By Ayomide Otitoju
As part of its ongoing commitment to local content enhancement and inclusive community development, Dangote Cement Plc., Ibese Plant, has concluded its 2025 annual capacity development training for representatives of its host communities.
Themed “Engagement and Advocacy Skills: Critical Tools for Community Representatives,” the workshop was held with participants drawn from host communities as well as the Yewa North and Ewekoro Local Government Areas. The training underscores the Plant’s continued focus on fostering collaboration and inclusive dialogue with its surrounding stakeholders.
Declaring the workshop open, Mr. Aina Olugbenga, Head of Human Asset Management and Administration at the Plant, commended community representatives for their dedication and selfless service. He attributed the prevailing peace and progress in the area to their efforts and urged participants to apply their new knowledge and advocacy skills to strengthen mutual development between the communities and the company.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Ololade Akiyode, Director of Community Development at Yewa North Local Government, called on participants to sustain their commitment to dialogue and partnership. She described the relationship between Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant and its host communities as “a model of sustainable development driven by effective engagement, understanding, and collaboration.”
In his remarks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hon. Dayo Ogunyinka expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement for organizing the training. He reaffirmed the community leaders’ resolve to maintain responsible and efficient representation in the shared interest of community well-being and corporate harmony.
The training, which had over 50 participants including women, youth leaders, and government officials, is one of many initiatives by the company aimed at promoting sustainable development and economic empowerment in its host communities.
Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant has long operated structured empowerment programmes, focusing on skills acquisition, economic empowerment, and education. These include vocational training in domestic electrical installation, catering, tailoring, and other trades, designed to reduce unemployment and improve self-sufficiency.
Graduates of these programmes are often equipped with start-up kits to enable them establish small businesses, while the company also awards scholarships to bright but underprivileged students within the communities.
The company’s approach aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on poverty eradication, zero hunger, and sustainable community development.
By investing in both skills training and leadership development, Dangote Cement continues to play a key role in improving socio-economic outcomes and fostering peaceful coexistence in its operational areas.
