From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Dangote Cement Plc has been commended for its sponsorship of the 5th Kogi Built Environment and Building Materials Exhibition (BEBME).
The Exhibition, with the theme: Profitability and Quality Advantages of Made in Nigeria Housing Development Option and Materials, held between September 19 and 21, 2023.
Speaking at the Dangote Special Day, the Chief Convener of the Exhibition, Hon. Oladipo Makakese Bayode commended the Dangote Cement Plc for the sponsorship, adding that the company is strategically placed to support government in its drive to provide shelter for Nigerians.
While bemoaning the high cost of production, which negatively impact on profitability, he said there was the need for a collaboration between the government and the organized private sector, as the cost of importation of cement additives and equipment replacement are very high given the exchange rate.
In his remark, the chairman, Block Moulders Association of Kogi State, Mr. Kunle Raiyemo, extolled the company for producing quality cement.
According to him, the Dangote Cement has provided Nigerians with opportunity to provide shelter for its people, adding that his association has been partnering with the company to ensure that block makers keep to standard in the application of the product.
In his remarks, General Manager Social Performance/Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, who represented the Director, Dangote Cement Obajana, Plant, Mr. JV Gungune, said the company has been partnering with BEBME and other stakeholders to support the development of Kogi State.
Mr. Gungune, who was earlier bestowed with the “Shelter Development Icon of the Decade “ award by BEBME, urged participants to leverage on the ideas that will be generated from the exhibition in moving the State and the country forward.
The Plant Director said the company has also contributed massively to the areas of corporate philanthropy in the State, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) around its catchment areas.
In his remark, Deputy Regional Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Dayo Laniyan, said Kogi State is central to Dangote Cement operation in Nigeria, even as he commended the organizers for supporting the company in its enlightenment drive.
Speaking, Regional Trade and Marketing Manager, Ahmed Tijani, told the audience that Dangote Cement confers three advantages on its users ,which are: Extra Yield, Rapid Setting, Extra Strength.
He also urged participants and block moulders to maximize the advantages from the ongoing Dangote Cement’s Next Level Retailers Offer to win consolation prizes.
