The lake that will form behind the dam could benefit the Nigerian Navy Maritime University which is also within the city and there are possibilities that the Muhammadu Buhari led administration would complete the dam project between 2018 and 2019.
The city of Asaba and neighbouring cities are accessible by air through the Asaba international airport.
Asaba Benin express road is an important road which connects parts of eastern Nigeria with western Nigeria.
There is also a road that connects Asaba areas with Ughelli while the Asaba-Ebu road connects the city of Asaba with northern Nigeria.
Asaba is served by the water transportation available through the Niger River which surrounds most parts of the African city.
Tourism Observer
Thursday, 3 December 2015
NIGERIA: Arik Air Increases Frequency On Warri Route
Arik Air, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest carrier, has increased flight frequency on the Lagos-Warri and Abuja-Warri route, due to the temporary closure of Benin Airport by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Arik Air started, last Monday, to increase the frequency on the Lagos-Warri route to make three daily (Monday-Friday) flights.
Weekend (Saturday/Sunday) schedule has been increased from one to two flights. Similarly, the five weekly Abuja-Warri service has been increased with the addition of Saturday and Sunday flights.
The new schedule will be operated from June 22 to July 10, when the Benin Airport would be closed for repair works.
The additional Lagos-Warri flight will depart Lagos daily at 11:30 am and arrive in Warri at 12:30 pm. The inbound flight leaves Warri at 1:00 pm and arrives in Lagos at 2:00 pm. This is in addition to the early morning and late afternoon flights between Lagos and Warri
Arik Air started, last Monday, to increase the frequency on the Lagos-Warri route to make three daily (Monday-Friday) flights.
Weekend (Saturday/Sunday) schedule has been increased from one to two flights. Similarly, the five weekly Abuja-Warri service has been increased with the addition of Saturday and Sunday flights.
The new schedule will be operated from June 22 to July 10, when the Benin Airport would be closed for repair works.
The additional Lagos-Warri flight will depart Lagos daily at 11:30 am and arrive in Warri at 12:30 pm. The inbound flight leaves Warri at 1:00 pm and arrives in Lagos at 2:00 pm. This is in addition to the early morning and late afternoon flights between Lagos and Warri
NIGERIA: Arik ,Aero And Dana Most Popular And Preffered Airlines In Nigeria
A recent survey by a Nigerian business and management consulting company, Phillips Consulting Limited has revealed that out of the 20 domestic airlines operating in Nigeria to major cities such as Lagos, Calabar, Abuja and Enugu- Aero Contractors, Arik Air and Dana Airlines are the most preferred airlines.
This survey was done between May and August 2015 in order to determine the perception and expectations of domestic travellers. Despite flight delays and safety concerns of these airlines Aero contractors ranked first with 39 percent, followed by Arik Air with 34 percent and Dana Airlines with 10 percent.
Aero Contractors, which is the oldest airline in Nigeria and operates 50 daily flights across Nigeria and other West African countries was the most preferred airline by Nigerians. According to the survey, then this is because of its affordable ticketing price.
Airline fares are as low as N10, 000 and passengers enjoy discounts for booking their flight ahead of time with added incentive for paying online and booking on hold.
In August 2015, Aero Contractors won the Exceptional Safety Culture Award. Domestic routes flown by Aero include Abuja, Accra, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt(Omagwa Int’l Airport), Port Harcourt (NAF Base), Owerri, Warri and Uyo.
In view of the numerous plane crashes, which have plagued the country over the past years, Arik Air which is West and Central Africa’s largest carrier has continued to lead in terms of its safety standards. As a reult of this 23 percent of the respondents chose Arik as their preferred airline.
Arik air has won several awards such as the Best Safety and Security Conscious Airline in West and Central Africa for four consecutive years (2010-2014) and the Best Airline in Africa, 2014.
Domestic routes flown by Arik in Nigeria include Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Enugu, Warri, Uyo, Yola, among others.
Despite the Dana plane crash in June 3, 2012 , which is the second deadliest crash in Nigeria, Dana is still a preferred airline by domestic travellers in Nigeria. Dana Airline is preferred by domestic travellers in Nigeria for its prompt flight departures as well as good quality service. Respondents from the survey commended the appearance and courteousness shown to passengers by Dana’s air crew, their meals, cabin cleanliness and seat comfort.
During the 2015 edition of Nigerian Customer Service Award (NCSA) held at Sheraton Lagos, Dana Airline beat all Nigerian airlines to emerge as the best customer service airline in Nigeria and Most Efficient Airline in 2014. Dana Airline’s domestic routes in Nigeria include Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Uyo.
Following an appeal from the Minister of Defence, Dan Ali Mohammed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should prolong the duration for the registration of Biometric Verification Number for officers of the Nigeria Armed Forces, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the extension to enable them access to their salaries.
Alhaji Suleiman Barau, Deputy Governor Operations, CBN revealed this to the Senate Committee on Appropriation when he appeared before them in Abuja. He also said that the bank understood the plight of military officers.
The Minister of Defense, Dan Ali Mohammed solicited support from the Senate Committee, pleading that the committee intervene and ensure that BVN registration for military operatives especially in the war front be extended. He explained that considering the circumstances, most soldiers and their families had it rough as they were unable to access their salaries before the deadline.
Dan-Ali said it was highly impossible for soldiers to leave the war front to go for the registration, as such they shouldn’t have to be punished further by being denied access to their accounts.
“Our soldiers in the field cannot access their money because of the BVN: our soldiers should be given extension so that they and their family can access their salary. “We need to appeal to the CBN governor if that can be done as it will enhance the morale of our soldiers,” he said.
The compulsory registration was extended by three months from June 30, 2015 to October 31 to provide ample time enough for millions of Nigerians to participate in the exercise. But as of the beginning of October, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that only 20 million out of the 52 million active bank accounts had been enrolled on the BVN network.
After the long awaited BVN deadline approached, registration continued even though CBN earlier stated that there would be no further extension of the exercise. The accounts of Nigerians who failed to meet the deadline were temporarily blocked, with the condition that they would be able to access their accounts upon registration
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) are currently the main source of job creation in Africa. They account for over 95% of firms and 60%-70% of employment. Despite this massive contribution to the economy, access to finance is still a major obstacle to the growth of the SME’s on the continent.
In view of this problem, an impact-focused equity crowdfunding portal, Malaik has been created to connect investors interested in impact investment opportunities and entrepreneurs raising equity finance. Malaik offers the global community clear and well-documented opportunities for high impact investing in African businesses, a chance to participate in Africa’s growth story.
Following the launch of Africa’s first impact focused equity crowd funding portal, Malaik, Ventures Africa spoke with the Founder and CEO, Uneku Atawodi to learn more about the portal.
Ventures Africa (VA): Why was Malaik founded?
Uneku Atawodi (UA): Malaik was founded because access to finance is a problem for entrepreneurs in Africa. So many inspiring African entrepreneurs that have amazing ideas, that deserve to be scaled don’t have funds because it’s risky for banks to give out loans to start-up businesses. Malaik helps to close that gap by selling equity in start-up businesses to interested investors.
VA: Can you tell us how long Malaik has been operating and how it works?
UA: Malaik is four months old from idea conception until date. We are proud to preview for the first time at the African Leadership network to the crowd fare. So here is how Malaik works, firstly you logon to our website and register as either an investor or an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur can apply to raise funds for their company through our platform while an investor can apply to be an investor. Once the investor is approved he would be able to see the batch of companies that have gone through our due diligence report and then put the amount he wishes invest. Our investment calculator would automatically calculate how many shares in the company that the investor would get for his investment. For example if the company is raising $100 000, and you invest up to 20% equity, you invest $10,000, you get 2% equity in that company.
VA: What makes Malaik different from other crowd funding portals?
UA: First Malaik is an equity crowd-funding portal, though it’s not just for not- for-profit businesses. We are actually helping businesses that are highly comfortable with the potential to provide a lot of impact and raise funding to scale. The difference is that we only put up companies that have a big attraction and are selling equity finance. As opposed to other crowd funding platforms, Malaik finds you a lead investor or you come with your own investor and if your company is open to the crowd on the platform we would have identified the lead investor. The lead investor takes a minimum of 25% of funds that the company is trying to raise and then the crowd can invest in the same deal terms. So, we allow the crowd to get fair value for their money because the lead investor would have invested their own money in and negotiated deal term.
VA: What are the risks involved in investing in Malaik, because as an investor you would want to know the risks involved in investing in a company?
UA: Once you go on the platform, you have to be approved to be a sophisticated investor. A sophisticated investor understands there is the risk of their shares being diluted and the risk of losing your money investing in startups. We also have a full list analysis that a sophisticated investor is required to understand and we don’t open up to people who don’t understand the basic principles of investing in startups.
VA: How much equity do investors get for their investment?
UA: Companies listed on Malaik decide how much money they want to raise in exchange for a certain percentage of its equity, and each investor’s equity interest will be proportionate to the size of their investment. So if a campaign raises $150,000 in exchange for 20% of its equity, and you invest $1,500 (1% of $150,000), you will receive 0.20% (1% of 20%) of the equity of the business.
VA: What are your Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks and how do you ensure that the identifications given to you are valid?
UA: Before you enter the platform to make investments, you are required to send us a proof of identification, which can be a passport or a driver’s license and your proof of address. We have stringent KYC checks, if they have any doubts that the person is not who they say they are after they have had a conversation with the risk analysis crew then we will not be allowed to give passwords.
VA: So, how much can one invest in a business?
UA: The minimum investment for a company is $1000 except where specified, if the company comes up and say they want to sell their shares at a higher minimum, then that would be written on the company’s page. On Malaik you are allowed to choose what company you want to invest in, and you are advised to spread your investment through and not put all your money in one company but spread your risk in investing in either two or three companies.
VA: Is it possible for an investor to cancel an investment?
UA: There is a stipulated time that you are allowed to cancel your investment. You are not allowed to cancel if the company is already hit for funding but prior to that, you can.
VA: Do you have specific sectors which you raise funds for on your platform?
UA: We like raising funds for all sectors. We don’t raise funds for companies we see as illegal businesses or immoral businesses. We raise funds for any high impact business. If you have a business that not only provides jobs for people but if you are going to hit them with the UN Sustainable Development Goals then those are the sought of businesses that we are interested in.
VA: Can you tell us about the impact tracker that you use and why it is unique?
UA: The impact trackers focus on companies that not only can be comfortable but can also provide economic impact to the areas where they operate. We track impact using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For example If an entrepreneur comes to us and say she will provide 500 jobs we’ll input that number in our impact tracker and then the entrepreneur is required to report every quarter what impact they’ve been able to have. We target many impact investments and we believe that companies that have trackable metrics can really help Africa hit its growth potential.
VA: In a situation where the company wasn’t able to provide a particular number of jobs as promised, what happens to that company?
UA: If you said you were going to provide 200 jobs by 2018 and you came back and said you’ve been able to provide 20 jobs, we will put that number into your impact tracker and all your investors will see that you have reached 10% of your total aim. So, the impact tracker is the dial that fills up as you hit your aim with what you initially reported to your crowd of investors.
This survey was done between May and August 2015 in order to determine the perception and expectations of domestic travellers. Despite flight delays and safety concerns of these airlines Aero contractors ranked first with 39 percent, followed by Arik Air with 34 percent and Dana Airlines with 10 percent.
Aero Contractors, which is the oldest airline in Nigeria and operates 50 daily flights across Nigeria and other West African countries was the most preferred airline by Nigerians. According to the survey, then this is because of its affordable ticketing price.
Airline fares are as low as N10, 000 and passengers enjoy discounts for booking their flight ahead of time with added incentive for paying online and booking on hold.
In August 2015, Aero Contractors won the Exceptional Safety Culture Award. Domestic routes flown by Aero include Abuja, Accra, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt(Omagwa Int’l Airport), Port Harcourt (NAF Base), Owerri, Warri and Uyo.
In view of the numerous plane crashes, which have plagued the country over the past years, Arik Air which is West and Central Africa’s largest carrier has continued to lead in terms of its safety standards. As a reult of this 23 percent of the respondents chose Arik as their preferred airline.
Arik air has won several awards such as the Best Safety and Security Conscious Airline in West and Central Africa for four consecutive years (2010-2014) and the Best Airline in Africa, 2014.
Domestic routes flown by Arik in Nigeria include Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Enugu, Warri, Uyo, Yola, among others.
Despite the Dana plane crash in June 3, 2012 , which is the second deadliest crash in Nigeria, Dana is still a preferred airline by domestic travellers in Nigeria. Dana Airline is preferred by domestic travellers in Nigeria for its prompt flight departures as well as good quality service. Respondents from the survey commended the appearance and courteousness shown to passengers by Dana’s air crew, their meals, cabin cleanliness and seat comfort.
During the 2015 edition of Nigerian Customer Service Award (NCSA) held at Sheraton Lagos, Dana Airline beat all Nigerian airlines to emerge as the best customer service airline in Nigeria and Most Efficient Airline in 2014. Dana Airline’s domestic routes in Nigeria include Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Uyo.
Following an appeal from the Minister of Defence, Dan Ali Mohammed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should prolong the duration for the registration of Biometric Verification Number for officers of the Nigeria Armed Forces, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the extension to enable them access to their salaries.
Alhaji Suleiman Barau, Deputy Governor Operations, CBN revealed this to the Senate Committee on Appropriation when he appeared before them in Abuja. He also said that the bank understood the plight of military officers.
The Minister of Defense, Dan Ali Mohammed solicited support from the Senate Committee, pleading that the committee intervene and ensure that BVN registration for military operatives especially in the war front be extended. He explained that considering the circumstances, most soldiers and their families had it rough as they were unable to access their salaries before the deadline.
Dan-Ali said it was highly impossible for soldiers to leave the war front to go for the registration, as such they shouldn’t have to be punished further by being denied access to their accounts.
“Our soldiers in the field cannot access their money because of the BVN: our soldiers should be given extension so that they and their family can access their salary. “We need to appeal to the CBN governor if that can be done as it will enhance the morale of our soldiers,” he said.
The compulsory registration was extended by three months from June 30, 2015 to October 31 to provide ample time enough for millions of Nigerians to participate in the exercise. But as of the beginning of October, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that only 20 million out of the 52 million active bank accounts had been enrolled on the BVN network.
After the long awaited BVN deadline approached, registration continued even though CBN earlier stated that there would be no further extension of the exercise. The accounts of Nigerians who failed to meet the deadline were temporarily blocked, with the condition that they would be able to access their accounts upon registration
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) are currently the main source of job creation in Africa. They account for over 95% of firms and 60%-70% of employment. Despite this massive contribution to the economy, access to finance is still a major obstacle to the growth of the SME’s on the continent.
In view of this problem, an impact-focused equity crowdfunding portal, Malaik has been created to connect investors interested in impact investment opportunities and entrepreneurs raising equity finance. Malaik offers the global community clear and well-documented opportunities for high impact investing in African businesses, a chance to participate in Africa’s growth story.
Following the launch of Africa’s first impact focused equity crowd funding portal, Malaik, Ventures Africa spoke with the Founder and CEO, Uneku Atawodi to learn more about the portal.
Ventures Africa (VA): Why was Malaik founded?
Uneku Atawodi (UA): Malaik was founded because access to finance is a problem for entrepreneurs in Africa. So many inspiring African entrepreneurs that have amazing ideas, that deserve to be scaled don’t have funds because it’s risky for banks to give out loans to start-up businesses. Malaik helps to close that gap by selling equity in start-up businesses to interested investors.
VA: Can you tell us how long Malaik has been operating and how it works?
UA: Malaik is four months old from idea conception until date. We are proud to preview for the first time at the African Leadership network to the crowd fare. So here is how Malaik works, firstly you logon to our website and register as either an investor or an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur can apply to raise funds for their company through our platform while an investor can apply to be an investor. Once the investor is approved he would be able to see the batch of companies that have gone through our due diligence report and then put the amount he wishes invest. Our investment calculator would automatically calculate how many shares in the company that the investor would get for his investment. For example if the company is raising $100 000, and you invest up to 20% equity, you invest $10,000, you get 2% equity in that company.
VA: What makes Malaik different from other crowd funding portals?
UA: First Malaik is an equity crowd-funding portal, though it’s not just for not- for-profit businesses. We are actually helping businesses that are highly comfortable with the potential to provide a lot of impact and raise funding to scale. The difference is that we only put up companies that have a big attraction and are selling equity finance. As opposed to other crowd funding platforms, Malaik finds you a lead investor or you come with your own investor and if your company is open to the crowd on the platform we would have identified the lead investor. The lead investor takes a minimum of 25% of funds that the company is trying to raise and then the crowd can invest in the same deal terms. So, we allow the crowd to get fair value for their money because the lead investor would have invested their own money in and negotiated deal term.
VA: What are the risks involved in investing in Malaik, because as an investor you would want to know the risks involved in investing in a company?
UA: Once you go on the platform, you have to be approved to be a sophisticated investor. A sophisticated investor understands there is the risk of their shares being diluted and the risk of losing your money investing in startups. We also have a full list analysis that a sophisticated investor is required to understand and we don’t open up to people who don’t understand the basic principles of investing in startups.
VA: How much equity do investors get for their investment?
UA: Companies listed on Malaik decide how much money they want to raise in exchange for a certain percentage of its equity, and each investor’s equity interest will be proportionate to the size of their investment. So if a campaign raises $150,000 in exchange for 20% of its equity, and you invest $1,500 (1% of $150,000), you will receive 0.20% (1% of 20%) of the equity of the business.
VA: What are your Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks and how do you ensure that the identifications given to you are valid?
UA: Before you enter the platform to make investments, you are required to send us a proof of identification, which can be a passport or a driver’s license and your proof of address. We have stringent KYC checks, if they have any doubts that the person is not who they say they are after they have had a conversation with the risk analysis crew then we will not be allowed to give passwords.
VA: So, how much can one invest in a business?
UA: The minimum investment for a company is $1000 except where specified, if the company comes up and say they want to sell their shares at a higher minimum, then that would be written on the company’s page. On Malaik you are allowed to choose what company you want to invest in, and you are advised to spread your investment through and not put all your money in one company but spread your risk in investing in either two or three companies.
VA: Is it possible for an investor to cancel an investment?
UA: There is a stipulated time that you are allowed to cancel your investment. You are not allowed to cancel if the company is already hit for funding but prior to that, you can.
VA: Do you have specific sectors which you raise funds for on your platform?
UA: We like raising funds for all sectors. We don’t raise funds for companies we see as illegal businesses or immoral businesses. We raise funds for any high impact business. If you have a business that not only provides jobs for people but if you are going to hit them with the UN Sustainable Development Goals then those are the sought of businesses that we are interested in.
VA: Can you tell us about the impact tracker that you use and why it is unique?
UA: The impact trackers focus on companies that not only can be comfortable but can also provide economic impact to the areas where they operate. We track impact using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For example If an entrepreneur comes to us and say she will provide 500 jobs we’ll input that number in our impact tracker and then the entrepreneur is required to report every quarter what impact they’ve been able to have. We target many impact investments and we believe that companies that have trackable metrics can really help Africa hit its growth potential.
VA: In a situation where the company wasn’t able to provide a particular number of jobs as promised, what happens to that company?
UA: If you said you were going to provide 200 jobs by 2018 and you came back and said you’ve been able to provide 20 jobs, we will put that number into your impact tracker and all your investors will see that you have reached 10% of your total aim. So, the impact tracker is the dial that fills up as you hit your aim with what you initially reported to your crowd of investors.
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