By Manasseh Istifanus

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung stands out as a notable politician, driven by a genuine concern for the welfare of his constituents. With unwavering dedication, he remains closely connected to the grassroots, constantly striving to improve their lives. His impressive track record since assuming office speaks volumes about his deep commitment to his role as our senator. Through his unwavering actions and notable accomplishments, he has silenced naysayers and gained the unwavering support of the public, proving that he takes his responsibilities seriously and will not betray the trust bestowed upon him by our people.

Despite his demanding schedules, Senator SMK has never lost touch with the needs of his constituents. He recognizes the importance of being actively involved in the daily lives of our people to truly understand their struggles and concerns. His regular visits to different parts of our Senatorial District, where he strives to identify areas for improvement and make positive impact on the lives of the people he represents is truly commendable.

Recently, for two weeks in a stretch, Senator Katung dedicated his time in the village to diligently explore various sectors within our region. His goal was to identify opportunities for positive change and to enhance the overall quality of life for our people. This proactive approach is a testament to his unwavering commitment and sincere desire to see our zone and our people thrive.

Senator Katung is a man of great foresight, prioritizing long-lasting projects over temporary fixes. Of all the areas close to his heart, education holds a special significance for him. He understands the crucial role education plays in paving the way for a better tomorrow for our youth and siblings. Keeping this in mind, he wasted no time immediately he was inaugurated as our Senator and, in less than a year and a half, successfully advocated, lobbied and advanced the establishment of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in our region. Today, his vision has become a reality, setting a new record for the speed and efficiency with which it was accomplished. This is undoubtedly one of the finest achievements in our history as a region.

Senator SMK is also making several interventions in different sectors of our socio-economic life, most especially in education; with interventions in different schools within our region and the impact is already being felt within those communities.

His recent visits to the facility of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia to ensure a smooth and seamless academic take-off later in September this year further demonstrated his tireless efforts and dedication to meeting the educational needs of our people.

As we prepare for September take-off of the University, we hope to see our children and younger siblings admitted to this unique University, which will bring us immense joy and hope for a better future. In addition to this, we anticipate a brighter future for our people as hundreds of individuals will secure employment and be able to earn a decent livelihood. The economy of our region will thrive, offering endless possibilities for our people to pursue. We are grateful to God and forever indebted to Distinguished Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and all those who contributed to making this dream a reality.

Keep trusting the process…..

~ Manasseh Istifanus writes from Gora Bafai, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
4th March, 2025.

Dangote Cement has reported a 62.2 per cent revenue growth, reaching N3,580.6 billion in 2024.

The company’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) also grew by 56.0 per cent to N1,388.2 billion, with a 38.6 per cent margin.

Arvind Pathak, Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, disclosed this in a corporate filing with the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX).

Pathak said “We wrapped up 2024 with strong momentum, driven by our focus on operational efficiency and excellence.

“Our group volume grew by 1.6 per year-on-year, reaching 27.7 Mt, driven by a strong recovery in Nigeria, where we improved efficiency and boosted sales growth by 7.9 per cent.

“A major milestone was the launch of the Document Management System (MMS), which enables customers to independently manage sales transactions and track deliveries, remotely.

DMS is the use of a computer and software to store, manage and track electronic documents and electronic images of paper-based information captured through the use of a document scanner.

“Over 80 per cent of our customers actively use this platform, and we aim to increase adoption to 90 per cent .

“Despite macroeconomic challenges, both globally and domestically, we remain committed to innovation and value creation, delivering strong returns for our stakeholders.”

He noted that the group’s revenue grew by 62.2 per cent to N3,580.6 billion, which was driven by a combination of volume growth and price adjustments to reflect inflationary trends.

He said as a result of this, the EBITDA reached a record high, surpassing the N1 trillion mark for the first time at N1,382.0 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) grew by 10.5 per cent year-on -year, totaling N503.2 billion.

“Reflecting our strong financial performance, the board has proposed a dividend of ₦30.00 per share for the 2024 financial year.

“By leveraging our strong export-to-import strategy, Dangote Cement achieved a record 31 clinker shipments from Nigeria to Ghana and Cameroon, driving a 69.1 per increase in Nigerian exports and strengthening our commitment to Africa’s cement self-sufficiency.

“We also made significant strides in sustainability, particularly in alternative fuel investments.

“Our Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) improved to 10 per cent , with 11 alternative feed systems installed across our plants, enabling greater flexibility in energy sourcing.

“Recognising our sustainability efforts, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) upgraded Dangote Cement’s rating to B across both climate and water categories,” he said.

Looking ahead, Pathak noted that the group would remain focused on strengthening the Nigerian market position, enhancing productivity, and driving economic growth across its operating regions.

He said, “we are now set to commission our 3Mta Cote d’Ivoire grinding plant in 2025, further expanding our footprints to capitalise on the high-growth African cement market.” (NAN)