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
Nigeria Celebrates ACC Attah John Onoja: Guardian of the Nation’s Mineral Wealth Honoured by Daily Global News
Nigeria Celebrates ACC Attah John Onoja: Guardian of the Nation’s Mineral Wealth Honoured by Daily Global News
In a landmark recognition of outstanding service to the nation, *ACC Attah John Onoja*, Commander of the *NSCDC Mining Marshals*, has been awarded *National Economic Security Defender of the Year 2025* by *Daily Global Newspaper*. The accolade follows a comprehensive evaluation process that included votes from security experts, industry stakeholders, and civil society observers, affirming his exceptional contributions to protecting Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.
The award recognises ACC Onoja’s *strategic leadership, operational excellence, and steadfast commitment* to safeguarding a sector crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability. Under his guidance, the NSCDC Mining Marshals have strengthened enforcement mechanisms, curtailed illegal mining activities, and ensured compliance with national resource management and safety standards.
The recognition has also drawn praise from industry professionals and security analysts, who acknowledged his *innovative approaches to enforcement, institutional reforms, and measurable impact* on securing Nigeria’s mineral wealth. By fostering collaboration between regulatory authorities, local communities, and federal agencies, ACC Onoja has established frameworks that reduce illegal mining, enhance transparency, and protect national revenue.
*Daily Global Newspaper* highlighted that this award represents more than personal achievement; it is a *national acknowledgment of leadership that directly contributes to economic security and sustainable development*.
As Nigeria pursues industrialisation and seeks to leverage its natural resources for long-term growth, ACC Attah John Onoja’s recognition stands as a *benchmark for excellence in security leadership*, demonstrating the vital role of disciplined, strategic enforcement in protecting the country’s wealth and sovereignty.
The award, part of *Daily Global Newspaper*’s 2025 honours, is a testament to ACC Onoja’s *dedication, professionalism, and enduring commitment to public service*, and underscores the broader importance of protecting the nation’s mineral resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.
society
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES: Apostle Dr. Ayoola Oladele: An Illustrious Son of ErukuCity and Exceptional Prophet of God Marks Birthday Celebration
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES: Apostle Dr. Ayoola Oladele: An Illustrious Son of ErukuCity and Exceptional Prophet of God Marks Birthday Celebration
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
*Do You Know Who He Is?*
Apostle Dr. Ayoola Oladele, a retired military officer, founded a ministry called Letusworshipministries with its headquarters in Lagos.
Dr. Apostle Ayoola is a distinguished prophet of God, notable for numerous healing and deliverance ministrations; his diverse talents and charismatic leadership are widely acknowledged. A native of Erukucity in Kwara State, he is based in Lagos.
Apostle Ayoola Oladele is an esteemed prophet of God, recognized for his impressive track record of achievements, notably his extensive soul-winning and humanitarian initiatives throughout the country. It’s no surprise that he is classified as a mercurial seer with a remarkable vocation accompanied by an extraordinary mission of kingdom glory.
Apostle Ayoola, through his unwavering dedication, has empowered numerous generations in the past and continues to pioneer this endeavor, which exemplifies his exceptional visionary leadership.
Dr. Apostle Ayoola Oladele, also known as Omo Baba Welewele, is a distinguished philanthropic leader with a proven track record of success both locally and internationally. His journey, which originated in ErukuCity, is characterized by a commitment to implementing innovative and cost-effective solutions that drive business growth and profitability, a fact well-known to those close to him and his allies in the missionary field.
To put it succinctly, Prophet Ayoola Oladele remains a distinguished personality in Nigeria’s missionary service to humanity, with a background in the military that showcases his commendable service and continues to make a significant impact in the lives of many spiritually, materially, and financially.
I extend my best wishes for a joyous birthday and a life filled with prosperity. Happy Birthday Sir!
Promising Nigerian Student Killed in Pretoria Attack
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Isaac Satlat strangled after hijacking; police search for two suspects.”
A murder investigation is underway after 22-year-old Nigerian student, Isaac Satlat, was brutally killed in Moshongo, Attridgeville, just outside Pretoria, in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11, 2026. South African police have opened a homicide case as the Nigerian community demands swift justice.
According to family sources and preliminary community reports, Satlat was hijacked late Tuesday night after closing from school for the day and embarking on his regular Uber side hustle. Although the attackers were reportedly armed with a firearm, he was ultimately strangled with his seat belt. His vehicle was later found abandoned, while his body was discovered some kilometres away in Moshongo.
Community sources say the car was equipped with a camera, which captured two suspects (a man and a woman) believed to be involved in the crime. However, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has not yet released the identities of any suspects, nor has it provided detailed updates on the investigation.
Satlat was a student in South Africa and was due to graduate next month. According to his family, plans were already underway for him to relocate to Canada to continue his studies. Those aspirations were abruptly cut short by the violent attack.
His father, Mr. David Satlat, who lives in South Africa, confirmed the incident after being contacted by community leaders. He was later hospitalized following a sharp rise in blood pressure after identifying his son’s body. Isaac’s mother and siblings remain in Nigeria, now grieving the sudden and tragic loss.
Leaders within the Nigerian diaspora have described the killing as senseless and deeply disturbing, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
While the exact motive for the murder remains under investigation, the incident reflects the broader challenge of violent crime in South Africa. The country continues to grapple with high rates of homicide, armed robbery, and car hijacking, with thousands of violent deaths recorded annually. Criminal attacks, particularly at night and in less-secured areas, have remained a persistent threat to both citizens and foreign residents.
Security analysts note that many young migrants and students often take on part-time work, including ride-hailing services, to support themselves-an arrangement that can expose them to heightened risks. As criminologist Prof. Gareth Newham of the Institute for Security Studies has previously observed, “South Africa’s violent crime problem is driven largely by illegal firearms, economic desperation, and weak policing capacity in high-risk areas.”
Migration experts also warn that repeated incidents involving foreign nationals can strain diplomatic ties and erode confidence in South Africa as a destination for education and business. Dr. Loren Landau, a leading migration scholar at the University of the Witwatersrand, has argued that “when migrants perceive that the justice system cannot protect them, it undermines social cohesion and international trust.”
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria is expected to follow up on the case as pressure mounts from community organizations demanding transparency and justice. Nigerian associations have also pledged to support the family, both legally and diplomatically, as the investigation proceeds.
For now, the focus remains on the search for the two suspects believed to have been recorded inside the victim’s vehicle. Police are appealing to the public for information that could lead to their arrest.
Isaac Satlat’s death has left a painful void among friends, family, and fellow students. A young man on the brink of graduation and a new chapter abroad has instead become another casualty of violent crime—his life cut short in circumstances that have shaken an entire community. As investigations continue, his family and compatriots are united by one demand: justice must not be delayed, and it must not be denied
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