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Aliko Dangote’s eldest daughter Mariya spotted alongside dad at Lamu refinery launch
30th September, 2026 01:17 PM
Aliko Dangote’s eldest daughter, Mariya Aliko Dangote, has been spotted alongside her billionaire father in Lamu as Kenya hosts the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Ksh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery.
Mariya was among the senior Dangote Group figures attending the high-profile ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, which has brought together President William Ruto, several African leaders and prominent business figures for the launch of the multibillion-shilling project.
The executive stood out in a dark green traditional Nigerian Kitenge dress featuring matching headgear, while also wearing her hijab as she joined her father and other dignitaries at the event.
Mariya was later called upon to join senior Dangote Group executives for an official photograph as the master of ceremonies coordinated the different photo sessions involving the dignitaries.
The MC first directed security officers to remove the safety gear that had been used for the earlier frame before the team prepared for another photograph.
“The first frame we will have with the safety gear, and the second one with the safety gear removed. Now we will have the first frame. Now it is done. Security officers, please take the gear away so they can get ready for the second frame,” the MC said.
He then called on Mariya to prepare for the second frame alongside two of the conglomerate’s senior executives, Olakunle Alake and Devakumar Edwin.
“Then, for the second frame, kindly have Miss Mariya Aliko Dangote ready, together with Mr Olakunle Alake and Mr Devakumar Edwin. But first, let us finish the first frame with the heads of state. So now, please, Miss Mariya and Mr Olakunle, join. We will also have the Minister of Petroleum for Nigeria joining the frame later,” the MC said.
Alake is the Group Vice President, DIL Businesses, a role in which he is responsible for Dangote Industries Limited’s businesses outside the oil and gas division. Edwin, meanwhile, is the Vice President, Oil & Gas, overseeing the Group’s oil and gas interests, including the refinery, fertiliser, petrochemical and upstream businesses.
Mariya herself holds the position of Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations – Cement & Foods Businesses, where she leads the commercial strategy for Dangote’s cement and food operations across its markets.
Her appearance in Lamu offered a rare public glimpse of one of the billionaire’s daughters as the Dangote family takes another major step in expanding the conglomerate’s industrial footprint across Africa.
Mariya has generally maintained a relatively low public profile compared with her father, despite holding a senior position within the multibillion-dollar business empire.
The Lamu ceremony has nevertheless placed her in the spotlight as she joined her father at an event marking the beginning of what is expected to become one of East Africa’s largest industrial projects.
The project is valued at about $16 billion, equivalent to roughly Ksh2.1 trillion, although some estimates put the investment at around Ksh2.2 trillion.
The project is expected to directly employ about 60,000 people, according to Dangote, while its wider economic impact is expected to extend across petroleum processing, trade, logistics and other industries.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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