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.

Positioning for Opportunities in the Digital Economy

A summary of the speech delivered at the recently held Inaugural Graduation Ceremony of Ijesa Digital Innovation Hub

Sir Demola Aladekomo, Executive Chairman of SmartCity PLC, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the Ijesa Digital Innovation Hub’s inaugural graduation ceremony. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the graduating class and their potential to thrive in the digital economy.

Aladekomo emphasized the transformative power of the digital economy, stating, “The digital economy is not just a buzzword but a transformative force reshaping industries, societies, and the fabric of our daily lives.” He highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a digital leader, citing its youthful population and increasing internet penetration.

The speech commended the graduates’ expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and UI/UX Design, stressing their crucial role in fueling the digital revolution. Aladekomo acknowledged the importance of institutions like the Ijesa Digital Innovation Hub, which equip young people with the skills needed to succeed in this new frontier.

From Humble Beginnings to Digital Success

Aladekomo shared his personal journey, inspiring the graduates with his story of starting Chams Plc from the ground up. He emphasized the values of hard work, perseverance, and embracing opportunities within the digital space.

The 3Gs and 3Cs: Values for Success

Aladekomo outlined six key values for success in the digital economy:

  • The 3Gs:
    • Grit: unwavering determination to achieve long-term goals
    • Give: generosity in sharing knowledge, skills, and resources
    • Gratitude: appreciating opportunities and those who support you
  • The 3Cs:
    • Charisma: the ability to inspire and influence others
    • Character: integrity, honesty, and ethical behaviour
    • Competence: a combination of skills, knowledge, and expertise

A Call to Action

Aladekomo concluded by urging the graduates to embrace the digital economy, contribute to societal growth, and become catalysts for positive change. He left them with a message of encouragement, stating, “The future is bright, and the opportunities are limitless.”

This is a powerful message for young Nigerians aspiring to make their mark in the digital world. By following Aladekomo’s advice and harnessing the potential of the digital economy, they can contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their nation.

Read the full speech here

About SmartCity PLC

SmartCity is an investment 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.