The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, has commended Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for prioritising investments that create jobs, build skills and strengthen local enterprise growth in Nigeria.
Elemide said sustained private-sector investments such as those of Dangote Cement have played a critical role in tackling unemployment and reducing youth migration, popularly known as the “japa” syndrome. He spoke on Wednesday at the 2025 Annual Community Day organised by Dangote Cement Plc in Ibese, Ogun State, to appreciate its 17 host communities.
According to him, if more wealthy Nigerians channelled resources into productive investments that generate employment and support small businesses, Nigeria’s unemployment challenge would be significantly reduced.
“I must give it to Dangote in the area of employment. If our billionaires establish companies that provide jobs for our youths, the japa syndrome will reduce. Dangote has shown leadership in this regard, and others should follow,” Elemide said.
The annual Community Day featured empowerment initiatives including the award of scholarships worth N15.72 million to 120 students, the presentation of 25 laptops to youths trained in ICT, and the distribution of grinding machines to 40 women to support micro-enterprises.
Elemide also urged the company to strengthen its commitment to sustainable development, particularly by addressing environmental and traffic concerns linked to truck operations. He noted that improved traffic management around host communities would further enhance the company’s relationship with residents.
Earlier, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Ibese, Anuj Gupta, said the Community Day has become a key platform for stakeholder engagement, transparency and inclusion. He explained that the event allows the company to account for its social investments while celebrating the culture and partnership of host communities.
Gupta said Dangote Cement remains committed to contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of its host communities, stressing that the company’s success is closely tied to the well-being of its neighbours.
Also speaking, the Head of Social Performance, Ademola Ojolowo, disclosed that Dangote Cement plans to implement 27 community development projects in 2025, covering electrification, skills acquisition, ICT training, and the construction of schools and health centres. He said 10 projects had already been completed, while 13 others were nearing completion.
Ojolowo added that the company is constructing a dedicated trailer park to address the issue of indiscriminate truck parking, noting that the situation has improved compared to previous years.
In his remarks, the Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Mulero, praised Dangote Cement for its sustained support to host communities but appealed for an increase in its corporate social responsibility budget in view of prevailing economic conditions.
Dangote Cement’s community investments, which combine education, skills development and support for small-scale enterprises, continue to position the company as a major contributor to local economic development and inclusive growth in Ogun State.
