Traditional rulers in Kogi State have pledged unwavering support for Dangote Cement Plc’s operations, describing the Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement factory as a national treasure requiring protection through collaborative stakeholder efforts.
The commitment emerged during courtesy visits by Plant Director Nawabuddin Azad to host communities and local government authorities across the company’s operational areas, coinciding with this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The Olu of Apata, Oba Fredrick Balogun, commended the plant director for his foresight and supportive approach to community relations. Similarly, the Bajana of Obajana, Idowu Isenibi, thanked Azad for his numerous supports, pledging that his community would continue to serve as the Ambassador of Dangote Cement.
The traditional rulers’ endorsement follows extensive social intervention programmes implemented by the cement giant across its catchment areas. According to company statements, these initiatives span healthcare, education, agriculture, and economic empowerment sectors.
During his visit to the Lokoja local government chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, Azad outlined the company’s commitment to deepening collaboration with local and state government authorities. The plant director noted the company’s role in sustaining job creation efforts and infrastructural development throughout Kogi State.
“Our strategy focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods while addressing the unique needs of each host community,” Azad said during the meeting.
Adamu responded by characterising Dangote Cement Plc at Obajana as a national treasure that must be protected through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, particularly host communities. He urged residents to maintain peaceful and law-abiding conduct to preserve the conducive operating environment.
The company has executed numerous social projects under its Community Development Agreement framework, with Azad confirming plans to sustain and expand these initiatives. Recent programmes include the construction of a multimillion-naira hospital at Iwaa, comprehensive women empowerment programmes, scholarship schemes, and solar empowerment initiatives.
Additional interventions encompass poultry empowerment programmes, provision of tricycles for economic activities, road construction projects, water supply systems, rural electrification, classroom construction, cooperative society empowerment, and farmer support programmes.
Azad revealed that the company is scaling up its corporate social responsibility efforts around catchment areas to strengthen relationships with government authorities and host communities. He noted that these projects align with mutually agreed-upon terms in the Community Development Agreement, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable community partnerships.
The plant director commended local government leadership for ensuring peace within the company’s operational areas, acknowledging that such stability enables continued investment in social and economic development programmes.
The Obajana plant, recognised as Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement factory, continues to serve as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts while maintaining its focus on community-centred development initiatives.
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