By Ahmed Mohammed
Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, has graduated no fewer than 40 participants from its host communities following an intensive training programme in fish farming and entrepreneurship.
The graduation ceremony attracted representatives from the Federal Government, Kogi State Government, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.
The beneficiaries—mostly women—were drawn from the host communities of Iwaa, Oyo, Obajana, and Apata.
This initiative builds on a series of previous community empowerment programmes by the company, including training in poultry production, solar entrepreneurship, and fashion design.
The Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, described the skills acquisition programme as a strategic effort to promote job creation and drive economic development in host communities.
“In learning the art and business of fish farming, you have embraced a cycle of life that teaches responsibility. You nurture, you wait, you adapt, and in time, you harvest,” he said. “This mirrors the journey of community development, which is built through consistent effort, shared knowledge, and collective commitment.”
He noted that fish farming creates a ripple effect by providing food, generating income, and opening up opportunities for others within the value chain.
“One fishpond can support a network of feed suppliers, transporters, market women, and processors. What begins as an individual skill becomes a communal asset,” he added.
Also speaking, the General Manager and Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Ademola Adeyemi, said the initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.
“We do not impose programmes on communities. We collaborate with them to design impactful and sustainable interventions,” he said. “Through partnerships with the Industrial Training Fund, we ensure our initiatives are both meaningful and effective.”
Adeyemi added that the fish farming training promotes self-reliance and reduces dependence on white-collar jobs.
Representing the Technical Adviser on CSR to the Kogi State Governor, Akinola Oluropo Babatunde commended Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, for his continued support for communities in the state. He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and positively impact their communities.
A representative of the Lokoja Local Government Chairman, Abubakar Muhammad, emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders in fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
Traditional rulers also praised the initiative. The Bajana of Obajana, Idowu Isenibi, urged the graduates to extend the knowledge gained to others.
“As you grow, carry others along. Build enterprises that uplift our communities. In unity, we find strength; in enterprise, we secure our future,” he said.
Similarly, the Elesho of Iwaa, Abel Alade, described the programme as a seed of prosperity for the people.
A Mines Environmental Compliance Officer from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Olaitan Olufemi, commended the company’s strong performance in CSR.
The ITF Area Manager for Lokoja, Bajeh Thomas, disclosed that participants were supported with starter packs, including juvenile fish and feed, to help launch their businesses. He added that the ITF would monitor progress to ensure the programme’s success.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Regina Idowu described the training as life-changing and expressed gratitude to the company for the opportunity.
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