The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has announced the recommencement of the reconstruction of the cement plant project located in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area in Ogun State.

Construction of the Itori plant project originally began on December 23, 2023, with an anticipated completion date in November 2026. Unfortunately, the project was pulled down on two separate occasions during the administration of the former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The ongoing plant project, which includes two new production lines with a combined capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum, complements the existing cement plant that has been operational for over a decade in Ibese, Yewa North Local Government Area.

On Monday, Mr. Dangote conducted a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, as part of an inspection of the multimillion-dollar plant project.

During this visit, he reflected on the challenges faced in the past, noting that the site was dismantled twice by the previous administration. However, he expressed optimism about returning to the site, attributing this positive development to the current administration’s supportive and investor-friendly policies.

He stated, “Our factory at Itori was dismantled twice. When we made a second attempt, the demolitions extended beyond the factory to the surrounding fence, prompting us to withdraw. However, we are now back, and I assure you that the developments are impressive.”

Mr. Dangote further assured stakeholders that, upon completion, the Itori cement plant will significantly enhance the overall capacity of the company’s cement plants in the state, bringing the total to approximately 18 million metric tons per annum.

This positioning will designate Ogun State as the leading cement-producing region in Africa.

“With the contributions of other cement manufacturers in the state, Ogun is markedly ahead of other regions across Africa in terms of cement production,” he emphasized.

According to Mr. Dangote, Dangote Cement remains the leading cement producer in Africa, with a total capacity of 52.0 million metric tons per annum across the continent.

He highlighted that 70 percent of this production occurs within Nigeria, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State representing the largest production facility in Africa, accounting for 16.25 million metric tons per annum.

He concluded by stating that the investments in cement manufacturing have enabled Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in cement production, similar to the progress made in the fertilizer sector, with surplus production contributing to export markets and generating essential foreign exchange for the nation.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has signed an Executive Order mandating the relocation of the Coal Camp spare parts and allied trades markets to the new International Spare Parts and Allied Trades Park.

The newly designated site spans Udi and Ezeagu local government areas along the Enugu-Onitsha Road.

This new market is designed with world-class infrastructure, including safety codes, a fire service station, a truck park, a clinic, and residential areas for traders.

The order, titled “Designation and Establishment of the Enugu International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Traders Park,” was signed in the presence of the state’s Attorney General, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, and leaders of the spare parts dealers’ association at the Government House on Friday.

Governor Mbah assured traders that the new market was purpose-built with all necessary amenities, addressing the shortcomings of the Coal Camp Market.

This new market is designed with world-class infrastructure, including safety codes, a fire service station, a truck park, a clinic, and residential areas for traders,” he said.

The President of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Michael Nomeh, expressed gratitude, noting that previous administrations had failed to fulfill similar relocation promises.

“Since 1999 we have heard numerous promises to relocate us, but none were kept. Governor Mbah has proven to be a leader of action, fulfilling this promise in less than two years,” Nomeh said.

Source: DailyTrust 

The Federal Government has given approval for the construction of a modular refinery in Abia State.

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti said the modular refinery would be built by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.

Otti spoke during the flag-off of the reconstruction of 11.1 kilometers Obehie-Umudibia-Owaza road.

He said the refinery would be cited at the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West local government area of the state. Flagging-off the road project at St. Ann Secondary School, Obehie Asa,

Otti said that the road at completion, would boost marketability and viability of Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP). He said that significant changes would occur in the area after the completion of the road.

This project is therefore not just about creating access to the towns and villages along these corridor, it is more about reviving dormant economic assets, opening new horizons and reigniting the dreams that once starred the souls of our fathers.

“I’ll like to inform you that just a few days ago, we got the good news that the Federal Government has approved a modular refinery which would be cited inside the AIIP. ▪︎The Nation