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Dangote donates N8bn towards IBB Presidential Library, Rabiu, Danjuma, others
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has praised former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB, for implementing policies that liberated the private sector in Nigeria during his regime.
Dangote made this statement on Thursday during the unveiling of the book “A Journey in Service”, the autobiography of the former Head of State. The event also served as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library.
Africa’s wealthiest man donated N8 billion to the IBB Presidential Library, to be paid at N2 billion annually over the four years allocated for the project’s completion.
He further pledged that if the project extends beyond this timeframe, he would continue to donate N2 billion annually until it is finished.
Dangote, who is the largest employer of labour after the government, commended Babangida for his transformative policies that encouraged Nigerian investors to play prominent roles in the economy. He particularly highlighted the abolition of import licences, which helped stimulate domestic industries.
These reforms, among others, ensured that Nigeria now has more private-sector involvement than any other country in Africa.
This shift, he said, led to a contribution of 85% of the country’s GDP from the private sector, while the government contributes just 15%.
“Your Excellency, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all you have done for Nigeria. Many may not realise that you were the architect of the private sector in Nigeria. Anyone in the private sector who has achieved prominence today owes it to you, as you provided us with the necessary licences. In the past, we used to struggle to obtain licences through intermediaries, including Indians,” he said.
Dangote recalled how Babangida’s policies facilitated the growth of Nigerian businesses, enabling them to thrive.
“Your Excellency, in 1986, you abolished the requirements for import licences, and it was because of that decision that we were able to reach the highest levels of growth. I recall a day when you granted almost 30 of us banking licences. You also instructed five Nigerians to pay N1 million each for oil blocs.
“Your Excellency, I could continue to list all the reforms you introduced that liberated the private sector, which is why Nigeria has more private sector involvement than any other country in Africa. It is only in Nigeria where government contribution to GDP is a mere 15%, with the remainder being driven by the private sector,” he added while expressing hope that future Nigerian leaders will adopt similar policies for the betterment of the country.
“I want to thank you once again, and I am confident that future leaders will continue to follow your example, working closely with the private sector.”
On his contribution to the IBB Presidential Library project, Dangote said, “Your Excellency, based on what I have observed, I believe this project will require at least four years to complete. I would like to contribute N2 billion each year for the next four years, amounting to N8 billion in total. Should the project extend beyond four years, I will continue to contribute N2 billion annually.”
Other prominent Nigerians also pledged contributions to the library’s construction. The Chief Launcher and Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, donated N5 billion, while the co-Chief Launcher and Founder of the TY Danjuma Foundation, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, donated N3 billion.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the event, remarked that by writing his memoir, Babangida had not only contributed to making history but also to documenting it.
However, he cautioned the former military Head of State to expect varied reactions to the book, including good, bad, and ugly ones.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also praised Babangida for the launch of his memoir and stated that Nigeria’s history would be incomplete without the story of the former Head of State.
During the book’s review, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying that late Moshood Abiola, who contested the 1993 presidential election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, won the election.
However, Babangida described the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his life.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida was quoted to have said
The former military leader noted that while the annulment of the election remained a defining moment in his career, he took solace in the fact that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic title, a recognition reserved for Nigerian presidents
Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, has congratulated former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, on the occasion of his 68th birthday. The felicitation was contained in a statement issued in Ughelli on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Dr. Akpodiete described Chief Ibori as an exceptional statesman and visionary leader whose tenure laid the foundation for Delta State’s political and socio-economic advancement.
He noted that Chief Ibori’s landmark contributions in governance, infrastructure, and human capital development continue to shape the lives of Deltans today.
According to Dr. Akpodiete, Chief Ibori’s brand of purposeful leadership, courage, and dedication to the growth of Delta State has earned him national respect and admiration. He praised the former governor for his consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and sustainable development.
The Executive Director also acknowledged Chief Ibori’s role in grooming a generation of political leaders and public servants, describing him as a mentor whose experience, wisdom, and guidance remain a source of inspiration for Delta State and Nigeria.
Dr. Akpodiete prayed that God Almighty grants Chief James Ibori sound health, long life, divine wisdom, and renewed strength to continue his service to humanity, and wished him a joyous and memorable 68th birthday celebration.
Signed
Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP
Executive Director
_Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation_
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has revealed the question he would ask God if given the opportunity, saying he would want to know why he was led to leave his comfortable private life for the challenges of politics.
Obi made the remark while addressing a gathering of his supporters, where he reflected on his political journey and the responsibilities that come with public service.
According to the former Anambra State governor, he never envisioned a life in active politics and believes his current position is part of God’s plan.
“I’m a politician today, but if I ever have the opportunity to question God, I would ask Him why He allowed me to leave my comfort place and get involved in politics,” Obi said.
He, however, added that he believes every individual is placed where God intends them to be and should use their position to serve humanity.
“But wherever we find ourselves is where God wants us to be, and we must do everything we can for the benefit of the masses.Africans & Diaspora
“I’m here by the grace of God, and I must not abuse His grace, whether it’s in a private, corporate, or government setting,” he added.
Obi’s remarks come amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political parties and candidates intensifying consultations and engagements across the country.
Umahi Campaigns Against Obi
Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has openly urged Nigerians, particularly those from the South-East, not to support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects, including sections of the Trans-Saharan Highway and other legacy infrastructure initiatives, Umahi reaffirmed his support for the re-election of Bola Tinubu, citing the administration’s investment in infrastructure across the country.
The minister said he was not bothered by criticism from Obi’s supporters, insisting that he remained convinced that Tinubu deserves another term in office.
“They have been insulting me. But I enjoy it honestly because it shows that what I’m doing is touching them. Some of them are also reasonable. They say the only thing is that you’re attacking Peter Obi.
“I say, no, I’m not attacking Peter Obi. I’m asking people in the South-East and Nigeria not to vote for him but to vote for President Bola Tinubu… And I have my facts,” Umahi said.
He argued that continuity in leadership would ensure the completion of major infrastructure projects currently being executed across the country.
According to him, changing governments could delay or complicate the execution of ongoing projects due to policy changes and the need to renegotiate contracts.Africans & Diaspora
Umahi expressed confidence that all legacy projects initiated under the Tinubu administration would be completed if the President secures a second term.
Highlighting one of the projects, he described the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as a major success, revealing that the road is expected to be completed by December with reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered streetlights, and landscaping.
He also announced plans to introduce tolling on the expressway after completion, explaining that the revenue generated would be used for road maintenance.
“The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is a success story. By December, that project will be totally completed with solar lights and tree planting, majorly on reinforced concrete pavements. We are going to do tolling there. The essence of the tolling is just for the maintenance of the road and to provide security that will be patrolling the road,” he said.
The minister further commended contractors handling the various projects and praised officials working with the administration for their commitment, urging them to continue informing Nigerians about the government’s infrastructure achievements.Africans & Diaspora
The comments from both Obi and Umahi reflect the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 elections, with leading figures already making public appeals aimed at shaping voter opinion and strengthening support for their respective political camps.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has declared that the Monday sit-at-home across the Southeast is over.
Soludo disclosed this while revealing how he was stuck in traffic for 15 minutes in the Onitsha area of the state on Monday, August 3.
In a bid to push for the actualization of Biafra and the release of its embattled leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had declared a sit-at-home on Mondays across the region. Economic activities were crippled due to the Monday sit-at-home in the zone.
Explaining that he came late due to traffic at Onitsha where everyone was going about their business, Soludo said:
“I’m sorry I came in about 15 minutes late because I was stuck in traffic at Onitsha. Today is a Monday, and to have traffic at Onitsha on a Monday, the Monday sit-at-home is over.
“I’m here in solidarity with you and my rich neighbour, Delta State. You have a governor in whom I’m well pleased any day, anytime.
“I had to move my executive council meeting today to tomorrow or next because this is very important and I’m very delighted to be here.”
Akpodiete Celebrates Chief James Ibori at 68, Commends His Legacy of Service
I Will Query God For Allowing Me Get Involved In Politics – Peter Obi
Monday Sit-at-Home has ended in Onitsha — Governor Soludo declares
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