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Dangote Cement Obajana, Jakura Community, Seal Landmark Dev’t Pact

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There were jubilations on Wednesday Sept 17, 2025, as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the Jakura Community sealed an historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) that will enable the company to implement mutually agreed social projects in the next five years.

The Community Development Agreement with Jakura community is one of many CDAs that the Company have with its host communities which serves as pathways for transfer of several impactful socio-economic development programmes and projects.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the CDA, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, represented by Engr. John Gwong, Chief General Manager, Production, said the pact is in fulfilment of the provisions of section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, and section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said the Agreement demonstrates the company’s commitment to the development and overall well-being of Jakura community.

“For us as a company, we believe in the mantra, good neighborliness is good business, hence we do everything conceivable to maintain harmonious relationship with the communities where we operate,” he added.

The Plant Director said: “We look forward to the support of the State and Local Government as we seek to collaborate with relevant agencies of the state to implement some of the developmental programmes cited in this Agreement.”

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According to him, a governing structure will be set up for the implementation of the content of the Agreement.

Speaking, Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola said the Agreement followed the stipulated steps as per the CDA development guideline as amended in 2023.

He said even though the year has almost come to an end, the company will kickstart implementation of the content of the CDA, while assuring of commitment to enjoy a robust company-community relations.

The Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL), Mr. James Adenuga, said the company is a responsible corporate entity, adding that it is the right thing to do, to smoothen the company’s social license to operate.

General Manager, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi commended the Jakura community for being supportive and positive throughout the process of drafting the Agreement.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, said the government was proud of the Dangote Cement for being a responsible corporate citizen, urging the community to continue co-existing with the company peacefully.

The Minister who was represented by Mrs. Bimbo Olaoye said the government will continue to ensure that the company enjoys smooth operational turf, while also creating jobs and implementing social programmes.

Also in attendance and sharing the same view are Federal Mines Environment Compliance Officer, Ministry od Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Olufemi Olaitan, Director, Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals, Mrs, Atinuke Onimode, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Kogi Sate House of Assembly, Mrs. Omotayo Ishaya and her Vice, Jibril Abu.

Speaking on behalf of his community, the Obaro of Jakura community, HRH Usman Ajibola Adoga said: “This is a dream come true. Some of us who aspire to see this come true are not alive. It is indeed an historic event, and the Jakura community will never be the same again.”

He commended Dangote Cement Plc for its unwavering interventions in several communities in Kogi State.
In his remark, the Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun said Mr. Aliko Dangote is a God sent, promising that the communities will continue to be peaceful and be the ambassador of the Dangote Group.

Representative of the Chairman Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Danjuma Muhammad Abubakar, said the people of Kogi will continue to be the Ambassadors of Mr. Aliko Dangote for his numerous interventions in their lives.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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