Dangote Industries Limited has restated its commitment to expanding investments in Northern Nigeria’s agricultural sector, in alignment with the government’s agenda to strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity and create employment opportunities.

A statement from the Group Chief, Branding and Corporate Communication Officer of the company, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, said Dangote Group is deepening its commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation through strategic investments in mechanised agriculture, advancing major rice milling projects in northern states, alongside sugar backward-integration investments.

The statement quoted the company’s Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the Group President, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying: “These initiatives are designed to strengthen domestic food production, stimulate agro-industrial development, create employment and unlock the vast agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria.

Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman said the Group’s fertiliser business represents a major contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural development, providing locally manufactured inputs that can help farmers improve productivity, enhance soil fertility and increase crop yields.

She disclosed that Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) is sponsoring the 2026 National Agricultural Show, scheduled to open on Monday, November 16, as part of its continued efforts to support and advance agricultural development in Nigeria.

The Agricultural Show, organised under the auspices of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, will be formally declared open by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

The statement said the Group’s engagement also places emphasis on inclusive participation, particularly by encouraging greater involvement of women and young people, who remain essential to the future of agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria.

It said the Group’s vision is to contribute to a more productive, competitive and self-sufficient agricultural sector, positioning Nigeria to harness its enormous agricultural potential, strengthen food security and become a major player in Africa’s agricultural economy.

Meanwhile, speaking to newsmen in Abuja, National Coordinator, National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN) Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’I Ibrahim, said this year’s Show is guided by the theme: Building a Resilient Nigerian Agrifood System: Empowering Farmers, Mobilizing Investment and Driving Innovation for Food Security and Shared Prosperity.

Mrs. Ibrahim said: “This year’s Agric Show is unique because it goes beyond the traditional exhibition of agricultural products. It provides a strategic platform for connecting farmers, investors, policymakers, technology providers and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges.’

She described NAFN’s relationship with the Dangote Group as instrumental to its success in fostering private-sector partnerships that support Nigeria’s drive for agricultural development, industrialisation and food security.

She said: “The Dangote Group remains an important reference point in Nigeria’s investment landscape, and we appreciate its contributions to the country’s economic development.”

She added: “The message of the Foundation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote is to urge him to continue to expand his investment footprints in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His experience in large-scale industrial investment can help transform agriculture through mechanization, agro-processing, storage, logistics and commodity production.

“The country needs more indigenous investors of his calibre to see agriculture not merely as farming but as a major business opportunity capable of generating wealth, creating jobs and securing Nigeria’s food future.”

Hon. Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, has donated a campaign office to the Kano State Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council (PGCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign council announced the donation in a press release issued on Saturday, and signed by its Campaign Spokesperson II, Hon. Sanusi Majidadi Kiru.

According to the statement, the donated facility, located at No. 10, Audu Bako Way, Kano, will serve as the operational headquarters of the Kano State Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council.

The council described the gesture as a demonstration of political loyalty, commitment and personal sacrifice towards strengthening the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The statement said the provision of the facility would enhance administrative coordination, strategic planning and the effective execution of the council’s responsibilities ahead of the elections.

The campaign council, while expressing appreciation to Dan’Agundi, said his contribution reflected a commitment to the party’s success beyond personal interests.

According to the statement, the donation was not merely the provision of office accommodation but a strategic investment in the organisational capacity and operational efficiency of the party’s campaign structure.

The council conveyed its appreciation to Dan’Agundi on behalf of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the leadership and management team of the campaign council, the APC, its various directorates and members.

It described the intervention as an example of leadership by example, noting that commitment to party ideals should be demonstrated through practical contributions rather than declarations.

The council also called on APC leaders, political appointees, elected representatives, stakeholders, supporters and other party members to emulate Dan’Agundi by making meaningful contributions towards the activities of the campaign organisation.

It stressed that the task of preparing for the 2027 general elections required collective responsibility, unity of purpose and a willingness among party members to make sacrifices.

The statement further formally notified party stakeholders, members of the various directorates, political organisations, support groups and the general public that the council’s new headquarters is situated at No. 10, Audu Bako Way, Kano.

It explained that the facility would serve as the central point for official campaign coordination, administrative activities and engagement with stakeholders.

The council reiterated its appreciation to Dan’Agundi, describing his donation as a lasting testimony to loyalty, generosity and commitment to the APC.

It expressed confidence that collective determination, unity and sacrifice among party members would help build a formidable campaign organisation capable of delivering its mandate in the 2027 general elections.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Aliyu Lame, in the Toro Local Government Area over allegations of misconduct.

The government also approved the constitution of a 12-member administrative panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Bauchi by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

According to him, the governor approved the decision after receiving formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies.

Mr Gidado said the allegations included unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, interference in the operations of mining companies and other alleged acts of misconduct.

He added that the alleged activities generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about public peace and security.

“The Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from the Emir who submitted written responses.

“However, the government considered the explanations unsatisfactory and deemed it necessary to conduct an independent administrative investigation.

“The panel, chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, comprises representatives of security agencies, relevant ministries, Toro Local Government Area and other government institutions.”

He stated that the panel has three weeks to investigate the allegations, examine relevant documents, invite concerned parties and submit its findings and recommendations to the government.

The government spokesman further said that the suspension was a precautionary administrative measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation and preventing possible interference with witnesses and official records.

He said that the emir was directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless authorised otherwise and must refrain from interfering in its administrative, traditional and official affairs throughout the suspension period.

Mr Gidado also said that the government directed the Senior Councillor of the Emirate Council, Bala Gumau, to oversee its day-to-day administrative affairs in an interim capacity.

He said the government urged residents of the Lame Emirate and Toro Local Government Area, community leaders, traditional titleholders and youths to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while cooperating with the security agencies and the panel.