The Bajana III of the Obajana Kingdom, Idowu Isenibi has prayed to God to give him a son like Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote group.
The Bajana III, who was speaking at an Appreciation Ceremony/Press Conference at Obajana in Kogi State on Friday said: “I have been praying to God to give me a son like Aliko Dangote who has the heart to help people; not this kind of people that bury money in graveyards. Dangote is using his money to build companies, roads and create jobs.
“I strongly believe that our economy which has been paralyzed for a long time will come back to normal. The high rate of insecurity on this road will be drastically reduced. Our farm produce that have been down will bounce back and those plying the road, will not have difficulties.”
He listed some of the benefits the communities have been enjoying from partnership with the Dangote Group to include: Cement factory, which is the largest in the world; Dangote Academy Training School, presence of banks, roads, Agro sack factory, Air Strip, employment opportunities and electricity among others.
He also announced that the Dangote Group had just provided two electric transformers for the Obajana community.
“With the coming of Dangote Cement, I can tell you that Obajana now have inhabitants of more than fifty thousand people. It is a place to live now. While some people set fire on the companies in their communities; we are guarding Dangote factory.”
He assured the people that very soon fertilizer and ceramic factories will be established in his kingdom.
“Let me make it clear that we did not sell our rights to Dangote Cement but we subject our resources for him to develop, and we are happy that we did so,” the King said.
Head of Administration at Obajana Cement Plant, Mr. George Ofurum who represented Dangote Group’s President Aliko Dangote thanked the community for the peaceful and mutual relationship between the community and the Dangote Cement, adding that more investments and philanthropic works were still in the pipeline.
He concurred with the King that when the 42.4 kilmetre road is constructed, it will help is ensuring security and economic prosperity.
“We are doing all these because of the peaceful relationship that we have,” he added.
Community leaders who attended the gathering spoke glowingly of Dangote Group’s philanthropic activities.
Chief Obanle Olusegun who spoke on behalf of the Obajana Traditional Council said: “Count on us, we will continue to cooperate with you. I also want to assure you that we will support you in maintaining peace and order in this community.”
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Obajana Chapter, Pastor Olarewaju Ibiteye, said: “God and our people are happy with Alhaji Aliko Dangote. We will continue to cooperate with him to develop Obajana and Kogi State.”
The Chief Imam of Obajana Community, Ustaz Saidu Adamu, said the Muslim Ummah in Obajana are praying for the Dangote Group day and night. [myad]
