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Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant Empowers Host Communities

Dangote Cement Plc’s Ibese Plant in Ogun State, has marked its annual Community Day celebration with a renewed commitment to sustainable development in its host communities, placing strong emphasis on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and empowerment programmes.

For residents, this year’s celebration was more than a corporate event. It was a moment to reflect on shared progress, renewed trust, and the everyday impact of a partnership that has evolved over time.

The event, themed “Sustaining Growth, Strengthening Bonds,” brought together traditional leaders, community leaders, residents, company executives, government officials, and other stakeholders to review achievements recorded over the years and outline future plans aimed at improving living standards and strengthening long-term relationships.

At the heart of the celebration was a focus on people-centred development. The company highlighted its investments across key social sectors — education, health, infrastructure, and economic empowerment- initiatives that community members say have made a visible difference in their daily lives.

Support for Education

For many parents, support for education has been transformative. Scholarships, learning materials, and improvements to school facilities have eased financial pressure and provided children with a stronger foundation for the future.

“Our children now have hope,” a community member said, describing how access to education has opened new possibilities for families.

Infrastructure projects were also identified as critical to daily life and local economic activity, improving mobility, safety, and access within the communities.

Empowerment Programmes

addition, empowerment programmes targeting youths and women have created pathways for skills development, entrepreneurship, and income generation, offering alternatives to unemployment and social vulnerability.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, commended the company for its consistent engagement and sustained contributions, noting that the initiatives have positively impacted social welfare and economic opportunities in the area.

Elemide called for continued cooperation between the company and its host communities, urging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate the company by investing locally to support national economic development.

Environmental Sustainability

However, he also expressed concern about environmental sustainability, urging the company to be more environmentally friendly.

The General Manager, Maintenance, Mr. Hemant Dave who represented the Ibese Plant Director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu said the Community Day celebration was designed to strengthen mutual trust and deepen collaboration with the host communities, describing development as a shared responsibility.

He highlighted the company’s ongoing investments in educational support, healthcare access, infrastructure upgrades, and empowerment programmes for youths and women, stressing that these initiatives reflect Dangote Cement’s long-term commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.

“The Community Day showcases our Corporate Social Investments in 2025, deepening stakeholder engagement and community participation,” Dave said.

Community leaders also commended the company for maintaining open communication and consistent engagement.

They noted that the interventions have contributed to improved social welfare and economic stability. They called for sustained collaboration to ensure continued growth and peaceful coexistence.

Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of certificates and laptops to 25 youths trained in desktop publishing and graphic design, as well as 12O students received scholarship awards to the tune of 15.72 million naira.

In addition, 40 women were empowered with grain milling machines, while 60 farmers received agricultural support.

As the event concluded, the message was clear: development thrives where partnerships are nurtured, and growth becomes meaningful when it is shared.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Guardians Advance Legacy Project for Late Rafat Salami

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The Guardians of Ahmed Salami have recorded a significant milestone in preserving and honouring the legacy of the late Rafat Salami, the devoted mother of Nigerian vlogger Ahmed Salami, who passed away on December 20, 2024.

Ahead of her first anniversary, the group has successfully mobilised over ₦5.5 million, opened the Ahmed Salami Trust Fund with Fidelity Bank, and formally handed over the bank statement to Jameel Salami, Ahmed’s elder brother and current caregiver.

Ahmed, who lives in Abuja and is one of the deceased’s children, is a person living with autism, cerebral palsy and ADHD.

He is a confirmed signatory to the Trust Fund (Account No. 5601613076), alongside Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams; and Mr. Francis Oko Mohie, Secretary.

The total sum transferred into the account stands at ₦5,528,105.43, raised through voluntary and selfless contributions, including ₦3,472,436.70 from Ms. Lara Owoeye-Wise, Coordinator of the Guardians of Ahmed, and ₦2,055,668.73 from Mrs. Daisy Jonathan, Coordinator of Warrior Mums Africa.

At a brief ceremony chaired by Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Acting Director of the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Ahmed Salami Trust Fund, the Fidelity Bank statement of account was formally presented to Jameel Salami.

Dr. Ahmadu was supported at the event by Evelyn Mensah Agu, Executive Director of Patsilver Educational Support and Therapy Centre; Mrs. Rabi Usman Awobajo, Founder of Natural Care Therapeutic Services, Abuja; and Dr. Habiba Usman Aliyu, a Lecturer at the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.

Others in attendance included Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Deputy News Editor of The Sun Newspapers, as well as Fidelity Bank representatives, Abigail Udume and Loveth Ossai.

Jameel Salami received the statement with deep appreciation, commending the team, friends, and colleagues of his late mother for their transparency, dedication, and steadfast commitment to preserving and honouring her memory.

He said, “I trust this group of people, you haven’t been doing this for a year but see what you’ve done, so I don’t want anyone saying that things are happening that are not happening, so I can definitely offer a statement to (allay) people’s fears.”

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu appreciated all involved for their selfless sacrifices in raising the funds and opening the trust fund.

She specifically commended Jameel and the family: “for not dropping the ball in caring for Ahmed and prayed that God gives him the wisdom and enablement to be as sacrificial as his late mother, who was selfless despite facing challenges of her own. “I’m really impressed with what I am seeing and with what I have heard.

Deputy News Editor at The Sun Newspaper, Mrs Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye who is also a key Guardian emphasised the core purpose of the meeting,

“Rafat was a dear friend to all of us and I’m happy she’s being honoured this way. She lived an impactful life.

The meeting was about transparency—especially since it has taken so long to set up the trust fund. This is to clear all doubts for those who were already questioning whether we would carry out our promise,” she added.

Jameel also provided an update on Ahmed, noting that he is coping steadily with the loss, remains keen to return to vlogging, and continues to receive stable and adequate caregiving support.

Donations are now welcomed directly to: Ahmed Salami Trust Fund, Fidelity Bank, Account No. 5601613076. Friends, colleagues are encouraged to donate at least ₦12,000 annually to the account to sustain Ahmed’s needs.

 

Nigeria Records Rising Capital Inflows in 2025

Nigeria’s investment climate recorded strong gains in 2025 as capital importation rose sharply and investor confidence deepened.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi disclosed this at a media parley, highlighting the Commission’s role in driving reforms and attracting global capital.

Rimi, who was represented by the Director of Strategic Services, Abubakar Yerima, noted that the commission “laid a strong foundation” in the first quarter of 2025.

While giving details of the Q1 2025 performance, Rimi said capital importation rose to $5.2 billion, up from $3.4 billion in Q1 2024.

According to her, “100 per cent of business registrations were processed within 48 hours.”

She said institutional strengthening remained a priority, with progress recorded in expanding the National Investment Certification Programme for States and the administration of the Pioneer Status Incentive.

We enhanced one-stop investment centre services, advanced strategic policy reforms including updates to the NIPC Act, and strengthened the inclusive business policy framework,” Rimi stated.

On second-quarter performance, she said the focus was on consolidating gains and converting announcements into tangible projects.

In Q2 2025, capital importation of $3.57 billion was recorded, 713 investor inquiries were processed, 71 business registrations facilitated and 186 expatriate quotas approved,”

She also said that 3,016 direct jobs were created across key sectors in the second quarter

Rimi said the third quarter further demonstrated resilience, with capital importation of $5.22 billion and increased digital efficiency following the upgrade of the Single Window Investment Platform.

We processed 672 investor inquiries, facilitated 189 business registrations and mobilised $227.21 billion in capital expenditure, we had 2,416 direct jobs that were created” the NIPC boss stated.

She also highlighted Nigeria’s growing global visibility through engagements such as the Brazil-Nigeria Business Forum, Africa CEO Forum and BRICS-related platforms.

The NIPC boss noted that the platforms deepened investor engagement and expanded project pipelines adding that major memoranda of understanding were brokered with international partners.

Looking ahead, Rimi said the Commission is preparing to transition to the Economic Development Incentive framework by January 2026.

Our goal is clear: to translate investment interest into real, job-creating, revenue-generating projects that support national economic objectives,” she said.

 

 

Olusola Akintonde

PDP Factional Leadership Reaffirms Legitimacy, Sets Date for State Congresses

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The Acting Factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, has reaffirmed the legitimacy of his leadership, insisting that there is only one recognised PDP under his chairmanship.

Speaking during a meeting of the National Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Thursday December 18, 2025, Mohammed expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership, the Board of Trustees, and the leader of the party, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for entrusting his team with the responsibility of managing the party’s affairs.

We were given a 60-day mandate as a caretaker committee to take care of the activities of our great party across the Federation. We are here to ensure that the PDP remains stable, organised, and in line with the constitution of the party and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Mohammed urged party members and the general public not to be alarmed by reports of parallel meetings and activities, stressing that the PDP remains united.

The public should not panic. There is only one PDP under my leadership and that of my team as the National Caretaker Committee,” he declared.

INEC Recognition Dispute

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the factional National Caretaker Committee stated that the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) lacks the credibility required for recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mohammed dismissed claims circulating in the media that the Turaki-led executive had been accepted by INEC, describing them as false.

We challenge Tanimu Turaki to produce the code with which he uploaded his so-called executives to the INEC portal,” he said.

The Acting Factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed

The committee also warned individuals and groups engaging in actions capable of bringing the image of the party into disrepute to desist forthwith.

State Congresses and Party Restructuring

The Caretaker Committee approved a calendar for the conduct of state congresses, expected to commence from January 9, 2026, while noting that the national convention will be held shortly after the completion of the state congresses.

However, Mohammed clarified that the exact date for the national convention has not yet been fixed.

The national convention date will only be determined after the conclusion of the state congresses,” he explained.

The committee further announced the dissolution of the State Working Committees in the following states: Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano, and Lagos, while confirming the establishment of caretaker committees in those states.

Assignment of Portfolios

To enhance efficiency, the National Caretaker Committee also assigned portfolios to some of its members: Professor Adenike Ogunse – Women Leader, Engineer Deji Dohati – Deputy National Secretary, Senator Olaka Ogunwu – Treasurer, Hon. Jungu Haruna Mohammed – National Publicity and Ambassador Dr. Ibrahim Bala-Aboki – Youth Leader

Responding to questions from journalists, the committee disclosed that the timetable for the state congresses will be released soon, while reiterating that all actions of the caretaker committee are in line with the PDP constitution and Nigerian law.

The committee concluded by assuring party members that the PDP remains strong, united, and indivisible.

Ibadan Airport Reopens for Commercial Flights

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has given an approval for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The NCAA, in a letter dated December 16, 2025, and addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said it has given an approval for the issuance of provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the airport.

The approval followed efforts by the Oyo State Government to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, to an international airport, with the state government having undertaken several projects including the extension and widening of the runway, improvement of airfield lightings, the construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility and a new Protocol Lounge, among others.

In the letter sighted by newsmen, the NCAA said it gave the approval after reviewing the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements and mitigation measures, which followed recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN, disclosing that it had granted approval for non-scheduled operations in an earlier letter.

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The letter reads in part: “The Authority refers to its earlier correspondence Ref. No: NCAA/DAAS/TECH/008/VOL 1/173 dated 12th December, 2025, regarding the operational status of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, and the temporary approval granted for non-scheduled operations.

“Following recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN subsequent to the issuance of the above referenced letter, the Authority has reviewed the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements, and mitigation measures currently in place.

“In view of the above, and pursuant to the provisions of Nig.CARs Part 12, Volume I (2023), I am directed to convey the Authority’s approval for the issuance of provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.”

The NCAA declared that the provisional interim permit would be subjected to strict compliances with salient work plan conditions, including full operationalisation of emergency response arrangements.

 

 

Olusola Akintonde

Reps to Probe Alleged Discrepancies in Tax Laws

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The House of Representatives has set up a seven-man Ad-Hoc committee to investigate allegations of discrepancies between the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently assented and gazetted.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas set up the committee at plenary to be chaired by Mr. Muktar Aliyu Betara.

Other members of the committee include former Deputy Speaker, Mr. Ahmed Idris Wase, Mr. Sada Soli, Mr. James Abiodun Faleke, Mr. Fred Agbedi, Mr. Babajimi Benson and Mr. Iduma Igariwey.

It will be recalled that Mr. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP Sokoto), had raised a matter of privilege on the floor of the House, alleging discrepancies between the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently gazetted and made available to the public.

Rising under Order Six, Rule Two of the House Rules on a Point of Privilege, Mr. Dasuki told the House that his legislative privilege had been breached, insisting that the content of the tax laws as gazetted did not reflect what the lawmakers debated, voted and passed on the floor of the House.

According to him, after the passage of the tax bills, he took time off for three days to carefully review the gazetted copies alongside the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives, as well as the harmonised version adopted by both chambers of the National Assembly, but observed discrepancies.

“I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different,” Dasuki said.

He noted that he obtained copies of the gazetted laws from the Ministry of Information and found them to be inconsistent with what was approved by both the House and the Senate.

The lawmaker stressed that the matter was not about moving a motion, but about drawing the attention of the House to what he described as “a serious breach” of legislative process and the Constitution.

He urged the Speaker to ensure that all relevant documents, including the harmonised versions, the Votes and Proceedings of both chambers, and the gazetted copies currently in circulation, are brought before the Committee of the Whole for scrutiny by all members.

Mr. Dasuki cautioned that allowing laws different from those duly passed by the National Assembly to be presented to Nigerians would undermine the integrity of the legislature and violate constitutional provisions.

Mr Speaker, I will be pleading that all the documents should be brought before the Committee of the Whole. The whole members should see what is in the gazetted copy and see what they passed on the floor so that we can make the relevant amendment. This is a breach of the Constitution. This is a breach of our laws, and this should not be taken by this honorable House,” he said.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen who presided over today’s plenary set up the committee to look into the allegation.

 

 

President Tinubu Reconstitutes NERC Board

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) following the Senate’s confirmation of its members on December 16.

The reconstituted board is chaired by Dr. Musiliu Olalekan Oseni, who was first appointed as a Commissioner in January 2017 and later served as Vice Chairman of the Commission.

His appointment as Chairman took effect from December 1, 2025, and will run until the completion of his statutory ten-year tenure in line with the Electricity Act, 2023.

Dr. Yusuf Ali, who was appointed a Commissioner in February 2022, has been designated Vice Chairman, effective December 1, 2025, and will serve until the end of his first term.

Other members of the board include Mr. Nathan Rogers Shatti and Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, both serving second terms after their initial appointments in January 2017; Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello, serving a second term following her first appointment in December 2020; and Dr. Chidi Ike, who is serving his first term after his appointment in February 2022.

Also appointed to the board is Dr. Fouad Animashaun, whose first term takes effect from December 2025.

An energy economist, Dr. Animashaun brings extensive experience in the Nigerian power sector and most recently served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

A statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga disclosed that President Tinubu charged the reconstituted NERC board to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, in alignment with the provisions and objectives of the Electricity Act, 2023.

 

NCTC Urges Responsible Media Reporting On Security Operation

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The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has urged the media to exercise responsibility, safeguard sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons when reporting on ongoing counter-terrorism operations across Nigeria.

The call follows recent reports published by some online platforms concerning security operations in forested areas of Kwara State, which the Centre described as inaccurate and capable of undermining operational safety.

According to a statement by the Head of Strategic Communications, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abu Michael, “the NCTC, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.”

The Centre explained that “Nigeria’s counter terrorism framework, guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), includes the deployment of hybrid forces, combining regular security personnel with trained auxiliary elements to operate effectively in difficult terrains, including forests.”

This approach, the NCTC noted, previously informed the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the North East, where trained civilian volunteers supported Armed Forces operations against Boko Haram insurgents.

The same operational model, it said, currently applies in parts of the North West and North Central, where hybrid deployments are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal and terrorist groups, with recorded operational successes.

Clarifying the situation in Kwara State, the Centre stated that ongoing operations follow the same established framework, stressing that limited public information is deliberate due to the sensitive nature of such engagements.

It explained that details are restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of both security personnel and auxiliary forces.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the statement said, “the Nigerian Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.”

The NCTC also dismissed claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser had provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation, describing such reports as false and misleading.

It clarified that all hybrid personnel involved in counter terrorism operations are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after due diligence, and that all operations are conducted strictly in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.

The Centre therefore advised the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of counter terrorism operations, while urging the media to uphold professional standards and national responsibility in security reporting.

The NCTC reaffirmed its commitment to an open-door policy aimed at deepening stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts and sustaining public trust.

 

 

Nigeria Reopens All Closed 47 Unity Colleges, Assures of Safety

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The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education across the country, following the reopening of the 47 Unity Colleges closed earlier.

The Ministry of Education had in late November, 2025 closed down the 47 Unity Colleges citing security concerns.

The Director of Press Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folashade in a statement noted that after the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools, academic activities have fully resumed.

Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations.

The Federal Ministry of Education assures parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain a top priority. The Government continues to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.”

According to her, the Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment.

This administration places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth and development. Accordingly, it remains determined to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar.

“The safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the Government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges.”

She added that the Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the cooperation, patience, and support of parents, school administrators, and students. The ministry also reiterated its commitment to sustaining a secure, stable, and uninterrupted education system across the nation.

 

ADP Chairman Supports Dangote, Calls for National Interest

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Mr. Yabagi Sani has described the recent drop in fuel pump price by the Dangote Refinery as “A stand with production, value addition, and national interest.”

Mr. Sani stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja shortly after the Chairman of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote announced a reduction in fuel pump price in Nigeria.

The ADP National Chairman also stated that Nigeria has suffered for decades in “an entrenched petroleum products import cartel that has held the nation hostage for decades without national interest”.

He lamented that those cartel in the oil sector sell petroleum products at inflated prices, draining foreign exchange, enriching middlemen, and institutionalizing Nigeria.

He said that by so doing “Nigeria is witnessing a shameful and dangerous confrontation between domestic industrial progress and protecting an import cartel whose survival depends on Nigeria remaining structurally weak.”

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Mr. Yabagi Sani

Mr. Sani noted that “the Dangote Refinery is designed to end this scam from those cartel that benefited from subsidies, opaque FX allocations, shipping arbitrage, for over 40 years.

“Nigeria was forced into the absurdity of exporting crude oil only to import refined” he said.

“The resistance faced by the Dangote Refinery is not accidental, technical, or market-driven. It is signed” he added.

The ADP National Chairman further cautioned government at all levels that “any country that frustrates its own domestic refining capacity in favour of fuel importers continues to empower import cartels, FX arbitrage, and economic sabotage”.

Mr. Sani charged the government to continue to promote local refinery in the country.

President Tinubu, as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, removed the fuel subsidy at the inception of his administration, demonstrating his determination and resolve to end the scam.

 

 

Olusola Akintonde