Omatek turns 21st, unveils new logo

IT was praises galore for the founder Omatek Computers Plc, Mrs. Florence Seriki as the company marked its 21st anniversary in addition to unveiling of a new logo at a well-attended ceremony, weekend in Lagos, reports CHARLES OKOH.

The ceremony which was a roll call of dignitaries from all walks of life, began with a thanksgiving service, to the launch of various products of the company and awards for deserving partners as well as staff who have contributed to making the brand what it is today.

According to Mrs. Seriki in her opening address, the company which derived its name from her name, Omalu, started as a training outfit in 1986 and progressed into executive training for banks’ executives and their counterparts from the oil and gas sectors and other private sectors.

Mrs. Seriki said the transformation continued in 1990 with Omatek Ventures Limited as the company was previously known, became a vendor for some of the world class computers such as Dell, IBM, Compaq, Acer among others.

As a result of the achievements, she said, the company was appointed premium partner of Microsoft Corporation and later metamorphosed from being a computer selling firm to a computer manufacturer.

Mrs. Seriki who was very profound in her appreciation for support she got from partners, also said that in 2000 Omatek Ventures took advantage of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) funding available in Zenith International Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank. This, according to her, led to the establishment of Omatek Computers.

“The company will remain grateful to former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whose policy of local content ensured that all federal parastatals patronized the company and also through the Computer for All Nigerian Initiative (CANi), a joint venture with Afribank, which has seen many states of the federation partnering with Omatek,” she said.

Mrs. Seriki further said that unfair competition from foreign brands will not help the economy of the nation.

The deputy governor of Lagos State , Mrs. Sarah Sosan who unveiled the new logo expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far by the company, stating that she feels proud to be a woman, just as she called on giants of industries to support the state in its developmental efforts.

The Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, in his goodwill message, said the occasion is the celebration of Nigeria and her economy, just as he thanked those banks who stood by the company when all others shied away.

Apart from the unveiling of the new logo the company also launched its new 8 inches Titan of Tech awards winning notebook. The notebook which will come in various colours will sell for N50,000. This, the company said, is in an effort to ensure that sooner than later, every Nigerian will own a computer.

The company also gave out awards to Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Afribank Bank for their support while former president Obasanjo was rewarded for his support and for creating the enabling environment and policy framework.

Omatek which is the first local computer brand to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange also rewarded employees who have served from between four and 15 years with deep freezers, refrigerators and electricity generators.

Other personalities who attended the event were the Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhre and Minister of state for Information and Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, former Presidential candidate, Chief Don Etiebet, as well as the Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Tech, Dr. Hamzat Obafemi and eminent jurist, Prince Bola Ajibola and chief executive, Connect Technologies Limited, Dr. Chris Uwaje.

Also in attendance were the Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Mr. Jacob Ajekigbe, his counterparts from Afribank, Access Bank and Wema Bank, Messrs Sabastine Adigwe, Aig-Imoukhede, John Abah in that order.


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