Ogun Speaker, Elemide as a special guest at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta
Ogun State Speaker Hon. Oludaisi Elemide has praised the Dangote group of companies’ contributions to Nigeria’s economy, citing the investments across sectors and urging emulation.
Elemide said this as a special guest at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta. He said that the nation would have been much better economically if there were other entrepreneurs like Dangote.
“There is no doubt that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has contributed immensely to the economic well-being of this country with his investments across various sectors. No household in this country will not have one of Dangote products. I buy Dangote salt, and it’s what I like and use in my house and my farm”, Hon. Elemide stated.
He urged that Dangote should continue to invest in critical sectors of the economy just as he has done in the oil and gas sectors with the world-class petroleum refinery. “I urge others to emulate him and imbibe his patriotism”, the Speaker said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr Olu Aikulola and Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr Olusola Adebode, said if Nigerians had been lucky to have two investors of Dangote stature, the country would have ranked among the developed countries.
They stated that the DIL has remained the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and urged the management not to rest on its oars.
Welcoming guests earlier, Dangote Cement’s Sales Director, Lagos/Ogun, Mr Tunde Mabogunje, said Dangote Group is committed to producing critical household items, with some of its other products serving as either feedstock or raw materials for other manufacturers as a sure way of galvanising the nation’s economic independence through industrialisation.
Mabogunje noted, “At Dangote Group, our focus is on manufacturing. As a manufacturer, we rely on a network of suppliers and service providers for inputs and materials that we cannot source on our own.”
“This commitment informs our active partnership with the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA). Businesses need connections at various levels—business-to-business, distributorship, and ultimately with the final consumers.”
“With our Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical, we are optimistic that many new manufacturing outfits will emerge relying on both the products and byproducts of the petroleum complex as feedstock in their production processes”, he noted.
According to him, the evolution of different businesses under the Group is expected to crystalise Nigeria’s economy by creating linkages between different industrial sectors. The linkages will provide cushions to the economy, preventing disruptions in production as raw materials are available.
“Linkages are vital in sustainable economic and industrial development. We are envisaging a connected and interlinked manufacturing sector that will produce goods that are usually imported and, in the process, create more jobs for the growing youth population.”
The Dangote Cement boss explained that the Group’s participation at the Fair, apart from the exhibitions, is to seek connections with other businesses.
On the Group’s interventions, Mabogunje disclosed that the Company has commenced the export of products from its petroleum refinery to other parts of the world, of which Saudi Aramco is the latest destination of its petroleum export, while Dangote fertiliser is also exported to other countries thus bringing in the much-needed foreign exchange. “Dangote Group has actively participated in road construction and rehabilitation projects aimed at improving transport conditions. The Group also plays a critical role in export financing, particularly through its cement business.
“Our business units are at the forefront of creating values. It is on record that Dangote Cement enabled Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in local production of cement. Nigeria is not only a leading producer of cement, but our export capacity has also helped reduce pressure on foreign exchange.”
President of OGUNCCIMA, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, said the Dangote Group has remained a consistent pillar of support for his Chamber despite the present challenges confronting Nigeria’s economy. They have displayed a steadfast commitment to OGUNCCIMA, for which the Ogun State government has been grateful.
He added that the Dangote Group’s journey is a story of strategic diversification and visionary leadership, capitalising on Nigeria’s rich natural resources and creating millions of jobs, opportunities for SMEs, and an environment for foreign investments.
He further said that the Group’s commitment to backward integration, where inputs are sourced locally whenever possible, has not only reduced its exposure to foreign exchange volatility but also spurred local industry development.