Dangote, BUA Chairman, Alausa, DSS Chief Named Inside Sources Persons of the Year

Former presidential aide and journalist, Laolu Akande, has named Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Dr Tunji Alausa, and Mr Tosin Ajayi as the Inside Sources Persons of the Year, citing their actions, leadership choices, and impact as rare sources of hope and inspiration in Nigeria. Speaking during the My Take segment of Inside Sources with […]

Former presidential aide and journalist, Laolu Akande, has named Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Dr Tunji Alausa, and Mr Tosin Ajayi as the Inside Sources Persons of the Year, citing their actions, leadership choices, and impact as rare sources of hope and inspiration in Nigeria.

Speaking during the My Take segment of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television on Sunday, Akande said the selection was guided by the need to spotlight Nigerians whose words, deeds, and decisions demonstrate what is possible despite the country’s persistent challenges.

“Let us once again shine the light on just a few of those people who by their actions and their words and deeds give hope to our country and inspire all of us of what is possible in Nigeria. It’s a breath of fresh air outside of our sometimes perplexing challenges,” Akande said.

At the top of the list for the second consecutive year is Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, whose $20 billion refinery continues to dominate national discourse.

“Aliko Dangote, for the second year running, we can’t but point out what this man has come to represent for our future as a country. We are still talking about the Dangote Refinery which in every respect is a strong proof of concept of the ingenuity of Nigerians and the far too stupendous greatness that is possible for our country,” Akande noted.

He referenced a powerful reflection by columnist Sonala Olumhense on the broader meaning of the refinery project.

“According to Nigerian columnist, Sonala Olumhense who wrote: ‘What the Dangote Refinery affirms is that we can be so much more, and with our own hands plant so much more on our own soil, but also with our own mouths devour our young.’”

Akande posed a pointed question on the missed potential of the country: “Imagine if we have 10 Dangotes?”

Also honoured is Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, whom Akande described as a model of socially conscious capitalism.

He highlighted BUA’s recent distribution of N30 billion to 510 long-serving employees, with some individuals receiving as much as N1 billion.

“Also, there is a socially conscious Nigerian billionaire, Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group. His company recently distributed N30 billion to 510 long-serving employees at the end-of-the-year event of the company last year. Some of the individual staff got up to N1 billion,” he said.

Akande stressed that the gesture went beyond corporate generosity.
“Not only is that outstanding but it is that kind of spirit of boundless generosity can transform lives on a large scale that Nigerians need from our leaders in all facet of life.”

He added: “So, Dangote and BUA showcase that sense of human responsibility with dutiful care.”

In the public sector, Akande singled out Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, for what he described as decisive and urgent reforms in a sector long plagued by stagnation.
“There is Dr. Tunji Alausa, minister for education, who is making waves with swift reforms in the education sector. His efforts show he is not only reform minded but also brought the sense of the urgency of now,” he said.
According to Akande, Alausa has achieved what many of his predecessors failed to do.
“Under Alausa, unpaid allowances of University dons have been settled after decades of failed promises. And now, university strikes have dwindled almost up to nil.”
The final honouree is Mr Tosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), whom Akande described as an unexpected but welcome example of institutional leadership.
“Another person appointed by the president who is fast proving himself and outstanding in the office he occupies is Mr Tosin Ajayi, the director-general of the DSS,” he said.
Akande noted the significance of international recognition recently accorded the nation’s intelligence chief.
“In an unusual development, the International Press Institute has recognised our spy chief as champion of press freedom in Nigeria.”
Summing up the selections, Akande concluded:
“Those are Inside Sources Persons of the Year.”
The list, he said, reflects individuals whose leadership and conduct point to a Nigeria that works—one driven by vision, responsibility, urgency, and respect for human dignity.