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… Akinbode Calls For Reduced Cement Prices For Host Communities
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State, Hon. Olusola Akinbode, PhD, has appealed to host communities of Dangote Cement Plc (DCP), Ibese-Yewa plant to remain patient as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) works towards restoring electricity to their areas.
Hon. Akinbode made this appeal during a fact-finding mission to the Dangote Cement Ibese-Yewa plant on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. While speaking with journalists, he expressed optimism based on his discussions with the plant’s management.
The Yewa North Local Government boss affirmed that the management of Dangote Cement Plc assured him that the 21 communities affected by the blackout will begin to enjoy electricity before the end of May 2025.
He stated: “Based on the marathon discussion I had with the management of the Ibese-Yewa plant of Dangote Cement Plc, including the Plant Manager and outcomes of the communiqué reached at a meeting with representatives of the 21 affected communities across Yewa North and Abeokuta North, uninterrupted electricity will soon be restored.”
According to Akinbode, the DCPI management confirmed that all necessary materials for the power restoration have already been procured, and IBEDC is expected to commence the work imminently.
Hon. Akinbode also appealed to Dangote Cement to reconsider the pricing of cement in Yewaland. He advocated for residents of the host communities to be allowed to purchase cement at a reduced rate, in recognition of their proximity to the production plant.
He criticized the current uniform pricing system where cement is sold at the same rate across regions, including those where the product is not manufactured.
Akinbode suggested that Dangote should emulate NNPCL’s approach to petroleum pricing, which offers localized benefits to production areas.
In his remarks, Mr. Roy K. Uttam, Plant Manager of DCP Ibese, expressed appreciation to Hon. Akinbode for his visit and concern regarding the power outage in the 21 affected communities across Yewa North and Abeokuta North LGAs.
Mr. Uttam noted that the council chairman’s visit provided a broader understanding of the efforts made by DCPI to address the blackout. He emphasized that the company’s support falls under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments.
He disclosed that, during a recent meeting with community representatives and Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju Awoso, representing Yewa North 1 in the Ogun State House of Assembly, DCPI confirmed full financial support for all materials needed by IBEDC to restore electricity.
“We have paid vendors in full for the procurement of materials IBEDC requires. I assure residents of the affected areas that they will begin to enjoy uninterrupted power supply by the end of May”, Mr. Uttam reiterated.
Also speaking, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc., thanked Hon. Akinbode for making time to visit.
He noted that the visit showed the importance of host communities to DCPI and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to timely and impactful CSR projects.
Mr. Olayiwola clarified that the blackout was due to issues like cable theft and transformer vandalism, not the fault of Dangote Cement, saying, “However, the company has chosen to bear the cost of restoring power as part of its responsibility to the communities.”
On the issue of cement pricing, Mr. Chidi Osugo, Head, Sales Operations, DCP Ibese plant explained that local officials present at the meeting do not have the authority to adjust prices, but the matter will be relayed to the appropriate department for consideration.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, Head, Social Performance at DCP, Ibese-Yewa Plant, thanked Hon. Akinbode for his dedication to the welfare of his constituents and fostering a positive relationship between DCPI and host communities.
Mr. Ojolowo further assured the council boss that the affected communities will begin to enjoy uninterrupted electricity by May.
He reaffirmed that Dangote Cement remains committed to maintaining strong community ties and offering meaningful empowerment through its CSR programmes.
