The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daisi Elemide, has publicly praised Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, for his significant role in creating employment opportunities and investing in projects that build the nation.
Commendation at Annual Community Day
Elemide delivered his commendation during the 2025 Annual Community Day organized by Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant. The event was designed to show appreciation to the company's 17 host communities. The speaker argued that if other affluent Nigerians emulated Dangote's approach, the country's severe unemployment problem would be greatly diminished, and the trend of youths seeking opportunities abroad, known as 'japa syndrome', would reduce.
"I must give it to Dangote in the area of employment," Elemide stated. "If all our rich people and billionaires can stay in Nigeria and establish companies that provide jobs for our youths, I know that the 'japa syndrome' will be reduced. I sincerely hope that others will take a cue."
Substantial Empowerment for Host Communities
The celebratory event was not just about speeches. It featured the tangible distribution of empowerment items and educational support, underscoring the company's corporate social responsibility. Key highlights included:
- Presentation of scholarships worth N15.72 million to 120 students from the host communities.
- Distribution of 25 laptops to youths who had completed ICT training programs.
- Donation of grinding machines to 40 women to support small-scale business ventures.
Call for Sustainable Practices and Increased CSR
While lauding the industrialist, Speaker Elemide also urged the company to enhance its commitment to sustainable development. He specifically pointed out the need to address the challenge of indiscriminate parking by company trucks, which often leads to traffic gridlock on local roads.
In his response, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Ibese, Mr. Anuj Gupta, described the Community Day as a strategic part of their annual stakeholder engagement. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to the growth of its host communities. Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, Head of Social Performance, disclosed that for 2025, the company planned 27 community development projects. He noted that 10 projects, including electrification and skills acquisition centers, were completed, with 13 others nearing 90% completion. Ojolowo also mentioned that a trailer park is under construction to specifically tackle the truck parking issue.
The traditional ruler, the Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Mulero, while thanking the company, called for an increase in the CSR budget to reflect the current economic realities in Nigeria.
This event highlights the ongoing dialogue between major industries and their host communities in Nigeria, focusing on partnership, economic empowerment, and sustainable development as pathways to national progress.
