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PROSPECTS OF DANGOTE FERTILISER’S IMMINENT ROLL OUT EXCITES OGUN FARMERS

Farmers in Ogun state have said that they are eagerly awaiting the commencement of operations of the Dangote Fertiliser plant which is expected to roll out its first bag anytime from now.
The farmers made this known during an interaction with the Dangote Fertiliser team at the on-going 10th Gateway International Trade Fair holding in Abeokuta.
Secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, Prince Abiodun Ogunjimi explained that the farmers have heard a lot about Dangote Fertiliser and that given the uniqueness of Dangote products, they are waiting patiently to see the fertiliser in the market.
They said they welcome the impending arrival of the fertiliser saying the more the merrier and that the arrival of Dangote fertiliser would ease the pressure on the farmers brought about by the price of the products from the existing manufacturers.
According to him, the expectations of the farmers are high and that they expect that Dangote Fertiliser would have special packages for the farmers to encourage them to patronize the products.
“We are anxiously waiting for the Dangote fertiliser to come to the market. We have heard so much about Dangote fertiliser and with the uniqueness of Dangote products in other sectors, we are of the believe that the fertiliser would not be an exception.
‘We heard he already mapped out various strategies to roll out in grand style and that he would carry us the farmers along by giving us training as to how to apply the product appropriately to maximize yield and productivity and give farmers more profit for their produce.”
The head of the fertiliser team to the Trade Fair, Miss Mary Uche had assured the farmers that Dangote fertiliser has packaged a programme of activities for them that would be unveiled at the start of roll out of fertiliser from its plant at Ibeju Lekki in Lagos and that the farmers being critical stakeholders in the fertiliser value chain, would form the bedrock of operation of the Dangote Fertiliser.
She thanked the farmers for being enthusiasm shown towards imminent roll out of Dangote fertiliser and that they would not be disappointed but rather would be treated to a big deal that they have never witnessed before.
Miss Uche said the farmers would be given training on the rigjt uses of fertiliser and appropriate application of Dangote fertiliser for maximum yield and profitability.
“We have a lot of things in stock for you. Just we have been dping for our distributors in cement and other products, we will place you above every other consideration because your success is our success. We are mindful of the fact that government is shifting all focus to agriculture and this is the reason your role is very crucial in this direction.
Earlier during the Dangote Group Special Day at the trade fair, Mr. Adeyemi Fajobi, National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc had said that Dangote group is actively involved in the efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy with agriculture occupying a very important place.
He said the Group has been a regular sponsor of the Gateway trade fair by Ogun State Chamber of Commerce Industries, Mines & Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) as a means of demonstrating its belief that the Chamber occupies a unique position in driving economic development through their activities.
According to him, “Ogun state has one of the largest concentration of industries in Nigeria and serve as a corridor for transportation of goods, services and people between the nation’s commercial center of Lagos and the rest of Nigeria and even our neighbouring countries of Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.
“Gateway International Trade Fair therefore remains an avenue for us to connect with our customers in South West and other parts of the country. It is a home coming as the region is known for their innovation and industry. We at Dangote Group and people of South West share the trait of ever pushing beyond the limits and discovering new levels of success.
“Despite our progressive position, we are innovative and always thinking of strategies that will drive business and create value for our customers. Our continuous efforts to innovate, create value and invest in Nigeria are borne out of our firm belief in the vast economic potential of Nigeria.
“This has also informed our desire to invest massively in some states across the country. Our target is to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in all the sectors where we play, cement, agriculture, mining and petroleum etc. As announced by our Group President, the Dangote Fertilizer will commence operations very soon with preparation having reached an advanced stage.
President of OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye commended the Group for being a leading light in the efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy from being an import dependent to export one pointing that should Nigeria be blessed with two Dangotes, most of Nigeria’s problem would have been solved.
He described the company as a big brother to OGUNCCIMA, pointing out that the Chamber was lucky to be a host to one of the Dangote Group’s massive investments in Cement in Ibese, Ogun state.
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Access Bank Appoints Mr. Innocent Ike As Substantive GMD/CEO, Recognises Contributions Of Ms Bolaji Agbede As Acting CEO

Access Holdings (‘Access Holdco’ or ‘the Company’) today announces the appointment of Mr. Innocent Ike as the substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective August 29, 2025, following the receipt of regulatory approval.
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ZENITH BANK MARKS 35 YEARS ANNIVERSARY IN GRAND STYLE, RECOGNISES PIONEER CUSTOMERS AND LONG-SERVING STAFF

L-R: Representative of the Nigerian First Lady and Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo; Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Wife of the Founder & Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Kay Ovia; Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chairman of Access Holding Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the Publisher of Thisday Newspaper, Prince Nduka Obaigbena at the Zenith Bank 35th Anniversary and Chairman’s Dinner held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, at the weekend.
Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025. In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above. The ceremony brought together key stakeholders of the bank including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that has propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry. Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today”.In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. According to him, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking industry. He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital – in transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generation after generation of bankers and investors forged at Zenith Bank”.
Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR expressed its immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion. He thanked the bank’s esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family led by the exceptional Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a representative office in China.
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FirstBank Retains Top Spot as Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG At 2025 Euromoney Awards

FirstBank, the West African premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has emerged as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, held recently in London. This marks FirstBank’s second consecutive win in the ESG category, affirming its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking across Nigeria.
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are regarded as one of the most coveted accolades in the global financial industry. The highly competitive selection process involves rigorous analysis and assessment, measuring performance against strategic and impact-oriented criteria.
The Bank earned the award through its deepened sustainability commitments embedded across its operations and community initiatives. In 2024, FirstBank screened 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, integrating ESG considerations into its credit framework.
Among its flagship sustainability initiatives, FirstBank commenced a tree planting campaign in partnership with Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), planting over 30,000 trees in 16 locations across Nigeria. This was the first phase of its 50,000-tree initiative, projected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂ by the end of 2025, contributing to climate resilience and supporting biodiversity preservation.
FirstBank has been proactive in gender inclusion through the Gender Market Strategy, disbursing over ₦43 billion FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024. The Bank’s commitment to inclusive banking saw a significant increase in the worth of transactions facilitated by FirstMonie agents to over ₦9 trillion.
The Bank prioritises ESG/sustainability capacity building, evidenced by the training of over 9000 employees, and its webinars and workshops reaching over 2,000 SMEs and corporates. The bank’s investment in leadership for over 2,000 female employees through the FirstBank Women Network has demonstrated a dedicated structural commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and diverse workforce catering to the dynamic ESG landscape.
Commenting on the award, the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank as well as the Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor said, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second time in a row, which is a validation of our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders. Our approach to sustainability is hinged on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; responsible lending, procurement and climate initiatives”
He added: “We remain focused on driving impact through purposeful initiatives and inclusive growth, ensuring that our ESG efforts continue to create meaningful change in communities across Nigeria and beyond.”
The continued success in ESG and sustainability is driven by FirstBank’s vision to be Africa’s bank of first choice, leading with purpose, responsibility, and innovation.
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