As part of its ongoing commitment to local content development and inclusive community engagement, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, has successfully held its 2025 annual capacity development workshop for leaders and representatives from its host communities.
Themed “Engagement and Advocacy Skills: Critical Tools for Community Representatives,” the workshop brought together participants from Yewa North and Ewekoro Local Government Areas, reflecting the plant’s broad-based, participatory approach to sustainable development.
Declaring the event open, Mr. Aina Olugbenga, Head of Human Asset Management and Administration, lauded the community leaders for their dedication and peaceful collaboration, which he described as pivotal to the harmonious relationship between the Plant and its host communities.
He encouraged participants to apply the skills gained to deepen mutual understanding and foster inclusive growth that benefits both the communities and the company.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Ololade Akiyode, Director of Community Development for Yewa North LGA, urged attendees to embrace dialogue and collaboration in their engagements with the company. She described the relationship between the Ibese Plant and the local communities as a “model of sustainable development anchored on trust, communication, and shared goals.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dayo Ogunyinka thanked Dangote Cement for the initiative and reaffirmed the communities’ commitment to responsible and productive representation.
No fewer than 50 community representatives, including women, youth, and local government officials, participated in the workshop.
This training is part of a broader social investment agenda by Dangote Cement Ibese, which includes: Skills acquisition programmes in trades such as catering, tailoring, and electrical installation, Economic empowerment schemes offering start-up kits to trained beneficiaries, Community development projects aimed at reducing unemployment and improving standards of living, Scholarship programmes for brilliant and indigent students from the host communities, and Leadership training focused on conflict resolution and civic responsibility.
These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those relating to poverty eradication, quality education, and sustainable communities.
The Ibese Plant remains committed to fostering self-reliant, economically vibrant, and socially inclusive communities through consistent engagement and strategic investments in human capital.
