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Lawmakers Back Dangote’s Industrialization Stride

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Aliko Dangote

 

Dangote Group’s industrialization stride in Nigeria has received yet another momentum as federal lawmakers back the company’s stride.

Members of the House of Representatives who visited Dangote Cement Plc in Obajana, Kogi State, expressed their delight at the significant economic impact the company has made in Nigeria’s cement subsector.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, who led his team to the Dangote cement plant, emphasized the need for collaboration between Nigeria’s political leaders and investors to drive the country’s industrialization.

He noted that Dangote Cement has paved the way with its substantial investments, job creation, tax contributions, and more.

He emphasized that everyone must work together to ensure Nigeria’s progress.

He stated that the visit by the joint subcommittee on Solid Minerals and Commerce was partly aimed at investigating the reasons behind the current cement prices and collaboratively seeking solutions.

Responding to the visiting lawmakers about the current prices, Mr. Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, stated that cement inputs are dollar driven except limestone which is found in Nigeria.

Some of these inputs, according to him include: machineries, spare parts, the gas for fuel and Gypsum which is one of the raw materials.

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Mr. Pathak explained that the rise and instability in foreign exchange rates have been significant factors contributing to the current prices of cement products.

He said Dangote Group is Nigeria’s largest employer outside of government.
He also explained that compared to 2021, the salaries of the company’s employees have been increased by 21.3% in 2022 to 47.5% in 2023 and 63.2% in 2024.
The salary increase was meant to meet up the inflation in the country.

Reacting also, Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, emphasized that the transport segement of the Cement company has introduced CNG trucks to its fleet.

He also said that the company has invested in alternative fuel projects to demonstrate its initiatives to cleanup Nigeria.

The Alternative fuel project uses biomass waste which is blocking the fertile land as a source of clean energy. The ambition of the company is to make Nigeria visible for its contribution towards reduction in Global warming.

Engr  Azad Nawabuddin, who also spoke to newsmen on the sideline of the tour by the lawmakers, said the social intervention schemes of the company run into billions of naira, adding that the company would not rest on its oars.

The Plant Director said that by incorporating advanced technologies and maintenance strategies, Dangote Cement has upheld operational efficiency while upholding its social commitments.

Some of the community related intervention schemes embedded in the Community Development Agreement (CDA), he said, include: provision of scholarship, construction of blocks of classrooms, construction of boreholes, building of hospitals and construction, and rehabilitation road networks.

Engr. Azad Nawabuddin explained that the company has delivered a multimillion naira health facility at Iwaa, one of the mining communities, as well as launched several other empowerment schemes.

He also told newsmen that the Dangote Cement Plc is set to deliver a multimillion naira Aliko Dangote Skills Development Centre in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

According to him, the company is one of the biggest tax payers in the country, surpassing the banking sector in 2023.

The lawmakers also visited the Dangote Plant at Okpella Edo State

Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella, Edo State, Engr Ismail Muhammad, said the company has invested hugely in state-of-the art facility in is bid achieve operational efficiency.

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Traditional Leaders Strengthen Immunization Efforts as New Incentives Expands Support

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Traditional leaders in Bauchi State have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting routine immunization efforts following recent visits from the New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE) program team. These visits to the Emirs of Dass and Misau highlight the ongoing collaboration between traditional institutions and health-focused organizations to improve childhood vaccination rates.

The Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, is a key advocate for immunization. He noted that financial challenges often prevent caregivers from accessing health services. “Many parents in rural areas want to vaccinate their children but cannot afford the transportation cost to health facilities,” he explained. “New Incentives has helped bridge this gap by providing support that encourages parents to complete their children’s immunization schedules.”
Since launching in Bauchi State in June 2022, the NI-ABAE program has expanded across all 20 local government areas, offering small financial incentives to caregivers who bring their infants for routine immunization. This approach has significantly improved vaccine uptake, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

In Misau local government, the program has recorded remarkable milestones. Mustapha Kabir, New Incentives’ Operations Director for Bauchi and Gombe States, shared that over 23,000 infants have been enrolled in the program, with more than 300,000 vaccinations facilitated. The organization has also disbursed over ₦100 million to caregivers to ease financial barriers.
The Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Sulaiman, commended the initiative while acknowledging its impact on reducing childhood diseases. “This is a responsibility we should be handling, but New Incentives has stepped in to assist,” he said. “The small cash support you provide makes a difference for families struggling with poverty. We appreciate this program and we will continue to support it.”
The Emir of Dass acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy could arise from communities feeling neglected in government projects. “Some communities resist activities linked to government initiatives due to political grievances,” he noted. “This is why continuous community engagement is crucial. And we are happy that our people listen to us when we speak to them to understand the importance of the vaccination on their children.”
NI-ABAE has always worked in partnerships with traditional institutions to address these challenges. Ibrahim Ahmad, National Partnership Officer for New Incentives, highlighted the essential role of traditional leaders in the program’s success.
“Their influence has helped us overcome initial resistance, and we are now seeing a stronger commitment from parents to complete their children’s immunization schedules,” he said. According to Ibrahim, despite these noticeable challenges, the All Babies program, operating in 42 public hospitals in Dass, have enrolled over 12,000 infants in the local government and disbursed over 54 million to caregivers since 2022.

As the program which started in 2017 in Katsina State has now expanded to 11 states in northern Nigeria. “So far, we have enrolled more than 4 million infants into our program, encouraging more than 64 million vaccinations across the states,” added Ibrahim.

The organization also works to strengthen vaccine awareness campaigns through radio jingles and community health talks to ensure that even urban working-class parents—who may forget due to their busy schedules—are reminded to complete their children’s vaccinations.

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Kano Debt Management Office Director General Gets Award As The Most Cited Researcher of the Year By ABU

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Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, the Director General of the Kano State Debt Management Office, has been honored as the Most Cited Researcher of the Year by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. Dr. Ali revealed this exciting news during an interview with Nigerian Tracker.

“Alhamdulillah, while I’m on my way to receive the Most Cited Researcher of the Year Award from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, I received another exciting news. Please join me to thank Almighty Allah for these ceaseless blessings,” Dr. Ali stated.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, Dr. Ali received news of his promotion by the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He has been elevated to the rank of a Reader (Associate Professor) of Economics, a significant milestone in his academic career.

“The Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria has just announced my promotion to the rank of a Reader (Associate Professor) of Economics,” Dr. Ali proudly shared. He expressed his deep gratitude and dedicated these achievements to his late parents. “This is purely dedicated to my late parents. May Almighty Allah forgive them and make Jannatul Firdaus their final abode, Ameen,” he added.

Dr. Ali’s recognition as the Most Cited Researcher of the Year underscores his significant contributions to the field of economics and his impactful research work. His promotion to Associate Professor further highlights his dedication to academia and his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.

These achievements come as a testament to Dr. Ali’s hard work, dedication, and scholarly excellence. As the Director General of the Kano State Debt Management Office, he has played a crucial role in managing the state’s finances and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Dr. Ali’s colleagues, students, and the academic community at large have praised his accomplishments, recognizing the positive impact of his work on both the academic world and the public sector.

The Kano State Government and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria have extended their congratulations to Dr. Ali, acknowledging his contributions and wishing him continued success in his endeavors.

 

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Governor Yusuf Declares War on Corruption and Injustice

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, injustice, and oppression in the state.

Speaking at the commissioning of a newly constructed 9-kilometer road linking Fulatan, Zarewa, and Danguzuri in Rogo Local Government, Governor Yusuf symbolically drew a sword presented to him by Dr. Ishaq Falalu Zarewa on behalf of the community.

The gesture, accompanied by a handwritten copy of the Qur’an, was in recognition of his government’s efforts to complete the vital road project aimed at boosting economic activities and improving the lives of rural dwellers.

The governor declared that his administration would not tolerate corruption, exploitation, or any form of injustice that hinders the progress of Kano State.

He assured residents that his government remains committed to enhancing infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that governance serves the best interest of the people.

“This road is a testament to our dedication to improving trade and agriculture in this region. We will continue to prioritize development projects that directly impact the lives of our people,” Governor Yusuf stated.

This marks the third time Governor Yusuf has publicly demonstrated his readiness to confront any elements seeking to destabilize Kano State.

He urged the people to remain steadfast in supporting good governance and pledged to work tirelessly towards making Kano greater than it was before 2023.

 

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