News
Dangote Cement inducts graduate trainees to boost employment
…Awards Outstanding Staff
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Cement Plc, last weekend, inducted 81 trainees in its Graduate Trainee programme to boost employment in the country. The company, it would be recalled, since the beginning of the programme, has inducted hundreds of such trainees into its service, across its African operations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Company also has rewarded its outstanding staff with ‘long Service Award’ and ‘Hall of Wall of Fame Employee Award’ for embracing the Dangote Cement core values of customer care, entrepreneurship, excellence and leadership quality. The staff that were awarded, with significant monetary value, has spent a minimum of five years in the employment of Dangote Cement
Speaking at the three-park event held at the weekend in Lagos to celebrate the long service winners, Hall of Fame awardees and graduate trainees, the chairman of Dangote Cement, Aliko Dangote said the event was to honour and appreciate “…our distinguished staff in the outgoing year of 2023.”
He said “We are honouring 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 programme.”
According to Dangote, “…we are celebrating them for the tremendous progress the company recorded in 2023 despite the harsh operating environment and economic turbulence, your resilience and tenacity ensured that we surmounted many obstacles to achieve goals.
“More importantly, I would like to thank all of you for your commitment and high performance. It is your commitment that has helped us to retain our position as the dominant player in the Cement sector in Nigeria, not only in Nigeria but in Africa.”
Dangote chairman added “We have remained Africa’s leading cement producer with 52 million metric tonnes capacity per annum across the continent. We also have plans underway to commission our Cote d’Ivoire plants and work started for another six million tonnes in Itori, Ogun state.
“Through shared persistence, we have eliminated Nigerians’ independence on imported cement and transformed our nation into an exporter of cement to several neighbouring countries. This same development will be repeated in the energy sector as our petrochemical refinery becomes fully operational in the next few months.”
He also said the Group is focused on breaking new ground with innovations and strategies that will drive businesses while at the same time creating value for its stakeholders, saying that “we want to transform and develop Nigeria and African economies to be self-reliant and net exporter of manufactured goods.”
Group managing director of Dangote Cement, Mr Arvind Pathak said that “the dedication and loyalty of our long-serving employees, the achievements of our talented graduate trainees and our Hall of Fame awardees, have displayed passion, innovation and excellence in service delivery.”
He stated that the event is to recognise and honour the unwavering commitment the staff have demonstrated over the years, saying “Your dedication has been the cornerstone of our success, and is the testimony of your hard work, resilience, and loyalty. Your journey with us is a testament to the values that bind us, and we look forward to many more of shared success.”
Pathak applauded the outstanding achievements of the current employees who received Hall of Fame awards as their hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed as their colleagues have attested it by nominating them, saying that “you are part of our driving force behind our success and your dedication sets a standard for all of us to inspire.
He also congratulated the graduate trainees as they have completed a rigorous training programme that has equipped them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the company.
“As you move forward in your career, remember that this is just a beginning, the road ahead may be challenging, but I have full confidence that each one of you will contribute significantly to the future success of the company. Continue to embrace your opportunity to learn, grow and make a positive impact on the Dangote Cement plants.
Pathak added that “as a learning organization, we also continue to provide numerous development opportunities to enhance the capabilities of our people, including professional certifications and mentorship schemes. our success is a collective effort and each one of us plays a vital role in our journey to remain the leader in the cement industry and build a sustainable future for Africa.”
The Group chief HR officer, Dangote Cement, Gloria Byamugisha said “We are operationalizing our employee value proposition in Dangote Cement, where we reward, recognise progress effort, values but most importantly, emulating humanity and an entrepreneurial spirit.”
She noted that two years ago, Dangote Cement restarted its graduate trainee programme and today 81 is g
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced his decision to embark on the construction of a new bridge in the town of Imawa, located within Kura Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday said the initiative is aimed at mitigating the frequent accidents that have plagued the area, particularly along the busy Kano-Zaria express way where such incidents have become all too common.
The decision to build the bridge follows a tragic accident in which a driver struck and killed three people, causing widespread devastation in the community.
The incident occurred shortly after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers, when a vehicle veered out of control and struck seven pedestrians.
Sadly, three of the victims succumbed to their injuries, while the other four sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Governor Yusuf expressed his deep condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure improvement to prevent further loss of life.
The construction of the bridge is expected to enhance road safety, ease traffic flow, and provide a safer passage for both pedestrians and motorists in the area.
“The Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, and this project represents a significant step toward achieving that goal.”
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially reopened the Kano State Driving Institute, reinstating its academic and practical programme after eight years of neglect under the previous administration.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday.
Originally established during Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s second term as part of a broader strategic transport ecosystem, the institute was designed to produce professional and licensed drivers equipped with state-of-the-art training.
Unfortunately, the facility was shut down for the entirety of the last administration’s eight-year tenure, leaving it in a state of disrepair.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, where 250 youths were offered enrollment forms, Governor Yusuf expressed his dismay over the impact of the institute’s prolonged closure.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the centre, aiming to restore it as a premier institution for professional driver training and licensing.
“The Institute was conceived to create job opportunities for our youth, it was established by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to enhance road safety and provide young people with the skills to become professional drivers.” He said.
“Unfortunately, the previous administration abandoned it for eight years, causing significant harm to our youth who could have benefited from this initiative.” He added.”
Governor Yusuf further highlighted that the revitalized institute will not only teach safe driving but also contribute to reducing road accidents and boosting the state’s transportation sector.
He called on stakeholders in the transportation industry to support the institute by providing employment opportunities for its graduates.
He also assured that his administration would provide all necessary resources to ensure the institute’s success and urged the newly enrolled 250 youths to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing the importance of responsibility and dedication in their training.
According to the governor, the reopening marks a new beginning for the Kano State Driving Institute, positioning it as a key player in the professional development of the state’s transportation workforce.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The government has introduced new guidelines for fee increment.
Kano State Government has prohibited private and voluntary schools from arbitrarily increasing fees and forcing parents to purchase materials directly from the schools.
KANO FOCUS reports that Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institution’s Board( KSPVIB,) Comrade Baba Abubakar Umar, gave the warning in an interview with journalists.
The Executive Secretary said that some schools have been taking advantage of parents through hidden charges and exorbitant fees.
He said to address this issue, the board has introduced new guidelines.
According to him, “Schools must convene a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting to discuss any fee increments”.
He also stated that school must then write to the board seeking approval for the increase, attaching the attendance sheet from the PTA meeting.
He added that”At least two-thirds of parents must be present at the PTA meeting”
Comrade Abubakar dated that, the board has received complaints from parents who were charged excessive fees or amounts different from what was initially agreed upon.
He therefore disclosed that despite the current economic situation, schools must be realistic and fair in their charges.
“The board will work with relevant authorities to prosecute schools that operate illegally or evade taxes”
He however maintained that the board is committed to ensuring that schools provide safe learning environments and employ qualified teachers.
“Parents are encouraged to report any schools with substandard teaching or unsafe conditions”
Comrade Abubakar emphasised that, new census forms will be distributed to private and voluntary schools to ensure accurate data collection and effective monitoring. Saying that the board remains open to dialogue and discussions with schools willing to comply with the law.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to education, allocating 30% of the state’s budget to the sector and declaring a state of emergency.
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