The Afrinvest Foundation has unveiled a 35-seater Information and Communication Technology centre at the Palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The centre, powered by a 15-kilowatt solar system and internet connectivity, is aimed at providing digital education and learning opportunities for young Nigerians.
Prince Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director of Afrinvest (West Africa), disclosed this on Thursday in Kano at a stakeholders’ symposium on ‘Wealth, Faith and Legacy’.
Chioke said the project was part of the company’s commitment to supporting communities and building lasting relationships through initiatives that promote education and digital inclusion.
He said the palace had a repository of more than 300,000 books, which were being digitised to make information on the history and culture of Nigeria, particularly the Kano Emirate, more accessible.
According to him, the initiative would provide young people with access to digital resources while preserving important historical and cultural materials.
Chioke also said Afrinvest had expanded access to digital, ethical and Sharia-compliant investment opportunities for residents of Kano.
He noted that the company had been operating for 30 years, with its business built around reputation, relationships and trust.
The GMD said the company provided digital platforms through which customers could invest in shares listed on the Nigerian Exchange, Federal Government savings bonds, commercial papers and Treasury bills.
He added that Afrinvest had introduced an Initial Public Offering feature on its Afrinvestor app to simplify participation in public offers.
“We have also introduced an Initial Public Offering 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 the company had also introduced Sharia-compliant investment products for Muslim investors, including the Afrinvest Halal Fund.
He said the fund was managed under the guidance of a committee of experts to ensure compliance with Islamic principles.
According to him, Afrinvest also offered Islamic trust products designed to help Muslim clients grow and transfer their wealth to the next generation.
The company, he pointed out, had recorded significant growth in Kano since establishing its office in the state two years ago, with thousands of customers using its digital investment platform.
Chioke added that the Plutus Neo by Afrinvest platform enabled customers to save and invest in dollars while accessing the United States stock market.
“Literally, we have opened the world of investments to everybody in Kano, and that is why we are here,” he said.
Earlier, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi II, urged Muslims to explore legitimate investment opportunities that comply with Islamic principles and avoid gambling.
The monarch also advised residents to diversify their investments beyond banking and insurance by investing in other productive sectors of the economy.
“Trust is important in business. We invest in training children in life to be of good interest to whatever they do.
“There is no harm in insuring your wealth, rebuilding and continuing your business,” he said.
The emir said the Sharia-compliant investment initiative would encourage people to carefully consider available investment opportunities and make informed decisions capable of contributing to economic growth.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to the development and prosperity of Kano.
