Dangote Industries urged to adopt two Yewa legacy secondary schools in Ogun State

AFRICA'S richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote has been urged by the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District Senator Tolu Odebiyi to consider adopting two legacy schools in Ogun State as part of his N4bn corporate social responsibility plan.

Valued at $8.3bn, Alhaji Dangote is the 162nd wealthiest person in the world and the richest individual in Africa. His Aliko Dangote Foundation carries out a lot of charitable work across the continent and his Aliko Dangote Industries takes it corporate social responsibilities seriously.

In its latest investment in Ogun State, Dangote Cement has spent N4.1bn to execute projects in 14 host communities in Yewa land. Dangote Industries listed the various projects to include 40 classrooms, three health centres, 22 boreholes and five transformers estimated at N278m

Azad Nawabuddin, the plant director of the firm, said the company was willing to spend much more on education and training of youths in the area. Responding to the gesture, Senator Odebiyi appreciated the efforts of the firm but urged the management to adopt two legacy schools that are very dear to the Yewa people apart from what it is doing for the host communities.

He said Dangote Industries should adopt Yewa College, formerly Egbado College and the Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro. Senator Odebiyi, who is from Iboro town, one of the host communities, also urged Dangote industries to create an endowment fund for indigent students to seek admission in tertiary institutions.

Senator Odebiyi said: “While we appreciate the giant strides of Dangote Cement in the host communities, we would want the company to adopt the two schools in order to bring a lasting legacy to Yewa land. The schools are very dear to the Yewa people and their adoption by Dangote would enable many indigent students have access to affordable quality education.”

He also challenged the firm to maintain global best practices in its operations by minimising pollution in order to safeguard the health of the people. Dangote Cement's plant is located in Ibese town in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.