Dangote to invest in solid minerals in Ekiti

The investment drive of the Governor
Kayode Fayemi-led administration got a
major boost at the weekend. Foremost
industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote promised
to extend his business interest to the
state.
Dangote, who is the Chairman and Chief
Executive of Dangote Group of
Companies, listed solid mineral
development, agriculture and education
as possible areas of investment in Ekiti
State.
He spoke after he met with Deputy
Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, at his
Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos Office.
According to a statement by Prof
Adelabu's media aide, Mr Bunmi
Ogunmodede, both parties described
their discussions as very fruitful. They
promised to work out the areas of
collaboration, the statement added.
Speaking on what transpired at the
meeting, Dangote said: "I have had a very
good discussion with the deputy governor
and we are looking at the areas of solid
minerals; we are also looking at the area
of rice production which is agriculture.
"We will engage more of the local
population in farming activities and this
will create employment opportunities for
the people. So, we'll look into this and
the possibility of collaborating with the
state through the Ministry of Agriculture.
"I am also looking into the area of
education. I have had a very fruitful
discussion with the professor and we'll
take it up from there," the businessman,
who rated the Fayemi administration
high in performance, said.
According to him, the Ekiti State
helmsman deserves all the necessary
support to push through his vision for the
people of Ekiti State.
His words: "Ekiti people and Nigerians
show allow him to continue with the
great job that he has been doing. He
(Fayemi) has not disappointed anyone of
us, who are his friends because we
believed he went into politics on a
mission and he's doing very well. My
advice to Ekiti people is that they should
give their governor and his deputy all the
support they require to succeed. They are
a great team and I wish them the very
best."
Also speaking, Prof Adelabu said her
parley with Africa's richest man centred
on possible areas of collaboration
between the two parties, particularly on
education.
She said: "I am aware there is the
Dangote Foundation that has interest in
education. In fact, he was there at the
last Education Summit that was held at
the Banquet Hall, State House, in Abuja.
"Former British Prime Minister Gordon
Brown was at that summit, where Alhaji
Dangote was saddled with the
responsibility of coordinating the
education sector. I have come to discuss
he can support the education sector in
our state and how to have more of his
investment presence in Ekiti State."
The deputy governor described Dangote
as man of his words, who will not
promised what he cannot do, assuring
that the state would be better for the
budding relationship between the
government and the business icon.