Dangote Cement, Jakura Community Sign Landmark Development Pact

Dangote Cement, Jakura Community Sign Landmark Development Pact

Obajana, Kogi State – Jubilation filled Jakura community on Wednesday as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, signed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host community, paving the way for the implementation of mutually agreed social projects over the next five years.

The agreement, which aligns with Section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011, underscores the company’s commitment to socio-economic development in its host areas.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Obajana, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, represented by Engr. John Gwong, Chief General Manager, Production, said the pact was a testament to the company’s philosophy of good neighborliness.

 “For us as a company, we believe that good neighborliness is good business. Hence, we do everything conceivable to maintain harmonious relationships with our host communities,” he said.

He added that a governing structure would be established to oversee the implementation of projects under the agreement, while also calling for the support of state and local governments in its execution.

Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, explained that the agreement followed the updated CDA development guideline of 2023, assuring that implementation would commence before the year ends.

Similarly, Mr. James Adenuga, Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd., described the pact as a crucial step in strengthening the company’s social license to operate.

General Manager, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Obajana, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, commended Jakura community leaders for their cooperation throughout the negotiation process.

Representing the Federal Government, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake—represented by Mrs. Bimbo Olaoye—praised Dangote Cement for its responsible corporate practices and urged continued peaceful co-existence with the host community.

Other officials present included Engr. Olufemi Olaitan, Federal Mines Environment Compliance Officer; Mrs. Atinuke Onimode, Director of Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals; and lawmakers from the Kogi State House of Assembly.

In his remarks, the Obaro of Jakura, HRH Usman Ajibola Adoga, hailed the signing as a “dream come true,” noting that the pact would transform the community.

The Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun, described Aliko Dangote as “God-sent” and pledged that the communities would remain peaceful partners of the Dangote Group.

Also speaking, a representative of the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Hon. Danjuma Muhammad Abubakar, assured that the people of Kogi would continue to stand as ambassadors of Dangote for his numerous interventions in their lives.