Dangote Cement deploys football to promote peace, youth development In Host Communities

Dangote Cement Plc has launched a football tournament across its Ibese and Okpella operations as part of efforts to promote youth development, peaceful coexistence and stronger relationships with its host communities.

The maiden Unity Football Tournament, sponsored by the company, brings together young footballers from communities around its cement plants in Ibese, Okpella, Obajana and Gboko.

Speaking at the ceremonial kick-off of the Ibese edition, the Plant Director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, said the initiative was part of the company’s commitment to the socio-economic development and wellbeing of its host communities.

He said the tournament represented a new dimension of the company’s social investment strategy, which focuses on education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

According to him, the company recognises the importance of young people in its host communities and the need to provide opportunities for their development and productive engagement.

“This football tournament is a new dimension of our social investment strategy, specifically designed to promote youth development, engagement and empowerment,” he said.

Mr Subbaraidu explained that the competition was designed to go beyond football by providing a platform for young people to discover their talents, build relationships and channel their energies towards productive activities.

He said the company was also using sports to strengthen peaceful coexistence, promote unity and deepen trust between Dangote Cement and its host communities.

“Beyond football, the tournament is a proactive social investment initiative aimed at promoting peace, strengthening inter-community relationships, fostering unity and deepening trust between Dangote Cement and the host communities,” he said.

“While the teams may compete for the trophy, the bigger victory lies in the unity, friendship and mutual understanding we hope to establish and build. In the spirit of this, every community is considered a winner in this tournament,” he added.

At Ibese, 17 host communities have been grouped into eight teams for the competition.

Mr Subbaraidu said the arrangement demonstrated how sports could break down barriers and foster relationships among communities.

He expressed optimism that the tournament would also help identify promising grassroots footballers who could eventually develop into players capable of competing at national and international levels.

“We believe that great talents can emerge from our communities and that this tournament will provide a platform for discovering and nurturing promising football talents who may eventually go on to shine on national and international stages,” he said.

The plant director urged players and match officials to uphold sportsmanship, discipline, fairness and mutual respect throughout the competition.

He also cautioned participants and supporters against violence, unnecessary confrontations and other conduct capable of undermining the objectives of the tournament.

“Let competition remain healthy and friendly. Avoid unnecessary confrontations, violence and actions that could result in injuries,” he said.

The tournament also commenced at the company’s Okpella operation, where the Plant Director, Mohammed Ismaael, described football as an effective tool for bringing people together irrespective of their backgrounds and social status.

He said the initiative would provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents, interact positively and build friendships across community boundaries.

“Through this tournament, Dangote Cement is creating a platform for our young people to interact positively, demonstrate their talents and build friendships that transcend community boundaries,” he said.