General
Africa Needs Bold, Transformative Projects to Compete Globally—Dangote
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Renowned industrialist, Mr Aliko Dangote, has charged African leaders and investors put in place bold and transformative projects capable of addressing the continent’s long-standing challenges in order to compete globally.
He said this when he hosted participants of the Global CEO Africa Programme from Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School, Nairobi, after a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The president of the Dangote Industries Limited said African entrepreneurs, business leaders and wealthy individuals must begin to invest in the development of the continent, citing the successful construction of his oil facility as proof that nothing is impossible.
Mr Dangote reflected on the initial scepticism surrounding the refinery project, noting that despite numerous obstacles, the group remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering on its vision.
“There will always be challenges. In fact, life without challenges isn’t exciting. You just hope for the kind of challenges you can overcome—not the ones that overwhelm you,” he remarked, explaining that completing the refinery has emboldened the group to pursue even more ambitious goals.
“Now that we’ve built this refinery, we believe we can do anything. We aim to make our fertiliser company the largest in the world—and we’ve set ourselves a 40-month timeline,” he stated.
Mr Dangote highlighted Africa’s wealth in both human and natural resources, stressing that business leaders are in a privileged position to harness these assets and create jobs for the continent’s growing population. He stated that development cannot be left to governments alone, urging the private sector to trust in national leadership and invest at home instead of moving capital abroad.
“We, as Africans, must stop taking our money abroad. We should invest it here to build our countries and the continent. As for me, I don’t take my money out of Africa. If we don’t show confidence in our own economies and leadership, foreign investors certainly won’t. After all, we know our leaders better than anyone else. That money being taken out of the continent should be left here, where it can benefit everyone,” he advised.
While many African nations have achieved political independence, Mr Dangote argued that they remain economically dependent. He cited countries like Dubai and Singapore, which were on par with some African countries in the 1970s but have surged ahead through deliberate policies and partnerships with visionary entrepreneurs.
The businessman expressed concern about the disparity between Africa’s rapidly growing population and the limited job opportunities available. He called for a strong banking sector, a robust manufacturing base, and a thriving agricultural sector as cornerstones of the continent’s transformation.
He also stressed the importance of improved interconnectivity among African nations, revealing that it is currently cheaper to import goods from Spain than to transport cement clinker from Nigeria to neighbouring Ghana.
Acknowledging policy inconsistency and infrastructural challenges, Mr Dangote encouraged the visiting CEOs not to be deterred but to remain ambitious while acquiring deep knowledge of their respective industries.
“If you think small, you don’t grow. If you think big, you grow. It’s better to try and fail than never to try at all,” he advised the 24 CEOs in attendance from six African countries.
The Academic Director of the Global CEO Africa Programme at Lagos Business School, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, explained that the initiative is designed to inspire Africa’s future business leaders.
The programme, in partnership with Strathmore Business School in Nairobi, comprises three modules, requiring participants to spend a week each in Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria), and New Haven (USA).
“The goal is to nurture business leaders who see Africa as a single market—one without borders—focused on the continent’s vast potential. The refinery is a powerful symbol that vision goes beyond mere sight,” he said.
Mr Akinwuntan, who is also the former Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, praised Mr Dangote for his integrity, competence, and boldness in bringing such a monumental project to fruition.
The Executive Dean of Strathmore Business School, Dr Caesar Mwangi, echoed these sentiments, saying the visit will inspire CEOs to realise that only Africans can truly develop the continent.
“This refinery is the world’s largest single-train refinery. It’s proof that we must dream big, think big, and—most importantly—act. If the Dangote Group can achieve this, then so can others across the continent,” Mr Mwangi said.
“Every CEO here can take this inspiration back home and initiate impactful projects that will uplift our continent and create opportunities for the millions of young Africans who need them,” he added.
The Dean of Lagos Business School, Prof Olayinka David-West, stated that the visit aligned with the school’s mission of grooming leaders capable of addressing Africa’s complex social and institutional challenges.
She lauded Dangote as a visionary leader who mobilises resources to confront the continent’s critical problems. She noted that the refinery’s ripple effect extends beyond petroleum production, enhancing livelihoods and national wellbeing.
“This facility is pivotal. It serves as a practical tool to implement frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While it’s one project, its effects will be felt across multiple sectors,” she explained.
The chief executive of Nigeria’s Financial Reporting Council, Mr Rabiu Olowo, and a participant in the programme, said the visit had reignited the need for bold and courageous thinking in pursuing sustainable national development.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos State Police Command is investigating the delivery of a parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the managing director of First Bank Nigeria, Mr Oluwasegun Alebiosu.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State command, Mr Tijani Fatai, confirmed the incident on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters.
He said Mr Alebiosu reported the case on May 7, noting that two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were sent to him through a parcel.
“The managing director reported the matter to the police after a package containing two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was delivered on his behalf by his security guard at his residence. The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
According to him, the parcel was first received by the bank chief’s security guard, who then handed it over to him.
The police commissioner said that operatives have launched an investigation, including forensic analysis and intelligence work, to identify the perpetrators and the circumstances of the incident.
He added that no suspect linked to the crime has been brought into custody.
“Presently, no suspect is in custody. Even though the MD has mentioned some people whom he suspected of being the brains behind it, that is his suspicion, anyway. We are still working on it,” he said.
Mr Fatai noted that detectives are reviewing information provided by the complainant, including details of individuals who may have relevant knowledge of the incident.
He assured the public that the command would keep them informed as the investigations go on, adding that the public should allow the police to carry out their duties.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state, as part of measures targeted at tackling insecurity.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The movement restriction, between 4 pm and 8 am, lasts for 48 hours in the first instance and affects local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected local councils are Oriire local government (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho), Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi), Saki West (Headquarters: Saki), Saki East (Hq Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede / Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu), Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin), Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti), and Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo).
The development followed a series of protests that rocked the state over the abduction of children and teachers in the Orire Local Government Area in May.
The National Coordinator of the movement, Mr Juwon Sanyaolu, who spoke during the latest protest held on Monday, said the demonstration was part of ongoing efforts by the group to push for the freedom of the victims.
According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.”
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria,” Mr Sanyaolu said.
He also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of Nigerians.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Department of State Services (DSS) has closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel, Mr Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling further witnesses in the matter, prompting the formal closure of the DSS case.
Following the development, defence counsel, Mr Paul Erokoro, told the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish sufficient evidence against the former governor.
The defence subsequently sought two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution requested two weeks to respond.
The defence also applied for a variation of some of the bail conditions earlier granted to El-Rufai, describing them as stringent and difficult to meet.
They argued that the bail terms were too stringent, particularly the requirements for level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna state traditional council.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the conditions exist and urging the court to refuse the application.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the request to vary the bail conditions, ruling that there are civil servants who own properties at the said location.
The court, however, adjourned to September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of the trial.
In February, the federal government filed a three-count charge against the former governor of Kaduna State over an alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu.
In a television interview, he confessed that he and other unnamed individuals listened to conversations from Mr Ribadu’s phone after it was tapped by a third party. While acknowledging that such interception is technically unlawful, he argued that illegal surveillance was not unusual.
However, the FG, through the secret police, filed charges against Mr El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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