To promote road safety and strengthen best practices in fleet management, Dangote Cement Plc, yesterday, convened a special retreat for its drivers at the company’s Obajana plant in Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Arvid Pathak, clarified that the retreat provides a practical platform to sensitise drivers on the importance of discipline behind the wheel.
He said the programme also emphasised the company’s core values of safety and responsibility, and featured drivers’ role as frontline ambassadors of the Dangote Cement brand on Nigerian roads.
Pathak told newsmen that the interactive session equally featured discussions on defensive driving, fatigue management, vehicle maintenance, and awards for deserving drivers.
The GMD noted that the engagement allowed management to receive first-hand feedback that would promote solutions to issues affecting drivers.
“Your life is very precious, so take care of yourselves. You have families, and your families need you,” he urged.
Pathak cautioned the truckers against the use of drugs and proxy drivers, stressing that the company maintains a zero tolerance policy for road accidents
In his address, Head of Transport (HoT), Murilo Silva, announced that the company was constructing new, technology-driven control towers at Obajana.
He explained that the facilities would enable real-time remote monitoring of drivers’ behaviour to enhance safety and efficiency.
Silva said: “Overspeeding is one of the leading causes of road crashes involving heavy trucks. Always keep within the approved speed limit, especially on highways and in populated areas. You are the face of Dangote. Give way when necessary, be patient in traffic, and respect smaller vehicles.”
The Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL), Dr. James Adenuga, said the drivers are the image makers of the company, noting that their safety, and the safety of other road users, are paramount to the company.
“Gentlemen, every time you drive out of this plant, you carry not just cement, but lives, reputations, and the pride of this company,” he added.
A transport expert, Samuel Odo, said most of the recent auto crashes were within the control of drivers, cautioning them to prioritise their safety and that of their families.
He urged the drivers to develop a good culture for safe driving.
Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the retreat, the Divisional Director of Transport (DDT), Hemant Rana, described the event, themed ‘Drive Safely, Arrive Safely’, as timely, noting that the company had instituted several measures to curb road accidents.
According to him, the company has successfully curbed auto crashes, while simultaneously scaling up the frequency of driver training sessions.
The Bajana of Obajana, Idowu Isenibi, said the drivers play a pivotal role in the life of the company, urging them to respect road signs.
The Olu of Apata, Federick Balogun, lauded Aliko Dangote for his role in creating employment opportunities for drivers, noting that he was among the first beneficiaries of Dangote’s job creation initiatives at DCP Obajana.
