Dangote Cement Obajana Plant Director Wins Host Communities’ Praise for Social Impact
Community leaders and stakeholders in Kogi State have lauded the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, for his exemplary commitment to grassroots development and the timely implementation of the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The host communities—Obajana, Oyo, Iwaa, and Apata—have witnessed a surge in social infrastructure and human capital investment, which leaders say has strengthened the bond between the industrial giant and its neighbors.
A Model for Corporate Social Responsibility
The Bajana of Obajana, Engr. Idowu Isenibi, led the commendation, praising Engr. Nawabuddin, alongside the company’s Vice President, Devakumar V. G. Edwin, and Group President Aliko Dangote. He noted that the company’s “Social Performance Department” has successfully structured Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to meet the specific, evolving needs of the locals.
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo Community, the Baalo, Solomon Obahawu (represented by Mr. David Afolabi), highlighted several key 2025 interventions that have transformed the community’s wellbeing:
* Infrastructure: Installation of 50 solar-powered streetlights and the conversion of three motorized boreholes to solar power to mitigate persistent power failures.
* Education & Empowerment: Yearly scholarships, school building construction, and specific enterprise promotion for women and local farmers.
* Security: The employment of 20 local security personnel and the construction of security houses to support community policing.
Restoring Essential Services
The Youth Leader of the Oyo Community, Abraham Paul, specifically applauded the Plant Director for his “uncommon support” in rehabilitating vandalized 33kVA electricity lines. This intervention restored power to the area, a move Paul described as critical for the local economy.
“Despite operational challenges, we are confident that through sustained dialogue, all issues will be effectively addressed for the mutual benefit of the plant and our people,” Paul stated.
Commitment to Future Projects
Responding to the accolades, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin reaffirmed that the company remains dedicated to shared prosperity. He listed recent milestones, including Farmers Assistance Grants, vocational skill training, and funding support for cooperatives in all four catchment communities.
Adding to this, the General Manager of Social Performance, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, revealed that plans are finalized to officially commission and hand over several completed projects. He also announced that as part of its “good corporate citizenship,” Dangote Cement has commenced the electrification of the Jakura community following a newly signed CDA.
This renewed synergy between Dangote Cement and its host communities is seen as a benchmark for industrial relations in Nigeria’s mining and manufacturing sectors.