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CIBN Commissions Bankers Hall at Olabisi Onabanjo University

From L to R The Registrar, Olabisi Onabanjo University Mr Femi Ogunwomoju, , Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University; Professor Ayodeji Johnson Agboola, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University ;Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN; Ken Opara, Ph.D FCIB; 1st Vice President, CIBN, Prof Deji Olanrewaju, FCIB, Chairman Odua Investment, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru at the Commissioning of CIBN Bankers Hall at Olabisi Onabanjo University yesterday

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The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has reiterated its resolve to strengthen banking and finance education in the country through the injection of professionalism into the teaching and learning of the course.

The CIBN Bankers Hall was commissioned at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye on Tuesday, 25 July, 2023. The exquisite ultramodern edifice is a legacy project bestowed to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye by The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

The state-of-the-art edifice is one of the seven model projects across the six geo-political zones endowed to various Institutions by the Institute. Olabisi Onabanjo University was chosen based on its pioneering role as the first tertiary institution in the CIBN linkage programme.

The smart, ultramodern edifice, which serves as a lecture theatre, demonstration class and multipurpose centre was commissioned by the President/Chairman of Council of CIBN, Ken Opara, Ph.D, FCIB and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru.

While performing the commissioning ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University expressed his profound appreciation for the thoughtful gesture of the CIBN and their extraordinary act of philanthropy and corporate responsibility. “This noble gesture identifies with the spirit of collaboration between Academia and Corporate world. By working together Academia and Industry can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application”.

In his remarks, the President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Ken Opara, Ph.D, FCIB congratulated Olabisi Onabanjo University for being the first tertiary institution in the CIBN linkage institution, an accomplishment which amongst others afforded the Institution the rare privilege of being one of the beneficiaries of the Institute’s Legacy Project.

He said, “It gladdens my heart to note that the linkage collaboration which was consummated between our Institute and Olabisi Onabanjo University on May 4, 1998, is waxing stronger and this building that is being commissioned today, is endowed to this institution in recognition of its pioneering role as the first institution in Nigeria to embrace what has now become a global phenomenon”.

“The Success story of CIBN linkage at this institution led other Universities and even professional bodies to embrace the Linkage scheme. Following the success recorded here in OOU, the Linkage Programme was extended to the Polytechnics in 2009, eleven years after Olabisi Onabanjo University blazed the trail. Today, out of the seventy-seven (77) institutions on the scheme nationwide, twenty-four (24) are polytechnics and four (4) of these Polytechnics are beneficiaries of the Legacy Project. It is also instructive to note that Olabisi Onabanjo University has produced a total of 496 Associates through the Linkage programme from inception to date while a good number of Associates obtained first degree in Banking and Finance through the scheme”.

This is the seventh legacy building to be commissioned by the Institute, in Six geo-political zones. The previously commissioned Legacy Projects are endowed at The Polytechnic Ibadan (South-West Zone), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi (North-East Zone), Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (South-East Zone), Rivers State University (South-South Zone), Kano State Polytechnic (North-West Zone) and the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, (North-Central Zone).

Dr. Opara noted that through the CIBN BANKERS HALL, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the academia and industry, by providing a world-class learning environment where students can gain practical exposure and hands-on experience. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and exchange of ideas thereby fostering a culture of excellence in banking education. I therefore would like to seize this opportunity to urge the students who are the ultimate beneficiaries to use the facility responsibly, so it can serve successive generations.

“I also want to appeal to the Management to give priority attention to the maintenance of this beautiful edifice, so it can retain its functional utility and aesthetic value”. 

“As the conscience of the banking and finance industry, you can be rest assured that the Institute is resolute and committed to the observance and maintenance of ethics and professionalism among practitioners in the industry.

“The Institute will continue to foster and ensure that the highest standard of ethics is observed by practitioners in the discharge of their responsibilities to the banking public as well as enhancing the knowledge and capacity of all practicing bankers and those who desire to become one, with the best- in-class learning models.

He mentioned that the Institute will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year beginning with a youth focused programme tagged Generation Next Forum, a gathering of over five thousand youths scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 3, 2023, in Lagos with the option of virtual participation for youths across the globe.

Dignitaries at the event cut across all strata of the society just as the Polytechnic community came out en masse to savour the euphoria of the ceremony. Among those in attendance were; The pro Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru; The Vice Chancellor,  Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Ayodeji Johnson Agboola; Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye,  His Royal Highness, Obama Abdul Razak Adenugba; The 1st Vice President, Prof. Plus Deji Olanrewaju, FCIB; The 2nd Vice President, Mr. Dele Alabi, FCIB; The National Treasurer, Mrs Mojisola Bakare-Asieru, FCIB;  Esteemed Past President of the Institute , Prof Wole Adewunmi , FCIB; Esteemed Past President of the Institute , Dr. Bayo Olugbemi , FCIB; Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, FCIB; Members of the CIBN Governing Council; Members of the Governing Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University; The Chairman of Ago Iwoye Central Devt Council.

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BUA Cement records N580.3bn half-year revenue

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BUA Cement Plc has reported a revenue of ₦580.3 billion for the first half of 2025, reflecting a significant rise from ₦363.9 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

The company made the announcement in a corporate disclosure filed with the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Friday.

Also, the company’s gross profit rose from N109.3 billion to N285.8 billion and the profit after tax soared to N180.9 billion up from N34.3 billion.

The earnings per share grew from 101.15k to 534.18k.

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Aliko Dangote retires

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Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025.

He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Government Relations, in order to drive the company’s five-year business trajectory to a superlative height.

The board of Dangote Cement Plc has therefore announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman, Board of Directors.

In the same vein, 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 visionary 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 30th June 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.

Group Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) grew by 41.8 percent to N944.900 billion from N666.22 billion.

EBITDA (Nigeria Operations) grew by 82.4 percent to N845.4 billion. Profit before tax went up from N292.96 billion to N730 billion indicating 149 percent increase while profit after tax surged by 174.1 percent to ₦520.5 billion, in contrast to N189.90 billion in the same period at the preceding period.

In the six months, export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2 percent, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon.

Aliko Dangote’s legacy will be counted in the millions of jobs created, the infrastructure built, and the confidence restored in African industrial potential.

He has proven that Africa can produce, compete, and lead on the global stage. It is on record that subsidiaries under Dangote Group paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

The new Chairman of the Board of the Company, Emmauel 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.

Over the years, Dangote Cement Plc has not only become the continent’s leading cement producer but has also played a vital role in driving economic growth and development across numerous African nations.

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.

Part of the strategies he intends to introduce include driving down costs through the implementation of robust cost-reduction strategies to navigate inflationary pressures and enhance competitiveness.

The company he stated will accelerate efforts to adopt alternative fuels and technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Regarding staff welfare, he promised that the company will continue to invest in training and development, fostering a culture of excellence and empowering employees to reach their full potential.

Emmanuel Ikazoboh was previously 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 Plc. (CSCS).

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UK Parliament Honors NASENI CEO for Driving Africa’s Industrial Innovation

In his remarks, Halilu emphasised Africa’s readiness to lead in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.“It is a great honour to receive this award alongside fellow visionaries committed to Africa’s future.

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The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has been honoured with the prestigious African Achievers Award at the 15th edition of the ceremony held at the historic House of Lords, UK Parliament.

The award, presented during an event that brought together royals, global leaders, policymakers, and innovators, recognised Halilu’s outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s technological infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and industrial growth through his leadership at NASENI.

Hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma, Chancellor of the University of Roehampton and a respected member of the House of Lords, the ceremony was a powerful global showcase of African excellence and transformative leadership, a statement by NASENI’s Director of Information, New Media and Protocol, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said.

Halilu joined a distinguished group of honourees including public officials, business executives, and philanthropists shaping the future of the continent.

In his remarks, Halilu emphasised Africa’s readiness to lead in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.“It is a great honour to receive this award alongside fellow visionaries committed to Africa’s future.

At NASENI, we are bridging the gap between ambition and access, turning ideas into industries, empowering indigenous solutions, and driving forward Nigeria’s and Africa’s industrial transformation. Africa is not just rising, it is ready,” he said.

Under his leadership, NASENI, the statement said, has been repositioned as Nigeria’s leading technology transfer agency, delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu by enabling local production in critical sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, transportation, and digital infrastructure.

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