‘Women key to Dangote Group’s success story’- NASCON boss

Executive Director, Commercial, NASCON Allied Industries, Fatima Aliko Dangote, has said Dangote Group had invested in innovative technologies and processes to achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women in the organisation.

Besides, she said women were playing pivotal roles in the success story of the group.

To drive transformative change, the ED disclosed that the company was implementing policy of continuous improvement in its production processes with state-of-the-art production facilities, managed by women.

Speaking while opening the International Women’s Day (IWD) conference in Lagos and Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana plant, she noted that the group, through its Learning Management System (LMS), offers employees a variety of resources and opportunities that helps them advance their professional and personal development.

According to her, these learning and development offerings cover vast focus areas and are provided via on-the-job, classroom and online learning platforms, to both permanent and temporary employees across all cadres, in the group’s Nigerian and Pan-African operations.

She said: “At the plants, we have the Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) for online analysis, robotic laboratory and fully automated central control room system equipped with Human Machine Interface technology (HMI) and innovative solutions to drive resource efficiency, process optimisation and mitigate the environmental footprints of our products, while delivering quality products that meet the needs of our esteemed customers.”

The official explained that Dangote Women’s Network, through this year’s theme, had provided a unique opportunity to holistically examine the subject of innovation and technology from a gender perspective.

She added: “We are inspired by our superheroes in STEM, and we hope this session increases your awareness of innovation, technology and digital education, driven by women for women, and learn advancements in digital t
technology that address how we rethink our daily lives and achieve our personal and professional goals.

“I would like to encourage our women with a few tips on leveraging technology, equipping yourselves academically and technically, be inspired and inspire others by creating opportunities for regular interactions with female STEM champions and leaders, and tapping into opportunities for hands-on experience in the form of volunteering.

Also speaking, co-founder/COO, Piggy/Vest NG, Odunayo Eweniyi, noted that technology plays a key role and could support women in their daily responsibilities either as a mother or worker.

She said it’s never too early to introduce girls to technology, adding that supporting their passion in earnest could lead to meaningful careers in the future.

The ED urged the Dangote Cement Group not to relent in its Gender Balance Policy, especially as it relates to encouraging qualified women in the business of cement production.

Chief Enterprises Business Officer, MTN Nigeria Mrs. Lynda Saint, said women’s condition could be improved through innovative technology.

She encouraged parents to expose their female children to science and technology, as the world has embraced technology and innovation in every aspect of the organisation.

Giving a vote of thanks at the end of the conference, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, Nglan Niat, commended the speakers for sharing their valuable thoughts and insights with the team.

Chairperson of Dangote Women Network at DCP Obajana, Mrs. Fatima Kabir Ikunaiye recalled that network began operation in 2017, and has since carried out several interventional programmes to advance women.

Some of the programmes, she listed, include: support for orphanages and vulnerable homes, sensitisation and empowerment of women, as well as training them on skill acquisition.