There was jubilation yesterday as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the Jakura Community sealed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) for the company to implement mutually agreed social projects in the next five years.
The pact is one of several CDAs that the firm has with its host communities, which serve as pathways for the transfer of several impactful socio-economic development programmes and projects.
Speaking at the signing, the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, represented by the Chief General Manager, Production, John Gwong, explained that the pact is in fulfilment of the provisions of Section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, and Section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011.
He said the agreement demonstrates the company’s commitment to the development and overall well-being of the Jakura community.
“For us as a company, we believe in the mantra, good neighbourliness is good business, hence we do everything conceivable to maintain harmonious relationships with the communities where we operate,” Nawabuddin added.
The plant director stated: “We look forward to the support of the state and local government (s) as we seek to collaborate with relevant agencies of the state to implement some of the developmental programmes cited in this agreement.”
According to him, a governing structure would be raised for the religious implementation of the pact.
Also speaking, Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Wakeel Olayiwola, noted that the agreement was exhaustive.
The Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability, James Adenuga, restated that the company is a responsible corporate entity, adding that it is the right thing to do to smooth the firm’s social licence to operate.
General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, commended the community for being supportive and positive throughout the pact’s drafting.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, represented by Mrs Bimbo Olaoye, said the government was proud of Dangote Cement for being a responsible corporate citizen, urging the community to keep co-existing with the company peacefully.
