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These are not the best of times for Dangote Group as they face allegations of sharp practices in business from Kogi State government, Kogi Assembly as well as Akwa Ibom State.

Already, the Kogi State House of Assembly has ordered stoppage to the activities of the company in two Local Governments in the State while investigations continue.

The crux of the matter, from our investigations arise from sharp practices in terms of tax payments.

According to exclusive reports from Kogi State, the initial story was that Dangote Group took over the State Cement Company illegally without paying a dime for the takeover.

 

According to our findings, Dangote took over the State Cement Company Obajana Cement without paying the necessary compensation to the State government.

This is corroborated by the State Assembly findings.

According to some media reports, ‘the parliament stated that all available documents showed that the company started as Obajana Cement Company before turning to Dangote Cement company without any considerations.

It also directed that the documents signed at the establishment of the company and relevant receipts of dues claimed to have been paid to the government be made available at the next adjourned sitting date.

 

The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Kolawole, gave the order after interim reports of the ongoing investigative hearing on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) which was submitted by the ad hoc committee led by Hon. Isah Tenimu and deliberated upon at the plenary on Wednesday.

 

Kolawole said this has become imperative in view of the claims and counterclaims between the Chairman of Kogi State Internally Generated Revenue Service (KGIRS) and representatives of Dangote Cement.

 

The Speaker further directed that the Financial Director of Dangote Cement Company should meet with KGIGRS and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry to reconcile financial differences.

 

Earlier, during the investigative hearing, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry had pointed out that Dangote had not been paying business premises fees since operation in the state.

 

Responding, the representative of Dangote, Alhaji Jimoh claimed that on the contrary, Kogi State had 10 per cent share which could only be claimed if the state showed interest, adding that since no interest was shown, the shares had been acquired when Dangote became a conglomerate.

 

While the Financial Director of Dangote, Segun Oyebanjo, claimed that since 2016, the company has paid in total dues the sum of N14 billion to the coffers of Kogi State Government through KGIRS with receipts.

 

But the Chairman of KGIRS said it was not so, adding that the receipts being bandied are not from them.

 

Oyebanjo stated that it was only in 2021 that some certain taxes were not being paid’.

But the Kogi problem with Dangote is not limited to this.

In another development, Following the unrestrained environmental degradation in Ankpa and Olamaboro local government areas, Kogi state House of Assembly on Wednesday, directed the Commissioner of Police and Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to seal off operations of Dangote Plc in the affected areas of the State. The House gave the order during a public hearing on activities of Dangote Group in the state, especially on the the massive exploitation , environmental degradation and non compensation to the affected owners of the land and without revenue accruing to the state government.

 

The Speaker, Kogi state House of Assembly, Mathew Kolawole, charged the NSCDC commandant to ensure immediate implementation pending when the ad hoc committee on revenue clarifies some grey areas. Kolawole, who lamented the environmental degradation caused by mining activities on Kogi by the Dangote group and its subsidiaries, accused the multi national business concern of making billions in the state but yet fails to give back to it.

 

Akwa Ibom is also finding it difficult to collect its entitlement from the Dangote Group. According to reports from the place, the Itu Local Government blocked Dangote premises with their trucks because the company has refused to pay tax for more than two years despite series of pleas.

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Breaking: PDP induces people to impersonate political parties, plans press conference.

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Concerned citizens in Ogun state on Friday raised an alarm over the inducement of some buyable politicians by PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.

 

The insider source revealed that Adebutu, who lost out in the governorship election of last Saturday, has slated a press conference where some people will impersonate the executives of the Ogun State Chapter of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) along with few politicians claiming to be Chairmen of registered political parties, with a promise of N2 million naira each.

The press conference slated for Park Inn Abeokuta, owned by Ladi Adebutu’s father will hold any moment from now.

 

According to the insider source, “Ladi and his party know they cannot win at the Tribunal because they are quoting a wrong section of the Electoral Act 2022, while ignoring the relevant and applicable section of the law. That is why they are bent on inciting and inducing the public instead of going to the Tribunal”

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Wema Bank Organises Financial Literacy Programme for Students to mark 2023 Global Financial Literacy Day

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Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading Innovative Financial Institution is championing financial literacy for the next generation by participating in the Global Money Week to commemorate the Financial Literacy Day on March 23, 2023.

 

In alignment with the theme “Plan your Money, plant your Future”, Wema Bank organized financial literacy sessions for secondary school students across all states where the Bank is represented. This is to instill an early understanding of the significance of building a solid financial foundation and achieving financial stability and success from a young age.

 

The Deputy Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr. Wole Akinleye, led the Financial Literacy Session at Yola Model School, Adamawa State. The students were trained on personal finance topics such as budgeting, emergency funds, saving for goal actualization, investment, donating for positive societal impact amongst others. He further encouraged the students on the importance of developing financial literacy as a life skill.

 

Speaking on the significance of Financial Literacy Week, Mr. Akinleye emphasized Wema Bank’s commitment to empowering young minds with the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions. In his words, “Our hope is that through these initiatives, we can empower more individuals to take control of their finances and achieve financial stability.”

 

Financial literacy is vital for the achievement of financial stability, and it is essential to ensure that everyone has the necessary tools to manage their finances effectively and achieve their financial goals. Wema Bank Plc is committed to providing educational resources and opportunities for children through the Royal Kiddies Account and a range of other savings products, supporting financial empowerment for the next generation.

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