NEWS
Gov Akeredolu Inaugurates Olaiya Flyover In Osogbo
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday inaugurated the iconic Olaiya flyover in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
Akeredolu described the performance of Oyetola in the State as incredible and worthy of emulation.
This is even as Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said the construction of the flyover was a child of necessity aimed at putting a permanent end to avoidable road accidents and other mishaps hitherto being experienced by road users and residents of the State.
The newly-inaugurated Olaiya flyover was completed within the one-year time frame allotted to it a few months ago with a target to substantially ease the growing traffic, eliminate unnecessary cases of accident, secure the lives of the valued citizens and further enhance the architectural beauty of the State capital.
Addressing the people at the venue of the inauguration, Governor Oyetola said the successful completion of the flyover was an attestation to the efficacy of the Alternative Project Funding System, a novel development model introduced by his administration to boost the State’s development and infrastructure needs.
He said his administration has taken care of the fears and evil of fiscal indiscipline and lack of implementation, which hamper projects and services in the nation’s public service as seen in the myriad people-centred and masses-focused projects being inaugurated and delivered for the use of the people of the State in the about four years of being at the helm of affairs.
The Governor who described the flyover as an architectural masterpiece, a paragon of aesthetics and a socioeconomic signature on the economic transformation captured by the Development Agenda of his administration, said, “This is another fulfilment of our electoral promise we exchanged for the mandate of our people”.
He said his government has so far proved that infrastructure and economic development are doable in a depressed economy and that stagnated development in a struggling economy is a product of intellectual laziness, dearth of creativity, shortage of innovation and lack of political will.
“It (Olaiya flyover) is a worthy complement to the over 500km roads we have rehabilitated and constructed in our four years in government so far.
“Fixing our State’s infrastructure deficit is a critical item on our Development Agenda. This is because no economy can truly succeed without adequate infrastructure to make life easy for residents and businesses.
“This realisation accounts for why we are engaging in mass spread of infrastructure development across the State to stimulate development in line with our Development Agenda.
“We have rehabilitated and constructed several roads across the State as a catalyst for equitable socio-economic development. Among these roads are: Ada-Igbajo road, Osogbo-Kelebe-Iragbiji road, and Akindeko-Awosuru link road via Adejumo Street with Oremeji spur, Akinlade Street, Adewale Street with loop to WAEC road all in Osogbo; Army Barack (Ede)-Ara-Ejigbo township road, Moro- Yakoyo-Ipetumodu-Asipa-Ife/Ibadan Expressway Junction Road and Ereja Roundabout-Ereguru-Isaare-Oke Oye-Sabo (Irojo)-Ilesa/Akure Expressway Junction.
“Others are: Lawyer Atanda Road, Iwo; Ila-Arandun-Kwara Boundary Road; Nike Gallery-Ido-Osun Township airport with palace spur; Ikirun-Eko-Ende Road; the access road to Fountain University, Osogbo; Osogbo (Lameco)-Okinni-Ilobu-Ifon Osun Market with Spur to Olobu’s Palace; Osogbo/Ilobu-Akari-Erin Osun Roundabout on Osun LCDA Junction; Post Office-Ayetoro-Jamodo-Ifon Palace-Janta Ifon Osun; Isale-Asa-Oke Aree road, Iree, as well as Ikire township roads, among other interventions.
“There are however a few other roads that are still on-going, while some are nearing completion. Among these roads are: Ife Township Roads; Inisa Road and Osogbo-Iwo Road.
“We have also focused attention on opening up our rural roads with the aim of connecting them to the urban areas. This is to stimulate rapid state-wide development and facilitate ease of movement for our people and goods from one part of the State to another.
“The strength of this Olaiya Flyover is in the faithful implementation of traffic regulations by our relevant officers and the resolve of our people to obey the rules. I, therefore, appeal to us all to faithfully play our parts so that we can be united in saying never again to loss of lives and economic wastage in our dear State.
“My dear good people of Osun, as we inaugurate this iconic Olaiya Flyover today, I welcome you, the good people of Osun, to an accident-free driving around this axis, a safe and secure life and an enduring architectural beauty of Osogbo, our State capital.
“Olaiya Flyover is your property and heritage. Own it. Make the best use of it and pass it to our unborn generations as you go about your businesses and daily lives”, he added.
Inaugurating the flyover, Governor Akeredolu, commended Oyetola for being committed to the welfare and general well-being of the people of the State.
Akeredolu who described the flyover as unprecedented in the history of the State, expressed confidence in the fact that the facility would go a long way at meeting the infrastructure needs of the axis, most importantly the road users.
“I am not new to Osun. I am not new to Osogbo. It is important to me for many reasons. I have followed the history of this State. I say it without mincing words that Oyetola has made his mark in the sand of time. If you don’t know what he has done, see this place, you will see part of what he did. I am overwhelmed with joy for giving me the opportunity to partake in this programme.
“This is historic in the history of Osogbo. Oyetola has made history. I congratulate you for your resilience in the face of daunting challenges even from those that are supposed to be your friends.
“We knew what you met in the State and we know what you have done and where you have taken the State. We can’t lie to ourselves, we are fearless — you have tried. We were here when salaries were owed for several months but you came and the story changed. I commend you for making the interest of your people primary consideration.
“For me, development is about people. All efforts conceived and geared towards the amelioration of the welfare of the people must be commended. You are indeed a talk and do governor. Any government that prioritizes the interest of the people is an organized one.
“The verdict of history will be written after your eight years. You have done excellently well. I know the crucial role infrastructure development plays in any society as it opens up everywhere. Some people may be saying road is not what they will eat, but I know it brings development.
“Living in an environment will be stress free if infrastructure is put in place for socio-economic development to thrive. We know what you have done. God will reward you. As we can see, direct beneficiaries of this initiative are numerous both within and outside the state.
“I thank you for insisting to discharge this for the people of Osun. We were here when the results of the election were declared. We were downcast but you were not. I commend you for the way you have managed the affairs of this State. You have done incredibly well. You shall be returned for another four years. How many Governors can boast of what you have done in four years? You have justified the confidence bestowed on you by your people.
“I congratulate the people of Osun on the tremendous boost they have witnessed in the State. It is not only mouthing Omoluabi ethos that matters but upholding it. I say to you, Oyetola, you are indeed an Omoluabi, true and true,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr Remi Omowaye, said the successful completion of the flyover would in no measure add value to the socioeconomic activities in the State in general and Osogbo in particular.
Omowaye who highlighted many of the infrastructure developments, particularly road infrastructure initiated by the Oyetola led administration, said indeed the government has raised the bar of infrastructure in the State.
He commended the people of the State for their love and perseverance throughout the construction period saying, “It is a thing of joy that the State has successfully inaugurated it for the use of the generality of the people in the state and beyond.
The Contractor of the project and Chairman Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, Engr Olanrewaju Adeleke, reassured the people of the quality of work done on the flyover which according to him has the capacity to meet immediate and future needs of the road users.
He said: “Every engineering work is meant to meet immediate and future requirements. This project has met its billing. It has solved all the immediate problems and future road mishaps. I commend the Alternative Project Funding Approach of the State that has helped to actualise this iconic Olaiya flyover”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has justified the activation of the Osun State Security Trust Fund on the ground of growing insecurity and public sector funding challenges facing all levels of government.
To show commitment of the state government, Gov Adeleke announced a contribution of three hundred million naira (N300m) to the trust fund.
On his part, billionaire philanthropist and brother of the state governor, Dr. Deji Adeleke donated five hundred million naira (N500m) while several businesses contributed various amounts.
The governor also used the occasion to announce the imminent sharing of refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers and new patrol vehicles, declaring that “the administration is determined to maintain Osun’s record as one of the most peaceful states in the country”.
Launching the security trust fund at Osogbo, the governor decried the abandonment of the trust fund initiative by the Oyetola administration, describing the implementation of the trust fund as ‘long overdue’.
According to the governor, several states in Nigeria have established security trust funds. Osun started the process but this was abandoned under the immediate past administration of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
“Our government decided to revive the initiative by updating the law and organising the launching today. A security trust fund is a matter of necessity considering the security climate in Nigeria and Osun state.
“We all know Nigeria faces security challenges. Yet, available public financing resources are limited. Governments at all levels then initiate public-private partnership to bridge the funding gap.
“It is neither a political project nor a self-serving policy. This is a necessary policy to secure our people. Only an irresponsible government will abandon the PPP arrangement that is working so well in Lagos, Kaduna, River states among others. Ours is a responsible leadership with people-oriented innovations, policies and programmes.
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“This Fund is designed to provide sustainable funding for modern security infrastructure. Through this Fund, we will establish a modern Situation Room with real time CCTV surveillance. We will continue the provision of operational tools required by our security agencies.
The governor appreciated all individuals, corporate organisations and stakeholders that have been contacted. “We appreciate your positive disposition. Today, I am inviting, for partnership, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, professional bodies and all sons and daughters of Osun State.
“As a trust fund regulated by law, I assure you of strict accountability, transparency and due process in the management of the trust fund”, the governor said.
Secretary to the State Government who also doubled as the deputy chairman of the trust fund, Hon Teslim Igbalaye congratulated the governor for activating the Fund after its enabling law was passed as far back as 2012 while several special guests pleaded support for the initiative.
Public Policy analysts, government officials and other stakeholders have in Lagos hailed the strategic foresight and industrial courage of the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, describing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a transformative national asset deserving of collective appreciation by Nigerians.
This position was strongly articulated at the 2026 Bullion Lecture, powered by the Centre for Financial Journalism, where the Director‑General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof Nnanyelugo Ike‑Muonso, declared that Nigerians owe Aliko Dangote a profound debt of gratitude for investing in the world‑class refinery.
Delivering the keynote lecture themed “From Resources to Prosperity: How Raw Materials Development, Value Addition and Innovation Can Catalyse Nigeria’s Industrial Renaissance,” Professor Ike‑Muonso said the refinery represents a decisive break from Nigeria’s long‑standing dependence on crude oil exports with minimal domestic value addition.
According to the RMRDC Chief, Nigeria had historically exported crude oil only to re‑import refined petroleum products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with little economic benefit beyond crude sales.
“That narrative has now changed. Instead of exporting crude and importing PMS alone, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery processes crude locally to produce PMS, diesel, dual purpose kerosene (DPK), and valuable by‑products for petrochemicals such as polypropylene. This represents complete domestic value addition.”
Prof Ike‑Muonso described the refinery as Nigeria’s most concrete example yet of how strategic industrial investment can unlock the full value of the country’s natural resources.
Against the backdrop of ongoing instability in the Middle East and its implications for global energy supply and price volatility, the RMRDC boss said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has emerged as a stabilising force and an African‑led solution to global energy challenges.
“With the far‑reaching consequences of the Middle East crisis on global energy markets, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands today as a monumental demonstration of strategic foresight, industrial courage and African self‑reliance,” he said.
“Nigeria should, in fact, be praying for Aliko Dangote at this time.”
Prof Ike‑Muonso also presented comparative data on raw‑material value addition across countries, including the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa and Kenya, revealing that Nigeria records the lowest percentage of value addition.
He disclosed that the country loses an estimated $29 billion annually due to the export of raw materials without processing partly due to the energy deficit.
“Rather than exporting raw materials, Nigeria should be exporting processed raw materials and finished products,” he argued.
Identifying obstacles to achieving full value addition, the RMRDC Director‑General highlighted key structural challenges such as: Private infrastructure tax, resulting from companies’ reliance on self‑generated power; Logistics gaps, noting that only about 30 percent of Nigeria’s road network is paved; and Capability gaps within the industrial ecosystem.
He stressed that sustained industrialisation remains Nigeria’s most viable pathway to broad‑based economic prosperity, citing Dangote Industries’ investments as a model for the country.
Earlier in his remarks, Otunba Kelvin Dele Oye, Chairman of the Economic Research and Ethics Committee and former President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), also commended Dangote’s industrial contributions.
He decried what he described as an imbalance in the exploitation of Nigeria’s raw materials by foreign investors, often without meaningful value addition to the local economy.
Otunba Oye called for deliberate government policies and stricter regulatory vigilance to ensure that raw material exploitation benefits Nigerians, while enabling local investors to compete favourably with foreign players.
The event, which marked the 10th anniversary of the Bullion Lecture, also featured the unveiling and launch of a commemorative book titled “Pathways to Nigeria’s Socio‑Economic Transformation.”
The book, authored by Mr. Ray Echebiri, Chief Executive of the Centre for Financial Journalism, documents all lectures delivered since the inception of the Bullion Lecture series.
Photo Caption
From Left: GMD/CEO, Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak; Chairman, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd., Yin Zhisong; Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yaqing; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Chairman of the Board, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd., Lin Zhisong and Vice President Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, during the Sinoma International visit to Dangote Head Office in Lagos
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Exports 1.1bn Litres of Aviation Fuel to Europe, Supplies 95% of Nigeria’s Jet A1 – AON
The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical pillar of support for Nigeria’s aviation industry, disclosing that the refinery currently supplies over 95 per cent of the Jet A1 fuel consumed nationwide.
Biztellers reports that the company also exported 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20.
Speaking during a televised interview, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo said the refinery’s output has played a vital role in sustaining domestic airline operations at a time of global supply disruptions arising from tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs.
“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent of aviation fuel supplied across the country comes from the Dangote refinery. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and, indeed, a lifesaver,” Okonkwo said.
He noted that despite the refinery’s consistent supply, airlines continue to face severe operational strain due to escalating Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.
According to Okonkwo, some fuel marketers are allegedly creating artificial scarcity in spite of available supply from the refinery, leading to disproportionate price increases. He disclosed that airline operators have recorded Jet A1 price hikes of up to 300 per cent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.
“We consider this exploitation. The refinery has not indicated any shortage, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and unjustifiable price increases. What airlines pay does not reflect depot prices,” he said, suggesting the presence of racketeering within the market.
Echoing these concerns after a closed‑door meeting between the AON and the Federal Government, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly given that the Dangote refinery sells its products at comparatively lower rates.
“The truth is that marketers must be called to account. How do prices rise by as much as 300 per cent when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and some marketers source directly from the refinery?” Onyema asked. “So, why the astronomical increase?”
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Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery continues to expand its footprint in the international aviation fuel market. Industry data indicate that the facility exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review—about 456,000 tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.
These export volumes underscore the refinery’s growing capacity and improved logistics, further reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging role in the global downstream oil and gas market, even as it strengthens domestic energy security.
Photo Caption
From Left: President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Museveni; President of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu, at The Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday.
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