By Ayomide Otitoju
There was widespread jubilation on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, as Dangote Cement Plc’s Obajana Plant and the Jakura community signed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA), paving the way for the implementation of mutually agreed social projects over the next five years.
The agreement, one of several CDAs Dangote Cement has entered with host communities, is designed to deliver impactful socio-economic programmes in line with federal mining laws.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin—represented by Engr. John Gwong, Chief General Manager, Production—said the pact fulfills provisions of Section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011.
He described the agreement as a testament to the company’s commitment to the welfare of Jakura.
“For us as a company, we believe that good neighbourliness is good business. We will continue to maintain a harmonious relationship with the communities where we operate,” he said, adding that a governing structure will be established to oversee implementation.
Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, explained that the agreement followed the updated CDA guidelines issued in 2023 and assured that the company would begin implementation before the year ends.
Also speaking, Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd., Mr. James Adenuga, noted that the initiative reflects the company’s role as a responsible corporate citizen working to strengthen its social license to operate.
Commending the process, General Manager, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, thanked Jakura residents for their cooperation throughout the negotiations.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake—represented by Mrs. Bimbo Olaoye—praised Dangote Cement for its corporate responsibility and urged continued peaceful coexistence between the company and host communities. He pledged government support to ensure smooth operations, job creation, and delivery of social projects.
Other dignitaries present included Engr. Olufemi Olaitan, Federal Mines Environment Compliance Officer; Mrs. Atinuke Onimode, Director of Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals; and lawmakers from the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of Jakura, the Obaro, HRH Usman Ajibola Adoga, hailed the agreement as a “dream come true.”
“This is indeed historic. Some of us who longed to see this day are no longer alive. Jakura will never be the same again,” he said, commending Dangote Cement for its interventions across Kogi State.
The Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun, described Alhaji Aliko Dangote as “God-sent,” while a representative of Lokoja Local Government Chairman, Hon. Danjuma Muhammad Abubakar, assured that Kogi people would remain ambassadors of the Dangote brand.
