- Dangote Cement Plc has graduated 46 solar energy installers as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to support Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
- The training, conducted in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund, aims to enhance power supply and job creation in Nigerian communities.
Dangote Cement Plc has graduated 46 solar energy installers and entrepreneurs, marking a significant step in empowering Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. Azad Nawabuddin, plant director of Dangote Cement Plc, addressed the ceremony at the Dangote Academy in Obajana and expressed confidence that the new graduates are poised to make a significant impact in the sector.
Nawabuddin emphasised that Aliko Dangote, the Group President, is passionate about youth empowerment and job creation, aligning with the government’s efforts to address unemployment. He highlighted that the training will also improve electricity access in communities nationwide. Represented by John Gwong, Head of the Production Department, Nawabuddin described the training as a “meal ticket” and a rare opportunity for the graduates.
This program is part of Dangote Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support national development. Wakeel Olayiwola, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, represented by Olusegun Olojede, stated that the trained solar energy experts would play a vital role in helping the government expand power supply to millions of Nigerians.
The training, conducted in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), benefitted 46 individuals, including 27 men and 19 women, from communities in Kogi State, including Obajana, Oyo, Iwata, and Apata. Ademola Adeyemi, the General Manager for Community Affairs, noted that this initiative is part of Dangote Cement’s commitment to giving back to society.
ITF Kogi State Training Manager, Engr. Abdulrahman Shehu Wudilawa commended the beneficiaries for being part of a lucrative and growing sector. He emphasised that Nigeria’s abundant sunlight makes solar energy a viable and sustainable option for the country’s power needs. Wudilawa also highlighted the environmental benefits of solar energy, noting that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change.