Dangote Cement Empowers Communities With Scholarships, Empowers Women Through Business Support

…Holds Third Edition Of Ibese Plant Community Day Celebration

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED & PETER OLANIYAN

IBESE-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, on Tuesday, December 11, 2024, reaffirmed its commitment to community development by awarding scholarships to 120 outstanding and indigent students.

This initiative aimed to promote education and provide opportunities for young individuals in 17 host communities across Ogun State.As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the company distributed 55 chest freezers to vulnerable women.

This gesture was designed to help the women either start or expand their small businesses, fostering economic empowerment and self-sufficiency.

The third edition of the Community Day Celebration was held at the Staff Quarters of the Ibese Plant of the company, in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Themed: “Celebrating Resilience through Effective Partnership”, the event highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Dangote Cement and its host communities.

Mr. Roy Uttam, the Ibese Plant Director, commended the enduring partnership between the company and the community in his welcome address.

Despite global challenges in 2024, he praised the community’s unwavering support, which allowed the company to achieve significant milestones.Mr. Uttam revealed that the company embarked on 25 social investment projects across four key areas: Infrastructure, Education, Health, and Empowerment.

While inflation posed challenges, Dangote Cement remained steadfast in delivering value to the communities and pledged to complete ongoing projects.

The company provided support to other community groups, including distributing welfare packages to 50 elderly individuals and agricultural tools to 60 farmers.

Also, 30 youths trained in leatherwork received multimillion-naira starter packs, and another 30 are undergoing vocational training in trades like painting and screeding.

The Ibese Plant organized its first-ever capacity development workshop for 25 local vendors, aimed at building viable businesses in the community. The Director emphasized the importance of local content development as a strategy for accelerating progress.

Mr. Uttam urged community leaders to establish frameworks for maintaining and sustaining development projects. He highlighted equity participation as a means to foster ownership and attract external support for future initiatives.

The Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Oluwarotimi Mulero, represented by Oba (Dr.) Daniel Salako, lauded Dangote Cement for its commitment to community well-being.

He described the Community Day as a platform to showcase the host communities to the world, enhancing their visibility and opportunities for growth.

The monarch advised the company to continue listening to the community’s development needs, pledging the community’s cooperation and protection for Dangote Cement’s operations.

In his closing remarks, Oba Mulero appealed to both the host communities and Dangote Cement staff to maintain harmony. He envisioned a collaborative relationship where both parties thrive as partners in progress, fostering peace and prosperity in the region.

As the event concluded, all stakeholders expressed hope for continued impactful initiatives that strengthen ties between Dangote Cement and its host communities, ensuring mutual growth and success.