Dangote Cement Trains 40 Host Community Residents In Fish Farming

No fewer than 40 participants from host communities of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, have graduated from a comprehensive training programme in fish farming and entrepreneurship, aimed at boosting self-reliance and economic growth.

The graduation ceremony attracted representatives from the federal government, Kogi State Government, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.

The beneficiaries, predominantly women, were drawn from Iwaa, Oyo, Obajana, and Apata communities, reflecting the company’s inclusive approach to community development.

The initiative is part of a broader series of empowerment programmes by the company, including training in poultry production, solar entrepreneurship, and fashion design.

Speaking at the event, the plant director, Azad Nawabuddin, described the programme as a strategic effort to promote job creation and sustainable economic development within host communities.

He noted that fish farming goes beyond individual gain, creating value chains that benefit feed suppliers, transporters, traders, and processors, thereby transforming personal skills into community assets.

According to him, self-sustaining communities not only strengthen their economies but also build a stronger sense of identity and pride.

Also speaking, the general manager and head of social performance department, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, said the initiative forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, carried out in collaboration with host communities and partners such as the Industrial Training Fund.

He emphasized that the programme is designed to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs by promoting entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency among beneficiaries.

Representing the technical adviser on CSR to the Kogi State governor, Hon. Akinola Oluropo Babatunde, commended the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his continued support to communities in the state, urging beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity.

In the same vein, the representative of the Lokoja local government chairman, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to sustaining peaceful coexistence and collaboration with the company.
Traditional rulers at the event, including the Bajana of Obajana,

HRH Idowu Isenibi, and the Elesho of Iwaa, HRH Abel Alade, lauded the initiative, describing it as a seed for long-term prosperity and urging beneficiaries to extend the knowledge to others.

Also, the mines environmental compliance officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Kogi State, Engr. Olaitan Olufemi, praised Dangote Cement for its outstanding CSR performance.

The area manager of ITF, Lokoja Area Office, Bajeh Thomas, disclosed that beneficiaries were supported with starter packs, including juvenile fish and feed, to help them establish their businesses, adding that the fund would monitor progress to ensure success.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Regina Idowu, described the training as life-changing and expressed appreciation to the company for the opportunity.