“A Touch Of Magic” & Other Inside Gists From Commissioning Of BUA Cement’s Game Changer

Thursday, January 27, 2022 – BUA Cement again recorded another significant stride.

President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the new 3million metric tonnes per annum line 4 cement plant of the fourth-largest company on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the outbreaking of another plant named Sokoto Line 5 in Kalambaina (Sokoto State).

The commissioning of the latest plant which attracted powerful players in the nation’s economic and political landscape as well as esteemed royal fathers has transformed BUA Cement into the second-largest producer of Cement in Nigeria.

This development is against the backdrop that the company that had a market recapitalization of N2.3trillion in December 2021 is the largest cement producer in the North-West, South-South, and South-East regions of the country.

Here are some of the short takes from the “records” breaking event…

…The Welcoming Host

Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA Group under which BUA Cement operates gave an inkling of what to expect right from the Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport in Sokoto.

The billionaire who is one of the nation’s largest employers of labor was at the Sultan Abubakar 111 international airport to personally receive guests from different parts of the world.

He welcomed all the guests – one on one – as they disembarked from each aircraft.

…BUA All Over The Town

BUA Cement Signages welcoming guests and those pointing directions were strategically placed on the roads along the 20.7kilometres journey from the Airport to the Kalambaina area where the commissioning of the new 3mmtpa line 4 BUA Cement plant took place.

The mini BUA “signboards” were complemented by congratulatory signages that validate the feelings all around Sokoto that it was a BUA Cement day.

….Eager Welcomers For President Buhari

President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari was the Special Guest at the talk of the town commissioning.

With words about that President Buhari would be in town, seas of eager welcomers took up positions at different points along the 23 minutes drive between the Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport and BUA Cement Plant in Kalambaina.

The welcomers were people of all ages and classes but particularly young people.

They had taken positions along different spots well ahead of the President’s arrival in a show that typifies affection and fierce loyalty to BUA Cement the chief host and President Buhari the special guest.

…Special Revelation By CBN GOV

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele was one of the speakers at the event.

One of the shepherds of the nation’s economy in his goodwill message made a special revelation.

Emefiele who sauntered into the venue with no airs of extra importance disclosed that BUA Group put up the Sokoto Line 4 plan which must have cost millions of dollars with no extra outside financing.

SocietyNow.Ng’s checks revealed this occurrence that speaks to how well the company is doing and its exemplary corporate governance is rare in today’s world.

….When Nuhu Ribadu Came In

Nuhu Ribadu, the former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was one of the guests at the commissioning of the economic booster.

His entry into the hall was…very simple.

He was accompanied by another guest and strolled straight to the front row.

The former Presidential candidate – of the defunct Action Congress Nigeria – kept an easy disposition all through the event.

…Taiwo Afolabi Was There
The deep pocket of many entrepreneurial pursuits, Taiwo Afolabi was also at the event.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sifax Group was on board the Air Peace flight charted by BUA Group that flew guests from Lagos to Sokoto.

He was all calm and friendly.

And was easy to approach all through the journey.

Of course, the owner of wave-making Marriot Hotel who is quietly building a refinery by the side was very much on phone – especially on the way back.

…The College of Traditional Rulers
The commissioning of the massive investment by BUA Cement – the entity is the result of a merger between Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) and Obu Cement Company Plc – naturally had the blessings of traditional rulers across the country.

And they were represented by a college of royalty on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the significant occasion.

Some of the royal fathers on hand were the Sultan of Sokoto- Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar, the Ooni of Ife – Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano – Aminu Ado Bayero, and the Emir of Bichi – Nasiru Ado Bayero.

The royal fathers sat on the same row as they entertained bows and related forms of respect as guests came to pay homage.

…. A Glimpse Into Preparation
The halls for the event were two. There was the main one. And there was a smaller one.

The main hall where the “action” took place housed about 2000 guests.

SocietyNow.Ng gathered that the white fabric hall and red-carpeted event place took more than a week to set up.

“We have been at it for more than a week” one of the workers stated just before the event started.

“Eventful” put it together.

….A Glance At The Ushers

Black wear and a redhead tie were the dressing of the ushers. All were female.

And they ensured all that was supposed to go round, went round.

Guests were constantly checked out to ensure they had the program’s pamphlets and “other things” that were supposed to be given out, reached all.

…When the Governors Banded Together

Aminu Tambuwal was the host Governor.

But his colleagues in that region of the country banded with him to celebrate the company that is massively impacting his state.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Governor Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ensured they were on hand to lend a “presence” of support.

Even Governor Muhammadu Badaru (Jigawa) who was “unavoidable” absent ensured his deputy, Governor Umar Namadi was in attendance to make sure Jigawa state is not found wanting in the committee of people identifying with a good cause.

….More Than Enough To Eat – and Drink
Naturally, item 7 as refreshment used to be traditionally numbered in the order of programs didn’t come first at the event.

Refreshments came in form of a creatively packaged BUA Handbag – paper styled as the event winds down.

And there was more than enough to eat and for everyone.

Some of the items in the package were Main food. Small chops. Fruits. Water. Fruit Drink. Non Alcoholic Drink and….

This was after plain water and three different kinds of non–alcoholic drinks had been served all around.

The ushers were so courteous gaps in servings were immediately filled. Newcomers were spontaneously attended to. And those who asked – even for more – were given, without questions.

…When A Touch Of Magic Was Added
The “opening” and facility tour of BUA Cement Line 4 in Sokoto was virtually attended by guests.

All other guests watched the proceedings on screen as President Buhari was conducted around parts of the mega-money facility.

At a point, the screen panned between the facility tour and some of the front row guests.

This made other guests wonder whether there was another arm of the event taking place at another hall.

Voila!. BUA Cement Managing Director Yusuf Binji, Central Bank Managing Director Godwin EMefiele, BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, President Buhari, and others were not only found among the “speculating guests” but made speeches with many wondering how they got in.

It was later discovered a “specially created access way” did the magic.

…Segun Awolowo Verus Tayo Ayeni

Ni bo ni Tayo Wa, Ko wa snap foto (Where is Tunde, let him come and snap a picture” – that was everybody’s friend Segun Awolowo.

One of the torch bearers of the legendary Awolowo family- he just left office as the front person at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council since 2013 – was also a guest at the headline-grabbing event.

Tayo is Tayo Ayeni the Chairman of SKymit Motors and a big player in the real estate and hospitality industry.

They arrived at the venue together and elatedly took pictures with Awolowo’s mobile phone.

Both of them wore traditional Yoruba attires with Ayeni opting for an Agbada which Awolowo did without.

Both wore caps but one came with a backpack to and from the event.

You wonder who?…well, “You get it?, If you don’t get it….”

…A Little local politics For Tambuwal
Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal showed why he retains a strong presence in the politics of his area.

He played a subtle but strong local politics when he was called on stage to give his remarks.

“…The Sultan of Sokoto and other royal fathers present…” he enthused in clear local politicking.

The Governor was full of praises for BUA Cement and gratitude to Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu for being huge helping hands to his administrations.

He narrated how the company is boosting the state in terms of monetary and resource supports to citizens and the state – including a N2.5Billion support fund.

…Emefiele’ s Thumps Up & Challenge
The Governor of Central Bank Godwin Emefiele issued a challenge to manufacturers of building materials to reduce the price of cement and steel to make housing more affordable in the country.

The Central Bank Governor who disclosed that the production capacity of cement companies in Nigeria had increased from 30 million metric tonnes in 2014 to 60 million metric tonnes in 2021 gave thumps up to BUA Cement for being a major contributor.

The Central Bank Governor urged all other players in the sector to emulate BUA.

…The Bank M.D That Silently Stood Out

Managing Directors of Banks were part of the event and of the popular faces was Adesola Adeduntan, the Chief Executive Director of First Bank.

He was silently conspicuous.

He didn’t go out of his way to make friends or conversation. And he didn’t deter others from relating with him.

He silently stood out.

Courteous when greeted. Apart but not away from others when standing alone.

No excessive laughter. No exceptional smile or special grin.

Handshake – in moderation. Exchange of Words – in moderation. Facial expression – 90% poker style.

…Adeniran On The Move

Never one to miss an opportunity to drive the investment opportunities in his state, Femi Adeniran was also on the beat.

The Chief Executive Officer of Osun State Investment Promotion Agency (OSIPA) was part of the game changer event.

The man with his fingerprints on strong perception about the goodness of Guaranty Trust Bank (now GTco) came in from Lagos to Sokoto.

Corporately ensembled, the confidant of Governor Oyetola was all “professional” as he “mingled” in his pursuit of getting something good for Osun state in the pool of amazing networks glued together by the commissioning of BUA Cement Line 4 plant in Sokoto.

…Taking Care Of Carbon Foot Prints

Despite the perceived environmental ills that come with cement manufacturing, the data at play reveal that the people at Kalambaina and Sokoto state are in very safe hands regarding the operations of BUA Cement.

The value-adding company is said to have diversified energy sources by introducing greener alternatives.

The plants now run on 100% LNG leading to reduced carbon emissions.

These take care of threats associated with environmental issues that might negatively impact on lives of locals.

BUA Cement is also “soaring” development in the area through various investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, jobs, and other social impacts.

….Key Things To Know About The Game Changer just commissioned
It has 3million metric tonnes per annum capacity, it has 6,000tpd ilc kiln with the highest energy efficiency and latest pollution abating equipment, boasts of 48mw dual power plant, has advanced automation via the central control room, possess vertical roller mills of the latest design from world-renowned suppliers of mills and has a state of the art quality control laboratory.

…Some Of The Other Dignitaries

Some of the other notable dignitaries who came to add color to the commissioning of a major economic booster in the country include

Olumide Akpata- President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Sijibomi Ogundele of luxury real estate firm Sujimoto, Jubril Adewale Tinubu – the Group CEO of OANDO PLC, Chief Sam Iwuajoku the power behind Quits Aviation, Otunba Niyi Adebayo – Minister for Industry and Trade as well as Investment, Senator Mohammed Daggash and Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar – former Minister of Commerce and of the FCT.

….All That BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Said

Your Excellency, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
Your Excellency, the Governor of Sokoto State &distinguished guests.

Your Excellency Sir, may I seek your permission to please stand on the already established protocols? Thank you.

1. I would like to start by expressing my most profound appreciation to Your Excellency, Mr President, for gracing today’s commissioning despite your busy schedule. Your presence here today, sir, is another affirmation of your unwavering commitment to Nigerian businesses and your vision to industrializing Nigeria.
2. I also welcome You and everyone else to the commissioning of the BUA Cement Sokoto Line 4 at this historic location – a location steeped in history, and one where Mr. President commissioned the second line in 1985 when he was Head of State.
3. Mr. President, a little over four and half years ago, shortly after the commissioning of BUA’s first greenfield cement complex – the 3million metric tonnes per annum BUA Cement Obu Line 1 by His Excellency, the Vice President, we continued our audacious yet structured expansion programme to meet the ever-growing demand for cement in Nigeria with regional exports also in focus.
4. We had a vision to support your government’s infrastructure agenda by ensuring we use locally available raw materials to produce cement here in Nigeria.
5. In the past 6 years, we have completed 4 plants – two in Obu, Edo State and two in Sokoto (of which this sokoto line 4 is the fourth) with BUA’s total production capacity now standing at 11million tonnes with the completion of this plant.
6. Next year, we intend to complete the construction of two new plants of 3 million metric tonnes each for which construction is ongoing – one in Edo and the other here in Sokoto. We expect these plants to be completed next year which will bring our total production capacity to 17million metric tonnes. We look forward to Your Excellency coming to commission them by the first quarter of 2023 ISA.
7. Mr. President, distinguished guests, BUA will continue to invest more in the cement industry until Nigeria is self-sufficient and
   cement is made available, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians.
8. Mr. President, there are many reasons one can attribute to the important nature of this plant. The attendant effect of these investments in new factories go beyond the community and the state. It extends to the region and the entire country.
9. From a job creation and economic standpoint, the Sokoto plant continues to be the largest private sector employer of labour in the North-Western part of Nigeria. Also, by adding value to resources mined in Nigeria, Nigeria is being saved billions of US dollars in foreign exchange that would have been spent on importation, whilst also ensuring product availability. In fact, 95% of all the raw materials used in our cement manufacturing process are sourced locally.
10. In addition to this, and our investment in social impact and CSR programmes for the community and sokoto state at all levels, we are also committed to environmental sustainability. We have diversified our energy sources by introducing greener alternatives – in this case, LNG – to power the kiln and 48 megawatts power plant. Our power plants are now running on 100% LNG leading to reduced carbon emissions. This is the first of its kind at any cement factory in Nigeria.
11. What this means also, is that as soon as the AKK gas project comes on stream, we are ready to be one of the first off-takers to satisfy our energy needs. This will also encourage further industrialization within the region, open new industries and ensure greater development and prosperity for this region and the nation in general.
12. Mr President Sir, all of this will not have been possible without your support and commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy.
13. As a Proudly Nigerian Company, we will do our best to continue to support those efforts.
14. The support of the Central Bank of Nigeria and its Governor in setting up this gigantic project is also worthy of mention. So far, we have invested over a billion dollars in the past four yearsand we urge the CBN to continue to support industries like ours that use locally sourced raw materials to add value because as mentioned earlier, these industries potentially save the country billions of dollars yearly and also ensureproducts are readily available across the length and breadth of the country.
15. I must also thank specifically, His Excellency, the Governor of Sokoto State – Rt Honourable Aminu Tambuwal who has never wavered in his support in ensuring an enabling environment for BUA Cement to thrive. Thank you, Your Excellency.
16. In the same vein, our partnership with our host community, Kalambaina Community, has been mutually beneficial. The people of Kalambaina have been so cooperative, peaceful, and supporting of the business and our activities. This has ensured a mostly hitch-free operation in this area for more than five decades and has given us the confidence to invest more whilst adding to the socio-economic development of the area through various investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, jobs, and other social impact areas.