Dangote Cement's Ibese Plant recently expanded its social investment efforts by hosting an event for senior citizens from its 17 host communities, providing them with complimentary medical services and mobility aids, including wheelchairs for individuals with disabilities.
The initiative was designed to support government efforts in enhancing the quality of life for residents of Ogun State, particularly those in the areas where the prominent cement manufacturer operates.
Labeled “A Day-Out with Senior Citizens 2024,” this well-attended annual gathering featured activities such as physical exercises, health discussions, medical screenings, and the distribution of free medications, as well as essential food and household items like rice, semovita, honey, beverages, soaps, detergents, clothing, and cash assistance.
In his welcoming remarks, Roy Uttam, Director of the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, emphasized that the event aimed to foster social interaction, engagement, and the emotional and mental well-being of the elderly in the surrounding communities.
Uttam highlighted the management's strong commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Community Development Agreement established in 2022, stating, “We will continue to prioritize the delivery of both economic and social benefits to our host communities, concentrating on health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment.”
He expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of their social investment initiatives on the lives of community members and reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing and expanding these programs for the collective benefit of all.
As respected elders who have dedicated your earlier years to fostering the growth and development of your communities, it is now essential to prioritize your health and well-being, as well as the overall welfare of society. This event has been thoughtfully organized with your health in mind, providing a chance to reflect and connect with one another to encourage longevity, he stated.
Reflecting on the success of last year's inaugural event, Mr. Uttam noted, "We welcomed 50 elderly members from our host communities for the first time in the history of this Plant. It was a remarkable occasion filled with activities that showcased our deep appreciation for these vital members of society and promoted healthy living among them. This represented a significant milestone for both the Plant and the communities."
"This year, we have made notable advancements, including the identification of five individuals with disabilities from our host communities, each of whom will receive mobility aids to improve their quality of life. This is just one illustration of how we are continually expanding our social investment efforts to create a more substantial impact."
Uttam reassured the host communities that the Plant would uphold its commitments regarding the implementation of the existing Community Development Agreement (CDA) and emphasized that many of the Plant's social investment initiatives, when thoroughly evaluated, extend beyond the formal terms of the signed CDA.
The Dangote Cement leader reminisced that the company's social investment efforts are positively influencing the lives of individuals in the host communities and pledged that management is "committed to continually enhancing and expanding our initiatives as we collaborate for the benefit of all."
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| L- R; Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, Chief Finance Officer, Akin Abe; a beneficiary, Abigel Kolawole; Dangote Cement plc, Group Head Social Performance, Wakeel Olayiwola; Beneficiary, Chief Michael Oderinlo; Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Director, Roy K. Uttam; a Beneficiary, Bola Owoyemi and Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, General Manager, Human Asset Management / Admin, Olugbemiga Aina during the Presentation of Walking Aids to the some of the Senior Citizens at the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, 2024 Edition of One – Day Care Program for the Host Communities Senior Citizens, in Ibese Plant, Ogun State at the weekend. |
The Plant Director emphasized that, in alignment with the company's local content initiative, they engaged Novia Hospital Services, a local healthcare provider, to ensure the success of this event. He expressed Dangote Cement's ongoing commitment to the community and conveyed confidence that, with the cooperation and collaboration of the people, management will continue to advance "our shared vision of peace and prosperity."
In his remarks, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, the Group Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, highlighted the importance of including the elderly in host communities, recognizing them as the foundation upon which future generations are built. He remarked, "They also need to remain active in their later years."
On behalf of the other elders, Pa Michael Oderinlo from the Ijako-Orile host community expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement's management for their outreach to the elderly, noting that such gestures are uncommon among businesses.
He stated, "It is a rare act for a business to take a special interest in the elderly and support their well-being."
Another beneficiary, Modupeola Olaoluwa Bankole, who received a wheelchair, described the donation as both touching and timely, stating that it has provided her with a renewed sense of mobility. She thanked the management of Dangote Cement for their assistance.