Business
‘We train our contestants to become change ambassadors’ – CEO Miss Tourism Nigeria, San Tiago
Behind every successful project, there’s is someone behind it.
Miss Tourism Nigeria is no doubt one of the biggest project in Nigeria over the years.
The producer, San Tiago, who is also behind Mr Universe Nigeria, Miss Fashion Nigeria, in an interview with Sahara Weekly revealed The juicy benefits involved in the upcoming Miss Tourism Nigeria 2016 which is taking place on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the prestigious Ruby Gardens, Lekki, Lagos.
Excerpts:
Q – My name is Osho oluwatosin, can we meet you?
R – My name is San tiago Roberts. I’m the CEO of Miss Tourism Nigeria, Mr Universe Nigeria and Miss Fashion Nigeria
Q – What’s the brain behind Miss tourism Nigeria?
R – We’ll, Miss tourism is about promoting Nigeria’s tourism both in Nigeria and accross the world. We want to be able to beautify our tourism attractions in a way that people can take out of their time to want to come to Nigeria to see how beautiful Nigeria is and also to encourage investment into the sector. So centrally, we can say that miss tourism Nigeria is all about promoting tourism in Nigeria and on the international platform in order to make Nigeria a tourist nation.
Q – When did you start this event?
R – Miss tourism Nigeria for us started about 5-years ago. It’s an international franchise and we acquired the franchise from Miss Tourism world five-years ago.
Q – Ever since you started, how has the response been?
R – In terms of content, production, it’s been exciting and challenging but of course the show must go on but one of the daunting task is the area of sponsorship. It’s almost impossible trying to get brands to put their money into this. We thought since it’s a tourism initiative designed to promote Nigeria’s tourism, brands and companies would fall in line and invest their money to make sure it’s an annual event but it becomes the other way round. We go to them and we hear all sort of excuses. Every year we keep investing our own money to put this show together hoping that later in the nearest future, government would pick interest in it.
Q – What are the benefits for the winners?
R – For Miss Tourism Nigeria, first and foremost the winner gets to represent Nigeria on the international level among other 7o countries in Miss tourism world holding in Malaysia this year. The winner will also be going home with a new car, and would be a brand ambassador to one of the biggest skin care company in the world, a brand ambassador for ‘Saving Hope’, which is our own foundation here about helping the less privileged, encouraging young people to go back to school, etc. Basically, she will become a role model and a change ambassador to young people.
Q – What’s the inspiration behind Miss tourism Nigeria?
R – Well, I’ve been in the peagant industry for 13-14 years. Primarily, I was a peagant producer and consultant for lot of peagants in Nigeria in terms of helping them produce their shows both state and nationally and also couple of international peagents and five years ago I thought about it and was like we’ve been doing this for people successfully and it’s about time we kick-start. When you are producing a peagant for someone, there’s a limit to what you can do and what you can’t do but if we are doing it ourselves, we can go beyond the limits and empower more people as compared to the way other people do theirs.
Q -What makes your peagant unique and how do you deal with accusation of not meeting up with promises?
R – First and foremost, let’s start with the accusation of not meeting up with promises, we have always delivered all of our promises. We don’t promise what we can’t give and one of the things I think get people into trouble is the focus more on the external than what you can empower the person with. I always tell our contestants that as much as you will be getting the prizes, that is not the central focus. Our focus is to make you a change ambassador so that you can also in turn empower a lot of young people so we groom our contestants in a way that even if they don’t win, they live with the orientation to become a better person. We have a lot of our contestants who didn’t win but have become better persons. I’ve some of them who even didn’t get to top 15 but today have their own NGOs. This year, we will be supporting one of those contestants. Her NGO is called Voice of the Black child Nigeria. She spends lot of money feding kids, educating them and we’ve decided to support her towards that course so for us it’s not just about showing the cars, fame, we want to do more than those things.we want to be a ble to empower them.
Q – When winner emerges, some of the candidates who probably didn’t win tend to complain to people outside, how do you handle such situation?
R – One of the things we’ve been able to strategically do with the miss tourism brand is that for every step you intend to get to, you have to work for it. It’s very open for you to know if you are doing well or not. For instance, after the auditions, we have what we call PPL which is Public participation level where we ask people vote for you. We have a company that manage that so they publish the result online so if you don’t get enough vote, you can’t go on. The most important thing is the lessons you take with you, it’s not just about learning. It’s about the experience you gather. we’ve never really had the issue of grunt in contestants. Our contestants always rally round the winner. Throughout the whole year, they support as much as possible. We have a group of 2015 and till now, it still exists and they are even sponsors for this year’s event.
Q – What’s the government support towards this event like?
R – That’s another major thing but I’m very hopeful. We’ve been to Lagos state government this year and I know the commissioner for tourism Is coming. He wants to come and see how the event can be adopted by the Lagos state government next year. I also know the Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa ibom on Tourism is coming this year so we are excited that we are starting to get good response from the government this year.
Q – Tell us about San Tiago
R – First and foremost, I’m not the type that likes to stay in front of the camera but i’m the easy going type. I’m simple and casual. I finished from Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba.
Q – Are you comfortable doing this Job and do you want to stick to it?
R – I’ve been in the industry for 14 years, it has its own challenges but as long as you are committed to what you are doing, it will surely pay off. We keep thriving in the challenges but we are able to keep up with our co-operate expenses.
Q – Where is Santiago from?
R – I have parents from Nigeria and Ghana. My full names are Santiago Oluwaremilekun Roberts.
FirstBank Makes Home Ownership Possible for Nigerians with Single-Digit Interest Rate Loan
For millions of Nigerians, homeownership has long felt like an ambition deferred. Squeezed by rising property prices, persistent double-digit inflation and high commercial lending rates, the dream of owning a home has remained just that – a dream.
But that narrative is quietly changing. Thanks to FirstBank.
The N1 Trillion Intervention Reshaping Access
In partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), FirstBank has unveiled a mortgage opportunity that could redefine access to housing finance in Nigeria.
Backed by the Federal Government’s N1trillion mortgage fund, the initiative is designed to empower Nigerians with affordable, long-term credit to own their homes.
9.75% Interest Rate in a 30% Lending Environment
MREIF is priced at 9.75% per annum, dramatically lower than prevailing commercial loan rates. Eligible Nigerians can access up to N100 million and repay within 20 years. This translates into significantly more manageable monthly repayments and greater long-term financial stability.
Built for Salary Earners, Entrepreneurs and the Diaspora
The MREIF mortgage facility has been structured to be inclusive. It is available to salary account holders, business owners and diaspora customers. Whether you are a young professional aiming to exit the rent cycle, an entrepreneur building generational stability, or you’re a Nigerian abroad looking to secure assets locally, the product opens a pathway that has historically been out of reach for many.
Taking the First Step
For those who have been waiting for the right time, this is definitely it. The question is no longer whether homeownership is possible. The real question is: will you act before the window narrows?
Visit https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ and in no time you could be the latest homeowner in town.
Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako
Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties within key business communities and bringing its financial expertise closer to individuals, and enterprises driving the city’s growth.
The new branch, located at Plot 1121 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja is strategically positioned to serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients within Utako and surrounding districts.
The expansion follows the Bank’s recently concluded Economic Review Webinar held in February 2026, as the bank continues to position as a thought-leader in the financial services industry.
Speaking on the opening, Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, said the move underscores the Bank’s commitment to accessibility and service excellence.
“Proximity matters in banking. As communities grow and commercial activity expands, financial institutions also evolve to meet customers where they are. The Utako Branch allows us to deliver our services to people in that community efficiently while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,”
The Utako location will provide a full suite of retail and corporate banking services, including account opening, deposits, transfers, business banking solutions, and financial advisory support.
Customers and members of the public are invited to visit the new Utako Branch to experience the Bank’s approach to satisfying banking.
Dangote Refinery Prioritises Domestic Supply Amid Global Energy Turbulence
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Nigeria insulated from international fuel shocks as Dangote Petroleum commits to uninterrupted local delivery.”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the domestic market, pledging to shield Nigerians from the ripple effects of ongoing global energy disruptions. The assurance, delivered in Lagos on 5 March 2026, comes as international refinery operations experience shutdowns or reduced output due to escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, which have sent crude oil and petroleum product prices soaring worldwide.
“Our mandate remains clear: Nigeria’s local market takes precedence. In times of global supply shocks, we will continue to ensure that domestic availability of petrol, diesel, and kerosene is uninterrupted,” said Mr. Folorunsho Alakija, spokesperson for Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery’s declaration arrives amid mounting concerns over fuel scarcity, triggered by export restrictions imposed by major international producers, including China, and shipping delays that have further tightened global petroleum supply chains. Industry analysts have hailed the domestic focus as a critical buffer against volatility that could otherwise push Nigeria into deeper energy insecurity.
Domestic Shield Against Global Disruption
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil processing facility, has leveraged its multi-million-barrel refining capacity to mitigate Nigeria’s historical dependence on imported petroleum products. The company emphasised that prioritising local supply provides a strategic advantage in insulating the nation from international market shocks.
“Our refinery’s scale allows Nigeria to withstand short-term external disruptions. We have the infrastructure and capacity to meet local demand even when global supply chains falter,” explained Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Operations Director at Dangote Refinery.
The proactive approach is particularly significant as several international refineries have either reduced throughput or temporarily halted operations, causing a global scarcity of refined products. Experts warn that without domestic cushioning, fuel prices in Nigeria could have surged sharply, exacerbating inflationary pressures in a fragile economy.
Managing Costs While Prioritising Supply
In response to rising procurement costs for crude oil amid the international crisis, Dangote Refinery introduced a modest ₦100 per litre increase in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), absorbing roughly 20 percent of the cost escalation to lessen the impact on consumers.
“We are balancing operational sustainability with affordability. While global prices have risen sharply, we have chosen to absorb a significant portion to protect Nigerian households and businesses,” noted Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, Chief Finance Officer.
This pricing strategy underscores the refinery’s dual focus: ensuring uninterrupted supply while cushioning the public from abrupt spikes that could destabilize economic activity. Industry observers have lauded the approach as pragmatic, considering the volatility in international oil markets.
Strategic Distribution Initiatives
Beyond refining, Dangote Petroleum has initiated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks to enhance nationwide distribution efficiency. The initiative seeks to reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions while ensuring a more reliable delivery network to petrol stations across urban and rural areas.
“Logistics is a critical part of the energy supply chain. By deploying CNG-powered trucks, we reduce dependency on expensive diesel, lower delivery costs, and improve supply reliability across the country,” explained Ms. Funke Adedoyin, Head of Logistics Operations.
This strategic move reflects a broader commitment to modernising Nigeria’s petroleum distribution infrastructure, reducing bottlenecks that have historically contributed to scarcity at retail outlets.
Implications for National Energy Security
Nigeria has historically struggled with fuel imports to meet domestic demand, making the country vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Dangote Refinery’s prioritisation of local supply mitigates this vulnerability by leveraging home-grown refining capacity, which allows for timely access to petroleum products and less reliance on foreign shipments.
“With Dangote Refinery leading local prioritisation, Nigeria is less exposed to global fuel shocks. The country is moving towards self-reliance in petroleum product supply,” commented Dr. Halima Suleiman, energy sector analyst.
Experts note that sustained operations at the refinery not only enhance energy security but also preserve foreign exchange, reduce import bills, and stabilise domestic market prices.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Stability
The refinery’s commitment is part of a broader corporate responsibility framework. Dangote Petroleum continues to engage with government agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring that domestic supply is coordinated with Nigeria’s Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to prevent panic buying and market distortions.
“We are in constant consultation with the government to ensure that our supply strategies align with national economic priorities,” said Mr. Alakija.
Such collaboration helps avert artificial shortages, stabilises pump prices, and maintains confidence in the domestic fuel market. Analysts argue that this approach exemplifies how private sector capabilities can complement governmental policies to enhance national resilience.
Navigating Global Uncertainties
The refinery operates in a complex global environment, where geopolitical crises, shipping constraints, and crude oil volatility can trigger disruptions. Dangote Petroleum’s domestic-first approach positions Nigeria to weather such crises more effectively.
“Global uncertainties are unavoidable, but our infrastructure and strategy ensure that Nigerians remain insulated from immediate shocks,” said Mr. Okonkwo.
This emphasis on resilience aligns with global best practices, where national refining capacity is leveraged to protect local markets from international supply disruptions.
Stakeholder Reactions
The government, civil society, and industry stakeholders have welcomed Dangote Petroleum’s strategy. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources noted that prioritising local supply aligns with Nigeria’s energy security policies and reduces the burden of foreign exchange expenditures on crude imports.
“Dangote Refinery is demonstrating leadership. Its domestic prioritisation ensures that the Nigerian economy remains insulated during turbulent global markets,” said Dr. Tunji Olumide, Special Adviser on Energy.
Consumers have also expressed cautious optimism. Retail operators and commuters reported steadier fuel availability in Lagos and other cities, though concerns remain about sustained pricing and distribution efficiency.
The Road Ahead
While Dangote Refinery’s strategy provides immediate relief, experts argue that long-term stability requires further investments in alternative energy, diversified refining infrastructure, and strategic reserves. This ensures that Nigeria can withstand global shocks without relying excessively on imports or temporary supply adjustments.
“Short-term measures like prioritising local supply are critical, but long-term energy security demands diversification, renewables adoption, and consistent policy implementation,” said Dr. Suleiman.
The refinery is exploring additional initiatives, including expanding storage capacity, upgrading pipeline networks, and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems to ensure supply continuity across the country.
Final Take
By prioritising domestic fuel supply amid global market turbulence, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has demonstrated its role as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s energy sector. Through strategic logistics, modest pricing adjustments, and engagement with government regulators, the refinery is insulating the nation from international shocks while maintaining operational sustainability.
“Our responsibility extends beyond profitability; it’s about ensuring Nigerians have reliable access to essential fuel. We take that mandate seriously,” concluded Mr. Adeyemi.
The refinery’s actions offer a blueprint for how large-scale domestic capacity can protect national economies in times of global energy instability, underscoring the critical intersection of private sector resilience, public policy, and national energy security.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news3 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)
-
Business7 months agoGTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion
You must be logged in to post a comment Login