News
Dangote Group’s Vice President Bags Person of the Year Award
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar V. G. Edwin, has been honoured with the prestigious Person of the Year award at the 9th Annual Award and Lecture of the Daily Asset Newspapers, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and his role in advancing the operations and strategic communication of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP).
The award, presented during a well-attended ceremony that brought together government officials, industry leaders, media executives, and key stakeholders, celebrated Edwin’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.
Speaking at the award ceremony Thursday in Abuja, Publisher of the Daily Asset Newspaper, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, described Mr. Edwin as instrumental to the success of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP).
He said under his stewardship, the Dangote Refinery has continued to play a transformative role in boosting domestic refining capacity, enhancing product availability, and supporting the nation’s economic diversification agenda.
He noted that Mr. Edwin’s dedication to transparent stakeholder engagement, industry advocacy, and effective corporate communication has helped shape public understanding of the refinery’s strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa’s energy landscape.
“His recognition as Person of the Year further shows the growing impact of the Dangote Refinery as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable national development, “he said.
The Daily Asset Annual Award and Lecture is widely regarded as one of the platforms that recognises individuals and institutions making significant contributions to national progress, leadership excellence, and sectoral transformation.
Dr. Akwaya said Mr. Edwin should be honoured and celebrated not just in Nigeria, but across Africa, for changing the narrative in the Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Reading his citation, the publisher said the Person of the Year/Corporate Achiever of the Year Award was conferred on Mr. Edwin “for serving as the backbone in the process of establishing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP)., the largest single train refinery globally.
According to him, the Dangote Refinery is a gamechanger, as it has helped Nigeria attain self-sufficiency in petroleum products, and thus reducing import dependence, and stimulate economic growth.
For this effort, he said, “Engr Edwin is Daily Asset iconic Corporate Achiever/Person of the Year.”
Mr. Edwin was represented at the event by Dangote Group’s Senior General Manager, External Relations/Stakeholder Management, Alhaji Abatcha Bishara.
A statement from the Dangote Group said: “At Dangote Refinery, we remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s energy security, strengthening domestic refining capacity, and contributing meaningfully to national economic growth. This recognition encourages us to continue communicating transparently and engaging constructively with stakeholders and the public.
“We also wish to appreciate the media community for their continuous support and collaboration. Responsible journalism and credible communication remain vital to national development, and Daily Asset has consistently demonstrated this commitment.”
Edwin joins a distinguished list of other recipients who have demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to Nigeria’s development, some of whom are: Executive Chairman of Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, National Chairman Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, among others.
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas also emerged as the Best Government Agency of the Year.
Early this week, at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has significantly enhanced the supply of petroleum products in the country.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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