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Dangote Refinery: Where National Interest Supercedes Personal Gain

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Dangote Refinery: Where National Interest Supercedes Personal Gain

By Best Agbese

 

 

The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company, located in Lekki, a suburb of Lagos, is seven times the size of Victoria Island, another high-end area in Lagos State. The refinery boasts of more than 350 concrete bridges, a port for oil vessels, and approximately 5,000 neatly built apartments for its staff. The refinery also incorporates the largest granulated urea fertilizer complex in Africa and sits on 500 hectares of land.

 

 

Considering the gigantic scale of the newest refinery in the world, it would be apt to submit that Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the founder and CEO of the Dangote Group, is the epitome of courage, resilience, and patriotism. His readiness to contribute to the overall development and growth of the nation’s economy is evident in his numerous impactful interventions at critical moments in our nationhood.

Sincerely speaking, it takes great courage for an individual to envision a world-class gigantic project like the Dangote Refinery. In his case, Aliko Dangote not only visualized the possibility of constructing one of the world’s largest refinery plants but also saw it through to realization. For a businessman and entrepreneur to venture into such a capital-intensive project in an unpredictable business environment marked by policy flip-flops and unhealthy politicization is quite remarkable.

Only a patriotic investor who is deeply committed to the unity and economic growth of his country can attempt such a bold step. With this historic move in the oil sector, Aliko Dangote stands alone in the pantheon of patriotic business leaders in Nigeria.

One very notable fact is that the rising price of petroleum products in Nigeria has resulted in significant hardship, particularly for the average Nigerian. While the current hardship caused by the fuel subsidy removal, intended to address long-term economic challenges, has had a detrimental impact on many, the immediate effect of the subsidy removal policy has further exacerbated the wealth gap between the rich and the poor.

In the context of this harsh reality, one can conclude that the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company represents a glimmer of hope for Nigerians. As one of the largest refineries in the world, located in Nigeria, the refinery has the potential to refine petroleum products locally, eliminating the need for costly imports that have reduced Nigeria to a “beggar nation” over the past decades.

Local production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) could reduce pricing, as there would be no need to factor in high landing costs associated with fuel importation. The Dangote Refinery, at full capacity, will process 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making it competitive with the United States’ largest refinery and over 50% bigger than the largest refinery in Europe.

Although the refinery is intended to refine domestically produced crude to bolster the heavily oil-dependent local economy, which has been marked by crises in recent times, it also can refine foreign crude. While the exit of Shell Exploration Company and other major international oil companies from the domestic market may pose challenges for the Dangote Refinery in terms of crude oil supplies and achieving its goal of changing the narrative in the nation’s oil sector, it is also important to acknowledge that the sheer scale of the Dangote Refinery will nonetheless turn Nigeria into an “oil market juggernaut”.

According to a recent New York Times report, although the refinery has yet to debut in the domestic and international market space, the Dangote Refinery is already making waves in the global market and has affected major market indicators and determinants. Aliko Dangote, the billionaire Nigerian businessman who spearheaded the refinery’s construction and development, is well aware of the challenges facing the nation’s oil and gas sector.

He has repeatedly reiterated his commitment to driving the troubled sector towards efficiency and reliability. His mission is to make a positive impact on the capacity and fortunes of local refineries across the country. To many, including cynics who doubted that an individual could successfully build one of the world’s largest refineries, the knowledge of the refinery’s impact on the global energy index must have generated a highly positive response.

It is noteworthy that the Nigerian economy, which has experienced slow growth over the last 20 years, is set to witness a dramatic turnaround in the coming months. The positive impact of the Dangote Refinery on the nation’s economy will translate to a better standard of living for every Nigerian. It will reflect directly on Nigeria’s foreign reserve, reducing pressure on the Naira and stabilizing commodity and fuel prices.

Certainly, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company is a game-changer for Nigeria, meeting domestic needs and producing a surplus for export. Already, the refinery has resumed production of high-quality Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which is set to enter the domestic market. Aviation fuel and other products are expected to be rolled out into both domestic and international markets within September.

Candidly, Aliko Dangote has put many naysayers to shame. They were wondering how possible it would be for an individual to accomplish what a country or a continent could not achieve. In a nutshell, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company symbolizes not only the strength and potential of Nigeria’s industry but also the dedication, patriotism, and vision of one of Nigeria’s most esteemed business leaders, Alhaji Dr. Aliko Dangote.

Therefore, it is succinctly true to admit with all sense of patriotism that although Aliko Dangote is not a saint, he has given Nigerians something to be proud of as a country. The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company may become what Toyota is to Japan and what Citroen is to France – a brand and a source of pride.

Agbese is an oil and gas expert based in Dundee, United Kingdom.

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Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

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Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

In a landmark celebration of sportsmanship, leadership, and vision, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, the esteemed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties, has been honored with Nigeria’s inaugural Noble Golfer Award. This prestigious accolade was conferred upon him by the renowned Elite 18 Global Golfers during a high-profile event that brought together key figures from the sports, real estate, and business sectors.

The Noble Golfer Award recognizes individuals who have shown steadfast dedication to advancing the game of golf and promoting sports culture in their communities. Aare Emmanuelking’s nomination exemplifies his exceptional commitment to enriching the golfing landscape in Nigeria, alongside his broader initiatives aimed at fostering sports development across the nation.

Aare Emmanuelking is not merely a business leader; he is a pioneer in integrating golf into modern lifestyle experiences. Currently, he is leading the ambitious development of a state-of-the-art golf course in Nigeria a monumental project that aspires to redefine leisure, tourism, and sporting excellence within the country. This golf course aims to provide a premier playing experience while also serving as a social hub for golfing enthusiasts and the community at large.

In a bid to make golf more inclusive and accessible, Aare Emmanuelking has also initiated the construction of advanced golf driving ranges in all Adron Homes Estates across Nigeria. This visionary project is designed to encourage participation in the sport among Nigerians of all ages and backgrounds, fostering wellness, recreation, and community engagement as integral parts of Adron’s residential developments.

At the award presentation, Aare Emmanuelking conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his belief in the transformative power of sports as a vehicle for national development and youth empowerment. He remarked, “Golf is not just a game; it exemplifies discipline, a distinct lifestyle, and a pursuit of excellence. Through Adron Homes, we are not merely constructing houses—we are nurturing communities built on the foundations of wellness, unity, and opportunity.”

The Elite 18 Global Golfers commended Aare Emmanuelking’s innovative approach, highlighting how he effectively merges real estate advancements with world-class sports infrastructure. They acknowledged that his efforts have the potential to inspire a new generation of golfers and to position Nigeria as a premier destination for international golfing events.

As Aare Adetola Emmanuelking continues to break new ground in both the real estate and sports development arenas, receiving this award serves as a testament to his lasting influence—not only in the realms of business but also in cultivating a legacy of excellence, one fairway at a time. His contributions are poised to create lasting change, inspiring future generations and fostering a vibrant culture of sport and community in Nigeria.

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WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

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WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

Leading up to the recent superlative annual reports showcasing one of the most significant growth experienced by a Nigeria Financial Institution in recent years I was forced to ask “what is Fidelity Bank” doing right?

My banking and financial sector experience got me digging deeper into the statistics of the report-Fidelity Bank recorded a substantial 210.0% growth in PBT, reaching N385.2 billion in FY 2024. Deposits increased by 47.9%, from N4.0 trillion in 2023FY to N5.9 trillion in 2024FY, Gross earnings shooting by 87.7% to N1,043.4 billion which was primarily caused by a 106.9% increase in interest and similar income. Was I impressed? Absolutely

Now to the scary part, they opened the year with a bang implying that 2025 year end results was going to be nothing but spectacular; check this out-Fidelity reported a whooping 167.8% increase in PBT (Profit Before Tax)to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025, compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024. Gross earnings from January to April had reached some N315.421 billion signaling a 64.21% increase year-on-year.

These results were nothing short of astonishing and with great hope I sat my team to review our Investment Strategy to accommodate taking up equities in Fidelity and advising our portfolio investors to do same.

We quickly appraised the fundamentals and Key Success Factors to include their focus on the strategic youth economy that the Creative and Digital Transformation sector promises, the banks bullish inroads in MSME promotion and financing, their glowing penchant for Gender inclusion without abandoning the core sectors of Mining, Renewables and other key industries

Then came the dissecting of Leadership, my team of analysts mostly female went on about Fidelity MD being one of the most experienced and affable Amazons in the industry; done this, achieved that and all the entreaties you’d expect from smart ladies who feel mentored from a distance. I didn’t hesitate to draw their attention to the experience of the menfolk within the organization like I had any measurable data to establish that mix…truth remains you can’t but admire the Banks Leadership and strides

A deeper look at the banks expansion globally could reveal a strategic and noiseless acquisition of Union Bank,London and their planned incursion into African and other European financial markets, you just can see that such daring strides and impact would give competition and detractors sleepless nights. Not in an era where sleeping pills are sold strictly by prescription and no thanks to the high cost of medication for peddlers of cheap propaganda

Within barely 30days of announcing such magnificent results little wonder how pundits would cook or spin a narrative to suggest a bank that has announced herself as First Tier with shoulders leveled up with other Banking giants would shudder over a judgement against her customer G.Cappa or even the contribution they would be required to cough out over that said Sagecom saga. With that judgement not going the way of pundits a contemptuous attempt at calculating interest at unclassified rates from an initial N14b to cause an unnecessary scare or negative press on the bank speaks volumes of how we unrepentantly strive to destroy value in our economy.

One would think that interpretation of the judgment and computation of due figures which will understandably come with a payment plan be awaited instead of the usual bad blood generated and envisaged by toddler media characters.

It is not in doubt that the discerning public sees through the cruise and flat falling attempt of dramatic clout chasers ever ready to stain Fidelity’s white apparel which savvy Investors and analysts are filled with bridal admiration

Like Joseph Campbell hinted in his famous quote “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” We cast our treasures and bets on Fidelity Bank as the Nigerian treasure house to beat in the years ahead!

*Udeme Etukeyen is an Abuja based Pan African Investment Advisory Expert*

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Jemras Homes Unveils Treasure Mall in Lekki with a Star-Studded Grand Opening Ceremony

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Jemras Homes Unveils Treasure Mall in Lekki with a Star-Studded Grand Opening Ceremony

Jemras Homes, one of Lagos’ fastest-growing real estate firms, held a vibrant and star-studded grand opening of its debut commercial property, Treasure Mall, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Abijo GRA, Lekki-Ajah.

The colourful ceremony brought together top political figures, industry leaders, celebrities, and business stakeholders to celebrate the launch of this landmark development.

The event was graced by notable personalities, including Hon. Moshood Aro, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Fatiu Salisu, the immediate past Chairman of Ijede LCDA; and veteran actor and brand ambassador of Jemras Homes, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

While addressing the press, Ogogo shared his deep connection with the brand “My relationship with Jemras Homes goes beyond mere brand representation — it’s a partnership rooted in trust, shared values, and a commitment to excellence. I believe in what the company stands for and the vision it’s bringing to life in the Nigerian real estate space.”

The Founder of Jemras Homes, Mr. Tayo Razaq, also delivered a heartfelt speech during the event, describing the company’s mission and the long-term value Treasure Mall offers “Treasure Mall is more than a building — it is a statement of our dedication to quality, innovation, and strategic investment. We are creating not just spaces, but opportunities that empower businesses and elevate communities.”

The grand opening was a lively affair, complete with music, entertainment, and testimonials from satisfied clients and partners who praised the transparency, quality, and professionalism of Jemras Homes. The atmosphere reflected the company’s growing reputation for delivering smart and stylish real estate developments.

Treasure Mall is a 1,350-square-meter, three-floor commercial complex offering business spaces ranging from 25 to 110 square meters. Located in the heart of Lekki’s flourishing Abijo GRA, it features ample parking, 24/7 security, and cutting-edge infrastructure — ideal for retail outlets, cafés, restaurants, and office spaces.

Strategically positioned near landmarks such as Lagos Business School, Novare Mall, and over 15 private estates, Treasure Mall also shares a boundary with the soon-to-be-completed Treasure 2 Residence — adding significant residential appeal to the area.

With this successful launch, Jemras Homes has not only unveiled a premium commercial destination but also reinforced its position as a visionary leader in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
[5/16, 8:41 AM] Peace: Pix

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