Commends Aliko Dangote for his pioneering efforts
By Godwin Addah
Ijaw National leader and elder statesman and Chief Dr Edwin Clark, CON, has on behalf of the people of the South South geopolitical zone, praised the efforts of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON for the successful completion of the Dangote Refinery and the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on 3rd September 2024 and commencement of supply to the entire country which stated on 15th October, 2024.
In a statement he issued on in Abuja on Tuesday which he personally signed, Chief Clark said it was clear that Alhaji Dangote’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation have once again positioned Nigeria on the global stage.
His words: ” At my age, I am unable to go physically to visit the refinery. However, going by all the information, the impact of this project on our nation’s energy security, employment, and economic development will be felt for generations to come.
“There is no doubt that this significant milestone will greatly boost the Nigerian economy by increasing domestic production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating thousands of jobs for our young people. If things go well as we are told, the shame and pain of long queues at filling stations will soon become a thing of the past.
“Even as I wait for Aliko Dangote to establish similar presence through projects in the Niger Delta, I also take this avenue to commend him for his continued works of philanthropy, including the distribution of rice to all parts of Nigeria.
“I urge all other entrepreneurs like him to show similar commitment to our national development and upliftment of our people.”
The Ijaw national leader also hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose leadership, he said, the remarkable achievement was made and urged him to continue supporting the Dangote Refinery and other similar projects in the national oil and gas industry.
Clark who is also the National leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum emphasised the need for regular access to crude oil to service the 650, 000 barrels per day Dangote refinery and all other new ones.
He however warned that the regime of pricing must not inflict more suffering on Nigerians.
” In most countries of the world, certain goods which they produce are easily affordable to their citizens. President Tinubu, this must not be different here in Nigeria.
“Let me also remind Mr. President, that this is also an opportunity to reopen the policy of creating of Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta to compliment the Dangote Refinery.
” This policy of Modular Refineries is one that was already endorsed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, with a promise to create a Special Fund.
” I once more convey my heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable achievement to all Nigerians as national pride returns to us after nearly 30 years of importing all petroleum products.
” Again, we wish President Tinubu, Alhaji Dangote, and their entire teams involved in this groundbreaking project continued success and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our nation”, Clark said
END