Dangote Cement, Ibese Bonds with Host Communities……..

In the spirit of corporate social responsibility and under the atmosphere of conviviality, Dangote Cement PLC, Ibese Plant has reinforced its dedication to sustainable development and inclusive progress with a strong intervention in education, healthcare, infrastructure and empowerment programmes for its host communities.

At this year Host Community Day Celebration Ibese, Ogun State, themed: “Sustaining Growth, Strengthening Bonds”. The event brought together stakeholders, government officials, and community representatives in a progressive display of cultural unity and partnership.

The management of the foremost cement company reiterated its commitment to the wellbeing of the host communities.

In his welcome address, the Plant Director Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu emphasized that the Community Day celebration is a platform instrumental to nurturing relationships with host communities and key partners.

“This celebration is not just about our achievements in cement production but about reflecting on our journey of care, inclusion, and partnership,” Subbaraidu stated, highlighting the strong turnout and vibrant cultural performances as proof of the collaborative spirit and synergy between Dangote Cement and its stakeholders.

Subbaraidu who was represented by Hemant Dave, Chief General Manager in charge of maintenance at the Plant, further expressed deep gratitude to the Ogun State Government for its unwavering support, recognizing the presence of distinguished guests such as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Executive Chairman of the host local governments, and other dignitaries.

He pointed out that the event was designed to strengthen mutual trust and deepen collaboration with the host communities, describing development as a shared responsibility.

He highlighted the company’s ongoing investments in educational support, healthcare access, infrastructure upgrades, and empowerment programmes for youths and women, stressing that these initiatives reflect Dangote Cement’s long-term commitment to responsible corporate feedback.

The Plant Director concluded by appreciating the traditional leaders, youth, and women groups for their ongoing cooperation, assuring them of the company’s steadfast commitment to meaningful community development.

Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, commended the company for its consistent engagement and sustained contributions to the host communities, noting that the initiatives have positively impacted social welfare and economic opportunities in the area.

Elemide further called for continued cooperation between the company and its host communities, urging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate the founder of the Company, Aliko Dangote by investing locally to support national economic development.

In his remarks, Mr. Ademola Balogun, Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, lauded Dangote Cement’s robust Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. He reaffirmed the state government’s determination to strengthen collaboration with the company and all communities to foster lasting peace and sustainable advancement.

“Through cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility, we can achieve the progress we all desire,” Balogun stated.

Speaking on the Ibese plant’s 2025 social investment scorecard during the year, Head of Social Performance Mr. Ademola Ojolowo noted the consistent progress recorded by the Company in many areas such as economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He disclosed that the Ibese Plant is set to launch several new social investment projects in 2026, building on successful initiatives from the previous year.

Ojolowo stated that the company has increased its scholarship fund for secondary and tertiary students and is close to completion of ongoing development projects across the 17 host communities.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Oba Oluseyi Mulero, the Aboro of Ibeseland conveyed the appreciation of the people to Dangote Cement for its positive contributions and empowerment programs, which have significantly enhanced quality of life in the area.

He charged the company to expand its efforts in the coming year and urged community members to take ownership of these projects for them to be durable while maintaining peace.

The Community Day event featured lively traditional games, captivating cultural performances, and prize presentations. In further recognition of the vital place of education for the youths and make digitally literate, the beneficiaries of its ICT training programme were given laptops while dozens of  women were given grinding machines to empower them in income generation.