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Ikazoboh Steps in As Dangote Retires from Cement Coy

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Africa’s richest man and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors from July 25, 2025.

He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertilizer and Government Relations.

The board of Dangote Cement Plc announced the appointment of Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an Independent Non-executive Director, as the new Chairman, Board of Directors.

Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company while Prof. Dorothy Ufot retired from the Board.

Reputed as Africa’s leading investor, Aliko Dangote leaves giant footprints as he retires from the board.

His vision and tenacity redefined not just a company, but the entire cement industry landscape by becoming Africa’s largest cement producer and largest exporter of cement and clinker in sub-Saharan Africa.

Aliko Dangote’s journey with cement began with a bold dream: to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production.

Through strategic investments in state-of-the-art plants, and a commitment to local content, he not only met that goal but exceeded it.

Dangote Cement Plc has 52.0Mta capacity across African continent with Nigeria accounting for 35.25Mta. Currently, additional greenfield plants are coming up in Cote Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0 Mta) and on completion this year will push total capacity to 61.0Mta.

Under his leadership, Dangote Cement Plc recorded the highest revenue and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) in the history of the company.

According to the unaudited results for the six months ending June 30, 2025, the group revenue went up by 17.7 percent, from N1,760 billion at the same period in 2024 to N2,071.6 billion, representing the highest revenue in the history of the company.

Ikazoboh, in his acceptance speech, said he is truly honored to accept the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc while pledging to uphold the highest standards of leadership and dedication in this role.

He described the company as a beacon of African enterprise, which has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Giving an insight into what his tenure holds for the company, he said: “My vision for Dangote Cement Plc is built upon a foundation of sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and unwavering commitment to our core values.

“We will continue to focus on the following key priorities, Operational Excellence, Strategic Expansion, Sustainability, Innovation and Community Engagement.”

Ikazoboh was the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., the Pan-African banking group. He started his professional career at Akintola Williams Deloitte.

He first became the Managing Partner for francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire and later became the Managing Partner of the Deloitte firm in West and Central Africa until 2009.

In 2010 he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange (SEC) as an Interim Administrator to carry out capital market reforms of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc.

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Personality in Focus

Monday Ubani Bags PhD Honours from Babcock University

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Distinguished legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has reached another defining milestone in his illustrious career after earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) honours in Law from Babcock University.

The new feat is a definite declaration that his academic journey is far from over just as he seeks the next frontier – professorship.

Ubani was among a select group of scholars conferred with doctoral degrees during the university’s 2026 convocation ceremony, an event that celebrated academic excellence, research and innovation. The colourful ceremony attracted government officials, members of the Bench and Bar, academics, family members and well-wishers from across the country, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who attended the convocation as a special guest, congratulated the graduating students on their academic accomplishments and challenged them to deploy their knowledge, research and expertise towards national development. He also commended Babcock University for its sustained commitment to quality education, impactful research and the development of highly skilled professionals.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, described the convocation as a celebration of discipline, sacrifice, resilience and scholarly excellence. “Earning a PhD represents years of rigorous research, critical inquiry and unwavering commitment to knowledge,” he said, noting that the achievement reflected not only the graduates’ determination but also the invaluable support of supervisors, lecturers, families, friends and the wider academic community. He added that the newly conferred doctoral graduates now bear the responsibility of contributing meaningfully to public policy, professional practice, national development and the global body of knowledge through research and innovation.

Among the highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law on Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, whose latest academic accomplishment further reinforces his reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds and a passionate advocate of lifelong learning.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, the elated Ubani described the doctoral journey as one of the most intellectually demanding experiences of his life. “The journey does not end with the graduation ceremony. There are still administrative processes to complete. It is a very rigorous journey, but it is worth every sacrifice,” he said.

He encouraged professionals across different fields, including journalists, to embrace higher education, describing the PhD as “the last bus stop of knowledge.”
“I recommend a PhD for everyone, including journalists, if you can. It is a worthwhile experience that broadens your knowledge and perspective,” he stated.

Despite attaining one of the highest academic qualifications available, Ubani revealed that his ambitions remain alive. “The next step is professorship. I’m going for it. I want to start lecturing. Once I have a university where I’m lecturing, I will begin writing more. I’m a good writer; I even write better than I speak. By the grace of God, I believe He will make it happen. I have become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I have become a doctor, and I also hope to become a professor,” he said.

Offering words of encouragement to young Nigerians, Ubani urged them to remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations through perseverance, diligence and faith.
“My message to the younger generation is that they must persevere. But, most importantly, they must know God. If you have God in your life, there is nothing you cannot achieve. There is nothing you cannot do if God is with you,” he said.

He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his family, mentors, colleagues and friends for their unwavering support throughout the demanding doctoral programme, describing the achievement as a testament to God’s grace, hard work and the encouragement of those who believed in him. The convocation concluded with the formal conferment of doctoral degrees on successful candidates, as Babcock University charged the new PhD holders to uphold the highest standards of scholarship, integrity and service while applying their research to address societal challenges and advance national development.

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Ooni of Ife Loses Elder Brother Prince Adetunji

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

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NBA Election: Badejo-Okusanya Coasts to Victory, Becomes 2nd Female President

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as its next president after she polled the most votes when voting officially ended Sunday morning.

‎Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, the only female among the three presidential candidates, polled 12,317 votes to emerge the winner of the election, which was held through electronic voting for 24 hours. from 7:35 a.m. on Saturday to 7:34 a.m. on Sunday

‎She defeated her two challengers, polling 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 ballots cast in the presidential election, based on the final tally…

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