Business
Dangote Cement Creates 50 Agric Entrepreneurs
Determined to support the governments in its food security effort, the Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State.
The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue State, considered to be the food basket of the nation.
The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities of the State with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State. Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.
Speaking Thursday at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’
He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.
Mr. Kor said the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.
“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.
In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company will also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.
Mr. Murugan who was represented by Head of Production Department, Engr Soom Kiishi said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”
He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.
“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from Professional personnels,” he added.
He said the company’s scholarship scheme cuts across students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.
In his address to the communities, Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of what he described as a rare opportunity from the Dangote Cement Plc.
The Consultant said the company’s effort will help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support the government’s food security effort.
Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the Farmers Empowerment Programme as a historic and huge intervention from the company, noting that the effort will not only boost subsistence farming, but help feed the nation.
He urged members of the communities to sustain the peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed with the company.
Business
Pumpkin Property Introduces Nigeria’s First Starlink-Powered Housing Initiative
Pumpkin Property, a fast-growing real estate development firm committed to creating modern, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions across Nigeria, has announced a groundbreaking initiative that integrates high-speed satellite internet into its housing projects, redefining modern living standards in the country.
Under this initiative, homebuyers in selected Pumpkin Property estates will receive Starlink hardware, professional installation, and three months of complimentary high-speed internet subscription upon purchasing a home.
The initiative will initially be available in Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate located within Millennium City, Kaduna, as well as Pumpkin Homes located in Karsana, Abuja.
Pumpkin Property focuses on developing well-planned residential communities supported by essential infrastructure—including road networks, drainage systems, street lighting, and modern utilities—while embracing innovative technology that enhances residents’ quality of life.
To support the rollout of this initiative, Pumpkin Property has entered into a collaboration agreement with Konga Online Nigeria Limited for the supply, installation, and technical support of Starlink hardware and related connectivity products across Pumpkin housing projects and real estate developments in Nigeria.
In addition, Pumpkin Property has partnered with TD Africa, an authorized distributor of Starlink solutions in Africa. Through this partnership, Pumpkin Property will have direct access to the latest Starlink hardware, including Starlink kits and accessories, ensuring reliable deployment within its estates.
Starlink, the satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, delivers high-speed broadband connectivity through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. The technology expands access to reliable internet in regions where traditional fibre or terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. As Elon Musk explained:
“Starlink is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to places where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable.”
Speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Pumpkin Holdings Limited, Mr Oladeji Bamidele, emphasized the growing importance of digital infrastructure in modern housing developments.
“Connectivity has become as essential as electricity and water in modern communities. By integrating Starlink technology into our housing developments, we are ensuring that our homeowners enjoy reliable high-speed internet from the moment they move in. This initiative reflects our commitment to building future-ready communities across Nigeria.”
By integrating satellite connectivity into its housing projects, Pumpkin Property is positioning itself at the forefront of technology-enabled real estate development in Nigeria, setting a new benchmark for smart living communities.
Prospective homeowners and investors interested in the Starlink-powered homes at Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate in Millennium City, Kaduna, and Pumpkin Homes in Karsana, Abuja, are encouraged to contact Pumpkin Property for further information on availability and purchase options.
Business
Safety First: Transcorp Hilton Abuja Stages Fire Drill
Transcorp Hilton Abuja has conducted its first-quarter unannounced fire drill simulation as part of efforts to strengthen safety measures and emergency preparedness within the facility.
The exercise, which took place on 19th February 2026, was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service. The simulation forms part of the hotel’s structured safety programme aimed at ensuring a high level of emergency readiness and effective coordination with relevant authorities.
Management of the hotel said the initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of guests and team members.
“We successfully carried out our Q1 unannounced fire drill simulation with the support of the Nigeria Fire Service. This exercise forms part of our structured safety programme, designed to ensure a high level of emergency preparedness and effective coordination with relevant authorities,” the management stated.
The drill comes shortly after the hotel hosted its Valentine’s Day weekend promotion across its rooms and restaurants. The celebration, characterised by romance, entertainment and vibrant experiences, was warmly received by guests.
As preparations begin for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the management reassured guests of a safe, serene and memorable stay.
“We appreciate the understanding of our guests and apologise for any inconvenience the exercise may have caused,” the management added.
Business
NIA trains underwriters on NIIRA 2025, container insurance
The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has commenced a two-day training workshop for underwriters on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.
According to a statement from NIA, the training is focused on Sections 75 and 76, as well as the Compulsory Container Insurance scheme.
The workshop, which began on Thursday, is scheduled to end on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 40 underwriters involved in container insurance, were participating in the training held at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, Lagos.
At the opening of the workshop, Director-General of the NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale, said that insurance remained a critical pillar of national development and economic stability.
Odukale noted that a well-regulated and legally backed insurance industry, was essential for economic growth, investor confidence and the protection of the public.
She urged participants to engage actively in the sessions, adding that the training would strengthen professional capacity and improve effective implementation of compulsory insurance provisions for the overall benefit of the economy.
NAN reports that facilitators at the workshop include: Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Mr Soji Oni, Controller 1, Technical, NIA, Mr Owolabi Longe, Chief Executive Officer of Ironlink Communications, among others.
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