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All Posts in "Month: June 2025"

 Seplat Energy Drives Media Entrepreneurship, Empowers 50 Journalists In Lagos

Manager, Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy Plc, Stanley Opara; CEO, DFD Smart & Standard Concept; officials of ELOH Consulting Ltd, and Capital Market, Judiciary and Business Journalists during the Seplat Energy Media Entrepreneurship Programmes organized in partnership with ELOH Consulting Ltd, where 50 media practitioners were trained in Lagos.

Seplat Energy Plc, foremost Nigerian independent energy Company, on the 25th and 26th June 2025, successfully trained 50 journalists covering the Capital Market, Judiciary, Finance and Business on Media Entrepreneurship.

The training, which was organized by the Company in conjunction with ELOH Consulting Limited, brought together 50 journalists covering Capital Market, Judiciary, Finance and Business across print, online and electronic media platforms.

The programme equipped participants with essential business acumen and  skills to thrive as entrepreneurs and future business leaders. The training helped participants deepen their understanding of strategic business principles, enhanced their management and leadership capabilities, and empowered them to build sustainable businesses that deliver impactful results.

The media training opened with a keynote address from the Manager, Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Stanley Opara, who represented the Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Mrs. Chioma Afe. According to him, apart from developing participants’ leadership and management capabilities, enabling them to create sustainable businesses and take on greater responsibilities in the evolving business landscape, the initiative also aims to nurture a new generation of media professionals who can drive enterprises and achieve significant business results.

Additionally, the programme fostered interaction between journalists and key anti-corruption and security agency stakeholders to broaden understanding of governance and operational frameworks.

The training featured a stellar lineup of facilitators and guest speakers including: Professor Pat Utomi: A renowned academic and thought leader delivered a session titled “Can Managers or Professionals (like Journalists) Make Good Entrepreneurs?” He explored the transition from professional roles to entrepreneurial success; Dr. Solomon Avbioroko: Former director at Coca-Cola International and a lecturer at the Lagos Business School shared insights on business management and entrepreneurship; and Mr. Olu Onakoya, a former Managing Director of Mobil Nigeria, provided valuable leadership and corporate governance perspectives.

Other facilitators include Nnamdi Uwaemelulam, who focused on Media Technology while Uloma Okoro, dwelt on “Developing a Business Model & Writing Winning Business Plans”.

In addition to business experts, the programme hosted key figures from Nigeria’s anti-corruption and security agencies. This segment was intended to foster critical dialogue on security and governance challenges in Nigeria.

Facilitators for this session included:Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); and Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS).

These officials engaged participants on topics including the fight against insecurity and corruption, intelligence gathering, and the legal frameworks supporting their operations.

Participants deeply appreciated Seplat Energy for organising a well-structured and impactful programme. They highlighted the training’s relevance in equipping them with skills to navigate the evolving media landscape and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

Seplat Energy’s commitment to fostering professional development and entrepreneurship among journalists was evident, and the event set a new standard for future initiatives.

Online Poster by — June 30, 2025 in News 0
Agbo Francis, Olawale Peace, Others Shine At 4th Cycling Lagos

L-R: Kosok Idrisi, Cycling Official ; Bamidele Adeleye, Convener Cycling Lagos;
Balogun Abdulazeez, Male Professional Sliver Medal Winner; Agbo Francis, Gold Medal Winner; Ibrahim Asiru, Bronze Medal Winner and Temilade Oluokun, Marketing Operations Officer, Samsung during the 4th Cycling Lagos held on Saturday June 28, 2025 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
L-R: Kosok Idrisi, Cycling Official; Bamidele Adeleye, Convener Cycling Lagos;
Oyewole Kate, Female Professional Sliver Medal Winner; Olawale Peace, Gold Medal Winner and Azeez Medinate, Bronze Medal Winner during the 4th Cycling Lagos held on Saturday June 28, 2025 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, came alive on Saturday as cyclists from all corners of the country gathered in full force for the thrilling 4th edition of Cycling Lagos event.

Agbo Francis, a professional cyclist from Ogun State who placed second in 2024, clinched the gold medal in the male professional category. Balogun Abdulazeez from Lagos State took the silver, while the bronze went to the promising young athlete Ibrahim Asiru, also from Lagos.
In the female professional category, Olawale Peace from Oyo State—last year’s Amateur Race gold medalist—won gold again, this time in the professional class. Oyewole Kate, a young cyclist from Lagos who came third in 2024, moved up to claim silver, while Azeez Medinate from Oyo State secured the bronze medal.
Young cyclists also had their moment in the spotlight. In the Under-15 male category, Akinola Desting from Oyo State won gold, Goodluck Emmanuel from Osun State took silver, and Hamzat Keyinde, also from Oyo, claimed bronze.
For the Under-15 female category, Oyo State athletes dominated the podium: Azeez Hazanat won gold, Aminu Olamide took silver, and Odebiyi Iqnat earned bronze.
In the Under-10 male category, Amoo Malik from Ogun State came first, winning gold. Ridiwan Fuwad from Oyo State placed second for silver, and Bello Adams finished third with bronze.
The Under-10 female race saw Aminu Olamikposi from Oyo State take gold, followed by Azeez Amira with silver, and Abidoye Ayomide with bronze—both also from Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of Cycling Lagos and Managing Director of BrandEscort Communications, Bamidele Adeleye, congratulated all participants.
“Let me specially congratulate all our winners for this year’s Cycling Lagos event. For those who didn’t win a medal, I still celebrate you. Your participation matters, and with more effort on the pedals, you might just be our champion in 2026,” he said.
Adeleye also expressed excitement over the visible progress of several athletes: “Agbo Francis, who came second last year, is now our gold medalist. Similarly, Olawale Peace has moved from winning in the amateur category to becoming a professional champion. This is the kind of growth we love to see.”
He called on both state and federal governments to invest more in sports development. “Sports is a global business that creates jobs and opportunities. Nigeria is blessed with millions of talented youths. With just a little support, they can shine on the world stage. But government must provide the right environment and backing to make this happen.”
“At Cycling Lagos, we remain committed to identifying, encouraging, and showcasing young Nigerian cyclists who are passionate about excelling in sports,” he added.
Cycling Lagos is an annual event designed to promote healthy living and a cycling culture among enthusiasts, corporate executives, and the wider public across Nigeria.
Themed “Sustainability Energy,” the 2025 edition was proudly sponsored by Samsung, with support from Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mountains Energy Solution, Cway, Peak Yoghurt, Leadway Assurance, DStv, and the Lagos State Cycling Association.
Online Poster by — June 30, 2025 in Industry 0
NLNG Commissions Medical Laboratory Complex In Bauchi

By Winifred Bosa

L–R: Engr. Dagogo Bouwari, Manager, Nigerian Content Development, NLNG; Dr. Yusuf Abdullahi, CMD, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe; Sophia Horsfall, GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development, NLNG; Prof. Yusuf Bara Jibrin, CMD, ATBUTH; Prof. Y. M. Bashir, Tafida of Bauchi; and Iwokiri Aprioku, Head, Public Relations, NLNG, during the official handover of the newly commissioned laboratory complex donated through NLNG Hospital Support Programme (HSP) to the ATBUTH in Bauchi… on Thursday.

NLNG, recently commissioned a state-of-the-art modern laboratory complex at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), reaffirming its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare across the country.

The milestone is part of the company’s flagship Hospital Support Programme (HSP), an ongoing initiative aimed at improving Nigeria’s medical infrastructure and enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide.The commissioning is coming after a recent opening of a neonatal ward and intensive care unit at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba by the Company.

The new facility, the tenth in the list of completed projects, is outfitted with advanced diagnostic technology, significantly boosting the hospital’s capacity for accurate and timely diagnosis.
 The laboratory complex harbours an Automated Tissue Processing Machine, Cryostat, Immunoassay Analyser, ELISA Washer, haematology systems, vein finders, and specialised microscopes.
The facility also features purpose-built workspaces for sample preparation and storage, solar-powered electrical systems for uninterrupted operations, automated access controls, and modern reception and waiting areas, all designed for safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, represented by Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasised that the Hospital Support Programme offered Bauchi State a vital partnership and gave NLNG the opportunity to actualise its vision of improving lives sustainably through the provision of healthcare infrastructure.
 He noted that the programme reinforces NLNG’s belief in what is possible when private enterprise and public good align with purpose.
He stressed that the project was informed by a detailed needs assessment, resulting in a facility that would significantly enhance diagnostic capacity and provide better support to both clinicians and patients.
Mshelbila further remarked that NLNG was building a network of care across the country through HSP. He noted that the HSP has transformed medical services in all the beneficiary institutions, boosting the confidence of medical practitioners and raising public hope for improved healthcare.
Highlighting the pressing need for advanced diagnostic capabilities in Nigeria, especially in light of rising incidences of Lassa fever, antibiotic resistance, and cancer, Professor Yusuf Bara Jibrin, Chief Medical Director of ATBUTH, emphasised that the laboratory stands as “a fortress of response, equipped with the tools, technologies, and manpower to detect, analyse, and inform timely medical interventions.”
The CMD lauded NLNG for going beyond the bounds of corporate social responsibility, adding that ATBUTH had instituted a maintenance and operations framework to ensure the facility’s long-term sustainability.
The HSP has impacted ten health institutions across Nigeria, providing healthcare infrastructure for obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, occupational therapy, and neuromodulation rehabilitation, among others.
NLNG remains at the forefront of private sector contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria, investing not just in energy, but also in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Online Poster by — June 30, 2025 in News 0
Corridors To Trade Can Support Nigeria’s Protein Needs

By Fidelia Okafor

Keynote panel discussion analysing the food and nutrition security landscape of Nigeria. The panel was moderated by Foluso Alabi, Country Team Lead – Nigeria, USSEC

The U.S. Soybean Export Council hosted its signature “Nigeria: NOW” conference in Lagos this week, bringing together stakeholders across the government and private sectors, including poultry producers, nutritionists and more.

Participants dove into discussions about addressing Nigeria’s protein gap, trade and economic growth.

Speaking at the event, Acting U.S. Consul General, Lagos, Nigeria, JoEllen Gorg emphasized, “The U.S. Soybean Export Council’s Nigeria: NOW conference marks a pivotal milestone in creating a pathway for mutual prosperity and shared economic success. By addressing Nigeria’s protein gap, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices, the U.S. Soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.”

She added, “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities arising from the collaboration between USSEC and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria. This partnership is crucial in helping export-ready U.S. companies build business relationships with Nigerian agribusinesses, training Nigerians in new agricultural practices, and promoting the use of U.S. soy in Nigeria’s feed and food industries.”

Participation by high-level Nigerian stakeholders, including former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic; Engr. Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State; and Abisola Olusanya, Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture & Food System, Lagos State, emphasized the opportunity for greater collaboration between U.S. Soy and Nigeria.

With a population of over 236 million and growing, Nigeria’s protein consumption per capita remains low at only 45.4 grams per person per day compared to the FAO’s minimum recommended intake of 60 grams.  The global average is around 64 grams. While Nigeria grows soybeans domestically, demand significantly outpaces supply. The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service estimated Nigeria’s local production at around 1.15 million metric tons for the marketing year (MY) 2023/24, with the animal feed sector accounting for the majority of its use.

As a result of the demand-supply mismatch this year, Nigeria imported 62,100 metric tons of soybeans from the U.S. after a pause of six years.  This renewed access offers a promising opportunity for deeper collaboration between U.S. Soy and Nigeria.

“Trade is vital to the global economy and, more importantly, to local economies,” added Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO. “U.S. Soy is at the forefront of collaborating with its partners as a reliable supplier.”

Robert Alpers, a generational U.S. Soy farmer and United Soybean Director, echoed this, “I’m proud to be playing my role in helping to feed the world sustainably. As U.S. Soy farmers, we are committed to ensuring we produce more using fewer resources and reducing our environmental footprint.”

By strengthening relationships, building trust, and leveraging comparative advantage, Nigeria and U.S. Soy can achieve mutually beneficial economic growth and a protein-secure future.

Online Poster by — June 30, 2025 in Industry 0
The Repression Of Widowhood: CBA Foundation Shines At Pitcher Awards 2025 With Two Awards

When we began the Repression of Widowhood campaign, it wasn’t about awards, it was about dignity. About restoring voices that have been silenced, about standing for widows in society, often forgotten, and left behind.

 

In Nigeria, over 15 million women are widows, with a huge proportion classified as underprivileged / disadvantaged widows. Many face abuse, exclusion, neglected or accused of killing their husbands. Some are thrown out of their homes, whereas most are left to survive alone with children to care for and no one to care for them.

 

That’s where we stepped in.

 

What started as a podcast to educate widows on their legal rights became a national movement. From online awareness to real-life action, we mobilized a Walkathon that inspired everyday Nigerians to walk in solidarity. We weren’t just raising voices—we were raising support to echo the pain of disadvantaged widows.

 

But awareness was never enough. We listened to the cries behind the silence. And we acted.

 

With the help of five FMCG brands, we delivered:

 

Food relief and healthcare to 412 widows across Lagos, Ogun, and Anambra

Seed funding and financial empowerment for over 20 women to start their own businesses

Free healthcare for 202 widows

169 children back in school

Seven impactful podcast episodes reaching over 51,000 listeners

A sustainable skill-building initiative, Art Piece of Hope, teaching widows tie & dye fabric making for long-term income

 

These are not just numbers, they are stories of resilience

 

This campaign gave them more than resources gave them back hope, dignity, and a future.

 

And then came the win.

 

At the Pitcher Awards 2025, The Repression of Widowhood was honored with:

 

🏆 Silver for Societal Impact in Effectiveness Category – This category celebrates the measurable impact of creative work. Entries in the Societal Impact subcategory demonstrate how the campaign drove tangible results, was instrumental to cultural change, social change, environmental change or was integral to achieving a brand’s purpose.

 

🏆 Bronze for Non-Profit Organizations in Pitcher for Good Category – This subcategory recognizes communication or initiative that addresses social or environmental issues created by non-profit organizations or a partnership between a for-profit organization and non-profit organization.

 

A proud moment for the CBA Foundation, digitXplus, and for every widow whose life was touched.

“This recognition is for every woman who thought her story had ended. It’s a reminder that we see you, we hear you, and we will keep fighting for you.”

Chinwe Bode Akinwande, Founder – CBA Foundation

 

“It’s not every day you get to be in the forefront of a vision that truly changes lives. We’re proud of this win, but even prouder of the impact.”

Damilola Popoola, Head of Strategy – digitXplus

This wasn’t just a campaign, it was a commitment to justice. to humanity. to lasting change. And we’re not stopping here. We’re walking for hope—until every widow stands tall again.

 

 

Winifred Bosa by — June 28, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
4th Cycling Lagos Grand Finale Holds Tomorrow

By Winifred Bosa
Organisers of the highly anticipated 4th edition of Cycling Lagos have confirmed that the grand finale of the event will take place tomorrow, Saturday, June 28, 2025.
In a statement released on Friday, the organisers announced that the event will feature celebrity, children, and professional races, promising an exciting day of competition and entertainment.
Speaking in Lagos, Bamidele Adeleye, Managing Director of BrandEscort Communications and Convener of the event, assured the public of an even bigger and better experience this year.
“The 2025 Cycling Lagos event will hold tomorrow, Saturday, June 28, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, with activities kicking off by 7:00 a.m.,” he said.
This year’s edition, themed Sustainability Energy, is proudly sponsored by Samsung, with support from Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mountains Energy Solution, Cway, Peak Yoghurt, Leadway Assurance, DStv, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Lagos State Cycling Association.
Cycling Lagos is an annual event that attracts participants from across the country, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering unity through sport.
Online Poster by — June 27, 2025 in News 0
Stakeholders Anticipate 7th Africa Procurement And Supply Chain Summit & Awards 2025 In Lagos

By Winifred Bosa

There is a fever pitch of anticipation in preparation for the 7th edition of the Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit & Awards in Lagos scheduled to take place from July 3–4, 2025.

The industry event organised by InstinctWave will take place at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

The event themed “Driving Impact through Innovation: The Future of Procurement & Supply in Africa,” will bring together senior executives, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the continent to Lagos.

The summit will delve into transformative trends including sustainable procurement, digital transformation, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in supply chain operations.

The event is aimed to provide a platform for participants to benchmark strategies, exchange ideas, and explore ways to thrive amid today’s uncertain and evolving market landscape. Key topics will include local content development, e-procurement, sustainability, and the advancement of procurement excellence across Africa.

A stellar lineup of distinguished speakers that will enrich the summit’s dialogue, including: Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, DG, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Clever Ruswa – CEO, Procurement Regulatory Authority, Zimbabwe, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq – CEO, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana, Barr.Joshua Sunday Ehimoni Esq, DG, Bureau of Public Procurement, Niger State, Akin Naphtal, Group CEO, InstinctWave Group, Dr. John Ngeno – General Manager, Supply Chain & Logistics, Kenya Power, Mr. Simon Annan – President, Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS), Fatai Idowu Onafowote – Director General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Akparawa Emem Kanico KCPP. National President, Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria, Adeola Oduntan – GM, Global Sourcing & Supply Chain Management, MTN and Cephas Afebuameh – Group Director, Supply Chain, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc.

Other speakers are Amb. Prof Robert Tay, Procurement Director, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, DVLA, Mr. QS Raheem Abdulbaki – CEO, Kwara State Public Procurement Agency, Edwin Muhumuza – Head of Africa, Open Contracting Partnership, Adejoke Atte, Head of Procurement, Nigerian Communications Commission, Gloria Nyanteh – Procurement Head, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana, Jacob Forst – AFRI Associate, International GOPA, Misan Ilesanmi, Head Supply Chain Capability Development, Coca-Cola HBC, Rauf Badejo, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, GZ Industries, Nkechi Esechie , Business Procurement Mgr – Sub-Sahara, Pladis Foods Nigeria, Beauty Emeneu (CSCP), Head of Procurement, Guinness Nigeria, Obinna Nwodo, Founder, YSCP Nigeria, Rodney Boatey, Managing Director, Excelsior Global Limited and Nii Obodai Doku, Managing Director, Procura Global Sourcing.

Now in its 7th year, the summit will conclude with a Gala Awards Night, recognizing outstanding achievements in procurement and supply chain management. The awards will honor exemplary leadership, innovation, ethical standards, and organizational growth driven by procurement excellence.

In a press statement made available to the media, Mr. Akin Naphtal, Group CEO of InstinctWave, organizers of the summit, emphasized the evolving importance of the procurement function:

“Procurement and supply chain functions are not just support roles—they are strategic assets that drive organizational success. We aim to shift the perception of the profession by recognizing and rewarding exceptional talent, innovation, and best practices.”

Mr Naphtal further noted that the summit will showcase how African enterprises can harness these innovations to overcome obstacles such as infrastructure limitations and regulatory challenges.

“The 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit will explore how innovation is transforming procurement and supply chain management throughout Africa,” he said

He added, “This summit will demonstrate how African businesses can leverage these innovative approaches to address critical challenges, such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory complexities. We are committed to fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to deliver impactful solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs, driving significant progress across the region.”

The summit, supported by industry leaders including Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, Volta River Authority, and, will bring together professionals to exchange strategies and address the evolving demands of Africa’s procurement and supply chain landscape.

Online Poster by — June 27, 2025 in News 0
Over 40 Partners Align With UN And Sterling One Foundation For Africa’s Policy Reset

By Winifred Bosa
Ahead of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2025, scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Lagos, co-conveners Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations in Nigeria held a high-level press briefing at the United Nations House in Abuja.
The event brought together development partners, policymakers, and the media to outline expectations for the upcoming summit and reflect on Africa’s role in defining local responses to global challenges.
Since its launch in 2022, ASIS has grown into a key platform for regional development collaboration. From eight founding partners, the summit now brings together over 40 institutions working across climate, healthcare, education, finance, governance, and digital inclusion. This expansion points to a growing shift: African institutions are pushing to set the agenda, not wait to be handed one.
The 2025 summit, themed “Scaling Action for the SDGs: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation,”will focus on strengthening sub-national development, rethinking finance flows, and tackling structural inequalities through long-term investment and reform.
Speaking at the press briefing, Mohamed M. Malick Fall, Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, reinforced the urgency of this year’s convening.
“The climate crisis is eroding decades of development across Africa, displacing communities, disrupting education and health systems, and undermining economic stability. But lasting solutions must come from those living the impact daily. As co-conveners of the summit, and with this year’s theme Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation, ASIS offers a platform for African institutions to lead and for global partners to respond with investment, policy reform, and serious commitment.”
In a presentation on the summit’s evolving impact, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, reflected on the summit’s trajectory:
“ASIS has never been about convening for its own sake. Each summit marks a deliberate step to mobilize capital, shift policy, and advance African-led solutions. Already, we have seen over 100 million dollars unlocked through coalition efforts. That scale is not accidental. It is the product of systems thinking, partnership, and a commitment to putting Africa’s priorities at the center of global development conversations.”
In his remarks, Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO, Sterling Bank, emphasized the private sector’s enduring role in the ASIS journey:b“Sterling Bank has been a strategic partner to ASIS from the very beginning. As global development funding becomes more constrained, it is increasingly clear that the private sector must help drive scalable solutions. Our engagement with ASIS reflects a belief that impact is not a side effort but core to building resilient economies and inclusive growth.”
Other partners in the room echoed the need for bold, cross-sector investment in areas such as health systems, youth employment, education access, and digital infrastructure. ASIS boasts a coalition of over 40 institutions that includes Afreximbank, Coca-Cola, United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Sterling Bank, and other theme and technical partners, with Lagos State as the host city.
Interested participants are encouraged to register at theimpactsummit.org.
About the Co-Conveners
Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through interventions and social impact programmes across three critical sectors namely: health, education and climate action & food security. Gender Equality and women empowerment are integrated as a cross cutting priority across all our programming areas. The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central theme of prioritizing partnerships for the achievement
Online Poster by — June 27, 2025 in News 0
Dangote Is The Pride Of Nigeria’s Financial Market, Says NGX Group Chairman

 

  

The Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, has praised the President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group,  Aliko Dangote for his substantial contributions to the Nigerian capital market and private sector development.

 

He noted this during a courtesy visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertiliser Limited by capital market stakeholders.

 

Kwairanga, who called for the listing of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser on the NGX, stated that it would represent a natural progression in the Dangote Group’s journey towards transparency, market leadership, and inclusive wealth creation.

 

Noting that the Nigerian capital market takes great pride in Dangote and his contributions to the economy, he commended the impact of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery on the Nigerian economy, stressing that the various initiatives introduced have provided much-needed relief to Nigerians.

 

Kwairanga recalled Dangote’s tenure as President of the Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, describing him as a visionary whose leadership shaped the capital market landscape.

 

“Through the listing of companies such as Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and NASCON Allied Industries Plc, the Group has significantly deepened market liquidity, boosted investor confidence, and driven long-term value creation for shareholders,” he stated.

 

The Chairman emphasised that the visit was more than a tour; it was a reaffirmation of the NGX’s commitment to aligning investment capital with national development goals.

 

The President/ Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed that the Group will soon list the Dangote Fertiliser Limited on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), with the aim of revolutionising the capital market.

 

He assured shareholders that those investing in Dangote Fertiliser Limited would not need to worry about the value of the local currency, as the company operates within a dollarised business framework.

 

“So, what are we aiming to do to bring about a major revolution in the capital market? The main challenge is that many investors are hesitant, thinking, ‘If I invest my naira now, by the time I receive dividends in ten years, the naira will have lost value.’ However, we are entering the market with a dollarised business model,” he explained.

 

Dangote further disclosed that the company is working on expanding its fertiliser plants to boost revenue, with a target dividend payment to shareholders exceeding $3 billion.

 

“In the next 40 months, our fertiliser business should generate $20 million in revenue per day. We are pushing hard. We expect to reach over $70 billion in revenue and possibly pay dividends of $3–4 billion. Our philosophy is to always think big,” he said.

 

He added that the Group is also strengthening its cement business by investing in new plants and targeting clinker exports to West African countries, which will boost revenue and provide better dividends for shareholders.

 

Praising the recent progress of the NGX, Dangote stressed that Nigeria needs companies like Reliance Industries Limited, which once held its Annual General Meetings in a stadium. Such companies, he noted, would stimulate the economy and encourage wealth distribution.

 

Emphasising that Nigeria cannot attain its $1 trillion economy target without a vibrant stock exchange, Dangote affirmed his continued engagement and support for the NGX, acknowledging its crucial role.

 

The Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Group, Edwin Devakumar, who led the delegation on a tour of the facilities, described the construction of the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery as a monumental achievement that demanded immense courage, vision, and determination. He noted that the Group acted as its own Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery—a feat never before attempted at this scale.

 

He also stressed that the refinery has ensured Nigeria is no longer reliant on imports to meet its petroleum needs and is now exporting refined products to various continents worldwide.

 

Also present were the CEO of NGX, Temi Popoola; Managing Director/CEO of Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Haruna Jalo-Waziri; CIS President, Oluropo Dada; ASHON Chairman, Sam Onukwe; CEO of NGX Regulation, Olufemi Shobanjo; CEO of Lagos Commodity Exchange, Akeredolu Ali; and other major stakeholders.

Online Poster by — June 27, 2025 in Industry 0