THE Nigerian economy was still reeling from the devastating impact of the 2015/2016 recession when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country like a whirlwind, practically bringing socio-economic activities to a standstill in 2020.
Although, a lot of countries went into recession as a result of the novel pandemic, one sector that was seriously affected is the real estate sector. Secretary, Maris Trust Council, Fidelis Egugbo, at the weekend unveiled details of Chief Kennedy Kanma, an eminent name in the sector, who will be the Chairman of the 2021 edition of Maris Public Service Lecture.
According to Egugbo, the reactions to the lecture so far shows that Nigerians are desirous of interrogating and proffering solutions to the financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said, “Today, in our characteristic approach to unveiling key players in this year’s edition of Maris Public Service Lecture, we bring the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Kennedy Kanma, into focus.
“Chief Kanma, though chosen due to his active participation in the private sector, little did we know that his active participation in the 2021 edition of the lecture will be so vital. This is because the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected major sectors of the economy apart from few areas like telecommunications.
“Despite the social distancing, lockdown and other new normal associated with the pandemic, there is no doubt that a lot would be learnt from the topic for discussion, ‘Effective Tax Administration For The Delivery Of Democratic Dividends.’
“Bearing in mind the nature of the lecture, which will proffer solutions to financial challenges facing governments, corporate organisations and individuals, the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa will be the Chief Guest of Honour at the Lecture that is expected to be attended by several governors of other states of the federation, members of the National Assembly, policy makers, among other dignitaries.
“A renowned tax expert and business man, Chief Monday Onyeme will deliver the lecture, which will have as able discussants the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Peter Mrakpor (SAN);
The Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Emeka Anthony Odo;
Accountant-General of Lagos State, Dr. Shefiu Abiodun Muritala;
The Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development Agency (DEMSA), Hon. (Barr.) Orezi Esievo; and,
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tony Elekeokwuri, while Dr. Kemi Emina is the Moderator.
“Moreover, Dr (Mrs) Comfort Omon-Irabor, Managing Director, Hellyncom Eye Clinic, Warri, will be the Mother of the Day and Very Rev. Fr. John Konyeke will be the Spiritual Father of the Day at the lecture.
“With the new normal, we shall stick strictly to the COVID-19 health protocols and the venue for the lecture, Orchid Hotel, Asaba, Delta State is large enough for such a lecture to take place with necessary social distancing.
“Recall that before COVID-19 prompted a postponment of the lecture last year, people had already secured flight tickets to attend the lecture from within and outside the shores of the country.
“Thank God, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration has transformed the Asaba International Airport into one of the best in the country; some of the participants would fly in on that day as the lecture will commence at exactly 12 noon.
“Below is a brief on Chief Kennedy Kanma, Chairman, 2021 edition of Maris Public Service Lecture.”
Chief Kanma is a legal practitioner and real estate consultant who can easily be reached at Kanma Homes, off Pyakassa Road, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria.
He has a rich background as a responsible legal practitioner and real estate developer, with more than 30 years of post-call practice as a legal consultant.
He is a focused Chief Executive Officer with a track-record of ability for organized work-plans, establishing priorities and delegating tasks to meet service delivery requirements.
Especially skilled in communicating to meet performance and productivity requirements while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, Chief Kanma is a proven expert in legal matters, real estate title documentation, real estate development processes and procedure.
As a natural team-builder and leader with proven abilities across all levels of organisational management, Chief Kanma is also talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals.
He is skilled in business analysis, strategic planning, business administration, and problem solving with rich work history as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Kanma Properties Development Company Limited, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where he presently manages daily operations of the organization, deploying forward-thinking strategies to accomplish profit and expansion goals as well as apply performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs; devise, deploy and monitor processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
Chief Kanma has to his credit, the responsibility of conceiving and executing the construction of the estates built by the company, including Parklane Estate, KPDC Estate, Kanma Homes in Lugbe, Kanma Homes in Kaduna and the ongoing Kanma Homes, Asaba.
As a practising lawyer, Chief Kanma was a Principal Partner at K.O. Njokanma & Co., FCT Abuja and he was active in interpreting the laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses in real estate transactions and other matters; questioned and cross-examined witnesses throughout course of trials; conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues of subject-matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases; analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents; assessed cases for probable outcomes by researching the law and other legal authority, comparing fact patterns to those of precedent cases; resolved conflicts and negotiated agreements between parties in order to reach win-win solutions on disagreements and clarify misunderstandings; managed the business of the law firm.
He also practised as a Counsel in Chambers of Anthony Idigbe & Co., Lagos, where he developed exceptional attendance record with special attention to punctuality and preparation to work upon arrival; negotiated agreements between employees to clarify misunderstood directions and resolve conflicts affecting performance; worked with different clients to understand requirements and provide exceptional legal service; did legal research work preparatory to appearance in court for trials and conducting trials, among several others.
Chief Kanma’s chain of successes in the legal profession and real estate business could be attributed to hard work, professionalism and strong belief in God because, as a legal officer with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Lagos, he diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling; produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team efficiency; filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney; arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses and court officials and drafted documents.
In terms of education, Chief Kanma holds a post-graduate diploma in Construction Management at M. E. Rinker School of Construction Management, University of Florida, Florida, United States of America; BL: Law, Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos; LLB: Law, University of Benin, Benin-City; High School Diploma, St. Pius Xth Grammer School, Onicha Ugbo, Delta State, among numerous others.
Apart from being a successful legal and real estate practitioner, Chief Kanma is a devout Catholic and a family man.
