By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some senior citizens in 17 host communities of the Ibese, Ogun State plant of Dangote Cement Plc have been given free medical services, drugs and other food and household items like rice, semo, honey, beverages, bathing soaps, detergent, clothing and cash incentive.
The cement firm also provided other residents living with disabilities with mobility equipment, including wheelchairs in an effort to complement the effort of the government in improving the lives of the people of Ogun State, especially those in whose territory the leading cement manufacturer operates.
“We will continue to prioritise the transfer of both economic and social benefits to our host communities, focusing on areas such as health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment,” the Director of the facility, Mr Roy Uttam, said at the organisation’s annual event tagged A Day-Out with Senior Citizens 2024.
Mr Uttam pointed out further, “It is gratifying that our social investment strides are making a meaningful impact in the lives of people across the host communities. We are determined to keep improving and broadening our initiatives, as we work together for the benefit of all.”
“As elders who have devoted your youthful lives to the growth and development of your communities, the focus now should be on your health and well-being and the overall goodness of the society.
“This event is designed with your health in mind, as well as to offer an opportunity to reflect and connect with one another to promote longevity,” he said.
Mr Uttam assured the host communities that the Plant would continue to live up to its responsibilities as regards the execution of the existing Community Development Agreement (CDA) even much more beyond saying some of the social investment initiatives of the Plant when well appraised, go beyond the letters of the signed CDA.
“We hosted 50 elderly members of our host communities for the first time in the history of this Plant. It was a memorable event filled with activities that demonstrated deep recognition for this all-important person in our society and promoted healthy living among them. It was a significant milestone for the Plant and the communities,” he averred.
“We have made significant improvements this year, including the identification of five persons with disabilities from our host communities, who will each receive mobility aids to enhance their quality of life. This is just one example of how we continue to expand the scope of our social investments to create even greater impact,” he noted.
Responding on behalf of other elders, a beneficiary, Pa Michael Oderinlo from the Ijako-Orile host community, thanked the management of Dangote Cement for the gesture, especially for reaching out to the elders which he said was not a common practice among business organizations.
“It is a very rare gesture by a business organization to take special interest in the old people and cater to their wellbeing,” he said.