Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Billionaire Aliko Dangote has seen his wealth nearly double to $23.9 billion, according to Forbes, which ranks the Nigerian entrepreneur as the wealthiest person in Africa and 86th in the world. It would be recalled that Forbes ranked Aliko Dangote as the 144th richest person in the world in 2024 with $13.4 billion.

KANO FOCUS reports that Forbes estimates Dangote’s net worth at $23.9 billion, primarily due to his 92.3 percent stake in Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals. At 67 years old, Dangote is once again one of the top 100 richest individuals worldwide, a position he has not held since 2018, according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List.

This places him significantly ahead of South African Johann Rupert, who is ranked 161st in the world with an estimated wealth of $14.4 billion and very far above Mike Adenuga, who is the second richest in Nigeria and 481, in the world, with a net worth of $6.8 billion.

Dangote disrupted the government’s oil monopoly by constructing the largest petroleum refinery in Africa. After 11 years, a $23 billion investment, and numerous challenges, the Dangote Refinery began operations last year. Located on a vast 6,200-acre site in the Lekki Free Zone, the refinery, at full capacity, will process a remarkable 650,000 barrels per day (b/d), making it the seventh-largest refinery in the world and the largest in Africa. Additionally, the refinery’s adjacent petrochemical complex has an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tons of urea, making it Africa’s largest fertiliser producer.

The Dangote Refinery is already having a significant impact on global energy markets. Imports of petroleum into Nigeria are on track to reach an eight-year low, affecting European refiners that have traditionally sold to Nigeria, according to energy intelligence firm Vortexa. Furthermore, Nigeria has become a net exporter of jet fuel, naphtha (a solvent used in varnishes, laundry soaps, and cleaning fluids), and fuel oil, according to S&P Global.

Dangote sees the refinery as part of a larger vision to transform Nigeria, one of the world’s largest crude oil producers, into a major producer of refined petroleum products. This would enable Nigeria to compete with European refineries and supply gasoline to Nigerian consumers.

“I want to provide a blueprint for industrialisation across Africa,” Dangote says in an interview with Forbes. “We have to build our nation by ourselves. We have to build our continent by ourselves, not [rely on] foreign investment.” He believes Africa has long been “a mere dumping ground for finished products,” and his refinery represents “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa can refine its own crude oil, thereby creating wealth and prosperity for its vast population.”

Dangote said the refinery is the biggest risk of his life and without success, it would have affected him greatly.

“It was the biggest risk of my life,” says Dangote about his decision to embark on the project. “If this didn’t work, I was dead.”

Zainab Usman, director of the Africa Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, according to Forbes, said Nigerians see Dangote as a hero and a real industrialist transforming the country.

“He is seen in most parts of Nigeria as a hero. He is seen as a real industrialist who builds things,” she said.

A professor of African studies at the Soka University of America, Chika Ezeanya, also corroborated this view, noting that Dangote is meeting the needs of consumers on the continent.

“I think he’s believed staunchly in the fact that Nigerians need products that he has to offer,” he said while adding, “Governments can come and go, policies can be changed, but the needs of the Nigerian consumer will only grow and expand.”

Mukhtar Yahya Usman

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed three bills into law following their passage by the Kano State House of Assembly.

The newly enacted laws are:

1. Kano State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (Amendment) Law, 2025

2. Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Law, 2025

3. Kano State Security Neighborhood Watch Law, 2025

A statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, noted that the Governor assented to the bills at the commencement of the 25th Kano State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House.

In his remarks, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy and fostering the rapid socioeconomic development of the state.

He emphasized that the government remains steadfast in its efforts to initiate and implement policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of Kano State citizens.

Governor Yusuf also expressed appreciation for the unwavering support and cooperation of the people, urging them to sustain the momentum to achieve the administration’s set goals.

Al-Istiqama University in Sumaila is proud to announce its upcoming convocation ceremony, scheduled to take place on the 21st and 22nd of February 2025. This milestone event will celebrate the achievements of its graduating students while showcasing the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence through a series of transformative upgrades.

Strategically located on the outskirts of Kano, Al-Istiqama University offers a serene and focused environment, ideal for academic pursuits. The university’s location ensures minimal distractions, allowing students to concentrate fully on their studies while fostering a culture of discipline and dedication. This unique setting, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities and affordable charges, makes the University a top choice for students seeking a balanced and enriching educational experience.

The university is currently undergoing a massive upgrade to further enhance its infrastructure and learning environment. Key improvements include the tarring of all internal roads, which will be illuminated by solar-powered streetlights, ensuring safety and sustainability. These eco-friendly initiatives are part of the university’s broader commitment to renewable energy, including solar power, which complements its conventional energy sources such as grid connections and backup generators. Together, these systems guarantee a reliable 24/7 electricity supply, enabling uninterrupted academic and research activities.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Al-Istiqama University is equipping its halls, classrooms, lecture theaters, and laboratories with cutting-edge facilities. These modern resources are designed to support innovative teaching methods, hands-on learning, and groundbreaking research, empowering students to excel in their chosen fields.

The university’s hostels have also been revamped, providing both male and female students with comfortable and serene living spaces. These upgrades reflect the institution’s dedication to creating a holistic environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, the Founder and Chairman of Al-Istiqama University, emphasized that these upgrades are part of a broader vision to position the institution as a global leader in teaching and research. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and character, especially in northern Nigeria. We provide a conducive environment that enables our students to pursue their education while developing strong character. The school and its management are committed to offering quality education, fostering good character, and maintaining a supportive learning environment for our students,” he stated.

One of the hallmarks of Al-Istiqama University is its unwavering commitment to discipline and safety. The university maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse, ensuring a healthy and secure environment for both students and staff. Through close collaboration with relevant authorities, the institution has established itself as one of the safest tertiary institutions in Kano State.

Since its inception, Al-Istiqama University has been dedicated to bridging educational gaps, promoting global study, and fostering experiential learning, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—all rooted in the fear of Allah. This holistic approach to education, combined with its affordable fees, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to sustainability, has positioned the university as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

As the university prepares to host its convocation ceremony in February 2025, it invites prospective students, parents, and stakeholders to witness this exciting new chapter in its journey.