Olu Samuel

The Kogi State Government on has called on Dangote Cement to increase its support for youth development by prioritizing employment opportunities, skill acquisition programs, scholarships, and sports sponsorships in its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, who led a delegation to the company’s plant at Obajana on Thursday.

Anyebe emphasized the need for Dangote Cement to establish a quota system that creates opportunities for unemployed youths from Kogi State and to invest in vocational training that would equip them with technical and entrepreneurial skills.

“We have seen Dangote Cement executing impactful CSR projects in other states, but here in Kogi, we are yet to feel their presence in the same way. This visit is not about confrontation but about constructive dialogue. We believe that youth inclusion in the company’s plans is crucial for peace and development,” he stated.

While appealing for Dangote Cement’s sponsorship of Kogi State’s two football teams and other sporting activities to promote talent development and foster youth engagement, Ayebe urged the company to consider renovating the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, describing it as a potential landmark for sports excellence in the state.

“As a major investor in Kogi, Dangote Cement should play a bigger role in sports development. Sponsoring our state-owned football clubs and rehabilitating the Confluence Stadium would not only promote sports but also strengthen the bond between the company and the people of Kogi State,” Anyebe added.

Responding, Dangote Cement’s General Manager, Human Resources, Adeniyi Aziz, assured the government delegation of the company’s commitment to community development, stating that existing initiatives, including a training academy has produced over 150 skilled workers, many of whom have been absorbed into Dangote’s operations nationwide.

“Our company has deeply invested in local talent development. We have programs that train secondary school graduates in various technical fields, and we will continue to explore ways to increase our engagement with Kogi youths,” Aziz stated.

He pledged to enhance communication and collaboration with the state government to ensure that employment and development opportunities are well known and accessible to Kogi youths.

The Kogi state government delegation also had the Special Adviser on Youth and Students Matters, Oladele Nihi, the Senior Special Assistant on Women Mobilization, Charity Ijese, and the President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Jeremiah Elupko.