Abayomi Susan
Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable community development and stakeholder engagement with the successful hosting of its fourth Annual Capacity Development Workshop for leaders of its host communities in Ogun State.
The one-day workshop, held at Yewa Frontier Hotel, Ibese, brought together traditional rulers, Baales, community representatives, women and youth leaders, as well as government officials under the theme, “Community Leaders as Ambassadors and Conciliators.”
The training focused on strengthening leadership capacity, improving communication and stakeholder engagement, and equipping participants with practical skills in negotiation, conflict resolution and community development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the General Manager, Human Assets Management and Administration (HAM/Admin), Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr Aina Olugbenga, commended the host communities for their continued support and peaceful disposition, which he said had contributed significantly to the growth and operational success of the plant.
He noted that community leaders play a crucial role in promoting peace, harmony and understanding both within their communities and among various stakeholders.
“This workshop reflects our belief that strong communities are built on effective leadership, constructive dialogue and mutual respect. As leaders and custodians of your communities, you serve as important ambassadors of peace and development.
“We encourage you to apply the knowledge gained here to strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts amicably and contribute meaningfully to the continued progress of your communities and the Plant,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Hon. Dr Samuel Olabode Olusola, commended Dangote Cement for maintaining cordial and productive relationships with its host communities.
He said the company’s investments in community engagement and development initiatives had continued to promote peaceful coexistence and inclusive growth in the area.
“Dangote Cement deserves commendation for its consistent efforts at nurturing harmonious relationships with its host communities. Such initiatives help to build trust, strengthen social cohesion and create an enabling environment for development.
“We encourage the company to sustain its road safety and truck driver training programmes, which have become important measures for enhancing safety on our roads,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr Ademola Ojolowo, appreciated the participants for their continued collaboration with the company.
He explained that the inclusion of Baales in this year’s edition was part of efforts to broaden community participation and strengthen engagement at the grassroots.
“Our host communities remain critical partners in our journey towards sustainable development. By expanding participation in this year’s workshop, we are creating more opportunities for engagement, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
“We encourage participants to take advantage of the sessions and apply the lessons in promoting peaceful coexistence, effective leadership and community advancement,” he said.
Participants were taken through interactive sessions covering leadership effectiveness, communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, negotiation techniques and conflict management.
The workshop equipped participants with practical skills to function more effectively as community ambassadors and conciliators while promoting social harmony, collaboration and sustainable development across the plant’s host communities.
The Annual Capacity Development Workshop has become an important component of Dangote Cement Ibese Plant’s stakeholder engagement strategy, providing a platform for strengthening partnerships, building local capacity, promoting trust and advancing shared prosperity and long-term development within its host communities.
