Moses Uwagbale
The Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA) has named the Dangote Cement, Obajana Plant, as the best performing company in Africa.
A statement issued in Lokoja on Monday by the Dangote Cement, said that the award was presented to the company during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of KOCCIMA held in Lokoja on March 6.
The statement signed by Mr Tony Chiejine , Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communication, Dangote Group, said that the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja, represented the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, at the event.
The President of KOCCIMA, Mr Victor Ibrahim, while speaking at the event, said Dangote Cement Plc emerged through a thorough screening process that involved 20 companies.
“Our screening committee considered many criteria before Dangote Cement Plc was selected, ” he said.
According to him, Dangote Cement Plc contributions to the state’s economy as well as its good relationship with KOCCIMA were among the criteria considered .
He said that the company’s environmental friendly activities also stood it out among others.
“We’ve visited Obajana Cement Plant and we found it complying with global best practices when it comes to environment.
Your parking lot does not constitute any environmental danger.
“We also considered returns on investments , welfare of staff, the 43- kilometre Obajana-Kabba concrete road, your good relationship with host community and your positive image,” he said.
He disclosed that the KOCCIMA had commenced the process of organising a trade fair this year, soliciting the collaboration and support of Dangote Group and other companies for the event.
Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Mr Edward Onoja , lauded the contributions of the private sector to the development of the state.
Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the event, the representative of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Ademola Adeyemi said the company was appreciative of the honour done it by KOCCIMA.
He said that the award will further spur it to continue support state’s economy, and touch more lives through its Corporate Social Responsibility.