By Muh’d Shafi’u Saleh It was a moment of jubilation in Jakura on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and...
By Muh’d Shafi’u Saleh
It was a moment of jubilation in Jakura on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the Jakura community signed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) to implement a range of social projects over the next five years.
The agreement, which aligns with statutory obligations under Section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and Section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011, is part of a broader framework through which Dangote Cement engages host communities in sustainable development initiatives.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, who was represented by Engr. John Gwong, Chief General Manager, Production, described the CDA as a testament to the company’s commitment to community development and mutual progress.
“For us as a company, we believe in the mantra that good neighbourliness is good business. That is why we go to great lengths to maintain harmonious relationships with our host communities,” he said.
He emphasised that the company looked forward to continued support from the Kogi State and Local Governments as it works with relevant agencies to implement the provisions of the Agreement.
“A governing structure will be established to oversee the implementation of the Agreement,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, said the Agreement followed all required steps as outlined in the CDA Development Guideline (amended 2023).
He assured stakeholders that, although the year is winding down, Dangote Cement is prepared to commence the implementation of the CDA without delay, adding that the company remains committed to fostering strong and mutually beneficial relationships with its host communities.
Mr. James Adenuga, Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), reiterated that the CDA reflects the company's identity as a responsible corporate citizen.
"This is the right step to strengthen our social license to operate," he noted.
Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, General Manager, Social Performance at the Obajana Plant, commended the Jakura community for its cooperation throughout the drafting and negotiation process.
Representing the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, Mrs. Bimbo Olaoye lauded Dangote Cement for exemplifying responsible corporate conduct. She also urged the community to continue co-existing peacefully with the company.
“The government will ensure Dangote Cement enjoys a conducive operating environment while also creating jobs and implementing meaningful social programmes,” she added.
Other dignitaries in attendance included: Engr. Olufemi Olaitan, Federal Mines Environment Compliance Officer, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Mrs. Atinuke Onimode, Director, Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals; Mrs. Omotayo Ishaya, Chairperson, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Kogi State House of Assembly; and Hon. Jibril Abu, Vice Chair of the same committee.
Speaking on behalf of the Jakura community, the Obaro of Jakura, HRH Usman Ajibola Adoga, described the signing as a long-awaited milestone.
“This is a dream come true. Some of us who hoped for this day are no longer alive. It is truly historic, and Jakura community will never be the same again,” he said.
He also praised Dangote Cement for its impactful interventions across several Kogi communities.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun, described Mr. Aliko Dangote as “God-sent,” and pledged that the communities would continue to remain peaceful and serve as ambassadors of the Dangote Group.
Hon. Danjuma Muhammad Abubakar, representing the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the company on behalf of the people of Kogi State.
“We will continue to be proud ambassadors of Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the countless ways he has touched our lives,” he stated.
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