By Grace Ben Kato
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, has initiated moves for a strategic partnership with Mangal Cement Company Limited, to drive industrial development, economic growth, and sustainable media development in the state.
The partnership bid was unveiled during a courtesy and collaboration visit by the union’s leadership to the Mangal Cement plant in Iluhagba, Ijumu Local Government Area.
Speaking during the visit, NUJ Kogi Chairman, Comrade Seidu Ademu, said the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, has a duty to inform, educate, and promote organisations making significant contributions to national development.
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“Our visit today is aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of Mangal Cement—its operations, achievements, vision, and contributions to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria. This understanding will enable us to tell your success story more accurately and project your remarkable achievements to a wider audience,” Ademu said.
He explained that the delegation included members of the state executive council and representatives of various chapels, underscoring the importance the union attaches to building a lasting relationship with the company.
“We have closely followed the impressive growth and outstanding achievements of Mangal Cement over the years. Your commitment to industrial development, job creation, and economic empowerment has earned you widespread admiration,” he said. “We believe that strengthening our relationship will further enhance your positive image while advancing our shared developmental objectives.”
Ademu appealed to Mangal Cement’s management to support the union’s developmental projects, particularly the construction of a modern NUJ Shopping Complex and the remodelling of the NUJ Press Centre into a world-class media facility.
“Your support for these projects will not only strengthen the institutional capacity of the NUJ but will also leave an enduring legacy. It will stand as a lasting testimony to Mangal Cement’s commitment to supporting the media and promoting sustainable development in Kogi State,” he said.
He assured the company that any partnership with the union would be sustained with “sincerity, professionalism, and mutual respect.”
“The NUJ remains committed to projecting your corporate achievements, promoting your positive image, and serving as worthy ambassadors of your brand within Kogi State and beyond,” Ademu added.
Also speaking, NUJ Zone D Vice President, Comrade Adeiza Momoh-Jimoh, described Mangal Cement as one of Nigeria’s indigenous success stories, noting that the company has distinguished itself in the manufacturing sector.
“Mangal Cement has carved a niche for itself in Nigeria’s industrial sector. As journalists, we are committed to promoting investments and industries that create employment opportunities and drive economic growth in Kogi State,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the company, General Manager, Transport and Logistics, Mr. Umar Sanda Mohammed, commended the NUJ leadership for the visit and reaffirmed Mangal Cement’s commitment to supporting development initiatives.
“The presence of Mangal Cement has attracted significant attention because of the quality of our products and our commitment to excellence. We are proud to be contributing to Nigeria’s industrial development,” Mohammed said.
He disclosed that about 46 percent of the company’s workforce are Kogi indigenes. He added that Mangal Cement continues to invest in security, infrastructure, and community development within its host communities.
“Mangal Cement has created employment opportunities beyond Ijumu Local Government Area. We have remained committed to improving security, supporting infrastructural development, and ensuring meaningful growth in our host communities and Kogi State as a whole,” he said.
Mohammed assured the union of the company’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the media.
“We appreciate the visit by the NUJ leadership and recognise the critical role of the media in national development. We are open to partnerships that will promote industrialisation, economic growth, and sustainable development in Kogi State,” he said.
Also speaking, Head of Administration Abdullahi Ibrahim and Head of Finance Mr. Gbenga David highlighted the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. They said Mangal Cement has invested in education and youth empowerment through payment of WASSCE fees for indigent students, bursary awards, scholarships, construction of boreholes, and empowerment programmes.
They stressed that the company would continue to prioritise initiatives that improve the welfare of host communities while contributing to the socio-economic development of Kogi State.
