Afrinvest Foundation unveils 35-seater ICT centre at Kano Emir’s Palace

By Olufunmi, Kano

The Afrinvest Foundation has unveiled a 35-seater Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at the Emir’s Palace in Kano.

The Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa, Mr. Ike Chioke, disclosed this on Thursday in Kano at a stakeholders’ symposium on “Wealth, Faith and Legacy”.

He said the centre, powered by a 15-kilowatt solar system and internet connectivity, was designed to provide digital education and learning opportunities for young Nigerians.

“The palace has a repository of more than 300,000 books, which are being digitised to enable people to access information on the history and culture of Nigeria, particularly the Kano Emirate.

‎“The project demonstrates the company’s commitment to building lasting relationships and contributing to the development of communities where it operates.

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‎Afrinvest to launch Shariah compliant investment products in Kano

“We have also expanded access to digital, ethical and Sharia-compliant investment opportunities for residents of Kano State,” he said.

‎He said the initiative was aimed at building trust and long-term relationships with customers while providing them with diverse investment opportunities.

The GMD said Afrinvest had been in operation for 30 years, building its business around reputation, relationships, and trust.

He said its activities included providing digital platforms that enable residents to invest in shares on the Nigerian Exchange, Federal Government savings bonds, commercial papers, and Treasury Bills.

“We have also introduced an Initial Public Offering (IPO) feature on our Afrinvestor app.

‎“Afrinvest happens to be one of the issuing houses working on the Dangote Refinery IPO.

“When the IPO is launched, anybody in Kano with the Afrinvest app can fund the account with the amount they want to invest and automatically register without filling any form,” he said.

Chioke said Afrinvest had also introduced Sharia-compliant investment products for Muslim investors, including the Afrinvest Halal Fund.

‎He added that the fund was being managed under the guidance of a committee of experts to ensure compliance with Islamic principles.

The GMD said the company also offers Islamic trust products designed to enable Muslim clients to grow and transfer their wealth to the next generation.

Chioke said Afrinvest had recorded significant growth in Kano since establishing its office in the state two years ago, with several thousands of customers using its digital investment platform.

‎He said the company’s Plutus Neo by Afrinvest platform also enables customers to save and invest in dollars and access the United States stock market.

“Literally, we have opened the world of investments to everybody in Kano, and that is really why we are here,” he said.

Earlier, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, urged Muslims to explore legitimate investment opportunities that comply with Islamic principles and avoid gambling.

He also urged residents of Kano to diversify their investments beyond banking and insurance and invest in other sectors of the economy.

“Trust is important in business. We invest in training children to have good character in whatever they do.

“There is no harm in insuring your wealth, rebuilding, and continuing your business,” he said.

‎Sanusi said the Sharia-compliant fund initiative would encourage people to carefully consider investment opportunities and make deliberate decisions toward promoting economic growth.

‎He expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to the development and prosperity of the state.