Dangote Constructs 17 Boreholes for Host Communities in Kogi
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc has constructed a total of seventeen boreholes in the communities hosting its Obajana Plant in Kogi State.
The distribution of these boreholes is as follows: Obajana (6), Oyo (6), Iwaa (2), and Apata (3).
During a two-day workshop organized for journalists in the North Central region of Nigeria, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, the General Manager of Community Affairs/Special Duties, revealed that these water projects were initiated to address the increasing water needs of the communities, considering the daily influx of people. This project is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
Mr. Adeyemi emphasized that Dangote Cement Plc maintains a strong and positive relationship with its host communities.
He also mentioned that the company recently provided additional medical equipment to the clinic in Iwaa community, in line with the Community Development Agreement stipulated by the Nigerian Mining Act.
Additionally, the Company recently laid the foundation for the construction of a block of three classrooms with offices, staff common rooms, and toilets in the Oyo community to establish a UBE secondary school.
This move aims to ease the access of secondary education for the children within the community.
As part of this initiative, a newly completed borehole was commissioned during the foundation laying ceremony.
During the event, Oba Solomon Obahawu, the Baalo of Oyo, expressed his appreciation to the company for its contributions to the development of his community.
Earlier this year, Dangote Cement Plc empowered forty women through a fashion design training program, highlighting the company’s commitment to women and youth empowerment.
Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, the Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, stated that this empowerment programme is one of many initiatives for host communities carried out by the company across Africa.
He expressed confidence that the graduates would become mentors to others through apprenticeships, thereby supporting job creation efforts in the communities surrounding Kogi State.
Mr. JV Gungune, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, informed journalists that the skill acquisition scheme aims to complement the government’s job creation efforts and promote local economic development.
