By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Some persons living around the Ibese Plant of Dangote Cement Plc have been equipped with some skills that could make them stand on their own and contribute to the economic development of Ogun State and Nigeria in general.

The beneficiaries participated in the 2024 Youth Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme designed to give back to society.

This initiative, executed under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities by Dangote Cement, according to the federal government, is worthy of emulation.

The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Mr Dele Alake, while speaking through the South-West Zonal Coordinator for Mines Environment Compliance for the Ministry, Mr Mathew Ochimana, praised the cement maker for the diligent execution of the agreement for the benefit of the rural communities, thereby fostering atmosphere of peace all year round.

While presenting certificates and starter packs to the trainees, the Minister said the government had no cause to wade into any dispute between the company and host communities.

He urged Dangote Cement to continue to partner with the host communities with more empowerment programmes to develop the communities and equip the people.

Mr Alake enjoined the host communities to reciprocate the good gesture by maintaining peace and supporting the company to do more.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of Host Communities Joint Consultative Committee, Mr Dayo Ogunyinka, thanked Dangote Cement for always rising up to the occasion noting that the company has never shied away from its social responsibilities by constantly developing programmes that could lift the people and add value to them.

“I can remember we have gathered here before to graduate thos who were trained in the art of electrical electronics, those who specialized in shoe making, those who chose acupuncture, and today its painting and Plaster of Paris (PoP).

“Worthy of mentioning is the fact Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant don’t just train, they also provide the starter pack to start for the graduands to start working straightaway, we cant ask for less. I am however saddened that some of our youths run away from this lofty training by not presenting themselves.

“We are very lucky in our communities to have Dangote Cement here, they not only cater for the youths, they do for the wome, the elderly, the farmers and others, we are indeed lucky. We can only pray that God will continue to be with the organization,” he stated.

Addressing the youths earlier, Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Director, Mr Roy Uttam, explained that the training initiative was a partnership between Dangote Cement Plc and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Abeokuta Area Office, and that it underscored the company’s commitment to socio-economic development in its host communities.

He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing its focus on Health, Education, Infrastructure, and Empowerment, noting that the Dangote Academy and various training programs have continued to create employment opportunities and enhance skill acquisition among Nigerian youths.

He commended the thirty (30) graduates from the 17 host communities who successfully completed training in Plaster of Paris (PoP), screeding, and painting, urging them to utilize their newfound skills to build sustainable careers. The trainees received start-up kits, including tools such as trowels, measuring tapes, and shovels, to aid them in establishing their businesses.

Also speaking at the event, the ITF Area Manager, Abeokuta, Mrs Abolanle Ajibade, thanked Dangote Cement for the initiative, adding that, “It is with a sense of accomplishment that I stand before you to bring this impactful 2024 skills acquisition and empowerment training program to a close.

“This training program, PoP, screeding, and painting, was not merely an opportunity to gain knowledge but also an avenue to forge connections, share experiences, and challenge ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones.

“To our facilitators, your dedication and expertise have been invaluable. You have gone above and beyond to provide us with tools, insights, and guidance needed to thrive, and to participants, congratulations on your commitment, resilience, and passion throughout this training.”

The Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Mr Akinbode Olusola, advised the youth participants to see the training as a life time opportunity to make a difference in life noting that thousands of youth in the society would not have access to the opportunity they are getting on a platter of gold.

By Dipo Olowookere

The acting chairman of Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Oladipupo Oluwaloni, popularly known as Ladi, has been sworn-in as the substantive chairman of the council.

He was sworn in on Thursday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State at a brief ceremony attended by several loyalists of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The grassroots politician was appointed as the acting chairman of Ayobo Ipaja LCDA last month by the Governor following the long absence of his boss, Mrs Bola Shobowale.

He served as the deputy chairman of the local council before his elevation following the death of Mrs Shobowale after a protracted illness on March 21, 2025.

At the swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Mr Sanwo-Olu charged Mr Oluwaloni to listen to collaborate closely with the community as he was there to serve them.”

“Together, through unity, we can achieve our vision for a greater Lagos,” the Governor tasked the new chairman, who could not hide his excitement.

In his response, the new council chairman promised to align fully with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the present administration, promising to prioritize the socioeconomic development of the people and uphold democratic values in service delivery.

Mr Oluwaloni, when he was asked to occupy the position in an acting capacity two weeks ago, said, “This is a great responsibility, and I am fully committed to upholding the trust placed in me.

“My focus will be on ensuring that governance at the grassroots remains effective, responsive, and aligned with the developmental agenda of our great state.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has tasked the new chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr Bayo Ojulari, to strengthen reforms, transparency and accountability.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, while reacting to Mr Ojulari’s appointment, urged the new leadership to prioritise the timely publication of the company’s financial statements, full disclosure of production data, operational costs, and revenue remittances to help rebuild public trust and enhance Nigeria’s global reputation

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday reconstituted the board of the NNPC, removing the chairman, Mr Pius Akinyelure, and the erstwhile CEO, Mr Mele Kyari.

Mr Orji said that Ojulari’s appointment came at a critical time when the ongoing NNPC Limited reforms required renewed commitment, strategic leadership, and a firm dedication to transparency, accountability and corporate governance.

“NEITI recognised that NNPC, as Nigeria’s foremost national energy company, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the country’s oil and gas sector.

“As a member of the NEITI National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and a key institution in Nigeria’s extractive industry, NNPC Ltd. is responsible to ensure that the reforms initiated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are strengthened, broadened, and sustained in the public interest.

“As a supporting company of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), NNPC Ltd. must demonstrate unwavering commitment to openness, systematic disclosure of critical industry data, responsible resource management and corporate governance best practices,” he said.

He urged the new leadership to prioritise timely publication of NNPC’s financial statements, full disclosure of production data, operational costs, and revenue remittances to help rebuild public trust and enhance Nigeria’s global reputation.

According to him, transparency in the management of oil and gas revenues remains critical to national development and ongoing poverty reduction efforts.

He said the EITI process provided a tested framework for ensuring that revenues from natural resources were prudently managed, fully accounted for, and efficiently deployed to address Nigeria’s development needs.

“We look forward to working closely with the new GCEO and his team in deepening the NEITI-EITI process in Nigeria and ensuring that NNPC Ltd. continues to align with international best practices in corporate governance and financial transparency.

“NEITI also congratulates the newly reconstituted NNPC Ltd. Board and charges them to provide forward-looking strategic direction to fast-track the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd. in line with the PIA.

“The Board’s role in ensuring that NNPCL remains accountable to its shareholders—the Nigerian people—is crucial to the long-term sustainability of the company and the industry at large.”

Mr Orji lauded Mr Kyari and his team for their dedication, hard work, mutual respect, patience, and collaboration with NEITI over the past six years.

“His tenure was marked by significant engagements with NEITI in advancing corporate transparency, public disclosures, and aligning NNPC Ltd. with the global EITI framework,” he said.