SmartCity, ChamsHoldco Synergizes with ICAN to Revolutionize Accounting Through Technology

Lagos, Nigeria – In a significant step towards advancing the accounting profession in Nigeria, SmartCity PLC, in collaboration with ChamsHoldco, recently hosted Chief Davidson Chizuoke Alaribe, FCA, the 60th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), along with his leadership team, at their Ikoyi, Lagos office. This visit, characterized by insightful discussions and a shared vision, marked a pivotal moment for the organizations, underscoring the power of collaboration in driving industry-wide transformation.

Chief Alaribe, a distinguished leader in the accounting profession, was warmly welcomed by SmartCity’s Executive Chairman, Demola Aladekomo, alongside Mrs. Mayowa Olaniyan, Group Managing Director of ChamsHoldCo, and Mr. Gabriel Ukachukwu, Group Chief Financial Officer of SmartCity PLC. The meeting was centred around a critical objective: harnessing the potential of digital innovation to elevate the accounting profession in Nigeria.

The discussion focused on how technology can be leveraged to streamline accounting processes, enhance transparency, and equip professionals to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy. All parties expressed a strong commitment to this mission, recognizing that the future of accounting lies in embracing cutting-edge solutions that empower accountants to perform their roles with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

“At SmartCity, we believe that technology is the cornerstone of modern business,” said Demola Aladekomo, Executive Chairman of SmartCity PLC. “This partnership with ICAN is a testament to our commitment to leading the charge in digital transformation. By collaborating with ICAN, we aim to support the professional development of accountants in Nigeria, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

This strategic alliance marks the beginning of an exciting journey for SmartCity, ChamsHoldco, and ICAN. As we look to the future, we are proud to partner with ICAN in this endeavour and anticipate the positive changes this collaboration will bring to the accounting profession and beyond, ensuring that Nigerian accountants are not just keeping pace with global trends but are also at the forefront of innovation.

About SmartCity PLC

SmartCity is an investment, technology, and infrastructure development company dedicated to creating modern real estate and infrastructural projects that enable people to live, work, and relax in a technologically enabled environment, fostering pleasant and productive living.

Demola Aladekomo Calls Out for Smart Cities Development in Nigeria Amidst Rapid Urban Migration

Renowned entrepreneur and Founder of Chams Plc, Sir Demola Aladekomo, has underscored the imperative of developing Smart Cities in Nigeria, responding to the United Nations’ projection of approximately 275 million Nigerians migrating from rural to urban areas by 2050. Aladekomo’s call to action took place during the 8th edition of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI) 2022 Information Communication Technology and Telecommunication (ICTEL) Expo held recently in Lagos.

In his presentation on “Efficient Digital Infrastructures through Smart Cities,” Aladekomo reframed migration as a transformative process rather than a problem. He emphasized the importance of managing the migrating population effectively and understanding migration factors to harness its productive potential, mitigating negative societal impacts.

Citing UN estimates, Aladekomo highlighted that Nigeria’s population is projected to reach about 411 million by 2050 and 794 million by 2100, with rural-urban migration expected to hit 275 million in 2050. Drawing on former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s perspective on migration as an expression of human aspirations, Aladekomo emphasized the need to leverage migration for societal benefit.

Explaining the concept of Smart Cities, he described them as places that enhance the quality of life, offering entertainment, environmental sustainability, and improved security. Aladekomo proposed converting existing poorly structured cities into smart cities through polycentricity and agglomeration.

Polycentricity involves creating decentralized cities around existing urban centers, digitally managing them from inception, while agglomeration involves clustering them in specialized forms such as healthcare cities, technology cities, and agricultural cities. This approach aims to enhance productivity, commerce, cost optimization, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

Key components of Smart Cities, as outlined by Aladekomo, include Smart Governance, Smart Energy, Smart Citizen, Smart Healthcare, Smart Technology, Smart Mobility, Smart Building, and Smart Infrastructure.

Aladekomo suggested leapfrogging relevant technologies to address infrastructural deficits, emphasizing the government’s role in recognizing population growth as an opportunity. He called for accepting rural-urban migration as a reality, utilizing agglomeration and a polycentric governance approach, and leveraging technology for development and administration.

Highlighting SmartCity PLC’s ongoing projects in Ibadan and Osogbo through suburb polycentrism, Aladekomo concluded by urging private sector participation, good governance, adherence to the rule of law, building sustainable institutions, and acknowledging and replicating past successes.

The LCCI ICTEL Expo, where Aladekomo made these insightful remarks, serves as a vital platform for exploring opportunities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy, aligning with the government’s objectives to grow the digital economy and enhance e-governance.

Demola Advocates Collaborative Solutions for Identity Challenges in Nigeria’s Capital Market

In a compelling address during the 11th Annual Conference of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) in Lagos, Sir Demola Aladekomo, the Founder of Chams Plc and Executive Chairman of SmartCity Plc, called for a strategic alliance between capital market operators, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), and the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) to effectively address the prevailing identity challenges within the Nigerian capital market.

Under the theme “Sustainability of the Nigerian Stock Market as a Catalyst for Economic Growth and Prosperity,” Aladekomo highlighted the critical need to prioritize identity management in the sector, emphasizing that solutions like the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the National Identification Number (NIN) have already laid a foundation for addressing identity-related issues.

Aladekomo, a key player in successful national identity projects, including BVN, Chamscity Guinness World Record, NCC SIM registration, and INEC’s Voters Registration, stressed the importance of restoring public confidence in the capital market. He proposed comprehensive implementation of BVN and NIN, increased awareness among stakeholders, attracting investments from pension funds and foreign entities, and the introduction of innovative products and services by the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).

To tackle identity concerns in the capital market, Aladekomo urged regulators to prioritize swift and firm action, enhance cooperation with stakeholders, and actively manage Nigeria’s image against fraud and scams. He emphasized the significance of instilling confidence through measures that not only safeguard investments but also contribute to the market’s sustained growth.

Aladekomo’s call for collaborative efforts and his insightful recommendations underscore the imperative for collective action to enhance the integrity and resilience of Nigeria’s capital market.