By Victor Ahiuma-Young

In what many described as a heartwarming display of corporate compassion, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, treated senior citizens across its 17 host communities to an extraordinary welfare bonanza that left the elderly beaming with joy and gratitude.

The event, tagged “A Day Out with Senior Citizens,” held at the plant premises in Ibese, Ogun State, brought together elders and persons with disabilities for a day of celebration, medical care, and generous gift presentations. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to grow in impact and scale, cementing the company’s reputation as a leading champion of community-centered development.

Plant Director, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, affirmed that the programme was designed to support the emotional, social, and physical well-being of senior citizens who often face loneliness and limited interaction. 

“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 said.

This year’s edition came with an even bigger surprise: six persons living with disabilities received brand-new wheelchairs, dramatically improving their mobility and daily comfort. 

One of them, an emotional Banji Bamidele, said the gift ended his 30-year struggle of crawling from place to place.

 “This is the first time I will have the opportunity of riding on a wheelchair. I thank Dangote Cement for this priceless gift”, he said tearfully. 

The welfare bonanza also included a wide array of items such as rechargeable lamps, transistor radios, Adire fabrics, thermal water flasks, beverages, milk, disinfectants, compression socks, shea butter cream, bathing soap, detergents, Dangote rice, Semovita, cash incentives, and branded take-home bags.

Dangote Cement also partnered with Ore Ofe Clinic, Ilaro, a provider in the company’s HMO network, to conduct free medical screenings for all attendees.

Government representatives praised the initiative, describing it as a model of corporate social responsibility in Ogun State. 

Araba Adebukunola, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, lauded the company’s unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups. 

She noted that the outreach aligns seamlessly with the state’s ongoing social inclusion projects, including the Nigerian for Women Project, gender-based violence response systems, and child protection services.

Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Olusola Akinbode, also commended the organization for its consistent support across all age groups, from youth empowerment to farmer assistance and elderly care. “We see people with a heart of giving and growth. Dangote Cement is truly committed to a better society,” he said.

Mr. Subbaraidu assured that the company would continue to strengthen interventions in health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment .

in line with its Community Development Agreement, adding that the peaceful atmosphere in the host communities has been made possible through strong collaboration with the Ogun State Government and community leaders.

With 150 elders and 11 persons with disabilities reached so far, Dangote Cement’s welfare bonanza continues to touch lives, restore dignity, and reinforce hope—making many senior citizens feel, indeed, like they have hit the jackpot.