Jubilations broke out across Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State as Dangote Cement Ibese Plant fulfilled its promise to rescue 21 communities from a protracted blackout that lasted more than three years.
In a grand gesture of corporate social responsibility, the company donated electrical materials worth over N100 million to facilitate the restoration of electricity.
The landmark donation, hailed by community leaders and traditional rulers as a rare act of social investment, was made to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to enable the reconnection of the affected communities to the national grid.
The event, held at the premises of the Ibese Police Station, drew dignitaries, monarchs, community stakeholders, and youth leaders who praised the cement company for stepping in where others had failed.
The Plant Director, Mr Roy K. Uttam, who led the handover on behalf of Dangote Cement, emphasised that the initiative stemmed from genuine concern for the host communities.
“Our decision to donate these materials is born out of empathy for our neighbours and a commitment to the sustainable development of our host communities.
“This should have ordinarily been the responsibility of the IBEDC, but we couldn't stand by while our people suffered in darkness,” Uttam said.
Uttam appealed to community members to safeguard the installations from vandals to ensure the sustainability of the project.
The donated materials include transformers, conductors, poles, insulators, and other essential components needed to restore power to the communities, which had remained in darkness since the collapse of the electrical infrastructure due to vandalism.
Traditional rulers, present in large numbers, lauded the gesture. The Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukmon Kuoye, described the intervention as a shining example of responsible corporate citizenship.
“Dangote Cement is the transformer lighting up Yewaland. We are extremely grateful for this support, which has turned our despair into hope,” he declared.
Oba Kuoye added that various engagements had been held with the plant’s management and the electricity distribution company, but it was Dangote Cement that made the critical difference.
Also speaking, the Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero, thanked Alhaji Aliko Dangote for approving the intervention, noting that the move would further strengthen the cordial relationship between the communities and the company.
“The communities will do everything possible to protect this infrastructure. We won’t tolerate vandalism anymore,” the monarch warned.
In the same vein, the Aboro of Iboroland, Oba Daniel Abayomi Salako; the Onijomi of Ijomi, Oba Gabriel Ogunji; and the Onijole of Ijole, Oba Basiru Oyero, all commended Dangote Cement for coming to the rescue of their people after years of abandonment.
Ogun State House of Assembly member representing the area, Adegoke Adeyanju Awoso, also praised the cement giant, expressing gratitude on behalf of the constituents and the state legislature.
“We’ll report back to the House that Dangote has kept its promise. We will now ensure that IBEDC delivers on its own commitment within the stipulated time,” he said.
IBEDC, through its Technical Engineer for the Sango Business Hub, Engr. Ayodeji Taiwo assured the community leaders and stakeholders that reconnection efforts would be completed within four to six weeks.
“We appreciate the support of Dangote Cement. These materials will significantly hasten our work, and we are committed to getting the communities back on the grid swiftly,” Taiwo affirmed.
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, Mr Ademola Ojolowo, reiterated that the intervention reflects the company’s corporate values and its vision of being a good neighbour.
“This is not the first time we are stepping in to support our host communities, and it certainly won’t be the last,” he noted.
Adding a youthful voice to the moment, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Ogun West District), Mr Kehinde Damilola, acknowledged the company's efforts, recalling how the youth had initially planned protests over the blackout but chose to wait based on Dangote Cement’s promise to assist.
“We were ready to hit the streets, but Dangote Cement appealed for calm and promised a solution.
“They have kept that promise, and we are thankful,” Damilola said, presenting a letter of appreciation on behalf of the council.
Local government officials, including the Vice-Chairman of Yewa North, Joseph Ilori, also commended the initiative and joined in urging IBEDC to act swiftly.
The reconnection project is expected to rekindle economic activities in the affected areas and bring relief to thousands of residents who have endured years of darkness.
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