Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth by distributing laptops and grinding machines to beneficiaries in its host communities in Ogun State.
The gesture formed part of the company’s 2025 Host Community Day celebration, themed “Sustaining Growth, Strengthening Bonds,” which brought together government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in a display of partnership and cultural unity.
Speaking at the event, the Plant Director, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, described the Community Day as a vital platform for strengthening relationships with host communities and partners. Represented by the Chief General Manager (Maintenance), Mr. Hemant Dave, he said the celebration reflected Dangote Cement’s journey of care, inclusion, and collaboration beyond cement production.
He expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for its continued support and acknowledged the presence of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, chairmen of host local governments, and other dignitaries.
Subbaraidu noted that the initiative was designed to deepen trust and cooperation with host communities, stressing that development is a shared responsibility. He highlighted the company’s sustained investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and empowerment programmes for youths and women, describing them as evidence of Dangote Cement’s long-term commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Oludaisi Elemide, commended Dangote Cement for its consistent community engagement and contributions, which he said have improved social welfare and economic opportunities in the area. He urged continued cooperation between the company and host communities and called on other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote by investing locally.
The Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Ademola Balogun, lauded the company’s robust corporate social responsibility initiatives and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration to ensure peace and sustainable development.
Presenting the Ibese Plant’s 2025 social investment scorecard, Head of Social Performance, Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, said the company recorded steady progress in economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure during the year. He disclosed plans to launch new social investment projects in 2026, noting that the scholarship fund for secondary and tertiary students has been increased and several community projects across the 17 host communities are nearing completion.
On behalf of traditional rulers, the Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Oluseyi Mulero, expressed appreciation for Dangote Cement’s empowerment programmes, saying they have significantly improved the quality of life in the communities. He urged residents to take ownership of the projects and maintain peace to ensure sustainability.
The event featured cultural performances, traditional games, and prize presentations. Beneficiaries of the company’s ICT training programme received laptops, while women were presented with grinding machines to support income-generating activities.
