Some members of Okpella community in Edo State have expressed optimism that the proposed Dangote Cement Plant in the village would bring development to the area.
They expressed their gratitude when some officials of Dangote Group visited the village at the weekend.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Dangote group, had on Feb. 6, announced plans to build new cement plants at Okpella in Edo State and Itori in Ogun State within three years.
The plants are expected to add nine million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) to the company’s current local output of 29.25 mmtpa to raise its production capacity to 38.25 mmtpa.
The Okpella plant will produce thee mmtpa.
According to the company, the investment is targeted at reducing the cost of production, lower the price of cement on the long run and generate employment opportunities for youths in host communities.
Alhaji Yusuf Dirisu, the monarch of Okpella, commended the company for its plan to establish a cement plant in the community as part of its expansion drive.
“We appreciate Dangote Group for its decision to establish a cement factory in Okpella and we believe that the company’s investment will contribute to the development of the community.
“Dangote is welcome to do his business in Okpella and every support he needs in setting up the cement factory, we will give to him.”
Chief Richard Davids, the Secretary, Okpella Traditional Council, pledged the support of the community to ensure protection and success of the investment.
He said that the investment would translate to infrastructure development and employment opportunities to the members of the community.
Mr Christopher Kadiri, a representative of youths in the community, said: “initially, we heard that Dangote Group is no longer investing in the community because they feel that the youths are against them.”
“We are not anti-progress, neither are we a threat to the investment of the company. We assure Dangote group of our unflinching support of its investment.”
Chief Godwin Eshieshi, former Chairman, Etsako East Local Government, said that the community would provide enabling environment for the investment to thrive.
Mr Patrick Omokagbo, the Deputy General Manager, Dangote Industries, expressed the company’s appreciation to the community for its support and belief in the company’s progress.
