As part of its commitment to give back to its operating environments, Dangote Cement Plc recently empowered some elderly and persons living with disabilities in Ibese community of Ogun State.
The social investment programme involved the provision of a supportive environment for relaxation, connection, and free medical screenings for residents of about 17 communities in the area.
Several items were distributed to the beneficiaries, including rechargeable lamps, Cardigans, dual-power transistor radios (battery-operated and rechargeable), Adire, double layer thermal insulator water flasks, beverages and milk, tea bags, disinfectants, compressor socks, Jumbo shear butter creams, packs of bathing soap, detergents, bags of Dangote Rice, Semovita, cash incentives and take-home bags.
The Head of Dangote Cement for Ibese Plant, Mr Ayyagari Subbaraidu, at the event themed A Day Out with Senior Citizens, held at the plant premises, said the initiative was meant to enhance the emotional, social, and physical well-being of the elderly in the communities, adding that the programme now in its third year, addresses some of the challenges many elders face, including loneliness and limited social interaction, by providing a supportive environment for relaxation, connection, and free medical screenings.
“This annual event is specially curated to improve the social and emotional well-being of our senior citizens while offering essential medical checks and take-home items to support their quality of life,” he disclosed.
Mr Subbaraidu explained that while ageing is a blessing, many elders experience loneliness and limited interaction, noting that the outreach serves as a platform for relaxation, bonding, and access to free health checks.
He also disclosed that alongside the outreach, Dangote Cement identified six individuals living with disabilities who received wheelchairs to support their movement and daily activities.
“With this year’s edition, we have now reached 150 elders and 11 persons with disabilities underscoring the company’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting vulnerable groups within our host communities. Our goal is to put smiles on the faces of our senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society,” he stated.
He thanked the Ogun State government, partners, and community leaders for their partnership and collaboration which has provided the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the communities, noting that this year’s edition was organized in collaboration with Ore Ofe Clinic, Ilaro, a trusted healthcare provider in Dangote Cement’s HMO network, to ensure comprehensive health screening for all beneficiaries.
The Ogun State government, represented by Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Ms Araba Adebukunola, lauded Dangote Cement for its unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community, describing the initiative as a model for corporate social responsibility in the region.