Kogi State House of Assembly on a Working Visit to Dangote Obajana Cement Factory.

15th February, 2018.

By ABEL, Olushola 

A team of members of Kogi Hallowed Chamber paid a working visit to Dangote Obajana Cement Factory on Thursday. The team was led by the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) M.O. Kolawole.

Mr. George Ofurum, General Manager - Administration and the Acting Plant Director, Mr. Rama Murty expressed joy in receiving the members and honorably welcomed them.

The Speaker while giving his Opening Remark appreciated the Dangote Group for their insight in establishing the largest cement factory in Africa in Kogi State. 

The Speaker stated that they have come to visit in order to inspect the Cement Producing facility from the point of raw materials extraction to final stage of production and also ensure the host community is not shortchanged with environmental pollution and dividends accrued to them.

'We have also come to synergize with Dangote Group as lawmakers on how to make this facility function in full capacity for the benefit of Kogi State', the Speaker said.

He also added that the 6th Assembly is ready to sponsor motions and bills that will benefit both the Dangote Group and Kogi Masses. 

Making reference to the 1st Kogi Economic Summit that was concluded on Wednesday, the Speaker said the State is on a proactive move for overall economic growth where all natural resources and economic potentials in the State will be tapped and utilized judiciously.

'During the Economic Summit the Dangote Group was well represented and other multinational companies and private investors. Kogi State is safe for investment opportunities and investors', the Speaker added. 

The team went ahead to tour the entire Dangote Obajana Cement facility, the Deputy General Manager - Production, Mr. John Gwong acting as guide.

The members toured critical departments like the Quality Control and Power Plant.

Quality is monitored at each stage and robot at critical stages and area of production to boycott human errors and inefficiencies.

Mr. Waziri Ibrahim, Chief Manager on duty at the Power Plant said the plant generates 180 Mega Watt and it is powered with Natural Gas turbine.  

When asked if the host community enjoys the Power Supply, Mr. Waziri responded that they are not licensed to give power. The ongoing Kabba - Obajana concrete road was also inspected.
 
All members on the working visit asked questions which centered around Corporate Social Responsibility, Youth Development and Employment of Kogi Indigents, Admission into Dangote Academy, Relationship with the host community, Kabba — Obajana concrete road project and Community Development Agreement as it concerns the extractions of coal in Ankpa II State Constituency.

Mr. George Ofurum and his colleagues while responding to the questions and worries of the honourable members said the issue of employment into high cadre offices is strictly based on merit and there is high preference for candidates who meet up with the educational qualification and criteria from Kogi State. They added that merit will not be compromised for the sustainability of the company.

Mr. George Ofurum said out of 2,400 staffs of Obajana Cement Factory, 1100 are Kogi indigents, out of 300 security personnel about 180 is from Kogi State.

On Corporate Social Responsibility, Dangote Obajana cement Factory said the presence and growth of the facility is automatically transforming the host community and they recently sponsored various water facilities in the community.

Obajana Dangote Cement said admission into Dangote Academy is also by merit with higher institutions  periodically contacted for students who have interest in the company with not less than Second Class Upper (2:1) grade.

On Youth Development, Mr. Afolabi said there is an ongoing project of Dangote Skills Development Center at Ajaokuta.

On relationship with host community, Mr. Ofurum said there is cordial relationship with them as a massive end of year party was held during 2017 yuletide.

Mr. George Ofurum said insecurity has been the major reason for the setback of the Kabba — Obajama concrete road project, and due to the many responsibilities engaged by the Dangote Group, the road project may not extend beyond Kabba.

On Community Development Agreement (CDA), Dangote Obajana Cement Factory said there is proper agreement between them and their host community that they don't have same managerial structure with Dangote Coal, Ankpa.

They further said they serve as mere client to Dangote Coal and the Management should be contacted for the CDA.

Other members in attendance are Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hassan Abdullahi of Dekina-Okura State Constituency; Chief Whip, Hon. Victor Ade Omofaiye of Ijumu State Constituency; Hon. Musa Jimoh Omiata of Yagba East State Constituency, Hon. Kekere Sani Abdulkareem of Okehi State Constituency; Hon. Muktar Adoke Bello of AdKogi State House of Assembly on a Working Visit to Dangote Obajana Cement Factory.