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Refinery: Why We Pegged Minimum IPO To 10 Shares – Dangote

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has stated that the refinery pegged minimum Initial Public Offering (IPO) subscription to 10 shares to allow more participation from ordinary Nigerians.

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the Investor Roadshow Forum for the Dangote Refinery IPO tagged ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ even as global leaders described the impending IPO as a game-changer and a wealth creator.

Represented by Regional Director, Senior Adviser to the Group President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman Dangote also stated that the gathering is a prelude to the historic initial public offering of the 700,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the largest refinery in Africa, and soon to be the largest in the world.

‘I believe that the development of Africa lies in the hands of Africans, and at the Dangote Group, we are privileged to be able to contribute to this process as co-creators of value. As Nigerians and Africans, we must spearhead the charge to develop our economies and our continent, in a bid to provide opportunities for our people. The potential is immense!

‘Our Vision 2030 mantra at the Dangote Group is ‘accelerating Africa’s industrialisation’ and aside from our investments in Nigeria as our hub, we have also initiated expansion plans in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and some other African nations. Our hope is that other African entrepreneurs would join us in this journey of industrialising our continent.

‘In the approaching Dangote Refinery IPO, we intend to raise N2.15 trillion Naira ($1.6 billion) – at an offer price of N525, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares – to fund the expansion programme of the refinery. The offer price, and minimum subscription level is to allow for wider participation as we want every Nigerian to own a piece of this asset.

‘That is why we have called it The IPO for the People. We want every human being living on the African continent to be part of the action and reap the resultant benefits,’ he explained.

Also speaking, Prof Uche Uwaleke of Nasarawa State University urged investors to buy and retain their shares as a long-term investment.

Uwaleke said the IPO prospectus provided for an additional share as a bonus for investors who held their shares for at least one year. He called for greater participation by retail investors, particularly artisans, workers and small-business owners, stressing the need to take the investment opportunity to ordinary Nigerians.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Oluwagbenga Oyebode, said the offer comprised 4.1 billion ordinary shares at N525 per share, with expected net proceeds of about N2.1tn, representing 3.3 per cent of the refinery’s issued capital. He said the proceeds would be used entirely as growth capital to finance the next phase of the refinery’s expansion rather than repair its balance sheet.

In his presentation, economist and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company, FDC, Mr Bismarck Rewane, said the proposed N2.15 trillion IPO could help increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, from about $278 billion to $600 billion by 2030.

According to him, Nigeria’s GDP, estimated at $278 billion in 2025, could rise to about $600 billion following the investment, while consumer spending could increase from $166 billion to $240 billion and investment from $72 billion to $216 billion. He added that higher net exports could strengthen the naira and further increase the value of economic output.

Meanwhile, Prominent African and international leaders, say opening Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals to wider ownership through the

proposed initial public offering could mark a new vista in African wealth creation, industrialisation and economic sovereignty.

They spoke at the 2026 ADF Africa Diaspora Leadership Programme Young Global Leaders Convening in Lagos on Thursday.

According to the leaders, the refinery had already demonstrated Africa’s capacity to build at global scale, while its proposed IPO could allow ordinary Africans, pension funds, institutional investors and the diaspora to participate directly in the wealth created by one of the continent’s biggest industrial investments.

President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, explained that the philosophy behind the IPO was to extend the prosperity created by the refinery beyond its promoters and give ordinary Africans an opportunity to become owners.

‘I want drivers, cooks, the women selling food on the streets of Ghana, Rwanda and South Africa to invest so they can share in this prosperity,’ Dangote said during a fireside chat. ‘We are doing the IPO to pass this prosperity to Africans.’

He hinted that his ambition had always gone beyond accumulating wealth to building enterprises capable of creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity across the continent. ‘I am wealthy, not rich. A wealthy man creates wealth, while a rich man makes money and keeps it for himself,’ he said. ‘What keeps me going is that we must industrialise Africa. There is no amount of hurdle that will stop us. If you put a brick wall in front of me, I will make a hole and pass through.’

He expressed confidence that the refinery could eventually become Africa’s largest company by size and profitability, drawing parallels with global corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla and Alibaba, which grew substantially after entering the public markets. ‘By the grace of God, this refinery will be the largest company in Africa by size and profitability,’ he said.

He said the Group’s wider mission was to reduce the perceived risks associated with investing in Africa and demonstrate that globally competitive enterprises could be built successfully on the continent. ‘Our job is to derisk Africa, encourage more investors, create jobs and create more opportunities. That is how we will transform Africa,’ Dangote said.

Speaking, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Co Chair of The Africa Center, Ambassador Jendayi Frazer, said the proposed IPO could connect African industrial production with African and diaspora capital, broadening participation in the value created by the continent’s strategic assets. ‘The refinery connects us all through the proposed IPO that creates broader ownership,’ Frazer said. ‘It can broaden participation in the value created by African industry. It can connect investment with African production to scale with African institutions, pension funds, savers, individual investors, including the African diaspora coming into this, owning a stake in Africa’s growth.’

Frazer said the refinery had already ‘changed the equation’ for Africa, with implications extending far beyond petroleum production into the continent’s geopolitical standing.

PMCG activates 260 wards, 17 councils for Enugu governor, APC

The Peter Mbah Continuity Group (PMCG) has activated a massive grassroots mobilisation structure across Enugu State, inaugurating its State, three Zonal, 17 Local Government and 260 Ward executive committees ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The diaspora-supported pro-Mbah political group inaugurated the structures at the Enugu International Conference Centre, with a charge to the newly appointed executives to take Governor Peter Mbah’s development agenda to the grassroots and mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates.

The ceremony attracted political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, APC stakeholders and thousands of PMCG members, who expressed support for the governor amid solidarity songs and chants.

Convener and Global Coordinator of PMCG, Dr. Martilord Ifeanyichi, said the extensive structure was designed to deepen grassroots engagement and ensure that residents across the state’s 260 wards understood the policies, programmes and achievements of the Mbah administration.

Ifeanyichi said PMCG was established by what he described as patriotic Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who, having assessed the governor’s performance during his first three and a half years in office, resolved to support his development agenda.

He explained that the group’s mandate extended beyond political mobilisation, stressing that it would also simplify government policies and achievements for ordinary citizens and serve as a bridge between the administration and the people.

‘PMCG is not just about politics. It is also about communication, engagement and ensuring that the people understand what government is doing and how they can benefit from it,’ he said.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Osita Ngwu, his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Dr. Luke Mgboh, commended PMCG for building what he described as a formidable grassroots structure.

Mgboh assured the group of the senator’s continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the APC and mobilising grassroots support for Governor Mbah and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Ajogwu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye; former Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area and former Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Peter Andy Omeje; and the APC candidate for Igbo-Eze South State Constituency, Mrs. Favour Asogwa, praised the PMCG leadership for establishing what they described as a broad-based political structure.

They said the network would provide an effective platform for taking the administration’s achievements directly to communities and strengthening political participation and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Frank Anioma, who inaugurated the executives on behalf of the governor, commended PMCG for its deliberate effort to bring new faces into political participation.

Anioma charged the newly inaugurated executives to remain united, peaceful and focused, urging them to work collaboratively across the State, Zonal, Local Government and Ward structures.

He said the success of the structure would depend on discipline, unity and effective coordination at the grassroots.

Chairman of the PMCG Elders Council and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council in Igbo-Eze South LGA, HRM Igwe Okechukwu Agbaji, Enyi of Unadu Ancient Kingdom, applauded the group for what he described as its strategic structure and grassroots orientation.

Igwe Agbaji urged members to uphold peace, unity, service and responsible leadership, while praying for the continued peace and development of Enugu State.

In an address delivered on behalf of Governor Mbah and the Secretary to the State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Barr. Mrs. Olangwa Ezekwu, appreciated PMCG for its support for the administration.

Ezekwu noted that PMCG was the first diaspora-supported group to establish physical, on-the-ground grassroots structures across the state.

She reiterated the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, security and economic transformation, while urging the newly inaugurated executives to intensify their engagement with communities.

The executives were subsequently charged to embark on aggressive grassroots mobilisation and canvassing to secure massive support and votes for APC candidates in Enugu State in the 2027 general elections.

The high point of the ceremony was the formal inauguration of the State, Zonal, Local Government and Ward executive committees, followed by the decoration of Governor Mbah as Grand Patron of PMCG with a branded cap and T-shirt.

The group also unveiled its almanac, a pictorial publication highlighting major projects and achievements of the Mbah administration.

According to the organisers, the almanac is intended to serve as a grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation tool by providing residents with accessible information on government projects, programmes and development initiatives.

U20 Women’s World Cup: Motivated Falconets share spoils with China

Nigeria’s U20 women national team, Falconets, earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against China in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland . The match was played at the Arena Sosnowiec.

Coach Moses Aduku’s side started with intent and created the first clear opportunity through Janet Akekoromowei in the 17th minute. The Falconets grew into the game as the half progressed, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute and Akekoromowei going close again in the 38th and in added time of the first period, to see Nigeria ending the first half on the front foot.

China also posed a threat before the break. Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan all tested the Nigerian defence with efforts on goal, while Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was equal to the task as the Falconets backline held firm to keep the scores level at halftime.

The second half opened with China PR making a tactical change, introducing Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei. The substitution added impetus to the Asians, with Chen, Xue and Huang all registering attempts on goal. The Falconets responded with urgency. Queen Joseph (in the 58th minute), Mafisere (in the 56th and 60th minutes), and Precious Oscar (in the 54th minute) all went close.

Nigeria thought they had a chance to take the lead in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

Both sides continued to push until the final whistle, but neither could find the breakthrough in a tightly contested encounter.

The result leaves the Falconets with one point from two games in Group F. Coach Aduku’s team will now turn their focus to their final group match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Lódz as they fight to secure a place in the knockout rounds and keep Nigeria’s campaign alive at the global tournament.

Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 heads to Abuja

The search for the Next Afrobeats Star is moving to Abuja as the nationwide auditions enter another stage, following the emergence of new talents and strong contenders in Enugu and Benin.

The Enugu auditions, which was held on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026, produced three Golden Mic recipients. 18-year-old Adriel Umoh, who earned a Golden Mic during Season 1, was among the standout contestants, while Bayelsa-born Michael Tamaradoubra Eyetuaghanwo and 23-year-old Alexandra Iwuchukwu also secured Golden Mics and advanced to the next round.

The search continued in Benin from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, where Destiny Irabor, a 22-year-old indigene of Edo State, and 20-year-old Onyenankeya Eloghosa earned Golden Mics. 26-year-old Adedina Mary also progressed to the next round, becoming the first female contestant at the Benin audition to advance to the next stage.

The auditions are part of MTN’s commitment to discovering and nurturing musical talent across Nigeria through Next Afrobeats Star. In partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the competition continues its search for emerging artists with the talent, ambition, and potential to make their mark in the music industry.

The next audition stop is Abuja, where aspiring artistes from the city and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to perform before the judges on Sunday, September 13 and Monday, September 14, 2026. The auditions will be held at Soul Lounge Resort, Jahi, Abuja.

Registration for Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 remains open until September 19, 2026.

’I see a stronger Nigeria in Tinubu’s second term’

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo assured Nigerians of a stronger and better country under President Ahmed Tinubu, if re-elected in next year’s election.

He spoke at the Alex Ekwueme Square during the flag-off of Statewide Empowerment Programme of Mrs Nonye Soludo and the inauguration of First Lady’s Food Bank programme for the South East geo-political zone.

No fewer than 5,000 beneficiaries across the 21 Local Government Areas received business grants, vocational tools, and equipment for agriculture and agro-processing, beauty care, and small-scale enterprise.

The governor said despite inheriting an economy he described as cancer patient, the future of the nation remains bright in the next four years of Tinubu’s administration.

He said: ‘Today is not a day to elaborate on President Tinubu’s accomplishments for humanity, especially in the area of macro-economics and infrastructure restructuring and insecurity and human capital.

‘It’s impact on the Anambra people are evident. For those who complain now, let me assure you that I see hope with the renewed hope agenda.

‘Most people didn’t know the state of economy inherited by President Bola Tinubu and the absolute necessity of the emergency surgical operation required.

‘A cancer patient will obviously feel the pains of surgery, but the patient is guaranteed not to die of the cancer.

‘The future is brighter. I’m convinced that the next four years of President Tinubu will most probably and certainly see a stronger and fairer Nigeria.’

Soludo added: ‘In Anambra, progressives are working together. This is not just a slogan, it’s a statement of truth.

‘The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the oldest progressive political party registered in 2002, while APC came about 12 years later.

‘Even in APC, there’s part of APGA DNA. That’s why we say APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA. But progressives in Nigeria have no choice but to work together for Nigeria’s greatness.

‘As progressives, we’re united to see a Nigeria where there is shared and sustainable prosperity with opportunities for all.

‘So far, ours is a partnership that works, a partnership with APGA and federal government and APC.

‘That’s why Mama Anambra is in support of the First lady’s various empowerment programmes, a testament that progressives are working together.

‘At the federal level, the APGA legislatures are working with APC caucus to advance our national agenda.

‘We are working very hard to cascade federal reforms down to the grassroots in order to impact the people. We’re determined to build a future that ensures that nobody is left behind.’

Hundreds of APGA and APC supporters listened to Soludo at the event.

First Lady give N500m to beneficiaries

Speaking during a reception in her honour, Senator Tinubu lauded the achievements of the governor and his wife.

The first lady, who thanked Mrs. Soludo for empowering the 5,000 beneficiaries, supported the initiative with N500million.

Each of the 5000 beneficiaries received N100,000.

The event which almost turned into a carnival by APGA and APC members, was witnessed by many political and cultural groups in attendance.

The First Lady also thanked the traditional rulers for the honour as well as the entire state for the rousing welcome, promising to repeat the visit.

She said: ‘Anambra holds a very special space in my heart. Igbos are very nice people, very hospitable. My best friend in secondary school was an Igbo girl.

‘We’ve gone to all the six geo-political zones of the state. We didn’t go on a wide goose chase. Instead, it was a mission accomplished.’

Soludo expressed appreciation to the first lady for the choice of Anambra for the food bank initiative.

He said she had demonstrated that public service remained the greatest platform for philanthropy.

Soludo said: ‘We’ve come principally to receive and celebrate the Nigeria’s first lady. A loving mother, very supportive wife and a woman that cares for humanity.

‘As a very good pastor, you seem to be living out the full meaning of the scriptures in Matt 25:35-40. ‘I was hungry, and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me’..’

‘You’ve also demonstrated that public service is the greatest platform for philanthropy. You’ve lived out the Christian calling. Thanks for all you do for us. God will continue to reward you abundantly.

‘My wife is here to support you as she has always done. She has expanded your program of compassion. Her empowerment of 5000 women is a testament that progressive are working together.

GTI targets ambitious $20m commercial boost for NPFL

GTI Group has outlined a wider plan to grow the commercial value of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), targeting between $10 million and $20 million in fresh investment after Euromatch’s $7.5 million title sponsorship deal for the 2026/27 season.

GTI announced the plan at a media parley in Lagos, where officials addressed the league’s commercial growth, infrastructure, club administration, data management and digital content strategy.

GTI Group Managing Director Abubakar Lawal described the Euromatch deal as a vote of confidence in Nigerian football, telling the gathering that Euromatch’s arrival ‘represents not merely a commercial partnership, but a statement that our elite league has the potential to become one of the most compelling football properties on the African continent.’

He said the NPFL was built around ‘a country of more than 230 million people, millions of passionate football followers, a remarkable pool of young football talent and a football culture that is deeply embedded in our national identity,’ and that the league’s current fifth-place ranking in Africa ‘must not’ be a source of satisfaction. ‘Our ambition must be to build an NPFL that competes among the very best leagues in Africa and, ultimately, becomes a globally recognised football brand,’ he said.

Lawal used the platform to appeal directly to corporate Nigeria and foreign investors, saying the NPFL ‘offers enormous possibilities for companies seeking visibility, brand engagement, community impact and long-term commercial opportunities,’ with clubs spread nationwide giving sponsors ‘an unparalleled opportunity to connect with diverse communities and millions of passionate consumers.’ He added that backing the league was about more than returns: ‘It is an investment in talent development, employment, entertainment, grassroots football and the future of the Super Eagles.’

GTI Executive Director Nelson Ine said the group, which began its NPFL partnership in 2022, had used its first years in the league to build structures and meet its financial commitments to clubs before pursuing bigger sponsorship.

He called the Euromatch agreement the NPFL’s first title sponsorship in roughly 15 years, and pressed for stricter enforcement of club licensing rules, arguing that regulations carry no weight without compliance.

Ine also proposed a public-private partnership capable of raising up to ?50 billion over five years for stadium infrastructure, player development, match production, data management and commercial development, and called for upgraded football facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

On content strategy, a GTI digital strategy representative said plans were underway to expand NPFL coverage beyond match footage into documentaries and club-focused programming, with possible French, Swahili and Lingala translations to reach wider African audiences.

Veteran journalist Kunle Solaja urged Nigerian sports media to intensify statistical analysis, investigative reporting and documentation of NPFL players and clubs, warning that the league’s survival and the domestic media’s survival were linked. He also called for greater inclusion of home-based players in the Super Eagles, arguing this could bring NPFL clubs added revenue through FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Mitchel Obi urged Nigerians to give more attention to the domestic league rather than focusing solely on European football, saying the NPFL should be built into an ecosystem generating economic opportunities for clubs, players, businesses and media organisations.

Lawal said responsibility for the league’s development should be shared across government, club owners, the Nigeria Football Federation, the media, fans and the private sector – ‘government has a role, club owners have a role, the Nigeria Football Federation has a role, the media has a role, fans have a role’ – with GTI reaffirming its long-term ambition to make the NPFL Africa’s leading league. He closed by thanking the sporting press directly, saying reporters ‘have been more than reporters and commentators’ but ‘important stakeholders in the growth and development of our domestic football,’ and urged them to ‘consult with us when necessary, celebrate our achievements when deserved.’

Deyemi Okanlawon, Tola Odunsi, Enado Odigie, others attend 19 premiere in Lagos

Nollywood stars including Deyemi Okanlawon and Enado Odigie, as well as filmmakers including Tola Odunsi, and leading entertainment industry personalities gathered at Fame, Lekki, Lagos, for the Nigerian premiere of ’19.’

The highly anticipated crime drama written and directed by filmmaker Tola Odunsi is produced by Bola Atta.

The premiere attracted a strong turnout of industry heavyweights including Toyin Abraham, Kunle Afolayan, and Wale Ojo amongst the notable personalities who walked the red carpet.

Also in attendance were Linda Ejiofor, Femi Adebayo, Darey Art Alade, Kunle Remi and members of the film’s cast and crew, who came together to celebrate the movie ahead of its nationwide cinema release.

Led by Stan Nze, Sola Sobowale, Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, William Benson and Ademola Adedoyin, ’19’ boasts an impressive ensemble cast that also includes Boma Akpore, Helen Enado Odigie, Tayo Faniran and Charles Okafor.

But beneath the glamour of its star-studded cast and premiere, ’19’ tells a story set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s battle with internet fraud.

’19’ tells the story of Ndubuisi Madueke, played by Stan Nze, a young man whose circumstances and desperation eventually draw him into the world of internet fraud. His journey takes a decisive turn after he encounters Usuanlele, a wealthy and influential figure in his neighbourhood who becomes his mentor. Rather than simply portraying internet fraud as a criminal act, ’19’ explores the circumstances that can push young people towards it, including poverty, unemployment, corruption, peer pressure and the relentless pursuit of financial success.

In his reaction to the film, Odunsi said, ‘Every crime has a story before the crime. With 19, I wanted to tell that story, to ask how a brilliant young man can move from wanting a better life to losing himself in the pursuit of it. This is not a film about glorifying the fast life; it is about understanding its cost and reminding us that the choices we make today can define the lives we live tomorrow.’

For the Producer Bola Atta, this was at the heart of the decision to make the film.

‘Internet fraud is gradually becoming endemic and is eating into the fabric of Nigerian society. Lives are being lost needlessly and families are being ruined as a result of the wrong choices made by some people.

‘Something definitely needs to be done to address this situation. That is why we decided to make a movie that not only reflects this reality but also shows that there is a better path to success, one that does not have to end in tragedy or destruction.’

The response at the premiere was particularly encouraging, with audiences connecting with the film’s themes and its underlying message.

Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, who attended the premiere, described the film as both timely and necessary.

’19 is an important and timely film. Life is about choices, and we see that play out through Ndubuisi and his best friend, who face similar pressures but take different paths. Ndubuisi chooses the shortcut and pays the price, while his friend reminds us that legitimate pathways remain open to those with talent and discipline. These are the films we need to see more of: real issues, real stories and real decisions, told with courage and consequence.’

Also speaking at the premiere, Dr Busola Tejumola, Senior vice President of Content at Canal plus said ‘ 19 excellently delivers a timely message at a moment when internet fraud, cable piracy and content theft are becoming increasingly sophisticated threats to our society and our industry. The film doesn’t shy away from the real circumstances that push young people towards these choices. It is entertaining, but also necessary storytelling’

The title 19 is a reference to Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, historically associated with advance-fee fraud, a term that has become synonymous with internet fraud in popular Nigerian usage.

19 opens in Nigerian cinemas on Friday, September 11.

Dodoma residents report night-time demolition of homes, seek answers

Residents of Mazengo Street in Zuzu Ward, Dodoma City, have raised concerns over the demolition of their houses at night by unidentified people, saying the incidents have left them worried about the future of their land.

The residents told The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi on September 11, 2026, that houses in the area had been demolished while they were asleep or away attending to their daily activities, making it difficult for them to identify those responsible.

Some residents said they had lived in the area for between seven and 10 years without experiencing such incidents. They said the recent demolitions had raised concerns about who was behind them and the status of the land on which they had built their homes.

However, Dodoma City Council said it was not aware of the reported demolitions.

City Council Information Officer Denis Gondwe said the complaints were new to the council and that he had only learnt about them from the journalist.

He said the council would investigate the reports to establish what was happening in the area before issuing an official statement.

‘These reports are new to us. We have not heard them anywhere before. I need to follow them up first to establish what is happening so that we can provide accurate information,’ Mr Gondwe said.

One of the residents, Mr Paul Ndiongo, said the demolitions usually occurred at night when residents were asleep or away, making it difficult to identify those responsible.

He said groups of people also visited the area during the day, claiming to be the lawful owners of the land. According to him, some of the groups included religious institutions and were accompanied by security personnel.

‘I have lived here for seven years and have never faced any problems. But the other day, I returned from work in the morning and found that part of a house under construction had been demolished. When I left for work, it was intact,’ Mr Ndiongo said.

Another resident, Ms Sada Abasi, said the demolitions had also been accompanied by the theft of livestock, including goats and chickens, further increasing fear among residents.

She said the houses targeted were mainly those under construction or completed but not yet occupied.

Ms Abasi also said residents had received threats from some people who visited the area during the day and claimed ownership of the plots.

She called for an investigation to establish the identity of the people visiting the area and demolishing the houses.

‘Recently, some people came, parked their vehicles a short distance from the area, walked around the entire area and later left. We are asking that these people be investigated so that we can also know who they are because sometimes we are afraid to speak to them for fear of our safety,’ she said.

Mazengo Street Chairperson Joshua Kajembe confirmed receiving complaints from the residents but said he had not yet visited the affected area because of other official duties and the distance between his office and the location.

Mr Kajembe said he had summoned the residents to his office on Friday morning to obtain more information about the incident and establish what had happened, but they did not turn up.

A Mwananchi visit to the area found that the houses being demolished were located on open plots and were mainly at various stages of construction. Houses occupied by residents had not been demolished.

Stronger collaboration key to tackling emerging security threats, says Oborevwori

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged security and emergency response agencies to deepen inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and rapid response to effectively tackle emerging security threats.

He spoke yesterday in Asaba at the closing of the Rapid Response 3 exercise, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), through the Presidential Communication Command and Control Centre (PC4).

The governor, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, described Delta’s selection as the host of the exercise as a milestone.

He said it was the first time the national assignment was being held at the sub-national level outside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He said the exercise underscored the need for stronger coordination among security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and citizens in confronting the country’s complex and evolving security challenges.

Oborevwori said the exercise provided security and emergency response institutions with an opportunity to test their readiness, strengthen operational coordination and enhance their capacity to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

‘This exercise has once again demonstrated that national security is a collective responsibility,’ he said.

The governor said the exercise was important to Delta because of its strategic position as a major economic, commercial and maritime hub hosting sensitive national assets.

He advised participants to sustain the lessons, skills, partnerships and operational capabilities acquired during the exercise, noting that they should not end with the closing ceremony.

‘As a government, we will continue to support initiatives that promote peace, security and stability in Delta State. We will strengthen existing collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders,’ he said.

The governor said no single institution could secure the communities alone.

He, therefore, enjoined participants to return to their commands as ambassadors of the knowledge and experience gained.

He expressed appreciation to ONSA for choosing Asaba as the venue and commended the participating security and emergency management agencies for their discipline, dedication and professionalism.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director, PC4 Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughon, thanked Governor Oborevwori for his support and commitment to strengthening security architecture.

He said: ‘Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your gracious acceptance to host the Rapid Response 3 in Delta State, the first of its kind outside the Federal Capital Territory.

‘This gesture is a testament to your administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the people of Delta State, as well as your continued partnership with the Federal Government in advancing national security.’

Tanzania deploys drones, motorcycles to stop deadly wildlife attacks

The Government has deployed 40 drones and 55 motorcycles to strengthen efforts to detect and respond to human-wildlife conflicts before dangerous animals, particularly elephants, enter residential areas.

Speaking on the sidelines of the handover on September 11, 2026 Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji said the equipment would strengthen patrols, surveillance and real-time reporting of wildlife movements, enabling authorities to act before animals enter communities.

‘This investment is aimed at increasing the capacity for aerial patrols, monitoring the movement of dangerous and destructive wildlife, and collecting real-time information,’ Dr Kijaji said.

The 40 drones, valued at about Sh2.4 billion, were purchased through the Tanzania Wildlife Protection Fund (TWPF) and handed over to the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).

The handover took place yesterday at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism offices in Mtumba, Dodoma, where Dr Kijaji also closed a four-day training programme for 52 drone pilots from TAWA, TANAPA, NCAA and the Wildlife Division.

She said the technology would allow authorities to detect wildlife moving towards human settlements early and intervene before the animals leave protected areas.

‘It is now expected that, with the use of this technology, incidents of dangerous and destructive animals entering residential areas will be controlled early, before they cross protected-area boundaries and reach people’s homes,’ she said.

The Government also handed over 55 motorcycles to directors of district, town and city councils. Forty motorcycles will be used by district wildlife officers, while 15 will be allocated to seven Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

Dr Kijaji said the equipment would improve response times, protect lives and property and reduce the cost of field operations.

Human-wildlife conflict remains a major challenge for communities living near protected areas.

Elephants and other wild animals can destroy crops and property and, in some cases, kill people when they enter populated areas.

Dr Kijaji said the problem was being worsened by poaching, illegal wildlife trade, encroachment on protected areas and wildlife corridors, invasive plant species and climate-related pressures.

She said drought, unpredictable rainfall and floods could also affect wildlife habitats, water sources and pasture.

‘These challenges can affect wildlife habitats, access to water and pasture, as well as relations between communities and conservation authorities,’ she said.

Dr Kijaji directed TAWA to strengthen the management of WMAs and help them become financially sustainable by linking them with credible investors.

She also called for communities to receive better education on the use of revenues generated by the areas.

Wildlife Director Alexanda Lobora said technology was becoming an important tool in addressing conservation challenges.

He said reducing human-wildlife conflict was a priority for the Ministry in the 2026/27 financial year, with the Government implementing national strategies in partnership with communities and conservation stakeholders.

These include the 10-year National Strategy for Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts (2026/27-2036/37), the 2023-2033 Elephant Management and Conservation Strategy and the 2022-2027 Wildlife Corridors Identification and Formalisation Strategy.

Mr Lobora said the Government had also started using the digital Problem Animal Information System (PAIS) to collect and analyse wildlife incident reports in real time.

The system is expected to speed up responses, facilitate compensation payments to affected residents and reduce delays in reporting incidents.

Representing the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (Tamisemi), Rogasian Lukoa said the initiative would improve the safety of communities living near protected areas.

He said Tamisemi would work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to protect people living near national parks from wildlife attacks.

For communities living alongside wildlife, the investment will be judged by response times and whether it reduces deaths, crop losses and property damage.