By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Nawabuddin Azad has said nation’s can only make desired progress when peace and security is guaranteed.
Azad who spoke when he received the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 8 Abubakar Zubairu at the Obajana plant, expressed satisfaction with the visit, noting, the company will do all that is required to strenghten relationship with security agencies.
According to Azad, “Your presence here today is not just a routine visit; it is a powerful symbol. It is a symbol of commitment, a symbol of partnership, that the safety of key national economic assets is a top priority. We do not take this for granted.”
While submitting that the mission of the company is aligned with that of the Federal Government’s desire to grow the economy, create jobs for teeming youth, and contribute to the nation’s GDP, Azad however said that would be an unrealistic dream without security.
“But let me be very frank, without security, there can be no production. Without production, there can be no prosperity. The wheels of our company turn not just on power and raw materials, but fundamentally on the oil of peace and security,” Dangote Plant Director, Azad submitted.
Azad therefore requested a stronger partnership in key strategic areas such as intelligence sharing, empowering local division and fostering greater trust between the police, host communities and the company; among others.
Earlier, the AIG of zone 8, Abubakar Zubairu had applauded Dangote Cement Plc’s social intervention schemes even as the two institutions renewed their collaboration to bolster security, promote peace, and support economic development across the country.
The AIG, who assured that such partnership will further safeguard communities, protect critical business operations, and create a more secure environment for sustainable growth and investment that will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Giving his verdict on Dangote’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, the AIG said the nation owes Dangote Cement Plc immense gratitude for the numerous social intervention programmes that have continued to uplift communities and support national development.
“I am really impressed by your Corporate Social Responsibility schemes. I am aware you have spent money running into billions on CSR. This is commendable.
“Police accord the company a high priority because of its contribution to the economy. For us our business is security, and the Dangote Cement is very key.
“You provide jobs for Nigerians, and you have been responsible and responsive to host communities and the nation,” AIG Zubairu enthused
Continuing, Zubairu assured of their continued support, adding Dangote’s job creation and Coopporate Social Responsibility programmes are contributing to crime reduction in our society.
AIG Zubairu was accompanied in the visit by DCP A. Eljamal, DCP Abubakar B. Ardo, ACP Umar Ibrahim Wurno, CSP Halidu Kasimu, CSP Emmanuel P. Ganya and CSP Ujah I. Francis, among others.
On his part, Dangote Cement Plc, General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, said the company has always enjoyed robust partnership, adding the visit will further strengthen the ties.
The Plant Head of Human Resources and Administration, Azeez Adeniyi, said that most of the company’s employees are from Kogi State, stating that the company is doing everything it can to sustain smooth operational turf.
It will be recalled that in 2018, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) donated 150 operational vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force at an event in Abuja.
More recently, the company also contributed an additional 25 vehicles to the Force, making it one of the largest corporate donors to the Nigeria Police in the nation’s history.
