Business
Dangote Cement Ibese Fetes Host Communities’ Senior Citizens
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, including wheelchairs.
The company, in a statement explained that 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 it 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 gifts.
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.
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Uttam, pointed out that the management of Ibese Plant remained 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.
On the success of the maiden edition last year, 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”.
On his part, the Group Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Wakeel Olayiwola said the whole idea about hosting the elderly ones in the host communities bordered 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.
Business
CBN Approves Release Of Nigerian FX Code
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the release of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, a set of guidelines designed to promote ethical conduct among authorized dealers in the country’s FX market.
In a statement, the apex bank disclosed that the official launch of the Code would take place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the CBN Head Office Auditorium in Abuja.
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“The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved the release of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code as a guideline to the banking industry to promote the ethical conduct of authorised dealers in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market,” the statement read.
The introduction of the FX Code is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and professionalism within Nigeria’s foreign exchange ecosystem, aligning it with global best practices.
The event is anticipated to attract key stakeholders in the financial and banking sectors, as well as representatives from authorized FX-dealing institutions across the country.
Business
How Trump Plans To Grow American Economy By $1 Trillion Daily
The 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump attracted up 3 trillion dollars in investments into the country’s economy in his first full day at work.
This was gleaned from the verified handle of the POTUS on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday.
Biztellers reports that the POTUS is focused ensuring at least $1 trillion investment daily for the first seven days of his return to the White House, which would be driven by key clearly identified areas, including artificial intelligence.
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President Trump wrote, “In total, before the end of my first full business day in Washington and the White House, we’ve already secured nearly $3 trillion of new investments in the United States.
“And probably, that’s going to be six or seven by the end of the week.”
In a short video clip accompanying the statement, President Trump assured that the surge in investments would likely hit $7 trillion within his first seven days as the 47th POTUS.
He highlighted that artificial intelligence had proven to be an area lots of willing entrepreneurs had shown much appetite for.
Business
CSR: Dangote Awards Scholarships To 473 Students
Joy and elation enveloped the Idotun Community Junior High School, a suburb of Lekki, when Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, in partnership with Dangote Fertilisers Limited, awarded scholarships to 473 students from 10 secondary schools and 7 tertiary institutions.
Biztellers reports that in addition, the companies donated 804 tables and chairs to secondary schools in their host communities of Ibeju-Lekki.
Consequently, students, parents, teachers, and community leaders expressed their immense joy as the scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries, alongside educational materials, including textbooks and notebooks, as part of the 5th Edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme.
Group Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, remarked that the event symbolised a shared vision—a partnership between Dangote Industries and the host communities, designed to build a foundation for sustained growth, one that is rooted in education, innovation, and opportunity.
He further emphasised that the initiative is not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to nurturing potential, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow.
“Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe that education is not just a privilege but a right that every child deserves. This belief has fueled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress,” he said.
Praising the students for their academic dedication, which he acknowledged has resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Mr. Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress—from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024. He stated that the company is deeply inspired by their determination and is confident that the resources provided will empower them to realise their dreams.
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He also noted that the decision to donate the 804 tables and chairs to schools was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment. This gesture, he emphasised, is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive environment for learning, where they can grow, dream, and thrive.
“To the scholars here today, you are at the heart of our initiatives. Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference. As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community leaders, dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are honored to work alongside you in empowering the next generation,” he added.
The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company (DIFZDC), Olayinka Akande, urged the beneficiaries to uphold excellence, which he identified as one of the core values of Dangote Industries Limited. Emphasising the importance of dedication and diligence, he encouraged the students to aim high, noting that with such attributes, some of them could rise to become governors, ministers, captains of industry, or even the next ‘Edwin’ in the future.
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ogunleye Mojisola, highlighted that the education intervention is one of the four pillars of the Community Development Plan, which was jointly designed with the community. Reflecting on the scheme’s success since its inception in 2019, Ogunleye expressed gratitude to the management for consistently providing the necessary resources to sustain the programme.
“The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence,” she remarked.
The Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Chief Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, conveyed his appreciation for the intervention, affirming that the company is helping to shape the future of the community. He also expressed the kingdom’s continued support for Dangote Industries Limited.
The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Alhaji Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world. He emphasised that education is the most effective way to shape the future of the community.
Several beneficiaries, including Atibere Peter from Lagos State University, Dauda Omolara from Community Senior High School, Magbon Segun, and Ganiu Ayomide from Community Senior High School, Akodo, among others, expressed their heartfelt gratitude. They noted that the scholarship and support would motivate them to study harder and alleviate the financial burden on their parents and guardians.