Dangote Cement Plc has urged industries, government, and communities to work together in addressing Nigeria’s growing challenge of youth unemployment. The call was made during the company’s International Youth Day celebration at its Obajana plant in Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Plant Director Nawabuddin Azad—represented by the General Manager of Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi—reaffirmed Dangote Cement’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He stressed that empowering young people is crucial to Nigeria’s social and economic progress, noting that the company had already introduced training programs in poultry farming, solar entrepreneurship, and fashion design to build self-reliance in host communities.
“At our plant, we believe in shared values where business success goes hand-in-hand with social progress. Supporting initiatives that empower youth and promote sustainable practices remains our priority,” Azad said.
Dangote Cement on the role of youth
Other top executives echoed the importance of young people in nation-building.
- John Gwong, Head of Production, described the youth as Nigeria’s greatest asset, highlighting their creativity and innovation as drivers of growth.
- Azeez Adeniyi, Head of Human Resources, emphasised the need to instill discipline, hard work, and integrity in young professionals.
- Wale Adedeji, Head of Technical at Dangote Academy, encouraged youths to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that the future belongs to adaptable and forward-thinking individuals.
Dangote’s youth empowerment initiatives
The company showcased several programs designed to build capacity and create opportunities for young Nigerians, including:
- A graduate trainee scheme and internship programs.
- Vocational training in key trades and entrepreneurship.
- Community empowerment projects across host communities.
According to management, these initiatives not only benefit communities but also strengthen Dangote Cement’s operations by building a skilled, innovative workforce.
The event ended with a joint call to stakeholders to invest in youth development, warning that neglect could worsen unemployment, fuel social vices, and undermine national stability.
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