Kunle Awosika

Following recent online reports and a video circulating online, as well as an article published in the Tribune newspapers, BUA Cement Plc wishes to clarify that the truck involved in the accident on Agulu-Agwubu Road in Anambra State on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, is not a BUA Cement truck.

Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2024, retaining the award for a fourth consecutive year.

Management of Dangote Cement, Okpella has signed a development and social support agreement with its Okpella Edo state host communities in demonstration of its commitment to the development and overall well-being of host communities and their people, as a responsible corporate entity

The signing of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) came just as the Edo state and the federal government commended the company for its proactiveness in planning for the growth of its host communities as a sure means of promoting peaceful co-habitation.

The Okpella Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Mohammed Ismaeel, at the CDA signing ceremony said the cement company has fully complied with the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and that of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011 of the federal republic of Nigeria.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the company at Okpella, Mr. Ismaeel said the ceremony was very significant in that it aimed at promoting harmonious and mutual benefits between the cement company and its host communities.

"Today's occasion is not only a demonstration of our compliance to these regulatory provisions as a responsible corporate organization but it also a demonstration of our commitment to the development and overall wellbeing of our host communities.

"For us as a company, we believe in the mantra, good neighbourliness is good business, hence we are doing everything possible to maintain harmonious relationship with all the communities where we operate", Ismaeel added.

He added that the occasion marks the beginning of concrete infrastructural development and social supports in the areas of education, improved access to health care, economic empowerment programmes targeted at the youths, women and the farming population, improved access to potable water, support to improve electrification and power supply among other things.

The Plant Director pointed out that the CDA also provides for scholarship grants for students in secondary and tertiary institutions to promote excellence in educational pursuits of indigent students from Dangote Cement, Okpella host communities.

He added that the CDA document clearly states the consultative framework for engagements, grievance management and obligations of both the Plant and the host communities for mutual growth and development stressing that, it is clearly a path to define relationships, commitments, obligations and expectations with potential to address immediate concerns and future social issues that may arise in the course of the relationship between the company and its host communities.

Ishmaeel then requested the host communities to keep their end of the bargain by supporting and collaborating with the company so as to foster all round development. “Be assured that we are always ready to listen, dialogue and resolve all concerns”, he noted.

Speaking on the occasion, the Edo State Commissioner for Mines and Energy, Hon. Donatus Ojiefoh, who represented the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, praised the company’s management for taking the path of peace with its host communities pledging by so doing, that the state governor will always support any investors who wants to invest in the state.

He assured the people of the communities that more investors are willing to come and invest in the state but that the people most be willing to cooperate and provide the enabling environment for them to operate.

Ojiefoh admitted that it is imperative for students to study the mineral resources that are abound in their communities in order to be able to appreciate them.

In her own remark, the host Etsako East Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Benedicta Atu, commended the company for signing the agreement despite the odds and the delay occasioned by some factors saying it was good that the signing took place at the time.

She called on the companies operating within the local government to urgently help with the payment of the monumentization of the boundary between Okpella and Kogi State.

Speaking for the host communities, High Chief Afiabor Peter, Secretary, Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads, Afokpella thanked the Dangote's Cement for the signing of the CDA, saying that it was a welcome development as it will benefit all the parties involved.

He expressed confidence that all that are contained in the agreement were thorough reflections of the wish and aspirations of the host communities and promised that the host communities would be up and doing to fulfil their own side of the bargain.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa, (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba has been appointed as the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Body of Banks’ CEOs.

International financial analytics corporation, S&P Global, has described the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals company as capable of resolving Nigeria’s foreign exchange (forex) issue and its huge pressure on the local Naira currency, while also catalysing the country’s economic development. 

The Vice Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Council, Honorable Modupe Aregbe, is currently dealing with a challenging personal situation as her husband, Idris Aregbe, has been entangled in alleged multiple infidelity scandals.

Residents of Asese, Ogun State, are living in fear after Nigerian soldiers allegedly hired by Christ Embassy fired live bullets at workers executing a court-ordered demolition.

Laura Alakija, a renowned expert in International Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), is beaming with joy as she marks a double celebration – her birthday and receiving the prestigious "Outstanding Alumnus Award" at the Africa Arbitration Academy's fifth-year anniversary.

As a member of the faculty, Laura has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of arbitration professionals. Her dedication and contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed, as evident from the numerous awards and recognitions she has received. The "Outstanding Alumnus Award" is a prove to her tireless efforts in promoting African talent and her significant contributions to thought leadership projects.

Laura expressed her gratitude to the Academy's leadership, directors, and the entire team at WilmerHale London for their kind invitation, excellent program, and hospitality. She was particularly inspired by Fahira Brodlija's session, which pushed boundaries and left a lasting impact.

As she celebrated her birthday in London, Laura was treated to a thrilling two-hour live performance by the legendary Burna Boy. With front-row seats, she enjoyed every moment of the afrobeats/afro-fusion experience, acknowledging that she needs to indulge in such pleasures more often.

Laura's expertise in dispute resolution and transactions spans various sectors, including hospitality, energy, and natural resources. Her impressive background includes roles as an arbitrator, counsel, and tribunal secretary in numerous domestic and international arbitrations. As she continues to shine in her field, her celebration is a reminder of the impact one can make with dedication, hard work, and a passion for excellence.

Lola Ade-John exudes a warm and approachable demeanour, radiating a welcoming aura that puts everyone at ease. Despite being a pioneer minister of the Ministry of Tourism, she remains humble and unassuming, never flaunting her position or accomplishments. Instead, she is constantly driven to elevate Nigeria's tourism industry, striving to make it a phenomenal success story and a benchmark for the continent.

People of the Christians faith and those who are inclined to history and learning are familiar with the Biblical story of how God blessed and promoted Haman and how he deployed his office to denigrate, attack and attempt to annihilate Mordecai. How Haman ended is better read from the Holy Book.