From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
As part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Kogi State, has commenced the training of youth in technical skills under the tutelage of technical units of Dangote Cement Transport, Obajana.
The participating youth were selected from the host communities of Oyo, Iwaa, Apata and Obajana.
The Technical Skills Acquisition programme, according to the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plant, Obajana, JV Gungune, is aimed at empowering the youth and developing entrepreneurial skills around its catchment areas.
Mr. Gungune told newsmen that the youth numbering 23, which also included female trainees, were mostly secondary school leavers.
Speaking at the inauguration of the scheme, General Manager, Community Affairs /Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the trainees are being paid monthly stipends while the training lasts.
“When completed, the youth will add great value to their communities, Kogi State and Nigeria,” Mr. Adeyemi said.
Reacting, Divisional Director Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Ajay Singh, said some of the areas of training include: auto mechanic, auto electrical, welding and panel beating/fabrication.
The Workshop Manager, Engineer Alfa Adamu, said the trainees were shared into different engineering sections based on their strength and interest, adding that the trainees have so far spent three months.
A mechanic trainee, Mrs. Bamidele Gbenga, 38, from Iwaa Community, expressed joy, adding the training has been going on very well, and that she is learning very fast.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs. Adebayo Rechel, 38, from Oyo Community, thanked the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for given them the opportunity.
“There is nothing I cannot repair on Air Conditioner system now,“ she added.
Speaking, a trainee Micheal Roseline, 22, from Obajana Community, and a holder of National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, described the Dangote Group as a blessing to humanity.
On his part, Mr. Joshua Oshe Olorunsogo, 25, said given the huge value of the programme, he hopes it will be sustained, going forward.