Dangote Cement Plc joined the global community in commemorating International Youth Day with a special event at its Obajana facility in Kogi State.
Delivering a message at the celebration, Plant Director Nawabuddin Azad—represented by the General Manager, Social Performance, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi—reaffirmed that the company’s policies align with the United Nations’ vision of empowering young people to drive social and economic progress.
Speaking on the theme “Local Youth Action on SDG and Beyond,” Azad highlighted the company’s consistent focus on youth empowerment and job creation. He recalled recent initiatives that supported young people from host communities in ventures such as poultry farming, solar energy entrepreneurship, fashion design, and other vocational trades.
“At our plant, we operate with a philosophy of shared value—where business growth goes hand in hand with social development. We remain committed to backing initiatives that empower youths, strengthen communities, and promote sustainable practices,” he said.
Chief General Manager and Head of Production, Mr. John Gwong, described young people as the “greatest national asset,” stressing that their innovation, energy, and creativity are essential for Nigeria’s future. According to him, Dangote Cement considers youths not only as future leaders but also as key contributors to the company’s current success.
“At Dangote Cement, we regard young people as the backbone of society. By equipping them with skills, mentorship, and exposure to modern technologies, we are investing in a generation that will sustain our company’s and our nation’s progress,” Gwong remarked.
Echoing this, Head of Human Resources, Mr. Azeez Adeniyi, underscored the importance of instilling discipline, integrity, and hard work in young professionals. He noted that youth form the foundation of Nigeria’s workforce, with their productivity directly shaping industries like cement manufacturing.
“Our training goes beyond technical know-how. We emphasize values such as ethics, teamwork, and responsibility—qualities that nurture competent leaders. When the youth excel, Dangote Cement and the entire country benefit,” Adeniyi explained.
Similarly, Head of Technical at Dangote Academy, Mr. Wale Adedeji, encouraged young people to embrace innovation and adaptability, noting that the future belongs to those who are forward-thinking. He pointed out that Dangote’s continued investment in nurturing young professionals has not only enhanced operations but also strengthened the company’s position as a cement industry leader across Africa.
“The world is evolving quickly. Young people must be prepared not just to take up jobs but also to create them. Qualities like curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving are crucial for global competitiveness, and these same qualities keep Dangote Cement innovative and productive,” Adedeji said.
The management further stressed that governments, industries, and communities must work together to build platforms that unlock young people’s potential. They warned that neglecting youth development risks increasing unemployment and social challenges that could undermine national stability.
Highlighting its own role, Dangote Cement showcased programmes such as its graduate trainee scheme, internships, and community-based empowerment projects, which have benefitted hundreds of young people while building a skilled talent pipeline for the company.
Concluding the ceremony, the company called on Nigerian youths to remain committed to lifelong learning and positive values, while urging all stakeholders to continue mentoring, empowering, and involving young people in building a stronger nation.