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| L-R: Olu of Onigbedu, Oba Mathew Ayinde Ajibulu; Head, Dangote Cement Social Performance, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola; Aboro of Iboro, Oba Daniel Abayomi Salako; Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Director, Roy Uttam; Olu of Aga Olowo, Oba Kayode Adio Kusoro; Ibese Plant GM HAM/Adim, Olugbenga Aina; and Awujako of Ijako Orile, Oba Mathew Alabi Ewedairo, at the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant 2024 Community Day, held at the Dangote Cement Estate, Ibese, Ogun State, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. |
• Ibese Plant Plans Big for 2025
It was a moment of excitement for the 17 host communities of Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant in Ogun State as the management announced 25 multi-million Naira social investment projects successfully executed in 2024, with assurances of even bigger investments in 2025.
The Ogun State Government commended the Ibese Cement Plant for partnering with the state in developing the host communities through the provision of infrastructure and empowerment programs.
Speaking at the 3rd edition of the Ibese Host Community Day, the Plant Director, Mr. Roy Uttam, disclosed that 160 indigent students benefited from the company’s scholarship program. Other beneficiaries included women, youths, and farmers, who received various forms of empowerment to enhance productivity and self-sufficiency.
Amidst applause and interjections by the Ipokia cultural troupe, the Dangote Cement boss assured attendees that the company would continue contributing to the development of its host communities in gratitude for their cooperation.
Mr. Uttam highlighted the event's theme, “Celebrating Resilience Through Effective Partnership,” as a tribute to the communities’ invaluable contributions to Dangote Cement’s success. He urged continued collaboration, promising sustained development as the company grows.
He said: “In line with the four thematic focus areas of our Social Investment Strategy—Infrastructure, Education, Health, and Empowerment—we executed 25 social investment projects, including those carried over from the previous year.
“Despite prevailing inflation, which necessitated renegotiating contracts, we ensured maximum value delivery to our communities.
“Today, we will symbolically present scholarship awards to 120 outstanding and indigent students and distribute 55 chest freezers to vulnerable women to help them start or expand their businesses.
“These initiatives complement a range of programs, including welfare for 50 elderly individuals, provision of fertilizers, pesticides, and knapsack sprayers to 60 farmers, and several other empowerment projects carried out this year.
“Earlier in 2024, 30 youths who completed training in shoe and leather bag making were equipped with multimillion-naira starter packs. Another group of 30 youths is currently undergoing training in POP, screeding, and painting, with each trainee set to receive tools for immediate startup.”
The Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu Ola Aikulola, lauded Dangote Cement’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
He said: “You can see the impact of their programs—skill acquisition, empowerment for youths and women, and more. Last year, 50 chest freezers were distributed, and this year, 55 were given as requested by the community.
“We advocate for maximum impact. I urge traditional rulers to ensure that grants and items distributed are utilized for economic growth.”
Social Investment Highlights
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, Ibese, Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, presented the plant’s 2024 social investment scorecard, revealing that all 25 planned projects, including seven carried over from 2023, were successfully executed.
“The scholarship fund was increased by 50% for tertiary students and 80% for secondary students. Other completed projects include:
Construction of solar-powered industrial boreholes with overhead tanks in Ibese and Abule Maria
Construction of a health centre with a solar-powered borehole in Imasayi
Renovation of a health centre with a solar-powered borehole in Aga Olowo
Installation of a 500KVA, 33/0.415KV transformer at Abule Oke
Empowerment programs for women and youths
Annual scholarships for 120 indigent students across the host communities.”
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Aboro of Iboro, Oba Daniel Abayomi Salako, expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement for projects that improved lives. He urged the company to do more, while calling on residents to maintain peace and take ownership of the provided infrastructure and initiatives.
The celebration featured traditional game competitions, with winners receiving prizes, and a tasting of local cuisines prepared by women’s groups in the communities.
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