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Dismantle Trade Barriers to grow Africa’s economy, Dangote urges Leaders

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Dangote ‘no longer’ richest investor on NGX, as Abdul Samad Rabiu leads in the latest ranking

Dismantle Trade Barriers to grow Africa’s economy, Dangote urges Leaders  

 

African leaders have been urged to dismantle trade barriers stifling their individual countries, in a bid to ensure smooth flow of goods and services, with a corresponding impact on economic growth and development across the continent.  

 

The call was made by the Group Chief Commercial Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Rabiu Umar, during an interview aired on The Morning Show, a breakfast programme of the Arise News Channel, on the sidelines of the just-concluded Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) held in Durban, South Africa.  

 

Rabiu, who represented the Dangote Group, a platinum sponsor of the trade fair, also called for reforms at the various ports across Africa. He noted that “bringing down these barriers will mean that goods and services can move much more freely on the continent from one country to another.”  

 

He advocated improved infrastructure across Africa to promote regional integration, as well as the ease of regulations and bureaucracy that prevented free flow of trade across the continent in order to realise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.  

   

Calling for enforcement of the Rules of Origin enshrined in the agreement, Rabiu also canvassed for 80 per cent of components of manufactured products to be sourced from Africa to avoid dumping of goods from foreign countries. He noted that there was a renewed interest in the Dangote group and Nigeria from other African countries at the fair.  

 

Highlighting the benefits of the AfCFTA and its impact on manufacturers like the Dangote Group, he said, “The trade barriers highlights a lot of issues around infrastructure, around diplomacy, around ports. For example, if you take the port situation, you may get your goods to the port and it takes such a long time. If I give the example of Nigeria to get them out of the country or into the country.  

 

“I was on a panel here and someone from South Africa said it’s cheaper to move goods from Durban to China than from Durban to Cape Town. So, the challenges are not just related to a particular region, they’re all across Africa,” he added.  

 

Commenting on the renewed interest in Nigeria at the IATF meetings, with particular focus on his Dangote group, Rabiu said, “I think what has been impressive is the level of interest. From across the continent, many countries come in to find out what we do, trying to either sell us a solution or try to buy something from us. I mean, we’ve had people from all over.”  

 

Speaking about the scope of operations of the Dangote Group, he stated that, “We have presence in 10 countries, like I said, including South Africa. So, we had people come in, who are in South Africa to ask to do business with us. We have had people who want to know about our fertiliser business, for example, and all sorts and of course, the famous refinery, people are interested in finding out more and how they can collaborate and do business with us. So, it’s been a worthwhile trip so far.”  

 

Responding to question on how to boost Intra-African trade, Rabiu proffered vital tips like fixing infrastructure, tariff reduction, ease of payments and settlements as the top priorities.  

 

According to him, “It’s a very difficult process. It is not just about the road transport or the quality of the roads you have. We don’t have a rail system and of course, you know, road transportation is very expensive. The second part is the tariffs, the systems and the process, the bureaucracy.  

 

“So for us to get to where we need to get to, I think the key condition is to remove these barriers to trade, the biggest one being infrastructure, you need the infrastructure to move goods across the second part of it, you need to cut out the red tape, from a diplomatic perspective, from a customs perspective, or from even a payment settlement perspective. This is one of the things the Afreximbank has done with the settlement system among the African countries meaning that you are kind of dollarising the economies of these countries”, he said.

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Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

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His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

 

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo C.O.N., has extended warm birthday wishes to His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the state and his unwavering support during the Governor’s electoral victory.

In a heartfelt message, Governor Okpebholo expressed his profound admiration for Bishop Amasihohu, acknowledging his steadfast leadership, spiritual guidance, and commitment to the well-being of the people of Edo State.

“I am delighted to celebrate Bishop Desmond Osazuwa on his special day,” the Governor stated. “His tireless prayers and invaluable support during my election campaign played a significant role in our collective success. His dedication to the spiritual and physical growth of Edo State is a testament to his purposeful leadership and unwavering faith.”

Reflecting on the Bishop’s years of service, the Governor added, “On behalf of my family and the entire Edo State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Desmond Amasihohu on his birthday. He is a true son of Edo, whose contributions continue to enrich our lives. Today, we celebrate not just his birthday but also his enduring impact on our state and beyond.”

Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who dedicate their lives to service. “Recognizing Bishop Desmond Osazuwa aligns with our shared values of inclusivity, unity, and gratitude. His contributions to the spiritual and social fabric of Edo State are invaluable, and we are truly blessed to have him among us.”

Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu has spent decades spreading the gospel and transforming lives both within Edo State and across the globe. His birthday celebration drew dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers who gathered to honor his life and legacy.

The occasion stands as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, service, and unity that guide the Governor’s vision for a stronger Edo State.

“Happy birthday, my Bishop,” Governor Okpebholo concluded. “Your wisdom and contributions to the development of our state are deeply appreciated. May the Lord Almighty bless you with good health, strength, and continued prosperity.”

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Lawyer Dele Farotimi Granted N30 Million Bail Amid Defamation Trial

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Lawyer Dele Farotimi Granted N30 Million Bail Amid Defamation Trial

Lawyer Dele Farotimi Granted N30 Million Bail Amid Defamation Trial

An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court in Ekiti State has granted a N30 million bail to embattled lawyer and human rights activist, Dele Farotimi.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun approved the bail request under strict conditions. Farotimi is required to provide two responsible sureties, surrender his international passport, and refrain from granting media interviews while the case is ongoing.

In a surprising development, Magistrate Adeosun barred Farotimi’s lead counsel, Olumide Fusika, SAN, from appearing before the court, citing Section 9 of the Magistrates’ Courts Law of 2014 as the basis for the decision.

Farotimi has pleaded not guilty to the defamation charge, which stems from allegations made by elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola. The activist was arraigned following a petition accusing him of criminal defamation in his recently published book.

This is not the only legal battle Farotimi faces. On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted him N50 million bail in a separate case involving a 12-count charge of cybercrime, filed by the Inspector-General of Police.

Farotimi’s trial, currently unfolding in two courts, underscores the high-stakes legal drama surrounding the prominent activist and author.

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Kim Kardashian Surprises Best Friend Tracy Romulus with a Cybertruck on Her Birthday

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Kim Kardashian Surprises Best Friend Tracy Romulus with a Cybertruck on Her Birthday

Kim Kardashian Surprises Best Friend Tracy Romulus with a Cybertruck on Her Birthday

 

In a heartwarming display of friendship, media mogul Kim Kardashian has sparked a frenzy online after surprising her best friend, Tracy Romulus, with an extravagant gift – a Tesla Cybertruck – to celebrate Romulus’ birthday.

Kim Kardashian Surprises Best Friend Tracy Romulus with a Cybertruck on Her Birthday

A viral video surfaced across social media platforms, capturing the unforgettable moment as Kardashian and Romulus shared a lighthearted conversation before Kardashian instructed Romulus to turn around. Upon doing so, Romulus was greeted with the jaw-dropping sight of the futuristic Cybertruck parked right before her. The surprise was so overwhelming that Romulus, visibly stunned, exclaimed, “Are you crazy?!” as she turned to Kardashian for confirmation.

The emotional moment was marked by an embrace between the two, a testament to the deep bond they share. Kardashian, who has long been known for her generosity, wished Romulus a happy birthday, clearly pleased with the joy her surprise had brought her longtime friend.

This thoughtful gesture quickly captured the attention of social media users, who were left in awe of the gift and the closeness between the two friends. The viral video continues to gain traction, with many fans expressing admiration for Kardashian’s unique way of celebrating her friendships.

For Tracy Romulus, the day was certainly one to remember, cementing another chapter in her special friendship with Kardashian.

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