The Dangote Group has issued a strong denial against viral social media posts alleging that its chairman, Aliko Dangote, sought financial assistance from business associates, including Tony Elumelu, to complete the Dangote Refinery project. The group also categorically refuted any suggestion of a rift between Dangote and Elumelu, emphasizing their longstanding cordial relationship.

Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, stated that these claims are false, misleading, and constitute a deliberate misrepresentation of facts. The company warned content creators, organizations, and digital platforms against spreading misinformation and AI-generated advertisements using its brand and leadership.

In a separate development, Access Bank has issued a public disclaimer cautioning Nigerians about fraudulent WhatsApp groups operating under the name "Value Growth Club." These groups are reportedly impersonating the bank's former chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, to lure unsuspecting individuals into fake investment schemes.

Access Bank confirmed through independent checks that Aig-Imoukhuede has no affiliation with these WhatsApp groups or any associated investment platforms. The bank stressed that the former chairman has not created, endorsed, or authorized any initiative called "Value Growth Club" and is not involved in any WhatsApp-based investment competitions or trading groups linked to Gotham Capital or similar platforms.

The bank urged the public not to join these groups, send money, invest, or share personal or financial information with anyone claiming such affiliation. It advised anyone who has encountered these groups to exit immediately and report them through appropriate channels. This warning follows a similar alert from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January regarding "Value Growth Platform," which was flagged as a potential Ponzi scheme.