Dangote Cement Plc recently welcomed 81 new trainees into its Graduate Trainee program as part of its ongoing efforts to contribute to employment growth in the country.
Dangote, known for its continuous effort to nurture talent, has consistently enrolled numerous trainees across its operations in Africa since the inception of the program.
In addition to supporting new talent, the company recognised and rewarded its outstanding employees with the ‘Long Service Award’ and the ‘Hall of Wall of Fame Employee Award.’ These accolades, accompanied by significant monetary value, were presented to staff members who demonstrated a zeal of at least five years to Dangote Cement and embodied the company’s core values of customer care, entrepreneurship, excellence, and leadership.
A three-part event held in Lagos over the weekend marked the celebration of the long-serving employees, Hall of Fame awardees, and the latest batch of graduate trainees. Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Cement, expressed gratitude and acknowledgement for the exceptional contributions of the staff in the outgoing year of 2023.
During the event, Dangote emphasised the company’s achievements in 2023 despite challenges in the operating environment and economic turbulence. He commended the resilience and tenacity of the employees, attributing their commitment to Dangote Cement’s continued dominance in the cement sector, both in Nigeria and across Africa.
Highlighting the company’s growth and expansion plans, Dangote shared insights into ongoing projects, including the commissioning of plants in Cote d’Ivoire and the commencement of work on a six-million-tonne facility in Itori, Ogun state. He also mentioned the company’s role in transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of cement, with similar ambitions in the energy sector as the petrochemical refinery nears full operational capacity.
A focus on innovation and strategic initiatives to drive business growth and create value for stakeholders was reiterated by Dangote. The Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, praised the dedication and loyalty of long-serving employees, recognising the passion, innovation, and excellence displayed by Hall of Fame awardees and talented graduate trainees.
Pathak emphasised the event’s purpose—to honor and recognise the steadfast commitment of the staff over the years. He commended the Hall of Fame awardees for setting a standard of dedication and hard work and congratulated the graduate trainees on completing a rigorous training program, expressing confidence in their future contributions to the company’s success.
Gloria Byamugisha, the Group Chief HR Officer, outlined the employee value proposition in Dangote Cement, emphasising the importance of recognising progress, effort, and values. She highlighted the diversity within the company, with over 20 nationalities and more than 40 languages spoken.
The Program Manager for the Graduate Training of Dangote Cement, Haruna Adinoyi, provided insights into the 18-month Graduate Training Program, designed to empower youth in technical competency fields in Nigeria. Adinoyi stressed the company’s commitment to managing the careers of the trainees, reducing the reliance on foreign expertise.
Representing the Dangote Graduate Trainees, Felix Ithootumhe expressed gratitude to the Group’s management for the career opportunity provided through the Graduate Trainee program. He highlighted the exposure to diverse knowledge in the cement industry and the alignment with the company’s operations and business.
Abdul-Jabbar Mohammedusani, another trainee, described the 18-month journey as challenging and rewarding. He expressed confidence in the skills acquired and believed that, in the coming years, Nigeria could source the needed expertise locally, reducing dependence on expatriates.
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