Dangote Cement trains 40 host community residents in fish farming

No fewer than 40 residents from host communities of Dangote Cement Plc in Obajana, Kogi State, have graduated from a fish farming and entrepreneurship training programme aimed at boosting self-reliance and economic growth.

The beneficiaries, mostly women drawn from Iwaa, Oyo, Obajana and Apata communities, were trained under the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund.

Speaking at the ceremony, Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, said the programme was designed to promote job creation and sustainable development, noting that fish farming creates value chains beyond individual beneficiaries.

He added that such initiatives help transform personal skills into broader community assets, fostering economic independence and social cohesion.

Also speaking, General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs by encouraging entrepreneurship among participants.

Stakeholders, including representatives of the Kogi State Government, local authorities and traditional rulers, commended the initiative and urged beneficiaries to utilise the skills for long-term prosperity.

The training programme included the provision of starter packs such as juvenile fish and feed, with the ITF pledging to monitor participants’ progress to ensure sustainability.

A beneficiary, Mrs Regina Idowu, described the programme as “life-changing,” expressing appreciation to the company for the opportunity.