Dangote Cement Boosts Community Welfare at Ibese Plant
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc has renewed its dedication to deepening community welfare through continuous social investment programmes benefiting its host communities across Nigeria and pan-Africa.
Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, Head of the Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, made the declaration while hosting elders and persons with disability from the 17 host communities for a special programme tagged: “A Day Out with Senior Citizens,” held at the plant premises in Ibese.
The Plant Director stated that the annual initiative, now in its third year, is specifically designed to enhance the emotional, social, and physical well-being of the elderly in the communities.
He explained that the event addresses some of the challenges many elders face, including loneliness and limited social interaction, by providing a supportive environment for relaxation, connection, and free medical screenings.
“This annual event is specially curated to improve the social and emotional well-being of our senior citizens while offering essential medical checks and take-home items to support their quality of life,” Mr. Subbaraidu said.
He further noted that while ageing is a blessing, many elders experience loneliness and limited interaction, pointing out that the outreach serves as a crucial platform for relaxation, bonding, and access to free health checks.
In addition to the outreach for the senior citizens, Mr. Subbaraidu disclosed that Dangote Cement identified six individuals living with disabilities who were provided with wheelchairs to support their movement and daily activities.
“With this year’s edition, we have now reached 150 elders and 11 persons with disabilities, showing the company’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting vulnerable groups within our host communities. Our goal is to put smiles on the faces of our senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society,” he stated.
Beneficiaries received a wide range of items, including a rechargeable lamp, cardigan, Dual-power transistor radio, Adire fabric, a double layer thermal insulator water flask, beverages, milk, tea bags, disinfectant, compressor socks, jumbo shea butter cream, packs of bathing soap, detergent, Dangote Rice, Semovita, a cash incentive, and a take-home bag.
The Ibese Plant Director assured all stakeholders that Dangote Cement will continue to strengthen interventions in health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment, consistent with its Community Development Agreement. “We remain committed to supporting community growth through initiatives that promote peace, progress, and shared prosperity,” he added.
He also acknowledged the collaboration with the Ogun State Government, partners, and community leaders for the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the area. He specified that this year’s event was organized in collaboration with Ore Ofe Clinic, Ilaro, a trusted healthcare provider within Dangote Cement’s HMO network, to ensure comprehensive health screening for all attendees.
The Ogun State Government, represented by Hon. Araba Adebukunola, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, commended Dangote Cement for its consistent devotion to community well-being, describing the initiative as a model for corporate social responsibility in the region. She explained that the outreach aligns with the state government’s vision to promote holistic welfare for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.
Hon. Adebukunola called the Dangote’s Day Out with Senior Citizens “timely, impactful, and deeply aligned” with the state’s mission of supporting citizens across all life stages.
Also speaking, Olusola Akinbode, chairman of Yewa North Local Government, applauded the management of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant. He stressed that the organization’s persistent efforts to cater to everyone in and around the host communities is a significant achievement.
“Overtime, we have had a very smooth relationship with Dangote Cement, Ibese; they have been law abiding, very supportive and we see people with a heart of giving and growth. Their humanitarian activities and corporate social responsibilities have cut across all age groups; from youth empowerment to farmers’ provision of tools for artisans, women and the elderly empowerment, Dangote Cement is truly committed to a better society,” Akinbode remarked.
The profound impact of the donation was captured by Banji Bamidele, a person with disability and one of the wheelchair recipients, who was moved to emotion. He thanked the management for their kindness, stating that after 30 years of being physically challenged and crawling, “this is the first time I will have the opportunity of riding on a wheelchair, which puts an end to over 30 years of crawling. I thank Dangote Cement for this priceless gift.”
