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Dangote Cement Pays N3.3 Trillion Dividends in 15 Years, Pledges Africa’s Self-Sufficiency in Cement

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Dangote Cement Pays N3.3 Trillion Dividends in 15 Years, Pledges Africa’s Self-Sufficiency in Cement

Dangote Cement has paid over N3.3 trillion in dividends to shareholders in 15 years. The company pledges to make Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker production

L-R: Group Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; Chairman, Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh; Group Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak; Board Member, Dangote Cement Plc, Mariya Dangote; at the facts behind the figures / Introduction of Dangote Cement Plc new Board Chairman and Directors to the floor of the NGX Stock Exchange, Lagos on Wednesday 10th September, 2025
 

Dangote Cement Plc has rewarded its shareholders with more than N3.3 trillion in dividends over the last 15 years, reaffirming its position as a top-value company on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

This remarkable figure was unveiled on Wednesday during the company’s “Facts Behind the Figures” presentation at the NGX, where the new Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, led the management and board in engaging with stakeholders.

Ikazoboh, who recently succeeded Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as Chairman, commended shareholders for their loyalty and assured them of continued strong returns.

He said Dangote Cement remains resolute in transforming Africa by creating sustainable value for all its stakeholders, as it will do all to achieve its vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker. 

He said: “To our investors, you have my unwavering commitment to safeguarding and growing your investment. To our regulators and market operators, you have my pledge of continued partnership and adherence to governance standards that lead rather than follow. To our employees and partners, you have my gratitude and my assurance that our collective strength will propel us to achievements we haven’t yet imagined.”

Speaking further on the future of the company, the Chief Executive, Arvind Pathak, said: “We aim to expand installed capacity to 66.4Mta by 2030, supporting our long-term vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker production. This growth will be driven by a mix of greenfield and brownfield projects.”

He revealed that the company has commissioned the first phase (1.5Mta) of its 3Mta Côte d’Ivoire plant, while construction of the 6Mta integrated Itori Plant continues to advance steadily. In addition, the company, according to him, has announced a $400 million investment to double its production capacity in Ethiopia.

He said: “Over the past 15 years, DCP has committed more than $8.5 billion in capital investments across Africa, underscoring our long-term confidence in the region’s growth prospects.”

The Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga praised the President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his substantial contributions to the Nigerian capital market and private sector development. He said the former Chairman of Dangote Cement, who is also his mentor, has clearly shown that wealth can be created but also transferred to the public through the capital market.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Temi Popoola, also lauded the new Management and Board of Dangote Cement, noting that with Mr. Ikazoboh as the Chairman, the shareholders will surely be happy.

It would be recalled that the shareholders of the company, in its last Annual General Meeting (AGM), for the year 2024, were full of praise for the Board, Management, and staff of the company after approving a dividend payout of N502.6 billion, which translated to N30 kobo per share. 

The company, in the same vein, also significantly increased its social investments by 469.8 per cent to N3.2 billion. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities were in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. 

President of the Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Faruk Umar, said the shareholders were pleased with Aliko Dangote and his team. He said that for the company to still pay a robust dividend despite the obvious economic challenges, which also affected their operations, shows the doggedness and fighting entrepreneurial spirit of the Management. 

According to him, “We are happy with this result. 2024 was very challenging due to the fluctuations in the foreign exchange market and the company’s expansion programme. But despite all these challenges, the company was still able to pay us a very good dividend and even gave us hope of better returns on our investments in the years to come. This is very commendable, and it is only a company like Dangote Cement that can achieve this laudable feat.”

Chairperson of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Bisi Bakare, also commended the company’s consistent dividend payment, noting that the Company is moving in the best way of corporate governance.

“As a shareholder and an active investor of this company, I am very happy and pleased with the performance of our company so far. The earnings are not even up to N30 per share, and for the company to still declare N30 per share dividend speaks volumes of the quality of leadership that we are lucky to have in Dangote Cement…It should also be noted that Dangote Cement is the only manufacturing company that paid the highest dividend in the year under review. So, we are happy and very proud to be part of this company,” he said. Read More

Photo News: Macron Hosts President Tinubu To a Private Lunch in Paris

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Photo News: Macron Hosts President Tinubu To a Private Lunch in Paris

President Bola Tinubu with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, during a working private lunch at the Elysee Palace, Paris on Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Photo News: Macron Hosts President Tinubu To a Private Lunch in Paris

President Bola Tinubu with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, during a working private lunch at the Elysee Palace, Paris on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

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2027 Governorship: Report Suggests Wale Edun Gains Momentum as Ogun Central’s Preferred Candidate

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2027 Governorship: Report Suggests Wale Edun Gains Momentum as Ogun Central’s Preferred Candidate

Growing support is rallying around Finance Minister Wale Edun as Ogun Central’s leading candidate for the 2027 governorship, positioning him against Yewa’s long-standing quest

Yayi

2027 Governorship: Report Suggests Wale Edun Gains Momentum as Ogun Central’s Preferred Candidate

Emerging political currents suggest that Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is fast becoming Ogun Central’s rallying point in the race for the 2027 governorship.

Insiders say Edun’s growing profile and close ties with President Bola Tinubu have positioned him as the “poster boy” for a regional push aimed at ensuring Ogun Central reclaims the governorship slot after years of rotation.

“Should Yayi become the next Governor, Ogun Central — which has alternated power with Ogun East — would most likely be out of the equation for 16 years. With governors typically serving two terms, power brokers in Ogun Central consider this untenable and are rallying behind Edun as their poster boy,” a political insider explained.

The push is driven by Ogun Central’s insistence on not staying away from the top job for another extended period. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who will complete his second term in 2027, is from Ogun East. Meanwhile, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola — popularly known as Yayi — has emerged as the most visible aspirant from Ogun West, championing Yewa’s long-standing ambition to produce a governor for the first time.

However, Yewa’s push faces challenges due to its relatively smaller voting numbers. While Yayi has tried to strengthen his claim by pointing to his maternal roots in Ogun Central, many power brokers remain unconvinced and instead see Edun as a “thoroughbred son of the soil” and the zone’s most credible candidate.

Talks of Edun’s possible candidacy, initially dismissed last year amid reports that he was uninterested, resurfaced early this year and have since gained significant traction — though the Minister has yet to make any official statement on the matter.

As the political permutations intensify, Ogun Central’s choice of Edun could set up a major contest between the region’s ambition, Yewa’s historic bid, and Ogun East’s outgoing influence, shaping one of the most defining battles ahead of the 2027 elections. Read More

ADITOP Accuses NUPENG of Extortion as Petroleum Tanker Drivers Pass Vote of No Confidence on Leaders

Lukman Omikunle
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ADITOP Accuses NUPENG of Extortion as Petroleum Tanker Drivers Pass Vote of No Confidence on Leaders

The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has accused NUPENG of extortion and illegal levies, as PTD Lagos Zone passes a vote of no confidence on the union’s leadership

ADITOP Accuses NUPENG of Extortion as Petroleum Tanker Drivers Pass Vote of No Confidence on Leaders

The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has accused the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) of extortion and excessive levies collection within the downstream sector. 

This accusation came on the heels of a vote of no confidence passed on the leadership of NUPENG by the Lagos Zone of Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the union (PTD). The vote of no confidence was passed on the National President, Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha, and the General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale by the ADITOP which accused them of greed, rascality, impunity, manipulation, highhandedness, and gross incompetence in leadership. 

The PTD position was the outcome of an emergency meeting held by the State’s zonal executives of PTD on Monday, September 8, 2025, following a rising tension over Dangote Refinery and MRS Holdings Limited’s alleged resistance to unionization of its drivers and deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks across Nigeria for the nationwide distribution of petroleum products. 

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, while reacting to the purported strike by NUPENG, ADITOP accused NUPENG of extortion and excessive levies collection.  

Alhaji Lawal Dan-zaki, the National President of ADITOP, dissociated ADITOP from the purported strike, noting that the association was primarily formed to checkmate the excesses of NUPENG, Petroleum Tanker Drivers, and multiple illegal levy collectors operating under NUPENG.  

He said that in the past five years, the association had written multiple petitions to various government agencies complaining about NUPENG’s extortion and illegal activities within the downstream sector.  

These petitions, he said, had been adjudicated by the Inspector-General of Police, Department of State Security Services, National Security Advisor, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. 

Dan-zaki said that NUPENG fed on this extortion, while remitting zero taxes to the Federal Government.

“NUPENG, PTD, and many other unions and associations hiding under the NUPENG umbrella, extort ADITOP members and depot owners one Naira per litre of every product loaded in a depot. 

“Additionally, NUPENG, through PTD, collects an additional one Naira per litre of loaded product by any marketer. This is in addition to loading charges of N80,000 to N100,000 per truck. 

“This is outright extortion and economic sabotage by NUPENG, PTD, and their affiliated unions and associations,” he said.

How 2008 Global Meltdown Wiped Out ₦220bn of My Fortune — Femi Otedola

Lukman Omikunle
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How 2008 Global Meltdown Wiped Out ₦220bn of My Fortune — Femi Otedola

Billionaire Femi Otedola reveals in his memoir how the 2008 global financial meltdown wiped out ₦220bn of his fortune, forcing him to surrender assets and rebuild his empire

How 2008 Global Meltdown Wiped Out ₦220bn of My Fortune — Femi Otedola

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has opened up on how the 2008 global financial crisis wiped out nearly ₦220 billion of his fortune, forcing him to surrender prized assets and start over.

In his new memoir, Making It Big: Lessons From a Life in Business, released on August 18, 2025, Otedola recounted the devastating impact of the oil price collapse, currency devaluation, and high-interest debts on his empire.

Oil Crash Triggered Collapse

According to Otedola, the crisis began when crude oil prices plummeted from $147 per barrel to just $34 within months. Confident in continued growth, he had placed a $500 million diesel order for import into Nigeria.

“The diesel I’d ordered when the price was astronomically higher was already on the high seas. Now, it was worth a fraction of my purchase price. I said to myself, I’m finished,” he revealed.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s devaluation of the naira worsened his woes. Loans secured at ₦117 per dollar suddenly had to be repaid at ₦165, drastically inflating his debt obligations.

“I watched ₦60 billion evaporate before my eyes, alongside ₦40 billion in interest payments,” Otedola said.

Missed Banking Fortune

Otedola was also a major shareholder in Nigeria’s banking sector, with 2.3 billion shares in Zenith Bank—about 8% of the bank—and another 6% stake in UBA. He admitted missing a chance to sell Zenith shares when they soared from ₦12 to ₦60, a move that could have earned him ₦191 billion.

“It remains one of my biggest regrets. If only I had followed my instincts,” he wrote.

Debt Deal with AMCON

At the peak of the crisis, Otedola owed ₦220 billion across eight major banks, including Zenith, Access, GTBank, and UBA. To stay afloat, he struck a deal with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), surrendering estates in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, truck parks, filling stations, storage tank farms, major stock holdings, and even his private Bombardier jet.

“It was a lifeboat in the storm. I had to concede that if you sink, you sink, and if you grab a preserver, you’ll stay afloat. I gave it all up to start anew,” he recounted.

Rebuilding from Scratch

By 2012, Otedola had cleared his debts and restarted his business journey, holding onto 21% equity in AP and three properties in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Abuja.

Reflecting on the experience, he said, “I paid dearly for ignoring the fundamentals that strengthen enterprises and render them more professional… I weighed all the issues that led to the collapse of Zenon and addressed them methodically and tactfully, without sentiment.”

His memoir provides fresh insights into his struggles, losses, and eventual resurgence as one of Nigeria’s most resilient entrepreneurs. Read More

Kwara BECE Enrolment Rises by 27% Under Gov Abdulrazaq, Says Olohungbebe

Lukman Omikunle
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Kwara BECE Enrolment Rises by 27% Under Gov Abdulrazaq, Says Olohungbebe

Kwara State has recorded a 27% rise in BECE enrolment under Gov AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, with the 2025 results showing higher pass rates in Mathematics, English, and other core subjects, according to Commissioner Lawal Olohungbebe

l-r: Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Kwara BECE Enrolment Rises by 27% Under Gov Abdulrazaq, Says Olohungbebe

…as 2025 Results Show Higher Pass Rates

The Kwara State Government has announced a significant improvement in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), with enrolment rising by 27% under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration and higher pass rates recorded across core subjects.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, disclosed this on Monday while releasing the 2025 BECE results. He said the gains reflect sustained investment in the education sector and the collective efforts of stakeholders.

“Between 2019 and 2025, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has experienced sustained growth and gradual gains in equity,” Olohungbebe said.

He added that, “Total enrolment expanded by 26.28%, rising from 45,761 candidates in 2019 to 57,787 in 2025. Over the same period, the female share of candidates increased steadily — from 47.89% to 48.33% —indicating that the growth in participation continues to include more girls each year.”

The Commissioner noted that enrolment rose from 56,508 candidates in 2024 to 57,787 in 2025, with attendance improving in key subjects. English language recorded a higher attendance rate, rising from 95.29% to 96.09%.

“Access gains were matched by achievement gains,” he added. “Pass rates improved across several core subjects, with increases of +2.23 percentage points (pp) in Mathematics, +2.94 pp in English, +4.51 pp in National Values, +3.72 pp in History, and +3.33 pp in Pre-Vocational Studies. Importantly, average scores also moved up in these subjects, showing that the improvements are not merely at the pass threshold but reflect a broader shift in overall performance.”

He emphasized that the trend shows more candidates are participating and achieving success, particularly in subjects critical to academic progression.

Olohungbebe urged continued attention to attendance and targeted support for subjects with smaller gains. He also directed all Principals of Junior Secondary Schools to visit the Ministry from Thursday, September 11, 2025, to collect their students’ results.

“Collection of results is free of charge, as well as scratch cards for checking the results,” the Commissioner stated.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the examinations. She commended the Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Mrs. Adewuyi Victoria Funmilayo, and her team for their commitment to the success of the 2025 BECE. Read More

Ogun East Youths Rally Behind OGD, Urge Citizens to Secure PVCs Ahead of 2027

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Ogun East Youths Rally Behind OGD, Urge Citizens to Secure PVCs Ahead of 2027

Ogun East Youths under OGEYFO have rallied behind OGD ’27, urging residents to secure their PVCs as the most powerful tool for change ahead of the 2027 elections

Senator Gbenga Daniel

Ogun East Youths Rally Behind OGD, Urge Citizens to Secure PVCs Ahead of 2027

Youths under the banner of the Ogun East Youth Forum for OGD’27 (OGEYFO) have intensified voter sensitisation efforts, calling on residents of the district to see their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as the ultimate tool to shape their political and economic destiny.

In a statement issued after a weekend mobilisation rally, the group described the voter’s card as “the most potent weapon in a democracy, and the strongest means to bring change without violence.”

The forum stressed that many young people often underestimate their political power, forgetting that their collective influence at the ballot box could define the leadership direction of Ogun State come 2027.

“The future belongs to the youth. The PVC is our voice, our weapon, and our ticket to ensuring that Ogun East produces the leadership we deserve,” the group stated.

The campaign marks part of a broader movement to increase voter awareness, participation, and turnout across the district, especially among first-time and young voters.

“Your vote is not just a right. It is your power and your voice. Without your voter’s card, your dreams, hopes, and future remain at the mercy of others. The future we all desire can only be built by the choices we make today,” the statement read.

The forum stressed that the ongoing awareness drive is not just about civic education but also about mobilising support for the political vision of Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), whom they described as the most experienced and people-oriented leader fit to drive Ogun to greater heights in 2027.

They further urged all eligible voters, especially youths in Ogun East, to register, collect, and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the elections.

 “Register for your voter’s card. Keep it safe. Come out and vote when the time comes. Your card, your choice, your future,” the forum emphasised.

The statement concluded with a rallying call:

“OGUN EAST YOUTH FORUM FOR OGD’27… OGEYFO!!!”
With political momentum gradually building ahead of the 2027 elections, observers note that OGD’s influence in Ogun politics remains strong, and with youth groups like OGEYFO spearheading mobilisation, his chances of reclaiming the state’s leadership position may gain further traction. Read More

“Okare Omoluabi Atata!” – Reno Omokri Applauds Femi Otedola’s Display of ‘Omoluabi’ Ethos

Lukman Omikunle
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“Okare Omoluabi Atata!” – Reno Omokri Applauds Femi Otedola’s Display of ‘Omoluabi’ Ethos

Reno Omokri has praised billionaire Femi Otedola for displaying the Omoluabi cultural ethos of the Lukumi Yoruba by advising his daughter, Temi Otedola, to respect and submit to her husband

Reno Omokri

“Okare Omoluabi Atata!” – Reno Omokri Applauds Femi Otedola’s Display of ‘Omoluabi’ Ethos

By Lukman OMIKUNLE

Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has commended billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, for exemplifying the revered Omoluabi cultural ethos of the Lukumi Yoruba.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Omokri hailed Otedola’s stance, particularly his advice to his daughter, actress Temi Otedola, to show respect and submission to her husband, Mr. Eazi, despite being born into immense wealth.

“Okare Omoluabi Atata!” Omokri declared. “Femi Otedola displayed the highest level of the Omoluabi cultural ethos of the Lukumi Yoruba by asking his daughter, Temi Otedola, born into wealth, to submit to her husband and accept him as her boss.”

Omokri noted that Otedola’s public position might have unsettled many feminists, describing it as a striking irony.

“It must have broken the hearts of feminists worldwide. Especially coming from a man whose first name, Femi, has precisely the same first four alphabets as the term feminism. What an irony!” he wrote.

Omokri argued that Otedola’s action reinforces the values of the Lukumi Yoruba, who, he said, “value respect more than money.” He further linked these values to the region’s relative peace, stability, and economic productivity.

“That, right there, shows that Lukumi Yorubas value respect more than money. Which is why they are the most stable ethnicity, and have given the Nigerian nation its most productive and peaceful geopolitical zone,” Omokri asserted.

Citing figures from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Omokri highlighted Lagos State’s dominance in Nigeria’s economy.

“Lagos, where Otedola is from, generated almost 50% of the total VAT generated by Nigerian states at ₦2.75 trillion. The South-West geopolitical zone, as a unit, contributed ₦3.11 trillion in VAT,” he noted.

He contrasted this with other regions, pointing out that the South-South contributed ₦1.08 trillion, while the five South-East states collectively generated ₦101.09 billion — significantly less than Oyo State’s ₦272.41 billion.

Femi Otedola

Omokri concluded that the lesson from Otedola’s public advice lies in the strength of cultural and societal order.

“When there is societal order, founded on stable foundations like respect for elders, even when you are wealthier than them, and an ordered home, founded on the husband as the loving head of the household, with a wife fully submitted to him in love and not in fear, the moral and natural fabric of society align in such equilibrium that the end result is progress and upward mobility.”

Omokri also recommended Otedola’s book, Making It Big: Lessons From A Life In Business, urging his readers and followers to get a copy. Read More

Rep Tunji Akinosi: The Silent Achiever Driving Visible Progress in Ado-Odo/Ota

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Rep Tunji Akinosi: The Silent Achiever Driving Visible Progress in Ado-Odo/Ota

Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Member representing Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, has earned a reputation as a silent achiever through projects in education, infrastructure, and empowerment that are transforming lives

Rep Tunji Akinosi: The Silent Achiever Driving Visible Progress in Ado-Odo/Ota

By Owolabi ALESHINLOYE

Engr. Tunji Akinosi, FNSE, the Honourable Member representing Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, has carved a unique path in public service—quietly but steadily delivering results that resonate across communities. His style of representation is defined by transparency, constitutional fidelity, and a deep commitment to people-oriented governance.

Education: Building Foundations for the Future

Over the last two years, Rep. Akinosi has invested heavily in education, recognising it as the bedrock of progress. He has spearheaded the renovation of dilapidated schools and facilitated the construction of new ones, creating safer and more conducive learning environments. Beyond infrastructure, he has distributed educational materials to public schools, ensuring that pupils and students are better equipped to learn and compete.

What sets him apart, constituents say, is his humility and discipline in execution. These interventions were delivered without fanfare, flamboyance, or waste of public funds—an approach rare among public office holders.

Infrastructure: Connecting Communities, Boosting Growth

Infrastructure renewal has also been central to his representation. A landmark example is the completion of a major road project in Igbesa, already transforming daily life for residents. The new road has improved movement, opened up economic opportunities, and restored confidence in government’s ability to deliver.

“Rep. Akinosi’s work is not about promises; it’s about action. This road alone has changed the way we live and do business,” a community leader in Igbesa remarked.

Empowerment: Opening Doors for Youth and Women

True to his people-first approach, Rep. Akinosi has championed empowerment programmes targeting youths and women. Hundreds of young people have benefitted from vocational and entrepreneurial training, equipping them with practical skills to thrive in today’s competitive economy.

Women across the constituency have also received targeted support through initiatives ranging from micro-finance for petty trading to skills acquisition in fashion, catering, soap production, and agribusiness. These efforts have not only improved individual livelihoods but also stimulated wider economic growth within the constituency.

A Reputation for Silent Achievements

Through these quiet but impactful interventions, Rep. Akinosi has earned the moniker of a “silent achiever”—a leader whose works speak far louder than words. His steady record of service reflects a vision for Ado-Odo/Ota that thrives on sustainable development, inclusive growth, and people-centred policies.

As he continues to steer his constituency forward, constituents say they look ahead with optimism—anticipating more projects, broader empowerment, and deeper engagement in the months and years to come. Read More

Contract Scandal: ‘Clean Your Crocodile Tears, Return ₦5.7bn Now’ – Enugu Patriots Slam Sujimoto

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Contract Scandal: ‘Clean Your Crocodile Tears, Return ₦5.7bn Now’ – Enugu Patriots Slam Sujimoto

The Enugu State Patriots have backed the EFCC and state government in moves to recover ₦5.7bn from Sujimoto Construction over abandoned Smart Green Schools projects, faulting claims of ₦4bn expenditure

Contract Scandal: ‘Clean Your Crocodile Tears, Return ₦5.7bn Now’ – Enugu Patriots Slam Sujimoto

The Enugu State Patriots, a coalition of leaders across political and professional divides, has declared support for the joint efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Enugu State Government to recover ₦5.7 billion allegedly paid to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools.

The projects were part of the 260 Smart Green Schools initiated by the Mbah administration to revolutionise education in the state.

The group faulted claims by Sujimoto CEO, Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, that his firm had spent ₦4 billion on the projects before the contract was terminated in February 2025 at the expiration of the agreed timeline.

According to the Patriots, evidence from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, backed by pictures and videos of the sites as of May 2025, showed otherwise.

“Sujimoto could not have spent up to ₦600 million on the shambolic work he did at the entire 22 sites before they were recovered by government,” the group said in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Prof. Mathiine Anikwe.

The group also dismissed Ogundele’s insistence that the company received only ₦5.2 billion instead of ₦5.7 billion, accusing him of attempting to “discountenance the company’s Value Added Tax (VAT) and other tax obligations.”

“No one can blame the government for awarding the contract to Sujimoto, given its projects in Lagos. But having failed to show value for money here, we advise Ogundele to clean his crocodile tears and return the money to Ndi Enugu,” Anikwe added.

The Patriots stressed that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration had prioritized education, allocating over 30% of the 2024 budget and 33% of the 2025 budget to the sector — with the Smart Green Schools project at the heart of this investment.

Meanwhile, other contractors handling similar school projects praised the government’s system, affirming that they were on track to deliver their assignments according to standards and schedule. Read More

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