By Muhammad B. Muhammad
Yewa North, Ogun State – Relief and celebration swept through 21 communities in Yewa North Local Government Area as Dangote Cement Plc, through its Ibese Plant, brought an end to a three-year-long blackout by donating electrical materials worth over N100 million. The generous contribution is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aimed at improving living standards in its host communities.
In a significant demonstration of social commitment, Dangote Cement intervened to assist the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) by supplying all the essential materials required to restore power to the long-disconnected towns and villages. This move followed persistent appeals from community members affected by the power outage, caused mainly by vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
During a formal handover ceremony held at the Ibese Police Station, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Ibese, Mr. Roy Uttam, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to community development. He noted that while the responsibility for supplying the materials lies with IBEDC, Dangote Cement stepped in due to its concern for the wellbeing of the people. He urged the communities to guard the installations against future vandalism.
“Our investment in these electrical materials is purely out of a spirit of good neighborliness. We want our host communities to thrive, and we understand the crucial role electricity plays in economic and social life,” Uttam said.
Traditional leaders from the affected areas lauded the intervention, describing it as a fulfillment of Dangote Cement’s earlier promise. Oba Lukman Kuoye, the Olu of Imasayi, called the donation a product of constructive dialogue between the plant management, community stakeholders, and IBEDC. “It’s a dream come true. For over three years, we have lived in darkness, but today marks the beginning of a new chapter,” he declared.
Oba Rotimi Mulero, the Aboro of Ibeseland, also praised Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his company for their consistent support. He emphasized that the gesture would strengthen the longstanding bond between Dangote Cement and the local population. He further pledged community support to protect the installations, warning that any attempt at vandalism would be met with firm resistance.
Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju, a lawmaker representing the communities in the Ogun State House of Assembly, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the state government and constituents. He promised to ensure that IBEDC fulfills its responsibility of reconnecting the communities within the promised four to six weeks.
Youth leaders under the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Ogun West District) were also present at the event. They recounted how they had previously planned a protest against IBEDC but were pacified after assurances from Dangote Cement. In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, they handed a letter of commendation to the plant’s management.
Receiving the donated materials, Engr. Ayodeji Taiwo, Technical Engineer for IBEDC’s Sango Business Hub, acknowledged Dangote’s timely intervention and pledged that reconnection work would be completed promptly. “We’re working with urgency to ensure that these communities are powered up within the agreed timeline,” he assured.
This intervention adds to a growing list of impactful CSR projects undertaken by Dangote Cement, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to uplifting lives in its operational areas.
Sahel Reporters News
