Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos: Lafarge Transitions to HBM Nigeria Plc, Unveils New Corporate Identity
Group MD Lolu Alade-Akinyemi assures staff and customers of seamless operations as rebranding takes effect nationwide
Group MD Lolu Alade-Akinyemi assures staff and customers of seamless operations as rebranding takes effect nationwide
Lafarge Africa Plc on Tuesday officially changed its corporate name to HBM Nigeria Plc, unveiling a new identity at a ceremony in Lagos that signals the company’s continued evolution within Nigeria’s building solutions sector. The transition, led by Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, follows changes in the company’s shareholding structure and is designed to reflect its growing integration with the global Huaxin Building Materials Group.
The event brought together key industry stakeholders, including Chairman Gbenga Oyebode and Minister of Works Dave Umahi, who praised the company—now HBM Nigeria Plc—for its longstanding contributions to infrastructure development across the country. Representatives of state governments from Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun joined traditional leaders and business executives at the official unveiling.
According to Alade-Akinyemi, the transition marks a significant milestone for one of Nigeria’s largest cement producers. “HBM Nigeria Plc represents an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading building solutions company. While our corporate identity is evolving, our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. We remain focused on delivering quality cement, concrete, aggregates, and innovative building solutions that support infrastructure development, housing growth, and industrialisation,” he said at the event.
Chairman Oyebode expressed confidence in the rebranding process, thanking shareholders and staff for their ongoing support. He stated that HBM Nigeria Plc would continue to create sustainable value for shareholders while upholding its legacy of excellence and responsible business practices. Minister Umahi commended the company’s role in supporting federal infrastructure initiatives, noting its “impeccable” product standards and integrity.
The rollout of the new corporate identity will be implemented in phases across all HBM Nigeria Plc locations—including Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State; Ashaka in Gombe State; Mfamosing in Cross River State; as well as ready-mix operations in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The company confirmed that no disruptions are expected for employees or customers during this period. With an installed cement production capacity of 10.5 million tonnes per annum and extensive operations nationwide, HBM Nigeria Plc says it remains committed to driving economic growth and supporting Nigeria’s urbanisation agenda.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Report Says Nigeria’s Oil Wealth Fails to Deliver Education, Healthcare and Jobs for Millions
Despite being Africa’s top oil producer, many Nigerians still lack basic services, with experts warning of worsening inequality
Despite being Africa’s top oil producer, many Nigerians still lack basic services, with experts warning of worsening inequality
A new report has revealed that millions of Nigerians are still denied access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities despite the country’s significant oil wealth. The findings, released on Thursday in Abuja, highlight ongoing gaps in social services across states and underscore concerns about the effectiveness of government spending.
According to the report, Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest crude oil producer has not translated into improved living conditions for many citizens. Analysts noted that while the country records billions of naira in oil revenue annually, persistent issues such as dilapidated schools, poorly equipped hospitals, and high unemployment rates remain widespread in both urban and rural areas.
The situation is particularly troubling given Nigeria’s growing population and its status as Africa’s most populous nation. Experts argue that inadequate investment in human capital threatens long-term development and deepens social inequality. “The resource wealth should have transformed education and health outcomes by now,” one analyst observed during the presentation of the report.
In response to similar criticism in the past, government officials have pointed to ongoing reforms and renewed commitments to boost funding for critical sectors. However, stakeholders say more transparency is needed regarding how allocations are disbursed at federal and state levels. The report also called on authorities to prioritise policies that create jobs for young people and address infrastructural decay.
With unemployment figures rising and thousands of children still out of school nationwide, observers warn that failure to address these issues could undermine national stability. The report concluded by urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to match promises with concrete action so as to ensure that Nigeria’s vast resources truly benefit all citizens.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Court Remands Couple Over Alleged Attempted Murder of 11-Year-Old Boy
Judge orders accused to remain in custody pending further investigation; police intensify probe into incident
Judge orders accused to remain in custody pending further investigation; police intensify probe into incident
A Magistrate Court sitting in Delta State has ordered the remand of a couple over allegations of attempted murder involving an 11-year-old boy. The ruling was delivered on Thursday, 25 June 2026, following their arraignment on charges brought by the police.
The couple, whose names were not disclosed at the time of the hearing, were accused of attempting to take the life of the minor under circumstances that are now under detailed investigation. The prosecution informed the court that the alleged offence took place within the state and presented preliminary findings as part of their application for remand.
The case has drawn concern from residents and child rights advocates in Delta State, who have called for a thorough investigation and swift justice for the victim. The attempted murder charge is considered a grave offence under Nigerian law and carries severe penalties if proven in court.
Police authorities said their investigation is ongoing and promised to ensure all parties involved are held accountable according to the law. The court adjourned the matter to a later date for further hearing and directed that both defendants remain in custody until then.
Legal analysts say this development highlights persistent concerns around child safety and domestic violence in Nigeria. Advocacy groups have urged government agencies to strengthen measures protecting minors from abuse and ensure perpetrators face full legal consequences.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Uncovers Attempt to Conceal Faulty Drainage on Road Project
Inspection exposes substandard drainage work as state government vows stricter monitoring of contractors
Inspection exposes substandard drainage work as state government vows stricter monitoring of contractors
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has uncovered an attempt to hide a faulty drainage system during an inspection of an ongoing road construction project in the state. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 25, when the governor visited the project site as part of routine checks on infrastructure delivery in Akwa Ibom.
According to details from the inspection, workers at the site had tried to cover up a defective section of the drainage intended for the road. Governor Eno, upon noticing irregularities in the structure, ordered that the area be reopened for proper assessment. The move revealed poor construction quality, prompting immediate directives for remedial action.
This development comes at a time when concerns about substandard public projects are widespread across Nigeria. Many residents and stakeholders have repeatedly called on government at all levels to ensure strict supervision and accountability in project execution, especially as infrastructural decay remains a pressing issue in several states.
Following his findings, Governor Eno warned contractors against delivering shoddy jobs and emphasised that government will not accept projects that fail to meet agreed standards. He also directed relevant supervising ministries and agencies to intensify monitoring of all ongoing works. “Every kobo spent on these projects must deliver value for our people,” he stated during the inspection.
The state government indicated that it will re-evaluate similar projects across Akwa Ibom to forestall future incidents of malpractice by contractors. Authorities assured residents that only quality infrastructure would be commissioned, and erring contractors would face sanctions according to contract terms.
