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Aliko Dangote retires from Dangote Cement Plc As Chairman

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Aliko Dangote

Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025. He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Government Relations, in order to drive the company’s five-year business trajectory to a superlative height.

The board of Dangote Cement Plc has therefore announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman, Board of Directors.  In the same vein, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company while Prof. Dorothy Ufot retired from the Board.

Reputed as Africa’s leading investor, Aliko Dangote leaves giant footprints as he retires from the board. His vision and tenacity redefined not just a company, but the entire cement industry landscape by becoming Africa’s largest cement producer and largest exporter of cement and clinker in Sub Saharan Africa.

Aliko Dangote’s journey with cement began with a bold dream: to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production. Through strategic investments in state-of-the-art plants, and a commitment to local content, he not only met that goal but exceeded it.

Dangote Cement Plc has 52.0Mta capacity across African continent with Nigeria accounting for 35.25Mta. Currently, additional greenfield plants are coming up in Cote Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0 Mta) and on completion this year will push total capacity to 61.0Mta.

Under his visionary leadership, Dangote Cement Plc recorded the   highest revenue and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) in the history of the company. According to the unaudited results for the six months ending 30th June 2025, the group revenue went up by 17.7 percent, from N1,760 billion at the same period in 2024 to N2,071.6 billion, representing the highest revenue in the history of the company.

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Group Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) grew by 41.8 percent to N944.900 billion from N666.22 billion. EBITDA (Nigeria Operations) grew by 82.4 percent to N845.4 billion. Profit before tax went up from N292.96 billion to N730 billion indicating 149 percent increase while profit after tax surged by 174.1 percent to ₦520.5 billion, in contrast to N189.90 billion in the same period at the preceding period. In the six months, export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2 percent, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon.

Aliko Dangote’s legacy will be counted in the millions of jobs created, the infrastructure built, and the confidence restored in African industrial potential. He has proven that Africa can produce, compete, and lead on the global stage.  It is on record that  subsidiaries under Dangote Group  paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

The new Chairman of the Board of the Company, Emmauel Ikazoboh in his acceptance speech, said he is truly honored to accept the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc while pledging to uphold the highest standards of leadership and dedication in this role.

He described the company as a beacon of African enterprise, which has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Over the years, Dangote Cement Plc has not only become the continent’s leading cement producer but has also played a vital role in driving economic growth and development across numerous African nations.

Giving an insight into what his tenure holds for the company, he said, “my vision for Dangote Cement Plc is built upon a foundation of sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and unwavering commitment to our core values. We will continue to focus on the following key priorities, Operational Excellence, Strategic Expansion, Sustainability, Innovation and Community Engagement.

Part of the strategies he intends to introduce include driving down costs through the implementation of robust cost-reduction strategies to navigate inflationary pressures and enhance competitiveness. The company he stated will accelerate efforts to adopt alternative fuels and technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Regarding staff welfare, he promised that the company will continue to invest in training and development, fostering a culture of excellence and empowering employees to reach their full potential.

Emmanuel Ikazoboh was previously the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., the Pan-African banking group. He started his professional career at Akintola Williams Deloitte. He first became the Managing Partner for francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire and later became the Managing Partner of the Deloitte firm in West and Central Africa until 2009. In 2010 he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange (SEC) as an Interim Administrator to carry out capital market reforms of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc. (CSCS).

Signed.

Anthony Chiejina

Group Chief, Branding & Communications Officer

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Kano Pilgrims Offer Special Prayers for Governor Abba’s Re-election, Peace and Development in Nigeria

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By: Lamara Garba

Thousands of pilgrims from Kano State performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday held special prayer sessions for the re-election of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as for lasting peace, unity and development in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

The prayers took place at the Munna Hajj Camp shortly after the commencement of the Hajj rituals, as over 1.5 million pilgrims from different parts of the world gathered in the holy land to begin the spiritual journey.

Across the various tents occupied by Kano pilgrims, emotional scenes of worship, Qur’anic recitation and supplications filled the atmosphere, with many pilgrims passionately praying for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria.

The pilgrims also offered fervent prayers for a peaceful and transparent election that would usher Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into a second term in office, describing him as a leader committed to the welfare and progress of the people.

In one of the major prayer sessions attended by hundreds of pilgrims, prominent Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ya’u Dodo, who led the supplications, said the people of Kano should continue to thank Almighty Allah for blessing the state with the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

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According to him, the governor’s humility, patriotism and determination to transform Kano State have endeared him to the masses, hence the need for continued prayers for his success.

“Kano people should continue to appreciate Allah for giving them a leader like Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. His humility, love for the people and commitment to the development of the state are qualities worthy of support and prayers,” the cleric said.

He urged pilgrims to intensify prayers for Allah’s guidance, protection and support for the governor ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Ustaz Ya’u Dodo also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Allah to guide him in leading the country towards peace, economic stability and national progress.

Another respected Islamic cleric, Malam Ali Dan Abba, also led a special prayer session for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the people of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

During the prayer session, Malam Ali Dan Abba prayed fervently for Allah to continue granting the governor wisdom, strength and good health in the discharge of his responsibilities, noting that leadership is a trust that requires divine guidance and protection.

He further prayed for peace and unity among the people of Kano State, urging citizens to continue supporting one another irrespective of political, ethnic or social differences. According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of harmony, mutual understanding and fear of Allah.

The cleric also offered prayers for Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to rescue the country from economic hardship, insecurity and political tension. He appealed to leaders at all levels to govern with justice, sincerity and compassion for the masses.

Many of the pilgrims who spoke after the prayer session expressed optimism that Allah would answer their prayers and grant Kano State and Nigeria leaders who would continue to work for the wellbeing of the people.

The atmosphere at the Munna camp remained spiritually uplifting throughout the day as pilgrims continued engaging in acts of worship, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and prayers for their families, leaders and the nation.

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Kano Committee Inspects Facilities Ahead of Safe Corridor Project Take-Off

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The Coordinator of the Safe Corridor Programme and Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Sunday led members of the programme committee Team on an inspection tour of facilities at the Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa, ahead of the commencement of the project

The Safe Corridor Programe is a non-kinetic initiative designed to support rehabilitation, empowerment, reintegration, through reorientation, and peace building, to achieve security and stability in Kano community, as part of a broader efforts to address security challenges especially daba fight and other related activities through non- kinetic approaches.

During the visit, the committee inspected key places including accommodation facility, training hall, sports areas, classes ad other essential structures expected to support the successful implementation of the programme.

Speaking during the inspection, Comrade Waiya said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Kano State Government towards strengthening peace, social stability, and community development through dialogue, Sensitization, and empowerment.

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He noted that, adequate preparations are being made to ensure a smooth and successful take-off of the project, while assuring that the committee remains focused on delivering on its mandate.

Members of the committee during the tour expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness at the facility, stating that arrangements are being concluded ahead of the official launch of the programme.
Some of the personalities who were part of the tour team included: Alh. Shehu Mohammed, Sarkin Shanu, Alh. Alh. Aliyu Umar Harazimi, Dan Amar, Hakimin Gobirawa, State Commander, of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Alh. Lawan Dahiru, Alh. Sabiu Bako, a businessman, Representatives of the civil society organizations, as well as other critical stakeholders

During, the visit, the Commissioner, for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, assured the people of Kano that, His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, is. committed to addressing the challenges of daba and political thuggery in the State.

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Kano ADC Chairmen Endorse Atiku Abubakar as Party’s Presidential Candidate

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Abbas Yushau Yusuf

The African Democratic Congress Chairmen of the 44 Local Governments in Kano have endorsed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 general elections.

Tijjani Rabiu Bashir, the ADC Chairman of Dambatta Local Government, stated this while addressing newsmen in Kano on behalf of the remaining chairmen of the local governments.

According to Tijjani Rabiu Bashir, the 44 Local Government Chairmen of the ADC have unanimously agreed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is their candidate for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the ADC.

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The chairman said that after due consultation and considering the situation in which Nigeria finds itself, they have unanimously agreed and adopted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as their presidential candidate.

“We have agreed to endorse Alhaji Atiku’s candidacy due to his competence and pedigree, ensuring peace, uniting the nation, and his efforts toward enduring peace throughout the federation,” said Rabiu Bashir.

They further called on all stakeholders to support the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to ensure a prosperous Nigeria.

 

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