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Buhari lauds Dangote’s entrepreneurial acumen, enjoins Nigerians in business to emulate him

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4 years ago

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President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, presenting a gift to President Muhammadu Buhari, during a courtesy visit by the Management and Board of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), to the Presidential Villa, in Abuja on Friday

 

 

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja lauded the entrepreneurial spirit and doggedness of the President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote and urged Nigerians in business to emulate this iconic figure, to enable the country witness real economic growth and development.

 

While receiving the President of DIL and Board members of Dangote Group at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Buhari thanked the Management and Board of Dangote Group for the courage and foresight in embarking on mega investment projects “…which will have enduring benefits to generations of Nigerians. I have no doubt that such bold decisions can only be conceived by a mindset which transcends conventional commercial viability considerations.

Creation Of State Police Best Way To Fight Insecurity-Obasanjo

“Entrepreneurs such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote are unique gifts to their societies and the institutions they build, and they often become the pillars of stable enduring prosperous economies,” Buhari added.

 

To this end, the President said: “I therefore urge other Nigerians in the business sector to emulate this iconic entrepreneur by investing in such enterprises that will in time become worthy legacies as national assets, which will continue to benefit their people for generation after generation, creating firm anchors of enduring prosperity for their citizens.”

 

While further commending Aliko Dangote and his team for investing in areas that bring the highest benefits to Nigerians, the President said: “I recall, with great pleasure, my visit to the Dangote Free Zone just about four weeks ago, to commission the Group’s new 3 million metric tonnes fertiliser plant. Let me, once again, congratulate you and your Board for a very successful commissioning ceremony.

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“As I said at that event, the coming on stream of this plant was a huge opportunity to ramp up the productivity of our agricultural sector. It is, therefore, a most welcome booster to our government’s strategy for achieving food security and reducing poverty. Given recent developments globally, especially the effect of the ongoing war in Europe on world-wide food supply chain, I must commend your foresight for bringing the plant into operation at the time you did.

 

“I note that market realities will bring pressure to bear on Dangote Fertiliser Limited in seeking to meet the demands of your export customers. However, given your group’s well known patriotic vision, I am confident that your Board will continue to accord priority to meeting local demands of our farmers,” the President noted.

 

President Buhari also commended the Dangote Group for extending investments to other African countries, while highlighting the vision behind the refinery. “Mr. Chairman, I must specially commend you and your Board for the development of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical complex. I had a good view of this incredible city of steel and concrete when my helicopter circled over it during my visit for the commissioning of the Fertiliser plant”, he said.

 

In his remarks, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said the Board was at the State House to express profound appreciation to the President for the great honour to the Dangote Group when he commissioned the new 3m MTPD Fertiliser plant, which was the latest subsidiary company of the Dangote Industries Limited.

 

“We also seize the opportunity to reiterate our immense gratitude for the sustained effort of your administration through various policy initiatives aimed at progressively improving the business environment and investment climate, despite some unprecedented challenges our economy has been confronted with over the past decade.

 

“We are also deeply grateful for your direct interventions at various times when our operations were challenged by some unintended consequences of economic policy positions. Your interventions have not only helped to resolve business challenges but have been a source of great encouragement in our determination to continue to invest in our economy for the benefit of our country and our people,” he noted.

 

Dangote said the Board looks forward to the return of President Buhari to commission the Oil Refineries and Petrochemicals project, which will transform the Nigerian economy. “Through the outputs of our various businesses, our Group is proud to be making significant contributions to the diversification and growth of our nation’s economy, which is second only to Federal Government in the size of our workforce,” he added.

 

The leader of the Dangote Group said with more investments in agriculture and Oil and Gas sectors, greater impact would be made on the economy. Dangote also submitted that the group of industries would always hold on to the President’s mantra on the economy to “produce what we consume and consume what we produce.”

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Presidency Claims Insecurity Is Not Getting Worse As Terrorists Abduct Hundreds of Nigerians

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27 minutes ago

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March 8, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, has said insecurity in Nigeria is not worsening.

Nigeria has in recent times witnessed renewed terrorist activities, including the abduction of school children in Niger, Kebbi States, attacks on mosques and churches, and other violent incidents that have affected communities across the country.

On Wednesday, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists abducted more than 100 women and children in an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The terrorists also killed the chief imam of the town, some community elders and soldiers during the assault which occurred shortly after Muslims broke their fast on the ill-fated day.

Speaking on Al-Jazeera’s Head to Head with Mehdi Hassan at Conway Hall in London, Bwala said the Nigerian government was doing its best to contain the situation.

He noted that for the first two years of the President’s administration, Nigeria experienced substantial peace.

“I acknowledge the fact that we have insecurity in Nigeria, and until the hoax narrative of the ‘Christians genocide,’ we began to see back-to-back attacks in the country. For the first two years of the present administration, we experienced substantial peace in Nigeria.

“There is no country in the world today that is completely free from insecurity. There are parts of London where you cannot go in the evening.”

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On renewed terrorist attacks in some parts of the country, Bwala stated that Nigeria was cooperating with different countries to stem the tide of insecurity affecting it.

“That is one of the reasons the President travelled to Turkey, where we reached a bilateral agreement to deal with insecurity. That is also why we are cooperating with the United States of America and other countries of the world. The reason is that, since 9/11, terrorism has been a global phenomenon, and every country is involved in it.

“I can’t say it is getting worse. As a government, we are working day and night to deal with the situation.

“I don’t agree to the fact that it (insecurity) is getting worse.” he insisted.

Bwala accused Western media of portraying Nigeria and Africa negatively. Using a glass of water to illustrate his point, the presidential aide said while the western media would see it as half empty, Nigerians would view it as half full.

“Before the President took office, we knew the situation in Nigeria. When he decided to take bold steps to place the country on a better trajectory, we were well aware of the fact that it was going to incense lots of people.”

He highlighted government efforts to confront terrorism, including, according to him, the arrest of Boko Haram and Lakurawa leaders six months before the US President Donald Trump’s statement on insecurity and redesignation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

“Six months before that, we arrested leaders of Boko Haram and Lakurawa, and prior to that, we eliminated a number of terrorists. The US State Department commended Nigeria for that. The US Embassy recognised these efforts even before Trump’s statement.

“We declared national emergency on insecurity six months before Donald Trump’s statement. That was around April or May 2025.”

Answering questions around rising spate of kidnappings in the country, Bwala, however, admitted that the situation has become a crime economy.

“I acknowledge that insecurity related to kidnappings has become a crisis economy, but much more than that, I know of our government’s efforts in dealing with that insecurity.

“If one understands Nigeria’s geography and the nature of insecurity, one will understand that we are confronting a complex, hydra-headed problem.

“Regarding the kidnapping of children, the government has implemented the Safe Schools Initiative, relocating students from remote, insecure areas to state capitals so they can access the education they need safely.” he added.

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Labour Party Returns to Its Roots: A Chance for Reform and Grassroots Mobilization

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17 hours ago

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March 7, 2026

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After months of legal and political contest, the Labour Party appears to be returning to the control of its founding base Nigeria’s organized labour movement and grassroots supporters. Party insiders told reporters that the shift marks “a re‑alignment with the original vision of the Labour Party as a workers’ platform.”

The Labour Party was originally established with strong backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria. According to labour historians, the party was designed to provide workers, professionals, and ordinary citizens with a political platform that represents their interests.

However, analysts note that the party’s recent surge in popularity attracted many political actors, creating internal struggles over leadership and direction. The dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which on 5 April 2025 ruled that political parties must operate according to their constitutions and internal democratic principles. Legal experts described the judgment as “a landmark decision reinforcing party discipline.”

Labour leaders say the ruling represents an opportunity to rebuild the party around its original ideology of social justice and people‑centered governance. Speaking in Kano, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, Assistant Secretary of the NLC Kano Council, emphasized that “this is a chance to restore the Labour Party’s founding mission as the political voice of Nigeria’s working people.”

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Stakeholders argue that to prevent future hijack, the party must strengthen internal democracy, ensure transparent primaries, and create institutional roles for labour organizations in its decision‑making structures. According to party officials, clear membership verification and strong disciplinary measures will also be necessary to discourage opportunistic infiltration.

Beyond internal reforms, Labour Party leaders believe the real task is rebuilding grassroots structures across the country. In a statement, senior officials explained that mobilizing trade unions, youth groups, professionals, and community networks will be key to transforming the party into a strong mass movement.

Political observers caution that the coming months will determine whether the party can consolidate its base and maintain its identity as a genuine workers’ platform. One analyst noted that “the Labour Party’s survival depends on whether it can balance its grassroots appeal with the pressures of national politics.”

For many supporters, the moment represents more than a leadership victory. As Comrade Ibrahim put it, “At last, the Labour Party has returned to its roots, underscoring the need for persistent reform, visibility, and mobilization to guard against political hijack. A stitch in time saves nine.

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Ambassadorial Posting: FFK, Reno Posted to Germany, Mexico

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1 day ago

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March 6, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations.

In the list which was released by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman, on Friday afternoon, a total of 65 ambassadors and High Commissioners were posted across the country.

The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December last year.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, was posted to Qatar, Femi Fani-Kayode was posted to Germany, while Reno Omokri was posted to Mexico.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahin was posted to the United Nations; former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau was posted to China, while ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is the new ambassador to Spain.

Below is the list:

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T

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POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND

The statement added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agreement from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu.

Similarly, France has sent the agreement for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

It added that the Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agreements in line with standard diplomatic practice.

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