The name Dr. Abuyere is well-known in the investment, credit management, and several other key sectors in the country. Could you please tell us more about youself and this steady rise?
Thank you for the kind words. My name is Dr. Elvis Abuyere, and I serve as the group managing director and CEO of Skyewise Group. Over the years, I have had the privilege of leading a diverse range of ventures across various industries, including investment, credit management, and more. My journey has been driven by a passion for creating sustainable value for individuals and businesses alike, and I am proud of the impact we’ve been able to make both locally and internationally.
Tell us more about the nature of your business?
Skyewise Group is a diversified conglomerate offering world-class investment opportunities and services to both individuals and corporate organisations worldwide. We have a strong presence in Nigeria and beyond, operating across various sectors such as real estate, automobile, logistics, oil and gas, packaging, and contract financing. Our services cater to a broad client base, including corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals. The company’s headquarters is based in Abuja.
How has the year been for Skyewise?
2024 has been both an exciting and challenging year for us. Like many businesses, we have faced our share of difficulties, but we remain resilient. Despite these challenges, we continue to stand strong, committed to serving our customers, investors, and regulators. We’ve ensured that we stay in full compliance with all necessary regulations, which is fundamental to our operations. It’s been a year of growth and learning, with both successes and setbacks — something that is typical for any business, especially when you’re striving to do the right thing.
What major challenges did you encounter?
For us at Skyewise Group, we actually have one or two challenges, but we have been able to overcome them especially the exchange rate whereby we don’t have a fixed exchange rate; it keeps fluctuating terribly. Notwithstanding, we understand that Nigeria is a growing economy; we believe that this is just a phase and it’ll pass. It will not last forever; better days are ahead.
What would you say were some of your major achievements this year?
This year, we’ve made significant strides in several key areas. One of our major achievements has been expanding our reach into new markets, both locally and internationally. We’ve successfully launched new projects across various sectors, including real estate, logistics, and investment, which have been well-received by our clients. Additionally, we’ve strengthened our partnerships with financial institutions and government agencies, allowing us to create more value for our stakeholders. On the operational side, we’ve also enhanced our internal processes, ensuring better efficiency and compliance across all levels of the business. These achievements reflect our commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability.
We had great moments this year. Starting from the latest one which is our direct contribution to the amazing youth of this country. We had the 4th Annual Skyewise Entrepreneurship Summit which was very successful. We had an industrialist/ chairman of Coscharis Motors, Dr Cosmas Maduka, who was the chief speaker on that day. Many young people were impacted and empowered; businesses were also empowered. There were other amazing speakers and business mentors at the summit.
We were also able to build and commission our state-of-the-art Skyewise Automobile Service Centre in Maitama Abuja, a complementary service and maintenance outfit of our clients’ vehicles, and others with deliberate focus on lifestyle with included barbing saloon and auto relaxation mini- bar for clients delight while waiting to pick their cars.
Also, we did the groundbreaking of Skyewise Group, Benin Centre in the heart of Edo State to ensure our quality business deliveries and services that the Group is well-known for spread to our clients and prospects in the South South region and beyond.
June 5, 2025, we will be 10 years in business. We believe that challenges are just part of business. We want to build a brand that is acceptable even in the global community and we are believing God to make that possible. Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate any business still standing tall despite the nature of our current economy dynamics. It has never been an easy journey.
As an indigenous company, what policies or actions do you believe the government should implement to help improve the economy?
For me, like I said, the exchange rate has been challenging. The inflation rate is equally high. I want to actually advise the government to put in place, the necessary amenities like good roads and address the issue of insecurity. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s interest rate is on the high side too. The last time I checked, it is over 27 percent; it is not encouraging for a growing economy like ours. I urge the government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. All over the world, it is businesses that drive economy, not even the government, but when the business atmosphere is unfavourable, it will have an adverse effect on the economy. The government can also map out funds to bail out ailing industries. This is how it’s done in other countries. Places like China, America and Canada bail out their industries because this is what will make the economy stronger and stable. The efforts I put in for my business here, if I put same energy in countries like Canada, I will be ten times more than the level I am today because the government will come in and assist.
As we celebrate the Christmas and New Year season, what message would you like to share with your partners and stakeholders?
I sincerely want to justappreciate our customers, despite the challenges, you stood by us. You are an integral part of Skyewise Group. We are nothing without you. Thank you so much to our customers, investors and all those who believed in us. Please, continue to encourage us and support us because it is indeed a challenging time for businesses across the globe. On behalf of the Board of Directors, management team, we are wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance. In 2025, we will serve you better, because we have much more in stock to give you. We also will continue to contribute for human capital development. We remain standing to serve you better.
