The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that his company secured a total of $2.7 billion in loans from the Central Bank between 2013 to 2023 to finance the refinery.  

Dangote made this disclosure in a statement at his mega refinery in Lagos.  

He explained that the refinery was primarily funded through the company’s own resources, with minimal external assistance.  

 

He said that he chose to bypass project financing due to the challenges of securing funds from international creditors. 

“On the loan that we got, part of the loan was taken by Dangote Industries, which is a local company. Dangote Industries got allocation from Central Bank and the total allocation that we got, including the money that we lost in terms of interest, was about $2.7 billion from 2013 to 2023.  

“Out of the $2.7 billion we still have more than $200 million of forwards that we’re yet to collect from the CBN. So, it’s the total of $2.5 billion we got from the CBN in real cash which was paid in terms of interest and principal payment,” Dangote said.  

Refinery is not responsible for the depletion of the CBN FX Account  

Speaking further, the business mogul said contrary to popular belief, his refinery was not responsible for the depletion of CBN’s foreign exchange account.  

Dangote said not only were the funds obtained from the apex bank in a ten-year period minimal, they would also be returned into back into the country through dividends and payments.  

Accordingly, Dangote said once the refinery begins to make a profit, it will begin payment of the loan has soon as possible. 

“Dangote Industries as soon as they get their dividends are bringing that money back to sell in the local market. They’re bringing that money back into Nigeria.  

“There’s no money we’ve taken away from Nigeria. And the one that we took, we’ll return it back. So it’s better for people to understand. 

“It’s better for people to understand that what we took from CBN, we’re bringing it back. The thinking of people is that the majority of the Central Bank’s money was depleted by the Dangote’s major projects. We got $2.5 billion cash from Central Bank and that money will come back as soon as we start making money. Once we start making money, we’ll start paying the loans that we have,” Dangote added. 

What you should know  

  • Recently, the Dangote Refinery has found itself in conflict with Nigeria’s oil regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). 
  • Dangote, who has been clearing the air on different allegations levelled at him by the regulators, explained how he funded his refinery.  
  • In an earlier statement, Dangote said his company has paid back $2.5 billion of the total of $5.5 billion gotten from different banks to finance the building of the refinery.  
  • According to the former CBN governor, Dangote has paid back 70% of the loan he obtained from the apex bank as of 2023.  

[Nairametrics]

The former National Deputy Chairman (Southwest) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George has called on the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to urgently wade into the crises rocking its Rivers and Edo chapters.

The elder statesman lamented that the crisis is assuming an ugly dimension that needs the urgent intervention of the party leaders.

 

Speaking during a television programme, George said the opposition party’s chances of winning elections in the two states would be undermined if its leaders failed to resolve the lingering disputes in the affected chapters.

Acknowledging the fact that intra-party disputes were not alien to politics, he disagreed with those calling on the party to wield a big stick against some individuals.

He added that disciplining anybody now will not bring the needed solution, but may fuel the crises to consume the party.

Asked if he was not bothered over the political disagreement, George said, “I agree with you and as I follow the gladiators’ utterances, I’m wondering what the BoT is doing regarding the disputes in Edo and Rivers chapters.

“This is a time to forget all the various divides and go to talk to warring factions to resolve the issues. We can resolve our issues.

“While I agree that there will be disagreements here and there in any party, and this happens all over the world; this party is not the private property of any individual for God’s sake. Let the leaders in the BoT rise above those utterances and do the needful. The way it is going is getting disturbing.”

George, who said the fights were capable of hurting the party’s reputation in the eyes of the electorates, said party leaders should do all within their powers to rescue the situation.

What will the electorate think about us? We want to convince the electorates that though there will be crises, we have the capacity, knowledge and ability to amicably resolve our issues. Let the BoT get up. This is the time they can show that they mean well for the party. It is so disturbing with the level of the crises.

“Unfortunately, the judiciary that should be independent has been dragged into the fiefdom. Now, we have verdicts and counter-verdicts from the courts,” he added.

[Naijanews]

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, shared a remarkable story about his birth, revealing that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months due to the influence of witches and wizards.

Obasanjo made this revelation during a drama presentation titled: “Aremu Omo Asabi,” held to commemorate 66 years since the passing of his mother, Bernice Obasanjo.

The event took place at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Obasanjo, in a statement by his media assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, recounted the difficulties his mother faced before his birth, attributing the delay to supernatural forces.

He however expressed gratitude for God’s intervention, which eventually led to his birth.

“I was told I was in my mother’s womb for 12 months, and since I was born, I have not been left for once. She had nine children, but two of us survived, myself and my sister,” Obasanjo shared.

 

He also noted the challenges his family faced, emphasising that he was the only child who received education due to his father’s belief that educating a female child was unnecessary.

Obasanjo lamented that his mother did not live to see his accomplishments and enjoy the fruits of her labour.

He vowed to support the drama troupe’s ambition to set a Guinness World Record for the longest open drama performance.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun who was represented at the event by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised Obasanjo’s mother, describing her as a foundational figure whose influence persists through her children.

“Mothers will forever be the bedrock upon which the foundation of any society is built,” she said.

She highlighted the sacrifices mothers make and the lasting spirit they impart to their children.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Salu Hundeyin, commended Obasanjo for honouring his mother 66 years after her passing.

He stressed the importance of treating mothers with respect and recognising their critical role in both divine and human contexts.

The event underscored the vital role of mothers and the enduring impact of their sacrifices, and also served as a call to action for society to support and honour mothers, ensuring that their dreams for their children are realised through access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities.

The musical drama, ‘Aremu Omo Asabi,’ performed in celebration of Bernice Obasanjo’s life, was not just a historical recount but also a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of mothers.

Governor Abiodun highlighted the current administration’s commitment to policies that support mothers and their aspirations for their children’s futures.

“This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honour and support mothers in every way possible. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to create an enabling environment where every mother’s hope for their children can flourish,” Abiodun stated.

[Leadership]

Former Nigeria international, Victor Ikpeba has heaped plaudits on the Super Falcons despite the team’s defeat to Brazil.

Gabi Nunez’s first half goal separated both teams on the night.

The Super Falcons put up a spirited display and were denied by Brazil goalkeeper Lorena thrice in the opening 25 minutes.

Ikpeba commended the players for giving everything against the Brazilians.

“You just must commend the girls, they gave everything, they played with their heart, with determination, with passion,” saluted 1997 African Footballer of the Year Ikpeba.

“They had their moments in the first half, but unfortunately they didn’t make the most of them.

They probably lacked the quality in attack, but they have everything to be proud of.

“The Super Eagles must learn from how they fight for each other.”

Randy Waldrum’s side will take on Spain in their second Group C game in Nantes on Sunday

[DailyPost]

The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, said had his principal, Godwin Obaseki, been reasonable and spoken to him well, he (Shaibu) would have dropped his governorship ambition and allow the governor have his way in order to preserve their relationship.

Shaibu, who described Obaseki as a dictator, said he became more resolved to pursue his governorship ambition after Obaseki threatened he would destroy him if he did not back down.

He maintained that he won the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary because he had 381 delegates, who would have voted for him had not not been shut out of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin where the exercise took place on February 22.

Shaibu, who has now defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, spoke on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja.

 He said he felt betrayed by Obaseki despite all his sacrifices and loyalty to him.

He said, “The truth is that the issues were all political. I declared to contest for the governor of Edo State. That is where the fight started.”

Looking pensive, the deputy governor told journalists that he did everything humanly possible to pacify his boss to no avail.

“He (Obaseki) said, ‘You cannot contest because I have my plans’. The next thing was that he would destroy me if I continued. For me, no man can destroy the plan of God. As an activist, that day I made up my mind that I was going to contest. As of the time our conversation was on, I was still consulting. I went into the race and I won it because I played high-powered politics. They are not politicians. They rode on our back to where they are. In the politics I played, I actually had 400 out of the 572 delegates.

“A week to the primary, I lost some and had 381. So I brought those 381 on the day of the primary but they were refused accreditation. They took the accreditation tags and gave to their appointees to go and do Aso Ebi reception at the stadium they call primaries. Now, the court has ruled that the delegates I had were the authentic delegates and the ones they brought were fake. So as it is, they have boxed themselves into a corner where I don’t want to go because it is a legal issue.

 

“We are in court and by the grace of God, I had already been vindicated by two judgments. What is critical is that I want to prove internal democracy must be respected and allowed to play. You can lobby, you can talk to people and people will understand. If the governor had shown leadership, maybe I wouldn’t have contested because I am not a desperate person. My ambition is not inordinate. I have an ambition to fix the state. If somebody else can agree that we collectively fix it, I will follow. But the governor wanted to behave like a military dictator. And for me, we fought. I have captained people that have fought for this democracy. I started from the youth wing. I am sure I am one of the top people you will mention for this democracy that we now have. And for me, I cannot watch this democracy be derailed and allow dictatorship to take control.”

He described as false the claim that he went away with 22 official vehicles after his impeachment.

According to the accountant-turned-politician, the governor bought only one official car for his convoy in the seven and a half years of their administration.

Shaibu said, “The easiest way to have a disagreement is money. Even my official entitlements, most of them I didn’t even apply for them. That is, anything that has to do with going to meet the governor to apply for anything, including my personal or official entitlement. I confined myself within the official salary that came to me. “Recently, I saw an advert that I should return 22 vehicles. Only one vehicle in the seven and a half years that the governor bought for my convoy. Only one. Every vehicle you see in my convoy, some of them, especially the Landcruiser I used for three years with a coat of arm and flag as staff car, the Prado I used as back-up for three years, was the same that I used as the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.

“It was the third year of his first term that the governor eventually bought a Landcruiser jeep. Even when they were bringing the jeep, it had an accident on the way. We had to change the wheels and it took two weeks for us to fix it. I never made it an issue, because for me, anything that will bring trouble I was able to manage it. I am happy that I gave everything and I was never found wanting. I was not impeached because I stole money, I was not corrupt, or because of incompetence.

“Today, the court has also told us that what they said was gross misconduct was never a misconduct. They said I gave out government secrets. I have worked diligently with this man. I was asked to perform his duty as acting governor and I was able to organise the security system. I have not done anything wrong to warrant impeachment.”

When asked if he could ever forgive Obaseki for treating him as an outcast, Shaibu hesitated before nodding.

He said, “The only person that is perfect is the Almighty God. None of us created by God is perfect. One of the greatest commandments in the world is ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ If all of us can actually take to that commandment, there will be peace in the world. But I have just discovered that there is no perfect relationship with what has happened between the governor and me.

“From my own end, I gave everything. I gave all to have him succeed. Because, for me, it is about the state and the state in everything. So, I gave everything even my official earnings. I forfeited lots of my official entitlement. Why? It is because I didn’t want any trouble or disagreement.”

[Punch]

Amid growing tensions and economic challenges, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has issued a strong warning against a planned nationwide protest under the banner of #Endbadgovernanceprotest, labelling it a premeditated attempt to destabilize the country.

“There is nothing wrong with a peaceful demonstration and a lawful, legitimate protest. What is unacceptable is a premeditated attempt by a group of faceless individuals who are on the payroll of subversive elements to destabilize the country and incite people to violence and carnage,” Fani-Kayode stated.

 

He expressed concern that the protest, branded as a #nationwidestrike, is an orchestrated effort to provoke the security forces into mutiny and rebellion against the government, thereby threatening the nation’s democracy.

“Those behind it are attempting to take advantage of the undoubtedly enormous economic challenges in the land to create panic, fear, chaos, and mass unrest with a view to provoking anarchy, mayhem, and armed insurrection,” Fani-Kayode continued. “This is unacceptable, and no responsible government will sit back and allow it to happen.”

Fani-Kayode urged the organizers to reconsider their plans and avoid provoking a reaction from the security forces that they might later regret. He cautioned against the risk of igniting a repeat of the #EndSARS protests, which were marked by widespread violence, division, and significant property damage.

“We do not want or need a nationwide #EndSARS-like round of protests, and neither can we afford the attendant violence, strife, division, damage to property, and bloodshed that comes with it,” he said.

Fani-Kayode called for patience and dialogue with the Federal Government as a way forward, advocating for the expression of collective concerns in a lawful, restrained, responsible, and legitimate manner.

“Anything outside of that will be dangerous and counter-productive,” he concluded.

[Vanguard]

President Bola Tinubu says he does not answer to any cabal or moneybag. 

While meeting a delegation of Islamic leaders at the Aso Rock villa on Thursday, Tinubu said he bankrolled his electioneering campaign.

“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune,” the president said.

“At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.

 
 

“One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.

“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen.”

Tinubu said the planned nationwide protest could degenerate into violence and set the country backwards, adding that its sponsors do not love the country.

 

“The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports. They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually,” he said.

“We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials.

“We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger.

“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.

 

“The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children.”

Bala Lau, a sheikh and leader of the delegation, said they would keep praying for peace in the country.

[TheCable]

The federal government has announced plans to issue $500 million in domestic foreign currency-denominated bonds in three to four weeks’ time. 

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Edun said this during a quarterly press briefing in Abuja, themed ‘Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024’. 

He said: “We have an open exchange rate system, it’s not illegal and so we have the issuance of a dollar-denominated security, not depending on the financial architecture of the Western world, not depending on the kind of architecture that you use to raise Eurobonds. 

 

“We’re using the Nigerian financial system, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the banking system, the investment bankers to issue $500 million in the first instance that will be available and will attract foreign currency held by Nigerians abroad and anybody else who buys into the macroeconomic reform efforts of President Bola Tinubu. 

“That issue is a challenge to the best and the brightest in the financial markets. It is due to open in the next three to four weeks maximum.” 

No Immediate Plans for Eurobonds 

Addressing the potential for raising Eurobonds, Edun clarified that the government has no current plans to pursue this route, contingent on the success of the domestic foreign currency-denominated bonds. 

The finance minister said: “Right now, depending on the success of that issue, there is no talk of looking to go to the international markets to raise the euro bond. 

“It is one of the options that we have. It is the markets are open to us. Our ratings and our performance merit it. 

“The market is open to us but we prefer in the first instance to challenge Nigerians to come home with their money and be part of the Nigerian reform success story that we believe that is where the economy is headed. 

“Although these are very, very early stages we are in the right direction. We have turned the corner.” 

What you should know 

  • The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, announced the government’s plan to market foreign exchange bonds to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora. 
  • Edun, however, explained that the delay in issuing the bonds was due to the government’s desire to establish confidence in its fiscal strategy and earn the trust of citizens who are skeptical of government policies. 

[Nairametrics]

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the planned nationwide hardship protest against the present administration will not be allowed to hold in the Territory because August 1, 2024, being slated for the protest, has been set aside to honour FCT traditional rulers.

Wike made this known on Thursday while briefing journalists after the FCT Security Council meeting attended by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, FCTA management team, Area Council chairmen and heads of security agencies domiciled in FCT.

The FCT minister had earlier in the day inspected a road project in Saburi, along the Dei-Dei community of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) where he told residents not to join ‘armed robbers’ to protest.

“Do not go and follow these armed robbers on the road who said they want to protest. There is nothing like protests. Abuja will not be part of it. What you want is good governance and we are willing to give you good governance,” he told the crowd in Pidgin English.

Meanwhile, after the meeting with heads of security agencies in the Territory, the minister said they were all aware of the threat as regards what some people may call ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest.

“We believe that yes, we have the right to protest; we have the right to demonstrate, but all these have to come within the ambit of the law. During this period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country.

 

“I am aware that there are challenges, and Mr President and his team are working very hard to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved. We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens.

“We urge all Nigerians to also have patience that at the end of the day, we will come out of this economic woes. We have seen the changes in the FCT, we have seen that government is working,” he added.

According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu has given FCT so much support, which is why they can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in the FCT, hence they will not allow anybody to set them back.

“We are looking forward to making sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be, as one of the major cities not only in Africa but also in the world. So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace and set us back.

“For those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest. Fortunately, though, that is the day FCT has set aside, the entire Area Councils will be jubilating to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.

“So, we will not allow that day that the entire FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for the people to come and rejoice, and then somebody would say that he wants to disrupt us that day.

“We want to make it categorically clear, that the day is a day the entire six Area Councils will be meeting to recognise and give out certificates of honour to their traditional rulers,” Wike declared.

The FCT Minister, therefore, invited residents of the Territory to join them in the celebrations, saying that it was part of the achievements of the FCT Administration and that the whole world should hear them that August 1 was not available for those who want to protest.

[Leadership]

The lineup for the highly anticipated match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Brazil has been announced.

The Super Falcons will face Brazil in their first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament game at 6 pm Nigerian time at the Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.

 

Rasheedat Ajibade is leading the team as captain while Asisat Oshoala is on the bench.

Here is the official lineup:

NIGERIA: Goalkeeper

16.Chiamaka NNADOZIE (GK)

Defender

2.Michelle ALOZIE
 
3.Osinachi OHALE
 
5.Chidinma OKEKE
 
14.Blessing DEMEHIN

Midfield

7.Toni PAYNE
 
11.Jennifer ECHEGINI
 
15.Rasheedat AJIBADE (C)
 
10.Christy UCHEIBE
 
13.Deborah ABIODUN

Forward

17.Chinwendu IHEZUO

Substitutions

1.Tochukwu OLUEHI
 
4.Nicole PAYNE
 
6.Esther OKORONKWO
 
8.Asisat OSHOALA
 
9.Chinonyerem MACLEANS
 
12.Uchenna KANU
 
18.Ifeoma ONUMONU

Manager

Randy WALDRUM (M)

BRAZIL: Goalkeeper

1. Lorena (GK)

Defender

2.ANTONIA
 
3.TARCIANE
 
4.RAFAELLE
 
6.TAMIRES

Midfield

5.DUDA SAMPAIO
 
8.VITORIA YAYA
 
10. MARTA (C)
 
14. LUDMILA

Forward

16. GABI NUNES
 
18. GABRIELLE

Substitutions

12. TAINA
 
13. YASMIM
 
15. THAIS
 
17. ANA VITORIA
 
7. KEROLIN
 
9. ADRIANA
 
11. JHENIFFER

Manager

ARTHUR ELIAS (M)
[Punch]
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