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World Bank Appoints Dangote to Private Sector Investment Lab

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The President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has been appointed to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, joining a select group of global business leaders tasked with driving investment and job creation in emerging economies.

In 2023, Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, co-chaired the Private Sector Investment Lab, which focused on attracting £1 trillion in sustainable investment to support the energy transition in emerging markets.

In a statement confirming his acceptance, Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through private sector-led investment, noting the transformative potential of such initiatives in developing markets.

“I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, dedicated to advancing investment and employment in emerging economies,” the African industrialist said.

“This opportunity aligns with my long-standing commitment to sustainable development and unlocking the potential of developing economies. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable successes of the Asian Tigers, which have demonstrated the power of strategic investment and focused economic policy, I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to replicate such outcomes across other regions.”

The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday as part of a broader expansion of its Private Sector Investment Lab, which now enters a new phase aimed at scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in the developing world.

Joining Dangote in the elite group are Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair of Bharti Enterprises; and Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

The World Bank said the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies—supporting the Bank’s sharpened focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.

“With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. “This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It’s central to our mandate.”

The global bank said that over the last 18 months, the Lab brought together leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countries and to test actionable solutions.

The statement said that the work had now been consolidated into five priority focus areas that were being integrated across the bank operations, including regulatory and policy certainty.

The Lab’s founding members included senior executives from AXA, BlackRock, HSBC, Macquarie, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Ninety One, Ping An Group, Royal Philips, Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, Sustainable Energy for All, Tata Sons, Temasek, and Three Cairns Group. The Lab is chaired by Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential plc.

The Dangote Group, founded by Aliko Dangote, is the largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the African continent. With interests spanning cement, fertiliser, salt, sugar, and oil, the Group employs over 30,000 people and is the largest taxpayer in Nigeria—contributing more in taxes than all of Nigeria’s banks combined. It is also the country’s largest employer after the government.

The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the Group’s flagship project, stands as the largest single private investment in Africa.

In addition to his business interests, Dangote leads the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor. The Foundation primarily focuses on child nutrition, while also supporting interventions in health, education, empowerment, and disaster relief.

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Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Ikpeazu, Others Scale Senate Screening Hurdle for Ambassadorial Positions

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The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, approved the nomination of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for appointment as ambassador.

Other nominees cleared by the committee include former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, ex-special adviser on new media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Grace Bent.

Also confirmed were former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu; former Governor of Enugu, State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Governor of Abia State, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.

The screening session, conducted in batches of five nominees each, experienced a mild drama during Omokri’s turn.

Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole openly disagreed on how his clearance should proceed.

After Omokri’s batch had introduced themselves, Ndume moved a motion to allow the nominees to take a bow and leave.

Some senators, including Oshiomhole, indicated they wanted to comment.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, recognised Oshiomhole to speak, but Ndume insisted that his motion should be seconded before allowing further interventions.

This led to a sharp disagreement between the two senators.

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Tinubu Reiterates Directive on Withdrawal of VIP Police Protection

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President Bola Tinubu has insisted on his earlier directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers from very important persons (VIPs) in the country.

On November 23, Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country during a security meeting with the inspector-general of police (IGP), the chiefs of army and air staff, and the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The president said the move was aimed at boosting police presence in communities, especially remote areas where stations are understaffed and citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.

Speaking at the opening of the federal executive council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Tinubu warned against non-compliance and directed Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Ibrahim Gaidam, minister of police; and Kayode Egbetokun, the IGP, to follow up on the implementation of the order.
The president noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, adding that the protection of a select group of VIPs is not their responsibility.

The president ordered Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, to make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by civil defence corps.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too.

“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The civil defence is very much around.”

Tinubu said there is a need to mobilise the police appropriately due to the country’s security challenges.

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Glo TV Fetes Subscribers with Four New Exclusive Movies for Free

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Globacom has launched four brand-new movies on Glo TV, offering subscribers access to premium, never-before-seen entertainment at no cost whatsoever. The announcement underscores the company’s commitment to enriching the digital entertainment space and celebrating African storytelling on a world-class platform.

According to Globacom, the new titles feature some of the continent’s finest actors, presenting a compelling spectrum of romance, comedy, drama, and cultural expression. The exclusive films include Johnny Just Come (JJC), Eko Vibes, Bound, and Shifting Desire.

“Each of these movies has been carefully curated to showcase diverse African narratives while providing exceptional entertainment that is not available in cinemas, on YouTube, or on any other VoD platform. Access remains entirely FREE, with no subscription or payment required,” the company revealed.

Leading the slate is Shifting Desire, a stirring romantic drama starring Lilian Afegbai and celebrated Ghanaian actor Majid Michel. The film chronicles a couple’s turbulent journey through marriage, betrayal and emotional healing, culminating in therapy-driven reconciliation. It premiered on Glo TV on 2 December and is already streaming without charge.

Also in the lineup is Johnny Just Come (JJC), a humorous cultural mash-up featuring screen legend Patience Ozokwor alongside Nancy Isime. It follows an American suitor navigating the challenges of love and marriage within a traditional African family circle, exploring themes of identity, culture and belonging with comedic flair.

The emotional drama Bound, starring Rita Dominic and Eyinna Nwigwe, delves into the life of a career-driven woman haunted by a buried personal secret, and the devastating effect it has on her relationships. The film delivers an arresting narrative powered by some of Nollywood’s most compelling performances.

Completing the selection is Eko Vibes, a vibrant portrayal of the energy, ambition and hustle of Lagos youth culture. Featuring Broda Shaggi, Josh2Funny and Nkechi Blessing, it captures the dreams and grit of young Nigerians striving to make their mark in Africa’s most dynamic city.

Globacom stated that the release reflects its dedication to amplifying original African content. “With these never-before-seen titles, Glo TV is redefining digital entertainment in Nigeria by offering fresh, premium films unavailable anywhere else. We remain committed to championing culturally rich stories that celebrate African creativity at its peak,” it affirmed.

While Shifting Desire is already available, the remaining titles will debut on Glo TV free of charge throughout the festive season. The Glo TV app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, giving subscribers instant access to movies, series, live television and exclusive premium content anytime, anywhere.

Globacom urges customers to download the Glo TV app today and enjoy these exciting new premieres — all at absolutely no cost.

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