By Dare Akogun
The Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Kogi State, has commenced the training of youth in technical skills under the tutelage of technical units of Dangote Cement Transport, Obajana.
The participating youth were selected from the host communities of Oyo, Iwaa, Apata, and Obajana, as part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plant, Obajana, JV Gungune, said the Technical Skills Acquisition programme, is aimed at empowering the youth and developing entrepreneurial skills around its catchment areas.
Mr. Gungune said the youth numbering 23, which also included female trainees, were mostly secondary school leavers.
Speaking at the inauguration of the scheme, General Manager, of Community Affairs /Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the trainees are being paid monthly stipends while the training lasts.
“When completed, the youth will add great value to their communities, Kogi State and Nigeria,” Mr. Adeyemi said.
In his remarks, Divisional Director Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Ajay Singh, said some of the areas of training include: auto mechanic, auto electrical, welding, and panel beating/fabrication.
The Workshop Manager, Engineer Alfa Adamu, said the trainees were divided into different engineering sections based on their strengths and interests, adding that the trainees have so far spent three months.
A mechanic trainee, Mrs. Bamidele Gbenga, 38, from Iwaa Community, expressed joy, adding the training has been going on very well, and that she is learning very fast.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs. Adebayo Rechel, 38, from Oyo Community, thanked the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for giving them the opportunity.
“There is nothing I cannot repair on Air Conditioner system now,“ she added.
Speaking, a trainee Micheal Roseline, 22, from Obajana Community, and a holder of a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, described the Dangote Group as a blessing to humanity.
On his part, Mr. Joshua Oshe Olorunsogo, 25, said that given the huge value of the program, he hopes it will be sustained, going forward.
