Connect with us


BIG STORY

Dangote Refinery: Civil Societies To Monitor Crude Sales Compliance By NNPCL

Published

on

  • To set up Situation room in Abuja

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSO) at the weekend said it would set up a situation room to monitor the compliance of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to the presidential directive to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery in Naira currency.

Leaders of the 28 CSOs who were on facility tour of the 650,000 bpd world’s largest single train refinery in Lagos said the disposition of the NNPCL and the regulatory agencies was a clear indication the they deliberately held down the nation’s refineries so that they could continue importing petroleum products.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had  in the web of controversies that trailed the face-off between Dangote Refinery and the NNPCL intervened and directed the Corporation to henceforth sell crude to Dangote Refinery in Naira

Speaking on behalf of others, Solomon Adodo of the Rise Up for A United Nigeria said what his group had seen was a world class facility and wondered how a regulatory agency of the government could take sides with importers of petroleum products when a local refinery is now available to bail the nation out of the forex quagmire which has made the price petroleum products to skyrocket.

He disclosed that the CSOs have concluded to petition the Presidency on the need to adopt Dangote Refinery as a national asset that should be used to liberate the country from the shackles of importation of fuel while it exports crude.

Said he: having gone round to see this world class project, we are at a loss as to why the government could decide to turn against Nigerians in this manner. But we are not too surprised give our past experiences. Those who are profiting from our collective misfortune will not want the Dangote refinery to work.

“We are ready to defend this facility with everything as civil society organizations. We are not speaking on our behalf but on behalf of all Nigerians and on behalf of our fatherland. It leaves much to be desired how an agency of government with oversight function to guide to grow such a project as this would now be disparaging same project. This is too bad.

“We have seen for ourselves and we have cleared all doubt as to the completion of this refinery and the readiness to supply all our domestic needs. We will exposed them all. Anyone who is not ready to ensure Nigeriand have a new lease of life must give way. Now it is fight to finish.

“Going forward, we are going to set up a situation room to monitor the compliance of the NNPCL with the directive of Mr. President that Dangote Refinery would be supplied with Crude in Naira because we know that the enemies of the people would wnt to adopt another strategy to sabotage the presidential directive.

“It is a criminal audacity for an agency of government to brazenly disparage a national asset like Dangote Refinery, more so when government has four refineries and all of them are moribund, how then would you treat a orivate investors who has committed everything to build a functional refinery much more bigger than all the four own by government put together.

“Nigerians are not stupid; we all know what is interplaying here. They told us that after removing fuel subsidy, market forces would force the price down , what a fallacy of market forces, here we are, the forces have only succeeded in pushing the price up. Now we have a local refinery that will bail us out yet they don’t want it to operate. So that Nigerians would benefit from it.”

Adodo said that the CSOs would mount serious advocacy to make government accede to demands of Nigerians which is not just granting the sale of crude to Dangote Refinery in Naira but also ensuring Dangote fuel are available at petrol stations for Nigerians to buy.

The group appealed to the management of Dangote Refinery not to be discouraged but to trudge on as the group would mount serious campaign in favour of the refinery. “Even if it means we should protest, we will. We cant allow this international embarrassment to stand.”

He argued that all the claims about monopoly against Dangote Refinery was just to call a dog a bad name in other to hang it. What Dangote Refinety will stand foe is not monopoly but peoplepoly. We will write the American Societ of Engineers over this and the European Union.  We will maintain eternal vigilance.

Speaking while welcoming the group, Vice-President, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, described Dangote Refinery as a value-adding facility as it will stop the exportation of Nigeria’s crude and importation of finished products, and he wondered why the government would be against such a vision for Nigeria.

According to him, many African countries have minerals, but they are not adding value to their economies because those minerals are exported raw and the finished products are imported back into the country, whereas vice versa should have been the order of the day.

“This is what Dangote refinery seeks to correct; we did the same in the cement and sugar sectors, where Nigeria was a leading importer of those products, and with Dangote leading the backward integration programme of the government, others came into the sector, and together Nigeria now exports cement to other countries.

“What we want to do in refineries, we have done in other businesses; Nigeria used to be the biggest importer of sugar; we came in and changed the narrative. We led the backward integration scheme of the federal government, and we now produce sugar locally for domestic consumption, and others have joined us. We did the same in cement by opening up production plants, and today Nigeria exports cement to other countries.

“In a business no one was interested in investing in, Dangote delved into it determined to ensure Nigeria no longer imports fuel, invested massively, and came up with the world’s largest single-train refinery.  He said he would not take his money to Dubai or Swiss banks as others are doing; he decided to invest at home, and now they are saying he wants to create a monopoly.

“We didn’t ask for any favour other than that we want to buy crude to produce; first they said there was no crude; later they said we would have to pay some dollars above the prevailing crude market price. And this is a global market where you can track crude prices at any time. We resorted to buying crude from Brazil and the United States. Later, they said we should not be announcing the price of the products.

“Even the US, which is the leading proponent of a free market economy, protects its local industries by imposing huge duties on foreign imports just to protect local industries. This is a man that Saudi Aramco once approached to come and cite his refinery in Saudi Arabia, promising a steady supply of crude. Abu Dahbi also invited him to do the same on their soil, but he rejected it, saying he would build it at home. Now he did that, and a facility that is supposed to add value to Nigeria’s economy is being frustrated.”

The Dangote Vice President said the company would continue to focus on its business strategy, which is to add value to the Nigerian economy through investments and job creation for the teeming Nigerian masses. According to him, Nigeria can only consume 45% of the capacity of the refinery, while the remaining 55% will be exported and brought into the country for foreign exchange. 

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 With Discounts, Flexible Payments, And December Rewards

Published

on

Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

Promo Rewards by Category:

• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration

• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

UBA Hosts Global Leaders At UNGA 2025, Launches Whitepaper On Unlocking Africa’s Potential

Published

on

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to make a bold statement on the global stage as it will be gathering world leaders, policymakers, and investors and other private sector players at the forthcoming 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

This year’s gathering at the UNGA, which is the 80th Edition, will be held between September 15th and September 25th, and as always, UBA Group has mapped out series of engaging activities to spotlight Africa’s opportunities and foster high-level dialogue with global leaders towards boosting the continent’s potential.

A key part of the event, will be the UBA’s unveiling of a ground-breaking whitepaper that presents actionable strategies for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, as part of the bank’s mission to drive sustainable growth across the continent.

The whitepaper, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a leading African financial institution at UNGA, titled ‘Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth’, will highlight opportunities in trade, infrastructure, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth.

By providing a roadmap for collaboration between Africa and the global community, UBA aims to position the continent not just as a beneficiary of investment, but as a critical driver of future global prosperity.

Apart from the Whitepaper launch, other activities of the group will include the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) Roundtable to be hosted by UBA America, as well as the annual UBA Reception.

The reception will convene world leaders, policymakers, and influential business executives who will be involved in critical dialogues on investment and development across the continent.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, emphasized the strategic importance of these dialogues, explained that over the past few years, UBA has become an active leader in conversations and activities that will drive tangible investments to the continent.

“These conversations are fundamentally different from previous discussions because they will be followed by feasible and actionable decisions. UBA will actively work to implement these outcomes for the benefit of the continent, as committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability,” Elumelu noted.

Continuing, he said, “’The United Nations General Assembly is the largest and most official gathering of world leaders, and we cannot let such an opportunity pass without major African players like UBA taking centre stage to bring these leaders together and showcase Africa’s potential.”

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who remarked on the upcoming event, especially the whitepaper’s significance, emphasized the need for more private organizations and players to demonstrate their commitment to the continent’s development through concrete action and proven capabilities.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Iyan Olodo: The City Pulse Lounge Revives Authentic Yoruba Dining In Ikeja

Published

on

The City Pulse Lounge, a branch of The City Pulse, has introduced its flagship dish Iyan Olodo in Ikeja—a freshly pounded yam served in the traditional manner with pure palm wine in calabash style.

The experience is designed as more than just food; it’s a return to cultural roots. At the lounge, guests can hear yam being pounded live (unless it’s a pre-order), and the atmosphere is steeped in Yoruba tradition. On weekends, the venue hosts live performances featuring Juju, Fuji, Gospel, and other cultural arts, turning dining into a celebration.

“Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, popularly known as Ayo Mojoyin, founder of The City Pulse Lounge, said he created Iyan Olodo ‘to bring back the memories of our forefathers in the villages’.” He explained that, as a journalist-turned-hospitality entrepreneur, he wanted to preserve Yoruba culture by replicating how elders used to eat yam with fresh palm wine.

The new dish has already drawn several A-list personalities. Patrons include Chief Bestman Nze (President of Team Nigeria), celebrity journalist Otunba Femi Davies (founder of Metronews Nigeria), realtor Otunba Olayinka Ogundipe (‘Ultra’), and broadcaster Adebisi Adewusi (DebisiKonga). Videos featuring these influencers enjoying Iyan Olodo are being shared, fuelling its cultural buzz.

Menu prices include Iyan with Fish / Bokoto / Ogufe at ₦4,000; Iyan with Assorted & Ponmo Ijebu at ₦5,500; Iyan with Fresh Fish is priced at ₦10,000. Pure, natural palm wine (not mixed) costs ₦2,000 per bottle. Eat-in only; takeaway or delivery incurs extra packaging/dispatch fees.

Iyan Olodo is served daily from 1:30pm to 8:00pm, with pre-orders allowed for earlier or later service. The lounge is located at The City Pulse Lounge, inside Lagos Television, Plot 1 Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja.

The City Pulse Lounge plans to expand Iyan Olodo soon to Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory, with those plans already underway.

For Nigeria’s Independence Day, a special Iyan Olodo promotion will run from October 1-5, 2025. Official details are expected to be announced on September 25.

Continue Reading


 

 


 

 

 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular