Dangote Cement Inducts Graduate Trainees To Boost Employment
…Awards Outstanding Staff
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc recently welcomed 81 new participants into its esteemed Graduate Trainee programme, marking another stride in its commitment to bolstering employment opportunities in the nation.
This initiative, part of a broader effort, has seen hundreds of aspiring professionals ushered into the company across its African operations.
The company also took the time to honour exceptional employees through the ‘Long Service Award’ and ‘Hall of Fame Employee Award’, acknowledging their embodiment of Dangote Cement’s core values encompassing customer care, entrepreneurship, excellence, and leadership.
These awards, accompanied by substantial monetary recognition, were bestowed upon individuals who dedicated a minimum of five years to the company’s service.
A momentous three-day event held in Lagos served as a platform to celebrate these milestones. According to Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Cement, “we gather to recognize our outstanding staff for their remarkable contributions throughout the outgoing year of 2023.”
He further remarked that, “we honour those who’ve dedicated significant time to our company and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduate trainees as they conclude their induction programne.”
Despite navigating a challenging operational landscape and economic volatility, Dangote highlighted the staff’s resilience and unwavering commitment that facilitated the company’s substantial progress in 2023. He extended gratitude, emphasizing their pivotal role in maintaining the company’s preeminent position within Nigeria and across Africa’s cement sector.
Dangote emphasized the company’s steadfastness as Africa’s foremost cement producer, boasting a capacity of 52 million metric tonnes annually. Plans are underway to commission plants in Cote d’Ivoire and initiate work on a six million-tonne facility in Itori, Ogun state. He also heralded their role in transitioning Nigeria from a cement importer to a significant exporter, promising similar strides in the energy sector with the impending full-scale operation of their petrochemical refinery.
Looking forward, Dangote conveyed the group’s dedication to pioneering innovations and strategies aimed at driving businesses while fostering value for stakeholders. He underscored the ambition to fortify Nigerian and African economies, fostering self-reliance and positioning them as net exporters of manufactured goods.
Arvind Pathak, the Group Managing Director, lauded the dedication and loyalty of longstanding employees, commended the achievements of the graduate trainees, and honoured Hall of Fame awardees for their passion, innovation, and excellence in service delivery.
Pathak extended appreciation to the employees, acknowledging their unwavering commitment, resilience, and loyalty as pivotal to the company’s success. He encouraged the continuation of a culture of learning and growth, ensuring a collective contribution to the company’s future triumphs.
Gloria Byamugisha, Group Chief HR Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to rewarding progress, values, and a spirit of entrepreneurship and humanity within Dangote Cement.
Reflecting on behalf of the trainees, Felix Ithootumhe expressed gratitude for the invaluable opportunity provided by Dangote Group to chart a promising career path. Abduljabbar Mohammedusani highlighted the enriching and challenging 18-month journey, affirming that such training programmes equip Nigerian youths with vital skills essential for the nation’s growth and independence in specialized fields.
This concerted effort by Dangote Cement signifies a steadfast commitment to nurturing talent, driving innovation, and empowering local expertise, aligning with the goal of a self-reliant and prosperous Nigeria.
