Dangote Cement Plc has trained and graduated 46 Solar Energy installers and entrepreneurs.
The training was to further consolidate the leading role of the Dangote Group as a driver of socio-economic empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Kogi State, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, said the new graduands are ready to “shake up the nation” in the renewable energy sector of Nigeria’s economy.
At the graduation ceremony, which took place at the Dangote Academy, Obajana, Azad further said the Group President, Aliko Dangote, was passionate about youth empowerment.
According to him, Dangote will continue to support the government’s effort in the provision of jobs.
He noted that the training will support the provision of electricity in the communities and the country at large.
The Plant Director, who was represented by the Head of the Production Department, Engr John Gwong, described the training as ” a meal ticket, rare opportunity and futuristic.”
Azad said the program was part of Dangote Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility scheme.
Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Olojede said the solar energy experts and entrepreneurs will support the government in the provision of power supply to millions of Nigerians.
General Manager of Community Affairs and Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the empowerment scheme is a way of giving back to the society, and that of the 46 beneficiaries, 27 are men, while 19 are women.
Mr. Adeyemi said the trainees were picked from the host communities of beneficiary communities Obajana, Oyo, Iwaa, and Apata in Kogi State.
He said the training was conducted in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
In his response, Training Manager, ITF, Kogi State, Engr. Abdulrahman Shehu Wudilawa said the beneficiaries should consider themselves fortunate as Solar Technology is one of the most lucrative sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He said Nigeria has enough sunlight which is the major raw material for solar energy installation.
The ITF provided the training and certification for the beneficiaries.
Speaking on the advantages of solar energy, he said: “Solar energy generation produces no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional energy sources like coal or natural gas.
“It also helps combat climate change,” he said.
The Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi, extolled the company’s Group President for his foresight and patriotism towards the development of Nigeria.
Representatives from Apata, Iwaa, and Oyo communities also spoke glowingly of the scheme.
Miss Ramata Ahmed and Master Abraham Samson, on behalf of other participants, expressed appreciation to the management for the opportunity giving them to be part of the training program.
They promised to make good use of the skills acquired to better their lots, their respective community, and the country.
