46 Solar Energy Entrepreneurs Benefit from Dangote Cement’s Training Initiative
Benefit from Dangote Cement’s Training Initiative As a way of fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, Dangote Cement Plc has trained and graduated 46 Solar Energy installers and entrepreneurs at Obajana, Kogi State.
Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, said the newly trained installers and entrepreneurs were ready to “shakeup the nation” in the renewable energy sector of value chain.
While speaking at the event, which took place at the Dangote Academy, Obajana, Engr. Azad said the Dangote Group, was committed to the empowerment of youth, and will support government’s effort in the provision of jobs, stating that the training will support the provision of electricity in across the country particularly unserved and underserved communities.
The Head of Production Department, Engr. John Gwong, who represented The Plant Director, Engr Azad Nawabuddin, described the training as a meal ticket, rare opportunity and futuristic.” Engr Azad, highlighted that the essence of the programme was to give back to the society as part of Dangote Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility scheme.
Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, Head of Social Performance Dangote Cement Plc, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Olojede said the solar energy experts and entrepreneurs will play critical role in supporting government in the provision of clean and reliable power supply to millions of Nigerians. General Manager, Community Affairs and Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, stressed that the empowerment scheme is a way of given back to the society, and that of the 46 beneficiaries, 27 are men, while 19 are women.
Mr. Adeyemi mentioned the beneficiary communities as: Obajana, Oyo, Iwaa and Apata. The Community Affairs abd Special Duties, General Manager said the empowerment programme was conducted in conjunction with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). While reacting, the Training Manager at ITF, Kogi State, Engr. Abdulrahman Shehu Wudilawa, said the beneficiaries should consider themselves lucky as Solar Technology is one of the most profitable sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The IFT official alluded to the fact that Nigeria has an impressive amount of sunlight which is the major raw material for solar energy globally.
The training and certification for the beneficiaries, were provided by the IFT courtesy of Dangote Group Plc.
Speaking on the importance 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.”
Also, at the event was the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Idowu Isenibi, who applauded the company’s Group President for his foresight and patriotism towards the development of Nigeria. Representatives from Apata, Iwaa and Oyo communities also spoke joyously about the scheme.
Miss Ramata Ahmed and Master Abraham Samson, on behalf of other participants expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group for the opportunities giving them to be part of the training and promised to leverage the skills acquired to better their lots, their respective community and the country at large.