Minister Applauds Dangote Cement for Empowering Host Community Youths at Ibese Plant

…As 2024 Youth Skill Acquisition Program Concludes with Certificates and Start-up Kits Presentation

L-R, (Back Row) Oloyede Oladipupo, Dangote Packaging, Human resources / Admin Manager; Olumuyiwa Tubi, Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, AGM/Admin; Bolanle Ajibade, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Area Manager Abeokuta Ogun state; Roy K. Uttam, Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Director; Hon.(Dr.) Akinbode Olusola, Chairman Yewa North LGA, Ogun state; Jeremiah Ibrahim, representative of South West Coordinator of Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mines & Environmental Compliance and Badru Imoleayo,a beneficiary from Aga-Olowo Community and some other beneficiaries at the 2024 Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme ceremony of Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Ibese Ogun state.

The management of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, has earned high praise for its commitment to the social and economic development of its host communities in Ogun State, as it concluded its 2024 Youth Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program. The program, which focuses on equipping local youths with valuable vocational skills, was lauded by both the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development and the host communities for its impactful contribution to rural development.

Mr. Mathew Ochimana, the South-West Zonal Coordinator for Mines Environment Compliance at the Ministry, expressed his admiration for the company’s proactive engagement with the local population, highlighting that Dangote Cement had been a constant source of peace and stability in the region. Speaking at the event, which included the awarding of certificates and the presentation of starter packs to 30 graduates from 17 host communities, Ochimana noted that his ministry had never been called to intervene in any disputes between the company and the local communities. Instead, it had always been invited to participate in programs that directly benefited the people.

He commended Dangote Cement for its continued efforts to empower the youth and called on both the company and the host communities to maintain this spirit of partnership, urging the communities to support the company’s development initiatives in return for the benefits they have received.

Hon. Dayo Ogunyinka, Chairman of the Host Communities Joint Consultative Committee, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Dangote Cement had always risen to the occasion in fulfilling its social responsibilities. He highlighted that the company had consistently provided training in various skills, including electrical electronics, shoemaking, acupuncture, and now, Plaster of Paris (PoP) and painting. Ogunyinka also praised the company for not only offering training but also providing the necessary tools for graduates to start their own businesses immediately.

Dangote Cement’s commitment to its host communities was further emphasized by Mr. Roy Uttam, Director of the Ibese Plant. He explained that the Youth Skill Acquisition Program, a partnership between Dangote Cement and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Abeokuta Area Office, was a key part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. Uttam stressed the importance of self-reliance through vocational training, particularly in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges. He urged the graduates to leverage their skills to build sustainable careers and contribute to their communities.

In addition to the skill training program, Dangote Cement provides scholarships to 120 deserving students annually and offers further support through leadership development programs for the youth. Uttam also noted that the company’s focus on Health, Education, Infrastructure, and Empowerment had a lasting impact on both the local and national economy.

Mrs. Abolanle Ajibade, ITF Area Manager, Abeokuta, praised the company for its role in fostering an environment of growth and opportunity. She congratulated the graduates on their resilience and commitment throughout the training, acknowledging the facilitators who made the program a success.

Dr. Akinbode Olusola, Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, shared his personal story of how a vocational skill in photography helped him finance his education, encouraging the graduates to seize this opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives and the community.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and starter kits, including essential tools like trowels, measuring tapes, and shovels, marking the official transition of the graduates into skilled professionals ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

This initiative underscores Dangote Cement’s ongoing dedication to investing in human capital and empowering the next generation of Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.

Stay informed, Stay ahead with The Ameh News