Business

DANGOTE GRANITE MINES OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO HOST COMMUNITIES STUDENTS

Published

3 years ago

July 9, 2023

Sahara Weekly

DANGOTE GRANITE MINES OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO HOST COMMUNITIES STUDENTS

…Promises automatic employment for exemplary ones

It was an atmosphere of excitement at the weekend as Dangote Granite Mines, Ijebu Igbo, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, awarded multi-million Naira scholarships to 60 host communities’ students in various schools in the country as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to foster educational development in its host communities. The company also promised the beneficiaries automatic employment should they excel in their studies.

The management of the Company said the scholarship was in furtherance of its efforts at ensuring that its host communities are not left behind in terms of development especially in the area of education and infrastructure noting that education is one of the key areas of focus for development.

Beneficiaries of the scholarship award were drawn from the five host communities to Dangote Granite Mines which includes Ajebandele; Olorunmodi Ademowo; Saliu Baba Risi; Idi-Omo and Ijebu-Igbo township. The scholarship covers both secondary and higher institution students.

Mr. Ebenezer Fola Ali, Director, Human Assets Management, Dangote Projects who handed over the cheques to each of the awardees explained that the scholarship was meant to help the parents of the beneficiaries to lessen the burden the education of their children placed on them.

He stated that the scholarship award was part of the agreement reached with the leadership of the host communities during the signing of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) and urged the beneficiaries to face their education as they will be given automatic employment f they do well academically.

While also presenting the signed CDA to the Ijebu Igbo monarch, the Sopenlukale of Oke Sopen, Oba Muftau Adesesan Yussuf, Mr. Ali thanked the monarch and the communities’ leaders for creating an atmosphere of peace in the area and for showing the understanding that has led to the tranquillity being enjoyed by the company and the communities.

He assured the communities of the readiness of the company to do its own part of the agreement and ensure it identifies with the people at all times while also promising that the management would follow the CDA to the letter.

Mr. Ali also charged the communities leaders to continue to support the management of Dangote Granite Mines by maintaining peace. In the same vein, he charged the beneficiaries of the scholarship award not to let the Company and their parents down by engaging in activities that could derail their education.

He told the beneficiaries to justify their choice as recipients of the award by going ahead to excel in their different fields so as to spur on the management to do more.

In his remark, the Sopenlukale, Oba Yussuf thanked the management of Dangote Group for the show of assistance to the communities pointing out that the award of the scholarship indicated that the company was community friendly and committed to giving back to the society hence “it deserves all the supports the communities can muster.”

The monarch urged his people not to take the scholarship award and other projects that the Dangote management is doing for the communities for granted but should be seen as a show of love for the host communities because “let no one harbour the misconception that Dangote is doing the mining her free. Its not like that, the company is paying the government, both the state and the federal, what they are doing for us is an act of love and magnanimity.”

He told the people to continue to maintain peace as it is only when there is peace that the company can help the communities more.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Aregbe Grace Oluwadamilola of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the management of Dangote Granite Mines for the good gestures saying the scholarship will go a long way in lessening the financial hardship they will encounter in school.

She promised that the beneficiaries would not let down the company and their parents and also prayed for the well-being of the Chairman of the Company, Aliko Dangote.

Related Topics:Dangote granite mines Featured

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Bank

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Published

54 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”

Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.

Bank

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

Published

13 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

_By AGP News

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

Bank

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Published

14 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion. This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.