From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Dangote Cement PLC, has trained and graduated 46 Solar Energy installers and entrepreneurs in Kogi State.
In a press release issued by the Company’s Branding and Corporate Communication Department, and made available to our Correspondent in Abuja, said, the Entrepreneurs will shake up the nation further, consolidating on its role as a driver of socio-economic empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony which took place at the Dangote Academy, Obajana, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement PLC, Obajana, Azad Nawabuddin, said the new graduands were ready to “shakeup the nation” in the renewable energy sector of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the Company’s Group President, Aliko Dangote, was passionate about youth empowerment in supporting government’s effort in the provision of jobs, noting 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 Production Department, Engr John Gwong, described the training as “a meal ticket, rare opportunity and futuristic.”
Engr Azad said the programme was part of Dangote Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility scheme.
Also speaking, 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 government in the provision of power supply to millions of Nigerians.
In his remarks, the General Manager, Community Affairs and Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the empowerment scheme is a way of giving back to the society. He said, out of the 46 beneficiaries, 27 are men, while 19 are women.
He said, the beneficiary communities in Kogi State are: Obajana, Oyo, Iwaa and Apata; adding that the training was conducted in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
In his response, Training Manager at ITF, Kogi State, Engr. Abdulrahman 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 the 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”.
Appreciating Dangote Group, the Bajana of Obajana, HRH 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 excitedly on the scheme.
Ramata Ahmed and Abraham Samson, on behalf of other participants, expressed their appreciations to the management for the opportunities giving to them to be part of the training and promised to make good use of the skills acquired in their respective communities and the country.
