General
Aliko Dangote Foundation Distributes Rice to Okpella Residents
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Thousands of 10kg bag of rice have been distributed to residents of Okpella in the Etsako East Local Government of Edo State by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
Okpella hosts a factory of Dangote Cement Plc, an organisation established by the president of ADF, Mr Aliko Dangote.
The food item was shared to the community to alleviate food sufferings among Nigerians through the nationwide food palliative programme of the organisation.
The foundation is distributing one million bags of rice worth about N16 billion to the 774 Local Government Areas of the federation.
The relief initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, one that has been adopted and strongly upheld by ADF, evidencing his commitment to fighting food insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking during the distribution at the weekend at the palace of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Mr Michael Sado, the Director of Stakeholder Management at Dangote Cement, Mr Patrick Omokagbo, said the distribution is part of the CSR palliative measures to the people of the host community in appreciation of their cooperation with the management of the company for peaceful cohabitation.
“This is one of the social responsibilities of Dangote to host communities to his numerous businesses across the nation. Given the unsavoury economic situation in the country with its attendant poverty and hunger, Aliko Dangote finds it necessary by providing free rice to the people so they can heave a sigh of relief.”
Speaking also, the Okuopellagbe Palace Secretary, Barrister Akuri Afegbua, expressed the appreciation of royal fathers in the communities to Mr Dangote and the ADF for singling out the host communities for rice donation.
Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mercy Sado and Mr Inusa Ahmed, thanked ADF for the food intervention and described the initiative as timely in view of the high inflation that make many staple foods to be out of the reach of poor Nigerians.
Meanwhile, while flagging off the sharing of the rice in Edo State, the Governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo, urged well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Mr Dangote in collaborating with government at all levels to fight against poverty and hunger by creating job opportunities through investments.
“This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of the society.
“We have launched the Back to Farm project, which is aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the three Senatorial districts of Edo State. This effort underscores our administration’s commitment to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity across the state.
“This donation from ADF is, therefore, timely as it will complement our efforts at reducing hunger in the land.
“As we commence the distribution of rice to the vulnerable across the State, I assure you that the process will be transparent, equitable, and will be carried out with utmost integrity. We will ensure that these items reach the vulnerable and communities that they are intended for,” the Governor said via his deputy, Mr Dennis Idahosa.
In his remarks, a representative of ADF, Mr Opeoluwa Olajide, said the initiative was designed to provide relief from hunger through food security.
“This programme is dear to the heart of Mr Dangote and he sees the rice distribution as the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity,” he stated.
On her part, the leader of the market women in Edo State, Mrs Josephine Ebhaguejezele, thanked the organisation for helping the vulnerable in the state.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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