Dangote Cement Pledges More Job Creation, Empowerment for Youth in Obajana
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc has restated that young people from Obajana and other host communities remain at the centre of its job creation and social investment programmes.
The company made this known during the commemoration of the International Youth Day at its Obajana plant in Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Plant Director, Mr. Nawabuddin Azad, represented by the General Manager, Social Performance, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the company’s initiatives align with the United Nations’ vision of empowering youths to play vital roles in social and economic development.
Delivering his remarks on the theme, “Local Youth Action on SDG and Beyond”, Azad noted that youths have consistently benefited from the company’s empowerment initiatives in poultry farming, solar entrepreneurship, fashion design, and other vocational skills.
“At our plant, we believe in shared value where business success goes together with social progress. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower the youth, uplift communities and promote sustainable practices,” he stated.
Chief General Manager and Head of Production, Mr. John Gwong, described the youth as the greatest asset of any nation, stressing that their creativity, energy, and innovation are crucial for Nigeria’s future.
“At Dangote Cement, we see the youth as the backbone of society. By mentoring them, building their capacity, and exposing them to new technologies, we are preparing a generation that will secure the growth of both our company and our nation,” he said.
Similarly, Head of Human Resources, Mr. Azeez Adeniyi, spoke on the importance of instilling discipline, hard work, and integrity in young people, pointing out that the youth population forms the core of Nigeria’s workforce.
“Our engagement with young employees goes beyond technical training. We prioritize ethics, teamwork, and responsibility, because these are the values that shape strong leaders and professionals. When the youth succeed, companies like Dangote Cement and the entire nation also succeed,” Adeniyi remarked.
In the same vein, the Head of Technical at Dangote Academy, Mr. Wale Adedeji, urged young Nigerians to embrace technology and innovation, describing adaptability and resilience as essential traits for success in a rapidly changing world.
“The world is changing rapidly, and young people must be equipped not only to take jobs but also to create them. The values of curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving are essential for them to remain competitive globally, and these qualities directly translate into the company’s ability to innovate and remain productive,” Adedeji said.
Officials at the event collectively noted that industries, governments, and communities must create platforms that enable young people to maximize their potential. They warned that inadequate investment in youth development could worsen unemployment and deepen social vices, with serious consequences for national stability.
Dangote Cement also showcased some of its youth-focused initiatives, including its graduate trainee scheme, internship programmes, and community empowerment projects, which it said have provided opportunities for hundreds of young people across its host communities while building a skilled workforce for the company.
According to the management, the youth are already contributing significantly to the day-to-day operations of Dangote Cement by bringing innovation, energy, and new perspectives to its workforce.
The event ended with a call on Nigerian youths to commit themselves to lifelong learning and positive values, while stakeholders were encouraged to intensify efforts to mentor, empower, and engage young people in nation-building.
