Connect with us

News

Dangote, Kano Govt, Forge Partnerships At 2025 Trade Fair

Published

on

 

The Dangote Group and the Government of Kano State are strengthening relationships to foster business activities and social programmes in the state.

This is coming as participants stream into the company’s pavilion at the 46th edition of the Kano International Trade Fair eager to explore the array of innovative products on display.

Kano State Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Shehu Wada Sagagi told newsmen at the Fair that the state was strengthening existing partnerships with the Dangote Group and exploring new options.

He said: “The partnership with Dangote Group will strengthen Kano’s industrial and trade capacity. By linking government policies with private sector initiatives, we are creating opportunities for businesses to grow in Kano State.”

He commended the company for its commitment to economic development of Nigeria, and particularly for supporting the Kano Trade Fair.

He said the Kano Government led by Abba Kabiru Yusuf has created enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Dangote Group is one of the major sponsors of the 2025 Kano International Trade Fair.

A statement from the company confirmed that a key component of its ongoing collaboration with the Kano State Government is the development of a world-class rice milling plant in the state.

The statement said the project is designed to boost local rice production, enhance value addition, and provide modern processing capabilities that meet both national and international standards.

In the area of social programmes, the company said it has several areas of collaboration with the state government.

It said the Dangote Group through the Aliko Dangote Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to the people of Kano State through a series of impactful social programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, education, health, and nutrition across the state.

Advert

The statement said: “In the area of food security and nutrition, Aliko Dangote Foundation has implemented large-scale interventions, distributing thousands of rice bags and family food packs to vulnerable residents of Kano.

“During the 2024/2025 period alone, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, distributed 120,000 bags of rice and over 10,000 iftar meals during Ramadan. These interventions have provided critical relief to households and ensured access to basic nutrition for the most disadvantaged.

“The Aliko Dangote Foundation has also addressed child malnutrition in collaboration with the Kano State Government through targeted nutrition programmes. As part of this initiative, the Group has provided Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to treat children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition, while also supporting awareness campaigns to improve community health outcomes.

“Empowerment and poverty-alleviation remain a central focus of the Group’s engagement in Kano. Through micro-grant programmes, women and vulnerable groups have received financial support to establish or expand small-scale businesses.

“In the education sector, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has made significant contributions to higher education infrastructure in Kano. The Foundation funded a modern Business School facility at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), complete with lecture theatres, offices, and library facilities.

“Similar support was extended to Kano State University of Science & Technology, Wudil, where investments included dormitory upgrades and power infrastructure to enhance the student learning experience.

“The Group has also played an active role in healthcare support, contributing to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Surgical and Diagnostic Centre at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano. “

The company also said that in response to the evolving market demand, the company will also be unveiling the new 100gram and 25-kilogram bag on its Special Day on December 4, 2025, at the Trade Fair.

Regional Director, cement, Northwest, Mr. Dayo Laniyan, had said that the theme of the fair, ‘Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth’, resonates with the company’s philosophy.

He said: “SMEs are the backbone of any economy and play significant role in enhancing growth and development, security and stability as other participants have pointed out.”

President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), Ambassador Hassan Usman Darma, told newsmen that: “We are expecting around 100 organizations, and over 1,000 exhibitors from Nigeria and abroad.”

He said this year’s Trade Fair is unique due to improvements, expansion and new structures at the fair site.

“We have valued a long-standing relationship with Dangote Group. It is our major sponsor. In this year’s fair, we want to partner with the Dangote Group on SME development, backward integration, and industrial skills transfer,” Amb Darma.

News

JUST IN: National Assembly to Re-gazette Tax Laws Amid Controversy

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The National Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gazette four major tax reform acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions officially passed by parliament, following public controversy over discrepancies in the published laws.

In a Friday statement, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the leadership of both chambers authorized the move to “protect the integrity of the legislative record,” describing it as an administrative step to accurately reflect parliamentary decisions.

The directive addresses growing scrutiny over the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025), and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025)—particularly concerning harmonization of bills, documentation sent for presidential assent, and the versions eventually published in the Official Gazette.

Advert

Rotimi emphasized that the legislature is addressing the matter within its constitutional authority. Last week, the House formed a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative handling of the acts.

“The Committee, alongside relevant National Assembly bodies, is conducting an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors,” he stated, noting the review will examine potential “lapses, irregularities, or external interferences.”

The process, he added, complies fully with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and parliamentary standing orders.

While the re-gazetting aims to “clear any ambiguity,” Rotimi clarified that the review “does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority.” He also stated the action is without prejudice to other arms of government and does not affect existing rights or legal processes.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the House pledged to take “appropriate corrective measures” if procedural refinements are needed.

The public was urged to allow the institutional process to proceed “without speculation or conjecture.”

Continue Reading

News

Airstrikes: Activist Sowore Decries Reckless Breach of Sovereignty By the U.S Government

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a fierce condemnation of a confirmed U.S. military airstrike inside Nigeria, labeling the action a dangerous breach of sovereignty and an “imperialist move” by President Donald Trump.

Sowore’s warning follows President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump justified the operation, stating the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” and that he had delivered promised retribution: “there was hell to pay.”

While the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities,” Sowore argued that direct foreign military intervention is a catastrophic precedent.

Advert

“Nobody should be rejoicing about this,” Sowore stated. “The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but U.S. military carrying out an attack inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.”

He described the event as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and Independence.”

The strike triggered panic on the ground in Sokoto State. Residents of Jabo village reported a sudden, loud explosion on Christmas night, with many fearing an imminent attack. “It happened suddenly… The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people,” one eyewitness said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for “Nigerian government support & cooperation” and ominously added there would be “more to come.”

The operation marks a sharp and controversial escalation of U.S. counter-terrorism activity in West Africa, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of regional security partnerships.

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria Aides U.S in Sokoto Airstrike Against ISIS

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States carried out targeted military strikes against ISIS–affiliated militants in north-west Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in American counter-terrorism operations in West Africa.

In a late-night statement published on Truth Social, the U.S. President said the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander-in-Chief, describing it as “a powerful and deadly strike” aimed at extremist elements responsible for repeated attacks in the region.

According to Mr Trump, the militants had been involved in brutal assaults on local communities, particularly targeting Christian populations. He said he had previously warned the group of consequences if the violence continued.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians… I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” the statement read in part.

Advert

He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” asserting that the U.S. would not allow extremist groups to flourish under his leadership.

While the President praised the American military, he also issued a stern warning to the militants, saying there would be further consequences if attacks on civilians persisted.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that it provided the intelligence needed to the United States government concerning the airstrike.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said the ministry.

It further stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

On the particular location of the strike in the northwestern part of the country, netizens, particularly from Sokoto State, have confirmed that a rocket landed in Jabo Ward, under Tambuwal LG of Sokoto State, Nigeria this same night.

Similarly, the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), an organization responsible for the United States military operations in the continent, in a series of posts on X, said the airstrikes were launched based on requests of the Nigerian government.

“AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” the statement reads.

Continue Reading

Trending