News
Dangote Cement, Benue Communities Seal Landmark Development Pact
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A wave of jubilation swept through Gboko, Benue State, on Wednesday as Dangote Cement Plc and six host communities signed an historic Community Development Agreement (CDA).
KANO FOCUS reports that the landmark accord, which commits Dangote Cement to multimillion-naira development initiatives, was celebrated as a transformative milestone, with the communities pledging to uphold a peaceful coexistence.
His Royal Highness, Ter Gboko, Gabriel Shosum, hailed the pact as the dawn of a new era, affirming that the communities’ longstanding aspirations had been realized.
The monarch extended gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, for his commitment to addressing the needs of the host communities, while urging local leaders to sustain peace and harmony to support the company’s operations.
Mrs. Bimbo Sariat Olawoye, representing the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, expressed pride in the achievement and called for collective efforts to ensure the full implementation of the CDA.
Hon. Elias T. Yina, Executive Chairman of Gboko Local Government, described the agreement as unparalleled in the company’s over 40-year history, highlighting its potential to benefit not only the local government but also the State.
Plant Director, DCP Gboko, Louis K. Raj, said the achievement of the CDA is as a result of the support from the Benue State government, as well as from the Gboko Local Government, community leaders and the ministry of Solid Minerals Development, among other stakeholders.
The Plant Director added: “This important occasion marks the beginning of concrete infrastructural development and social support in the areas of Education, improved access to Healthcare, Economic Empowerment programs targeted at the Youths, the women groups and the farming population. The company’s social investment will also facilitate improved access to potable water, improve electrification and power supply to the host communities, among other things.
“The Gboko Plant’s CDA also provides for scholarship grants for students in secondary and tertiary institutions to promote excellence in educational pursuits of indigent students from our host communities.”
Head of Social Performance, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola described the signing of the CDA as historic and key to the implementation of key projects in the host communities.
The CDA, he said, provides for interventions covers the provision of infrastructural and educational development for a period of five years.
In his remarks, President General of the Jemgbash Development Association Prince Yandev Amaabai urged the communities to be peaceful and eschew violence.
“Dangote has provided us jobs, and now is supporting us as a people. We must support him and be peaceful,” he said.
The agreement was signed with six host communities: Tse-kucha(Mbatyula), Quarry, Amua(Mbakper), Mbazembe, Mbatur and Pass Brothers.
News
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
