The ceremony was attended by representatives of the federal government, the Kogi State Government, Industrial Training Fund, ITF, as well as traditional rulers and other key stakeholders.

The beneficiaries, mostly women, were drawn from the host communities of Iwaa, Oyo, Obajana and Apata.

This scheme builds on a series of previous community empowerment programmes, including training in poultry production, solar entrepreneurship, and fashion design, among others.

The Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, described the skills acquisition programme as a strategic scheme aimed at promoting job creation and driving overall economic development within the host communities.

Engr. Nawabuddin said: “In learning the art and business of fish farming, you have embraced a cycle of life that teaches responsibility. You nurture, you wait, you adapt, and in time, you harvest. This mirrors the journey of community development itself: it is not built in a day, but through consistent effort, shared knowledge, and collective commitment.”

According to him, fish farming does not stand alone, but creates ripples by providing food for families, income for households, and opportunities for others.

“One fish pond can support a network: feed suppliers, transporters, market women, and processors. In this way, what begins as an individual skill becomes a communal asset,” he added.

Also speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the graduation ceremony, he said: “When a community feeds itself, it strengthens not only its economy but its sense of identity and pride.”

Speaking at the event, General Manager and Head of the Social Performance Department at Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, said the event was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR,sScheme of the company.

He said: “We don’t Lord ourself on the communities. We jointly agree to carry out this CSR programme. We invest proactively in skills, in people, and in ideas that can uplift communities. Through partnerships like the one we have with the Industrial Training Fund, we ensure that our interventions are not just well-intentioned, but impactful and sustainable.”

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The announcement was made by the Managing Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, Serge Gbotta, during a press briefing held at Novotel Abidjan-Marcory.

The state-of-the-art facility spans 50 hectares and boasts an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes, positioning it among the largest Dangote Cement plants outside Nigeria.

The project represents a strategic investment of 100 billion CFA francs and underscores the company’s commitment to industrial growth and regional self-sufficiency.

“This plant is more than an industrial unit—it is a symbol of confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s future,” said Mr. Gbotta. “Our goal is to provide Ivorians with world-class cement, produced locally and offered at competitive prices.”

Côte d’Ivoire becomes the 11th African country to host a Dangote Cement production unit, contributing to the group’s continental capacity of 55 million tonnes per year.

The Attingué plant is expected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, supporting youth employment and stimulating local SMEs including transporters, tradespeople, retailers, and suppliers.

The company also announced plans to launch training programmes for young engineers and technicians through the Dangote Academy, aimed at enhancing local expertise in industrial management.

Commercial Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, Stéphane Tchimou, emphasized the plant’s impact on the construction sector: “Reliable, high-performance cement is essential for masons, contractors, and craftsmen. Our distribution network will ensure availability across all regions.”

He also assured that support mechanisms such as credit facilities and commercial assistance will be introduced to empower small retailers and strengthen the value chain.

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Beyond industrial development, Dangote Cement is committed to community initiatives around the Attingué site, including road construction, clean water projects, and support for local health centers, in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs.

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said: “Africa is full of opportunities. Our mission is to tell a new story—one of innovation, production, and progress for future generations.”

The plant will produce premium cement in multiple grades—CPJ 32.5R for masonry, CPJ 42.5N for buildings, and CPA 52.5 for large structures—positioning Dangote Cement as a trusted partner in Côte d’Ivoire’s construction industry.

Designed with cutting-edge technology, the facility is expected to significantly reduce cement imports and establish Côte d’Ivoire as a regional hub for cement production and export.

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The plant is expected to strengthen the company’s position in Africa and contribute significantly to its exports.

Chief Executive of Dangote Cement, Arvind Pathak, in a note to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, said the company was encouraged by the growth in its export business.

He said: “Export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2%, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon. This demonstrates the growing importance of our pan-African footprint and our ongoing commitment to regional trade and self-sufficiency.”

Arvind Pathak also revealed that the company’s strategic priorities remain focused on long-term value creation.

He said Dangote Cement had made significant progress in further strengthening its cost architecture.

“…During the period, we began the phased delivery of 1,600 additional CNG-powered trucks, which will significantly reduce our logistics costs and enhance environmental efficiency.”

Commenting on the financials for the second quarter, which he said was built on the company’s strength, resilience, and adaptability amidst improvements in key macroeconomic indicators, he said the company’s focus on operational efficiency and cost containment is delivering tangible results.

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According to him: “Group EBITDA rose by an impressive 41.8% to ₦944.9 billion, while Group profit surged by 174.1%. This remarkable performance is a testament to our disciplined execution, strong cost leadership, and the strategic investments we have made over the years.”

Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with 52.0Mta capacity across Africa.

It is a fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer that  has a production capacity of 35.25Mta in Nigeria.

Its Obajana plant in Kogi State, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 16.25Mta of capacity across five lines; while its Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta.

In the same vein, its Gboko plant in Benue State has 4Mta, and its Okpella plant in Edo State has 3Mta.

Through its recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries.

In addition, the company has operations in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (2.0Mta clinker grinding and import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.5Mta import), South Africa (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).

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He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Government Relations, in order to drive the company’s five-year business trajectory to a superlative height.

The board of Dangote Cement Plc has therefore announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman, Board of Directors.

In the same vein, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company while Prof. Dorothy Ufot retired from the Board.

Reputed as Africa’s leading investor, Aliko Dangote leaves giant footprints as he retires from the board.

His vision and tenacity redefined not just a company, but the entire cement industry landscape by becoming Africa’s largest cement producer and largest exporter of cement and clinker in Sub Saharan Africa.

Aliko Dangote’s journey with cement began with a bold dream: to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production.

Through strategic investments in state-of-the-art plants, and a commitment to local content, he not only met that goal but exceeded it.

Dangote Cement Plc has 52.0Mta capacity across African continent with Nigeria accounting for 35.25Mta.

Currently, additional greenfield plants are coming up in Cote Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0 Mta) and on completion this year will push total capacity to 61.0Mta.

Under his visionary leadership, Dangote Cement Plc recorded the highest revenue and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, EBITDA, in the history of the company.

According to the unaudited results for the six months ending 30th June 2025, the group revenue went up by 17.7 per cent, from N1,760 billion at the same period in 2024 to N2,071.6 billion, representing the highest revenue in the history of the company.

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Group Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) grew by 41.8 per cent to N944.900 billion from N666.22 billion.

EBITDA (Nigeria Operations) grew by 82.4 per cent to N845.4 billion.

Profit before tax went up from N292.96 billion to N730 billion indicating 149 per cent increase while profit after tax surged by 174.1 per cent to ₦520.5 billion, in contrast to N189.90 billion in the same period at the preceding period.

In the six months, export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2 per cent, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon.

Aliko Dangote’s legacy will be counted in the millions of jobs created, the infrastructure built, and the confidence restored in African industrial potential.

He has proven that Africa can produce, compete, and lead on the global stage.

It is on record that subsidiaries under Dangote Group  paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

The new chairman of the board of the company, Emmauel Ikazoboh, in his acceptance speech, said he was truly honoured to accept the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc while pledging to uphold the highest standards of leadership and dedication in this role.

He described the company as a beacon of African enterprise, which has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Over the years, Dangote Cement Plc has not only become the continent’s leading cement producer but has also played a vital role in driving economic growth and development across numerous African nations.

Giving an insight into what his tenure holds for the company, he said, “my vision for Dangote Cement Plc is built upon a foundation of sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and unwavering commitment to our core values. We will continue to focus on the following key priorities, Operational Excellence, Strategic Expansion, Sustainability, Innovation and Community Engagement.

Part of the strategies he intends to introduce include driving down costs through the implementation of robust cost-reduction strategies to navigate inflationary pressures and enhance competitiveness.

The company he stated will accelerate efforts to adopt alternative fuels and technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Regarding staff welfare, he promised that the company will continue to invest in training and development, fostering a culture of excellence and empowering employees to reach their full potential.

Emmanuel Ikazoboh was the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., the Pan-African banking group.

He started his professional career at Akintola Williams Deloitte.

He first became the Managing Partner for francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire and later became the Managing Partner of the Deloitte firm in West and Central Africa until 2009.

In 2010 he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange, SEC, as an Interim Administrator to carry out capital market reforms of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc., CSCS.

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Investor interest in key stocks such as Dangote Cement, FBN Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO, and Fidelity Bank, alongside other advancing equities, contributed to the market’s positive performance.

The market capitalisation increased by N53 billion, or 0.09 per cent rising from N62.257 trillion at the opening to N62.310 trillion at the close.

Similarly, the All-Share Index, ASI, advanced by 0.09 per cent, gaining 87.11 points to close at 102,183.06, compared to 102,095.95 reported on Wednesday.

This performance brought the Year-To-Date, YTD, return to 0.72 per cent.

However, in spite the gains, the market breadth closed negative, with 35 gainers against 26 losers.

On the losers’ chart, Livestock Feeds led by 60k to close at N5.40, Eunisell trailed by N1.73 to close at N15.63 per share.

Neimeth International Pharmaceutical and Regal Insurance lost 7k each to close at N3.12 and 68k per share respectively, while Honeywell Flour shed 94k to close at N9.21 per share.

Conversely, North Nigerian Flour Mill led the gainers table by N4.95 to close at N54.45, Dangote Sugar followed by N3.65 to close at N40.50 per share.

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John Holt gained 83k to close at N9.30, The Initiate Plc added 25k to close at N2.80 and Omatek went up by 8k to close at 90k per share.

Trade turnover settled higher relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions up by 76.82 per cent.

A total of 472.16 million shares valued at N16.70 billion were exchanged in 12,336 deals, compared with 435.54 million shares valued at N9.44 billion traded in 12,098 deals, posted in the previous session.

Meanwhile, GTCO led the activity chart in volume and value with 65.05 million shares worth N3.77 billion.

Source: NAN

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This is just as the Ogun State government lauded the Ibese Cement Plant for partnering the state government on the development of the host communities in the state through provision of infrastructure and empowerment programmes.

Speaking during the 3rd edition of the Ibese Host Community Day, Ibese Plant Director, Mr. Roy Uttam, disclosed that 160 indigent students had benefitted from the company’s scholarship programme while others including women, youths and farmers benefitted from various empowerment programmes to make them more productive and self-employed.

Amidst intermittent applause and interjections by the Ipokia cultural troupe the Dangote Cement boss assured that the company would not rest on its oars in contributing to the development of the communities within which it operates in reciprocation for the co-operation received from the people.

Roy said the Host Community Day themed “Celebrating Resilience through Effective Partnership”, was in recognition of the communities’ invaluable contributions to Dangote Cement success story in the past years and urged them to continue in that direction noting that the communities would continue to witness development just as the cement company continued to succeed.

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Said he: “In consonance with the four thematic focus areas of our Social Investment Strategy, which are Infrastructure, Education, Health and Empowerment; we embarked on twenty- five (25) social investment projects, including those carried over from the previous year. We have so far made significant progress, despite the prevailing inflation, which caused us to renegotiate all of the contracts to ensure that we deliver maximum value to our communities.

“Today, a symbolic presentation of Scholarship award to 120 outstanding and indigent students will be made alongside the distribution of fifty-five (55) chest freezers to support vulnerable women in starting or expanding their businesses. These efforts complement a range of initiatives, including a welfare programme for 50 elderly individuals, the provision of Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Knapsack sprayers to 60 farmers, and other empowerment programmes so far carried out in the course of the year.

“Earlier this year, 30 youths who completed training in shoe and leather bag making were equipped with multimillion-naira starter packs. Another group of 30 youths from the host communities are currently undergoing training in POP, screeding, and painting. As always, each trainee will receive tools to support their immediate startup,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu Ola Aikulola, commended Dangote Cement for its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility for growth and development across their host communities.

“You can see the different programmes they have done for the communities, skill acquisition, programme empowerment for youths and women. My take is that things should be done on need basis and I see that happening here. Last year Dangote Cement gave 50 chest freezers, and the community said they needed more and this year 55 were given to select women.

“We advocate for maximum impact; I charge the traditional rulers to follow this up and ensure that these grants and items distributed are well used for the growth of the economy.”

Giving the Cement Plant’s Social Investments scorecard, the Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement, Ibese, Mr Ademola Ojolowo, revealed that a total of 25 social investment projects planned for 2024 with seven projects carried over from 2023 were successfully executed.

“The scholarship fund was increased by 50 per cent for tertiary institution students and by 80 per cent for secondary school students. Some of the other completed projects include; Construction of solar powered industrial borehole with overheads tank in Ibese, and Abule Maria; Construction of health centre with solar powered borehole in Imasayi; Renovation of health centre with solar powered borehole in Aga Olowo; Purchase and installation of 500KVA, 33/0.415KV transformer at Abule Oke; Support for 60 farmers (provision of fertilisers, pesticides and knapsack sprayers) from all the host communities.

“Others are empowerment for women (provision of chest freezers to 55 vulnerable women across the host communities); skill acquisition and empowerment programme for 30 youths on leather bag and shoe making; elders’ empowerment (60 senior citizens across the host communities); annual scholarship award (120 indigent students across the host communities) among others.

Speaking on behalf of other host communities’ traditional rulers, the Aboro of Iboro, Oba Daniel Abayomi Salako said the communities were happy with Dangote Cement for the efforts made to provide the people with projects and programmes that make life more meaningful.

While urging the company to do more in the coming year, he equally enjoined his people to make the best use of the infrastructures and empowerments by taking ownership and at the same time maintain the current peaceful atmosphere in the communities.

The Community Day celebration witnessed various traditional games competitions with winners rewarded with various gifts and tasting of traditional cuisines by the communities’ women group.

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During a one-day capacity development workshop for local vendors, themed “Leveraging DCPI’s Processes and Procedures to Build Viable Local Businesses,” Acting Ibese Plant Director Mr. Johnson Michael expressed this commitment.

Since the plant’s establishment over a decade ago, Michael noted that the company has significantly impacted not only the host communities but also the wider Ogun State.

He emphasised that Dangote Cement would continue to prioritise local autonomous businesses to enhance economic resilience within the state.

The workshop, held at the plant premises in Ibese, attracted numerous local service providers and suppliers from neighbouring communities.

Michael explained that the event aimed to broaden vendors’ perspectives and deepen their understanding, thereby unlocking greater business opportunities, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening safety and security practices.

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He noted that the initiative, the first of its kind at the Ibese Plant, was part of Dangote Cement Plc’s local content development strategy and reflected a strategic partnership with host communities to promote sustainable development and prosperity.

The workshop was designed to equip participating vendors with the tools and insights necessary to thrive within and beyond the company’s ecosystem.

On behalf of the vendors, Deacon Segun Omoniyi from Abadom Commercial Enterprises expressed gratitude for Dangote Cement’s investment in upskilling and fostering the growth of local businesses.

He assured that the knowledge gained would enhance service delivery and operational excellence at the plant.

The initiative saw effective collaboration among various departments, including Human Asset Management & Administration, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, Procurement, Security Services, Stores, Finance & Accounts, and Social Performance.

Recently, the Ibese Plant also donated agricultural supplies to local farmers as part of a broader empowerment programme aimed at ensuring food security for the community.

During the presentation, over 60 farmers from the 17 host communities received fertilizers, herbicides, and knapsack sprayers to assist them in the upcoming farming season.

They also received training on “Integrated Pest Management and Crop Protection,” covering the application of the donated inputs as well as general pest management techniques.

The plant management noted that the donations were part of Dangote Cement’s Social Investment drive, which focused on four key areas: Education, Health, Empowerment, and Infrastructure.

They emphasised that the company’s community investments and their positive impacts on residents demonstrated Dangote Cement’s dedication to adding social value to its host communities.

According to the company, the initiative aims to enhance the productivity of participating farmers, strengthen food security, and boost revenue across the agricultural value chain in the host communities.

“We hope that this intervention will positively impact the production of gari, fufu, and kokoro, which are staple foods in the area,” they added.

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Gboko Plant Director, Louis Raj, emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to the infrastructural and socio-economic development of the host communities.

He assured that every segment of the host communities would benefit from the social investments being made by the company.

Addressing a recent report alleging neglect of the communities, the management clarified that the cement company had always fulfilled its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, commitments and had maintained a robust, mutually beneficial relationship with community members.

Mr. Raj noted that the company had been diligently implementing the Memoranda of Understanding, MOUs, with the host communities and had extended its CSR efforts to include sustainable environmental practices, capacity building, and infrastructural development.

He further stated that the Gboko Cement Plant operated in full compliance with environmental and other government regulations.

“It is on record and verifiable that all government agencies responsible for industrial ecological assessment have periodically visited the Gboko Cement Plant and certified that it operates within approved industrial environmental limits. The Federal Ministry of Environment, Benue State Agency of Environment, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, and other oversight agencies can attest to these claims.

“Whenever an incident of ecological concern arises, the company takes prompt action to ensure proper remediation, and, in some cases, provides appropriate compensation to affected community members.”

He explained that the company had actively contributed to alleviating water crises in several communities, even those beyond its immediate host areas.

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He added that over the years, the DCP Gboko plant had installed more than 50 hand-pump and motorised water boreholes across various settlements.

Of the projects, he said, 17 had been executed in the Mbayion clan, benefitting the immediate host communities of Amua, Tse-Kucha, and the Quarry Community.

Mr. Raj also noted that the company was already constructing additional motorised water boreholes and was in the process of installing pumps and 30,000-litre capacity steel overhead water tanks for these communities.

“In response to a request from the Tse-Kucha community, the company recently repaired the flow valve at the water earth dam that supplies water for various household uses. Additionally, plans have been finalised for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the earth dam, which was originally constructed and donated to the Tse-Kucha community by the then-Benue Cement Company over 30 years ago.

While these community water projects are underway and nearing completion, the company is currently addressing water supply challenges by providing water to households in Tse-Kucha using tanker trucks positioned at strategic locations within the community.”

The Gboko plant director emphasised that Dangote Cement is committed to environmental sustainability and addressing climate change.

He highlighted that the company had implemented a robust climate change policy that aligned its operations with global climate goals.

As part of the Group’s environmental sustainability programme, the DCP Gboko Plant had initiated a deliberate decarbonization effort, including extensive tree planting across various community settlements.

“We urge all stakeholders of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant to collaborate with management to ensure ongoing community engagement and dialogue. This will foster a harmonious and peaceful coexistence and create a conducive business environment for the benefit of all.”

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The company said it was committed to development for the prosperity of the people and host communities by placing a premium on the developmental needs of the communities and empowerment of their indigenes.

Speaking during a capacity development workshop for Host Community Representatives, General Manager, Human Asset Management/Admin, Mr. Aina Olugbenga, said Dangote Cement remained committed to implementing value-adding empowerment programmes to uplift the people and develop the host communities.

The workshop themed “Team Building, Inclusivity and Stewardship, a panacea to effective Community Representatives”, according to him, was to equip the community reps with the right skills to offer quality representation for their people.

He stated: “This capacity building workshop is aimed at developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, and abilities of the communities through their representatives adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world.”

Olugbenga noted that the workshop was part of the management’s strategy to improve relationships with the host communities and urged the participants to leverage the knowledge acquired from the workshop to improve service delivery to their people and the Cement plant.

According to him, Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, was committed to building the capacity of the people and institutions in the communities by identifying skill gaps and partnering to up their skills for economic prosperity.

That, he stated, was in anticipation that other stakeholders would continue to play their part by partnering and supporting the company to ensure peaceful co-existence and shared prosperity for all.

Said he: “Apart from reciprocating the good gesture of Dangote Cement by ensuring peace at all times and keeping an open and trusting mind towards the organization, we also desire from our community leaders and representatives who are present here, the ownership of all Social Investment programme, be it training or infrastructure because they are meant for the betterment of our people.”

Speaking on behalf of the community representatives, Hon. Dayo Ogunyinka thanked Dangote Cement management for the workshop while assuring continued commitment to effective, efficient and selfless discharge of their roles and responsibilities to their various communities and the plant.

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The commendation came even as the Ogun State government said Dangote Cement was a key driver of the state’s economy with the citing of the continent’s second biggest cement plant in the state.

Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made the remarks while on a familiarisation visit to Dangote Cement plant, Ibese, Ogun State.

The visit was followed by a community engagement preparatory to the Expert Panel Review of the report of an Environmental Impact Assessment carried out on coal milling at the plant.

The minister declared: “Dangote Industries as a whole is an international conglomerate and I am happy that the company is at the forefront of promoting best practices in terms of conception, planning, implementation, management of factories that are manufacturers like this.”

Salako and his entourage, who were received by the Plant Management led the Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, described mining as one of the key industrial sectors that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has targeted for economic diversification as the nation embarks on gradual shift from oil and gas dependency.

He said it was for that reason that Dangote Cement should be commended for the huge cement plant which was creating jobs and opportunities for export.

He added that limestone mining activities, a key raw material in cement manufacturing, was one such area that attention of the government was shifting to.

Dr. Salako pointed out that while mining sector had huge potential to develop the nation’s economy, many challenges were associated with mining activities.

He then commended Dangote cement for its adherence to best practices, saying, “having gone round to see the operations in the plant, I give kudos to Dangote Cement for the automation and high technology-driven operations.”

He explained that his visit was not unconnected with the Environmental Impact Assessment, which is being done on the plant Coal Mill, noting “there is a need for mining operations to be done in a sustainable manner so that the environment is not adversely affected. But I applaud Dangote Cement for being at the forefront of promoting best practices.”

The minister said further: “For us in the ministry of environment, it means we must also sit up. Mining as it comes with its advantages, also comes with its challenges. So, we must be up and doing, as we expand the economy and grow Nigeria. We should also do it in a sustainable manner so that the environment is not adversely affected.

“We must continue in that respect to ensure that best practices are always promoted, environmental and social impact assessments are properly carried out, the stakeholders are properly involved, and the environment is properly protected so that our growth can be sustainable. That’s why we are here and I am happy that Dangote is at the forefront of that.”

While speaking also, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, who represented the Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the state was a beneficiary of Dangote Cement presence with the amount of levies and taxes it had paid into the state coffer.

He called for a more collaboration between the state agencies and the company noting that the state was not unaware of the activities of the plant to lift its host communities.

He added that the state would be more than ready to assist the company in any way possible.

In his remark, Mr. Nawabuddin took the minister through the social investments and infrastructural milestones recorded by the Plant since inception, saying the Company had been able to substantially contribute to infrastructure development and employment in the host communities.

The Plant Director told the minister that the plant dealt with 17 host communities across Yewa North and Ewekoro Local Government Areas of the state, saying they had greatly felt the impacts of the company through empowerment programmes and provision of infrastructure.

Mr. Nawabuddin told his guests that Dangote Cement Ibese Plant had been a major contributor to economic diversification efforts of both the state and federal governments by creating jobs, exporting cement and clinker to neighbouring countries to attract foreign exchange into the country, and paying humongous taxes and levies to the state and federal government.

The community engagement that held after the minister’s tour of the plant also saw the communities’ leaders thanking Dangote Cement for its Corporate Social Responsibilities, CSR, projects so far for the people of Yewa.

The Olu of Imasayi, Oba Kuoye Olalekan, a top monarch in Yewaland, expressed his subjects’ appreciation to Dangote Cement for its developmental strides in the area.

“Dangote Cement is the transformer and illumination of Yewaland,” he stated.

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