Connect with us

News

Dangote Cement to empower local communities in its Alternative Fuel Project value chain 

Published

on

Igaezuma Okoroba, Head, Sustainability, Dangote Cement Plc(l) and  Peter Anagbe, Head, Alternative Fuel Project, Dangote Cement Plc (r) observing the palm oil kernel extraction process while Hammed Adekunle, a  Palm Oil miller (Second left) and Mama Abibat Salawu (second right) explains the process at Buoye farm settlement, Ikire.  

 

 

As a business continually driving values for its stakeholders, Dangote Cement is to empower stakeholders in the value chain of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) supply as part of its strategies to shore up and sustain its availability as a waste that is co-processed in the cement kiln in order to recover energy.

 

This, the cement manufacturer, said is part of its contribution to the global environmental preservation efforts and circular economy.

 

To this end the company has instituted periodic value chain analysis and community engagements with the waste (PKS) collectors as well as the palm oil millers in communities across Nigeria to explore avenues to empowering them to bolster production which in effect will lead to sustainable generation of PKS to be co-processed in the cement kilns, leaving zero waste.

 

A team from Dangote Cement led by the Head, Alternative Fuel Project, Engr. Peter Anagbe and Head, Sustainability, Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba was at one of the farm settlements in Ikire, in Irewole local government area of Osun State where PKS are sourced to ascertain the needs of the community and ways through which the company can empower them.

CITAD Laments Rising Cases Of Technology Assisted Violence In Nigeria

#

Engr. Anagbe told the community that Dangote Cement was desirous of ensuring sustainable collection of waste materials in the form of PKS, as a means of improving the environment and an addition to the source of livelihood for them.

 

He urged the people to always look at alternative value adding opportunities to wastes in whatever they are doing taking a cue from the PKS which hitherto was a waste which is openly incinerated, causing environmental pollution.

 

One of the community leaders, Elder Hammed Adekunle, who conducted the team round the site of palm oil mills in the area explained that the main stay of the community economy is palm oil milling and that the use of PKS for co-processing, offered them opportunity to expand and diversify.

 

He lamented that the process of palm oil production, which in turn generates PKS waste, is a very tedious one and would appreciate any support from Dangote Cement for them to acquire modern machines to process the palm oil and in turn, generate the PKS.

The entire process of getting PKS from the harvesting of palm tree, he disclosed, involves as much as 30 people depending on the volume of the palm tree being harvested.

 

Elder Adekunle expressed gratitude at the gesture of the management of Dangote Cement noting that the cement company was the first to pay them a visit and show empathy saying “this means Dangote cement values us as a critical stakeholder in the value chain of ensuring zero waste-to-landfill by evacuating the waste palm kernel shell (PKS).

 

Earlier, the Dangote team met with the various stakeholders within the Ikire hub, during which the actors in the value chain enumerated the challenges faced by them while trying to collect the waste from different locations.

According to one of them, Prince Oloyan Lawal, a general challenge faced by them is the issue of logistics as they have to move from one settlement to the other to collect the waste and the settlements are usually not motorable.

 

Speaking on behalf of others, he thanked the Dangote Cement team for coming to enlightening them the more on waste management and the benefits inherent in the value chain. He stated that most of them are farmers and that the value exchanged for the waste (PKS as a by-product of palm oil) collection is seen as a part time activity and given the enlightenment by Dangote Cement team, they would devout more attention to the activity.

 

Engr. Anagbe and Dr. Igazeuma urged the stakeholders to have an open mind-set towards a circular economy as most of the materials which are dumped as wastes are now sources of waste-to-wealth which goes a long way to improve the environment as well as the economy of the rural dwellers.

 

They assured that Dangote Cement would partner with them to ensure that they reap the desired benefits from the culture of turning waste to wealth and protecting the environment.

The team later headed to Ibese cement plant on a tour of the Alternative Fuel Pneumatic Feeding System and the PKS storage area. The feeding system was fabricated and assembled in-house, using obsolete equipment that were recycled. The feeding system systematically dozes the PKS into the calciner of the cement kiln, where the waste is co-processed at high temperatures, leaving zero waste and emissions.

 

Acting Ibese Plant Director, Mr. Myneni Nageswara, who received the team members, thanked them for its efforts at ensuring that Dangote Cement is not left behind in the global efforts at providing alternative fuel sources to traditional fossil fuel, thereby mitigating the impact of emission and conserving energy.

He particularly praised the Ibese team for a job well done in the fabrication of the Pneumatic Feeing system which uses the PKS to thermally substitute the heat energy required by the kiln in the cement making process. He urged management to fast-track installation of additional feeding systems to increase the waste co-processing capacity of the plant.

 

Engr. Anagbe explained that the visit was necessitated by the shift in global attention to alternative fuel sourcing, which is expected to contribute to the realization of ‘zero emission’ and ‘zero waste’ concepts. He added that alternative fuel can be produced from other agricultural wastes, municipal wastes, commercial and industrial wastes, thereby contributing to minimize waste to landfills

 

News

Vice President Shettima Calls for Unity Among Kano’s Political Gladiators

Published

on

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged political leaders in Kano State to set aside their differences and prioritize the development and unity of the state.

Speaking in Hausa to emphasize his message, Shettima called on members of the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya factions to remember the bonds of kinship that unite them and to avoid letting political disagreements create divisions.

The Vice President made this plea during a condolence visit to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Kano State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas. The visit was in honor of the late Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sunusi. Addressing an audience that included prominent political figures from both factions, Shettima stressed the importance of harmony in a state as influential as Kano.

“Kano is a model for the entire nation,” Shettima remarked. “It is disheartening to see political differences lead to discord. Kano is the heart of the North, and what affects Kano affects the entire region.”

In a poignant moment, Shettima acknowledged his own linguistic limitations, stating, “Though I am not a native Hausa speaker, I have made an effort to deliver this message in Hausa so that it resonates deeply with you.”

The Vice President also offered prayers for the late Galadiman Kano, expressing hope that he rests in paradise. Additionally, he extended his condolences to the families of those affected by recent bandit attacks in Shanono, where lives were lost and a water vendor was kidnapped.

“We pray for peace in Nigeria and across the world,” Shettima concluded, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure stability and progress.

 

#
Continue Reading

News

APC Persons With Disabilities Reject Kwankwaso’s Return to APC

Published

on

 

The APC Persons with Disabilities Support Organization in Kano State has publicly rejected the potential return of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement was made by Comrade Aminu Muazu Fagge, Chairman of the organization, during a press briefing at the Kano Press Centre.

Comrade Fagge emphasized that the organization’s stance reflects the collective interests of its members and their commitment to preserving the party’s stability, prosperity, and unity. He stated, “Kwankwaso’s self-interest would undermine the party’s peace and success, treating APC like his personal company, similar to his past parties.”

Reaffirming Loyalty to Party Leadership

The organization reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC leadership under Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Hon. Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi. Comrade Fagge praised their leadership, describing it as a true embodiment of the party’s values and principles.

Welcoming Genuine Supporters

#

While rejecting Kwankwaso’s return, the organization expressed its openness to welcoming individuals who genuinely contribute to the growth of the APC. “APC is not one person’s property; it’s a great party for all good citizens of Nigeria,” Fagge remarked, underscoring the organization’s zero tolerance for discord.

Prioritizing Party Unity and Stability

The APC Persons with Disabilities Support Organization reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the unity, stability, and prosperity of the APC. This, they believe, is essential for the party’s continued success and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Appreciation for APC’s Inclusive Approach

The organization also lauded the APC’s inclusive approach, which empowers Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through various welfare initiatives under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. Comrade Fagge expressed gratitude for these efforts, highlighting their positive impact on the lives of PWDs.

 

In closing, the organization extended its appreciation to all supporters and stakeholders, declaring, “Long live Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live APC! Long live President Ahmed Bola Tinubu!”

 

Continue Reading

News

Hajj 2025: Let’s build United front for hitch free exercise, AHMSP urges stakeholders

Published

on

 

The Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals (AHMSP) has advocated unhindered support and harmonious relationships among stakeholders in Hajj industry in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.

AHMSP, a non-profit interest group of media professionals in Nigeria, urged relevant and key players in the industry to support the preparation and tireless efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to guarantee seamless pilgrimage this year.

The Professionals who monitor and report Hajj activities concerning Nigerian pilgrims, are worried about the flood of negative thoughts and sponsored media articles around the Hajj regulator of recent, even as activities for 2025 Hajj are gathering momentum.

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta, National Coordinator, AHMSP believed that, at a peak period when upbeat swing for 2025 Hajj speaks volume, throwing a spanner in the wheel of progress, for whatever motives, should be discouraged by all.

Instead, AHMSP urged stakeholders to consider the significance of Hajj exercise as a sacred call to serve Almighty Allah, above other mundane and peculiar interests, adding that derailing sensitive activities at this material time earns no one any meaningful gain.

#

AHMSP cited the tremendous achievements recorded so far ahead of airlift of pilgrims commencement, insisting that NAHCON, under the tutelage of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, deserves commendation from the expanded stakeholders.

The group called on interested parties to refrain from constituting any act capable of frustrating NAHCON’s preparation to transport over 52,000 Nigerians to Saudi Arabia for the spiritual exercise .

” It is no longer strange that Hajj exercise and activities around the Nigerian Hajj house are attracting a wide range of media outreach. In other words, the loud ovation symbolizes the significance of hajj in Nigerian context.

“AHMSP has monitored activities of NAHCON and preparation for hajj 2025 in the last month and came to the realization of tremendous achievements recorded so far by the commission under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh.

” We have seen how the present NAHCON board disbursed refunds from Saudi Arabia, monies for poor and non-rendered service to Nigerian pilgrims in previous hajj. Professor Saleh, instructed for prompt and immediate disbursement of the funds to all affected 2023 pilgrims. This act signified utmost transparency and fear of Allah.

” AHMSP also took cognisance of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman’s diligence in negotiating a downward review of the cost of services and eventually securing discounts on accommodation, transportation, feeding and other services at Masha’ir. This development led to drastic drop in the overall Hajj fare for 2025 against the expectations of higher fare courtesy of the uncertainty of forex rate in the country.

” Against all odds, the Commission also took responsibility and secured accommodations for private tours ahead of the deadline, even when the operators could not raise funds for the service.

Continue Reading

Trending