Dangote Cement Plc Commissions Security Outposts in Iwaa and Apata to Boost Community Safety in Kogi

By Ladan Nasidi

As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening community policing and enhancing safety in its host communities, Dangote Cement Plc has commissioned two new security outposts in Iwaa and Apata communities through its Obajana Plant in Kogi State.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Obajana Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, described the initiative as a reflection of the company’s dedication to sustainable community development and improved security architecture.

“These projects are part of our broader commitment to community development and the strengthening of security in our host and impacted communities,” he said.

Nawabuddin noted that although Iwaa community is geographically distant from the plant, it remains a priority for the company.

“While Iwaa may not be in close proximity to the plant, it holds a special place in our development agenda.

We are deliberate in ensuring that our interventions go beyond immediate host communities,” he stated.

He emphasized that security is fundamental to meaningful progress, stressing that, “A community that is not secure is deprived of meaningful progress and development.”

According to him, the newly commissioned outposts represent “a significant milestone in safeguarding lives and property,” while also reinforcing collaboration between the communities and the company in managing local security frameworks.

In his remarks, the Olu of Apata, Fredrick Balogun, expressed appreciation for what he described as impressive infrastructure delivered to the community.

“We are grateful to Dangote Cement for these impressive structures and amenities. Apata is proud to be among the communities benefiting from the company’s security support,” the monarch said.

He further described Aliko Dangote as “kind-hearted and God-sent to our people.”
Similarly, the Elesho of Iwaa, Obafemi Abel Alade Alaofin, commended the company for what he termed a “demonstration of love” towards his community.

“We sincerely appreciate this new security facility. It is a clear demonstration of love and commitment to our wellbeing,” he said, pledging the community’s “unreserved loyalty” to the Plant Director and the company.

He added that Iwaa community has enjoyed numerous benefits from the Obajana Plant, describing the relationship as cordial and mutually beneficial.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Social Performance, Adeyemi Ademola, revealed that a needs assessment conducted in 2024 identified security infrastructure as a top priority in both communities.

“Our 2024 needs assessment clearly showed that security infrastructure was a pressing need in Apata and Iwaa. As a socially responsible corporate entity, we moved swiftly to initiate and complete these projects,” he explained.

Ademola reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustained engagement and priority-based interventions that promote long-term development.

Youth Leader of Iwaa, Comrade Rotimi Kekereowo, called for continued collaboration, saying, “We appreciate this gesture and look forward to sustained partnership for the development of our community.”

In the same vein, the Secretary of Apata Community, Comrade Adekunle Babatunde, thanked the Plant Director for personally commissioning the project.

“We are grateful that despite his busy schedule, he took the time to commission and hand over this security post. We assure you it will be put to good use,” he said.