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Dangote splashes ₦15bn in gifts, cash to appreciate cement distributors at awards nite
…Announces expansion of Cement Production capacity to 90 Million Tonnes
Dangote Cement Plc has celebrated its top distributors and customers with ₦15 billion worth of rewards for their continued loyalty, resilience, and outstanding performance.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night, held at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated the company’s highest-performing partners under the theme “Partner for Growth.” Recipients received an impressive array of gifts, including cash prizes, containers of cement, high-end SUVs, and CNG-powered trucks, all valued at ₦15 billion
President/CE of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, speaking at the 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night, hailed the distributors as the heartbeat of the organisation and praised their dedication in ensuring the Dangote products reach communities nationwide.
“Your tireless work in the field, your alluring commitment to our products and your direct engagement with our customers are what turn our vision and strategies into tangible results. Today’s celebration, themed ‘Partner for Growth,’ is a testament that our growth journey for 2026 has already begun,” He expressed.
Dangote used the occasion to reiterate the company’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at transforming Dangote Group into a $100 billion enterprise by 2030. The plan, he explained, focuses on industrial expansion, cross-border investments, and building Africa’s self-sufficiency in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
The African industrial titan disclosed that the Dangote Cement Group is targeting a cement production capacity expansion to approximately 90 million tonnes by 2030. He emphasised that the company’s ambition goes far beyond building factories. He explained that the focus is on building Africa’s capacity to feed itself, power its economy, develop its people, and drive sustainable industrialisation.
“Under this vision, we have announced the expansion of our petroleum refinery from 650,000 bpd to 1.4 million bpd, the fertiliser plant to 12 million metric tonnes per annum, and an increase in production at the polypropylene plant. Our cement company is also targeting a production capacity of approximately 90 million tonnes by 2030. And 90 million tons by 2030 means that we are 50 per cent more than the entire production of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“Vision 2030, an integral aspect of our Africa First project, was borne out of my firm belief that Africa’s future will be built by Africans who refuse to accept limits – people who dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in what is possible.”
“Our ambition goes beyond building factories. It is about building Africa’s capacity to feed itself, power its economy, develop its people, and drive sustainable industrialisation. We are empowering the next generation through the launch of a one trillion-naira ($600 million) education fund in December 2025”.
As part of this vision, the Aliko Dangote Foundation launched a ₦1 trillion ($600 million) education fund in December 2025, pledging support for over 1.3 million vulnerable Nigerian students, with emphasis on scholarships, STEM, TVET, and girls’ education.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, in his first official attendance as Board Chairman, highlighted the critical role of distributor partnerships in ensuring the company’s products reach every corner of the country.
Speaking to the assembled distributors, Ikazoboh announced that, “Tonight, we are giving out about ₦9 billion in cash to our distributors. For some of you, it will be a double celebration, as you may receive two alerts in recognition of both your volume and growth results.”
He added that the rewards go beyond cash. “In addition to the cash prizes, we have prepared other exciting gifts, including CNG-powered trucks, high-end cars, and more, to show our appreciation for your commitment and outstanding performance,” he said.
He further outlined the company’s plans to start the year strong by supporting its distributor partners. He stressed the importance of supply chain efficiency and profitability as key pillars for growth, saying:
Ikazoboh also noted that the company has invested in new CNG-powered trucks, as the company’s target at the end of 2027 is to have all its trucks CNG-powered, supporting both logistics efficiency and empowering customers.
“We have made significant investments in new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks. This initiative not only empowers our customers but also emphasises our dedication to corporate responsibility and global sustainability guidelines. These rewards reflect our promise to support customers and champion sustainable business practices.”
He revealed plans for a greenfield two-line, 6 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, dedicated to exports, alongside expansions at the grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire, signalling Dangote Cement’s commitment to pan-African growth.
He strengthened his commendation for the distributors, recognising their dedication and commitment and emphasising their central role in the company’s overall success.
“Your perseverance, trust, and loyalty help us maintain visibility and availability for our products nationwide. We are genuinely interested in seeing your businesses grow bigger, stronger, and more profitable.”
News
Kano Sports Commission congratulates Waiya on appointment as youth, sports commissioner
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Sports Commission has congratulated Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya on his redeployment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission described the redeployment as a welcome development, reflecting the confidence reposed in Waiya’s leadership ability, administrative experience and commitment to public service.
In a statement issued on Saturday, by the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Zulfa’at Abubakar Rano, the Chairman of the Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, expressed confidence that Waiya would bring his wealth of experience to bear on youth and sports development in the state.
Waiya was previously the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs before his redeployment in the minor cabinet reshuffle announced by the governor.
Babangida said the new commissioner’s experience in public service, communication, policy implementation and stakeholder engagement would contribute to advancing the ministry’s objectives and strengthening the sports sector.
He also pledged the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry to promote grassroots sports, identify and nurture emerging talents, empower young people and improve Kano’s competitiveness in national and international sporting activities.
The chairman stressed that effective collaboration between the ministry and the commission would be crucial to achieving sustainable growth in the sports sector and creating more opportunities for youth participation and development.
He wished Waiya a successful tenure, expressing optimism that his appointment would bring innovation and further progress to youth and sports development in Kano State.
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Governor Yusuf swears in six commissioners, three advisers, 19 permanent secretaries
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Headlines
Kano Cabinet Reshuffle: Waiya Moves from Information to Youths and Sports Ministry
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
