Fuji sensation Okiki Bright thrills fans across the UK with unforgettable performances, star-studded shows, and his signature fusion of Yoruba culture and modern beats
Okiki Bright Thrills Fans, Lights Up UK Nights with Non-Stop Fuji Fever in Electrifying Tour
The United Kingdom is feeling the heat of Nigeria’s Fuji fire as rising star Alhaji Mutiu Raji, better known as Okiki Bright, takes his annual UK tour to electrifying heights.
From London to Manchester, the Oyo State-born music sensation has been keeping fans on their feet all day and night with his soul-stirring voice, energetic stagecraft, and pulsating beats.
The tour, which kicked off on June 28 with a Welcome Party in Woolwich, London — also doubling as a birthday celebration for Anana 1 — has been a carnival of rhythm and culture. Organised by Bebe Sila Entertainment, RIA Entertainment, and Godfather Promotion, the night also featured Fuji heavyweight Musibau Alani Comma, popularly known as Omokekere.
From the Tungba Night at Renis Event Center, Manchester (July 18, hosted by Samba and powered by Shoc Entertainment) to the glitzy Prince and Princess Night in London (July 24, by Angel Global Promotions UK), Okiki Bright has shown why he remains one of the most respected names in the Fuji music world.
Fans have also enjoyed intimate moments with the star, including a Meet and Greet with Martini on Old Kent Road (August 2, courtesy of Dubai Entertainment and Godfather Promotions), and the vibrant Islanders Night at Kingsland High Street (August 8), where he performed alongside Alhaji Lateef Fursure, the FUMA President in the UK and Ireland.
And the party isn’t over yet — the much-anticipated Yuppies & Yummies Night in Catford, London, slated for August 19, promises to be another high point of the tour.
Speaking about the overwhelming love from his UK audience, Okiki Bright said, “Every time I step on stage here, I feel the passion and energy of my fans. The UK has truly become a second home for my music.”
Known for blending Yoruba cultural richness with modern, danceable rhythms, Okiki Bright’s songs are not just for entertainment but carry messages of morality, unity, and celebration of heritage.
Recently, Okiki Bright, also known as the “brain box of music,” released a single track titled “Eyan Ire,” which has taken the music apps by storm. The song is available on all major music platforms.
His hits such as Ibilelemi, Aye, Gbagbe Boshey Shele featuring Oritse Femi, and Chop Make I Chop have kept both Nigerian and international audiences grooving.
His album, “Ambition”, continues to gain global traction, further cementing his reputation as a Fuji force to be reckoned with.
As he continues to tour globally — from the UK to Dubai, Mecca, and beyond — Okiki Bright remains committed to bringing Fuji music to new audiences.
In his words,“Fuji is more than music; it’s our story, our culture, and our pride. I want the world to feel that.” Read More
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed recent reports alleging a shutdown of its operations, reassuring the public and market stakeholders that its activities remain fully active and stable.
In an official statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s management categorically denied claims that truck loading has been suspended or that production has been interrupted.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is fully operational. There has been no shutdown, nor has there been any suspension of truck loading activities” the statement reads.
The refinery also clarified that the intermittent sale of Residual Catalytic Oil (RCO) is part of normal business operations, often involving large parcel sales, which explains the recent fuel oil tender.
According to the management, Dangote Petroleum Refinery consistently supplies over 40 million litres of PMS daily, alongside steady volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). These supplies continue unabated, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
“As the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, the facility employs advanced predictive and preventive maintenance protocols to ensure uninterrupted operations. Routine maintenance activities are standard and do not impact the overall fuel supply” the statement further clarified.
In response to speculation about potential supply shortages and price increases, the refinery challenged those sponsoring the rumour to place orders for daily deliveries of up to 40 million litres of PMS and 15 million litres of diesel for the next 90 days.
“To those who believe this misinformation and anticipate a bullish market, we extend a challenge: We invite interested buyers to place immediate orders for up to 40 million litres of PMS daily and 15 million litres of AGO daily, for the next 90 days.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and Nigeria’s energy security, urging the public to disregard unfounded rumours sponsored by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals seeking to undermine the country’s energy independence for their own selfish interests, including the importation of substandard fuels under the false pretext of domestic supply shortages. Read More
Former Ogun governor and senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, accuses Governor Dapo Abiodun of political persecution over quit and demolition notices on his properties, alleging abuse of power and legal violations
‘Political Persecution at Its Peak’ – From DATKEM to Asoludero Court, Gov. Abiodun Allegedly Using New Law to Target Sen. Daniel’s Properties
By Staff Writer
Ogun State politics has been thrown into fresh turbulence as former governor and serving senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of embarking on a politically motivated clampdown, issuing quit and demolition notices on his private and business properties.
In a statement released by his media aide, Steve Oliyide, Daniel described the move as “a clear act of political persecution,” alleging that state officials, acting under Abiodun’s orders, stormed three of his properties on Thursday, August 8, 2025, to paste contravention and quit notices.
The affected properties include the Asoludero Court in Sagamu — Daniel’s private residence — as well as Conference Hotels Limited, Sagamu, and its annex. The notices, according to Oliyide, were dated the same day and threatened demolition for alleged construction without adequate permits.
“This is a ludicrous and flimsy excuse,” Oliyide stated. “The Asoludero Court was built in 2004, the Conference Hotel in 2013, and the annex in 2015. These buildings predate the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022, which the government is now hiding behind retroactively.”
He accused Governor Abiodun of abusing state power to intimidate a political rival, bypassing legal procedure by issuing contravention and quit notices simultaneously, instead of observing statutory timelines.
DATKEM Plaza vandalised by Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government
“This is not a legal process; it is a thuggish tactic designed to intimidate and inflict damage,” the statement read. “It’s the same shameful pattern we saw in the midnight demolition of DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu Ode last year, a property belonging to Yeye Olufunke Daniel, which the courts have already ruled against the state on several fronts.”
Daniel, through his media office, vowed to challenge the latest notices through all legal channels.
“We will not be silent in the face of this injustice,” Oliyide said. “We call on human rights organizations, legal bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this brazen abuse of power.”
As of press time, the Ogun State Government had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
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Full Text of Press Release
Political Persecution as Governor Abiodun Issues Quit, Demolition Notices on Daniel’s Properties in Ogun State
We need to call the attention of the public and relevant security agencies to a very displeasing development in Ogun State. At about the close of official work, precisely at close to 4pm yesterday, the 8th Day of August, some people claiming to be agents of the government of Ogun State under the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration posted Notices of Contravention, Quit and threats of demolition on the Asoludero Court Sagamu private residence, the Conference Hotels Limited, Sagamu and the hotel Annex of the former Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency The Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, FNSE FAEng simultaneously.
We strongly condemn this latest act of political persecution by Governor Dapo Abiodun, as evidenced by the recent issuance of these Notices which were dated August 8, 2025, as a clear demonstration of the governor’s malicious and vindictive abuse of power, hiding behind a newly-enacted law retroactively to target a political opponent.
The documents, concerning these properties cite “suspected” offenses related to construction without adequate permits (which is laughable). This is a ludicrous and flimsy excuse, as the properties in question have been in existence for many years. For instance, the Asoludero Court was built in 2004, while the Conference Hotel Sagamu was built in 2013, and the Annex since 2015. The governor’s administration is now attempting to use the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022 to demolish buildings that were legally constructed long before the law was even in existence.
This action is not only politically motivated but also a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law. The Notices in themselves are clear breaches of procedures which allows adequate time intervals between Notifications on contraventions, Quits and the penalties, if indeed there was any, is not a demolition or a threat of it. Governor Abiodun’s administration has completely bypassed this procedure, issuing a “Notice of Contravention” and a “Notice to Quit” simultaneously, with an immediate threat of demolition. This is not a legal process; it is a thuggish tactic designed to intimidate and inflict damage.
It is worth noting that this is not an isolated incident. This latest act of persecution follows a similar pattern of illegal demolitions carried out by Governor Abiodun’s administration. We recall with disgust the illegal demolition of DATKEM Plaza Ijebu Ode, a property belonging to the wife of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Yeye Olufunke Daniel in the midnight of September, 2023 by thugs believed to be working on the orders of the Governor as no government agent will be sent on such assignment at ungodly hours of the night, even on a weekend on equally flimsy excuses. The matter is currently in court, and the state has already lost several applications at the Ogun State High Court and another at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, a clear indication that their actions lack legal merit.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is taking political vindictiveness to a shameful and dangerous level, without any regard for extant laws or common decency. We call on all well-meaning citizens, human rights organizations, and legal bodies to stand with us in condemning this egregious abuse of power. We will not be silent in the face of this injustice and will use all legal means at our disposal to ensure that Governor Abiodun is held accountable for his lawless actions.
K1 acknowledged the concerns raised and expressed regret over the incident
K1 Apologises Over Abuja Airport Incident, Denies Alcohol Allegation
Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has issued an unreserved apology over a controversial incident that occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
In a personally signed statement, the veteran singer apologised to all concerned parties, including the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and ValueJet Airline.
K1, however, firmly denied claims that he was in possession of alcohol during the incident, insisting that his flask contained only water.
“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. And contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask I carried on that particular day contained only water — not alcohol, as wrongly alleged,” he stated.
The Fuji icon explained that he had passed through two security screenings with the flask empty and only filled it with water at the airport lounge before heading to the tarmac — a fact he said could be verified through CCTV footage.
“More so, I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone being deboarded,” he clarified.
While dismissing the rumours, K1 acknowledged the concerns raised and expressed regret over the incident.
“It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way,” he said, stressing that his loyalty to Nigeria and dedication to promoting the country’s image remain unquestionable.
The singer reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the values and responsibilities of being a global ambassador of Nigerian music and culture.
“To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology,” he concluded. Read More
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) as a transformative model of industrial success
FG Hails Gbenga Daniel’s Free Trade Zone as National Model, Eyes Replication Across Nigeria
The Federal Government has commended the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) as a transformative model of industrial success and international cooperation, spearheaded by former Ogun State Governor and current Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
During a visit to the Zone on Thursday, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) — an agency operating under the Presidency — praised the OGFTZ as a “masterpiece of industrial excellence” that other Free Trade Zones across Nigeria should emulate.
Tegbe noted that the Zone currently hosts more than 173 enterprises, generating over 10,000 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs, while producing 300 megawatts of electricity — making it one of the most self-sufficient industrial hubs in the country.
“This FTZ has set the pace in attracting sustainable Chinese investment,” Tegbe stated. “We are determined to replicate this successful model nationwide to catalyze Nigeria’s reindustrialization.”
He also highlighted how Nigeria could follow China’s example in leveraging foreign technology to drive economic transformation, adding that the Tinubu administration’s industrialization policies would begin yielding visible results within the next 12 months.
“Factories like the one here producing 150,000 metric tons of glass annually, or the steel plant I saw in Abia yesterday, are signs that Nigeria is on the right track,” Tegbe added.
Dr. Hafsat Oduwole-Balewa, Chairman of OGFTZ, attributed the Zone’s growth to strategic leadership and targeted investment. From under 40 industries at inception, the number has now surged to 173 — a feat she says dispels outdated myths about the quality of Chinese manufacturing.
“The goods being produced here meet international standards,” Dr. Hafsat emphasized. “This Zone is living proof that Nigeria-China collaboration can achieve excellence.”
She also revealed plans for expanding into green technology, advanced manufacturing, and youth skill development — aligning the Zone with Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
Mr. Steven Makanjuola, NEPZA Administrative Manager, hailed OGFTZ as a trailblazer among Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones, citing the commitment of its leadership and workforce as key to its continued growth.
The event was attended by representatives from China-Africa Investment FZC, Nigerian Customs, Immigration, NEPZA, and various Chinese enterprises, including Mr. Kevin Liu, Deputy General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC. Read More
In a candid and composed recount, Captain Ranti Ogoyi, the pilot-in-command of ValueJet Flight VK201 from Abuja to Lagos, has broken her silence on the incident involving renowned Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) that disrupted the smooth operation of the early morning flight.
According to Captain Ogoyi, boarding had commenced promptly at 8:10 a.m., as scheduled. Just minutes into the process—between 08:15 and 08:20—KWAM 1 approached the aircraft, carrying a gold flask containing an undisclosed substance.
“In line with standard aviation protocol, ground staff politely requested to verify the contents of the flask,” the Captain explained. “However, Mr. Ayinde refused, brushing aside the request with the words: ‘Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.’“
The ground crew, concerned that the flask might contain alcohol—a substance prohibited on board commercial aircraft in Nigeria—sought assistance from security personnel. The situation quickly escalated.
“As he reached the foot of the aircraft, security reiterated that he could not board unless he complied with the inspection. Instead of cooperating, he became confrontational, drawing attention and causing a disturbance that unsettled the boarding process,” Captain Ogoyi stated.
Recognizing the need to de-escalate the situation and ensure passenger safety, Captain Ogoyi made the unusual but necessary decision to leave the cockpit and engage directly with the passenger.
“I approached Mr. Ayinde calmly and courteously in an attempt to resolve the situation. But without warning, he uncapped the flask and splashed its contents—suspected to be alcoholic—on myself, the security staff, and several nearby passengers. It was a shocking and deeply unprofessional act.”
Following this assault, airport security personnel swiftly intervened. On their advice, and in line with safety procedures, KWAM 1 was denied access to the flight.
“As Pilot-in-Command, I have a legal and moral obligation to prioritize the safety and well-being of my passengers and crew. Given Mr. Ayinde’s actions and aggressive conduct, I fully supported the recommendation that he should not be allowed on board.”
With boarding completed and the aircraft doors shut, the disruption was still not over.
“I noticed Mr. Ayinde lingering dangerously close to the aircraft, obstructing our ability to move safely. I made a public announcement to passengers explaining the delay, while ground security worked to clear the area.”
Once the musician had been removed from the vicinity, Flight VK201 finally commenced taxiing, departing Abuja at approximately 8:50 a.m., nearly 40 minutes behind schedule.
“This incident caused significant operational delays, compromised the travel experience for innocent passengers, and most importantly, posed a direct safety risk to the crew, the passengers, and the aircraft itself,” Captain Ogoyi concluded.
The account by Captain Ranti Ogoyi underscores the challenges faced by airline personnel in ensuring safe, orderly, and respectful air travel, even when dealing with high-profile individuals. Her actions have been praised as an example of firm yet professional leadership in the face of adversity. Read More
The Federal Government has declared zero tolerance for electoral violence, directing security agencies to clamp down on any attempts to disrupt the polls
Ogun Bye-Election: Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Political Thugs, Places Them Under Surveillance
With the August 16 Ogun State Federal Constituency bye-election fast approaching, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has declared zero tolerance for electoral violence, directing security agencies to clamp down on any attempts to disrupt the polls.
Sources within the Presidential Villa confirmed that the President has tasked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and heads of key security agencies with ensuring a free, fair, and credible election, mandating equal treatment for all political parties.
This directive comes amid a surprising political twist—the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently pledged support for some of President Tinubu’s national policies, a development that could significantly reshape the state’s political dynamics ahead of the vote.
Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified surveillance on notorious political enforcers, including Danku and Efele, who have allegedly been involved in past electoral violence. Intelligence reports suggest their networks might be mobilizing in key flashpoints across Ogun East, raising concerns about potential disruptions.
“We are monitoring their movements. Anyone caught trying to cause chaos will face the full wrath of the law,” a top Department of State Services (DSS) official reportedly disclosed.
The official also disclosed that several known troublemakers have been summoned to sign undertakings promising to maintain peace throughout the election period.
Security agencies are reportedly finalising strategic deployments across volatile zones to prevent ballot box snatching, intimidation, or any form of electoral malpractice.
“The President has made it clear—no intimidation, no manipulation. This election must be credible,” said another source familiar with the government’s directive.
Political analysts say the PDP’s alignment with the Tinubu administration may have unsettled the traditional electoral equation in Ogun, creating a tense but unpredictable atmosphere.
Despite these shifts, security authorities have reassured voters of their safety and urged them to turn out en masse.
“We are ready. Ogun voters should feel confident that their voices will count,” the security source added.
As the race heats up, all eyes remain on Ogun, where the coming bye-election is now viewed not just as a local contest, but a litmus test for democratic integrity under the Tinubu administration. Read More
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, seeking a full-scale criminal investigation into an incident involving musician, King Wasiu Omagbolahan Olasunkanmi…
By Newsheadline247
NCAA Petitions IGP Over K1 De Ultimate’s In-Flight Incident, Seeks Full-scale Investigation
…urges no-fly list pending probe
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation, seeking a full-scale criminal investigation into an incident involving Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, aboard a ValueJet flight.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during ValueJet’s scheduled Flight VK201, has sparked concern over airline safety and passenger conduct. Preliminary findings suggest that the veteran musician may have violated provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, prompting the NCAA’s demand for swift legal action.
“Aviation safety is non-negotiable, and accountability must be enforced irrespective of social status,” the NCAA stated in its petition.
In a strongly worded letter to both top legal and police authorities, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal probe into the matter and urged prosecution under all relevant aviation and criminal laws.
As the investigation unfolds, Captain Chris Najomo, Director General of Civil Aviation, has issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), recommending that K1 De Ultimate be placed on a temporary No-Fly List across all commercial flights pending the outcome of investigations.
The advisory aligns with international best practices aimed at maintaining order and ensuring the safety of crew, passengers, and aircraft operations.
“Passengers are held to the same standards of behavior and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace. No one is above the law,” Capt. Najomo emphasized.
While full details of the alleged breach have not been made public, the NCAA has vowed to release further updates as investigations progress.
The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance toward any action that undermines aviation safety, pledging to preserve the integrity of the nation’s airspace regardless of public stature or celebrity status. Read More
Ghana’s ministers of defence and environment and six other people have died when a military helicopter crashed in the central Ashanti region
Two Ghanaian ministers die in helicopter crash, along with six others
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed,50, were killed in the crash, which Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described as a “national tragedy”.
The Z9 helicopter, carrying three crew and five passengers, came down in a dense forest as it was flying from the capital, Accra, to the town of Obuasi for an event to tackle illegal mining. There were no survivors.
The eight bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage and transported to Accra in coffins draped in the Ghanaian flag.
A solemn ceremony was held at the Air Force Base to receive them.
Plans to bury the Muslims among the deceased on Thursday have been postponed pending full identification of the bodies. The government has yet to announce the funeral arrangements.
What caused the crash?
The authorities have not confirmed the cause of the crash but the Ghanaian military said investigations had been launched.
Ghana’s meteorological agency had forecast unusually cold weather for August, with recent rains and light showers causing foggy conditions in many forest areas. Local farmers near the crash site reported morning fog as the helicopter flew overhead.
One eyewitness told the BBC the helicopter was flying at an “unusually low altitude” and the weather was bad.
He said he heard the sound of the helicopter passing by, followed by a “loud sound” and then a “bang”.
“That’s when I realised that the helicopter had exploded. So I hurried to the place to see if I could find survivors,” he said.
The farmer said when he got to the scene there was “no-one to be rescued”.
This is the most deadly of three separate emergency incidents involving Ghana Air Force helicopters in recent years.
In 2020, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter made an emergency landing near Tamale Airport, and last year, another Ghana Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing at Bonsukrom in Ghana’s Western Region.
Three days of national mourning
Many Ghanaians are shocked by the news and still struggling to come to terms with the news. Images purportedly showing the charred remains of the helicopter have been circulating on social media.
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all his scheduled activities for the rest of the week and declared three days of mourning starting from Thursday.
The government, through the president’s chief of staff, directed the country’s flags to fly at half-mast. He also extended condolences to “the servicemen who died in service to the country,” on behalf of President Mahama and the government.
Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed was also among the dead, along with Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress party.
The crew members were named as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President Mahama was feeling “down, down emotionally”, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu was cited as saying by news agency AFP.
Who was Edward Omane Boamah?
Boamah served under Mahama’s previous government as communications minister and before that he was minister of environment. As defence minster he tackled jihadist activity that was brewing in the northern border in Burkina Faso.
In 2022, a France-based NGO, Promediation, said its research showed that jihadist groups had recruited between 200 and 300 young Ghanaians.
Violence in the area has also been on the rise, with concerns that jihadists may be trying to exploit communal in-fighting between rival communities in northern Ghana.
Boamah’s book A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy, about former president John Atta Mills, was due to come out later in the year.
Who was Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed?
Muhammed was at the forefront of the battle against illegal gold mining, which has wrecked the environment and contaminated rivers and lakes.
Protests against the practice, known locally as Galamsey, peaked during Mahama’s run for the presidency last year. Read More
As part of efforts to create more value for stakeholders, Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) has adopted measures aimed at driving energy efficiency across its locations, thereby reducing operational costs and emissions
Dangote Cement adopts strategies to reduce operational costs
The Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, who made this disclosure, said the company is transitioning from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks, to reduce haulage costs.
Mr. Pathak, in his comments on the company’s half year unaudited results for the period ended June 30 2025, stated that, “Our strategic priorities remain focused on long-term value creation. We have made significant progress in further strengthening our cost architecture.”
With haulage being one of the biggest drivers of operational costs, DCP commissioned 1,500 CNG trucks in 2024, with phased delivery of an additional 1,600 trucks to support cost reduction initiatives. This has helped to mitigate the impact that the volatility in the prices of traditional energy sources like diesel and coal have on operating costs. The replacement of conventional fossil fuel with CNG will also enhance the company’s environmental efficiency.
In addition, DCP is ramping up the utilisation of alternative fuels (AF). Typical AF materials for cement production include waste oil, refuse derived fuel, used tyres, plastics and biomass such as palm kernel shells, rice husks, mango seeds, coffee husks, cotton lint, coconut husks amongst others.
According to the Head of Sustainability, Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba, “utilising these materials provide a waste management alternative to landfill as well as proffering a more sustainable energy mix for power and heat generation. This action will mitigate the adverse effects of these materials on the environment. Alternative fuels also reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports thereby improving energy security, lowering energy costs and creating economic opportunities through the provision of green jobs to our local communities.”
Dr Okoroba stated that, since 2019, DCP has diverted over 1.5 million tonnes of waste from the landfill which would otherwise have contaminated land and water sources. “We have also provided leadership in the use of AF as smaller industries now see the benefit of utilising AF as biofuels for the generation of electricity”, she said.
It would be recalled that a Director on the Board, Mr. Emmauel Ikazoboh, during his acceptance speech, had equally identified cost reduction as one of his strategies. He said, “we will implement robust cost-reduction strategies to navigate inflationary pressures and enhance our competitiveness. We will accelerate our efforts to adopt alternative fuels and technologies, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Dangote Cement Plc has about 52.0Mta capacity across the African continent with Nigeria accounting for 35.25Mta. Currently, additional greenfield plants are set for commissioning in Cote d’Ivoire (3.0Mta) and under construction in Itori, Nigeria (6.0 Mta) pushing total capacity to about 61.0Mta. Mr. Pathak said that “this expansion in capacity will not only strengthen our position in Africa but also contribute meaningfully to our export strategy and revenue diversification. As we move into the second half of the year, we remain focused on driving innovation, strengthening our pan-African operations, and delivering sustainable returns to our investors.”
Through investments geared towards expansion, Dangote Cement has succeeded in eliminating Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries. Read More
