Columns
Dangote Refinery: Pride to the Nation and Beacon of Hope

Dangote Refinery: Pride to the Nation and Beacon of Hope
By Prof M.K. Othman
A business mogul the size of Aliko Dangote is assumed to say less outside his business engagements. Yet, as a guest speaker at the 38th ABU convocation lecture on Friday, January 29, 2016, he held an unusual audience: the elites, industrialists, technocrats, academia, and teeming youths, spellbound to breath-taking silence, listening to his soft-spoken golden voice deliver his lecture. Perhaps the silence was not unconnected to the audience’s desire to learn how Aliko Dangote built his empire from the horse’s mouth, hoping to replicate the “how” for other Dangotes. The lecture titled “The Role Entrepreneurship in National Development: The Story of Dangote Group.” The message was educative, thought-provoking, inspiring, and a beacon of hope for the teeming unemployed youth, instilling a sense of optimism and encouragement. It was a fleeting moment with a profound sense of pride and fulfillment to host that giant entrepreneur and accomplished financial guru. Dangote could ostensibly be a distinguished professor of applied business advice and management interested in human and financial resources, including capital formation, savings, and investment. The event was my motivational propeller of nominating Dangote for the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on the floor of ABU Zaria senate, which was unanimously accepted and done at the 36th Convocation in 2018.
The name “Dangote” resonates in virtually every household in Nigeria and millions of other households in the rest of Africa. In Nigeria, no household can escape the daily use of a series of household essential commodities from the Dangote group: salt, sugar, rice, fruit drinks, vegetable oil, seasoning pasta, and other products such as cement, flour, etc, among others. This widespread influence of the Dangote Group creates a sense of connection and community among the audience, as they realize that Dangote touches the lives of several million people in Africa and beyond through direct employment, job and wealth creation, businesses, and philanthropic activities. The Dangote group is visibly present in about twenty other African countries besides Nigeria.
Although Dangote’s business grew exponentially, patriotism and entrepreneurial acumen made Dangote realize that importation stimulates economic growth in exporting countries while transferring inflation and job losses to importing countries. This realization and Dangote’s trip to Brazil in 1997 marked a turning point for the Dangote group. Dangote said, “I was shocked when I visited Brazil in 1997 and discovered that another third-world country similar to Nigeria had huge manufacturing complexes that provided jobs for its citizens and developed its economy. If they could do it in Brazil, I realized we could replicate it in Nigeria.” Apparently, this patriotic zeal was the sole motivation to address Nigeria’s seemingly unending energy crisis – the importation of petroleum products into the country despite being Africa’s highest crude oil producer.
The petroleum crisis is a multifaceted, hydra-grave problem that has killed the Nigerian refineries and drained Nigerian foreign exchange through massive fraudulent importation of refined petroleum products. The refineries have been gulping enormous financial resources in the last three decades without refining a single drop of crude oil. The government has been paying vast amounts of unaccountable money to subsidize the import of petrol into the country without respite. It is like pouring water into a bottomless bucket with no apparent solution from the legislative and executive arms of government. When the current government withdrew the unsustainable subsidy without comprehending the issue, the cost of transportation tripled, overshooting hyperinflation with consequent hardship. Yet, the refineries are still dysfunctional. With this scenario, Nigerians eagerly waited and prayed for the completion of the 20 billion USD Dangote refinery to take the country out of the woods. With its potential to end decades of Nigeria’s energy crisis, the Dangote Refinery is a beacon of hope and optimism for the future despite the dark forces working against it.
First, the NNPCL, the supposed 20% shareholder of the Dangote Refinery, refused to sell crude oil to the refinery, claiming that Nigerian crude oil was sold in advance and that Dangote should wait for years before the supply started. However, Dangote overcame the problem by purchasing crude oil from as far as America and Brazil.
Next, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), a subsidiary of NNPCL, condemned the Dangote Refinery. NMDPRA accused the refinery of being a monopoly selling inferior-quality diesel while it was yet to be licensed to commence operations.
The sabotage against the Dangote Refinery has only reinforced Aliko Dangote’s resilience. He refuted the poor-quality claim before the joined House of Representatives committee and accused the NNPCL officials of importing petroleum products from their refineries abroad. He said, “Some Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited officials and oil traders have blending plants in Malta, an island country in Southern Europe, where they import substandard products. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing”. Dangote associated vehicle problems in Nigeria with substandard imported fuel, noting that diesel produced locally is better quality than imported fuel.
He appealed to the House of Representatives leadership to establish an independent committee to verify the quality of petrol available in Nigeria, particularly those sold at filling stations. “I want you to set up a committee that will bring every representative headed by your chosen honorable member to take samples from filling stations. I must tell you today that all the test certificates that people are busy floating around—where are the labs? Even if they have the labs, I can tell you they are fake certificates.” Despite the challenges, Dangote remains steadfast in supporting the refinery, a testament to his unwavering commitment to national development. His resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring and instills hope for a brighter future.
The internal sabotage attracted unprecedented support for the Dangote refinery from well-meaning Nigerians while condemning the attitude of NNPCL for the apparent lack of support for the refinery. Some of the prominent Nigerians who demonstrated their support were Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the President of AfDB; his Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano; a multibillionaire businessman; Mr. Femi Otedola, Labour Party presidential candidate, Dr. Peter Obi, the former Bauchi State Commissioner of Education; and Ace Columnist, Dr. Aliyu Tilde, among others.
The officials of the NNPC should have been ashamed of themselves for failing the nation and draining billions of hard-earned USD in the name of refinery maintenance and huge salaries without refining a single drop of crude oil. Instead of supporting the Dangote refinery to acquire easy sailing to see the limelight, but NNPCL created huddles and sabotage, distracting the refinery for smooth take up. Earlier, Nigerians were made to believe NNPCL has 20% shares in the Dangote refinery, but the recent revelation indicates the actual shares of NNPC to be less than 10%. How can someone cripple the business he has shares in?
By its unpleasant behavior toward Dangote’s refinery, NNPCL has dug its grave; the National Assembly must unearth its activities and find reasons why Nigerian refineries have failed to deliver over the years. Why has the habitual turnaround maintenance yielded no result? Who benefits from oil subsidies and oil imports? Who owns the Malta blending plants? Etc. The issues raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole on the floor of the Senate must be addressed; otherwise, Nigeria will remain economically captive by the unpatriotic people within and without.
The Dangote Refinery, one of the largest in the world, is a source of great pride for Nigeria and, indeed, all of Africa. It marks the end of Nigeria’s petroleum imports and the start of a new economic era that will usher in a prosperous nation with a bright future for our grandchildren. May it happen sooner than later. Amen, and welcome aboard our journey of hope.
Dangote Refinery: Pride to the Nation and Beacon of Hope
Columns
Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?
By: Balami Lazarus
When I heard of the killings of the innocent travelers that happened at Manjul in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are my brothers and sisters? I sat down and began to think, trying to reason out why and what the rationale is behind these killings. My thought raised so many questions regarding this brutal murder, ruling out some motives. But political motive kept whispering, telling me the rationale is politically motivated considering the quantum of killings on the Plateau in places like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, which has become a vicious cycle in these areas. And in addition, there were utterances from some politicians complicating issues.
I hereby condole with the families of my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Samaru, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) community main campus Samaru who lost their lives in the Mangun brutal killings of 20th June, 2025, on their way to Qua-anpan for a wedding. May their souls rest in peace.
The killings of these innocent Nigerians were carried out with no reason or cause, neither threat nor provocation of any kind, much lessreligion or ethnicity, as some irrational persons want us to believe. I stand and write with the power of the pen to say in print that the sentiments aforementioned are far and kept away from such unfortunate incidents, which have been peddled around by some enemies of peace and progress on the Plateau.
It is on record that so many Nigerians have condemned in totality the killings of these innocent travelers. While the government and the good people of Plateau State have long condemned this act in strong terms. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration has properly condoled and sympathized with the government and people of Kaduna State, including the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In his effort as the executive governor, Mutfwang is working tirelessly to see that justice takes its course on those involved in this crime. Besides, his administration is making an effort to compensate the affected families, according to sources.
It might surprise some readers why I emotionally addressed those murdered as my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), Samaru, and ABU main campus, which are integral parts of the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am an indigene of Zaria, having been born and bred outside the ganuwa (city walls) of the ancient Zaria city in Gaskiya, Kongo, ABU main campus, and Samaru, all addressed as Zaria, where I had my childhood spree. Therefore, I will not be queried by identifying with the deceased and their families as my own people, for we are linked one way or the other.
Let me hereinafter tell you why I suspect political motive was behind these killings of the travelers in Mangun-Mangu. I partly grew up on the Plateau, shuttling between Jos and Sharam in Kanke Local Government Area as a student and still living in Jos. Moreover, I have some good understanding of the people, their sociopolitical and economic happenings, and their dynamics on the one hand. And I once led a political group on the other. The utterances of some politicians and their cohorts/allies are questionable because they are not happy with the people-oriented projects of the Caleb Mutfwang administration. And that they were accused of sponsoring the killings going on in the state. The case of Mangun, 20th June, 2025, holds water going by the alleged accusations and the kind of politics playing out in Plateau State.
Findings have revealed that there were interventions by some youth leaders, elders, and vigilantes who risked their lives trying to stop this group of rascals from carrying out the killings and burning of the bus belonging to ABU conveying the victims for a wedding at Qua-anpan. In fact, some were burnt—men, women, and children. Others were rescued with various degrees of injuries. Reports put the total dead at 8 persons. While 12 were injured, some survived. The good news making rounds is the arrest of over 20 suspects believed to be behind these gruesome killings of the Zaria travelers.
Thus, this incident has no doubt painted Plateau State in a bad light as one of the major flashpoint states where killers of innocent travelers reside. Well, I will not blame them because this is not the first. However, this particular one is painfully shrouded in a bitter political atmosphere between some gladiators who are not at peace with the positive developments in the state. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as the change driver.
Yes, there are insecurity challenges on the Plateau, where apprehension and naked suspicion are everywhere, prompting the citizens to be extremely cautious and always on alert. However, if young men can channel their collective energies as a force towards the insecurity bedeviling the state instead of engaging in political thuggery, drugs, and criminality, there will be a change in their lives and the entire system.
Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290
Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?
Columns
Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio
By: Balami Lazarus
Osama. Does it ring a bell? Yes, it does on the Plateau. The Osama I am writing about is that individual who is known for his good works for humanity on the radio and outside the studio. Osama is a gentleman but is outspoken and has a mind of his own.
My Osama in this context is a personality, a brand, and a trademark. Osama is a broadcaster, radio presenter, and popular comedian on stage and in the entertainment industry in Jos-Plateau and beyond. Since the writing is sailing, I will later reveal the identity of who this young man is and why he is so passionate about good governance.
The fights for human rights, social justice, and good governance have been the cries and topic of discourse of so many Nigerians, especially good governance. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights activists are the leaders in these struggles, whereby their roles cannot be overemphasized. The quantum of spoken words, public lectures/enlightenment programs, workshops, seminars, etc., has not brought many changes in our systems because there was little or no action by you and me as Nigerians.
I remembered when I was very active in the struggle for human rights and social justice. As Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of Democratic Alternative (DA), we were much concerned with democratic alternative processes and social justice with a whiff of good governance, and this has been the case for some NGOs, as I know.
I came to understand from my experiences that, as a country, we have good public-oriented programs, but our major challenges are implementation and follow-up that come with too many talks but no individual action or collective responsibility because many Nigerians are fearful, and this has made me a one-man advocate/crusader for human rights and social justice. Like the subject of this work.
Now back to the subject. Osama is a brand package, fearless advocate, and mouthpiece for good governance on the Plateau through Town Hall, a popular radio program aired by JFM 101.9 FM. Jos is widely listened to. He was born as Ehis Akugnonu. But Osama has overtaken his certified name. Therefore, my continued use of Osama is justified in this work because I realized that many times your other name (also known as) tends to dominate and overshadow your real name.
Osama is redefining the fight for good governance by personal efforts through follow-up and speaking on them, putting the government on their feet to improve and do better. ‘I am for good governance, and I will continue to speak on this matter.’ He is purposefully driven by his passion for good quality and better systems to have an enabling environment where the systems are working for progress and development.
Balami, a publisher/columnist 08036779290
Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio
Columns
In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)

In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)
By: Balami Lazarus
I saw it coming. As a writer, my works and I have been verbally attacked several times. I raised an eyebrow at how some readers react by using bad language on issues, opinions, and views. Well, that is their way of expression when they are displeased, but I feel it is grotty.
And here is the conclusion of the “controversial piece,” as one caller puts it. For me, there is nothing controversial about this discourse but the truth of the grotesque happenings in married homes. And the way out, as I earlier wrote, is divorce.
Recently there has been an inflation of brutal murders in marriages; those killed are mostly women and children, and fewer men. What justification does one have to continue in a marriage where there are threats, violence, and unhappiness generated by the presence of either the husband or the wife? And unknowingly one becomes prey hunted by an in-house predator.
Sharks areamong the most intelligent aquatic animals. Their sense of smell is very sharp; they can smell and detect blood or any red object in water from a far distance and come for it at near the speed of light. Therefore, women’s body chemistry is like that of sharks; they sense and notice things easily. But what is wrong with many of them in marriage that they are unable to detect landmines or red flags early in their marriages? Where there is a threat to life with the intention to hurt, harm, and/or cause grievous injury or death, that is when they realize they are living in gross bondage if they are lucky to come out of it alive.
As students at Pluto College Sharam in Kanke-Plateau State, we were told and made to understand as boys to treat our girl students with love and care and be there for them when the need arises. That was one of the lessons that came from the late Dr. Sumaila Ndayako (Rector), as he was known and called. As boys, we dared not humiliate, insult, or threaten them in any way; rather, we were to take them as our sisters by extension. This has taught me to respect and care for the opposite sex.
Moreover, my association, membership, and experience with some human rights organizations have enlightened me with rights, liberties, and freedom garnished by respect for individual differences, rights and privileges, consent, and action. With this knowledge put together, I consider marriage never a do-or-die affair but a privilege with consent to be a husband to a woman who also has rights/consent to be a wife and live in matrimony. Why then humiliation, abuses, and domestic violence?
I have observed in my experience as a married man that if you take away some women from their husbands, they will die, and vice versa. Despite the domestic violence and abuses inflicted on either party, he/she is willing and prefers to die in such gothic marriage situations because one among them has a deep spiritual attachment to the marriage. This is common in Christendom, where “till death do us part.” My question here is, what kind of death? Intentional, accidental, or natural? This created injunction clause does not hold water in life-threatening marriages.
Living in a shark-jaws marriage, I always blamed women who had seen the red flags but refused to leave such marriages and the house-husband (husband). I further came to understand that patience and the pretext that all is well have caused damage to both spouses in terms of emotional and traumatic agonies and some to their graves.
Therefore, spouses that are trapped in this valley of death with its quagmire should know that marriage is a thing of choice. Likewise, divorce is permissible as a panacea for both to be alive to breathe freely.
Balami, a publisher/columnist, 0803677929
In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)
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