By NEXTER
Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko Plant, has commenced its 2025 Sustainability Week, an annual programme that features the company’s deep-seated commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic development.
In his remarks, Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc Gboko Plant, Engr. Abhijit Dutta said Sustainable development means “meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.”
He added that in cement manufacturing, it is about maintaining a balanced scorecard that integrates People, Planet, and Profit.
This year’s theme focuses on celebrating the contributions of employees in achieving operational efficiency and sustained production output at DCP Gboko, as well as recognizing the vendors, suppliers, and contractors whose partnerships have enabled these achievements.
The week was officially flagged off at DCP Gboko by the Plant Director.
In his address, Engr. Dutta emphasized the importance of balancing the People–Planet–Profit triple bottom line of sustainability.
“It is essential that we continuously sustain the progress we have made in DCP Gboko. We have effectively reduced downtimes and achieved progress in waste-to-wealth strategies as part of our total quality management over the past months. Currently, we are implementing 5S in our plant section-wise. We were able to accomplish this because of our employees and vendors,” he said.
He emphasized the plant’s commitment to the UN SDGs, particularly Climate Action, Circularity (DANGCIRCULAR), and Decarbonization through both technical and natural means such as Afforestation. DCP Gboko has already made progress by utilizing biomass materials—including rice husks and palm kernel shells—as alternative fuels in its operations.
Also speaking during the event, the Head, Human Assets Management, Mr. Abubakar Abdulkareem, highlighted the increasing relevance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in modern business operations.
“ESG is now essential in all businesses—it is a no-brainer not to recognize its importance. DCP Gboko has demonstrated strong progress with the signing of a multi-million-dollar Community Development Agreement (CDA), implementing projects for farmers in host communities, installing boreholes, and executing women and youth empowerment programs,” he said.
He encouraged all staff to sustain the momentum and continue to demonstrate excellence, “The Dangote Way.”
This year’s Sustainability Week began with a preamble event, tagged “The Power-in-Blue: Employee Fitness 10km Road Walk.”
The walk was led by the Plant Director, Mr. Abubakar Abdulkareem (Head, Human Asset Management & Administration), and Mr. Olusegun Orebanjo (Head, Financial Control).
Employees of both DCP Gboko and Dangote Cement Transport participated, walking from the plant to Amua-Tyeku in Gboko and back. The event was supported by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gboko Command and the Nigeria Police Force, Gboko Division.
It was a colorful and engaging occasion for the host community, who came out in large numbers to cheer the Dangote staff. The event successfully reinforced UNSDG Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being, promoting physical fitness, community connection, and employee wellness.
The preamble event concluded with a volleyball match played later in the evening at between DCP Gboko and Dangote Cement Transport (DCT) teams.
The DCP Gboko featured a blended and diverse team comprising both male and female players, while DCT fielded an all-male team. The game was energetic, engaging, and highly competitive, showcasing great teamwork and enthusiasm from both sides.
In the end, Dangote Cement Transport(DCT) emerged victorious, winning the match 2–0 against DCP Gboko.
This year’s theme, “Sustainable Progress: Celebrating Growth & Partnerships,” strategically aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
