Dangote Cement Plc has extended support to elderly residents and persons living with disabilities in the Ibese community of Ogun State as part of its commitment to giving back to its host environments. The latest social investment programme offered a safe and supportive space for relaxation, social interaction, and free medical screenings to residents drawn from about 17 communities in the area.
During the outreach, various essential items were shared with beneficiaries. These included rechargeable lamps, cardigans, dual-power transistor radios that are battery-operated and rechargeable, Adire fabrics, double layer thermal insulator water flasks, beverages and milk, tea bags, disinfectants, compressor socks, jumbo shear butter creams, packs of bathing soap, detergents, and bags of Dangote Rice and Semovita. Cash incentives and take-home bags were also provided to support the beneficiaries further.
The Head of Dangote Cement for the Ibese Plant, Mr Ayyagari Subbaraidu, spoke at the event themed A Day Out with Senior Citizens, held within the plant premises. He said the initiative was created to enhance the emotional, social, and physical well-being of elderly residents. According to him, the programme, now in its third year, aims to address challenges faced by senior citizens, especially loneliness and limited social interaction, by offering a friendly environment for connection and access to health services.
“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,” he stated.
Mr Subbaraidu added that although ageing is a blessing, many elders still struggle with isolation. He explained that the outreach provides a platform for bonding, relaxation, and free health checks to help improve their daily lives. He also revealed that six persons living with disabilities were identified and given wheelchairs to support their movement and independence.
“With this year’s edition, we have now reached 150 elders and 11 persons with disabilities underscoring the company’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting vulnerable groups within our host communities. Our goal is to put smiles on the faces of our senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Ogun State government, community leaders, and partners for ensuring a peaceful environment that makes such outreach possible. He noted that this edition was organized in collaboration with Ore Ofe Clinic, Ilaro, a healthcare provider in Dangote Cement’s HMO network, to deliver full health screenings to all participants.
The Ogun State government, represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Ms Araba Adebukunola, praised the company’s unwavering commitment to community well-being and described the initiative as a model for corporate social responsibility in the region.
