Dangote Cement Empowers Host Communities with Fish Farming and Entrepreneurship Graduation
Dangote Cement Plc, operating from its Obajana plant in Kogi State, has successfully graduated no fewer than 40 participants from its host communities following an intensive training program focused on fish farming and entrepreneurship. The graduation ceremony, held recently, was attended by a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Government, the Kogi State government, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), traditional rulers, and other key community leaders.
Strategic Skills Acquisition for Economic Development
The beneficiaries, predominantly women, were carefully selected from the host communities of Iwaa, Oyo, Obajana, and Apata. This initiative is part of a broader series of community empowerment programs previously implemented by the company, which have included training in poultry production, solar entrepreneurship, and fashion design. The Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, emphasized that this skills acquisition program is a strategic scheme designed to promote job creation and drive overall economic development within the host communities.
Azad Nawabuddin stated: "In learning the art and business of fish farming, you have embraced a cycle of life that teaches responsibility. You nurture, you wait, you adapt, and in time, you harvest. This mirrors the journey of community development itself: it is not built in a day, but through consistent effort, shared knowledge, and collective commitment."
Corporate Social Responsibility in Action
Ademola Adeyemi, General Manager and Head of the Social Performance Department at Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, explained that the event is a key component of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme. He highlighted the firm's commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving livelihoods in the areas where it operates.
Akinola Oluropo Babatunde, representing the Technical Adviser on CSR to the Kogi State Governor, commended Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, for his unwavering support to communities in the state. He urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the opportunity and have a positive impact on their communities, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the skills acquired for broader societal benefit.
Community and Government Support
Abubakar Muhammad, representing the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Council, pledged continued partnership with Dangote Cement to ensure the sustainability of peaceful co-existence between the company and its host communities. This collaboration is seen as crucial for maintaining harmony and fostering mutual growth.
Traditional rulers also played a significant role in the ceremony. The Bajana of Obajana, Idowu Isenibi, encouraged the graduates to extend their knowledge and support to others, stating: "Let this not end here. As you grow, carry others along. Teach your brothers, support your sisters, and build enterprises that will uplift our communities. In unity, we find strength, and in enterprise, we secure our future."
The Elesho of Iwaa, Abel Alade, expressed joy at the event, noting: "Today, my heart is filled with joy. What we are witnessing is not just the graduation of 40 individuals, but the planting of seeds that will grow into prosperity for our people. In our tradition, we say that when you teach a man how to provide for himself, you give strength not only to him, but to his entire household, and indeed, to the whole community."
Recognition and Practical Support
Olaitan Olufemi, Mines Environmental Compliance Officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Kogi State, commended Dangote Cement for its excellent performance in CSR, acknowledging the company's efforts in environmental and social stewardship.
To ensure the graduates can immediately apply their skills, Bajeh Thomas, Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund at the Lokoja Area Office, revealed that the company provided starter packs and feeds to support the participants' fish farming enterprises. This practical assistance is expected to facilitate a smooth transition from training to actual business operations, enhancing the program's impact on local economic development.
