…Dangote is a genius, we need him to develop our land as he is doing across Africa – Monarch
By Aliyu Dangida
The Federal Government has called on host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to give maximum support to the proposed Dangote Industrial City and Deep Seaport project, describing it as a transformative initiative that will create opportunities for economic growth and community development.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, at the combined Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) site visit, Mrs. Rofikat Adebukunola Odetoro commended Dangote Industries Limited for its commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Speaking during the three-day assessment tour across Ode-Omi Waterside Community in Ogun State and Araromi Community in Ondo State, Odetoro expressed satisfaction with the level of community consultations and groundwork undertaken to ensure the project aligns with environmental regulations and the interests of host communities.
Odetoro, who is the Director of Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment, stressed the need for inclusive dialogue, urging traditional rulers and community leaders not to overlook women and children during consultations. “I urge you to factor women into every engagement. Women and children are as important as every other member of the community and they have unique needs that must not be ignored. Please give this project every support possible. It presents enormous opportunities for youths, women, and children to benefit from employment and the mandatory corporate social responsibility initiatives that will accompany it,” she said.
Speaking during the community engagement at Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics, Dangote Industries Limited, Capt. Jamil Abubakar assured the indigenes of transparency, fairness, and continuous engagement throughout the project’s implementation. According to him, the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, is committed to ensuring Africa becomes more self-sufficient through strategic infrastructure investments.
cooperative, and committed to progress. We want him to help develop our land as he doing all over Africa,” the monarch added.
The assessment tour brought together officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment, representatives of Ogun and Ondo State Ministries of Environment, local government officials, traditional rulers, faith-based leaders, community representatives, and officials of Dangote Industries Limited. Stakeholders held extensive discussions on their respective roles in ensuring the successful delivery of what is projected to become Africa’s largest deep seaport. Communiques were drafted and signed by stakeholders at the end of each engagement at Ode Omi and Araromi, which drew hundreds of indigenes from across the surrounding communities. Consultants have also mobilised to the project site for the ESIA sample surveys.
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