Dangote Cement Plc has trained and graduated over 40 residents from its Obajana host communities in fish farming and entrepreneurship, as part of efforts to drive economic empowerment and reduce unemployment.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Iwaa, Oyo, Obajana and Apata communities in Kogi State, completed a comprehensive programme designed to equip them with practical skills for self-reliance. The initiative, which focused largely on women, reflects the company’s push for inclusive and sustainable community development.
The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives of the Federal Government, Kogi State Government, the Industrial Training Fund, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, described the programme as a deliberate intervention to tackle unemployment and stimulate local economies.
“This programme is a strategic effort to promote job creation and sustainable economic development within our host communities,” he said.
Nawabuddin explained that fish farming has a ripple effect beyond individual beneficiaries, noting that it supports a wider economic chain.
“Fish farming goes beyond personal income. It creates opportunities for feed suppliers, transporters, traders and processors. What we are doing is turning simple skills into strong community assets,” he added.
He further stressed that empowering residents would strengthen both economic stability and community identity.
“When communities become self-sustaining, they not only grow economically, they also build pride and a stronger sense of belonging,” he said.
Also speaking, the General Manager and Head of Social Performance, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, said the training forms part of Dangote Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
“This initiative is designed to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs by promoting entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency,” Adeyemi said.
“We are working closely with our host communities and partners like the Industrial Training Fund to ensure long-term impact.”
Representing the Technical Adviser on CSR to the Kogi State Governor, Hon. Akinola Oluropo Babatunde commended the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for sustaining investments in community development.
“This is a commendable effort. We urge beneficiaries to make the most of this opportunity and build something meaningful from it,” he said.
The Area Manager of ITF, Lokoja Area Office, Bajeh Thomas, disclosed that participants were supported with starter packs to begin their businesses.
“We have provided juvenile fish and feed to help them start immediately. We will also monitor their progress to ensure they succeed,” he said.
Traditional rulers, including the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Idowu Isenibi, and the Elesho of Iwaa, HRH Abel Alade, praised the programme.
“This is a seed for long-term prosperity. We encourage beneficiaries to share this knowledge with others,” they said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Regina Idowu, described the training as life-changing.
“This opportunity has given us hope and a means to earn a living. We are grateful,” she said.
