By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO: In a significant demonstration of corporate commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and sustainable community development, BUA Cement Plc has Tuesday graduated 60 youths drawn from its host communities after a six-month intensive training programme in heavy-duty machine operations, with 52 of the graduates immediately offered employment by the company.
The graduation ceremony, attended by government officials, traditional rulers and community leaders, underscored BUA Cement’s strategic investment in developing local manpower while strengthening cordial relations with its host communities.
Speaking at the event, the Technical Director of BUA Cement Ranvir Singh described the initiative as part of the company’s long term commitment to empowering young people with industry-relevant skills capable of transforming their lives and contributing to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He noted that the six-month programme combined rigorous classroom instruction with practical field training, equipping participants with the technical competence and safety standards required to operate heavy duty equipment in a modern industrial environment.
Assistant Director of Human Resources, Mr. Abdul Rashid Mode, explained that the trainees underwent comprehensive theoretical and practical sessions designed to meet global operational standards in heavy-duty machine handling.
According to him, the immediate employment of 52 of the graduates reflects the company’s confidence in the competence, discipline and professionalism demonstrated by the participants throughout the training period.
“The programme is aimed at creating employment opportunities for youths in our host communities while ensuring that they possess the technical skills required to excel in the cement manufacturing industry,” he said.
In his remarks, the District Head of Sabon Garin Gedawa, Alhaji Shehu Dangaladima, commended BUA Cement for complementing government efforts in tackling youth unemployment and fostering peaceful coexistence with host communities.
He described the initiative as a model of responsible corporate citizenship and urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedication, discipline and hard work.
The Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Hon. Umar Mohammed Dundaye, applauded the company for investing in human capital development, describing the programme as a practical intervention that would improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth within the communities.
Also speaking, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Haruna Abbas Bashar, praised BUA Cement for aligning its corporate social responsibility initiatives with the state’s development agenda.
He noted that the company’s investment in youth capacity building would not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen the state’s industrial workforce and economic competitiveness.
The Commissioner encouraged the graduates to uphold professionalism, embrace continuous learning and serve as worthy ambassadors of their communities.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the 60 graduates, marking the successful completion of the specialised training programme.
The Managing Director of BUA Cement, Engineer Yusuf Haliru Binji, represented by the the Assistant Director, head of administration and corporate affairs, Sada Suleiman while delivering vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders for their unwavering support towards the successful implementation of the programme.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding initiatives that promote employment, technical skills development and inclusive economic growth across its host communities.
The event attracted traditional rulers representing the host communities, senior government officials, industry stakeholders and members of the public, who described the initiative as a milestone in advancing community development through strategic public private collaboration.
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