....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
By Emmanuel Kwada
In a heartwarming gesture that underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant hosted a special event over the weekend, dedicated to the senior citizens of its 17 host communities. The initiative, titled “A Day-Out with Senior Citizens 2024,” provided free medical services, mobility aids, and various essential items to support the health and wellbeing of the elderly.
The event not only offered free medical check-ups and medications but also included physical exercise sessions, health talks, and a distribution of food and household products, such as rice, semovita, honey, beverages, bathing soaps, laundry detergent, clothing, and cash incentives.
In his welcome address, Roy Uttam, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Ibese, highlighted the company’s commitment to the social and economic welfare of the communities that host its operations. “We will continue to prioritize the transfer of both economic and social benefits to our host communities, focusing on areas such as health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment,” Uttam remarked.
This event is designed with your health in mind, as well as to offer an opportunity to reflect and connect with one another to promote longevity
Uttam emphasized the importance of social engagement for the elderly, saying, “This event is designed with your health in mind, as well as to offer an opportunity to reflect and connect with one another to promote longevity.” Reflecting on the success of the inaugural event last year, he noted that participation had grown significantly, including the identification of five individuals with disabilities who received wheelchairs to improve their quality of life.
He assured the attendees of the company’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Community Development Agreement signed in 2022, and expressed gratitude for the positive impact the initiatives have had on the local populace. “We are dedicated to continually enhancing our social investments to create greater impacts within the communities,” Uttam stated.
The Plant Director affirmed that partnerships with local organizations are essential in achieving the shared vision of peace
Collaboration with local resources played a crucial role in the event’s success, with Novia Hospital Services providing medical support. The Plant Director affirmed that partnerships with local organizations are essential in achieving the shared vision of peace and prosperity within the community.
Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, the Group Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of including the elderly in community engagements, as they are the foundation upon which future generations build.
It is a very rare gesture by a business organization to take special interest in the old people
Beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the initiative. Pa Michael Oderinlo, a resident of Ijako-Orile, praised Dangote Cement for prioritizing the welfare of senior citizens, stating, “It is a very rare gesture by a business organization to take special interest in the old people.”
Another beneficiary, Modupeola Olaoluwa Bankole, who received a wheelchair, expressed her gratitude, describing the donation as life-changing. “This new mobility aid has given me a new lease on life, and I am truly thankful to the management of Dangote Cement for their support,” she remarked.
As the day unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude, reflecting the significant strides made by Dangote Cement in enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in its host communities. With ongoing commitments to social development, the company continues to set a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Nigeria.
