President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assembling a capable and forward-looking leadership team at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He specifically highlighted the appointments of Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the President, Dangote lauded the decision to install what he described as a “formidable and professionally competent team” to steer NNPCL. According to him, the new leadership reflects the President’s strategic intent to reform and modernize Nigeria’s most vital public enterprise.
“The new management brings a wealth of technical expertise and managerial experience essential for revitalising the NNPC,” Dangote said. “Their appointment signals a clear commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability in the energy sector.”
He added that the leadership of Ojulari and Kida is aligned with President Tinubu’s broader vision of building a $1 trillion economy and tackling systemic challenges within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Responding to questions from the media regarding his recent remarks about battling entrenched interests in the oil sector, Dangote clarified that his concerns were not directed at the new NNPC leadership. He praised the current management for their support, particularly in addressing the needs of the Dangote Refinery.
“The cabals I referred to are certain major oil marketers and traders who are resisting reforms and attempting to derail efforts to stabilise and grow the economy,” he explained. “In contrast, the new NNPCL leadership has been cooperative and reform-oriented.”
Dangote further praised NNPCL’s recent structural changes and its renewed emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and accountability. “The calibre of individuals now leading the organisation, and their clear focus on reform, are encouraging signs of a turnaround,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Dangote Group’s commitment to supporting the government’s agenda for a prosperous, energy-secure Nigeria, and expressed optimism that NNPCL, under its new leadership, will elevate the country’s energy sector to global standards.
Aliko Dangote Foundation Unveils 2025 YGL Fellows, Champions New Wave of African Leadership
In a separate development, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), in partnership with the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL), has announced the recipients of the 2025 Aliko Dangote Fellowship. The latest cohort includes outstanding African changemakers selected as part of the prestigious YGL Class of 2025.
This year’s fellows join a global network of over 1,400 leaders addressing complex global challenges with bold, transformative solutions. Representing fields such as education, fintech, fashion, climate policy, and digital governance, the 2025 class embodies the next generation of purpose-driven African leadership.
Now in its 14th year, the Aliko Dangote Fellowship fully funds African participation in the YGL programme and the World Economic Forum. It offers a three-year leadership development journey, world-class executive education, and collaborative opportunities aimed at accelerating social and economic transformation across the continent.
“We are honoured to welcome the YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows to the Class of 2025,” said Ida Jeng Christensen, Head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders. “These exceptional individuals exemplify the values of learning, empathy, and purpose.”
Since 2011, the partnership between ADF and the World Economic Forum has supported over 130 African leaders, ensuring African perspectives are included in global development strategies and policymaking.
Zakari Momodu, Projects Director at ADF, stressed the importance of global inclusion: “Africa must be present and represented in the highest levels of decision-making. This fellowship helps make that possible.”
The 2025 cohort includes influential figures such as:
Hilda Kragah, 37, CEO of The African Talent Company, bridging the continent’s skills gap.
Max Fontaine, 28, Madagascar’s climate minister, leading national reforestation.
Andrea Iyamah, award-winning Nigerian fashion designer promoting African narratives.
Mark Doumba, Gabon’s Minister of Economy and State Holdings.
Orondaam Otto, founder of Slum2School Africa and pioneer of virtual learning in underserved communities.
Delvin Savara, Grammy-winning Kenyan musician and creative industry leader.
Emma TheoFelus, 28, Namibian MP advocating gender equity and digital transformation.
Salima Bah, 34, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation.
Mayowa Kuyoro, 37, McKinsey partner leading financial services across Africa.
The Aliko Dangote Fellowship is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious leadership programmes, offering not just resources but a global platform for impact.
Previous fellows have gone on to distinguished careers across sectors. Former Ambassador Debo Adesina, a member of the 2005/2006 class, recalled being inducted alongside global luminaries such as Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and noted the programme’s long-term impact on his professional journey.
Similarly, 2012 fellow Simon Kolawole, CEO of The Cable, said the YGL programme enriched his perspective and network through high-level learning opportunities and global collaborations.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation, established in 1994 and endowed with $1.25 billion by Aliko Dangote, is the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa. Its primary focus areas include child nutrition, health, education, economic empowerment, and disaster relief. Combating Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children remains at the core of its mission.
