Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has described as second to none the contributions of the President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, to Nigeria?s economy and urged him not to be deterred by challenges facing businesses in the country.

It was the submission of guests at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta that the nation would have been much better economically if there are other entrepreneurs like Dangote.

?There is no doubt that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has contributed immensely to the economic well-being of this country with his investments across various sectors. No household in this country will not have one of Dangote Products. I buy Dangote saly and its what like and use in my house and in my farm?, Hon. Elemide stated.

He urged that Dangote should continue to invest in critical sector of the economy just as he has done in the oil and gas sector with the world class petroleum refinery. ?I urged others to emulate him and imbibe his patriotism?, the Speaker said.

Speaking in the same vein, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr Olu Aikulola and Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Olusola Adebode said if Nigerians had been lucky to have two investors of Dangote stature, the country would have ranked among the developed countries.

They stated that the DIL has remained the backbone of Nigeria?s economy and urged the management not to rest on its oars.

Welcoming guests earlier, Dangote Cement?s Sales Director, Lagos/Ogun, Mr. Tunde Mabogunje, said Dangote Group is committed to producing critical household items, with some of its other products serving as either feedstock or raw materials for other manufacturers as a sure way of galvanizing the nation?s economic independent through industrialization.

Mabogunje noted: ?At Dangote Group, our focus is on manufacturing. As a manufacturer, we rely on a network of suppliers and service providers for inputs and materials that we cannot source on our own.

?This commitment informs our active partnership with Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA). Businesses need connections at various levels ?business-to-business, distributorship, and ultimately with the final consumers.

?With our Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical, we are optimistic that many new manufacturing outfits will emerge relying on both the products and byproducts of the petroleum complex as feedstock in their production processes.?

According to Mabogunje, the evolution of different businesses under the Group is expected to crystalize Nigeria?s economy by creating linkages between different industrial sectors. The linkages will provide cushions to the economy, preventing disruptions in production as raw materials are available.

"Linkages are vital in sustainable economic and industrial development. We are envisaging a connected and interlinked manufacturing sector that will produce goods that are usually imported, and in the process create more jobs for the growing youth population," he said.

The Dangote Cement boss explained that the Group?s participation at the Fair, apart from the exhibitions, is to seek connections with other businesses.

On the Group's interventions, Mabogunje disclosed that the Company has commenced export of products from its petroleum refinery to other parts of the world of which Saudi Aramco is the latest destination of its petroleum export while Dangote fertilizer is also exported to other countries thus bringing in the much-needed foreign exchange.

Said he: "Dangote Group has actively participated in road construction and rehabilitation projects aimed at improving transport conditions. The Group also plays a critical role in export financing, particularly through its cement business.

"Our business units are at the forefront of creating values. It is on record that Dangote Cement enabled Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in local production of cement. Nigeria is not only a leading producer of cement, but our export capacity has helped also reduced pressure on foreign exchange."

On his part, President of OGUNCCIMA, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, said the Dangote Group has remained a consistent pillar of support for his Chamber despite the present challenges confronting Nigeria?s economy. They have displayed steadfast commitment to OGUNCCIMA for which Ogun State government has been grateful.

He added that the Dangote Group?s journey is a story of strategic diversification and visionary leadership, capitalizing on Nigeria?s rich natural resources and creating millions of jobs, opportunities for SMEs, and an environment for foreign investments.

He further said that the Group?s commitment to backward integration, where inputs are sourced locally whenever possible, has not only reduced its exposure to foreign exchange volatility but also spurred local industry development.

?PHOTO: L-R; Prof. Tope Popoola, Elder Statesman, Chairman Yewa North Local Government, Hon. Olusola Akinbode, Dangote Cement plc Regional Director Lagos/ Ogun, Tunde Mabogunje, Ogun state Speaker House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, OGUNCIMMA President, Lion Osiyemi, Dangote Industry Limited, Special Day at the Ogun state International Trade fair on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

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