‘Thank you for redeeming our pride as black people’, PDP hails Aliko Dangote’s Refinery success
*Says, 'Your achievement is a testament to Nigeria's capability to contribute value'
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
He hailed the refinery achievement as a testament to the nation’s capability to contribute value and participate in activities previously dominated by other nations.
In a swift reaction to news of Dangote Refinery commencing production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the Nigeria, the Kano-born President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been poured with praises for yet another industrial breakthrough by the world’s richest black man.
This commendation was made by a Chieftain of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Showunmi, who expressed profound gratitude for the launch of PMS to now be produced by the Dangote Refinery.
The DEFENDER reports that the breakthrough now recorded was after the Dangote’s chief, Alhaji Aliko Dangote stood up to attempted destruction of his first-of-its-kind refinery that is the largest in Africa, by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to a report by this online newspaper, Dangote, while addressing a rare press conference, was unhappy that it was inside in his own country that efforts were being made to run down his petroleum products.
Against the impression that the land he used for the refinery was given to him for free, Dangote said there was nothing free about the land as he paid $100 million to Lagos State Government gor it.
He, however, got support and solidarity of high mighty locally and internationally against the Federal Government leading to head of the government, Bola Tinubu, ordering that crude oil be sold to him in Nigerian Naira.
In what looks like acknowledging overcoming the era of persecution by country’s authorities that should support him but trying to run him down, PDP’s Showunmi praised Dangote for redeeming Nigeria’s pride on the global stage.
He hailed the refinery achievement as a testament to the nation’s capability to contribute value and participate in activities previously dominated by other nations.
“Dear Aliko Dangote, son of Mariya, a great gift to us in Nigeria. Thank you, for on this day you redeemed our pride as black people, as humans capable of contributing value and engaging in the activities that others do,” Showunmi wrote in his statement.
He reflected the sentiments of many Nigerians who view the refinery’s commencement as a monumental stride toward economic self-sufficiency.
Showunmi acknowledged the long-standing burden Nigerians have borne due to the nation’s reliance on imported fuel and called on Dangote to be moderate in his pricing strategy.
While recognizing the importance of sustainable pricing, he emphasized that the pricing of PMS should take into consideration the financial struggles of the Nigerian populace.
“You must try as much as possible to be moderate in your pricing for our people have borne such a heavy burden for so long.
“I get sustainable pricing, but ensure that the markup takes into consideration our people,” he urged, highlighting the delicate balance between profit and patriotism.
Showunmi also paid tribute to Dangote’s illustrious lineage, recalling the business legacy of his great-grandfather, Alhassan, and the philanthropic endeavors of his mother, Hajia Mariya.
He emphasized that while profit is essential, nationalism, patriotism, and empathy must guide Dangote’s business decisions moving forward.
“Profit is good, but nationalism, patriotism, and empathy must be your guide,” Showunmi advised, invoking a prayer for the success and longevity of the Dangote Refinery.
He drew a parallel between Dangote and the legendary American industrialist John D. Rockefeller, calling for divine preservation and growth of the refinery and its workers.
In his concluding remarks, Showunmi called on Nigeria to seize this momentous opportunity to rise and assert its rightful place in the global community.
“Now let the giant called Nigeria awake, stand up and take its rightful place in the comity of nations,” he declared, underlining the broader national significance of the Dangote Refinery’s success.
