President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”

Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.

Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”

According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.

While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.

“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”

Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”

He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.

Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”

“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.

The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”

He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.

Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.

During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.

“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.

In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”

The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”

He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.

“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”

Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.

“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.

By: Fabian Apechihin

In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.

The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.

Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:

“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”

She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.

Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:

“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”

She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.

Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.

With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.

A former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN said that the escalating conflicts between farmers and herders over land and water resources have disrupted food production in Nigeria.Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa, a Fellow of the International Dispute Resolution Institute in the United Kingdom said this today, Sunday October 19, 2025 at the ongoing Plant Science And Molecular Biology World Conference and Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture, 2025 with its Theme: Mitigating Food Insecurity in Central Nigeria: Gender-Inclusive Agri-Innovative Solutions.In his 40 minutes Keynote address at the International Conference which was held at Millennium Hotel, Paris, France, Aondoakaaa, a 2027 Frontline governorship aspirant in Benue state added that the clashes have also displaced millions of Nigerians and have as well exacerbated food insecurity, according to a 2024 report of the UNDP.According to him, women and youth who play crucial but often overlooked roles in agriculture have been at the receiving ends of the attacks.Speaking further, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN expressed that traditional humanitarian responses have proven insufficient, necessitating innovative, gender-inclusive agro-solutions that addresses both food security and conflict resolution.According to him, thirty three states out of the thirty six states of Nigeria have been affected with the farmer/herders clashes.Aondoakaaa’s presentation also showed the devastation at a farm settlement in Guma local government area of Benue State where he highlighted the massacre of farmers at Yelewata and the responses from the government.He said: “On Friday 13th June, 2025, there was a massacre at Yelewata community of Benue State in North Central Region Nigeria where over 200 people were killed. Majority of the victims (60%) were women and youth.“The President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume CON visit to the Yelewata community is of recent memory”Proffering solutions, the Chairman of Mikap Nigeria Limited which the producers of MIVA Rice stated that Nigeria can truly transform if it can intentionally dismantle systemic barriers that exclude women and youth groups that form the backbone of food production but still made to face disproportionate challenges.“The culture excluded women and youth from farmland ownership. This needs specific intervention from government. This pillar demands targeted interventions like flexible training schedules for women balancing farm and family duties and youth-focused agripreneurship programs with startup grants” he noted.Meanwhile, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa hinted that Mikap Nigeria Limited, processor of MIVA Rice is collaborating with GIZ/MOVE program in capacity building for women, youth and people with disabilities.He pressed further that the company is encouraging the formation of agricultural cooperatives for women and youth.According to him, it goes beyond token inclusion to address structural inequalities in land ownership (where women control less that 10% of agricultural land despite providing 70% of farm labor) and financial access (where young agripreneurs face rejection rates of over 50% for formal loans).In his conclusion, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa SAN stated that a transformed agricultural system stands as one of Nigeria’s most powerful levers to unlock door security, ignite sustainable economic growth, and harness the untapped potential of the country’s youth and fertile lands.He however acknowledged efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope but stated that more still needs to be done. He equally called on stakeholders in the sector to contribute to complement the efforts of the government.In his recommendation, he said that the country must first create visible success stories by elevating women and youth time models through media campaigns and innovation awards.Secondly, he said the government should establish gender-sensitive extension services and mobile learning platforms that account for literacy gaps.He also urged the government to institutionize affirmative policies like quotas for women in agricultural leadership programs and youth-focused land leading schemes.“He said: When implemented holistically, this pillar won’t just promote inclusion. It will unlock Nigeria’s most underutilized resource: the creativity and energy of its women and young farmers, potentially increasing agricultural output by 20-30% according to FAO estimates.“Increase capital access and international support for agric value added companies like Mikap Nigeria Limited”In his closing gratitude, Chief Aondoakaaa extended his deepest appreciation to the organizers and participants for their engaged participation and shared commitment for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.“Your presence here today reflects the collective will needed to drive meaningful change. I eagerly anticipate the actionable insights and partnerships that will emerge from this conference, knowing that together, we hold the power to turn dialogue into tangible progress. Let’s carry this momentum forward, ensuring the seeds of collaboration we have planted today yield a harvest of innovation and prosperity for generations to come”