By Ali Rabi’u Ali
In response to growing environmental concerns over plastic pollution and in alignment with Nigeria’s push for a circular economy, Dangote Cement Plc has instituted its Plastic-to-Fabric initiative.
A statement from the Corporate Communications Department of the company said in line with this initiative, the company has successfully completed a five-week Plastic-to-Fabric training programme for women at its Obajana Plant.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Plant Director of the Dangote Cement Plant at Obajana, Engr Nawabuddin Azad, said the beneficiaries were selected from the host communities in Kogi State.
Engr Azad, who was represented by Head of Human Resources and Admin of the Plant, Adeniyi Azeez, said: “As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, inclusive community development, and innovative material reuse, Dangote Cement Plc has successfully concluded a five-week Plastic-to-Fabric training programme at its Obajana Plant.”
According to Engr Azad, the training with the theme: Turning Waste into Opportunity will help beneficiaries on hands-on skills to repurpose used polypropylene (PP) cement bags into durable, functional fabric-based products.
Speaking at the event, Head of Social Performance Dangote Cement Plc in Africa, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, said: “The training covered a range of practical techniques including washing, cutting, threading, weaving, and basic sewing, enabling participants to produce items such as tote bags, school bags, lunch bags, and purses.”
He said the training programme was hosted in partnership with Ecobarter and facilitated at the Dangote Academy.
According to him, the programme focused on promoting responsible material use while offering economic empowerment through skill development.
Mrs. Zainab Amir, representing Ecobarter, the company’s partner that facilitated the programme, highlighted peer-led learning as one of its standout features, with more advanced participants assisting others in mastering weaving techniques.
She said that the event marked a celebration of community-driven innovation and reinforced the company’s dedication to creating shared value.
According to her, the Plastic-to-Fabric initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to support circular economic practices while building resilient, self-sufficient communities around its operations.
