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

Published

5 years ago

November 21, 2021

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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Let’s build a future where access to healthcare is strengthened…….Oba Odugbemi

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Let’s build a future where access to healthcare is strengthened…….Oba Odugbemi

A call has gone to every stakeholder in the health sector to build a future where access to healthcare is guaranteed and strengthened.

The Onilisa of Lisa Kingdom, Oba Oladele Odugbemi make the call in Lisa while donating a Sanitary Sterilisation Box to the Lisa health centre.

Oba Odugbemi said that the donation became necessary in order to further strengthen the capacity of the health centre for the benefits of the people.

The royal father stressed that his foundation, Oladele Odugbemi foundation would continue to make meaningful impacts in community healthcare aimed at complementing the efforts of government in healthcare delivery system.

He pointed out that the foundation reflects its unwavering commitment to promoting quality healthcare services, enhancing hygiene standards and supporting health institutions with essential tools that contribute to safer and healthier communities.

According to the monarch, all stakeholders in the health sector should work hand-in- hand with government to take healthcare to the doorsteps of the masses as government cannot do it alone, hence health is wealth.

Oba Odugbemi also charged the governments at all levels to declare a state of emergency in the health sector so that every Nigerian can have smooth access to healthcare delivery system in the interest of the country and for the benefits of the masses.

The monarch therefore said that the foundation would continue to care for the people through empowerment by ensuring that masses have good and quality health condition.

The Sanitary Sterilisation Box was presented by the Foundation Director, Hajia Suliat Odugbemi – Tinuosho to the Matron of Lisa Community Health Centre, Mrs Temitope Nofisat Sanni who received it on behalf of the health centre.

celebrity radar - gossips

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

Published

1 week ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants

The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.

Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.

Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema

Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.

From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.

Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.

Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.

Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller

For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.

Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.

His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.

Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.

Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force

Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.

The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.

Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.

Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.

Growing Global Influence

The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.

Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.

celebrity radar - gossips

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

Published

1 week ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Olowu Kuta To Yoruba Obas: Uplift Culture And Tradition Of Our Forebears

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”

Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.

He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.

The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.