By EMMANUEL ANKELI, Sokoto –
In a significant step toward bolstering national security and economic growth, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Nawabuddin Azad, has emphasized that peace and security are the bedrock of progress in any country.
He spoke during a high-profile visit from Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Abubakar Zubairu, who oversees Zone 8, at the company’s Obajana plant in Kogi State.
“Your presence here today is not just a routine visit; it is a powerful symbol of commitment and partnership, showing that the safety of key national economic assets is a top priority,” Azad declared, expressing gratitude for the visit.
He underscored the critical role of security in sustaining operations, stating, “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.”
Azad called for deeper collaboration in areas such as intelligence sharing, empowering local police divisions, and building trust between the police, host communities, and the company.
He aligned Dangote Cement’s mission with the Federal Government’s goals, noting that the company’s efforts to create jobs, boost GDP, and drive economic growth hinge on a secure environment.
AIG Zubairu, accompanied by senior officers including DCP A. Eljamal and CSP Halidu Kasimu, praised Dangote Cement’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“I am truly impressed by your CSR schemes, which have channeled billions into uplifting communities,” Zubairu said.
“The nation owes Dangote Cement immense gratitude for its contributions to development and job creation, which also help reduce crime in our society.”
Zubairu reaffirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding critical businesses like Dangote Cement, stating, “Your operations are key to Nigeria’s economy, and our business is to ensure your security. We will continue to prioritize this partnership to protect communities and foster sustainable growth.”
The visit highlighted Dangote Cement’s long-standing support for the Nigeria Police Force, including the donation of 150 operational vehicles in 2018 through the Aliko Dangote Foundation and an additional 25 vehicles more recently, making the company one of the largest corporate supporters of the police in Nigeria’s history.
General Manager of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, Ademola Adeyemi, welcomed the strengthened ties, saying, “We have always enjoyed a robust partnership with the police, and this visit will further solidify our collaboration.”
Plant Head of Human Resources and Administration, Azeez Adeniyi, added that the majority of the plant’s employees are from Kogi State, reflecting the company’s commitment to local empowerment and smooth operations.
The renewed partnership between Dangote Cement and the Nigeria Police signals a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria, with both institutions pledging to deepen their collaboration for the nation’s benefit.
