Business

11 die as commercial bus burst into flames in Lagos

Published

9 years ago

July 22, 2016

About 11 persons were killed on Thursday after a commercial bus with 14 passengers on board went up in flames on the Otedola Bridge in the Berger area of Lagos.

It was learnt that the deceased comprised eight males and three females while three persons were rescued from the wreckage alive.

Our correspondent gathered that the bus was at top speed heading towards Berger from the Mushin area of the state when one of its tyres burst.

The bus was said to have somersaulted several times before it was engulfed in flames.

Officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the state Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigerian police were on the scene of the crash.

An eyewitness, Ojo Daramola, said the accident happened around 6pm, adding that the driver had struggled to stop the bus but his efforts failed.

He said, “I wanted to buy a satchet of water when I heard the sound of a crash. A few seconds after, the bus exploded and all the passengers were trapped. The fire raged for some minutes before emergency officials came for rescue operation. People by the roadside fled to safety. I learnt the bus was coming from Mushin. Most of the passengers died.”

The LASEMA General Manager, Mr. Michael Akindele, confirmed that 11 people died in the crash.

He said three persons rescued from the explosion had been taken to the Accident and Emergency Unit at Toll gate for treatment while the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital’s morgue.

Akindele said, “A 14-passenger volkswagon commercial bus at top speed somersaulted after it tyre burst. The bus burst into fire afterwards. Eleven persons — three females and eight males — were burnt dead while three persons were rescued alive. They were taken to the Accident and Emergency Unit. We are on identification process to identify the deceased and hand them over to their families.”

The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, said firefighters responded swiftly after receiving a distress call. He advised drivers to comply with the speed limit regulation to avoid loss of life.

The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the bus driver, who escaped the crash, fled the scene.

She said, “The command’s operatives from the Isheri division received a call that an 18-seater bus heading towards Berger from Mushin was involved in a lone accident and caught fire. A total number of 11 people consisting three women and eight men were burnt to death instantly while four others have been rushed to the hospital.

“Investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle escaped the inferno and later fled the scene immediately the accident occurred. Policemen and firefighters are on ground to put out the fire and clear the obstruction the accident might have caused.”

Business

Akarigbo of Remoland Hosts Grand Royal Reception in Honour of Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing’s 50th Birthday

Published

21 hours ago

May 27, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Akarigbo of Remoland Hosts Grand Royal Reception in Honour of Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing’s 50th Birthday

In a magnificent display of royal honour and cultural pride, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, hosted a grand royal reception in celebration of the 50th birthday of Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, the Otun Akile of Remoland.

The prestigious event, held at the Sagamu residence of the Akarigbo, drew an esteemed gathering of traditional rulers, captains of industry, political dignitaries, and members of the Remo community. Together, they celebrated a man whose life has been defined by visionary leadership, a deep-rooted commitment to development, and philanthropy across Remoland and Nigeria at large.

Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, who also serves as Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, was visibly moved by the royal honour. In an emotional expression of gratitude, he described the event as a defining moment in his life.

“This goes far beyond a birthday celebration,” he said. “It is a sacred reminder of the unbreakable bond I share with my heritage, my people, and most especially, my revered father, the Akarigbo.

“I am deeply humbled by this royal gesture. To be so honoured by the custodian of our culture and tradition, His Royal Majesty, the Akarigbo, is one of the highest privileges of my life. It is a call to even greater service and sacrifice for the land that raised me. I thank Kabiyesi for his unflinching support, for his prayers, and for this unforgettable display of love. I pledge my continued loyalty and service to the Remo Kingdom and the enduring vision of unity, progress, and prosperity that he so nobly represents.”

The ceremony was rich with cultural heritage, featuring traditional music, heartfelt prayers, and powerful tributes that resonated with the values of Remoland.

In his royal address, the Akarigbo lauded Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing as “a visionary son of the soil whose legacy of service is etched in the sands of time.” He commended him for his steadfast loyalty to the throne and for being a beacon of hope and transformation within and beyond Remo.

As the golden jubilee celebration of Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, continues, the outpouring of tributes from across the nation reflects the impact of a life lived with purpose, a man who has not only built homes but has built lives, uplifted communities, and carried the light of Remoland wherever he goes.

Business

Dangote Cement wins ‘Dividend Paying Company of the Year Award’

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Cement wins ‘Dividend Paying Company of the Year Award’

Africa’s largest cement producer, Dangote Cement has been named the Dividend Paying Company of the Year at the inaugural Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards, held weekend, in Lagos.

According to the organisers, the awards’ ceremony, themed “Capital Market as a Catalyst for Nigerian Economic Transformation,” celebrated companies making significant contributions to the country’s economic progress.

Dangote Cement was awarded the Dividend Paying Company of the Year, ahead of other nominees including Nigerian Aviation Company and Airtel Africa—recognizing its record of solid shareholder returns. The company has established a strong reputation for rewarding its shareholders with consistent and robust dividends.

Speaking on the award, Group Head, Investor Relations, Dangote Group, Temilade Aduroja, said “Our commitment to paying strong dividends reflects our robust financial performance, commitment to value creation, and dedication to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders. It reinforces trust, rewards long-term investment, and signals discipline in capital allocation.”

A review of Dangote Cement’s annual reports and accounts indicated that since 2018, the company has paid above N10 per share as dividend, increasing the payout to N16 per share and sustaining it through 2022. In 2023, the dividend rose to N20 and was later raised to N30 for the 2023 financial year.

The board for the financial year ended December 31,2024 proposed a dividend of N30 per share subject to the approval of Shareholders.

It should be noted that Dangote Cement recently emerged as the Platinum Award Winner of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and NGX Regulation Limited (NGX REGCO) Corporate Reporting Award. Organised by ICAN-NGX REGCO, the event celebrated excellence in corporate transparency and governance, with other notable winners including MTN Nigeria, Seplat Energy, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, GTCO, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa, and International Breweries.

According to the Corporate Reporting Award guidelines issued by ICAN-NGX REGCO, thirty listed companies were evaluated across three key categories with marks allotted for compliance. The categories and allotted marks are financial reporting with 35 percent, corporate governance allotted 30 percent and sustainability reporting allotted 35 percent. The awards were ranked in Platinum, Gold and Silver categories.

Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with 52.0Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer, with a production capacity of 35.25Mta in its home market, Nigeria. Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with

16.25Mta of capacity across five lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta; Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta; and Okpella plant in Edo state has 3Mta. The company is building a new six million tons per annum cement plant in Itori, Ogun State.

Through recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries.

Business

Brand Africa: Dangote beats MTN, DSTV, AZAM to emerge as the Most Admired African Brand

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2025

Sahara Weekly

… Inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame

… Honours Aliko Dangote with a Lifetime Achievement Award

It was another historic milestone for pan-African investor Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Industries Limited over the weekend, as they garnered three prestigious accolades at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the iconic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

Dangote Industries Limited was named Most Admired African Brand, following an independent, consumer-led survey conducted across more than 30 African countries. The company was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African firm to receive this distinction. The induction recognises Dangote’s transformative impact on African consumers and its influential role in shaping a positive narrative for the continent.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership in driving impactful industrialisation, establishing a world-class African brand, and reshaping the continent’s economic future through a benchmark, homegrown enterprise.

Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable, globally respected brands.

Reacting to the awards, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said the honours reflect the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that define the group’s journey. He added that they are a testament to the dedication of the company’s outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote for building a purposeful world-class industrial brand that has exceptionally transformed African lives and the African narrative. This accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage. His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa,” he said.

Noting that the recognition would further inspire the company to push boundaries, empower communities, and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond, Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Industries’ commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.

In his keynote address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr Claver Gatete, praised Aliko Dangote, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Brand Africa laureates for advancing the African agenda. He highlighted the alignment between Brand Africa and the ECA’s mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private sector-led growth. He also called for increased investment in youth-led innovation, regional value chains, and the establishment of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to identify, finance, and globalise Africa’s most promising brands.

“I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the “Most Admired African Brands” category and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact,” he said.

According to the organisers, the 2025 rankings reveal a stark contrast between rising African optimism and declining brand loyalty. While 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent—up from 64% in 2024—only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, marking a historic low and down from 14% in 2024. The report indicates the urgent need for homegrown brands to translate belief into consumer loyalty, and for Africans to more actively support Made-in-Africa products and enterprises.

“It is disappointing to see the sharp drop in African brands, which mirrors the ranking of non-African nations as the most influential in Africa,” says Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. “It’s a wake-up call for Africa—and a barometer of the continent’s lagging industrialisation agenda. It’s not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent—they must buy made-in-Africa. For that to happen, African brands must invest in R&D, continue to innovate, deliver quality, and use authenticity as a differentiator.”