Daud Olatunji
Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, has intensified its community engagement efforts with the training of traditional rulers, community representatives, women and youth leaders on leadership, conflict resolution and sustainable development.
The company said the initiative was aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence, improving stakeholder engagement and equipping community leaders with practical skills to drive development across its host communities in Ogun State.
The training, held during the fourth edition of the company’s Annual Capacity Development Workshop at Yewa Frontier Hotel, Ibese, brought together traditional rulers, Baales, community representatives and government officials under the theme, “Community Leaders as Ambassadors and Conciliators.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the General Manager, Human Assets Management and Administration of Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr Aina Olugbenga, described community leaders as critical partners in promoting harmony and sustainable development.
He commended the host communities for maintaining a peaceful relationship with the company, noting that their support had contributed significantly to the growth and operational success of the cement plant.
According to him, effective leadership, dialogue and mutual respect remain essential ingredients for lasting community development.
Olugbenga urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to strengthen relationships, resolve disputes amicably and foster sustainable development in their respective communities.
He said, “This workshop reflects our belief that strong communities are built on effective leadership, constructive dialogue and mutual respect. As custodians of your communities, you are ambassadors of peace and development. We encourage you to use the knowledge acquired here to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders.”
The Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr Samuel Olabode Olusola, praised Dangote Cement for sustaining cordial relations with its host communities through continuous investment in community development initiatives.
Olusola noted that the company’s intervention had contributed to social cohesion and inclusive growth within the council area.
He also urged the firm to sustain its road safety campaigns and truck drivers’ training programmes, describing them as important measures for improving safety on roads within the host communities.
Also speaking, the Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr Ademola Ojolowo, thanked community leaders for their continued cooperation with the company.
He explained that Baales were included in this year’s workshop to deepen grassroots participation and broaden community engagement.
“Our host communities remain strategic partners in our commitment to sustainable development. By expanding participation, we are creating more opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing that will ultimately strengthen our communities,” Ojolowo said.
Participants were taken through practical sessions on leadership effectiveness, communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, negotiation techniques and conflict management.
According to the company, the annual workshop has become a key component of its stakeholder engagement strategy, providing a platform to strengthen partnerships, build local leadership capacity and promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable development across its host communities.
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