Lizzo, sampling lawsuit — Lizzo performs during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/AMA2019/FilmMagic for dcp)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2025

Lizzo Speaks Out After Lawsuit Over ‘Fat-Shaming’ Claims Dismissed By Judge

While a judge has axed the fat shaming claims, the allegations of false imprisonment and sexual harassment remain.

Lizzo spoke out after a judge dismissed the “fat-shaming” claims made by her ex-dancers in a defamation lawsuit.

The lawsuit made headlines when it was filed in 2023 after the former dancers accused the body-positive singer of letting them go due to their weight gain as well as accusations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

A judge ruled earlier this week that the case will not proceed with all of its initial claims, as reported by Blavity.

The “Good As Hell” singer took to social media for an update, posting a message over a video of herself looking at the camera.

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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

“The fat-shaming claims against me have been have been officially dropped by my accusers,” wrote Lizzo in the video. ” They conceded it had no merit in court.”

She then revealed what led to the dancers’ termination.

“There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight. Because it never happened. Now the truth is finally out,” she continued. “They weren’t fired for gaining weight. They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex-employees.”

The news initially shocked fans, given Lizzo’s platform for supporting body diversity, which she emphasized in her video.

“I have never fired an employee for gaining weight. I have only encouraged and supported people with bigger bodies and shared my platform with them. “

As the case continued, Lizzo became less vocal about the legal battle. Her team has remained adamant that the allegations were fraudulent, and filed appeals.

She added, “This claim has haunted me since the day it came out. It has been devastating to suffer through this in silence, but I let my lawyers lead, and I’m so grateful for this victory.”

The three dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, confirmed that they will not appeal the ruling, said their attorney, Ron Zambrano, who released a statement.

“Of the couple of claims Judge Epstein did dismiss, the plaintiffs have taken a considered approach to leave that be. One would hope to see the same level of intellectual honesty and neutral assessment from the defendants, but that hasn’t been the case thus far, and it’s disappointing,” he said.

Zambrano added that a “vast majority” of claims are in play, so Lizzo, 37, may still have to appear in court as there are additional claims of sexual harassment and false imprisonment.

“I am still in a legal battle…I am not settling,” she said. “I will be fighting every single claim until the truth is out. “

10 Black Movies To Cozy Up To For The Holidays — Photo by monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images

by Ahsan Washington

December 17, 2025

10 Black Movies To Cozy Up To For The Holidays

Which is your favorite?

As the holiday season nears and planning for all the festivities gets underway, remember that nothing beats watching films that focus on Black joy, family, love and tradition.

When the busy hours of the holiday start to wind down, cozy up on the couch to watch these 10 Black films, which are ideal choices for first-time audiences and returning viewers.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

This 2020 holiday musical fantasy tells the story of a toymaker who rediscovers his holiday spirit through his granddaughter. The film, featuring Forest Whitaker Keegan-Michael Key, Anika Noni Rose, and Madalen Mills, serves as perfect family holiday entertainment, thanks to its diverse cast.

Almost Christmas

This 2016 comedy-drama depicts a family uniting for the holidays that quickly results in both disorder and affection. Starring Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo’Nique, Kimberly Elise and Romany Malco, Almost Christmas delivers an authentic depiction of family relationships by blending comedy and emotional depth.

It’s available to watch on Prime Video and Netflix.

Boxing Day

This 2021 British romantic comedy tells the story of an author and his fiancée who manage family pressures during the Christmas season. It stands as the first British Christmas romantic comedy to feature an almost complete Black cast. Even better, the film delivers a warm and unique approach to the genre.

Friday After Next

The Friday trilogy’s third installment features Ice Cube, Mike Epps, and John Witherspoon. The story follows them as mall security guards who experience a Christmas disruption when a robber Santa attacks them. The 2002 film, which has gained cult status because of its holiday chaos and hilarious comedy, streams on multiple platforms.

This Christmas

The Whitfield family reunion forms the central storyline of this holiday ensemble drama. This Christmas received acclaim for its multi-character storytelling which unites humorous moments with emotional scenes and soulful elements. Loretta Devine, Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Regina King, and Chris Brown lead the cast of this 2007 gem..

The Best Man Holiday

The Best Man Holiday continues the story from The Best Man by showing college friends who meet again during Christmas to resolve their past conflicts during a funny, poignant reunion.

The cast of the 1999, including Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs and Nia Long, returns for this 2013 hit. Peacock and Hulu both stream the film.

Black Nativity

This memorable 2013 musical drama adapts Langston Hughes’ play about family, faith, and finding one’s way home for Christmas. The film features Jennifer Hudson together with Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, and Jacob Latimore.

Christmas At Water’s Edge

Christmas at Water’s Edge presents a modern holiday story that follows the structure of A Christmas Carol. Here, a student receives guidance from an angel who reveals the true significance of the holiday season. Keshia Knight Pulliam and Pooch Hall star in this 2004 film that delivers a delightful and spiritual message. It’s available on DVD and on streaming.

Holiday Heart

Holiday Heart tells the story of a drag performer who takes responsibility for raising a little girl during the holidays. Ving Rhames, in the title role, and Alfre Woodard lead the cast of this touching 2000 film, which is available through streaming services and VOD platforms.

A Diva’s Christmas Carol

Another contemporary retelling of A Christmas Carol features superstar divas Vanessa Williams and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas uncovering holiday spirit on a journey of self-discovery. The 2000 film is the perfect holiday movie for a cozy night at home.

Sigma Gamma Rho, Block Party, Black business, Black Business Block Party — (Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2025

19-Year-Old Ph.D. Makes History As Youngest Sigma Gamma Rho Grad Chapter Member

Dr. Tillman is a renowned leader in the STEAM field and a BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honoree.

At just 19 years old, Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman has a new accolade under belt outside her Ph.D. The academic phenom has officially joined the Delta Sigma Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is the youngest member of the chapter in its nearly century of existence.

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A post shared by Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II (@dorothyjeanius)

Tillman was officially inducted into the Sigma Gamma Rho on Nov. 1, joining her cohort as part of the “14 Phases of RHOyalty.” Founded in Chicago, the chapter’s latest inductees have tremendous accomplishments of their own.

She began her journey in higher education at just 10 years old. The prodigy then went on to earn her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at Arizona State University seven years later.

With her platform, she founded the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, helping the youth transform while building careers across science and the arts. The BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honoree continues to be an inspiration to her new sorority sisters and young scholars in STEAM and beyond.

Through her motto, “Leading by Examples of Excellence,” Tillman has also maintained her native roots, helping the Chicago community through an environment-focused educational program, Space To Grow. On an international level, Dr. Tillman is an advisor on STEAM education for the Akuapem people in Ghana.

Founded at Butler University in 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. has fostered over 100 years of dedication to communal upliftment and education. As a public speaker and renowned advocate for youth empowerment, Tillman exemplifies the sorority’s values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

With this latest honor, Tillman hopes to further encourage women to achieve their greatest ambitions. As a Black woman in STEAM and a change-maker for young students, Tillman will also bring more awareness to her work as a member of this esteemed organization.

NAUPA, unclaimed, property, money, cash, welfare, wealth, millionaire, Game developer, hardship grants, united way — (Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels)

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 17, 2025

Startup Founder Accused Of Using VC Funds To Purchase New Home, Caribbean Wedding

Experts say startups that run into criminal negligence often face less regulatory scrutiny over public companies.

Shiloh Luckey, the founder and former CEO of Los Angeles-based tax-compliance startup ComplYant, is under federal investigations by the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office amid allegations that she used venture capital funds to purchase a house and pay for a wedding in the Caribbean, Business Insider reports.

Luckey is facing accusations of securities and bank fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as violating securities laws, by using millions of dollars of company funds to pay for Super Bowl tickets, buy a home, and pay for a Caribbean destination wedding.

A civil complaint, according to FX News Group, alleges Luckey raised over $13 million from venture capital investors between October 2020 and September 2023 under false pretenses regarding ComplYant’s commercial success of its software product, in addition to her qualifications to run the company. Federal agents allege that the former CEO falsely labeled herself a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), claiming extensive knowledge and experience in tax management, supervision, and accounting compliance.

As ComplYant operated as an online technology company offering software services for small business owners to track and manage tax responsibilities, the complaint alleges Luckey, once known by her maiden name of Johnson, would continuously overstate both ComplYant’s revenue and the company’s subscriber base to lure in investors.

It was revealed that she was not a licensed CPA.

In addition to her lucrative salary, Luckey pocketed roughly $2.2 million of raised investor funds, allegedly using the money for luxury vacations to places including Aspen, Turks and Caicos, and Lisbon. Her scheme came to light when ComplYant ran out of cash and abruptly ceased operations in mid-September 2023 despite having raised $750,000 from two new investors in June and September.

Experts say startups that run into criminal negligence often face less regulatory scrutiny than public companies. SEC Regional Director Monique Winkler said the story was painted for the world to see in high-profile cases such as Theranos, once run by disgraced Silicon Valley icon Elizabeth Holmes. “Startup founders cannot fake it until they make it by falsifying revenue metrics,” Winkler warned.

Under Luckey’s leadership, she hired more than 50 employees, but when the company failed, she cut off all contact with them, leaving former employees without final paychecks for seven weeks. Some checks had missing funds from 401(k) contributions.

However, court proceedings have not seemed to stop Luckey from conducting business. She is often seen on TikTok providing financial and tax advice to her 23,000-plus followers.

@shilohluckey
Sunday night scaries aren’t always about tomorrow — sometimes they’re about the stuff you’re avoiding. You don’t need to fix everything tonight. Just start with one habit that makes tax season easier. Mileage adds up fast. #sundaynightscaries #smallbusinesshabits #taxtips #selfemployedlife #businessowner
♬ original sound – Shiloh, the accountant

Records show that in October 2025, she started a new startup called HabitLoop, described as a digital financial assistant for money management.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation, — (Photo: Public Domain)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2025

Trump’s Proposed Requirements For U.S. Travelers: 5 Years Of Social Media Posts, Their DNA

And that's not all the Trump administration would require.

If the Trump administration gets its way, visitors to the United States would have to submit their social media activity from the past five years as well as DNA samples.

On Dec. 10, the administration unveiled proposed changes to U.S. travel policy, expanding the data collection powers of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Privacy International reports. If approved after a 60-day consultation, travelers could be required to use a U.S. government mobile app, provide social media accounts from the past five years, email addresses for themselves and family members from the past 10 years, and submit DNA samples.

An 11-page notice published in the Federal Register details several proposed changes by CBP to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which screens and approves travelers entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. Under the proposed rules, social media would become a mandatory part of ESTA applications, requiring a five-year history for applicants. “High-value data fields” were also added, such as biometrics, including facial scans, fingerprints, iris data, and even DNA.

Travelers will also be required to use two CBP apps: ‘CBP Home’ and the ‘ESTA Mobile App,’ as the ESTA website is being phased out. The app will collect biometric proof of departure to “close the information gap” and will share the user’s location after leaving the U.S.

Following the Department of Homeland Security’s November announcement to collect facial biometrics from all noncitizens upon U.S. entry and exit, eliminating previous exemptions, the new rules require applicants, including those applying through third parties, to submit a “selfie” in addition to their passport photo.

If approved, the policy would affect all current visa-free travelers. For the estimated 14 million annual ESTA visitors, CBP estimates it would take about 22 minutes to submit information for themselves and their family members. Despite no mobile device currently capable of collecting DNA, the Trump administration remains determined to enforce the requirement.

doorDash — Photo by RichLegg/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 16, 2025

SPIDER WARS? DoorDash Driver Arrested After Pepper-Spraying Customer’s Food, Claims She Was Attacking Arachnid

The incident was caught on camera at a house in Evansville, Indiana

The DoorDash worker seen on surveillance video allegedly spraying a substance on a food order she delivered is in police custody. Her reason for spraying the bag? She claims that she was spraying at a spider.

According to a news release by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, Kourtney Stevenson has been arrested. She is facing charges of two counts of Battery Resulting in Moderate Injury as Level 6 felonies and two counts of Consumer Product Tampering as Level 5 felonies.

The incident was caught on camera at a house in Evansville, Indiana, sometime after midnight Dec. 7. Mark Cardin, who placed the DoorDash order from Arby’s that night, said he brought it into the house. As his wife started eating, she had trouble breathing. When he saw her struggling, he went to investigate the bag.

After viewing the bag, he noticed the delivery person had sprayed it. He then reviewed the security camera footage and confirmed that Steveneson had sprayed the bag. He then contacted DoorDash and the police department.

Detectives from the police department then subpoenaed DoorDash records, which identified Stevenson as the delivery driver. After contacting her, she agreed to be interviewed by officers. During the phone call, she admitted to detectives that she did use pepper spray on the bag. However, she told them she did it because she saw a spider, which she is scared of.

Police stated that the overnight temperature was 35 degrees, and spiders in Indiana would not be outside at that temperature and would not be “capable of crawling on exposed surfaces.”

Stevenson later called back to inform them that she would not come in for an interview as scheduled. After issuing a warrant for her arrest, authorities in McCracken County, Kentucky, detained Stevenson the following morning. She is being held without bond pending extradition to Indiana.

“Residents should be able to trust that the food they order for their families is safe,” said Sheriff Noah Robinson. “When someone violates that trust and endangers others, we will respond with urgency, and we will pursue charges. I want to commend our detectives and also thank the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office and Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in making this arrest.”

RV, RV park, Josh Grady, Georgia, Warthen RV Park — Photo by Kampus Production/ pexels

by Mary Spiller

December 16, 2025

Houston-Based BLK Beetles Expands From Podcast Into Connecting People of Color with the Great Outdoors

What began as a storytelling platform has evolved into a growing movement creating culturally safe outdoor spaces—with plans to expand beyond Texas in 2026.

BLK Beetles, a Houston-based collective focused on reconnecting people of color with nature and community, is entering a new phase of growth after launching what leaders describe as its most ambitious effort yet: the BLK Beetles Collective.

The Houston-based group, which began as a podcast in 2021, has evolved into an organization that hosts outdoor meetups, creative workshops, and storytelling projects that emphasize belonging and cultural safety. Since its founding, BLK Beetles has engaged more than 1,400 participants through running crews, guided hikes, birdwatching events, and its digital platform, BLK Beetles StoryHouse.

“People weren’t just eager to hear stories of belonging; they were eager to live them,” said co-founder Samad Hinton told Blavity. “That realization pushed us to widen our focus. Our communities needed real spaces where people of color could rediscover the joy, possibility, and healing that comes from being connected to one another.”

The expansion comes as research continues to show disparities in access to green space. Hinton noted that communities of color are “nearly three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas.” So they’re eager to re-engage with nature, but often arrive at outdoor events with concerns about safety and acceptance.

BLK Beetles addresses those concerns by designing programming through what leaders call a “cultural safety lens.” In a recent partnership with REI, the group hosted skill-building workshops to lower barriers to outdoor participation.

According to Hinton, participants shared how identity and lived experience influence where—and with whom—they feel comfortable recreating. “This affirmed that the outdoors is not a neutral space,” he said.

As reported by Blavity, co-lead Kelly Hubbell-Hinton said the shift can be transformative once people find a welcoming environment. She described an early member who joined a running group seeking connection and later helped develop a women-of-color running series focused on safety. That participant eventually trained alongside others to complete her first 25K trail race.

“People arrive unsure, and then open up,” Hubbell-Hinton said. “They begin to see nature as a place where they can move freely and genuinely belong.”

In October 2025, BLK Beetles formally launched the BLK Beetles Collective, offering recurring outdoor gatherings and creative programming for adults of color. Leaders say the effort was made possible through support from the adidas Community Lab, which provided funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

“The Community Lab helped us see that culturally safe, welcoming outdoor spaces can become the standard, not the exception,” Hinton said.

With new infrastructure in place, BLK Beetles plans to expand to Albuquerque in 2026. As the group grows, its leaders say their mission remains rooted in combating isolation and loneliness.

“One in five adults in the U.S. feels lonely on a daily basis,” Hubbell-Hinton said. “Our role is to remind people they don’t have to move through life alone.”

racist, protestor, GOP, Wesley Hunt, Texas — Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 16, 2025

Black-On-Black Crimes: Wesley Hunt Accuses Tim Scott Staffer Of Racism Over ‘Ashy’ Comment

Neither Scott nor his office have yet to provide a response.

A simple comment of Rep. Wesley Hunt’s (R-TX) appearance has turned into accusations of racism against the staff member of another Black Republican, Sen. Tim Scott (SC).

Hunt is accusing Jennifer DeCasper, executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), who is also Black, of using a “racist trope” after she commented on a photo of Hunt at a White House Christmas celebration. “Those gray ankles got dude looking like he just did a tap-dance routine in a bag of flour,” DeCasper wrote on X.

Those gray ankles got dude looking like he just did a tap-dance routine in a bag of flour. https://t.co/R8m1jya4Xb
— Jennifer DeCasper (@d3casp3r) December 12, 2025

Hunt, who is running for Senator in Texas, called DeCasper’s comment “really unfortunate” on the social platform, and expounded in a statement saying he was disheartened to see comments from a staff member working for Scott, the longest-serving Black U.S. senator.

“As a Black Republican, I am no stranger to vile and racist tropes aimed at my family and me. Historically, those attacks have come almost exclusively from the radical left,” Hunt said, according to 24Sight News. “That is why it is both surprising and deeply disheartening to now see similar behavior coming from individuals serving at the NRSC under Senator Tim Scott. We should hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can do better.”

Comments under the post supported Hunt’s sentiments, while other Republican strategists labeled the comment as being tone-deaf and insensitive. “While the party tries to recruit minorities, they are making jokes about a minority congressman,” one anonymous strategist said.

Neither Scott nor his office has yet to provide a response.

Hunt is running against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Scott has endorsed Cornyn. The primary is set for March 3. Whomever advances will face he Democratic nominee: Lone Star state Reps. James Talarico or Jasmine Crockett.

Interestingly enough, Hunt, in a clear example of holding himself to a higher standard, took to social media to berate Crockett, saying that her being in the race turns it into “Real Housewives of ATL for the sake of someone’s documentary deal. But here we are… and let’s be honest, Jasmine Crockett is in this race because John Cornyn refused to get out of it,” he wrote on X with a video of the lawmaker speaking on a panel.

“Cornyn invited this circus. His entire strategy now is to split the GOP vote, limp into a general, and hope Texans forget the last 20 years of votes that look like they came straight out of a Democrat caucus room.”

Texas voters deserve better than watching a U.S. Senate race turn into Real Housewives of ATL for the sake of someone’s documentary deal.

But here we are… and let’s be honest, Jasmine Crockett is in this race because John Cornyn refused to get out of it.

Cornyn invited this… pic.twitter.com/MKPBgTeiXX
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) December 9, 2025

He should maybe be more concerned with the views of voters in Texas. Critics have latched onto his Congress attendance record, suggesting a slow path to victory in the Senate race.

Golden Krust — photo credit: TFrederick5, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by Mitti Hicks

December 16, 2025

Black-Owned Golden Krust Invests Over $18,000 To Jamaican Farmers For Hurricane Recovery

Hurricane Melissa destroyed most of Jamaica’s agriculturally productive areas, resulting in estimated losses and damages of approximately $180 million.

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurants, the Black family-owned Jamaican brand, has announced a J$3 million ($18,760) agricultural recovery initiative to support small farmers impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The investment, made in partnership with the American Friends of Jamaica, will provide direct support to 10 farmers in St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, St. Catherine, St. Mary, and Manchester. These areas experienced significant crop loss, flooding, and infrastructure damage when the Category 5 storm made landfall on the island on Oct. 28, 2025.

Each farmer selected will receive J$300,000 worth of seedlings, equipment, and essential farming supplies to replant and restore their farms.

“Hurricane Melissa severely affected families and farmers across Jamaica, and we recognize how difficult it has been for many to restart after such a significant loss,” Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson, Golden Krust CEO, stated in a news release. “This is just the beginning of an ongoing rehabilitation effort.”

Jamaican Farmers Rebuilding Following Historic Storm

Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic and historic damage in Jamaica. Described as the worst hurricane since records began, the storm killed at least 45 people and left hundreds of thousands in precarious living conditions.

The World Bank estimates $8.8 billion in physical damage, roughly 41% of the country’s GDP. According to the United Nations, 36% of homes in the western part of the country were either damaged or destroyed. Nearly half a million people are reportedly left in precarious conditions, facing profound uncertainty.

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture points out, Hurricane Melissa destroyed most of Jamaica’s agriculturally productive areas, resulting in estimated losses and damages of approximately $180 million.

“As the Government of Jamaica begins its recovery efforts, the immediate and medium-term risks of food shortages remain a serious concern,” the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service stated.

Jamaican farmers said Golden Krust’s support could not have come at a better time and described the investments as “immeasurable.”

“We know we have a partner who is not only just talk, but who takes action, and that is where the rubber meets the road,” said Luke Lee, director of Clarendon-based Gen Paradise Company Limited.

Pollman Tours, kenya,,Aliko Dangote,tourism — Investment Corporation of Dubai, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by Mary Spiller

December 16, 2025

Africa’s Richest Man Says Planned Oil Refinery Listing Aims To Put Ownership In Nigerian Hands

Africa’s richest businessman says the proposed stock market debut of his $20 billion oil refinery is about legacy, not control, and will allow Nigerians at home and abroad to share in its profits.

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote says his plan to list his $20 billion oil refinery on the stock exchange is driven by a desire to make everyday Nigerians part-owners of one of the country’s most ambitious industrial projects.

In a recent interview with members of the press, Dangote said the proposed listing of the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery is not about retaining dominance over the asset, but about creating long-term shared value.

“At the moment, our main interest is to list on the exchange, so that every living Nigerian can own part of the refinery,” he said.

Dangote made clear that he is not concerned about maintaining a controlling stake once shares are offered. When asked how much equity he plans to sell, he said there would be no fixed limit. “Somebody asked me a question, is it 5 or 10% you want to sell?” Dangote said. “And I said that when we are going to sell the shares, we will not put a cap. If they happen to buy 55% and I own 45%, so be it.”

The refinery, located outside Lagos, is the largest of its kind in Africa and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to reduce fuel imports and strengthen domestic energy production. Dangote described the facility as a legacy project, saying broad ownership would allow citizens to directly benefit from its long-term performance.

“The thing is about legacy,” he said. “I want Nigerians to own this, and I want every single Nigerian, when the refinery does well, for them to always be able to rely on the profit of that refinery.”

Dangote emphasized that participation would not be limited to wealthy investors. “The main point is for us to sell to every living Nigerian who has something, even if it’s ten shares you buy or 20,” he said.

He also said the opportunity would extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. When asked whether Nigerians in the diaspora could participate, Dangote responded simply, “Yes.” To reinforce that commitment, he said dividends would be paid in U.S. dollars. “We are going to make sure that we pay the dividend in dollars, because a major chunk of ourselves is in dollars,” he said.

Dangote first publicly outlined plans to sell shares in the refinery in July during the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets in Abuja. At the event, he said preparations were already underway for a listing that would allow individuals and institutions to invest.

“Very soon, the refinery will be listed to give all Nigerians the opportunity to become shareholders,” Dangote said at the time, adding that his broader vision is for Africa to refine the petroleum products it consumes “right here on the soil of Africa.”