The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is set to honour the President and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, as the Grand Patron of the association at its 2026 National Workshop and Awards Ceremony.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, and is expected to attract key stakeholders from the government, organised private sector, commerce, industry, finance and the media.
CICAN, in a letter dated August 23, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Taiwo Ademola Hassan, and Secretary-General, Olufemi Orioye, said the decision to nominate Dangote as its Grand Patron was based on his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development.
The association said Dangote’s investments in manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, job creation, export development and economic diversification had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s productive capacity.
According to CICAN, the Dangote Group has grown into one of Africa’s leading indigenous business conglomerates, with investments that have supported local businesses, created employment opportunities and strengthened value chains across several sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The association particularly commended Dangote’s commitment to large-scale industrialisation, noting that his investments had demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian entrepreneurs to establish globally competitive enterprises while contributing to the country’s quest for self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on imports.
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CICAN said as journalists covering commerce, industry, trade, investment and the broader business environment, it recognised the critical role of responsible private-sector investment in national development.
The association consequently resolved to confer on Dangote a Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Industrial Development, in addition to formally recognising him as its Grand Patron.
CICAN said Dangote’s acceptance of the role would further strengthen the relationship between the association and the organised private sector, while creating opportunities for greater collaboration in promoting informed public discourse on commerce, industry and Nigeria’s economic development.
The 2026 CICAN National Workshop and Awards Ceremony will bring together prominent stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting Nigeria’s business environment, industrial development and economic growth, while also recognising individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the nation’s economy.
