Author: stalliongroupadmin

22 Sep

Posted at 10:16h in Blogs
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At the wake of the 60th year of Independence of Nigeria, the role of agriculture in Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasized. Stallion Group’s, Popular Farms & Mills Ltd has been in the fore front in driving self-sufficiency in rice, making it the country’s most viable route that can successfully meander the current economic dilemma in recent times. National Bureau of Statistics- NBS, confirms that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreased by –6.10%(year-on-year) in real terms in the second quarter of 2020. GDP From Agriculture however increased to 3918668 NGN Million in the second quarter of 2020 from 3677153 NGN Million in the first quarter of 2020. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, further tasked the banking sector to consider an increase in the percentage of loans to the agriculture sector from the current four per cent to 10 per cent by 2024 truly recognizing the potential of agriculture as a sector and its vast contribution to Nigerian economy. Managing Director of Popular Farms & Mils Ltd, Mr. Amit Rai added that Stallion group introduced a pioneering concept of packaging essential food items into a multi brand package in a generic market in Nigeria where rice was predominantly just sold as “rice”. Rice Brands from Stallion today are identified as leading consumer brands in the country.   Popular Farms and Mills Limited is leading the Nigerian Rice revolution by locally producing farm fresh paddy that is sortexed and milled at ISO 9001:2015 / ISO 22000 certified state of the art fully automated rice mills. The group has significantly invested in local rice milling facilities to obtain self-sufficiency in domestic produce. It operates the biggest rice mill in Kano, Nigeria and has an annual installed capacity of 430000 MT.   Recently KPMG valued two of the top Stallion Group rice brands Royal Stallion at N66.1 Bn and Caprice at N 41.5 08 Bn a consolidated valuation of N 107.6 Bn establishing leadership in the formal retail market. Some of the other popular brands from the company are Tomato King, Double Bull, People’s Princess and Super Champion.   Popular Farms  has been pushing forward the agenda of opportunity, sufficiency & security in Nigeria by entering into a partnership with over 1,000 cooperative groups, having direct access to more than 40,000 member-farmers for increasing the rice and sesame production and developing agro business in Northern Nigeria. The group imparts several training programmes and distributes free rice farming tools to out growers across the rice producing states in Nigeria.   The philanthropic arm of the group, Stallion Empowerment Initiative is working in close coordination with all stakeholders and the government to tackle the pandemic that has caused a social and economic mayhem in the country impacting frontline workers and lots of daily wage earners who are most impacted by the lockdown. The company pledged free rice for three months to hospitals dedicated to COVID – 19 care in Nigeria. 25 State hospitals across 15 states in Nigeria are beneficiaries of the relief execution programme. The organization is also proud to be involved in Rice supply to the Presidential Scheme and to Red Cross for the displaced people. The group is confident that the Nigerian economy will bounce back strongly with the collective efforts of the agric industry and the right policy responses to the multidimensional crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic....

14 Aug

Posted at 11:13h in Blogs
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Hyundai Motor Company has pledged donation of medical equipment and personal protection items worth over USD $2.4 million to countries across the Middle East and Africa in an effort to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigeria is one of the 37 countries that will benefit with Hyundai contributing 27,000 items worth N35 Million that will assist the front-line medical workers and the public during these unprecedented times. The contribution towards Nigeria includes 25,000 face masks and 2,000 protective suits to help the country combat the COVID-19. The donation was made to the Lagos State Government towards its COVID Relief program at an event presided over Ms.Solape Hammound, Head Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments. Present at the event CEO Stallion Group, Mr. Anant Badjatya commented that the contribution is part of Hyundai’s commitment to support those in need in the region. All the protective gears will be distributed to the hospitals supporting COVID Care in Lagos. He added that the situation in Nigeria could have been very different if it was not handled with speed and in time by the governing authorities and sincerely thanked His Excellency BabaJide Sanwo Olu for his vision and the able team for efficiently handling the situation with aplomb. She also mentioned that it was heartening to see positive stories of altruism by corporates and individuals reinstalling hope and the confidence that we shall overcome this situation and emerge stronger. Brand Manager Mr. Gaurav Vashisht added that in recent weeks, Hyundai has helped those in need around the world through donations and contributing medical equipment and personal protection items. Bang Sun Jeong, Vice President, Head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East & Africa HQs, said: “Caring for humanity has always been at the heart of Hyundai’s vision and having assisted those in need in countries around the world, we are proud to expand our support to countries across the Middle East and Africa region that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. “The contributions of personal protection items are another step forward of making a positive difference and we believe if we work together, we can overcome anything. “We sincerely hope our efforts contribute towards making a difference in this fight. We are committed to supporting the communities in the region, and we hope this helps in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of people. “We believe if we stay together, we can overcome anything. We hope this pandemic can soon come to an end and we can help people get back to their daily lives.” Among Hyundai’s initiatives to tackle COVID-19 globally include delivering emergency supplies to medical facilities in China, offering free transportation for the elderly and healthcare professionals in Brazil and providing a fleet of its vehicles to volunteers and self-isolating customers in the UK....

08 Aug

Posted at 11:54h in Blogs
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Stallion Auto Keke Ltd. the new and exclusive distributor of Bajaj Auto for 3 wheeler & 4 wheeler business on Friday, Lagos, Nigeria flagged-off the “First Keke Rally In Nigeria’’. The Keke rally comprises a convoy of 5 Kekes with their experienced riders, a branded truck for customer engagement and market activation and security agents, amongst others. The rally kicked off at the Stallion Bajaj showrom at Ijesha, Lagos State and is expected to cover 5,000 kilometres driving through 28 cities in sixteen states across the country. This rally will stand testimony to the fact that the New Baba Bajaj is a strong and durable Keke for the Nigerian roads. It will further add to the brand promise that the New Baba Bajaj, Runs Faster and Lasts Longer. Starting from Lagos it will cover Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abiya, Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun States. The durable drive of 5000kms will spread the message of being responsible and maintain hygiene to stop the spread of Corona Virus. The team is also scheduled to visit identified cultural sites in the states as a comprehensive exercise designed to celebrate the Nigerian history and its deep rooted indegenous culture.  Kekes journey to these sites and the background stories will connect the young Nigerians to their rich heritage. Speaking at an interactive session with the Motoring Editors at the Dealer Launch, Managing Director, Stallion Auto KeKe Ltd, Manish Rohtagi said Bajaj is the pioneer Keke brand in Nigeria that is well known for its durability, speed and overall performance and is loved by millions. The new distributorship will bring immense value to the dealers, fleet owners, riders & consumers. Stallion’s advantage lies in its de–centalised operation and quicker decision making, which will help drive operating efficiency. The business is expected to grow at a much faster rate as Stallion will actively push for the adoption of Keke by existing partners and the customer ecosystem. It will bring differentiated customer service, and ease of spare part availability through its existing footprints in the auto industry. He also explained that plans are underway to engage more dealers across the country and provide first class after sales support aiming at sharp service within 4 hours, rider training schools and Rider and Mechanic empowerment programs. Stallion Bajaj boasts of sales and service outlets at  96 locations spread across Nigeria and will add 30 more Exclusive and MFS outlets by the end of 2020 taking the count to 126. The areas of focus would be Illorin, Yola, Warri, Benin, Yenogoa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Lokoja and Bauchi. Information made available indicates that the company has invested in a state-of-the-art central auto parts and sevice centre in Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the country. Manish in his address to media mentioned that “The authorised service centers across the nation only deals in genuine spare parts provided by the company making durability its brand promise. The Bajaj Keke are manufactured in a state-of-the-art assembly plant in VON, Gbagada, Lagos employing the best in class home grown technicians’’. Meahwhile, plan are underway to introduce Bajaj Qute & Maxima Cargo before the end of this year.  Regarded as low cost, last mile transportation solution, Bajaj Qute is an eco friendly and fuel efficient means of transportation. In an interview recently, Rohtagi spoke on what gave rise to the  acquisition of the Bajaj franchise by the Stallion group. He said“ For over 50 years, Stallion has successfully navigated the Nigerian terrain and has become a time-tested conglomerate that has its presence across the Nigerian economy. Stallion Group’s vision is to adopt global best practices and localize it to develop scalable, impactful and sustainable business that is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of the communities.  Bajaj Auto on the other hand is a world leader in the intra city vehicle space.  “Loved in 70 countries the brand stands for integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and determination to succeed and empower. With similar brand ethos we believe that this alliance will go a long way in empowering Nigerians to be self-reliant and improve the interests of the stakeholders be it employees, dealers, distributors, vendors, mechanics, unions, logistic operators or bankers. “With years of experience in multiple countries including Nigeria, I foresee the opportunity that Bajaj has vast potentials for growth in the Nigerian market and to emerge as the undisputed market leader. The right approach and service to the dealers and consumers to bring out the USPs of the product and essence of the brand will add strength for it to become the market leader.“ Speaking to the media the Marketing Head for Stallion Group, Arpita Luthra highlighted that -Stallion Auto Keke Ltd will invest significantly in improving stake holder’s interest, business and livelihood. Be it landmark consumer connect campaigns like the Stallion Bajaj Keke Rally doing the durability drive of 5000 kms touching 28 cities or rider training facilities or scholarship programs for the Keke riders and mechanics, the alliance of Stallion and Bajaj will enable progress, improve lives and dominate the market.  ...

28 May

Posted at 11:04h in Blogs
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Stallion Group Nigeria has always aimed at maximizing consumer loyalty across the country and now is no exception. The Multi-brand Auto giant believes that a sizable business will be brought in through digital initiatives as consumers are still skeptical of stepping into showrooms to scout for their car of dreams. Launch of their own separate portal Stallion Africar will help meet customer expectation during the COVID era. It will also provide the customers tools to take an informed decision on the choice of car in their budget and a virtual relationship manager to guide them through the chat functionality. It offers an opportunity to do cross-selling and upselling and reduce their dependence on driving walk in traffic to the point of sale.  The simple design of Stallion Africar enables the consumer to take a decision on Buying a New Car and Servicing their existing car. Its soon adding the feature of buying a preowned car where the consumer can get their old car evaluated and uploaded to get the best deal and exchange it for a new. Buying a New Car The portal Navigates through each of the top selling Auto Brands of Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Porsche and Changan. Each brand’s highlight model is displayed on the home page with the portal navigating to a detailed page containing specification, price and the consumer’s ability to book a test drive for their favorite car just at the push of a button. The car is brought in to your home or work place keeping the safety and hygiene measures in mind for the test drive to conform with social distancing guidelines to the maximum.  The portal allows you an access to compare features, aesthetics and price across major brands and models to arrive at what’s best for you and your family. Car Servicing The relationship does not end at buying the ideal car does it? Stallion Africar’s servicing tool is designed to provide information on each brand’s service centers indicating locations across Nigeria with details pertaining to the right contact personnel for each of the locations along with their emails and phone numbers to book your service appointment and get the best quality of care for your car. The service personnel are trained on sanitization and handling of the car affirming to the safety from COVID 19 guidelines. At grounds daily practical workshops and training are being conducted to adhere to stringent guidelines for health and safety of the customer.   Stallion Group marks this launch as its journey to the e-commerce bubble that is emerging with the current economical shift. It is an encouragement to the Nigerian community to experience acquiring their dream car in this new era and see the amalgamation of the digital age with the physical joy of buying. Please visit www.stallionafricar.com...

11 May

Posted at 11:01h in Blogs
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Stallion Empowerment Initiative (SEI) the charity arm of Stallion group has partnered with Morsun Mobile Clinic to offer free medical consultation and drugs to residents in Lagos across 11 clinics. The group’s CEO, Mr. Anant Badjatya in his remark to the press stated that the joint affiliation will treat over 70 common ailments prevalent in Nigeria and will reach over 20000 people in the city over the course of 2 months. The service aims to provide some succour to people who can’t access hospitals due to overcrowding during the pandemic or for those who can’t simply afford a treatment.  He further added that “There is nothing greater than the safety of the people of this country and it is our responsibility to support the government and the community in this time of need.”   Morsun Mobile clinics are strategically located in business districts for the easy access of the working communities. These clinics are known for providing quality, affordable and accessible health care to Nigerians. In Lagos they have 7 existing clinics and 4 new ones that have been commissioned this month. At Victoria Island there are two well established clinics at Adeola Odeku Street and one near 1004.  It also has one clinic each at Ajaye Road – Ogba, Aina Street – Ojudu, City Mall – Onikan Round About, Freedom Way – Lekki Phase 1, Ayangburen Road – Ikorodu. The 4 new ones are being strategically placed at Orile, Apapa Road, Ajah, Somulu to best cater to the working class. Stallion Empowerment Initiative (SEI) in its endeavour works to develop scalable, impactful and sustainable programs that shall leave a visible impact for the future generations in West Africa. The key focus is towards providing better education, health care and skill and capability building in youth communities. The association with the mobile clinic is a step towards fulfilment of accessible health care and wellbeing of the community. Stallion is working in close coordination with all stakeholders and the government to alleviate the circumstances of COVID patients, frontline workers and lots of daily wage earners who are most impacted by the lockdown. Group’s Charity arm SEI pledged free rice and fish for three months to all hospitals dedicated to COVID – 19 care in Nigeria. 89 State hospitals in Nigeria are already registered as a part of this programme. The selfless people in SEI working in the frontline risk their lives to ensure that aid reaches where it is required the most. SEI has also deployed staff buses to ferry health care workers to hospitals dedicated to COVID – 19 treatment in Lagos. The free staff buses along with driver and fuelling is attached to the COVID-19 dedicated hospitals for 3 months to ensure safer and comfortable transportation of the healthcare providers who are in the frontline in this fight against the virus. Stallion’s partnering with the Morsun Mobile Clinic has an amazing capability to make an impact on the community and the region. Their sustainability and good success will ensure better access to basic healthcare. This act of kindness will have a far-reaching impact with thousands of patients directly and immediately benefitting from this gesture....

01 Apr

Posted at 10:15h in Blogs
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Climate change is for real. The changes in global temperature and weather patterns seen today are caused by human activity. They are happening much faster than the natural climate variations of the past.  World over industries have started recognizing this and are making the switch towards sustainable means of doing business and adopting technology with less environmental impact. Responding to the problem, therefore, auto users around the world are, speedily, replacing internal combustion engine-powered vehicles with Electric Vehicles (EVs), which generate no pollutant. Like dry season wild fire, the revolution is moving with speed. And from all indications, before the year 2020 runs out, Nigeria would officially join the rest of the world in embracing electric cars, courtesy of Stallion Motors, Nigeria’s leading auto assembler and franchisee of 9 Global brands including Hyundai. Recently, the company’s CEO, Mr. Anant Badjatya, hinted of company’s plan to officially launch into the Nigerian market Hyundai – Kona, an Electric car regarded by European motoring journalists as world’s number one. “Well-meaning and concerned people globally are urgently making moves to save our dear planet,” explained Mr. Badjatya. “After operating successfully in Nigeria for over five decades, the least our company could give back to the country and by extension, the world is to be a leading pilot in steering the nation to the direction of clean energy use and reduction of emission. “Not being dissuaded by the nation’s infrastructural challenges, one of our plans for this year is to introduce into the country Electric Vehicle (EV) and, in no distant future, embark on attitude change campaign for a clean environment in conjugation with Hyundai. Versatile and powerful, the Hyundai KONA Electric will be the first All-Electric SUV in Nigeria. Its power packed performance will provide a thrilling driving experience with high acceleration over long distances. Driving range for Kona Electric is 482 km with an acceleration of (0-100kms) in 9.7 secs. The ease of charging is unmatched, one can even plug it in at home or at work and charge it for 9.35 hrs for a full battery capacity. Hyundai Kona comes with a 5 years of battery warranty and 5 years of vehicle warranty. KONA Electric will change the way people think about going electric. It would make history as first EV to in Nigeria with local manufacturing.     “Is Nigeria Ready? While putting finishing touches to the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) for passage into law, the federal government of Nigeria, February 2019, laid bare interest in EV technology by assigning University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN), University of Lagos, Usman Dan Fodio University and Metrological Institute for design and production of a made-in-Nigeria electric car. Less than a year after (July 2019), UNN announced completion of an EV put together with 80 per cent local content. Representing the federal government at the unveiling ceremony of the car, the Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, did not only commend the institution for the achievement, but also expressed President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s resolve to support any company willing to invest in local manufacturing of electric vehicles. Also in his keynote address at an annual event of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association held recently in Lagos, Aliyu described the EV technology as good news for Nigeria. “To tap from the trend,” Aliyu explained, “We have met and discussed with both electric vehicle and charging station manufacturers in China and Germany towards the pilot program.” It would also be recalled that Nigerian government, not long ago, signed an MOU with Volkswagen, Europe’s largest auto manufacturer and leading investor electric vehicles, to produce vehicles in Nigeria. Last Words Apart from initial cost of purchase, EVs attract minimal running cost. For instance, Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has reportedly acquired his very first electric car, which happens to be Porsche Taycan, the one that Stallion Group plans to launch in Nigeria soon after Hyundai Kona. Currently, Nigerian electricity consumers resident in accommodation categorised under R1 are charged only N4 per kilowatt. That implies, when Hyundai Kona goes on sale in Nigeria, its owner would incur only N316 (N4x79kWat) to get a full charge, if he or she plugs the car onto public power supply. When Stallion Group eventually fulfils its plan in the next two months, Hyundai Kona, which around the world, is already being rated above its counterparts, in terms of performance, would make history as first EV to officially go on sale in Nigeria with local manufacturing....

01 Apr

Posted at 10:09h in Blogs
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Stallion Empowerment Initiative, the philanthropic arm of Stallion Group, has pledged its support to the local governments of all states across Nigeria by committing to provide locally produced rice and fish to all the government run hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 for next 3 months. Anant Badjatya, CEO of Stallion Group has further committed one staff bus each for the five Government run COVID-19 hospitals in Lagos. The Group will also provide drivers and fuel for these buses. This arrangement will help ensure safer and comfortable transportation of our health care workers who are in the frontline in this fight against the virus. Mr. Sunil Vaswani, Chairman Stallion Group stated that “These are exceptionally difficult times and urgent emergency resources have to be deployed to cope with the needs of affected states and support their health care systems. At Stallion Group our top priority is the health and safety of our employees, customers and our community.  There is nothing greater than the safety of the people of this country and it is our responsibility to support the government and the community in this time of need. We are deeply grateful to every health care worker and person who has risked their life to fight this pandemic and will continue to support them.” The Group commends the proactive efforts of the government and all the corporates who have come forward in this hour of need. It stands in solidarity with the health care personnel, the police, the immigration personnel, the customs, the aviation authorities, the factories working to produce essential items in this time of need, and all people acting responsibly to contain the pandemic. Stay Home. Stay Safe.    ...

01 Mar

Posted at 11:19h in Blogs
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The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alh. Sabo Nanono visited Popular Farm and Mills Limited, a Stallion Group Company with other dignitaries, Prof Sabagi Special Advisor to Minister, Hon Munir Umar Baba from the house of representatives, Mrs. K. I Babangida, Director Federal Department of Agriculture and many others. The Honble Minister stated that Nigeria has the necessary resources to achieve self-sufficiency in rice. There are over 50,000 agric graduates that can get associated with Agric Extension services to drive better yield in the country. New technologies in farming should now percolate from the research institutes to actual farming practices in the field. The Federal Government will soon introduce Mechanisation Hub for all 650 local governments that will support the farming community with training and stocking of farming equipment like tractors, power tillers, harvester combiners etc. The Minister further added  that "I see no reason why a 50kg bag of rice should be sold for N17,000, the same paddy rice is sold at N8,500 and maximum processing expense is N2,000 making a total of N10,500, it is unpatriotic to sell a bag more than N14,000 – N 15000." He will soon have a meeting with the rice millers to conclude on an affordable rate for rice for the consumers. Stallion Group’s Popular Farms & Mills registered the best quarterly sale of rice post Nigeria’s land border closure. The border closure has definitely boosted the local agriculture in Africa's most populous country. The policy roll out did come with some very severe short-term effects of price inflation and undesirable impact on legal cross border trade. But nonetheless it was essential for a turnaround in the economy. Nanono, commended Stallion Group’s Popular Farms and Mills Limited, for investing over US $70m to boost production of agric business, especially rice and sesame in Nigeria. He applauded Popular Farm’s local rice value chain from farmers to final retailers and clearly sees the huge potential and feels hugely encouraged. As an organization PFML is pushing forward the agenda of opportunity, sufficiency & security in the country. He agreed that Stallion Group has transformed itself into a productive and community sensitive company helping outgrowers with all farming needs. The group is investing further in additional milling facilities to obtain self-sufficiency in rice, locally.  Some of the popular brands from the company are Tomato King, Double Bull, People’s Princess and Super Champion. The minister also highlighted that the Government is contemplating to initiate the privatization of the fertilizer business and the use of husk as bio fuel to run the rice mills for better output. The MD of Popular Farms & Mills Ltd, Mr. Amit Kumar Rai, stated that the company has entered into a partnership with over 1,151 cooperative groups, having 41,486 member-farmers as well as 65,715ha of rice farm area for developing the rice business. The group imparts training and distributes rice farming tools free of cost to out growers across the rice producing states in Nigeria as a part of fulfilment of dedicated service towards achieving its rice value chain initiative. The group believes that focus on empowering communities leads to more progressive farmers and greater economic and social opportunities for households. “Popular Agric Centers” (also known as Aggregation Canters) spread across rice producing states of Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Zamfara, Kwara in Nigeria are nodal points at the door step of farmers for all backward integrated activities which includes training, knowledge disseminations, input distributions, quality testing, off-taking and transit storage. It has established collection centers across rice producing states to not only help farmers embrace modern farming techniques but also focus on distributing agric inputs through farmers cooperatives and associations....