Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community welfare through sustained social investment programmes across its host communities in Nigeria and other African countries.
The Head of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, made this known when the plant hosted elders and persons with disabilities from its 17 host communities during an outreach tagged “A Day Out with Senior Citizens” at the Ibese facility in Ogun State.
He said the initiative—now in its third year—aims to enhance the emotional, social and physical well-being of elderly residents, many of whom face loneliness and limited social interaction. The programme provided a relaxed environment for bonding, medical screenings and distribution of welfare items.
“This annual event is specially curated to improve the social and emotional well-being of our senior citizens while offering essential medical checks and take-home items to support their quality of life,” Subbaraidu said.
He noted that six persons with disabilities also received wheelchairs to support mobility, bringing the total beneficiaries so far to 150 elders and 11 persons living with disabilities.
“Our goal is to put smiles on the faces of our senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society,” he added.
Items distributed included rechargeable lamps, cardigans, transistor radios, Adire fabric, insulated water flasks, beverages, shea butter, soaps, detergents, Dangote rice, semovita, compressor socks, disinfectants, cash incentives and take-home gift bags.
Subbaraidu assured stakeholders that Dangote Cement Ibese would continue to strengthen interventions in health, education, infrastructure and empowerment, in line with its Community Development Agreement.
This year’s edition was held in collaboration with Ore Ofe Clinic, Ilaro, a healthcare provider in the company’s HMO network, to ensure comprehensive medical screening for participants.
Representing the Ogun State Government, Hon. Araba Adebukunola, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, commended Dangote Cement for its “consistent and exemplary” commitment to community well-being. She noted that the outreach aligns with state policies aimed at supporting senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Olusola Akinbode, praised the company for its “unrelenting efforts” in supporting all segments of the host communities.
“Dangote Cement, Ibese, has been law-abiding, supportive and deeply committed to humanitarian initiatives across youth empowerment, agriculture, artisanship, women and elderly welfare,” he said.
One of the wheelchair beneficiaries, Mr. Banji Bamidele, expressed deep gratitude. Fighting emotions, he said: “This is the first time in 30 years that I will have the opportunity to ride on a wheelchair. It brings an end to decades of crawling. I thank Dangote Cement for this priceless gift.”
