Tinubu, Governors, APC Leaders Storm Jos for Humanitarian Minister Bernard Doro's Daughter's Wedding

 

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, led a distinguished gathering of political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, and other dignitaries to Jos, Plateau State, for the wedding ceremony of Ichi Doro, daughter of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro.

The wedding between Ichi Doro and Fidelis Iliya was solemnised at ECWA Gospel Church 2, Jos, in a colourful ceremony that celebrated faith, family, and national unity.

The event drew high-profile guests from across Nigeria, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former Governor Joshua Dariye, senators, members of the House of Representatives, deputy governors from Benue and Yobe States, members of the Federal Executive Council, APC leaders, traditional rulers, and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Tinubu Commends Doro's Commitment

Delivering President Tinubu's message, Prof. Yilwatda described Dr. Doro as a loyal, dependable, and dedicated member of the administration whose commitment to public service continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

He said the President appreciates the minister's efforts in driving programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens and reducing poverty across the country.

Congratulating the newlyweds, Yilwatda urged them to build a marriage founded on love, mutual respect, patience, and faithfulness.

"The President celebrates with your family on this joyful occasion and wishes the couple a lifetime of peace, happiness, and fulfilment. May they emulate the virtues of dedication, integrity, and commitment that have distinguished Dr. Doro in both public and private life," he said.

Mutfwang Praises the Doro Family

Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Dr. Doro as a longstanding friend whose family is known for humility, compassion, and generosity.

According to the governor, the groom has become part of a respected family whose values will serve as a strong foundation for the new home.

"The groom is fortunate to become part of this family. I pray that God grants the couple a peaceful, fruitful, and enduring marriage," Mutfwang said.

Build Your Home on God, Cleric Advises

In his sermon, the officiating minister, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, encouraged the couple to make God the centre of their marriage.

He emphasised that enduring marriages are built on trust, forgiveness, sincerity, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, urging the couple to remain faithful, prayerful, and patient throughout their journey together.

Special prayers were offered for the couple, their families, and Nigeria, while hymns and choral renditions added beauty and reverence to the church service.

Celebration of Culture and Unity

The reception that followed featured colourful cultural displays, traditional dance performances, and musical entertainment showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Plateau State.

Beyond the celebration, the gathering provided an opportunity for political associates, friends, and well-wishers from across the country to honour the Doro and Iliya families, reflecting Dr. Doro's longstanding relationships across political, religious, and social circles.

An Emotional Father's Gratitude

Speaking during the reception, an emotional Dr. Bernard Doro expressed appreciation to everyone who travelled from different parts of Nigeria to celebrate with his family.

"I am overwhelmed by the calibre of personalities and the number of people who have come to celebrate with my family today. I sincerely appreciate every one of you for identifying with us on this special occasion," he said.

Describing the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life, the minister thanked God for witnessing his daughter's wedding and prayed for divine guidance over the couple.

He also advised the newlyweds to make peace, understanding, patience, and mutual respect the pillars of their marriage.

The reception was chaired by APC's Gombe South Senatorial Candidate, Chief Jerry Joseph Damara.

Other notable guests included APC Plateau State Chairman Rufus Bature; Senators Diket Plang; federal lawmakers Yusuf Gagdi and Ishaya David Lalu; former Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen; Dalyop Fom; traditional rulers; and several other distinguished Nigerians.

The celebration ended on a joyous note as family, friends, and guests offered prayers and goodwill wishes for Ichi and Fidelis, expressing hope that their union would be blessed with enduring love, peace, and prosperity.#

Dangote Refinery Secures $2.5 Billion in Historic Equity Deal, Sets Stage for Major Expansion

 

Africa's Largest Publicly Disclosed Private Equity Placement Signals Strong Global Investor Confidence

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP) has achieved a major financial milestone by successfully raising approximately $2.5 billion through a landmark private equity placement.

The transaction, widely regarded as Africa's largest publicly disclosed primary equity private placement, marks a new chapter in the company's growth journey and highlights strong investor confidence in the refinery's long-term vision, operational strength, and strategic importance.

A First for Dangote Refinery

This is the first time DPRP has raised equity from investors outside its original shareholder base. The successful capital raise underscores the refinery's emergence as one of Africa's most attractive energy and industrial investments.

The funds will be used to expand the refinery and petrochemical complex, strengthen the company's financial position, and provide greater flexibility to pursue future growth opportunities.

Global Investors Back Africa's Energy Future

The equity offering attracted strong participation from a broad mix of investors, including international and African institutional investors, sovereign-related investment vehicles, development finance institutions, strategic partners, and private investors.

Among the notable participants were the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and India Infra Buildco, an investment platform facilitated by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Their participation reflects growing confidence in the refinery's long-term prospects and its role in transforming Africa's energy landscape.

Aliko Dangote: A Strategic Milestone

Commenting on the successful transaction, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited and Chairman of DPRP, described the equity placement as a defining moment for the company.

He said the transaction broadens and institutionalises the company's shareholder base while providing additional capital to complement existing cash flows and external financing.

Dangote also reaffirmed the company's commitment to expanding Africa's refining and petrochemical capacity, reducing reliance on imported petroleum products, and strengthening the continent's energy security.

Investor Confidence Reflects Operational Excellence

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the overwhelming investor response demonstrates confidence in the company's operational performance and future growth.

According to him, the exceptional demand for the equity placement reflects DPRP's strong execution capability, operational excellence, and the confidence investors have in its leadership and long-term potential.

Positioned for Long-Term Growth

With the successful completion of the equity placement, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is well-positioned to accelerate its expansion plans while reinforcing Africa's drive towards energy independence through world-class refining and petrochemical production.

The strong investor response further strengthens confidence in the company's vision to deliver sustainable value for shareholders and contribute significantly to Africa's industrial and economic development.

DPRP also expressed appreciation to its professional advisers and strategic partners whose expertise and support were instrumental in the successful completion of the transaction.

IPMAN Applauds Dangote Refinery, Warns Fuel Imports Are Driving Up Petrol Prices

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has applauded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply across the country while warning that continued fuel imports are pushing petrol prices higher and placing unnecessary pressure on Nigeria's economy.

The association called on the Federal Government to urgently review the fuel import licences recently granted to some petroleum marketers, arguing that the policy has failed to reduce pump prices and instead encourages the importation of more expensive petroleum products.

Speaking in Abuja, IPMAN's National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, said the import regime has become counterproductive, as some importers are proposing to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at about ₦1,350 per litre, significantly above the ex-depot price offered by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

According to him, importing petrol at a higher cost than locally refined products defeats the purpose of promoting competition and protecting consumers from rising fuel prices.

Ukadike stressed that the continued reliance on imported fuel has exposed Nigerians to unnecessary price volatility, while making it increasingly difficult for marketers to plan their operations due to fluctuating import and foreign exchange costs.

He also expressed concern over the quality of some imported petroleum products, alleging that certain fuel imports may not meet Nigeria's required specifications. He urged regulators to strengthen quality control measures to ensure only standard products enter the country.

IPMAN further noted that paying for imported fuel in foreign currency continues to increase demand for the US dollar, placing additional pressure on the naira and contributing to higher petroleum product prices nationwide.

The association maintained that Nigeria's long-term energy security lies in supporting domestic refining. According to IPMAN, greater patronage of locally refined petroleum products would reduce foreign exchange demand, stabilise fuel prices, strengthen the refining industry and create more employment opportunities.

The marketers particularly commended the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for maintaining steady fuel supply despite global geopolitical uncertainties, including tensions involving Iran and concerns over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

IPMAN noted that since the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery, Nigeria has experienced improved stability in petroleum product supply, with fewer incidents of prolonged fuel scarcity that previously disrupted economic activities and daily life.

The association therefore urged the Federal Government, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) to prioritise policies that encourage local refining rather than expanding fuel import approvals.

It also called on the Presidential Committee overseeing downstream petroleum sector reforms to engage key industry stakeholders, including the Dangote Refinery, in developing sustainable measures to ensure affordable fuel prices and adequate supply for the domestic market.

According to IPMAN, Nigeria stands to benefit more by meeting local fuel demand through domestic refining while exporting surplus production to earn valuable foreign exchange. Such a strategy, the association said, would strengthen the naira, improve the country's balance of payments and enhance economic resilience.

IPMAN concluded that strengthening domestic refining remains the most sustainable solution to achieving affordable fuel prices, stable energy supply and long-term economic growth, while reducing the nation's dependence on costly imported petroleum products.#