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MY ENCOUNTER WITH HON. ROTIMI MAKINDE BY ADEBOYE ADEBAYO.*

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Let me use this medium to specially Congratulates my adopted elder brother, Hon. Rotimi Makinde on his successful screening at the State of Osun House of Assembly and his eventual swearing-in ceremony as a member of the reputable statutory board of the Judiciary Service Commission, State of Osun.

I was at the gallery of the hallow chamber of the State of Osun House of Assembly to solidarise with him and expectedly as a reputable federal lawmaker, after a lot of positive comments and encomiums from honourable members of our dear house and the respected Mr. Speaker, he graciously and gratefully took a bow and go. 

How I wish I am a lawmaker, my head swelled up. That short event at the House corrected some impressions I had about few of our honorable house members and it endeared few of them who are spectacular to me which I will make known soon.

Incidentally, last week Wednesday, I met my Egbon again at the Exco chambers of the Governor’s office being the day of State Executive Meeting, I had gone there to see if I could meet with Mr. Governor whom my meeting with is long overdue. I was looking for Mr. Governor and I met my Egbon waiting patiently to be sworn-in on that day. (Mo n wa owo lo, mo pade iyi lona). I could not wait because I didn’t plan it but usually going by his humane character he greeted me warmly, I wished him well, I greeted other members of the State Executive Council before I left.

I pray Almighty God in his mercy to grant Hon. Rotimi Makinde the needed wisdom, Knowledge and understanding to perform creditably well in this tasky but reputable new assignment, as our country is in dire need of a very robust and standard legal & Judiciary reforms for the development of our justice system and progress & growth of our Land.

Permit me to also Congratulate the Chief Judge of the State; Hon Justice Adepele Ojo and other members of the reputable commission and I wish them all very well in all their endeavours.

Honourable Makinde has always been a respectable member of many reasonable WhatsApp groups online and we have had cause to agree & disagree over issues of the State politics and National developments quite numbers of time. His presence on the media is powerful, he is not the type that dodges issues, he followed issues consciously and his very many blunt comments, observation and explanations have been helping some of us.

On a fateful day, he sought my attention after he had gone through one of my numerous works online, when I saw his comment seeking my attention I was humbled and heeded the call immediately. 

Later on that same day he spoke with me on several issues, we had a long conversation on phone, on some issues, he corrected me, and advised me on some other issues. He encouraged on so many things that were bothering me before. He talked to me as a younger brother, man to man and as a young progressive politician. I was thrilled and I immediately remembered my last physical encounter with him. It was during the early days of Ogbeni Till day break program, it was a long day for all of us that fateful day and we were preparing again for another long night, I was under pressure to deliver on my duties and in the course of that I unintentionally harassed him, he was a bit furious that night but he didn’t allow the sunset to meet the anger in him. I saw this as a great trait and quality of a good leader, that a man I had once harassed was again talking like a loving brother to me , immediately I gave it to him that he is indeed a leader that is worthy of emulation. There and then I requested for a courtesy visit appointment and he gave me.

On the appointed day, I called the State Coordinator of Asiwaju Grassroots Foundation; AGF; Hon. Tijani Sikiru to accompany me to Ile – Ife to see my Egbon, he agreed to go and learn with me and we set out to his residence in Ife.

On getting there, he welcome us very warmly and immediately, alongside other visitors that we  met there, he ushered us to his beautifully decorated and neat dinning room, we had a very delicious and refreshing breakfast before we retired to his private sitting for why I was there.

He had a very long, meaningful, scintillating, encouraging and hopeful discussion with us. We poured out our mind likewise himself on many issues after which we left.

My take aways from that encounter that day were; I saw a man of taste who is very neat, of high class and very humble going by the way he related with his guests, his domestic staff and all the people, young and old who came visiting.

I saw a man who loves Asiwaju Tinubu, who respects Baba Bisi Akande and I indeed saw a man who is in love with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Please my readers should not tell anybody this, ‘I doubt if Rauf Aregbesola can do any thing wrong in the face of Rotimi Makinde”.

I saw a man who loves progressive politics in its entirety with no apology about it, I saw a man who loves Ife to be great, by the numbers of people trooping to his house for political reasons, I saw a man who is working assiduously to make Ile – Ife belong to the progressive party totally and he is ready to bury his ego, status and ready  to sacrifice to achieve that because he believes his home town will be better off under the fold of the progressives, I know what I mean because of what I saw.

I saw a team worker who is ready to work with anybody no matter your class either high or low to achieve any political aims of the progressive party. 

I saw a man that easily forgives especially the young people, I saw in him a man that wants youths to be liberated politically and economically, I saw a man who is ready to do anything within his reach for the upliftment of humanity.

He shared a lot of experiences with us during his sojourn in the Theatre World, his days as an Accountant at the NNPC and his experience at the National Assembly among other journey of life but he loves Aregbesola so much and at no price can anybody take that away from him.

Hon. Makinde is my kind of person. We shared the same ideology about progressive politics and leaders. He thought me a lot of lessons about life. I wish I had this encounter with him before my lost election earlier this year.

Hon. Rotimi Makinde is a worthy leader, a dependable and trusted one that all youths in our political camp should continue to emulate and to always see as a worthy mentor that can be of immense benefits, he is very unlike numerous others in our political family.

The take aways from this encounter have indeed equipped, encouraged, challenged and braced up myself and my state coordinator of AGF for the political and life challenges ahead which is very important to me.

Thank you all.

*_Adeboye Adebayo is social & political analyst, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, National Publicity Secretary; Asiwaju Grassroots Foundation, AGF, Leader of the Youths and a Raufist to the core._*

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Business

Two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: A Business Perspective featuring Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON — Founder & Chairman, BUA Group

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Two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: A Business Perspective featuring Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON — Founder & Chairman, BUA Group

Two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: A Business Perspective featuring Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON — Founder & Chairman, BUA Group

In this exclusive interview, Abdul Samad Rabiu — one of Africa’s most respected industrialists — shares an unfiltered perspective on the economic reforms, business realities, and political environment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: A Business Perspective featuring Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON — Founder & Chairman, BUA Group

From the removal of fuel subsidies to the unification of exchange rates, Rabiu discusses how these bold policy shifts have affected Nigerian businesses, the private sector’s relationship with the government, and the road ahead for industrial growth. He also provides compelling reasons as to why investors must take a Bet on Nigeria.

 

Far from rhetoric, this is a grounded, insider view from a man who has built factories, created jobs, and invested billions — speaking candidly about Nigeria’s progress, potential, and the power of policy to either enable or entrench.

Watch till the end for insights on infrastructure, reform dividends, and why stability and fairness in governance matter now more than ever.

Subscribe for more high-impact conversations shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

#TinubuAtTwo #BUAGroup #PresidentBolaTinubu #AbdulSamadRabiu #BetOnNigeria

https://bit.ly/pbatbua

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Dangote Splashes N11bn in Gifts, Cash on Cement Distributors, Customers at Awards Nite  

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Dangote Splashes N11bn in Gifts, Cash on Cement Distributors, Customers at Awards Nite  

Dangote Splashes N11bn in Gifts, Cash on Cement Distributors, Customers at Awards Nite

 

 
For their continued loyalty and patronage, Dangote Cement Plc has rewarded its distributors and customers with various choice gift items and cash worth N11 billion.
At the 2025 edition of its Customers Awards & Gala Nite held in Lagos, a premium celebration dedicated to recognising and rewarding its highest-performing distributors, with the theme ‘Let’s Acceler8’, the cement giant rewarded its distributors with gift items comprising several CNG trucks, containers filled with products, and cash valued at over N11 billion.
Welcoming customers of the company to the distributors’ award ceremony, Chairman of Dangote Cement / President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, commended the distributors for their unwavering commitment and resilience “in driving our business forward, even amidst economic challenges.”
He lauded “their perseverance and determination in ensuring our products remain available in the market. Thanks to your efforts, we have secured over 57 per cent of the market share, and we encourage you to continue pushing for more growth.”
Dangote noted that “this year’s theme serves as a rallying call for unity and collective growth as we strive for unmatched market leadership in 2025. This theme reflects the strength of our partnership with valued customers, which continues to drive the success of Dangote Cement.”
He also noted that “Our leadership in the building and construction sector is rooted in this mutually beneficial relationship. Also, the partnership has been instrumental in elevating us to the position of Africa’s largest cement producer.”
He said, “in appreciation of the hard work, unflinching loyalty, and commitment of our esteemed customers in the year 2024, we are rewarding you with gift items and cash valued at over N11 billion. We are also celebrating our valued corporate customers, who have consistently chosen our cement products for a wide array of construction projects.”
He assured the stakeholders of the Company’s commitment to research and continuous improvement in its production processes and the highest quality products.
In his welcome address, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, stated, “Tonight, we celebrate the pivotal role our customers play in ensuring the widespread availability of our products across every region of Nigeria. We recognise and appreciate your remarkable efforts in driving the sales, distribution, and usage of our products throughout the year 2024.”
He said, “The outstanding performance of our company, especially in the past year, is a testament to your collective commitment and resilience. We are thankful for your continued dedication, which has made our products visible across all geopolitical regions. As vital partners in our value chain, from quarry to customer, your role is instrumental.
“To support your growth, we have distributed over 5,000 containers to various retailers. This initiative not only enhances our business value but also ensures that consumers receive products with an extended shelf life directly from the factory. In alignment with our chairman’s vision, we aim to distribute an additional 4,000 containers to our customers and retailers this year.”
Pathak added, “In line with DCP’s commitment to sustainability and the country’s clean fuel policy, we are transitioning our fleet of over 7,000 trucks from AGO to CNG by the end of 2026.
“We are making significant investments in new CNG trucks and the necessary infrastructure to support this transition. Currently, 3,100 trucks are operational, and our initiatives in alternative fuel utilisation have gained global recognition, with Dangote Cement receiving a commendable score from CDP in climate change and water security.”
He pointed out that “we are excited to reward some of our customers who have shown outstanding performance with CNG trucks to further develop their businesses. These rewards demonstrate our dedication to supporting our customers’ growth and commitment to sustainability. We are focused on strengthening the partnerships that have positioned us as the leading civil manufacturer in the nation.”
The Group Executive Director of Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko Dangote, acknowledged the significant contributions of the distributors. She emphasised the importance of their outstanding performance and achievements to the company’s sales growth and market expansion in 2024.
She noted that their efforts play a crucial role in sustaining public awareness and developing a market for Dangote’s cement products.
Aliko Dangote identified and highlighted the distributors as the backbone of the company’s growth and success, and encouraged them to aim for even higher performance levels in 2025.
The awards categories were in phases; Regional Award, Growth Award, Best Performing Customers.
 
Dangote Splashes N11bn in Gifts, Cash on Cement Distributors, Customers at Awards Nite
 

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Fidelity Bank Plc Wins 2025 DBN Innovation Award for MSME Support

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Fidelity Bank Plc Wins 2025 DBN Innovation Award for MSME Support

 

In recognition of its exceptional contributions to innovative financial solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc has been awarded the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) category.

This prestigious accolade celebrates Fidelity Bank’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs, a vital segment in Nigeria’s economic growth.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, commented on the award, reaffirming the bank’s dedication to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs: “At Fidelity Bank, innovation is at the heart of our strategy to support MSMEs. This recognition underscores our commitment to developing scalable, inclusive, and technology-driven financial solutions that create positive outcomes for our nation’s entrepreneurs. We are honored to receive the DBN award and dedicate it to our loyal customers for their continued support.”

The award was presented at the 2025 Service Ambassadors’ Awards ceremony in Lagos, themed ‘Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth.’ Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, emphasized the importance of financial institutions in transforming unbankable ideas into viable businesses through advisory services.

“You, our partners, are acknowledged and celebrated for your outreach to entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to scale. We appreciate you for your role in converting unbankable ideas into bankable businesses,” Okpanachi stated.

He noted that the award aims to recognize partners who make a significant impact, focusing on storytelling and the positive changes they bring to Nigeria.

This award joins a series of landmark initiatives by Fidelity Bank aimed at supporting MSMEs. Earlier in May, the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to facilitate the expansion of Nigerian MSMEs across Africa.

Additionally, Fidelity Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos—a multifunctional facility equipped with training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, and studios for music, photography, and content production. This hub is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building, essential elements for strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and driving economic growth.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Fidelity Bank Plc Wins 2025 DBN Innovation Award for MSME Support

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