The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Dangote

  • Dangote added immense value to economy, says Jideonwo, ECCIMA President

    Dangote added immense value to economy, says Jideonwo, ECCIMA President

    The President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Sir Odeiga Jideonwo, has commended the Dangote Group, led by its President, Aliko Dangote, for adding, “immense value to the Nigerian economy and still going stronger.”

    Jideonwo stated this at the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair on Wednesday, April 10, with the theme:”‘Promoting made in Nigeria products for global competitiveness.”

    Jideonwo enthused that the Dangote refinery which recently started production of refined petroleum products will go a long way in addressing the challenges associated with availability of refined petroleum products in Nigeria.

    “The exploits of the Dangote Group show great level and high degree of vision, creative thinking, research, innovations and doggedness, which has culminated in what is described as Dangote business and industrial empire today.

    “I have no doubt that in years to come, Dangote Group will become not just a big industrial player in Nigeria and Africa, but the entire globe, deepening the creation of wealth and employment generation,” Jideonwo said.

    Regional Sales Director, Dangote Cement Southeast, Abayomi Shittu, emphasised the target of the Dangote Group is to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in all the sectors that it operates in.

    He assured that the group will continue to push new boundaries to deploy technologies and skills where necessary in a bid to ensure consumers satisfaction.

    Shittu stated that this year’s theme resonates well with the Dangote Group “as we are focused on domestically manufacturing goods that were hitherto usually imported despite the abundance of raw materials for such products in Nigeria.”

    The Regional Sales Director noted that industrialisation is key to diversification of the economy, which is why “we are creating linkages that connect the whole economy while at the same time promote backward integration.

    “Dangote Cement provides direct and indirect employment to millions of people across Africa and has touched lives by building schools, hospitals & clinics, roads, markets, vocational training centers in numerous host communities.

    “The ongoing consolidation of Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Salt (NASCON Allied Industries and Dangote Rice into Dangote Foods are part of our strategies to harness the benefits of backward integration via linkages and build a more formidable food company. 

    “Dangote Sugar Refinery, through its out-grower scheme has provided jobs to thousands of farmers in the host communities. This has greatly helped to reduce unemployment, youth restiveness and improve the wellbeing of the host communities,” he said.

    Shittu added that the group recorded a milestone on March 22, as Dangote Fertiliser marked two years of commissioning and operations.

    “Dangote Petroleum Refinery was commissioned on May 22, 2023, and has started refining of petroleum products. 

    “Some of the byproducts from the refinery are in demand as feedstock in some manufacturing sectors. We are on course to create diverse and ancillary industries across Nigeria.

    Read Also:

    “Our expectation therefore is that, through this Trade Fair, we will be able to further generate awareness on our innovative products, drive higher sales, get prospective buyers, improve the image of our brands, and open up new markets that will further translate into job creation and overall economic development in Nigeria and beyond. To sustain this process, we will keep innovating and pushing new boundaries while deploying the latest technologies and skills.”

    He congratulated the Enugu State government and Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) on the successful hosting of 

  • Kano Gov Yusuf rejoices with Dangote @ 67

    Kano Gov Yusuf rejoices with Dangote @ 67

    Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has rejoiced with Africa richest Man and President,  Dangote Conglomerate, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on the occasion of his 67th anniversary.

     Yusuf described  Dangote as an illustrious son of Kano, whose  philanthropic gesture breed live and livelihood to millions of household in Nigeria and the entire African continent.

    This is contained a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa.

    He said Dangote remain a strong backbone to the Nation’s economy and  critical  to the  growth and development of Africa.

    “Kano, your anscentral home will  remain grateful for your humanitarian gesture especially the recent distribution of palliatives to millions of the less privileged.

    ” Your readiness to partner and support our administration’s policy drive will surely propel profoundly social and economic development of the state.

    “As you clock a new era in the annal of history, we can only wish you sound health, profound wisdom, and long life to propel positive impact on humanity”. Gov. Yusuf said.

    In a related development, Yusuf also  extended his condolences to the family and members  of the Hausa film industry following the demise of the veteran actress Saratu Gidado, popularly known as Daso.

    Daso passed away in the early hours of Tuesday at her residence in Kano.

    Yusuf reminisced about her portrayals of both antagonistic and nurturing characters.

    Read Also: FOMWAN, Dangote foundation distribute rice to Makoko residents

    He said  that a majority of her cinematic works exemplified values of discipline, tenacity, and ethical standards essential for socio and national advancement.

    He urged all stakeholders in the Hausa film industry to emulate the late Saratu Gidado’s virtues of fostering national unity.

    “She was an  advocate  for religious and cultural harmony in  promoting peace and tranquility in Kano, Northern Nigeria and beyond,”he said.

    The governor beseeched Allah to grant the family and companions of Daso the strength to endure this loss.

    (NAN)

  • Kalu celebrates ‘Africa’s jewel’ Dangote at 67

    Kalu celebrates ‘Africa’s jewel’ Dangote at 67

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has lauded the contribution of the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote to the economic well-being of Nigeria, and the continent of Africa. 

    In a statement to celebrate the 67th birthday of the business man, the Deputy Speaker described Dangote as an African Jewel. 

    Kalu also lauded Dangote’s commitment to job creation, employments as well as his inspiration and mentorship of young Nigerians.

    While congratulating Dangote, on retaining his position as the richest person in Africa in the 2024 Forbes list of 20 of Africa’s Richest billionaires, the Deputy Speaker said that this is a testament of his hardwork, diligence and perseverance.

    Kalu, who noted Dangote’s patriotism and kind heartedness, also recalled his contributions during the unveiling of  Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in December, 2023.

    He wished the super entrepreneur a long, healthy life and a joyful year ahead.

    Read Also: Global Peace: Kalu seeks amendment of IPU rules to allow more emergency items from Africa, others

    “I join Dangote’s friends, family and business associates in congratulating the Forbes’ rated richest African and black man on the occasion of his 67th birthday. 

    “I commend the entrepreneur for his contributions to the economic growth of the nation and immense support to the poor and vulnerable, providing employment opportunities and inspiring and mentoring young Nigerians.

    “Hearty congratulations and best wishes, I pray God Almighty give him the strength and wisdom to do even more for the nation,” Kalu said. 

  • FOMWAN, Dangote foundation distribute rice to Makoko residents

    FOMWAN, Dangote foundation distribute rice to Makoko residents

    • By Sofiyyah Abubakar and Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen

    The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has partnered with Aliko Dangote Foundation to distribute 2509 bags of 10kg rice to Makoko residents.

    The rice was donated by Aliko Dangote National Food Intervention Program to help alleviate the economic hardship.

    FOMWAN Lagos State Amirah (President), Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, stated that the distribution will still go on for four days.

    She hailed the foundation’s efforts in helping to curb the economy hardship.

    Read Also: Food scarcity: Customs to distribute rice, other food items

    “I am quite appreciative of what the Dangote Foundation Food Intervention is doing to alleviate poverty in the society,” she said.

    FOMWAN past leader, Alhaja Fatima Oyekan, said they distributed the palliatives in Makoko because of their proximity and needs.

    “The catchment area is Makoko because it is one area that needs it and our office is at the center of it, we know them quite a bit,” she noted.

    She mentioned that the residents will be appreciative for getting their shares because of their vulnerability

    Alhaja Oyekan urged people who have to help the less privileged, stating that although the initiative may not reach all the vulnerable ones in the country but it has opened opportunities for people to emulate and help one another.

    She thanked Dangote foundation for their efforts in helping the needy.

  • Dangote refinery rolls out with diesel

    Dangote refinery rolls out with diesel

    • Litre price slash expected

    The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd)-capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery has finally rolled out with the sale of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel.

    The Nation learnt that the sale of the product from the refinery began yesterday.

    A source, who asked not to be identified, said the product was sold directly to some marketers at N1, 200 per litre.

    The pump price of diesel, as at yesterday was N1, 500 per litre at the filling stations.

    But the National Vice President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, said the approved distributors were yet to be notified of the price of the product.

    In a telephone chat with The Nation, Maigandi said: “The refinery has not informed us about the price of the AGO. We are all waiting to know it,” adding that the company would likely commence the sale today (yesterday).

    The IPMAN boss said the last directive the association got from the refinery was its plan to sell a minimum of one million litres to each marketer.

    “The least volume a marketer can buy is one million letter,” Maigandi, said, adding that there were strong indications that the refinery would commence the sale of the product today (yesterday).

     “Even now, as I dropped the call, someone was telling me they wanted to start,” the IPMAN chief stated.

    It was, however gathered, that some marketers who lifted the product directly got it at N1, 200 per litre, thus fueling speculations that the price may crash from N1, 500.

    However, the expectation that the price would drop drastically as envisaged by many, remained in the realm of speculation. The Nation learnt that they are rolling out, but for now they are dealing directly with major marketers.

    Dangote Group Chief Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, could not confirm the development when contacted. A text message sent to his telephone seeking his more information, was not returned as at the time of going to press.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Dangote pegs minimum of 1ml/marketer as diesel sale begins

    The company had last year announced its commencement of production, having stockpiled about six million barrels of crude oil from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other international oil and gas companies,.

    Besides, the refinery notified the public in January, 2024 that it was to begin production with the aviation fuel and diesel before advancing to the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol

    In January, the refinery listed members of the IPMAN, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) as its approved distributors.

  • Dangote, Adenugua, Otedola, Rabiu on Forbes’ rich list

    Dangote, Adenugua, Otedola, Rabiu on Forbes’ rich list

    • Bernard Arnault is world’s richest man with $233b networth
    • 141 new billionaires, $2tr added to global wealt

    Four industrialists – Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Femi Otedola – have been listed by Forbes in its 2024 list of world’s richest men.

    The quartet made the coveted list despite the devaluation of the naira and inflation spike that got many businesses on their knees.

    According to the list released yesterday, Dangote’s fortune soared to $13.4 billion, Adenuga’s fortune stood at $6.7 billion while Rabiu and Otedola recorded fortunes of $5.2 billion and $1.4 billion respectively.

    The report said there are now more billionaires than ever – 2,781 in all – 141 more than last year and 26 more than the record set in 2021.

    “They’re richer than ever, worth $14.2 trillion in aggregate, up by $2 trillion from 2023 and $1.1 trillion above the previous record, also set in 2021,” it said.

    “Two-thirds of the list’s members are worth more than a year ago; only one fourth are poorer. Much of the gains come from the top 20, who added a combined $700 billion in wealth since 2023, and from the U.S., which now boasts a record 813 billionaires worth a combined $5.7 trillion,” it added.

    Read Also:

    Bernard Arnault, the world’s richest man with $233 billion net-worth, oversees the LVMH empire of 75 fashion and cosmetics brands, including Louis Vuitton and Sephora.

    Dangote, with an estimated net-worth of around $13.4 billion in 2024, retains his Africa’s richest man position. He doubles as the richest Black man in the world.

    His business empire, Dangote Group, is one of the largest private-sector employers in Nigeria as well as the most valuable conglomerate in West Africa and majors in cement and sugar within the manufacturing sector.

    Adenuga, with $6.7 billion net-worth, majors in telecoms and oil businesses.  His company, Globacom is Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator and also has presence in Ghana and Benin Republic.

    Rabiu, has a net worth of $5.2 billion and majors in cement and sugar production. He is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a conglomerate concentrating on manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and producing.Otedola, who is into energy and utilities, achieved $1.4 billion wealth. He is the current executive chairman of Geregu Power Plc and Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN Holding).

    Otedola founded Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, and the owner of a number of other businesses across shipping, real estate and finance.

  • JUST IN: Dangote pegs minimum of 1ml/marketer as diesel sale begins

    JUST IN: Dangote pegs minimum of 1ml/marketer as diesel sale begins

    The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery has pegged a minimum of one million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) diesel per marketer as it is set to commence sales of the product today, The Nation learnt.

    Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, disclosed this to The Nation on Tuesday.

    Read Also: Palliatives: Dangote’s 80,000 bags of rice for Lagos residents

    He said: “The least volume a marketer can buy is one million litres. Even now as I dropped the call someone was telling me they sell they wanted to start.”

    He noted that there were strong indications that the refinery would commence the sale of the product on Tuesday.

    But Dangote Group Chief Communications Officer Anthony Chiejina asked The Nation to send a text message that he is yet to respond to as of press time.

    Details shortly…

  • Palliatives: Dangote’s 80,000 bags of rice for Lagos residents

    Palliatives: Dangote’s 80,000 bags of rice for Lagos residents

    Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Aliko Dangote, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday kicked off the distribution of rice palliatives to vulnerable persons in the state.

    This is to help cushion the effects of economic hardship on indigent and vulnerable persons.

    The 80,000 bags of 10kg rice were donated by Aliko Dangote Foundation, under its Food Intervention Programme. The foundation will give out one million 10kg bags of rice across the country. Kano State was the first to receive its share last Saturday.

    Dangote described the initiative as another demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to uphold the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.

    Read Also: Dangote, Sanwo-Olu kick off rice distribution in Lagos

    He promised that the initiative would reach all the 774 local governments before the end of Ramadan.

    “The foundation, in the last 30 years, has been providing support for vulnerable persons during Ramadan. While our traditional Ramadan food distribution has been focused on the Muslim community, we recognise that the current circumstances where a significant proportion of Nigerians are experiencing hardship due to the prevailing high prices of food require that we broaden our programme to cover communities of all faiths. This is why we are extending the Ramadan initiative to cover all the states and the Federal Capital Territory as a testament to our commitment to support our communities in line with our core values and the spirit of Ramadan. We will ensure this initiative reaches the entire 774 local governments before the end of Ramadan.

    “We must stand together in times of hardship, extending the hand of fellowship to one another,” Dangote added.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed the initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians. He also praised him for showing compassion to the needy.

  • Dangote, Sanwo-Olu kick off rice distribution in Lagos

    Dangote, Sanwo-Olu kick off rice distribution in Lagos

    The chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Aliko Dangote, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, and Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have kicked off the distribution of rice palliatives to vulnerable persons in Lagos state.

    This is to help cushion effects of the economic hardship on indigents and vulnerable persons.

    The 80,000 bags of 10kg rice were donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, under its Food Intervention Programme.

    The foundation will be giving out one million 10kg bags of rice across the country. Kano State was the first to receive its share last Saturday.

    Dangote described the initiative as another demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.

    He promised that the initiative would reach all the 774 local government areas before the end of Ramadan.

    Dangote added: “The foundation, in the last 30 years, has been providing support for vulnerable persons during Ramadan. While our traditional Ramadan food distribution has been focused on the Muslim community, we recognise that the current circumstances where a significant proportion of Nigerians are experiencing severe hardship due to the prevailing high prices of food, require that we broaden our programme to cover communities of all faiths.

    Read Also: OKAY becomes Dangote refinery official distributor

    “This is why we are extending the Ramadan initiative to cover all the states and the Federal Capital Territory as a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values and the spirit of Ramadan. We will ensure this initiative reaches the entire 774 local government areas before the end of Ramadan. We must stand together in times of hardship, extending the hand of fellowship to one another.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu applauded the many initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians. He also praised him for showing compassion to the needy in the society.

    According to the governor, the ‘gesture shows that the Foundation prioritises the people’s welfare beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth’.

    “Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. You have choices, but you have made the right one which is caring for the vulnerable. I appreciate Mr. Aliko Dangote for extending his kind gestures to the people at the bottom of the pyramid, and we are grateful for supporting us in government,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Chief Executive of the ADF Zouera Youssoufou said the Foundation is partnering with credible NGOs, civil societies, and religious bodies, among others, to ensure the donations reach the most vulnerable in Lagos State.

    She noted that the Foundation is guided by a vision of empowering Africans to achieve their self-actualisation and full potential as it believes that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

    “In times of hardship, it is imperative that we stand together as one nation, one community, extending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in their time of need as we have done with our female empowerment programme in Lagos State which targeted 40,000 disadvantaged women,” she added.

    Group Executive Director (Commercial Operations) of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Fatima Aliko-Dangote, noted that the kick-off in Lagos is a follow-up to the 120,000 bags distributed in Kano on Saturday.

    “We have been doing this for a while but we didn’t publicise it because our chairman believes this is between him and God. We however decided to publicise it this year so that we can encourage and inspire others to do so.

    “There are many other things the Dangote Foundation is also doing. We are also serving 2,500 loaves of bread a day in Lagos. We started this in 2020 during COVID-19. Also in our hometown in Kano, we have been doing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the past 35 years. The foundation has invested in many things. Years back, we gave women some money to invest in their businesses,” she said.

  • JUST IN: Dangote, Otedola meet Sanwo-Olu as Dangote Foundation flags off rice distribution

    JUST IN: Dangote, Otedola meet Sanwo-Olu as Dangote Foundation flags off rice distribution

    The founder and chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc, Femi Otedola have arrived at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja to meet Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The event will kick-start the distribution of eighty thousand 10 kg bags of rice across Lagos by the Dangote Foundation.

    This was disclosed in a post by Jubril Gawat, the senior special assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu on new media on his official X page.

    Read Also: Communities to Sanwo-Olu: save us from thugs invasion

    He wrote: “FLASH: Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu, The Founder and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote @AlikoDangote and Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc, Mr Femi Otedola @realFemiOtedola arrive at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja for the Rice Distribution Flag-Off through the Aliko Dangote Foundation @AlikoDangoteFdn.

    The Foundation is distributing eighty thousand (80,000) 10 kg bags of rice to the vulnerable communities across the state.”