Dangote Cement Ibese Boosts Community Leadership Capacity with Sustainable  Development Training

Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable community development and stakeholder engagement with through the successful hosting of the this year’s Annual Capacity Development Workshop for leaders of its host communities.

The one-day workshop,in its fourth edition, held at the Yewa Frontier Hotel,  Ibese in Ogun State, brought together traditional rulers, Baales, community representatives, women and youth leaders, as well as government officials under the theme, “Community Leaders as Ambassadors and Conciliators.”

The training focused on strengthening leadership capacity, enhancing communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and equipping participants with practical tools for negotiation, conflict resolution, and community development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the General Manager, Human Assets Management and Administration (HAM/Admin), Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr. Aina Olugbenga, commended the host communities for their sustained support and peaceful disposition, which he said had contributed significantly to the Plant’s growth and operational success.

According to him, community leaders play a pivotal role in fostering harmony and understanding within their communities and between stakeholders.

“This workshop reflects our belief that strong communities are built on effective leadership, constructive dialogue, and mutual respect. As leaders and custodians of your communities, you serve as important ambassadors of peace and development. We encourage you to apply the knowledge gained here to strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts amicably, and contribute meaningfully to the continued progress of your communities and the Plant,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Hon. Dr. Samuel Olabode Olusola, praised Dangote Cement for maintaining cordial and productive relationships with its host communities.

He noted that the Company’s investments in community engagement and development initiatives have continued to promote peaceful coexistence and inclusive growth within the area.

“Dangote Cement deserves commendation for its consistent efforts at nurturing harmonious relationships with its host communities. Such initiatives help to build trust, strengthen social cohesion, and create an enabling environment for development. We encourage the Company to sustain its road safety and truck driver training programmes, which have become important measures for enhancing safety on our roads,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, expressed appreciation to participants for their continued collaboration with the Company and highlighted the inclusion of Baales in this year’s edition of the programme as part of efforts to broaden community participation and strengthen grassroots engagement.

“Our host communities remain critical partners in our journey towards sustainable development. By expanding participation in this year’s workshop, we are creating more opportunities for engagement, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. We encourage participants to take advantage of the sessions and apply the lessons in promoting peaceful coexistence, effective leadership, and community advancement,” he said.

Participants were taken through a series of interactive sessions addressing leadership effectiveness, communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, negotiation techniques, and conflict management.

The workshop equipped attendees with actionable skills to function more effectively as community ambassadors and conciliators while fostering social harmony, collaboration, and sustainable development across the Plant’s host communities.

The Annual Capacity Development Workshop has become an important component of Dangote Cement Ibese Plant’s stakeholder engagement strategy, providing a platform for strengthening partnerships, building local capacity, and promoting trust, shared prosperity, and long-term development within its host communities.