News
Dangote Cement Ibese Fetes Senior Citizens in Host Communities
Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant at the weekend extended the frontier of its social investments in the wellbeing of its 17 host communities when it hosted the senior citizens in the communities offering them free medical services and mobility equipment for the people with disabilities including wheelchairs
The Company said the gesture was aimed at complementing the effort of the government in improving the lives of the people of Ogun state especially those in whose territory the leading cement manufacturer operates.
Tagged “A Day-Out with Senior Citizens 2024”, the well-attended annual event saw the elderly ones being led in physical exercise, receiving health talks, medical checks, free drugs and other food and household items like rice, semo, honey, beverages, bathing soaps, detergent, clothing and cash incentive.
In his address of welcome, the Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant Director, Roy Uttam said the event was aimed at increasing the level of socialisation, engagement, emotional and mental wellbeing among the elderly around its host communities.
Uttam, pointed out that the management of Ibese Plant remain deeply committed to its responsibilities under the Community Development Agreement signed in 2022, saying “we will continue to prioritise the transfer of both economic and social benefits to our host communities, focusing on areas such as health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment.
“It is gratifying that our social investment strides are making meaningful impact in the lives of people across the host communities. We are determined to keep improving and broadening our initiatives, as we work together for the benefit of all.
“As elders who have devoted your youthful lives to the growth and development of your communities, the focus now should be on your health and well-being and the overall goodness of the society. This event is designed with your health in mind, as well as to offer an opportunity to reflect and connect with one another to promote longevity,” he said.
While reveling on the success of the maiden edition last year, Mr Uttam recalled that “we hosted 50 elderly members of our host communities for the first time in the history of this Plant. It was a memorable event filled with activities that demonstrated deep recognition for this all-important people in our society and promoted healthy living among them. It was a significant milestone for the Plant and the communities.
“We have made significant improvements this year, including the identification of five persons with disabilities from our host communities, who will each receive mobility aids to enhance their quality of life. This is just one example of how we continue to expand the scope of our social investments to create even greater impact”.
Uttam assured the host communities that the Plant would continue to live up to its responsibilities as regards the execution of the existing Community Development Agreement (CDA) even much more beyond saying some of the social investment initiatives of the Plant when well appraised, go beyond the letters of the signed CDA.
The Dangote Cement boss noted with nostalgia that the company’s social investment strides are making meaningful impact in the lives of people across the host communities and promised that the management was “determined to keep improving and broadening our initiatives, as we work together for the benefit of all.”
The Plant Director noted that In line with the company’s local content initiative, it had retained the services of Novia Hospital Services, a local healthcare provider, to assist in making this event a success. He assured the people of Dangote Cement’s continued support and believe that with the people’s cooperation and collaboration, the management will continue to build on “our shared vision of peace and prosperity”.
In his own comment, the Group Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola said the whole idea about hosting the elderly ones in the host communities borders on carrying along the old ones who are the foundation upon whom the new generations are building on. “They also need to be active in their old age”, he stated.
Responding on behalf of other elders, a beneficiary, Pa Michael Oderinlo from Ijako-Orile host community thanked the management of Dangote Cement for the gesture especially for reaching out to the elders which he said was not a common practice among business organizations.
Said he:” it is a very rare gesture by a business organization to take special interest in the old people and cater to their wellbeing”.
Also another beneficiary of the wheelchair, Modupeola, Olaoluwa Bankole described the wheelchair donation as very touching and timely saying she now has a new lease of life with the mobility aid andtanked the Dangote Cement management for coming to her aid.
News
Supreme Court Nullifies Tinubu’s Pardon, Restores Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Nigeria’s Supreme Court has set aside the presidential pardon granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Maryam Sanda, the Abuja woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute.
In 2020, the Federal Capital Territory High Court sentenced Sanda to death by hanging, a verdict later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
In contrast, President Tinubu had subsequently commuted the sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds.
However, in a narrow 4–1 judgment delivered on December 12, 2025, the Supreme Court restored the initial death sentence. The apex court dismissed Sanda’s final appeal, ruling that it lacked merit and failed to undermine the findings of the lower courts.
Reading the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that Sanda unlawfully caused the death of her husband.
He described the presidential pardon as an inappropriate exercise of executive power, particularly because the clemency was issued while the appeal process in a homicide case was still ongoing.
News
Alleged Fraud: Late President Buhari’s Minister of Labour, Ngige, Landed in Kuje Prison
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
On Friday, an Abuja High Court remanded a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, in Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the determination of his bail application.
The Nigerian Tracker News had earlier reported his arrest by the EFCC on Wednesday.
The Crime’s Commission arraigned Ngige on Friday over alleged N2.2 billion fraud.
The one-time governor of Anambra State and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Ngige, is facing eight count charges of fraud and accepting bribes.
The defendant served as the governor of Anambra under platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from May 29, 2003, to March 17, 2006.
He served as minister under former and late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023.
He is being prosecuted for fraud, which he allegedly committed during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Employment.
The EFCC accused him of awarding seven contracts worth over N366 million “for consultancy, training and supply by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)” to a company, Cezimo Nigeria Limited, belonging to his associate, Ezebinwa Charles.
EFCC alleged that Ngige awarded eight contracts worth over N583 million to another company belonging to Mr Charles.
The EFCC also alleged that the defendant used his position to give preferential treatment, awarding eight contracts worth over N362 million to a company, Jeff & Xris Limited, belonging to Nwosu Chukwunwike.
Other companies he awarded contracts include Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, belonging to Uzoma Igbonwa to the sum of N668 million and N161million respectively.
According to the EFCC, these offences violate section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Also, the anti-graft agency accused Ngige of collecting gratifications from contractors of the NSITF through “his organization, called Senator (Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organization from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119).”
The EFCC further alleged that Ngige collected N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.
This according to EFCC contravened section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and is punishable under section 17(c) of the same Act.
He however pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand Ngige at Kuje Custodial Centre.
However, counsel to Ngige, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, noted that they were only informed of the arraignment yesterday and could not file for his bail application.
Ikwueto urged the court to give Ngige a conditional bail on health grounds.
He also attempted to move for an oral bail application for the defendant on self-recognition.
Tahir noted that the court could not be presented with both a written and oral application.
He also noted that Ngige is yet to submit his international passport, which was part of his previous bail conditions.
Ikweto, however, noted that Ngige’s international passport was stolen, and the EFCC has been informed through a letter.
Tahir denied knowledge about the report.
Following their submissions, Justice, Maryam Hassan, ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Hassan adjourned the case until Monday for hearing and determination of his bail application.
News
One Kano Agenda Announces Two-Day Economic and Political Conference
The One Kano Agenda movement has announced plans to host a two-day economic and political conference in Kano State, reaffirming its commitment to unity, progress, and sustainable development.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Dangambo, the group emphasized that the initiative is designed to bring together stakeholders from across the state to deliberate on strategies that will reposition Kano as a hub of economic growth and political stability.
Commitment to Unity and Progress
According to the statement, One Kano Agenda is rooted in inclusiveness, civic consciousness, and forward-thinking leadership. The movement stressed that its guiding principle remains simple: “Kano’s future must be built by all of us, and benefitted by all of us.”
Day One: Economic Summit
The first day of the conference will feature the Kano Economic Summit, focusing on:
– Repositioning Kano as a regional economic powerhouse
– Strengthening local industries, SMEs, and the commerce sector
– Attracting investment and rebuilding economic confidence
– Learning from successful models such as Lagos State’s long-term development vision
– Mapping out an actionable roadmap for Kano’s economic revival
Organizers noted that the summit is expected to stimulate critical conversations and partnerships that will support job creation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and broader wealth-creation opportunities for citizens.
Day Two: Political Dialogue
The second day will be dedicated to the Kano Political Dialogue, which will address:
– Strengthening political participation and leadership quality
– Promoting youth involvement and political re-orientation
– Reducing political manipulation and violence
– Encouraging issue-based politics grounded in development
– Building a united, peaceful, and politically stable Kano State
The dialogue aims to reshape mindsets, deepen democratic culture, and ensure that politics in Kano becomes a vehicle for progress rather than division.
Why the Conference Matters
The One Kano Agenda described the gathering as a “needed intervention at a decisive moment in the state’s history.” Kano, it said, stands at a crossroads, and the future desired by its people can only be achieved through deliberate planning, honest dialogue, and collaborative action.
“The conference will provide a platform for meaningful engagement, innovative ideas, and a united voice in charting Kano’s next chapter,” the statement read.
Call to Action
The movement called on professionals, youth, community leaders, religious institutions, business owners, and the general public to participate actively in the initiative.
“Together, we can redefine our future. Together, we are One Kano,” the statement concluded.
A Baseless Outburst: Kwankwaso’s Statement Falls Flat
Supreme Court Nullifies Tinubu’s Pardon, Restores Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence
Alleged Fraud: Late President Buhari’s Minister of Labour, Ngige, Landed in Kuje Prison
One Kano Agenda Announces Two-Day Economic and Political Conference
Court orders EFCC to apologise to Dubai-based bizman for declaring him wanted, awards damages
Remembering the Late Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim — A Legacy of Integrity, Wisdom and Service
A Governor on Guard: Gov. Yusuf’s Renewed Resolve to Secure Kano’s Frontline Communities
Nnamdi Kanu Moved to Sokoto Correctional Facility After Life Sentence
Gov. Yusuf’s Bold Education Rescue: 2,000 New Staff Transform Teaching and Security in Kano Schools
WAEC CBT Exam Must Not Hold Yet–National Assembly
A Baseless Outburst: Kwankwaso’s Statement Falls Flat
Supreme Court Nullifies Tinubu’s Pardon, Restores Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence
Alleged Fraud: Late President Buhari’s Minister of Labour, Ngige, Landed in Kuje Prison
One Kano Agenda Announces Two-Day Economic and Political Conference
Court orders EFCC to apologise to Dubai-based bizman for declaring him wanted, awards damages
Remembering the Late Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim — A Legacy of Integrity, Wisdom and Service
A Governor on Guard: Gov. Yusuf’s Renewed Resolve to Secure Kano’s Frontline Communities
Nnamdi Kanu Moved to Sokoto Correctional Facility After Life Sentence
Gov. Yusuf’s Bold Education Rescue: 2,000 New Staff Transform Teaching and Security in Kano Schools
WAEC CBT Exam Must Not Hold Yet–National Assembly
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