There was jubilation on Wednesday, as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the Jakura community in Kogi State signed a historic Community Development Agreement. The pact, which will run for five years, will enable the implementation of mutually agreed social projects aimed at improving livelihoods and deepening cooperation between the cement giant and its host community.

The CDA with Jakura, according to a statement from Dangote, is one of several agreements Dangote Cement has established with host communities, serving as a pathway for delivering impactful socio-economic development programmes.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Azad Nawabuddin, who was represented by the Chief General Manager, Production, John Gwong, explained that the agreement aligns with section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011.

He stressed that the agreement demonstrates the company’s commitment to the development and overall well-being of Jakura. “For us as a company, we believe in the mantra that good neighbourliness is good business. We do everything possible to maintain harmonious relationships with the communities where we operate,” he said.

Gwong further noted that a governing structure will be set up to oversee the implementation of the agreement, while also calling for the support of the state and local governments in collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure the success of the developmental projects.

The Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, stated that the agreement followed all stipulated procedures as outlined in the CDA development guideline, amended in 2023. He assured that, despite the year drawing to a close, Dangote Cement would begin implementation of the agreed projects immediately, reaffirming the company’s commitment to sustaining robust relations with the community.

Similarly, the Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment, and Sustainability at Dangote Industries Ltd., Mr James Adenuga, said the initiative was proof of the company’s role as a responsible corporate entity. “This is the right thing to do, and it strengthens our social licence to operate,” he remarked.

The General Manager, Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, commended the Jakura community for its patience and cooperation during the drafting of the agreement.

Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, praised Dangote Cement for being a responsible corporate citizen. Represented by Mrs Bimbo Olaoye, the minister encouraged the community to continue coexisting peacefully with the company. He assured that the government would sustain a conducive environment for operations while also promoting job creation and social development programmes.

Other dignitaries present included the Federal Mines Environment Compliance Officer, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Olufemi Olaitan, the Director of Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals, Mrs Atinuke Onimode, and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly led by the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Mrs Omotayo Ishaya, and her deputy, Jibril Abu.

On behalf of the Jakura community, the Obaro of Jakura, HRH Usman Ajibola Adoga, described the agreement as a dream come true. “Some of us who aspired to see this day are not alive, but it is indeed historic. Jakura will never be the same again,” he declared, while commending Dangote Cement for its continuous interventions in communities across Kogi State.

The Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun, lauded Alhaji Aliko Dangote, describing him as “God-sent” and promising that the communities would remain peaceful and serve as ambassadors of the Dangote Group.

Similarly, the representative of the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Danjuma Muhammad Abubakar, affirmed that the people of Kogi would continue to be grateful to Dangote for his numerous interventions in their lives.

The signing of the CDA marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Dangote Cement Plc and the Jakura community, with both parties optimistic that the agreement will foster peace, prosperity, and long-lasting socio-economic development.