society
Dangote Refinery will generate $21billion, to employ over 100,000 youths
Dangote Refinery will generate $21billion, to employ over 100,000 youths
Amid encomium from eminent personalities, which included President Mohammadu Buhari and five other African heads of state, President of the pan-African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote disclosed yesterday that the newly commissioned 650,000pbd refinery would employ over 100,000 Nigerians youths as well as generate over $21 billion, therefore saving the country huge forex, that would have been used for fuel importation. The company, according to him, now has over 33,000 employees.
Much to the excitement of Nigerians, Dangote said the commissioning has marked the beginning of the new journey of self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and exportation of the same just as has been achieved in Cement and lately fertiliser.
Dangote lamented that the current fuel crisis has had a negative impact on the nation’s economy and that informed his decision to build a world class refinery that would change the trend and that though faced challenges but decided to trudge on.
He highlighted events leading to his firm deciding to build its own refinery after his attempt to acquire one of the existing moribund did not materialize noting that he decided to change marketing strategy and settle for gigantic project ever undertaken by an individual world over.
According to him, the refinery plant would be run at the highest effective and efficient level for maximum benefits to all Nigerians noting “we will replicate what we achieved in cement and fertilizer by attaining self-sufficiency and becoming net exporter.
Dangote assured Nigerians that 40 per cent of the production capacity will be available for export with the coming on stream of the plant guaranteeing raw materials for plastic, and pharmaceutical industries.
In his remark, President Buhari congratulated Dangote Group, saying “the 650,000 barrels a day of crude which will enable our country to achieve self-sufficiency in refined products and even have some supplies for export saying the government and people of Nigeria are proud of the doggedness and tenacity of Dangote as entrepreneur.
Said he; “This feat at this time of the nation’s economic development clearly made this event a notable milestone for our economy and the game changer for the downstream petroleum products not only for Nigeria but the entire African continent. Dangote Group has helped transform our economy from heavy import dependence to a net exporter in some critical industries, including cement and Fertiliser.”
He noted that the economy which has been stressed for many decades by huge deficits in economic infrastructure and over a decade of insurgency has also been severely impacted by several external crises, including the global financial crisis, the collapse of world crisis the Coronavirus pandemic and the Russia Ukraine war.
“The consequences of these challenges constitute a severe strain on our economy and limiting government’s ability to provide basic infrastructure without resorting to borrowing. Government therefore decide to focus attention on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and fill the enormous gap in investments not only in infrastructure, but also in all critical sectors.
“We recognize that without active participation of the private sector and a strong commitment to public-private partnership, the economy will not be able to continue to meet the challenge and economic growth”, while expressing the hope that the coming administration will continue to apply such innovative schemes to accelerate the fruition of critical infrastructure, in particular roads and gas pipelines.
Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele while commending Mr. Dangote for the successful completion of the refinery project said it would not only aid that nation’s domestic petrol needs, but also help in generating export revenues for our country.
Emefiele recalled; “In September 2013, when Alhaji Aliko Dangote announced his plans for the refinery, it was estimated to cost about US$9 billion, of which US$3 billion was projected as equity investment by the Dangote Group and the balance financed through commercial loans. Due to an array of factors, the project was eventually completed with a total of US$18.5 billion with funding distributed into 50 percent equity investment and 50 percent debt finance. I am proud to state that the commercial loan component of the project was financed majorly by our domestic banks with the balance sourced from foreign banks. The Central Bank of Nigeria also partnered, as always, with the Dangote Group in ensuring the successful completion of the project by providing about N125 billion, to cover domestic currency requirements for the venture.
“What you may not be fully aware of, Your Excellencies, is that the Dangote Group has started repaying some of the commercial loans even before the commissioning of this facility. This reflects the commercial capability of the Group and its Chairman. I am pleased to inform everyone today that, following extensive repayments, outstanding debt has dropped appreciably from over US$9 billion to US$3 billion.”
The CBN Governor commended Nigerian banks saying they did not only partnered with the project through effective financing but were keenly aware of the importance of the project for our nation. “They provided immense support and exceptional understanding, even when interest payments and principal repayment had fallen due.”
He described the successful completion of the refinery to President Buhari’s astute vision to ensure that Nigeria produces what Nigerians consume and that we consume what we produce. “The refinery and petrochemical project by the Dangote Group is a testament to your vision for Nigeria. It shows that, regardless of what the world thinks, Nigeria can be self-sufficient in all products that we consume and at the same time export our excess output to the rest of the world.”
“Aside from enumerating our strategic efforts in the agriculture and other critical sectors, a sterling project that we highlighted was the gigantic Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical project. The world doubted our willpower to succeed with this project. In hindsight, I could appreciate their scepticism because they do not understand how a single individual could build a refinery capable of serving an entire nation. To them, projects of this magnitude are usually only undertaken by sovereigns, not individuals.”
Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC), Mele Kolo Kyari said the NNPC was happy to partner Dangote Refinery because the project has potentials for smooth supply of petroleum and it would guarantee healthy competition for the benefits of the nation’s economy.
He said the NNPC Ltd. was committed to value addition to the potentials of the project noting that the new Petroleum Industry Act will provide security of supply of refined products and protect the plant. The NNPC boss added that his was happy the refinery is coming on board at a time the subsidy on imported products has become unbearable for the government.
In their respective goodwill messages, Presidents of Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Benin Republic and Chad expressed satisfaction that the Dangote Refinery will serve the West African region and that their countries would be beneficiaries saying the Dangote Refiner is an African company for Africa by an African entrepreneur.
society
Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch
Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch
Prominent Nigerians including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, senior military officers, and political leaders on Thursday underscored the importance of documentation, collective national responsibility, and sustained military professionalism in the fight against terrorism during the unveiling of a new book titled “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North East Nigeria (Volumes 1 & 2)” authored by retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, described the publication as a timely and strategic contribution to Nigeria’s national security discourse.
According to him, Nigeria’s experience with terrorism and insurgency in the North-East reflects not a nation defeated by insecurity, but the resilience and courage of citizens and security forces defending the country’s shared destiny.
He noted that the conflict in the North-East remained a deep human tragedy affecting communities with rich historical and cultural heritage, stressing that terrorism requires sustained vigilance, intelligence gathering, diplomacy, technology, and strong civil-military cooperation.
The Vice President further commended the author for documenting operational experiences and strategic lessons from the theatre of operations, saying such insights would prove invaluable to policymakers, scholars, and future military leaders.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening the operational readiness, welfare, and dignity of members of the Armed Forces.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, praised the author as a respected mentor whose professionalism and leadership continued to inspire younger officers even after retirement.
“The lion may be retired, but he is certainly not tired,” he remarked.
Musa described the insurgency in the North-East as one of Nigeria’s most complex security challenges, noting that the asymmetric nature of the conflict means it cannot be won by military force alone.
According to him, victory against terrorism depends on collective national responsibility involving the Armed Forces, civil authorities, and citizens working together to deny insurgents support and legitimacy.
He also urged serving military officers to study the publication carefully, noting that it contains valuable operational lessons from years of counterinsurgency operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, described the two-volume publication as a major intellectual contribution bridging theory and practice in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
Oluyede commended the author for preserving decades of operational knowledge gained from commanding the 21 Brigade, 7 Division, and the Multinational Joint Task Force.
He stressed that modern security threats demand continuous learning, adaptation, and proper documentation of operational experiences, adding that the publication would serve as a useful resource for military practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, also applauded the author for documenting operational experiences from the counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East.
Buratai stated that operational success in counterinsurgency warfare depends largely on the quality of commanders in the field and the ability of military leaders to adapt to complex realities.
He recalled the significance of operations such as Deep Punch I and Deep Punch II, as well as the critical role played by the Nigerian Air Force in degrading terrorist capabilities between 2015 and 2017.
According to him, resilient leadership and community support remain crucial elements in defeating insurgency.
Earlier, retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf said the publication represented the fulfilment of an eight-year intellectual ambition aimed at contributing to military scholarship and national security discourse.
He explained that the book was inspired by a desire to provide younger military officers and policymakers with first-hand insights into the successes and challenges of counterterrorism operations in Nigeria.
The retired general added that the publication drew from over a decade of operational experience in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin while deliberately avoiding sensitive information capable of compromising ongoing operations.
He also urged retired military officers to document their operational experiences for future generations, stressing that such efforts are essential for institutional memory and national development.
Reviewing the publication, renowned scholar Eghosa Osaghae described the work as a landmark contribution to military scholarship.
Osaghae noted that the two volumes combine academic depth with practical operational experience, offering insights into intelligence-led operations, joint force coordination, psychological warfare, and post-conflict management.
He added that the publication effectively situates Nigeria’s counterinsurgency experience within the broader realities of modern asymmetric warfare and evolving global security threats.
The event attracted senior serving and retired military officers, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and policymakers from across the country.
society
Oduduwa Integrity Association Announces Adoption of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “Performing Governor” in the Southwest*
Oduduwa Integrity Association Announces Adoption of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “Performing Governor” in the Southwest*
*Osun State, Nigeria* – The Oduduwa Integrity Association, one of the prominent socio-cultural and advocacy groups in the Southwest region, has announced its decision to adopt and publicly recognize Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as a performing governor in the Southwest.
According to the Association, the adoption is based on its independent monitoring of governance and project delivery across the region. The group stated that Governor Adeleke’s administration has demonstrated measurable progress in areas including infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, and youth empowerment, which aligns with the association’s mandate to promote accountability and good governance.
“This adoption is our way of encouraging performance and responsible leadership,” Evang /Hon Omotoso Banji, the President and Founder of Oduduwa Integrity Association said. “We believe that recognizing leaders who are delivering on their mandate helps strengthen democratic values and motivates others to prioritize the people.”
The Association noted that its adoption does not imply political affiliation but is a non-partisan endorsement of what it describes as visible and verifiable governance outcomes within Osun State. It added that the move is part of its broader initiative to highlight and support public officials across the Southwest who meet its standards for transparency, service delivery, and integrity.
Governor Adeleke’s administration has been marked by policy focus on infrastructural renewal, payment of salary arrears, and investment in grassroots development since assuming office. The Oduduwa Integrity Association said it will continue to monitor and document these efforts as part of its civic oversight role.
The formal adoption ceremony and presentation of recognition materials are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Oduduwa Integrity Association is a Southwest-based civil society and advocacy group committed to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability across Yoruba-speaking states presided by Evang / Hon Omotoso Banji.The Association conducts independent assessments of public service delivery and engages in community enlightenment programs.
AjilalaOso Day 2026: Women Union Make Donations To Hospital
The women wing of the Ede Descendants Union has donated 42 bedsheets and 44 pillow cases to Cottage Hospital, Ede, in Osun State, as part of activities marking preparations for AjilalaOso Day 2026.
The donation was aimed at supporting healthcare services at the hospital while also demonstrating the union’s commitment to community development and humanitarian service.
Members of the union said the gesture formed part of efforts to give back to society and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of patients receiving treatment at the health facility.
Speaking during the presentation, the leader of the women wing, Mrs Silifat Shittu, described the initiative as a reflection of the values of compassion, unity and service which AjilalaOso Day represents.
She noted that the annual cultural celebration is not only about showcasing the rich heritage of Ede but also about promoting development-oriented projects capable of impacting lives positively.
The group further urged individuals, organisations and stakeholders in Edeland to continue supporting community-based initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital management, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Isiaka Alade, appreciated the women group for the donation, describing the items as timely and beneficial to patients and the hospital environment.
Chairman of the AjilalaOso Day 2026 Planning Committee, Prince Adewale Laoye while addressing the gathering appealed to other well-meaning individuals and organisations to extend similar gestures to the hospital, noting that some roofing sections of the facility require urgent repairs.
He also commended the women wing of the union for the initiative and support shown to Cottage Hospital.
Prince Laoye, who spoke extensively on the objectives of the AjilalaOso festival, explained that the annual celebration would not only be about funfair and merriment but would also focus on touching the lives of the needy through impactful community projects.
According to him,“We also want associations to have a project executed in Ede every year, such as what the women wing of EDU has done today.”
- Strengthening Zambia’s Readiness for Health Emergencies: From Surveillance to Pandemic Preparedness May 21, 2026
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Strengthens Regional Integration Through Cross-Border Cooperation Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria May 21, 2026
- Senegal Retains Title as Overall Champion at ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 14) May 21, 2026
- Eritrea: Diaspora Nationals Celebrate Independence Day Anniversary May 21, 2026
- Seychelles: President Herminie Visits District Administration Office and Library on La Digue May 21, 2026
- Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Tunisian Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti May 21, 2026
- Joint statement welcoming the Republic of Togo’s announcement on Visa facilitation for African nationals May 21, 2026
- Advancing Regional Political Commitment and Cross Border Coordination for Ebola Preparedness and Response May 21, 2026
- Morocco: African Development Bank commits €200 Million to boost employability and develop future skills May 21, 2026
- Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) Targets Global Operator Status as African Energy Chamber (AEC) Engagement Reinforces Congo’s Energy Ambitions May 21, 2026
- Strengthening Zambia’s Readiness for Health Emergencies: From Surveillance to Pandemic Preparedness May 21, 2026
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Strengthens Regional Integration Through Cross-Border Cooperation Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria May 21, 2026
- Senegal Retains Title as Overall Champion at ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 14) May 21, 2026
- Eritrea: Diaspora Nationals Celebrate Independence Day Anniversary May 21, 2026
- Seychelles: President Herminie Visits District Administration Office and Library on La Digue May 21, 2026
- Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Tunisian Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti May 21, 2026
- Joint statement welcoming the Republic of Togo’s announcement on Visa facilitation for African nationals May 21, 2026
-
news5 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society3 weeks agoSOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
-
celebrity radar - gossips4 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
-
celebrity radar - gossips5 months agoProphet Kingsley Aitafo Releases 2026 Prophecy: ‘Nigeria Will Rise, but the World Must Prepare for Turbulence’