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IWD: ‘Women play crucial roles in Dangote Group success story’- Fatima Aliko Dangote

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Fatima Aliki Dangote

Executive Director, Commercial, NASCON Allied Industries, Fatima Aliko Dangote has revealed that the Dangote Group has invested in innovative technologies and processes to achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women in the organisation.

Besides, Fatima disclosed that women are playing pivotal roles in the success story of the Dangote Group. To drive transformative change, she said the company is implementing the policy of continuous improvement in its production processes with state-of-the-art production facilities, which are already being managed by women.

Speaking while opening the International Women’s Day Conference in Lagos and Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Fatima noted that the company, through its Learning Management System (LMS), offers employees a variety of resources and opportunities that help them advance their professional and personal development.

According to her, these learning and development offerings cover vast focus areas and are provided via on-the-job, classroom, and online learning platforms, to both permanent and temporary employees across all cadres, in the Group’s Nigerian and Pan-African operations.

“At the plants, we have the Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) for online analysis, robotic laboratory, and fully automated central control room system equipped with Human Machine Interface technology (HMI) and innovative solutions to drive resource efficiency, process optimisation and mitigate the environmental footprints of our products while delivering quality products that meet the needs of our esteemed customers,” she added.

Fatima explained that Dangote Women’s Network through this year’s theme has provided a unique opportunity to holistically examine the theme of innovation and technology from a gender perspective.

“We are inspired by our superheroes in STEM, and we hope this session increases your awareness of innovation, technology, and digital education, driven by women for women, and learn advancements in digital technology that address how we rethink our daily lives and achieve our personal and professional goals.

“I would like to encourage our women with a few tips on leveraging technology, Equipping yourselves academically and technically, be inspired and inspire others by creating opportunities for regular interactions with female STEM champions and leaders and tapping into opportunities for hands-on experience in the form of volunteering”, she added.

Speaking also, Co-Founder/COO Piggy/Vest NG, Odunayo Eweniyi said technology plays a key role and can support women in their daily responsibilities either as a mother or as a worker.  She said it’s never too early to introduce girls to technology and that supporting their passion early can lead to meaningful careers in the future.

She urged the Dangote Cement Group not to relent in its Gender Balance Policy, especially as it relates to encouraging qualified women in the business of cement production.

Chief Enterprises Business Officer, MTN Nigeria Mrs. Lynda Saint said women’s condition can be improved through innovative technology. She encouraged parents to expose their female children to science and technology as the world has embraced technology and innovation in every aspect of the organisation.

Giving a vote of thanks at the end of the conference, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, Nglan Niat commended the speakers for sharing their valuable thoughts and insights with the Dangote team.

“Today marks International Women’s Day 2023, a day set aside to take stock and reflect on how far we have come in tackling gender disparity and also to recognise how much we must go to achieve equality and equity in our workplace. Having female representation at all levels of the company is essential as it contributes to a good working environment and better quality of work. That is what we are striving to achieve. The technology industry has been male-dominated, so we need to work harder to ensure that women are properly supported,” she added.

Chairperson of the Dangote Women Network at the DCP Obajana, Mrs. Fatima Kabir Ikunaiye said the Network began operation in 2017, and since then it has carried out several interventional programmes in the cause of women. Some of the programmes, Mrs. Ikunaiye said include: support for orphanages and vulnerable homes, sensitisation and empowerment of women as well as training them on skill acquisition.

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NGO Criticizes Police Over Disrespectful Address of Kano Emir

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The Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups (CCKCSG), a collective of organizations advocating for justice, cultural preservation, and good governance in Kano State, has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) handling of the ongoing Kano Emirate dispute.

The group condemned the police for referring to His Royal Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as “Alhaji Sanusi,” describing the act as disrespectful and undermining the sanctity of one of Nigeria’s most esteemed traditional institutions. This criticism was conveyed in a press statement issued by Nura Idris, the group’s coordinator.

“The Kano Emirate is a centuries-old institution that symbolizes our cultural heritage, spiritual leadership, and communal unity,” Idris stated. He further criticized the police’s decision to summon Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the national headquarters in Abuja following the Eid al-Fitr durbar in April 2025. Idris argued that this move, later withdrawn after public outcry, reflected political interference and an attempt to diminish the Emirate’s authority.

The coalition highlighted the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold law and order impartially. However, Idris pointed out that the police’s actions in the Kano Emirate tussle, including contradictory enforcement of court orders and selective bans on protests, suggested alignment with political interests. “Reports of federal interference and the deployment of military personnel in a state matter further fuel perceptions of bias,” he added.

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Idris emphasized the need for the police to remain neutral in the ongoing dispute between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero. He called for dialogue, cultural sensitivity, and legal resolution rather than heavy-handed enforcement. “The police must not allow themselves to be weaponized in this conflict,” he said.

The coalition also condemned the police’s reference to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as “Alhaji Sanusi” in official communications, describing it as a deliberate act of disrespect. “This strikes at the heart of our cultural identity,” Idris remarked. He demanded a public apology from the police and urged them to address the Emir by his proper title in all future engagements.

In his statement, Idris called on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and other relevant authorities to ensure the neutrality of the police in the Kano Emirate dispute. He urged the police to engage traditional leaders respectfully and focus on their constitutional role of protecting lives and property without prejudice.

The coalition appealed to all stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, and the people of Kano, to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over confrontation. “The Kano Emirate tussle has already caused significant unrest, with protests and clashes threatening the peace of our state,” Idris warned. He stressed that the police must avoid actions that appear politically motivated or culturally insensitive.

The Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, cultural preservation, and good governance. Idris concluded, “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to mobilize further action if the police fail to heed this call.”

 

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Killings: Kogi Women Stripped Naked

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Some angry women from Oke-Ere in the Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State came out on Wednesday to protest what they called the “endless reign of terror” in their community.

The women, many of whom are elderly, marched through the town with sad chants in a local dialect.

In a video sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, they appeared half-naked, holding sticks and leaves as they cried and sang about the constant attacks, kidnappings, and killings happening around them.

They begged the government and security forces to step in quickly and stop the violence.

This protest comes not long after armed men kidnapped three people and injured four others along the Ayere-Kabba Expressway in March.

The injured victims were taken to St. John’s Hospital in Kabba for treatment

 

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Stop Dragging NBA into Kano Emirate Tussle – Barrister Nafisa Replies Gandu

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The Chairperson of the Northern Women Lawyers Congress Barrister Nafisa Abba has called on Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu to stop dragging the Nigeria Bar Association into the State Emirate Tussle which is before the court of law.

It would be recalled that the lawyer has advised Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II to tender his statement to the Police in regards to the sallah durbar incident that led to the lost of lives, reminding the Emir that he is not above the law.

But in a response, Badamasi Gandu, a lawyer, described the call as unprofessional and unbecoming of a member of the Kano Bar.

” I was amazed by the response of my colleague Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu, it’s so sad that a lawyer like him would go so low like this; lawyers are known for always being comprehensive to any matter before making their opinion.

As the Chairperson of Northern Women Lawyers Congress, we have the right to issue a statement, it’s our constitutional responsibility, we didn’t do that on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association; it’s ridiculous that Badamasi is bringing NBA into the matter.

All we are saying is for Emir and his supporters to stop using faceless organisations on this matter.

Like I did, I wrote my name, and the organisation I’m representing is not a pseudonym.

Badamasi Gandu has taken side on the matter. Everyone knows that he is a kwankwasiyya supporter but just hiding under human rights activism.

It’s good that you have shown the world your true colour. ” She said.

The lawyer further maintains her stands that the Emir is not above the law while asking him to tender his statement before the police for the interest of peace and the rule of law.

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