The Obajana Plant of the Dangote Cement Plc in Kogi state has commenced the training of youth in technical skills under the tutelage of technical units of Dangote Cement Transport, as part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The participating youth were selected from the host communities of Oyo, Iwaa, Apata, and Obajana.
The Technical Skills Acquisition program, according to the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plant, Obajana, JV Gungune, is aimed at empowering the youth and developing entrepreneurial skills around its catchment areas.
Mr. Gungune told newsmen that the youths which also included female trainees, were mostly secondary school leavers.
Speaking at the inauguration of the scheme, General Manager of Community Affairs /Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the trainees are being paid monthly stipends while the training lasts.
“When completed, the youth will add great value to their communities, Kogi State, and Nigeria,” Adeyemi said.
Reacting, Divisional Director Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Ajay Singh, said some of the areas of training include: auto mechanic, auto electrical, welding, and panel beating/fabrication.
The Workshop Manager, Engineer Alfa Adamu, said the trainees were divided into different engineering sections based on their strengths and interests, adding that the trainees have so far spent three months.
A mechanic trainee, Mrs. Bamidele Gbenga, 38, from Iwaa Community, expressed joy, adding that the training has been going very well and that she is learning very fast.
Mrs. Adebayo Rechel, 38, from Oyo Community, thanked the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for giving them the opportunity.
She said: “There is nothing I cannot repair on the air conditioner system now.”
Another trainee, Michael Roseline, 22, from the Obajana Community and a holder of a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, described the Dangote Group as a blessing to humanity.
On his part, Mr. Joshua Oshe Olorunsogo, 25, said that given the huge value of the program, he hopes it will be sustained going forward.
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