NEWS

Nigeria Will Start Exporting Rice Soon – Dangote

Published

7 years ago

November 6, 2019

The Dangote Group has pledged to change Nigeria from a nation that imports rice to a major exporter of the staple food.

The group said that its 150,000 hectares rice farmlands in Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, and the Zamfara States, as well as 10 rice mills it was established in different parts of the country, would deliver one million tons of rice annually.

This was disclosed by Dangote Group’s Executive Director, Kunt Ulvmoen, when he spoke to captains of commerce and industry during the Dangote’s Special Day, at the ongoing 33rd Lagos International Trade Fair.

According to Mr. Ulvmoen, the group had been known to be the number one in rice business in Nigeria until it took the decision to terminate any commodity trading that would not achieve value addition on locally.

Notwithstanding, consumers were still asking for the Dangote rice years after the group’s decision to terminate rice importation, he said.

“So what do we do? We are entering into rice farming and processing and targeting a million tons output annually.

“We are already active in the farms. We have already got some paddy rice in some silos. We are also challenging others to do what we are setting out to do in order to make rice an exportable product in Nigeria,” Ulvmoen added.

“What is very important in Nigeria is gas. There is so much gas in the oil field that is still burnt. But this gas is very important for the production of energy in the country. And we want to make sure that there is gas in the pipeline. Nigeria needs to utilize all-natural resources especially oil and gas.

“We have our sugar refinery in Apapa with capacity for 1.4 million tons annually. But we also want to reduce the importation of raw sugar. So, we are improving our plantation for sugar cane.

We want Nigeria to be as independent as possible from sugar import,” he said.

“We are creating jobs. If you want to reduce kidnapping or extremism you have to create jobs. Nobody wants to do that if he can avoid it,” he added.

In addition, he said Dangote has 29 million tons installed capacity for cement production.

Also speaking, the Group Executive Director, Halima Aliko Dangote, said the company recognized its partnership with LCCI, which she said, has been growing over the years.

“The bond is even more significant as one of own, Mr. Knut Ulvmoen is one of the Deputy Presidents of the Chamber. He has been a very active member of the Chamber,” Ms Halima said.

The President of the LCCI, Babatunde Paul Ruwase, described the Dangote Group as a critical enabler in connecting businesses in Africa.

He said, “There is no home in Nigeria that lacks a Dangote product that are very essential to our daily lives.”

Baba Blow

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Entertainment

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Published

4 days ago

September 25, 2026

Baba Blow

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Utibe Utuk

All is set to host a gathering of artists,innovators,creative entrepreneurs,young talents,students and industry professionals as the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 takes center stage.

The event, which brings together diverse voices and ideas around art,technology,culture and the future of the creative economy is scheduled for Friday,September 25th from 4pm,toprovide a platform for participants to connect,share ideas,showcase their creativity and explore emerging opportunities at the intersection of art,innovation and technology at Ibom LED Centre.

A major feature of the gathering will be the official launch of The Moeisha Foundation,an initiative focused on empowering young women and fresh school leavers with creative skills and opportunities in digital entrepreneurship.

The foundation is expected to provide opportunities for young people to develop practical skills,discover their creative potential and explore sustainable pathways within the growing digital economy.

Beyond the celebration of creative expression,the MOEISHA Creative Experience is designed to promote networking,collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from different areas of the creative industry.

The event will take place at Ibom LED,Ibom E-Library,Ibb Way,Uyo,Akwa Ibom State,with free entry for participants. Artists,students,young entrepreneurs,industry professionals and lovers of culture are expected to attend the gathering.

Some of the speakers and panelists to grace the event are Mandu Akpekong (Public Speaker), Sukmama Akpanusong (Tech Entrepreneur),Utonne Ekefre (CEO Latonne Signature) and Emmanuel Udosen (CEO Coddatech Nigeria Ltd), with performances by Udo Mariam, Psc Ben, Ferric Wondaz, Carlos Umoh and Evelyn Praiz to spice up the evening.

The convener,Mekmfonabasi Essien,an artist,creative visionary and curator,said in a chat with this reporter penultimate week that the event was conceived as an avenue to bring people together and create opportunities for meaningful connections within the creative space.

According to her,for a creative community like Uyo,which continues to explore new ways of turning talent and ideas into opportunities,the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 provides an avenue for participants to connect,create and discover new possibilities.

She called on young people in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring cities to take advantage of the gathering,describing it as a networking hub capable of opening doors for greater collaboration and creative partnerships.

#Inexperienced

#MOEISHAexperience2026

NEWS

Jubet Brings His Pen and Perspective to emPawa Publishing as “Hardest Truth” Continues Its Global Run

Published

2 weeks ago

September 15, 2026

Baba Blow

Jubet Brings His Pen and Perspective to emPawa Publishing as “Hardest Truth” Continues Its Global Run

Following more than four months on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and major Shazam milestones, the Nigerian singer-songwriter enters a new chapter with emPawa Publishing.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Jubet is entering a significant new phase of his career after joining the emPawa Publishing roster, marking an important step in the development and global positioning of his songwriting catalogue.

The development was announced by emPawa Publishing and emPawa Africa, who publicly welcomed the rising Nigerian artist to the publishing family while highlighting the distinctive qualities that have come to define his music: vulnerability, melody and honest storytelling.

The partnership arrives at a defining moment for Jubet, whose breakthrough single, “Hardest Truth,” has evolved from an intensely personal record into an international Afrobeats success story.

The song has maintained a sustained presence on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for more than four months, while reaching No. 1 in five African countries and securing placements on the Global Shazam Chart and Global Afrobeats Top 100.

“Hardest Truth” has also demonstrated the depth of its international reach, connecting with audiences across multiple African markets and establishing Jubet as one of the emerging voices of a new generation of Afrobeats artists.

In its announcement welcoming Jubet, emPawa described the artist as a rising Nigerian recording artist whose sound is built around vulnerability, melody and honest storytelling, qualities that have become central to his artistic identity.

The publishing company also placed emphasis on the songwriter behind the music, noting that Jubet is bringing “that pen, that perspective and that unmissable emotionality” to the emPawa Publishing catalogue.

That distinction is significant.

For Jubet, the publishing partnership represents more than recognition for a successful record. It marks a move toward developing the songwriter and the catalogue behind his growing international profile, while creating a foundation for the next phase of his career.

“Hardest Truth” has demonstrated that emotional honesty can travel. What began as a deeply personal expression has resonated with listeners across borders, turning Jubet’s vulnerability into a shared experience for audiences around the world.

For Jubet’s management, the partnership is a natural progression in an increasingly international journey.

“Jubet’s journey has always been about more than creating a successful record. At the heart of his artistry is his ability to translate real emotion and personal experiences into songs that people can see themselves in. The response to ‘Hardest Truth’ has shown us just how far that honesty can travel. Partnering with emPawa Publishing is an important step in developing Jubet not only as an artist, but as a songwriter and a catalogue with long-term global potential. We are excited about what this next chapter will make possible.”

– Louiza Williams –

Jubet’s emergence comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to expand its global footprint, with artists possessing distinctive voices and emotionally resonant songwriting finding increasingly receptive audiences beyond Nigeria.

From his beginnings in Ilora, Oyo State, to international chart recognition, Jubet’s trajectory has been shaped by an increasingly intentional approach to artistry, audience building and long-term career development.

The emPawa Publishing partnership now adds another important layer to that trajectory.

With “Hardest Truth” continuing to demonstrate staying power and a growing catalogue ahead of him, Jubet enters this next chapter not simply as a breakout artist, but as a songwriter whose voice and perspective are beginning to command international attention.

The breakthrough may have started with “Hardest Truth.” The next chapter is about what comes after it.

About Jubet

Jubet, born Akanbi Oluwa Jubelo, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and recording artist whose music is defined by vulnerability, melody and emotionally honest storytelling. His breakthrough single, “Hardest Truth,” propelled him onto international charts and introduced his distinctive sound to audiences beyond Nigeria.

About emPawa Publishing

emPawa Publishing is part of the wider emPawa Africa ecosystem, supporting songwriters and artists while developing and expanding the value of African music catalogues and creative works.

Media Contact:

Info@louikempire.com

+2348063815440

Entertainment

Nigerian Duo KIEZ x MUSTI Set to Release New Afro-Fusion & Soul Track on September 23 Under Our Own Music Worldwide

Published

3 weeks ago

September 11, 2026

Baba Blow

Nigerian artists Oke Gift Godspower (stage name KIEZ, also known as D Kiez) and Mustapha Audu (stage name MUSTI) are set to release a new collaborative track on September 23 under the record label “Our Own Music Worldwide”. The project, credited as KIEZ x MUSTI, is produced and mixed by Kokomani.

D Kiez is a Nigerian musician driven by passion, creativity, and a desire to connect with people through music. His sound blends Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, and soulful melodies, creating music that reflects real-life experiences, emotions, ambition, and the journey of chasing dreams. The upcoming release falls squarely in the Afro-Fusion & Soul genre, combining rhythmic energy with emotional depth.

The collaboration brings together KIEZ’s expressive, experience-driven songwriting and Musti’s complementary artistry, guided by Kokomani’s production and mixing. Released through Our Own Music Worldwide The September 23 project marks a fresh addition to the growing wave of Nigerian Afro-fusion that prioritizes authentic storytelling and melodic soul.

Fans of Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, and contemporary African soul can expect a track that balances groove with heartfelt emotion. Full details on the song title, streaming platforms, and official artwork will follow closer to the release date.

Stay tuned for KIEZ x MUSTI on September 23, presented by Our Own Music Worldwide with Digital PR by **Viral9ja Distribution & Marketing