Why We Are Investing In Gambia – SIFAX Group Boss

_MG_0336Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, has explained the rationale behind SIFAX Group’s proposed investment in Gambia. He noted that the desire to contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding of the country’s economy was responsible for the inroad being made into the West African country.
The SIFAX Group boss made this known during the courtesy visit and facility inspection tour of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, one of the subsidiaries of the company by Mrs. RoheyMalick Lowe, first female Mayor of Banjul, the capital of Gambia recently. Lowe’s visit is part of the build-up to the SIFAX Group’s multi-million dollar investment in The Gambia.
According to Afolabi, the country is just emerging into a new dawn and deserves all the support it could get. He said: “Gambia has a new leadership who is willing to open up the country for foreign investment so the economy could be developed. I believe so much in the economic growth and development of the continent by Africans. Africans should be a major stakeholder in the economic transformation of Africa. The new president has also promised an enabling environment that is conducive and inviting.

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“Aside, before we ventured into this, I personally embarked on a research to find out about the country. Of all the African countries we have visited to do business recently, The Gambia offers a unique business proposition that seeks to keep investors business running with good returns on investments.
“We want to replicate the successes of our business models here in Gambia too. Our 30 years’ experience in the maritime industry will be very useful in building the economy of Gambia. Our promise is that the country’s economy will feel our impact as we don’t intend to limit our interventions to the maritime sector alone. We have identified other key areas we will be willing to invest in the nearest future.”
In her response, Rohey Malick Lowe, the visiting Mayor commended Ports & Cargo Handling Services for its giant strides in the Nigeria’s maritime sector.


Lowe, who was obviously impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities at the terminal, urged the company to bring same positive effect to her country. “I must commend Ports & Cargo for a job well done. I am very impressed. So many critics back in Gambia are skeptical of SIFAX Group’s capacity to handle the job, but with what I have seen today, there is no doubt that the company can successfully transform our economy. I am going back to Gambia to propagate the gospel of SIFAX Group brand back home,” she said.
Lowe thanked Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who conducted her round the terminal, and management team for the opportunity and said the tour has added to her wealth of knowledge.

 

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SIFAX Haulage & Logistics Limited, one of the subsidiaries of SIFAX Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Aderibigbe Adewale Adetayo as the new General Manager to head the subsidiary.

Adetayo holds a Masters degree in Financial Management from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso as well as a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa and a Diploma in Logistics and Transport. He is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants. His cross functional experience has spanned the banking, insurance and logistics sectors,   with cognate professional experience in various organisations like AIICO Insurance, Fidelity Bank, Integrated Microfinance Bank, Megaload Trucking Limited, Central Cement & Logistics Company, Garden Creations Export Limited and Chisco Transport Nigeria Limited where he was the General Manager of the company’s haulage division before taking up the SIFAX Haulage & Logistics Limited’s job.

He has attended professional trainings locally and internationally.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. John Jenkins, Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, said the quality of Adetayo’s recruitment was informed by the vision of the company to position all its Haulage and Logistics subsidiary as the leader in its sector. He said the new GM would be required to drive growth, improve market penetration, increase revenue and reposition the company for greater efficiency.

He said: “We are delighted that this gentleman has accepted to join us at SIFAX Group. The company is driven by its vision of being the market leader in all the sectors where our subsidiaries operate. For a company to be a market leader, the quality of its leadership must be top-range. That’s why we brought in this tested hand to join us to maintain our prime position and to deliver value for our clients and other stakeholders. Our expectations of him is very high, but the good thing is that, based on his track records, we are convinced he will surpass all targets.”