There was jubilation on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the Jakura Community signed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA). The pact will see the company implement mutually agreed social projects over the next five years.
The CDA with Jakura is one of many agreements Dangote Cement has with its host communities, serving as a pathway to impactful socio-economic development programmes.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin – represented by Engr. John Gwong – said the agreement fulfils the provisions of section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, and section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011. He stressed that the company believes “good neighborliness is good business,” and looks forward to collaborating with state and local governments to implement the projects.
Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, noted that the CDA was developed in line with the amended 2023 guidelines and assured that implementation would begin immediately. Also speaking, Mr. James Adenuga, Group Head, HSE & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining its social license to operate.
Commending the process, the Obaro of Jakura, HRH Usman Ajibola Adoga, described the event as “a dream come true” for his community. He hailed Dangote Cement for its consistent interventions across Kogi State. Similarly, the Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun, and representatives of Lokoja Local Government praised Aliko Dangote for transforming lives through numerous community-focused initiatives.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, represented by Mrs. Bimbo Olaoye, lauded Dangote Cement for being a responsible corporate citizen and urged the Jakura community to continue fostering peaceful co-existence with the company.
The signing ceremony was also witnessed by state officials, lawmakers, and community leaders, who all pledged support for the partnership.
