News
Kogi Communities, Employees Bid Farewell to Dangote Cement Plant Director After 10 Years of Stellar Service
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Community leaders, members and colleagues alike bid farewell to Mr. JV Gungune, the Director of the Dangote Cement Plant in Obajana, Kogi State, after a decade of service.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr. Gungune, described as a mentor and consummate professional, leaves behind a legacy of dedication and leadership.
Ademola Adeyemi, the General Manager of Special Duties and Community Relations at the plant, lauded Mr. Gungune’s role in fostering a robust relationship between the company and the surrounding communities.
“Mr. Gungune has been a mentor and always supportive. He ensured that the company enjoyed a robust relationship with the four catchment communities in Kogi State,” remarked Mr. Adeyemi.
Reflecting on Mr. Gungune’s departure, Mr. Abubakar Idoko, a manager at the Special Duties and Community Relations Department, added, “Mr. Gungune is a thoroughbred professional. You learn a lot from him. He is also an easygoing person. We would surely miss him.”
Mr. Yusuf Jumare of the Admin Department described Mr. Gungune as a “visionary leader, and one who prioritized staff wellbeing and welfare. It is always difficult to say goodbye to a dedicated leader.”
The Olu of Apata,
HRH Oba (Dr.) Fredrick D. Balogun, said Mr. Gungune was highly respected in the communities, given his pedigree of teamwork and support through the Dangote Cement plant, Obajana.
The Bajana of Obajana, Dr. (Engr) Idowu Isenibi, acknowledged Mr. Gungune’s impact, saying, “through his approvals, many projects and developmental strides were achieved.”
Adding to the sentiments, the Oba of Oyo, Oba Solomon Obahawu, reminisced, “the outgone Plant Director became a brother and a friend.”
In welcoming the new Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, HRH Oba (Dr.) Balogun urged him to build on Mr. Gungune’s achievements.
Until his recent appointment, Nawabuddin, who is a certified chemical engineer, was the Plant Director of the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant since 2019.
With his extensive experience spanning over three decades in the cement industry, Mr. Nawabuddin is poised to lead the Dangote Cement Plant in Obajana to new heights of success and prosperity.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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