President of the Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said in Lagos yesterday that over 8,000 Nigerian engineers would be trained at the $9 billion proposed Dangote Refinery.

At the formal introduction of Dangote to the communities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone by Governor Babatunde Fashola, the business mogul said the communities stand to benefit enormously as over 8,000 engineers would be trained while jobs would be created for youths of the communities.

“Looking at what the governor has done by bringing this here I can assure you that this is going to be the biggest free trade zone in the African continent and I know that the people will begin to show their appreciation,” Dangote said.

“For instance, there is no way we can put down over $9 billion of our money here without making sure that the zone is going to work,” he added.

Fielding questions from newsmen after the ceremony which featured unanimous acclamation by members of the communities including Obas, Baales and community leaders as well as youths, Fashola expressed joy at the development saying it signals a breakthrough in the quest to fast track development in the zone.

“We have reached an agreement in public. There has been a clear understanding today,” he said.

Source: Daily Trust (by Kayode Ekundayo)