Dangote Cement Plc has again reaffirmed its commitment to deepening community welfare through sustained social investment programmes in its host communities across Nigeria and pan-Africa.
Head of Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu made the declaration when the Plant hosted elders and persons with disability within its 17 host communities in Ogun State.
The programme themed “A Day Out with Senior Citizens”, was held at the plant premises in Ibese, Ogun State.
The Plant Director said the initiative is meant to enhance the emotional, social, and physical well-being of the elderly in the communities.
He added that the programme now in its third year, addresses some of the challenges many elders face, including loneliness and limited social interaction, by providing a supportive environment for relaxation, connection, and free medical screenings.
He said : “This annual event is specially curated to improve the social and emotional well-being of our senior citizens while offering essential medical checks and take-home items to support their quality of life,”
He explained that while ageing is a blessing, noting that the outreach serves as a platform for relaxation, bonding, and access to free health checks.
Subbaraidu also disclosed that alongside the outreach, Dangote Cement identified six individuals living with disabilities who received wheelchairs to support their movement and daily activities.
“With this year’s edition, we have now reached 150 elders and 11 persons with disabilities underscoring the company’s commitment to recognising and uplifting vulnerable groups within our host communities.
“Our goal is to put smiles on the faces of our senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society,” he stated.
Some of the items distributed to the beneficiaries include: rechargeable lamp, Cardigan, Dual-power transistor radio (battery-operated and rechargeable), Adire cloth, Double layer thermal insulator water flask, beverages and milk, tea bag, disinfectant, compressor socks, jumbo shear butter cream, packs of bathing soap, detergent, bags of fangote Rice, semovita, cash incentive and take-home bag.
Mr. Subbaraidu assured all stakeholders that Dangote Cement Ibese will continue to strengthen interventions in health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment in line with its Community Development Agreement.
“We remain committed to supporting community growth through initiatives that promote peace, progress, and shared prosperity,” the Plant Manager said.
He then thanked the Ogun State Government, partners, and community leaders for their partnership and collaboration which has provided the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the communities.
Subbaraidu noted that this year’s edition was organized in collaboration with Ore Ofe Clinic, Ilaro, a trusted healthcare provider in Dangote Cement’s HMO network, to ensure comprehensive health screening for all beneficiaries.
The Ogun State Government, represented by Hon. Araba Adebukunola, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, lauded Dangote Cement for its unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community, describing the initiative as a model for corporate social responsibility in the region.
The Special Assistant praised Dangote Cement for its consistent commitment to community well-being, noting that the outreach aligns with the state government’s vision to promote holistic welfare for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.
She described the Dangote’s Day Out with Senior Citizens as “timely, impactful, and deeply aligned” with the state’s mission of supporting citizens across all life stages.
Also Speaking, chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Olusola Akinbode, commended the management of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, stressing that the unrelenting efforts of the organisation in ensuring that everyone is catered to in and around the host communities is no mean feat.
“Overtime, we have had a very smooth relationship with Dangote Cement, Ibese; they have been law abiding, very supportive and we see people with a heart of giving and growth.
‘Their humanitarian activities and corporate social responsibilities have cut across all age groups; from youth empowerment to farmers’ provision of tools for artisans, women and the elderly empowerment, Dangote Cement is truly committed to a better society.
An emotional Banji Bamidele, a person with disability and one of the six recipients of the wheelchairs, thanked the management for their kind gift.
He added that in his 30 years of being physically challenged and crawling from end to end, “this is the first time I will have the opportunity of riding on a wheelchair, which puts an end to over 30 years of crawling.
“I thank Dangote Cement for this priceless gift.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
