Lagos-based philanthropist and founder of IBD Dende Foundation, Ibrahim Egugungbohun Dende, has expressed the determination to discourage all forms of smuggling in the interest of the nation’s economy.
Speaking with newsmen while reacting to reports on a news blog linking him to smuggling, he said it was merely disparage him, adding that he was rather well focused on his hospitality, clearing and forwarding businesses and would abhor anything detrimental to the nation’s progress and security.
Dende accused the author of the disparaging report of deliberately casting aspersions on his person in a bid to tarnish the image he had built over the years as a philanthropist, businessman, clearing and forwarding agent.
He said the report lacked the basic rules guiding the practice of journalism by failing to seek his own side and giving him an opportunity for a balanced report.
Describing the report a figment of the author’s imagination, he wondered why some are not relenting in their determination to destroy him, apparently because of positive business strides.
He said: “When I saw the report, I just laughed and ignored it because I knew it was a sponsored hatchet job targeted at pulling me down. Over the years, I have developed a thick skin and reports like that don’t move me. But for posterity’s sake, so as to ensure I clear my name from the unfounded allegations levelled against me, it’s best I use this opportunity to tell the world that I have never been involved in any smuggling activity”
“I have a functional clearing and forwarding agency with office domiciled in Apapa, Lagos where I help my numerous customers clear bulk cargoes, containers and a host of others.
“As a licensed clearing and forwarding agent, I remit huge sums of funds into the coffers of the government which is part of the generated revenues used for capital projects in the country.
“I run a legitimate chain of businesses and I have hands in many types of investment. So, misinforming the public that I am involved in smuggling without proper research which is evidence based is just pure witch-hunt.”
The said he is concerned about the growth and development of humanity, as he constantly engages in philanthropy.
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