Dangote Cement Trains 46 Solar Energy Entrepreneurs in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

As part of efforts to  consolidate on its role as a driver of socio-economic empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc has trained and graduated 46 Solar Energy installers and entrepreneurs.

The Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Azad Nawabuddin who disclosed this while speaking during the graduation ceremony at Dangote Academy, said the new graduands were ready to “shakeup the nation” in the renewable energy sector of Nigeria’s economy.

Azad said the Group President, Aliko Dangote, was passionate about youth empowerment as it supports government’s effort in the provision of jobs, noting that this training will support the provision of electricity in the communities and the country at large.

The Plant Director, who was represented by the Head of Production Department, Engr John Gwong, described the training as a meal ticket, rare opportunity and futuristic.”

He said the programme was part of Dangote Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility scheme.
Head of Social Performance Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, who was

represented by Mr. Olusegun Olojede said the solar energy experts and entrepreneurs will support government in the provision of power supply to millions of Nigerians. 

Also speaking  General Manager, Community Affairs and Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi,  said the empowerment scheme is a way of given back to the society, and that of the 46 beneficiaries, 27 are men, while 19 are women.

Adeyemi said the beneficiary communities in Kogi State are: Obajana, Oyo, Iwaa and Apata.

He said the training was conducted in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

In his response, Training Manager at ITF, Kogi State, Engr. Abdulrahman Shehu Wudilawa, said the beneficiaries should consider themselves fortunate as Solar Technology is one of the most lucrative sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Bajana of Obajana, HRH Idowu Isenibi, extolled the company’s Group President for his foresight and patriotism towards the development of Nigeria.

Representatives from Apata, Iwaa and Oyo communities also spoke glowingly of the scheme.