Dangote Cement Plc has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to community welfare by celebrating senior citizens and supporting persons with disabilities across its 17 host communities in Ibese, Ogun State. The company reaffirmed this dedication during an event themed “A Day Out with Senior Citizens,” held at the Ibese Plant and attended by elders and individuals living with disabilities.
Speaking at the gathering, the Head of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, stated that the initiative reflects the company’s continued investment in the well-being of the communities where it operates. He explained that the programme, now in its third year, was designed to enhance the emotional, social, and physical health of elderly residents. According to him, many seniors face isolation and limited social interaction, and the event provides an opportunity for relaxation, bonding, and free medical screening.
“This annual event is specially curated to improve the social and emotional well-being of our senior citizens while offering essential medical checks and take-home items to support their quality of life,” Subbaraidu noted.
Beyond the outreach to elders, the Ibese Plant identified six persons with disabilities who received wheelchairs to aid their mobility and daily activities. With this year’s edition, the programme has reached 150 elders and 11 persons with disabilities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups within its host communities. Subbaraidu added that the goal is to “put smiles on the faces of our senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society.”
Beneficiaries received a wide array of items, including rechargeable lamps, cardigans, dual-power transistor radios, adire fabric, thermal water flasks, beverages, milk, tea bags, disinfectants, compressor socks, shea butter cream, bathing soap, detergent, Dangote rice, semovita, cash incentives, and take-home bags.
Subbaraidu further assured stakeholders that the company will continue to deepen its social interventions in health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment in line with its Community Development Agreement. He appreciated the Ogun State Government, community leaders, and partners for maintaining the peaceful environment that makes such outreach possible.
This year’s edition was organized in collaboration with Ore Ofe Clinic, Ilaro, a trusted healthcare provider under Dangote Cement’s HMO network, ensuring comprehensive health checks for all participants.
Representing the Ogun State Government, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Hon. Araba Adebukunola, praised Dangote Cement for its consistent commitment to community welfare. She described the initiative as a model for corporate social responsibility that aligns with the state’s efforts to support senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups. She highlighted state initiatives such as the Women Economic Empowerment Policy, the Nigeria for Women Project, gender-based violence response systems, child protection services, and skills acquisition programmes as complementary to Dangote’s outreach.
Adebukunola described A Day Out with Senior Citizens as “timely, impactful, and deeply aligned” with the government’s vision and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with organizations promoting community welfare.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Olusola Akinbode, commended Dangote Cement Ibese for its consistent humanitarian efforts. He praised the company for fostering strong relationships within its host communities and supporting all age groups through various empowerment programmes. “Dangote Cement is truly committed to a better society,” he said.
One of the wheelchair beneficiaries, Banji Bamidele, emotionally expressed his gratitude to Dangote Cement. Living with a physical disability for 30 years, he said this was the first time he would own a wheelchair after decades of crawling. “This priceless gift puts an end to over 30 years of crawling,” he said, thanking the company for transforming his life.
