Mohammed Shosanya

Dangote Group is targeting revenues that would exceed $30bn by the end of 2025 inspite of the multi barriers the company is experiencing,according to its President,Aliko Dangote.

These barriers include;visas, inconsistent change in government policies, inadequate technical talent, lack of critical infrastructure, foreign exchange crises, inflation, cost of capital and other conflicts of differing dimensions.

Aliko said,the Dangote Group has expanded from Nigeria to 14 countries across the continent, spanning multiple sectors from cement to fertilizers, sugar to oil refineries, petrochemicals, agriculture and more.

He spoke at the just concluded African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali, Rwanda.

He said:”The good news is that despite these challenges, we have succeeded in building a pan-African Group that employs over 50,000 people and generates revenues that should exceed $30bn by the end of 2025″.

He pointed out that despite significant challenges besetting Africa, its youthful population and abundant resources, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the largest reserves of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, offer opportunities for substantial and inclusive growth.

“Additionally, we have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust, inclusive growth that harness our abundant human potential and natural resources to increase prosperity, not just in Africa but across the globe,” he said.

He added that Africa is at a crucial inflection point, with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, rapidly expanding cities, and a growing embrace of innovation and new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.

Dangote noted that he had long contemplated bringing together a group of dedicated African business leaders to address the continent’s challenges, identify concrete solutions, and showcase Africa as a viable investment destination despite its obstacles.

He emphasized that the objective of the retreat was to offer an opportunity for collective action in tackling various issues, including persistent conflicts, energy and food security, supply chain disruptions, the debt crisis, and access to long-term concessional funding for development.

“This small private and high-level gathering to discuss these issues and align on how we will own and shape our narrative for development is long overdue. With the foremost entrepreneurs on the continent, the leaders of the largest pan-African companies, those at the helm of the most important development institutions in Africa, our brothers and sisters leading global institutions, our leading investors, our pre-eminent civil society activists and a few of our most respected political leaders, this first step will be an opportunity to have a frank and honest dialogue amongst ourselves to consolidate what we see as our common ground”, said Dangote.

He added:”We are coming together not just as leaders in our respective institutions but as visionaries and catalysts for transforming our societies. It is our collective responsibility to play our role in transforming our continent. Nobody will do it for us but us – especially us in this room”.

Expressing his hope that the retreat would produce initiatives capable of significantly shaping Africa’s future and benefiting its people, Dangote acknowledged the contributions of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and former Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn. However, he cautioned that it is crucial for the leaders present to move beyond dialogue to decisive implementation and tangible impact.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA,have agreed to collaborate on the promotion of rule of law and citizen rights in the country.

The collaboration came to the core on Thursday when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) .

During this visit, the NLC delegation was warmly received by the new NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and his team.

A statement signed by Comrade Benson Upah,Head of Information and Public Affairs,NLC,quoted that the meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to exchange views and experiences on the importance of entrenching the Rule of Law and safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.

Discussions,according to the statement, focused on how the labor and legal sectors can work together to ensure that democracy thrives, and that governance is anchored on justice, fairness, and accountability.

Comrade Joe Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to working alongside the NBA in promoting the rights of workers and all Nigerians. He emphasized the importance of a strong legal presence that protects citizens from abuse, ensures the freedom of association, and upholds democratic norms.

The NLC President also commended the NBA’s role in defending the integrity of the legal system, while expressing optimism that this collaboration will lead to meaningful change in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.

Speaking,the NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) highlighted the NBA’s determination to uphold the Rule of Law and strengthen Nigeria’s legal institutions.

He assured the NLC of the NBA’s readiness to partner with the Nigeria Labour Congress in advocating for policies that respect citizens’ rights and promote social justice. He emphasized the reactivation of the Pro-Bono Department of the NBA to ensure that Citizens who are indigent and are persecuted can be offered free legal representation at all times.

Both organizations condemned the criminalization of civil protests and agreed that the road to sustainable progress for Nigeria lies in ensuring that the principles of the Rule of Law are adhered to at all levels of governance.

Mohammed Shosanya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),has disclosed that the current trend of flooding across the country has indicated that 29 States and 172 Local Government Areas have been impacted by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displaced 625,239 and have led to the death of 259 lives.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar,who stated this on Thursday in Abuja during national emergency coordination forum meeting in Abuja emphasized that the current challenge with Borno on the searchlight currently require coordinated response.

“The current trend of flooding indicated that 29 States and 172 LGAs have been impacted by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displaced 625,239 and have led to the death of 259 lives. This unfortunate and almost unexpected incident requires coordinated response, hence the call for this emergency meeting.

“As you may all be aware, flood has ravaged many parts of the country with devastating impact in some locations. The latest of which is that of Borno State, where Search and Rescue is currently being carried out by emergency workers,” she said.

She,however,maintained that flood predictions across Nigeria for this year had earlier been disseminated to various stakeholders by NEMA and other agencies of government saddled with this responsibility.

“Though the flooding may not be totally prevented, efforts are being made to mitigate the impact to the barest minimum.

” This occurrence is not in total deviation from the predictions as contained in this year’s Annual Flood Outlook released by NIHSA which informed that in the months of July to September, 2024, 33 States and 135 LGAs are within flood high-risk areas, while the period between October and November has 19 States and 44 LGAs.

“The Federal Government through NEMA commiserates with those that have been affected by the flood disaster and assures them that necessary succour will be provided accordingly.
The main reasons for conveying this meeting therefore are to receive update on the flood situation and to assign roles and responsibilities to all stakeholders to ensure we are all on the same page.”

She said,as part of on-going efforts, Internally Displaced Persons camps have been activated in some states;” additional staff have been deployed to support Search and Rescue operations; water purification and critical Search and Rescue equipment have been deployed to affected states; while food and non food items are also being provided to support the affected persons.

“To complement these efforts, plans are underway to: provide additional relief intervention including medical consumables and medicaments; deploy additional water purifiers; support States to evacuate people at risk; provide additional support to Naval Disaster Response Units; provide additional support for sectoral response; relocate and rehabilitate the displaced population and to carry out in- depth Damage and Loss assessment among others.”

Appreciating the support of international partners, the NEMA DG noted that the situation is not yet overwhelming for the Government of Nigeria to cope with.

She said:”We,however,encourage partners to continue to carry out their routine assistance to affected people while still monitoring the situation”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to accountability and financial prudence as key pillars of its operational effectiveness.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2024 NAF Finance Seminar held on Thursday at the MD Umar Blue Room, Headquarters NAF, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the importance of efficient resource management to support the demands of modern air power.

A statement signed by Group Captain Kabiru Ali,Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information,quoted the CAS as emphasizing the critical role of the Accounts and Budget Branch, noting that effective financial management is not only an operational necessity but also a moral obligation.

In his remarks to open the seminar, he also underscored the need for officers to embrace accountability in financial dealings, stressing that accountability is the foundation upon which trust is built, both within the Air Force and with the Nigerian public.

He implored participants to come up with innovative solutions that would enhance the NAF’s operational capabilities and ensure every financial resource is used judiciously.

He commended the Accounts and Budget Branch for organizing the seminar and bringing together finance experts to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Before declaring the seminar open, Air Marshal Abubakar urged participants to engage actively with the esteemed resource persons present, share their experiences, and contribute to the ongoing improvements in the NAF’s financial management systems.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB), Air Vice Marshal CU Nwagwu, noted that the 2024 Finance Seminar aims to enhance the professional capacity of NAF finance personnel in managing public funds to support the NAF’s mission.

He explained that the theme of the seminar,”Fostering a Culture of Accountability in the Management of NAF Finances in Support of Contemporary Air Power Demands,” reflects the drive to ensure transparency in financial transactions, promote ethical behavior, and optimize the use of limited resources.

He expressed his gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff, the Special Guest of Honour, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Jafiya mni, and other distinguished guests for attending the event despite their busy schedules.

During the 2-day seminar, a keynote lecture along with three other presentations will be delivered, followed by in-depth discussion sessions designed to extract key lessons from each,the statement quoted .

The keynote lecture, titled “Managing Financial Resources in the Face of Rising Contemporary Security Challenges: Federal Government Financial Reforms in Perspective,” was presented by Mrs. Lydia Jafiya,the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

In her keynote lecture, Mrs Jafiya emphasized the importance of commitment from the government, its agencies and citizens alike for smooth running of the affairs of government.

She added that the peace-development nexus is a roadmap to progress and it is required in defining engagement between the military and public financial management which she said is symbiotic.

According to her, without security, economic activities are stifled, revenue generation suffers, and the capacity of the nation and sub-nationals to finance their developmental operations diminishes.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the release of Governor Seyi Makinde’s ally, Benedict Akiika from his captors.

Gunmen had stormed his Olorunda’s residence and kidnapped him few days ago.

In a statement on Thursday by the State Command Public Relations Officer, SP Osifeso Adewale,the law enforcement agency stated that: “The Oyo State Police Command is relieved to announce the release of Chief Benedict Akiika, a Political Bigwig in Oyo State who was whisked away from his Idi-Ape Residence, Olorunda Aaba on 04/09/24 by 2130Hrs.

“The Politician was freed from his captors after days of intensive Manhunt by the Command’s tactical, intelligence and operational assets strategically extending the search and rescue mission by combing adjoining forests across; Ijagun, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, Ore,Ondo State and lastly Uselu in Edo State.

“The victim,who regained his freedom late evening on Wednesday, 11/09/2024 is currently undergoing medical intervention prior to his final reunion with his loved ones.

“Efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act.

“While appealing to residents of the State to assist the ongoing Investigation by providing timely and credible information to the Police, the Oyo State Police Command re-affirms its resolve to ensure that Oyo State is not turned into a playground for the sinister minded.

“In cases of emergencies, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (Toll free) (Oyo State Security Response Center) and Oyo State Police Command Emergency line 08081768614, 09054133071 and 09061299291”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The African Development Bank,has commenced activities to celebrate 60 years of its transformative impact on Africa’s development.

Since September 1964 when representatives of 25 African countries gathered in Khartoum, Sudan, to agree on the vision for a bank to drive economic development across Africa, it has been a journey of resilience and passion, including a fair share of bumps and bruises.

Georges Rigobert Aithnard, the Bank’s oldest retiree, captivated attendees at the 60th anniversary commemoration event on Monday 09 September, with his account of the challenges faced by the then-fledgling institution.

Speaking as part of a staff panel discussion, the 89-year-old offered unique insights into the Bank’s formative years.

From his role in 1965 as Personal Assistant to the first President of the Bank, to his retirement as Director of the African Development Institute of the Bank in 1995, Aithnard showed deep enthusiasm for his work and a strong belief in the future of the Bank.

He recalled a time when the Bank president struggled to secure a meeting with the vice president of a sister multilateral development bank.

That has since changed, he told the audience of past and present Bank staff, partners, and senior government officials.

He affirmed that the African Development Bank has emerged as a leader among its peers and a powerful voice within the multilateral development community.

“When I joined the African Development Bank in 1965, the Bank was much more modest than it is today. There has been robust progress over the years,” Aithnard said. “Despite the fears and challenges the Bank faced then, it confronted problems head-on, secured global ratings, and continued to increase its capital. Today, we are delighted that the Bank has overcome its fears to become a global development institution with influence beyond Africa.”

He encouraged the Bank’s staff and management to continue to work hard, make sacrifices, and believe that the institution can make a greater difference in African countries. “Once knocking on others’ doors, the Bank now finds others knocking on its own. The success of the Bank should be an incentive to the staff,” he added.

Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor on Communication and Stakeholder Engagement to the President of the African Development Bank Group moderated the discussion, which featured staff representing various levels of the Bank’s structure.

The Bank’s Director General, East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office, Nnenna Nwabufo, described the institution as Africa’s partner of choice.

“The Bank is at the centre of the conversation on Africa’s development. It has become Africa’s partner of choice. When African countries want to discuss development, they come to the African Development Bank because it has become a trusted partner,” she said.

She shared the example of the Bank’s work in fragile states, where it continues to have an impact despite obvious challenges. “In our work with fragile states, we don’t see the challenges, we see opportunities.”

Nwabufo joined the Bank’s Treasury Department in 1991 and has held increasingly senior positions, rising to become a director general in January 2021.

Jerome Berndt joined the African Development Bank as a Young Professional (http://apo-opa.co/3Toueyn) in 2016. He has since progressed to become a Principal Fragility and Resilience Officer in the Transition States Coordination Office.

“The learning and friendships I experienced at the Bank over the years have been the greatest inspiration of my career,” Berndt said.

He commended the strong work and contributions of the Bank’s staff and acknowledged the crucial support of partners. “Some of the Bank’s unsung heroes are the young professionals,” he noted.

Joséphine Sallah Ayari, speaking on behalf of the General Services Staff, and Hannatou Mamane, representing the Short-term Staff, also reflected on their work at the Bank, highlighting the changes initiated by the Bank’s President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, to support staff progress.

Ayari highlighted how the Bank has overcome many challenges to become a resilient institution where staff are proud to work.

Summing up her thoughts, Mamane said: “We have to be optimistic. We have an optimistic President who has worked very hard to put the Bank at the heart of Africa’s development. As staff, we have a duty to work even harder”.