By Agrobroadcast Team
Dangote Cement Plc has graduated 40 residents from its host communities in Kogi State after completing a training programme in fish farming and entrepreneurship aimed at promoting self-employment and economic development.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Obajana plant, was attended by representatives of the Federal Government, Kogi State Government, the Industrial Training Fund, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders.
The beneficiaries, most of whom were women, were selected from the host communities of Iwaa, Oyo, Obajana and Apata.
The training programme is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Dangote Cement Plc and builds on previous empowerment programmes such as poultry production, solar entrepreneurship and fashion design.
The Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, described the skills acquisition programme as a strategic initiative designed to create jobs, improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth in the host communities.
According to him, fish farming is not just a skill but a business opportunity that can create multiple sources of income within a community.
He explained that fish farming supports a value chain that includes feed suppliers, transporters, fish sellers and processors, thereby creating employment beyond the fish farmers themselves.
“When a community can feed itself and generate income locally, it strengthens not only its economy but also its sense of pride and identity,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager and Head of Social Performance Department at Dangote Cement Obajana, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, said the
programme was implemented in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund to ensure the training was practical, impactful and sustainable.
He noted that the initiative was designed to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs and encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance among community members.
“At Dangote Cement Plc, we see ourselves not just as a business but as a partner in the development of our host communities. We invest in skills, in people and in ideas that can uplift communities and create long-term prosperity,” he said.
A representative of the Technical Adviser on CSR to the Kogi State Governor, Hon. Akinola Oluropo Babatunde, commended the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for supporting community development initiatives in Kogi State and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.
Similarly, a representative of the Lokoja Local Government Council said the council would continue to partner with the company to maintain peaceful coexistence between the company and host communities, noting that government development efforts are more effective when private sector organisations are involved.
Traditional rulers from the benefiting communities also praised the initiative and encouraged the graduates to use the skills acquired to build businesses and support others in their communities.
The Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund in Lokoja, Bajeh Thomas, said the company provided starter packs including juvenile fish and feed to help the graduates start their fish farming businesses immediately. He added that the ITF would monitor the beneficiaries to ensure the training translates into sustainable businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mrs Regina Idowu described the training as life-changing and expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement Plc for giving them an opportunity to become self-reliant.
The empowerment programme is part of ongoing efforts by Dangote Cement to support host communities through skills development, entrepreneurship training and economic empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment in the areas surrounding its operations.