Dangote Cement Empowers Obajana Youths With Solar Installation Training

Dangote Cement Transport (DCT), Obajana, has strengthened its commitment to youth empowerment and environmental sustainability with the launch of a one-month Solar Installation and Maintenance Training Programme for 10 youths from its host communities.

The initiative, organised in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), is designed to equip beneficiaries with practical renewable energy skills that could expand their employment opportunities and prepare them for self-employment in the growing solar energy sector.

The training was unveiled as part of activities marking the company’s 2026 Sustainability Week, which featured several initiatives focusing on youth development, road safety, employee engagement and environmental responsibility.

The 10 beneficiaries were selected from Obajana, Jakura, Iwaa, Oyo and Apata communities, reflecting the company’s efforts to extend the benefits of its sustainability programmes to communities hosting its operations.

Speaking on the initiative, the Divisional Director of Transport (DDT), Col. Hemant Rana, said the company was committed to converting its sustainability objectives into practical interventions capable of creating lasting benefits for employees, host communities and society.

He explained that providing young people with technical skills in solar installation and maintenance would not only improve their chances of securing employment but also open opportunities for entrepreneurship while supporting the transition to cleaner energy.

He stated that “At Dangote Cement Transport, sustainability is about creating measurable and lasting value for our employees, host communities and the wider society.

” By equipping young people with practical solar energy skills, we are supporting employability, entrepreneurship and the transition to cleaner energy solutions. We will continue to promote initiatives that positively impact lives while strengthening the sustainability of our operations.”

Beyond youth empowerment, the Sustainability Week also provided a platform for promoting safer driving practices through an employee debate on the topic, “Driver Behaviour Has a Greater Influence on Road Safety than Truck Technology.”

The debate examined the relationship between human conduct and technological interventions in preventing road accidents, with participants highlighting the importance of responsible driving and compliance with safety standards.

Joan Imoke, a student on an industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) staff member from the company’s Information Technology Department, emerged as the winner of the competition.

Commenting on the debate, Rana acknowledged the importance of technology in improving fleet safety but stressed that its effectiveness depended largely on the discipline and conduct of those operating the vehicles.

“Technology remains an important tool for improving fleet safety, but its effectiveness depends largely on the people operating the vehicles. Building a strong safety culture requires disciplined driving behaviour, continuous training, compliance with established procedures and responsible use of available technology,” he said.

The Sustainability Week activities also featured a lecture by Associate Professor Habeeb Ayinla of the Federal University, Lokoja, who spoke on sustainable business practices, environmental responsibility and the need for organisations to translate corporate sustainability commitments into measurable outcomes.

The programme underscored the company’s focus on integrating community development, workplace safety and environmental consciousness into its operational activities.

Through the solar training initiative, DCT is seeking to give selected youths practical skills that could serve as a foundation for future careers and business ventures while contributing to the wider adoption of renewable energy solutions.

Tor Vande-Acka is a correspondent with Independent Newspapers.

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