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Forbes 2023 Index: Dangote Still Africa’s Richest for 12th Consecutive Year  

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Aliko Dangote

 

…Listed among world’s top 200 richest persons

For the 12th year consecutively, Aliko Dangote, President of the pan-African Conglomerate, the Dangote Group has emerged the richest man in Africa, despite economic headwinds that affected the fortunes of half of the world’s reported billionaires.

Dangote, whose business flagship, Dangote Cement Plc is the largest producer of cement in Africa, is the only Nigerian in the list of first 200 richest men in the world with an estimated net worth of $14.2 billion, up from last year’s $12.1 billion.

Forbes, in its latest ranking of world billionaires for 2023 reported that falling stocks, wounded unicorns and rising interest rates translated into a down year for the world’s wealthiest people.

Dangote, presently ranked 124th among the world’s richest billionaires, is the only Nigerian in the top 200 world billionaires and one of the two Africans within that bracket; with South Africa’s Johann Rupert, who deals in luxury goods ranked 157th with a net worth of $11.1 billion.

The Africa’s richest man founded and chairs Dangote Cement, the continent’s largest cement producer. Dangote Cement has production capacity of 51.6 million tonnes per year across ten countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with integrated factories in seven countries, a clinker grinding plant in Cameroon, and import and distribution facilities in Ghana and Sierra Leone.

Dangote also owns stakes in publicly traded Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Sugar manufacturing companies. His Dangote Petroleum Refinery, touted to be the world’s largest single-train refinery, was recently commissioned and is expected to process 650,000 bpd of petroleum for domestic consumption and export; in what experts have described as a game changer in the oil and gas sector.

The foremost philanthropist had earlier been rated 11th of the 50 World’ Greatest men and women of all time by the Fortune Magazine, an American multinational business magazine which premised the ranking of the world’s greatest mainly on the businesses run by the men and how they have used it to impact their society positively.

The time-tested magazine, which first edition was published in February 1930, said the world’s greatest men and women are transforming the world and inspiring others to do so in business, government, philanthropy and the arts. “These thinkers, speakers, and doers make bold choices and take big risks- and move others to do the same”, the magazine declared.

Specifically, Dangote earned nomination after being adjudged as having used his business to acquire wealth and is now converting his wealth into impactful philanthropy through his Aliko Dangote Foundation.

The top 10 greatest men and women, according to Fortune Magazine are: Bill and Melinda Gates, Jacinda Ardem, Robert Mueller, Pony Ma, Satya Nadella, Greta Thunberg, Margrethe Vestager, Anna Nimiriano, Jose Andres, and Dough Mcmillon and Lisa Woods.

 

The ranking of Dangote as one of the greatest business leaders had attracted comments by eminent persons around the world who described him as worthy of the nomination going by his business acumen and philanthropic gestures.

On the billionaires ranking for 2023, Forbes, the global media company said nearly half the world richest list are poorer than a year ago, including Elon Musk with net worth of $180b, falling from No. 1 to No. 2 after his pricey acquisition of Twitter helped sink Tesla, his multinational automotive and clean energy company.

Benard Arnault, the 74-year old French, who is the head of luxury goods giant LVMH, was ranked number one richest man in the world with a net worth of $211b, the very first time a France national will top the list.

Forbes reported that the party is over for many of the world’s richest people. For the second straight year, both the number of billionaires around the globe has declined from 2,668 in 2022 to 2,640 in 2023 and total billionaire wealth has dropped, too – down by $500 billion, to $12.2 trillion – as turbulent times have hit both public and private markets.

Nearly half the planet’s billionaires are poorer than they were a year ago. A total of 254 people have lost their billionaire status altogether yet others recorded gains.

Overall, the United States still boasts the most billionaires, with 735 list members worth a collective $4.5 trillion. China (including Hong Kong and Macau) remains second, with 562 billionaires worth $2 trillion, followed by India, with 169 billionaires worth $675 billion. To calculate net worths, Forbes used stock prices and exchange rates from March 10, 2023.

 

 

 

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Private Schools: A Backbone of Youth Employment -Imam Zubair

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Private schools in Kano State have emerged as a significant industry fostering youth employment across various sectors, according to Alhaji Imam Ahmad Zubairu Galadanchi, MNI, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Kano State chapter.

In an exclusive discussion with journalists, Alhaji Imam Galadanchi highlighted the economic impact of private schools, stating that each institution employs over sixty staff members—including teachers and non-academic personnel—who receive regular monthly salaries. Beyond direct employment, he noted that these schools stimulate local businesses by commissioning sportswear and student uniforms from tailors within the community.

With over 4,000 private schools officially registered with the Kano State Government, the sector plays a vital role in shaping education and economic development. Galadanchi called on parents to continue enrolling their children in neighborhood schools to ensure quality education and promote their children’s growth. He stressed the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education, advising parents to monitor lesson notes and assignments actively.

Furthermore, he urged parents to prioritize their children’s well-being by supporting their education, nutrition, and healthcare needs.

The private school industry in Kano remains a cornerstone for employment and local economic growth, reinforcing the importance of community-driven education.

Signed:
Ahmed Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Zonal Information Officer, Municipal Zone 1

 

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NUJ Kano State Council Urges Government to Provide Fertilizer Ahead of Raining Season

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on the Kano State Government to ensure the timely provision of adequate fertilizer and other agricultural inputs to farmers in preparation for the upcoming rainy season. This appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the council’s congress meeting, which brought together representatives from various chapels under the union.

The congress, presided over by the council’s chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, focused on addressing issues affecting journalism, the unity of its members, and broader concerns impacting the state. In his opening remarks, Dederi commended members for their dedication to their professional duties and emphasized the importance of the meeting in fostering dialogue and collaboration.

During the session, the congress reviewed and adopted the council’s secretariat and financial reports. Members also deliberated on a range of pressing issues, leading to several resolutions:

1. Environmental Concerns: The congress expressed alarm over the rampant felling of trees and indiscriminate bush burning across the state, which threaten the ecosystem and ozone layer. It urged the government and relevant stakeholders to address these practices and called on individuals to desist from such harmful activities.

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2. Health Initiatives: The congress appealed to the state Commissioner of Health to implement measures to combat mosquitoes and prevent malaria outbreaks in both rural and urban areas.

3. Sports Development: A recommendation was made to the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports to procure a luxury bus for Kano Pillars, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges faced by the team.

4. Power Supply: The congress highlighted the adverse effects of incessant power outages on the socio-economic lives of Kano residents and called on stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

5. Agricultural Support: The council reiterated its plea for the government to provide farmers with necessary inputs, including fertilizer, to ensure a successful farming season.

In addition to these resolutions, the congress extended commendations to the Kano State Government for its efforts in reviving education and improving infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and street lighting. The council also lauded the Correspondents Chapel for raising one million Naira to support the family of a deceased member, Mr. Ted Odugwu, and congratulated the newly inaugurated Online Chapel on its achievements.

The communiqué was signed by Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the council’s chairman, and Abubakar Shehu Kwaru, the council’s secretary. The drafting committee included Abdullahi Yusuf, Abubakar A. Dangambo, and Farida Umar Abdu.

The NUJ Kano State Council remains committed to advocating for the welfare of its members and addressing issues of public interest.

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Bandits Kill Abducted Chief Imam of Historic Maru Central Mosque

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Malam Salisu Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of the First Jumu’at Central Mosque in Maru, the headquarters of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and his two sons, who were abducted by bandits, have been killed.

The Imam was abducted alongside his children, a newlywed couple, and several others on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

The terrorists invaded Maru town during a midnight raid that lasted for about two hours.

The newlyweds, Muhammad Suleiman and his wife, Balkisu, were kidnapped on the first night after their wedding ceremony.

Security analyst Bakatsine confirmed the sad development on Tuesday, April 29, stating that the bandits also killed his family members.

Nigerian Tracker reports that, during the colonial era, prominent Northern Nigerian scholars, including Sheikh Abubakar Gumi and Malam Aminu Kano, taught in Maru schools.

 

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