Business
Shareholders associations knock Kogi Govt, say action on Dangote Cement, dangerous for investment
Shareholders associations knock Kogi Govt, say action on Dangote Cement, dangerous for investment
Group of Shareholders Associations in Nigeria have urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene and prevail on the government of Kogi State to stop further harassment of investors in Kogi State.
They described as barbaric the use of thugs to embarrass investors, such as meted out on Dangote cement and other companies located in Kogi State, noting that such unsavoury development will strongly discourage both local and foreign investments into the country.
It would be recalled that the Government of Kogi State last week, at the instance of the state governor, Yahaya Bello, invaded Dangote Cement, Obajana plant with over 500 armed members of the state’s security outfit, the Vigilantes, shot 27 staff and wounded several others.
President of the Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Shareholders, Dr. Umar Faruk, while speaking on the development criticised the State Government for being so insensitive to its populace, thousands of whom are depending on the Dangote Obajana plant for their means of livelihood. He said it is unfortunate that someone who has championed investment, worth billions of Naira into a state in Nigeria, is being treated this way.
He called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, caution the Governor of Kogi State to be more civilized and professional in its dealing with Investors in the State. According to him: “Why should the governor of a state in Nigeria, mobilized vigilantes to seal a publicly quoted company? The same Governor did exactly the same thing to First Bank, making the bank close some of its branches in the state. Is that not executive rascality, using the state assembly to commit such an atrocious act?
“Federal Government should swing into action by protecting investors, else, the efforts being made to attract both foreign and local investors will come to naught. I hope the state realizes that Dangote Cement has foreign shareholders. What impression do you want these people to have of our government? I also urge the Federal Government to fish out those thugs, used by the State, for prosecution, so as to serve as a deterrent to others…This action will lead to loss of revenue, even for the Government, in terms of taxes, and erode the shareholder’s value.”
In the same vein, founder of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) and President of Boys Brigade Nigeria (BBN), Sir Sunny Nwosu said a reasonable state government would have gone to court against any publicly quoted company rather than resort to a barbaric and ruthless method of chasing workers with guns and cutlass in the civilized age.
“What the Kogi State Government did, honestly was very bad and disappointing. How can a state use vigilante with guns and cutlasses against a company that is feeding thousands of its people? A reasonable government should have gone to Court and not taken laws into its hands.
“This action is bad and will smear the image of both the Federal and State government. It will also affect the ranking of ease of doing business in Nigeria. Kogi is blessed with so many natural resources, but with the attitude of this government, I doubt if any reasonable investor, either local or foreign, will want to do anything with the state anymore”
The President, Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Mrs. Bisi Bakare said: “As an investor, we are not happy about the way things are going. If the State has problems with Dangote Cement on tax issues or any issue at all, there are a far better-civilized ways of handling it than sealing a factory that is contributing more than 30 percent of the cement Nigerians are consuming.
“The governor should realize that his position is transient and that the people of his state, whom he has deprived their means of livelihood will always remember him for bad! Can you imagine the number of people that will be out of jobs and the huge revenue loss to the government, the company, and us, the shareholders? The state, to me, has done a very grave mistake and the earlier the company is re-opened the better.”
Recalled that the Organised Private Sector (OPS) operators under the aegis of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have lent its voice to the ongoing spat between Dangote Cement and Kogi state government which culminated into the closure of the Obajana plant of the Cement company.
NACCIMA expressed regret that the issues between the company and the state over tax disputes ought not to have led to sealing of the company but should have been resolved in a conciliatory and amicable atmosphere.
The body, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Olusola Obadimu, and issued in Lagos, said the state government should have trodden a path of caution and called for the immediate reopening of the factory for normal production activities to resume.
Obadimu stated that NACCIMA’s position was based on some key considerations bordering on the impact of the factory’s closure on the economy and thousands of people whose means of livelihood depend on the production activities of the factory.
“It is vital to note that it is a huge production plant that supplies key domestic input (cement) into the economy and employs hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, directly and indirectly. This is aside from its substantial budget for corporate social responsibility outside of taxes.
“Shutting off the factory does not necessarily help the controversial issue of compliance on tax remittable to Kogi state government. Rather a continuous operation of the plant would more likely facilitate a faster resolution of the dispute,” he said.
The NACCIMA boss then urged that the factory be reopened as quickly as possible to enable it to continue its operation and fulfil its necessary responsibilities, not just on tax obligations, but also keep the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in its direct and indirect employment dutifully engaged; while sustaining its crucial services not just to the people and government of Kogi State but Nigeria in general.
Business
HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE
HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE
LAGOS — A fast-rising fashion brand, House of Bimpe Fit, is making waves in the style scene with its collection of modern, elegant outfits designed for both men and women.
The brand, which showcases a blend of contemporary and classic designs, is quickly attracting attention for its attention to detail and quality finishing. From sharply tailored men’s native wears and suits to chic, figure-flattering outfits for women, House of Bimpe Fit is positioning itself as a go-to destination for fashion lovers seeking both style and comfort.
Speaking on the brand’s vision, the management emphasized its commitment to delivering “quality outfits for both men and women,” ensuring customers step out with confidence and class regardless of the occasion.
Fashion enthusiasts have particularly praised the brand’s versatility, as it caters to a wide range of tastes—from corporate elegance to casual sophistication.
With an active presence on social media, especially on TikTok via @house_of_bimpefit, the brand is leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience and showcase its latest collections.
Industry watchers say House of Bimpe Fit is one to watch, as it continues to carve a niche for itself in Nigeria’s competitive fashion industry.
For inquiries, customers can contact the brand via phone at 0802 686 6277.
Business
Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students
Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students
By Agholor M.O
Jafad College of Nursing Science, Oru Ijebu Ogun State, has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in healthcare education as it matriculated and inducted into Nursing Training, 158 students of the N.D 2025/2026 academic session in a well attended and inspiring ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 8th of April 2026 at the College premises, Oru Ijebu, Ogun State
The event began with a colourful academic procession of the matriculating students led by their Class Coordinator Mrs B.O. Okuboyejo, alongside principal officers of the college, including the Student Affairs Officer, Mrs Fijabi; College Accountant, Mrs Funmilayo Victoria Alao; Librarian, Mr Jonathan Olusola Fatokun; Registrar, Mr Mojeed Adewale Lawal; and the Acting Provost, Ms Olufunmilola Akintayo.
In her welcome address, the Acting Provost charged the new students to embrace discipline, dedication, and professionalism, noting that Jafad College provides a strong academic and moral foundation needed to thrive in the ever demanding healthcare sector.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries, including Mr Abdulhameed, JAMB Zonal Coordinator, Abeokuta, Ogun State, further underscoring the institution’s growing reputation.
Delivering the matriculation lecture, Mrs Oyelayo Toyin Adeola, a registered nurse educator from Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, spoke on the theme: *“The Journey of Admission to Graduation: Strategies for a Successful Outcome – Learner and Teacher Perspective.”* She emphasized the importance of goal-setting, effective study habits, time management, and active student teacher collaboration. She also highlighted the need for resilience, ethical conduct, and continuous self-improvement, describing nursing as both a calling and a profession that demands compassion, competence, and lifelong learning.
The ceremony reached a symbolic peak with the capping and stripping of the students by experienced registered nurses from Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, officially ushering them into the noble nursing professional Training.
Parents and guardians expressed satisfaction with the quality of organization and training standards, while the students beamed with excitement as they began their professional journey.
With its experienced faculty, structured training, and commitment to producing competent and compassionate nurses, Jafad College of Nursing Science continues to stand out as a top choice for aspiring healthcare professionals in Ogun State and beyond.
Business
FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament
FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament
Lagos, 30 March 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament. The announcement was made at the official press conference of the tournament held on 16 March 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
ChessMasters is an annual chess tournament designed to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The competition targets children in primary school aged between 6 and 11 years old. Organised by Eko Hotels and Suites & KEY Academy , ChessMasters was created to provide thousands of children across Nigeria with opportunities to develop modern educational skills, bringing schools together on a national stage.
Speaking at the press conference, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said, “Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sports. With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships – 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.”
Ijabiyi further highlighted how the sponsorship aligns with FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare. “We recognise the potential of chess to help school-age children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level, hence we see the tournament as a launchpad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development. We are utilising this platform as another avenue to promote social impact and drive positive change in the community.”
Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co- Founder of ChessMasters and her partner Damilola Okonkwo of Key Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s support, noting that the partnership will help scale the impact of ChessMasters and inspire more schools to participate. “We are happy to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds. With support from partners like FirstBank, we are opening the doors of participation to more children and more schools in this year’s edition.”
Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, commended the initiative, emphasising its role in nurturing future chess talents. “Chess connects people, ideas, and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient, and manage their time and resources effectively. Chess also improves concentration and has been particularly beneficial for children with autism.”
The second edition of ChessMasters will be held on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The competition is open to 150 schools across Lagos, with over 700 students expected to participate and vie for a total prize pool of N10 million.
FirstBank’s involvement in the 2026 edition of the tournament reinforces the potential of ChessMasters to become a launchpad for African children, leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development.
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