Dangote Speaks On Quit Notice To Igbos

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has reacted to the quit notice issued to Igbos by a coalition of northern youths.

The Arewa groups had asked South-easterners living in the north to vacate before October 1.

Giving his position on the issue which has drawn condemnation from many groups and individuals, the billionaire said joblessness was the reason for the ultimatum.

Dangote said this when a team of business executives from Lagos Business School (LBS), visited his multi-billion dollars refinery and petrochemical projects in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

“Some guys who have no relevance and values came out to issue a warning that Igbo should leave the North.

‘I am surprised everybody started talking about this nonsense. Why are we talking about it?

“Obviously, in a place where there is a lot of joblessness, it is expected that this kind of jobless people would come out with all sorts of anger.

“We understand the reasons why they are angry, but they cannot justify their action when they have decided not to work.

“They only issue senseless warning to keep themselves relevant,” Nation quoted him.

Africa’s richest man assured that his refinery project, when completed, would create thousands of direct jobs for the youths and millions of indirect jobs in the value chain.

By Wale Odunsi

Dangote Ready To Invest Heavily In Kogi State Agriculture

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has expressed his readiness to build the biggest agricultural company in Kogi State with focus in the areas of rice and cassava production.

Dangote, who said this when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Yahaya Bello at the Government House, Lokoja, said his company was ready to partner with the state to empower the people.

“The only thing that can hinder us from building the biggest agricultural firm in Kogi State is if the government doesn’t give us the land. And I’m sure your Excellency will make the land available, and you will also make the out growers available.

“And be rest assured that as soon as you make them available, we will bring a lot of prosperity to Kogi State. Both your own name and our name will be written in gold in terms of history that we actually brought prosperity to Kogi state,” he said.

He said the company would provide improved seedlings, fertilizers, chemical and the needed training for the out growers that will be taking part in the farming activities by the time it take off.

“We will guarantee to buy paddy rice from them and we will be fair to them. We want to empower people in the state to become self sufficient and become rich people like us. That is our target.

He said the Dangote Foundation would support the state in the areas of security and health.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in his remarks commended Dangote for his interest in the state, assuring that government would provide the needed security and safe environment for his investment to thrive.

By Itodo Daniel Sule

Osinbajo Appoints Dangote, 35 Others Into Advisory Council

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has inaugurated the board of the Nigerian Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council.

The 36-member Council, to be chaired by Mr. Osinbajo himself, comprises representatives of the public and private sectors as well as a seven-member Technical Committee.

The Council, which is to device and supervise policies that will speed up Nigeria’s industrialisation bid, was inaugurated at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

Full list of members below…

THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE NIGERIAN INDUSTRIAL POLICY AND COMPETITIVENESS ADVISORY COUNCIL INAUGURATED EARLIER TODAY
LEADERSHIP

1. His Excellency, the Acting President and Chairman of the EMT, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (Chairman)

2. Hon. Minister, Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah (Vice-Chairman, Public Sector)

3. Hon. Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar (Alternate Vice-Chairman, Public Sector)

4. President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (Vice-Chairman, Private Sector)

Chairman, ANAP Business Jets Ltd, Mr. Atedo Peterside (Alternate Vice-
Chairman, Private Sector)

OTHER PRIVATE SECTOR MEMBERS:
 

1. Chairman, Nigerian Breweries and PZ Cussons Chief Kola Jamodu

2. Chairman, BUA Group Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu

3. Chairman, IVM Innoson Group of Companies Limited Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma

4. GMD, Chi Foods Nigeria Mr. Rahul Savara

5. Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc Mr. John Coumantarous

6. CEO, Emzor Pharmaceuticals Mrs. Stella Okoli

7. Country Head, Olam Mr. Mukul Mathur

8. President/CEO Beloxxi Industries Limited Mr. Obi Ezeude

9. MD/CEO Fidson Healthcare Plc Dr. Fidelis Ayebea

10. Founder, Flutterwave Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji

11. President & CEO, GE Business Operations Nigeria Mr. Lazarus Angbazo

12. CEO, Jumia Mrs. Juliet Anamah

13. CEO, SecureID Nigeria Ltd Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe

14. Chairman/C.E.O, AMMASCO International Limited Alhaji Ado Mustapha

15. Chairman, KAM Industries Alhaji Kamaldeen Yusuf

16. Chairman, United Textiles Plc Alhaji Adamu Atta

17. Chairman Candel Corporation; CEO Swift Networks Mr. Charles Anudu

18. Chairman, Rumbu Sacks Nigeria Limited Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari

19. Chairman, Tofa Group Mr. Isiaku Tofa

20. MD/CEO Proforce Limited Mr. Ade Ogundeyin

21. President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs

OTHER PUBLIC SECTOR MEMBERS:

1. Hon. Minister for Budget & National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma

2. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun

3. Hon. Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh

4. Hon. Minister for Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola

5. Hon. Minister for Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi

6. Hon. Minister of State, Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

7. Hon. Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi

8. Hon. Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu

9. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

1. Economic Adviser to the President Dr. Yemi Dipeolu

2. Trade Adviser/Chief Negotiator Amb. Chiedu Osakwe

3. MD, Bank of Industry Mr. Waheed Olagunju

4. Exec. Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Olusegun
Awolowo

5. Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission Ms. Yewande
Sadiku

6. Statistician-General, National Bureau of Statistics Dr. Yemi Kale

7. CEO, Economic Associates Dr. Ayo Teriba

By Wale Odunsi

Gov. Yari, Dangote Named US Malaria Ambassadors in Nigeria

Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, has been named as the United States Malaria Fight Ambassador in Nigeria.

The recognition, bestowed on the governor in Abuja, Monday, was jointly organized by the United States International Development Agency (USAID), the US President’s Malaria Initiative in Nigeria and the United States Mission in Nigeria.

Yari was named along with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the ambassadors of Malaria fight for 2016 in Public and Private Sectors respectively, at this Year’s World Malaria Day in recognition of their contributions to the fight against Malaria in Nigeria.

The event took place at the Embassy of the United States of America in Abuja and was witnessed by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewale; the Deputy Head of US Mission in Nigeria, Mr. David Young and Head of the USAID.

Yari and Dangote, President of Dangote Group and the Minister in separate goodwill messages, expressed their appreciation over the efforts of the United States Government, the USAID and the PMI in the fight against Malaria.

They pledged to put more efforts in ensuring the success of the fight against Malaria and other diseases in Nigeria.

Yari urged President Trump of the United States to consider the American Interest in the Developing Nations as key and strategic to the US economic and other humanitarian development policies.

Yari said: “As leader of the world, there is greater need for the government of the United States of America and President Donald Trump to consider other countries, particularly countries with US interest in the US economic and humanitarian development policies.”

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum said the NGF will continue to collaborate with the US Government and other Donor Agencies in the fight against Malaria and other diseases in Nigeria.

Yari and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi of Kano, have been at loggerheads over the Governor’s handling of the outbreak.

Yari, recently replied Sanusi, accusing him of living lavishly while his subjects languish in poverty

By Wale Odunsi

Dangote Showcases His Dance Moves

 Africa’s premier billionaire, Aliko Dangote, has showcased some of his dance moves when the son of a fellow billionaire, Davido, was performing a money song at his (Dangote’s) birthday bash.

The business mogul, who turned 60 on Monday, was video-taped dancing to one of Davido’s hit tracks.

The song Davido performed in the video is titled ‘If’’ but popularly known as ’30 billion for the account.’

Dangote was surrounded by other entertainers including music duo Psqaure as he rocked the dance floor.

The tycoon, who was born on the 10th of April 1957 owns the Dangote Group, operates in Nigeria and other African countries, including Benin, Ethiopia, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Togo, Tanzania, and Zambia.

By Chijioke Jannah