Business

Residents of Ibeju Lekki Applaud Dangote Refinery CSR activities

Published

3 years ago

August 13, 2023

Dangote: End of the Road for a Monopolist? By Soji Adekunmbi

Residents of Ibeju Lekki Applaud Dangote Refinery CSR activities

The Committee of Baales and some residents of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos have showered encomium on the Management of Dangote Refinery, on its social responsibility initiatives.

They expressed appreciation to the company for providing vital infrastructure for their communities, repairing all the entrance roads of the 15 host communities by grading, sand filling, and applying stone base and now community people are able to access their abode without wading through the waters.

In a chat with select newsmen yesterday, Baale of Magbon-Segun, High Chief Mufutau Dauda said, Dangote Refinery has demonstrated a high level of social responsibility as it has executed so many tangible projects across all the host communities, even up to Lekki.

According to him: “We are all praying for Aliko Dangote. I even raised a special prayer for him in our community mosque this morning. He has done so well for all our communities. No doubt, he can do more, but for now, he is honestly trying. Our children are being trained inside the refinery site and they already passed the Level 1 and Level 2 examinations for City & Guilds certification in Electrical & Mechanical Engineering and they will be writing the examination for Level 3 certification soon. He also sunk boreholes for all the communities, and even provided generators, to each of the communities. And now, we have been informed the boreholes will be upgraded to solar power. His type is rare for sure.”

In a similar vein, the Baale of Okeyanta, High Chief Shakiru Bello, said the scholarship scheme, which was started in 2019 by Dangote has helped parents in the communities. He said: “When they started the scholarship scheme for secondary and tertiary institution students, we thought they wouldn’t be able to sustain it, but they have continued to increase the numbers of beneficiaries every year and this is highly commendable.

Mr. Akinola Yinusa of Okesegun community said his daughter is a beneficiary of the scholarship scheme and apart from the cash award, she is provided all her subject textbooks and academic materials like math set and calculator, and that his younger brother, Kabiru Yinusa, works as a full staff in the Refinery.

“The benefit of the Refinery is enormous to us in this community. My younger brother works in the refinery as a staff and my third daughter also benefited from the scholarship scheme last year, so I am happy. I know so many families that have been positively affected by the company, so, yes, I am among those praying for Dangote Refinery with my other community people. He also urged Dangote not to relent in its efforts to ensure that more jobs were provided for qualified graduates who are indigenes of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

In the same vein, Ambali Useni a youth leader, also corroborated what other people have said, concerning the positive impacts of Dangote CSR initiatives and also said and reaffirmed the commitment of all the locals in ensuring that the company operates a rancour-free Plant, as it benefits both the state and the country at large.

According to him: “In this community, We, the youth are peaceful. We are happy with what Dangote Refinery management is doing for us and for our community, though like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more. The unemployment rate would have been very high in this area, if not for the operations of this refinery. Many of the community youths were trained to acquire skills in trades such as carpentry; bricklaying and masonry; plumbing; automobile mechanic; welding and metal fabrication; electrical installation; refrigeration and air conditioning; and generator repair. They were also issued the Trade Tests certificates as well as certificates from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Some of these youths now work with Dangote. We are optimistic that we will benefit more as we have all resolved to give the company our maximum support and cooperation.”

The communities in the area include Idasho, Ilekuru, Okeyanta, Magbon-Segun, Okesegun, Itoke, Idotun, Alasia, Okunraiye and Lekki towns, Imobido, Tiye, Mosa, Ilege, and Olomowewe.

Speaking also, High Chief S.A. Adeyemi thanked the management of Dangote Refinery for their unrelenting efforts at impacting their host communities positively describing the social performance profile of the company as very impressive.

He explained that with what Dangote Refinery has been doing for the people, it behooves the community leaders and all the residents to reciprocate and ensure peace reigns for the good of all so that the company can do more.

Much as the people and community leaders are lauding the company for the giant strides in the host communities, Adeyemi said “I am also enjoining them not rest on their oars. As Oliver Twist, we are still asking for more because all these projects can never be too much for the people. He concluded.

Related Topics:Dangote refinery Featured

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ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.