As part of efforts to expand healthcare access in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc has announced plans to deliver a state-of-the-art multimillion naira cottage hospital in its plant community of Obajana, Kogi State.
This was contained in press statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Unit, and copy of which was made available to the journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday
The Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Azad Nawabuddin, described the project as a critical pillar of the company’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of its host communities.
“The facility is designed to provide comprehensive primary and secondary medical services to thousands of residents across the plant’s catchment areas,” he said.
According to Nawabuddin, the cottage hospital will significantly reduce the burden on state-owned medical facilities by providing modern equipment and specialized care closer to the people.
The Plant Director said the project shows the company’s “good neighbourliness” philosophy, ensuring that industrial growth translates directly into tangible social benefits for the local population.
Nawabuddin commended the Kogi State Government for fostering a conducive environment for industrial operations. He lauded the government of the state for focusing on peace, security and development of the state.
General Manager, Social Performance Department at the Obajana Plant, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, noted that the new hospital is a strategic addition to the company’s healthcare portfolio.
He said it follows the successful delivery of a multimillion-naira clinic at the Iwaa community in 2021, which has since become a lifeline for residents in the Lokoja Local Government Area.
Reacting to the development, the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Oba Idowu Isenibi, expressed deep appreciation for the company’s sustained interest in the community’s welfare.
“We are immensely grateful to the Dangote Cement Plc and the management of the plant for this life-saving initiative. This hospital represents a new chapter for our people, who have long looked forward to having a world-class medical facility right at their doorstep to handle emergencies and routine care,” the monarch stated.
The traditional ruler, however, urged the company to maintain the momentum to ensure the project’s timely delivery.
“While we celebrate this milestone, I want to appeal to the management for the prompt and seamless release of funds required for the various stages of construction.
“Our prayer is to see this project completed and commissioned in record time, so that the immediate benefits of quality healthcare can begin to reach every family in Obajana and beyond,” Oba Isenibi added.
Officials from the Social Performance Department stated the hospital would offer several advantages, including reduced infant mortality rates, improved maternal health, and rapid emergency response for the community.
They said beyond healthcare, Dangote Cement has a track record of impactful CSR programmes in Kogi State.
These include the recent expansion of its scholarship scheme to the Oworo community, providing financial support to students in higher institutions.
Other recent interventions in the state include the installation of 50 solar-powered streetlights, the construction of drainage systems, and the conversion of motorized boreholes to solar power to ensure a steady water supply for host communities.
The company has also provided Farmers Assistance Grants and vocational training for women and youths in Oyo and Iwaa.
The company has also delivered the 43km Obajana-Kabba road, Nigeria’s longest concrete road.
A statement from the Branding and Corporate Communications Department of the company said the hospital is expected to be fully equipped with modern diagnostic tools and staffed by qualified medical professionals.
Ibrahim Oyewale
