The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has honoured the Dangote’s Okpella Cement Limited with the 2024 Best Contributory Employer Award.
The recognition was presented over the weekend in acknowledgment of the company’s significant contributions to job creation and workforce development in Edo State and Nigeria.
At a ceremony held at the Dangote’s Okpella Cement Limited plant, the Head of Training for the ITF Benin Area Office, Mr. Ernest Nwachukwu, presented the 2024 Best Contributory Employer Award to the Plant Director, Engr. Mohammed Ismaeel.
In his remarks, Mr. Nwachukwu recognized Okpella Cement Limited as the highest-performing company in Edo State for its exceptional commitment to industrial training and workforce development over the past year.
Reacting, Engr. Ismaeel said the ITF Best Contributory Employer Award for 2024 bestowed on the plant is a validation of company’s strategic and proactive approach to job creation.
“It shows that our leadership style aligns perfectly with the state and national objective of building a skilled and employable workforce. This award is not merely for hiring people, but for creating a sustainable system where job opportunities can thrive and evolve,” he said.
He however added that the award belongs to every member of staff of the company who shows daily up with a commitment to learn and grow.
The Plant Director said: “Through our collaboration with the ITF, the Okpella plant has established a new benchmark for industrial excellence and corporate citizenship, making a significant contribution to the skilled talent pool within Edo State and the wider Nigerian economy.”
Engr. Ismaeel said: “By investing in continuous training, we are not just filling vacancies; we are enhancing the quality and sustainability of every job. We are equipping our workforce with future-proof skills, making them more adaptable and innovative.”
He added that ‘prestigious’ award reflects the plant’s steadfast commitment to upskilling local talent and supporting sustainable economic growth through strategic investment in human capital development.
According to him, the honour by ITF has spurred management of the company to do more and added to the catalogue of accolades it received over the years, even as he promised to sustain the tempo.