Dangote Opens 8m Tonnes Cement Factory
By Ndubuisi Ugah
In a move aimed at making cement available for consumers at affordable prices, the management of Dangote Group over the weekend, disclosed that plans have reached advanced stage for the commencement of a new factory that would be producing about eight million tonnes of cement annually.
The move, according the group, is aimed at complementing the organisation's effort in making the product readily available for customers at reduced price.
Speaking when members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Estate Development Committte paid him a courtesy call in Lagos, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said the organisation decided to embark on the project in "order to bring down to an appreciable level the price of cement which has caused untold hardship to consumers".
He said plans have reached advanced stage for the take-off of the factory, adding that when fully operational, the escalating price incidence will be a thing of the past.
While responding on some of the issues raised by the committee especially the one that borders on the Journalists' Estate school, Dangote urged the committee to write officially to him even as he assured that the Dangote Foundation would take over the construction of the school.
"On the school, your committee should write to us stating in details what you people want so that the foundation would take over from there".
He stated that the oragnisation will also support the committee in the the construction of common facilities in the estate with two trucks load of cement.
Similarly, he added that efforts would be made to assist journalists wishing to involve in cement business with discount rates on supplies based on a harmonious working arrangement based credit facilities to be put in place by the organisation.
Chairman of the NUJ estate committee, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe had commended the organisation for striving to make life meaningful for Nigerians especially in breaking the unemployment barrier for Nigerians who are unemployed.
"You have provided a lot of jobs for Nigerians who are unemployed. I must commend you for this act which goes a long way in creating a favourable leaning for the country to grow economically", he said.
He pointed out that since Dangote commenced the production of cement, Nigerians have been saved a lot of agony arising from other manufacturers exploitative tendencies which has created an unpleasant siatuation for consumers of the product.
Runsewe commended the organisation for living high above its competitors through its quality product, which ranked one of the best among other brands.
According to him, "the product is doing very, very well and I can tell you that the way Nigerians are patronising the product shows that it is one of the best."
While explaining that journalists were already living in the estate without some of the basic facilities such as electricity, water yet to be operational, Runsewe assured that plans were in motion to ensure that the estate is given all the necessary attention it deserve to make journalists' live a comfortable life there after its completion.
He urged Dangote to make sure that a mini-depot was installed in the estate to further creating a working relationship between the organisation and the inhabitants (journalists').
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