By Ayomide Otitoju
Relief swept across 21 communities in Yewa North Local Government Area as Dangote Cement Ibese Plant donated multi-million-naira worth of electrical materials to end a three-year-long blackout, reconnecting the towns to the national grid.
In a landmark corporate social responsibility gesture, the cement company supported the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) with the critical infrastructure required to restore electricity. The donation, worth over ₦100 million, was approved by the Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote, and formally handed over to IBEDC officials in a ceremony attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, and state representatives.
Speaking at the handover event held at the Ibese Police Station, Ibese Plant Director, Mr. Roy Uttam, said the donation stemmed from the company’s desire to alleviate the hardship suffered by residents due to the prolonged outage.
“This gesture is a demonstration of our commitment to the wellbeing of our host communities. Although electricity provision is the responsibility of the distribution company, we stepped in to support the restoration process and halt the suffering,” Uttam stated, while urging residents to safeguard the installations from vandalism.
The blackout, caused by the destruction of critical infrastructure, had crippled economic and social activities in the area. With IBEDC now in possession of the materials, company representatives assured residents that reconnection to the grid would be completed within four to six weeks.
Traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the event praised Dangote Cement for its intervention. The Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukman Kuoye, described the donation as the outcome of fruitful dialogue between the company, the communities, and IBEDC.
“We are grateful to Dangote Cement for being the transformer illuminating Yewaland. This gesture goes beyond philanthropy; it is a lifeline for our people,” Oba Kuoye said.
The Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Mulero, also commended the company’s leadership and pledged that communities would take collective responsibility in securing the infrastructure from future vandalism.
In appreciation, Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju, member representing the area in the Ogun State House of Assembly, lauded Dangote Cement for fulfilling its promise and said he would relay the development to the Speaker and other legislators.
“The management of Dangote Cement has done what IBEDC should have done. We will ensure the power company plays its part to reconnect these communities promptly,” Adeyanju stated.
The Ogun West District of the National Youth Council of Nigeria also expressed gratitude. Its President, Kehinde Damilola, recalled the group’s earlier plans to protest against IBEDC but said they were shelved following Dangote Cement’s intervention.
Receiving the items on behalf of IBEDC, Engineer Ayodeji Taiwo, Technical Lead for Sango Business Hub, assured community stakeholders of expedited work to restore power.
“This donation has provided all we need. IBEDC is committed to reconnecting the communities within the agreed timeline,” Taiwo said.
With this intervention, Dangote Cement Ibese Plant has further solidified its role as a key driver of community development and social impact in Ogun State.
