Business
BUILDING COLLAPSE: DANGOTE CEMENT URGES BUILDERS TO USE QUALITY MATERIALS
BUILDING COLLAPSE: DANGOTE CEMENT URGES BUILDERS TO USE QUALITY MATERIALS
Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak has tasked professional builders in the country to prioritize the use of quality materials in building projects as a potent means of checking the incidence of building collapse.
Mr. Pathak gave the charge at the opening of the 32nd Lagos Builders Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Building themed: Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management in Nigeria, which held in Lagos.
The Dangote Cement boss who was represented by the Company’s National Sales Director, Mrs. Funmi Sanni enjoined the professional builders to be bothered about the menace of building collapse on their profession and insist on the use of quality materials by associated artisans who work closely with them.
Mrs. Sanni urged the participants to take the issue of quality building materials seriously and always insist on quality so as not to dent the reputation of the building Institute which is one of the most respected institutes in the country.
The Sales Director said everybody is a builder and everyone knows that once the foundation of any structure is not solid, it will give way with time, “we are all builders, if you are not building a house, you are building a family, you are building a career. When you are building a family and one of the partners cheats, then there will be problems and it’s a matter of time before the family will collapse if care is not taken. Same thing with structures, once you begin to deploy inferior materials to make money for yourself, surely the structure will give way.”
According to her, “Because of the different needs of our consumers, we also produce various product ranges tailored to meet the specific needs. We have products created for each stage of the building process and different construction needs. We have BlocMaster for foundations and casting of concrete, we have Falcon for making blocks, laying of blocks, plastering/rendering, and tiling and we have 3X, the premium products of choice.
Mrs. Sanni said the management of Dangote Cement is of the firm belief that compliance with the stipulated standards is vital to safe and sustainable building as it eliminates to a great extent the likelihood of building collapse and therefore, production of materials employed in building must meet acceptable standards.
“If defective materials are used in building, such structures will not be safe and sustainable. The theme of your conference, Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management in Nigeria is apt for us in Dangote Cement, as we are a leading player in the nation’s building sector. The quest for safe and sustainable building in Nigeria is the driving force behind Dangote Cement’s provision of best quality products to builders and end users of cement.”
In his opening speech, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Builder Lucky Isename said the construction industry plays a vital role in the development and growth of a nation and that it is imperative that the builders focus on the speed and efficiency of the construction industry and also the safety and sustainability of the built environment.
According to him, Nigeria just like other nations has witnessed a rapid increase of urbanization and population growth which has led to a surge in construction activities across the country. He noted that much as the development is a positive sign of progress, it also poses significant challenges in terms of ensuring safety and sustainable building practices.
Builder Isename pointed out that the safety of the citizens must be the top priority but unfortunately, the country has witnessed numerous incidents of building collapse, resulting in loss of lives and properties with the tragic events usually attributed to poor construction activities, inadequate supervision and the use of substandard materials.
“It is therefore our collective responsibility to address these issues and implement stringent safety measures to prevent further disaster from occurring. Sustainability is another crucial aspect that we must consider when it comes to building production management”, he admonished.
Also speaking after being given an award by the Institute, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Olayinka urged his colleagues in the profession to be very circumspect when considering designs for building from clients.
According to him, some of the designs may be defective, and it would take a very meticulous builder to discover and help correct the defect for a better structure, saying that is one of the ways the builders can help sanitize the construction industry.
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Lagos Speaker, Turkish Airlines, International Stars Grace The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025
Lagos Speaker, Turkish Airlines, International Stars Grace The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025
The Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Lokman Balkan, Turkish Airlines’ topshot, actresses Lilian Bach, Ronya Man, and Ghanaian-born broadcaster extraordinaire, Riyah Abdul, among others, are part of the high-flying guests and award recipients at the just-concluded The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025.
The unique event, which was held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, celebrated Nigeria’s multicultural economic ecosystem. The colourful gathering was attended by industry notables including the Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who was the event’s Chief.
The black-tie affair welcomed an elite audience of diplomats, corporate leaders, international investors, global citizens, and distinguished professionals whose presence reinforced the deepening bond between Nigeria and the international business community.
Anchored by the dynamic duo of Egypt-born media advisor Rania Elewa, who also went home with the award of Diaspora Trailblazer, and Cameroonian music-comedy sensation Danny Green, popularly known as 237 TownCryer, the night was a celebration of global entrepreneurship, cultural synergy, and social impact.
Unlike conventional award platforms which primarily honour local players, TEBA is a trademarked celebration of Nigeria’s diverse economic tapestry, recognizing the contributions of ethnic enterprises and migrant professionals who are actively shaping Nigeria’s GDP and socioeconomic advancement.
The event featured captivating exhibitions, cultural showcases, music, and comedy, creating a glamorous yet soulful atmosphere of unity and recognition.
Among the night’s highlights was the presentation of coveted awards to exceptional individuals and companies whose impact spans various sectors, including aviation, media, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Notable honourees include: Turkish Airlines, an international airline which won Expatriate Airline of the Year 2024/25, Lilian Bach, the top actress, who won the Diaspora Distinction Award.
Also, Ghanaian born broadcaster extraordinaire, Riyah Abdul was TEBA’s Diaspora Revelation of the Year 2024/25, Ronya Man, a quiet but talented woman was the Cross Over Actress of The Year 2024/25, Avsatel Communications Ltd., an aviation company owned by Austra born Georg Eder MBA won Aviation Safety Champion of the Year 2024/25.
Others are MACE Industries Ltd., a notable aviation technology company owned by Mr. Manoj Tagjiani, which is the Aviation Technology Company of the Year 2024/25, while Cameroon-born Danny Green (237 TownCryer) went home with the Cross-Border Talent of the Year 2024/25.
On the list of the awardees is a talented entrepreneur, Pascale Olumayowa Rafqa who won the Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year 2024/25, Mrs. Alice Adetona (Oyinbo Olonje), a Polish-born self-made chef was announced as Inter-Cultural Culinary Ambassador for her passion for Nigeria’s culture and culinary skills while Gambia beautician, Zainab Fatty was TEBA’s 2024/25 Serial Entrepreneur of the Year, and Swiss-born Mrs. Janice Udogu, married to a Nigerian won the Heritage Embrace Award for her love for the nation’s customs and tradition.
Others are CCECC, a top-flight international construction company with Construction Company of the Year 2024/25, and Nigerbirds Engineering – Emerging Aviation Powerhouse
Rt. Hon. Obasa, in his remarks, applauded the organisers for spotlighting the indispensable role of expatriate communities in Nigeria’s development journey. He noted that platforms like TEBA not only promote inclusivity and business diplomacy but also help position Lagos and Nigeria as a hub for multicultural growth and investment.
As one of the night’s hallmarks, partners and sponsors received premium visibility before an audience of decision-makers, industry influencers, and public officials, further reinforcing the value of public-private-international collaboration.
TEBA 2025 has cemented its place as one of the leading platforms promoting intercultural recognition, business excellence, and global synergy in Nigeria’s corporate and entertainment landscape.
Tension Rises as LASIEC Delays Release of Candidate List Ahead of LG Polls
With just days to the Lagos State local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, tension is building as the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has yet to release the official list of candidates. The delay has stirred widespread unease among candidates, political parties, and observers, raising questions about the transparency and credibility of the entire process.
Under the Nigerian Electoral Act and LASIEC’s own guidelines, candidate lists must be published well ahead of polling day to allow the public adequate time to assess their choices. The commission’s continued silence, however, is heightening suspicion and eroding trust across party lines.
When our correspondent visited LASIEC headquarters in Yaba earlier today, the premises bore a tense atmosphere, reinforced by a heavy police presence and barricades, giving the area a near-siege-like appearance.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration over the delay. “It’s worrisome and alarming that with just three days left, LASIEC has not published the list of contesting candidates. We are demanding answers. Their silence is simply unacceptable.”
There is growing speculation that LASIEC may be playing partisan politics by stalling the announcement of opposition candidates. However, even within the ruling APC, there is a lack of clarity. In Mushin, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Agege, Alimosho Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, members remain uncertain about who their candidate is. While some suspect attempts to impose some candidates, nothing has been confirmed by the commission.
“If anyone says LASIEC is only screening APC candidates, that’s not accurate,” some APC members in Epe, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Mushin, Ikosi-Isheri stated. “Even we don’t know who is running. There are rumors of internal interference, but without the official list, we’re left completely in the dark.”
The confusion appears to extend beyond the APC. A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member in Apapa LGA, also speaking under condition of anonymity, alleged that internal disputes and external influences have complicated the selection process.
“There’s been a power struggle within the party over which candidates to field,” he said. “We heard the list was taken to an APC chieftain in Abuja for ratification. When it came back to Lagos, several names had been altered. This disruption has delayed LASIEC’s ability to finalize and release the list. The situation is chaotic, and many of our members feel betrayed.”
According to him, the changes were made without the consent of key party leaders, and many candidates—including some closely aligned with influential figures—were affected. “We are prepared for whatever happens. Saturday will reveal everything,” he concluded.
Some political analysts suggest LASIEC’s delay may be a strategic move to limit the window for legal action that could challenge the candidates or the process itself.
As election day draws near, the pressure is mounting on LASIEC to come clean and restore public confidence in the electoral system. For now, uncertainty reigns—and the credibility of the July 12 polls hangs in the balance.
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