DANGOTE FIGHTS FOR CONTROL OF PETROL MARKET

THE BONE OF CONTENTION



Aliko Dangote, a prominent Nigerian business mogul, has filed a lawsuit against other petroleum marketers in a bid to gain control over the petrol market. This legal move has led to a court summons for these marketers, drawing attention to a potentially significant dispute within the industry. Those involved in this lawsuit are the top 3 oil marketers in the nation, who are:
● AYM Shafa Limited
● A.A. Rano Limited
● Matrix Petroleum Services

They also fought back by appealing to the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. In a joint counter dated November 5, 2024, they argued that monopolizing the oil sector would be a huge disaster to the country's economy.

THE LAWSUIT

Earlier this year, On September 6, 2024, Dangote Refinery had drawn the battle line by using the following bodies:
● Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
● Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
● A.A. Rano Limited
● T.Time Petroleum Limited
● 2015 Petroleum Limited
● Matrix Petroleum Services Limited
● AYM Shafa Limited

On suing, Dangote Refinery became the Plaintiff, with 7 defendants.
The Plaintiff accused NMDPRA of the following:
● Violating the law by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products as opposed to issuance when there is a shortfall of petroleum products.
● Violating its responsibility of encouraging local refineries like Dangote Refinery.THE FIGHT AGAINST MONOPOLY
In a counter response, other oil marketers:
● A.A. Rano Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited accused Dangote Refinery of not producing adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigeria claiming Dangote had no evidence to refute the allegation.

Other arguments they held on to are:
● They are qualified to the import license issued by NMDPRA since they met all legal requirements for the issuance of the license even before it was issued.
● Their license was backed up by the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 amidst other relevant laws.
● The issued license had no effect on the operations of Dangote's refinery or other businesses he owned.

Kicking against monopoly in Nigeria's Petroleum Industry can be achieved by making the Dangote's Refinery is solely responsible for crude oil and petroleum products, they explained this will:
● Affect the economy critically
● Subject the citizens to hardship especially in the face of breakdown or obstruction in the refinery's production, leading to energy crises. To support this claim of breakdown or obstruction in operations, the defendants had purported that the refinery has no reserve adequate to last it for 30 days. Hence, the need to resort to importation in order to complement local production with a plea to the court granting the plaintiff's request will be a drive to economic hardship, mass oppression and the country being at the mercy of Dangote's refinery.

However, the case was adjourned by the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo who fixed January 20, 2025, for a report of settlement or service.

YOUR VIEW
What do you think?
● Is the idea of monopoly an imminent danger to the Nigeria economy?
● Will importation really affect Dangote's refinery?

Reference link:
https://businessday.ng/news/article/marketers-dangote-fight-in-court-over-control-of-petrol-market/

DAVIDO GOES ALL-AMERICAN: First Vote and Birthday Bash in Atlanta


DAVIDO CASTS HIS VOTE



Nigerian Afrobeats Superstar, David Adeleke, also known as Davido took to the polls for the first time in the recently concluded U.S. election. The Afrobeats singer, based part-time in Atlanta, his birth town, made his U.S. voting debut amid a season of electrifying political discourse between the Republicans and Democrats. Excitedly, he shared a picture on his Instagram page captioned "First time Voter" to mark his first voting experience in the U.S. elections without disclosing his preferred candidate. Earlier on, he had encouraged American voters to cast their votes peacefully, rightfully and responsibly.

He said:
"Election Day yall be safe as you perform your constitutional rights"
These actions have sparked reactions from Nigerians. Many criticized him for casting his votes in the U.S. while he barely made a move to support Nigerians during the 2023 elections.

Among them is Daniel Regha, a controversial social media personality who wrote:
"Davido where was this energy during this Nigerian general election? U didn't show proof of vote, didn't show support to voters, or even bother to use ur platform to call on the INEC when there were reports of electoral malpractices across the country. But u are proud to vote in the US election? This is not the achievement u think it is."

DAVIDO CONGRATULATES TRUMP

Just after the results of the election were announced, Davido extended a gesture of praise to the former U.S. President Donald Trump who secured a re-election victory and commended Kamala Harris. Kamala, who was formerly the Vice President under Joe Biden's administration, made history by stepping up as a presidential candidate, drawing admiration from Davido for her bold move.
He wrote;
"Congratulations 47th POTUS @realDonaldTrump but you !! @KamalaHarris SHOULD BE PROUD!! YOU DID THAT! A SOLID WOMAN."

This gesture shows Davido's growing interest in global politics and his support for figures making impactful strides on the world stage but he got yet another backlash from Nigerian netizens who took to the comment section to voice out their displeasure. DAVIDO'S STAR STUDDED BIRTHDAY CONCERT Days ahead of election day, Davido had informed fans of his highly anticipated birthday concert in Atlanta. The concert promises the presence of other talented Nigerian musical artists such as Mayorkun, Ecool, amongst many others. The concert, set to take place on November 21 coincides with his birthday making it a much-anticipated event by him.

In a post he shared, he said:
"21 November in ATL just got even CRAZIER!! Special guests just dropped, get your tickets while you can,"

Anticipations are geared towards this concert as fans and followers are eager to witness the night full of music, entertainment, and celebration, alongside the proper unveiling of his Rolls-Royce and the presence of other stars in the industry. Fans are eager to see how Davido's international connections will bridge culture and influence his music.

YOUR VIEW
● Do you think Davido was hypocritical with his vote?
● Is he truly set to bridge the gap in culture?

Reference link:https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/05/us-election-davido-excited-after-voting-for-first-time/
https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/more-outrage-as-davido-congratulates-donald-trump-commends-kamala-harris/309bcc3
https://notjustok.com/news/davido-announces-star-studded-birthday-concert-in-atlanta/

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https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9-oVzR9V9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

DAVIDO REFLECTS ON HIS MUSIC CAREER



David Adeleke, also known as Davido, Nigeria's leading Afrobeats Superstar reminisces on his journey in the entertainment world as a musician. In an interview with Kiss Fresh FM, he revealed he feels 60 when he's just in his early 30s.

● DAVIDO PERSISTENCE IN MUSIC

Talking about what had gotten him going for a decade plus when most people would have quit or lost relevance, Davido expressed his gratitude and said he owes it all to fans and supporters who had always come through over the years.

Quoting him, he said:
"Six kids after. I'm a father. I'm a husband. Life has—I feel like I'm 60. If you calculate from my 17 years old to where I am now, what I have been through, the places I've been, my experiences, the people I've met, the people I know. It's a lot. Sometimes my joints ache. But we are grateful. A lot of people don't have 14 years of impartment. It rarely happens like that. So to just have the opportunity to keep going, shoutout to my fans. It is them that keep me going every day. It is the fans that put money in our pockets. It is the fans that are spreading the music, spreading the word. Making sure these festivals book us, put big money in our pockets. So, the respect is there. And I think that is something that's very important which is Africans now, the narrative has changed. The respect is there. Not only in music but in fashion, in food. Everything."

● DAVIDO ENVISION THE FUTURE

Though he admits all had not been rosy, especially with balancing life's situations with his career, he has continued to push forward relentlessly, finding happiness in what he does. Stating that money was not his drive for delving into music but passion, this made it easier for him to scale through despite difficulties. He shared his vision of passing on the legacy of Afrobeats to the next generation, ensuring it lives on beyond his own time.

He said:
"Everybody's road is different. I came in just loving music. I didn't need money, I didn't need anything. I came in just having a love for music and entertainment, and I knew I had something to offer the world. So I feel like that is why I just stayed at it and stayed at it. I have been doing this for a very long time. For like 13, or 14 years, and I am not bored. I am not bored at all. I don't think there is a retirement soon. For now, we are still going. We still have somewhere to get to, somewhere to go. And then after we are done, we will leave the blueprint for the people that come after us. And when they are done, they will leave the blueprint for those who come after them. I am just happy that at least we kicked in the door."

YOUR VIEW
● Do you see the future in Afrobeats?
● Could it ever ring that Davido might have faced challenges?

Reference link:
https://www.tori.ng/news/286398/i-feel-like-im-60-davido-reflects-on-career.html

Davido's Latest Luxury Ride Shocks Fans



Popular Afrobeat Superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido indulges in luxury, but his latest purchase has taken it to a whole new level. The superstar recently shocked fans by acquiring a Rolls Royce worth 629 billion Naira.

As expected, netizens took to various social media pages, comment sections, and blogs (fans and critics) to share their thoughts on this jaw-dropping purchase. Davido's new Rolls Royce isn't just any car. It is among the most exclusive in the world. Known for its craftsmanship and prestige, this model reportedly includes customized interiors to Davido's exact specifications, next-level security features, and cutting-edge self-driving technology.

With its sleek design and powerful engine, the Rolls Royce is considered a piece of art on wheels.

Fans React to Davido's Extravagant Taste

Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and blogs exploded with comments as fans weighed in on the star's latest ride.
However, reactions are mixed. Some critics argue that the purchase is excessive, questioning if a car is worth 629 billion Naira or if this is all part of a publicity move. Still, there's no doubt that Davido knows how to get people talking!

A Star with Expensive Taste

This Rolls Royce is just one of the luxury items in Davido's collection. From private jets to designer mansions, Davido's lifestyle is one that matches his status as a global icon. With his
new Rolls Royce, he has once again solidified his title as one of Africa's biggest and boldest superstars.


https://www.instagram.com/p/DBs6ueRMU0R/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Is this purchase extravagant?
● Or is it a stunt for publicity?

Reference link:
https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/music/1622119-davidos-fully-electric-rolls-royce-spectre-2024-arrives-nigeria-price-whip-stir/

DANGOTE TACKLES IMPORTATION



On Tuesday, 29th October 2024, Aliko Dangote alongside other members of the crude oil and refined products sales such as Mr Mele Kyari, {Group Chief Executive Officer Committee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)}, Mr. Yemi Cardoso Governor of CBN, etc.. met with the President to review the implementation of selling crude oil to local refineries in Naira.

The selling of crude oil in Naira was made possible by the investment in Dangote's refinery. This committee was spearheaded by Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to the State House, Abuja.

DANGOTE, NIGERIA, AND THE REFINERY

Despite being Africa's leading oil producer, Nigeria struggles with an insufficient refining structure. This inadequacy results in the importation of nearly all its fuel. The Dangote refinery was a means to evade the country's importation by selling crude oil to the Dangote refinery in order to ease foreign exchange pressure and hit a 650,000 barrel-per-day capacity target.

However, marketers still complained about fuel shortage and the need to supplement Dangote's supplies with imports. This led to the President's meeting with the committee on Tuesday.

THE MEETING

During the meeting, Dangote emphasized he was a producer and was not responsible for the scarcity because the Dangote Refinery does not distribute fuel He urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and marketers to stop importing fuel and focus on getting it locally.

In his words, he showed his displeasure at the turn of events:"I'm expecting either NNPC or the marketers to stop importing and they should come and collect. We have what they need. As they remove, I will be pumping. I don't know whether you understand what it takes to keep having millions of liters.

"We have what it takes for them to come and collect. We are not retailers. We also don't have trucks to send. We have a factory where they can come and load. If they come and pick, they will then distribute.

And they've been doing that with importation. So if it's true that they are doing 55 million liters, I see no reason why they won't come and collect our own. I don't know if you understand what it takes to keep having millions of liters inside our tank. It's costing me money.

Every day, if I'm able to collect the naira, I can actually charge somebody 32% in interest. Right now, that is what I'm losing. And you're talking about 500 billion. We don't print money. The issue is that if they come to collect, you'll not see any queues in the filling stations,"

In early September, the Dangote Refinery started its operations fully in Nigeria amidst disputes among the citizens, NNPC, and Dangote due to pricing. To ease the hike in price, Nigeria began selling crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira instead of U.S. dollars.

This move was in a bid to:
● Stabilize fuel prices
● Strengthen the Naira and reduce the need for dollars in crude oil transactions
● Lessen the economic strains of fuel imports
● Cut down on imported goods and import-related costs.

YOUR VIEW
Will Nigeria still continue with importation?
Will Dangote win against the retailers?

● Reference link:
https://nairametrics.com/2024/10/29/fuel-scarcity-petrol-available-at-our-refinery-come-and-lift-supply-dangote-tells-nnpc-marketers/

DAVIDO- HOW I SHATTERED FAMILY SUCCESS EXPECTATIONS




DAVIDO'S SPEECH

The popular Afrobeat star, David Adeleke popularly known as "Davido", graced an occasion organized by the Noella Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers young people to discover and pursue their unique paths to success.

With about 500 students in attendance for the Lagos Summit, Davido narrated his experience with life after school and how he did something different from the norm in his family and the society.

DAVIDO - HIS ACADEMIC, FAMILY, AND MUSIC BACKGROUND

Davido grew up in Lagos. He attended the British International School, Lagos for his primary and secondary education before studying Business at Oakwood University in the U.S, where he found his love for music and decided to leave school to follow that passion.

This decision led him to take a break from his Business degree to study music at Babcock University.

His father, Adedeji Adeleke is an influential Nigerian businessman who is the President of Adeleke University and the CEO of Pacific Holdings Ltd.

The family thought Davido and his siblings would follow their father's corporate footsteps by either applying for jobs, delving into the family's business, or establishing theirs.

His siblings took that path either by joining the family business or by applying for jobs in corporate bodies.

However, Davido dared to be different. His first big hit in 2011, "Dami Duro" and his debut album, "Omo Baba Olowo" made him a prominent name in Afrobeats. In 2016, he signed with Sony Music and launched his label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), and this gave him an avenue to support other artists like Mayorkun and Perruzzi who are also popular Nigerian musicians like himself.

His song "Fall" in 2017 gave him global recognition as it made waves in the U.S. and Europe.

Two of his albums, "A Good Time" and "A Better Time" released in 2019 and 2020 respectively, featured well-known international artists.

DAVIDO TALKS ON GOALS AND PASSION

"I come from a family with a clear structure—go to school, and after that, go directly to work. You either join my dad's company or find work elsewhere..." - Davido


Beyond music, Davido is also known for his charity work. He has made donations to various causes and has supported many Nigerian orphanages.

In his speech, Davido encouraged students to focus on their future. He said he is happy to see young people taking education seriously and are prepared to focus on life after school. Education is important, so I am here to motivate you and share some encouragement, he said.

He narrated how he defied his family's expectations and followed his passion for music, diverging from the traditional route of securing a job.
Admitting he is blessed to be following his dream and decision to focus on music, he revealed that his organization is into school and business management which still aligns with his education, emphasizing that education shouldn't stop them from achieving their goals.

The 31-year-old DMW record label and Grammy-nominated singer called for more initiatives where students were educated and empowered to discover and pursue unique paths to success.

"We need more gatherings like this, not just in Lagos but across Nigeria. Let's keep pushing forward."


WHERE DO YOU FALL?

We would like to have your views and opinions.
● What team are you? "Team corporate or Team passion"
● Do you relate to being corporate and climbing your way up the career ladder or following your passion?
● Or do you support both?

Reference links:
● https://thenationonlineng.net/im-a-living-proof-of-success-after-school-davido/
● https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/749531-how-i-shunned-cv-writing-shattered-family-success-expectations-davido.html

DANGOTE SHIPS 79.4 MILLION LITERS OF PETROL



Dangote Refinery Operations

Since the commencement of its operations, the Dangote Refinery has been a huge support system to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in managing demand pressure in the domestic and foreign markets.

However, considering the massive production and supply, it has the capacity to load 40 Petroleum Motor Spirits (PMS) tankers simultaneously in 40 minutes. With an average of 2900 trucks daily, this development poses a risk of traffic congestion along the Lekki-Epe expressway,known as the Lagos Free Trade Zone.

The Lagos Free Trade Zone is known for the influx of tankers plying its road. Not only from the Dangote Refinery, but from other establishments as well, leading to the implementation of several measures to mitigate imminent traffic challenges.

Dangote Refinery ships its first 79.4 million liters of petrol by sea to domestic market

Beforehand, Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries had given a heads-up on how the industry intends to leverage sea transportation as its major means of transporting supplies.

In his words, Edwin explained that the refinery would transport a major part of its produce via sea routes and the road route will be reserved for urgent needs.

"We have both exporting facilities by sea and by road. 75% of the production can be evacuated through sea. In fact, now we are ramping up to make it even 100%."

"Anything going to Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, Apapa, Atlas can all be taken through the sea. So only what is imminently required by road can be taken."

"But I also have the facility to load 83% of my production also through the road. We have just built-in flexibility but we can avoid all traffic congestion on the road by evacuating through sea and it will also bring down the cost of transshipment"

Recently, a month after a massive truck distribution, the Dangote Refinery has supplied about 79.4 million liters of petrol (500,000 barrels) by sea to the local market with its vessel, named Sabaek.

This has been a plus and a significant boost to Nigeria's domestic fuel supply.

Your View

This development has been considered advantageous to the environment and humanity.
But what do you think?
Is it truly cost-effective?
Won't it slow down supply?
Do you think it's a wise move?

Reference link:
https://nairametrics.com/2024/10/25/dangote-refinery-ships-first-79-4-million-litres-of-petrol-by-sea-to-domestic-market-report/

DAVIDO'S STUNNING PARTNERSHIP WITH COGNAC GIANT MARTELL: A MILESTONE FOR AFROBEATS



The oldest of the great Cognac houses, Martell has recently kicked off the second chapter of its 2021 award-winning "Be The Standout Swift" campaign. This new chapter is to celebrate the rise of Afrobeat, to honor those who have stayed genuine to their craft and are resilient, accommodating, supportive, and inspiring in their journey.

Martell Cognac House has decided to partner with Davido, the Afrobeat superstar to launch this chapter of the campaign. Martell has unveiled a new film, starring Davido as the lead character. This film directed by Meji Alabi was inspired by Davido's decade-long contribution to Afrobeats, its success, and critical acclaim because, in recent years, Afrobeats' music genre has exploded into pop culture globally, which has unapologetically redefined the world's view of what it means to be an African.

In an interview with Guardian Life, Davido shared some insights on his journey. He revealed that partnering with Martell is an avenue for him to achieve democratizing Afrobeats globally as a Standout Swift. Some questions and answers from the interview are below:

Can you tell us about the Be the Standout Swift campaign and what it means to you?
"Be The Standout Swift" is all about being bold. It's about moving differently and doing things your own way, no matter what. For me, it's a perfect fit because my whole career has been about breaking boundaries, doing the unexpected, and staying true to myself. So, teaming up with Martell on this just made sense—it's all about pushing that message of standing out and owning your lane.

What excites you the most about partnering with Martell on this campaign? How does the campaign reflect your personal and professional journey?
Honestly, what excites me the most is how real the message is. Martell is all about audacity and doing things differently, which is exactly how I've lived my life and built my career. This campaign is a perfect reflection of that energy—being fearless and owning your journey. It's a big vibe.

How do you stay audacious in an industry that is constantly evolving? What advice do you have for people looking to make bold moves in their own lives?
Staying audacious is about never getting too comfortable. You have to keep pushing, keep reinventing yourself, and always aim to do better than your last move. For me, it's all about staying ahead and keeping that hunger alive, in spite of my privilege and accomplishments.

Reference link:
https://guardian.ng/life/martell-cognac-and-afrobeats-powerhouse-davido-toast-to-second-chapter-of-partnership-with-new-campaign/

DAVIDO SNUBS WIZKID



Following a Twitter beef between the Nigerian Afro-beat Superstars, David Adeleke and Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Davido and Wizkid respectively, the duo happened to meet in a nightclub in London, UK where they snubbed each other.

In a video shared by Adesope Olajide - the host of the Afrobeat podcast on X captioned: "Davido and Wizkid currently partying in the same club in London..." but it was understood that they both snubbed each other as Wizkid walked in with his crew without exchanging pleasantries and left almost immediately while Davido continued having fun.

It was reported that while Davido was partying with members of his 30 Billion Gang, Wizkid showed up to support his official disc jockey - DJ Tunez who was playing at the club.

However, after the meeting at the club, Wizkid took to his X handle later on to brag, insinuating that Davido was the one looking for his validation, claiming he runs after him "like a fanboy" anywhere he
goes.

"Everybody dey find Big Wizzy", he wrote.

This action by Wizkid has made many netizens and colleagues wade into the drama such as Davido's aide, Israel Afeare known as Israel DMW. Taunting Wizkid, he called Wizkid a noise maker and a coward, saying he feared the presence of Davido and the crew which led to him giving a snub.

Reference link:
https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/19/wizkid-davido-snub-each-other-inside-london-nightclub/

DANGOTE, TINUBU & MOFE-DAMIJO TO GRACE NDIS



The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiiDCOM) in collaboration with the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), is set to take place from November 5-7, 2024.

Launched in 2018, the 2024 program marks the 7th summit, themed: "New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Visions: The Diaspora and National Development." The summit is aimed at enabling the Nigerian Diaspora to contribute significantly to the Nation's development by addressing socio-economic challenges and boosting investment prospects.

Success stories from previous summits include:
● The Quebec Food Processing Industrial Parks Ltd secured an impressive 462 million Naira equity financing following their participation in the summit.
● Adubiaro Farms also attracted about 50 million Naira in investments after pitching their business at the NDSI
● Royal School of Education Therapy (RSET) received a 2 million grant for training special education teachers and improving its services for pupils with disabilities.

In essence, the summit provides a platform where investors are connected with local entrepreneurs across various sectors via diaspora engagement, an avenue for members of the diaspora to channel their resources and expertise into fostering economic growth.

This year's summit will be graced by the Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, Mofe Damijo and other top personalities in every sector of the economy. President Tinubu will be the special guest of honor while Aliko Dangote will be the guest speaker on the
first day, and he'll be sharing insights from his extensive business experience in Nigeria.

Reference link: https://thesun.ng/tinubu-dangote-mofe-damijo-for-7th-ndis/