Youths in Ogun State have protested the detrimental effects of the Dangote Cement Plant’s operations in Ibese, Yewa North Local Government Area, under the banner of the Yewa North Patriotic Forum.
The young people asserted that aside from ongoing environmental destruction, the firm has made no significant contributions to their community.
A copy of the letter they wrote to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, voicing their complaints, was obtained.
The letter said that the corporation had become an obstacle to advancement for locals and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that were fighting to survive in the face of deteriorating economic conditions, thus creating an unfavorable business environment.
The teens also emphasized how some neighborhoods are now in complete darkness as a result of the ongoing destruction of electrical poles in the area.
Joga, Iboro, Igbogila, Eegua, Igan Alade, Ijoun, and Imasayi were among the villages cited in the letter, which was signed by the group’s president and general secretary, Adeyemi Sunday and Fatolu Ganiyu, respectively.
The organization also bemoaned Dangote’s disregard for a deal made with the community when the company was first established.
“We hereby send our serious warnings to the management of Dangote Cement, Ibese, and all the necessary stakeholders to wake up from their slumbers and do what is adequately required from them under the law and in line with Community Development Agreements policy for a continued communal relationship and peaceful co-existence that will favor both parties,” the youths threatened, after having to put up with numerous life-threatening actions by the company.
The young people called for the immediate restoration of power to the impacted areas, empowerment initiatives, job opportunities for graduates who are native to the host towns, and the renovation of roads that Dangote Heavy Trucks had harmed.
“The company’s operations have continuously and repeatedly resulted in the area’s environmental deterioration, contamination of the land, water, and air, the destruction of natural habitats, and waste disposal systems that are hazardous to our people’s health.
“As anticipated and anticipated, our roads are poor, our people lack real empowerment, and our youths are not engaged in the company for profit.”
Francis Awowole Browne, the plant’s officer in charge of media and communications, did not reply to inquiries about the accusations.
As of the time this report was filed, he had not followed through on his commitment to return.