Aquila Leasing Limited, a financial services firm with a growth rate of 55 percent from 2009 – 2011, has been listed alongside 49 other fast growth companies as winners of the maiden Nigeria 50 ranking by the AllWorld Network and The Tony Elumelu Foundation.
This ranking represents non-listed companies drawn from various industries that are growing at an average rate of over 100 percent, and have combined revenues of $9million.
The Nigeria50 broke many AllWorld records in relation to 15 other country rankings throughout the Middle East, Turkey and South Asia in terms of growth rates, the size of companies and diversity of industries. Many of the companies have been founded in the last ten years, and have already grown to be leaders in their industry. An average of only 46 years old, most Nigeria50 entrepreneurs plan to establish another company in the next two years.
The award ceremony was preceded by lectures from Professor of Harvard Business School, Michael Porter and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings as the stage was set for showcasing the entrepreneurs to the world at the ceremony attended by captains of industries led by the Minster of Trade, Industry and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, among others, to celebrate the successes and achievements of the fast growth 50 companies.
Porter, who is an AllWorld co-founder, highlighted that, “It is entrepreneurs that will change the developing world, not governments. The Nigeria50 companies represent the leading edge of a new approach to the region’s competitiveness.”
Commenting on the success of the winning companies co-founders of AllWorld Dierdre Coyle and Anne Habiby urged the business community and leaders in the country to continue to nurture the Nigeria 50 winners.
“With the right support, the Nigeria 50 will send signals that the country is open for business and will energise thousands to become entrepreneurs as the winners can become the new force for competitiveness, economic innovation and employment.
“The award is dedicated to our Board of Directors, Management, Staff and particularly our financiers (local and international) who have supported us till this important phase as we continually reposition the organization in line with shareholders’ expectations. We are aware of the enormous visibility and responsibility the award bestows on us and are prepared internally to build on this success,” the managing director/CEO of Aquila Leasing Limited Chuka Onwuchekwa said.
Aquila Leasing is a financial services firm with core competencies in all areas of equipment leasing that provides lease financing options to individuals via cooperatives/associations, SMEs and fleet management/operating lease services to blue-chips.
The company is supported by local Tier I and II banks, international development finance institutions like the Development Bank of Netherlands (FMO), Belgium Investment Organisation (BIO), OikoCredit and Tunis based Private Equity firm Africinvest Capital Partners.
HOPE MOSES-ASHIKE
