Dangote Cement Boosts Employment with Induction of 81 Graduates
Last weekend, Dangote Cement Plc welcomed 81 new trainees into its Graduate Trainee program, marking another significant step in its commitment to enhancing employment opportunities in Nigeria. This initiative, ongoing across its African operations, aims to empower and equip young talents for the challenges of the cement manufacturing industry.
In a three-part event held in Lagos to celebrate these new entrants, the company also recognized and rewarded outstanding staff with the prestigious ‘Long Service Award’ and ‘Hall of Wall of Fame Employee Award.’ The recipients, who have dedicated a minimum of five years to Dangote Cement, were commended for embodying the company’s core values of customer care, entrepreneurship, excellence, and leadership.
Speaking at the event, Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Cement, expressed his gratitude to the honored staff and the new graduates. He stated, “We are honoring some of our staff for their long service to the company. We are also celebrating our graduate trainees who are officially rounding up their induction program.”
Despite the challenges posed by the operating environment and economic turbulence in 2023, Dangote acknowledged the resilience and tenacity of the company’s employees. He emphasized the significant progress made, securing Dangote Cement’s position as a dominant player not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
The Chairman highlighted the company’s continuous growth, with plans underway to commission plants in Cote d’Ivoire and initiate a six million-tonne facility in Itori, Ogun state. He stressed Dangote Cement’s role in transforming Nigeria from a cement importer to a net exporter, a success story set to repeat in the energy sector with the imminent full operation of the petrochemical refinery.
Arvind Pathak, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, lauded the dedication and loyalty of the long-serving employees and the accomplishments of the talented graduate trainees. The event aimed to recognize the unwavering commitment demonstrated by the staff over the years, reflecting their hard work, resilience, and loyalty.
Pathak encouraged the awardees to consider the event as a celebration of shared success and expressed confidence in their continued contribution to the company’s future achievements. He praised the graduate trainees for completing a rigorous training program and assured them that their journey with Dangote Cement had just begun.
The Group Chief HR Officer, Gloria Byamugisha, highlighted the company’s commitment to recognizing progress, effort, and values, while also emphasizing humanity and an entrepreneurial spirit. She underlined the diversity of Dangote Cement, boasting employees from over 20 nationalities and speakers of more than 40 languages.
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Haruna Adinoyi, the Programme Manager for the graduate training of Dangote Cement, provided insights into the 18-month Graduate Training Program. Started in July 2022, the program aims to empower youth in technical competency fields in Nigeria, guiding trainees through the entire value chain in cement manufacturing.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Felix Ithootumhe expressed gratitude for the opportunity offered by Dangote Group, stating that the training had exposed them to various aspects of the cement industry. Abdul-Jabbar Mohammedusani added that the 18-month journey was challenging and rewarding, foreseeing a future where Nigeria relies on locally sourced skills, reducing the need for foreign expertise.
Source: Nairametrics
