Tag: community relations

Dangote Granite Mines Awards Bursaries to Students in Ijebu Igbo

… Monarch Hails Dangote’s Commitment to Educational Advancement

In a significant boost to educational development of its host communities, Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has provided bursary awards to scores of qualified students from host communities in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

The initiative underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, community upliftment, and sustainable development.

It was a gathering of community leaders, enthusiastic students, supportive parents, and Management of the Dangote Granite Mines as the bursary awards were presented to student beneficiaries form the four major host communities of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi, and Idi Omo reflecting Dangote’s dedication to inclusive growth.

Speaking on the initiative and the company’s broader social interventions, Joseph Alabi, General Manager, Community Relations, Dangote Granite Mines, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility. He disclosed that the beneficiaries include 40 tertiary-level students and 20 secondary school students, thus signaling Dangote Granite Mines’ robust commitment to both higher education and foundational learning.

He stated that the bursary scheme is part of a wide range interventions in Ijebu Igbo, which included the renovation of classrooms, development of health centres, the installation of solar-powered boreholes as well as social investments in sustaining cultural heritage of the people.

Mr. Alabi also highlighted the unique structure of the programme that ensures continuous support for beneficiaries. “The uniqueness of our bursary is such that it doesn’t stop as a one-off gesture; we continue to support the students throughout their study period,” he stated, emphasizing the value placed on continuity and academic improvement.

The initiative the Dangote Granite mines boss said reinforces the Dangote Group’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and easing the financial burdens on local families.

In his remark, High Chief Ademola Ariyo, who represented the paramount ruler, the Sopinlukale of Oke—Sopin, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, lauded the Dangote Group for its consistent dedication to community development. He highlighted the company’s positive responsives and beneficial relationship with the host communities, describing the education initiatives as a testament to a company that genuinely values the people it operates among.

“When you invest in the education of our children, you invest in the future of Ijebu Igbo,” High Chief Ariyo emphasized. He acknowledged that the bursary programme is one of many ongoing community development projects undertaken by the Company previous interventions in infrastructure and social welfare, which impact according to him, is evident across the communities.

The impact of the award was palpable among the excited recipients as Zainab Ontilo, a tertiary institute awardee, expressed immense gratitude, stating, “This money would go a long way in ensuring I complete my tertiary education seamlessly.”

Another ecstatic recipient, Enitan Haruna, noted, “I can finally concentrate fully on my education without having to worry about how my next tuition would be paid or how I will afford miscellaneous expenses.” The ceremony ended with the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries.

December 9, 2025
ESG, Regulatory Frameworks Driving Energy Investments In Africa – Seplat CFO

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and regulatory frameworks in African countries significantly shape oil and gas investments in the continent, as they influence costs, compliance requirements, and project risk profiles.

The Chief Financial Officer, Seplat Energy, Mrs. Eleanor Adaralegbe, said this during a panel session at the Africa Oil Week (AOW) Conference & Exhibitions in Cape Town, South Africa.

Eleanor, whilst speaking on the theme ‘ESG Investing: What strategies make African deals attractive in 2024?’, said to ensure compliance and manage ESG-related risks effectively, companies should conduct thorough due diligence, align with international standards, engage with stakeholders, implement robust policies, and maintain transparent reporting.

“Clearly, ESG standards and regulatory frameworks in African countries significantly shape oil and gas investments. So, we need to take the right actions now. These actions not only mitigate risks but also create opportunities for enhanced stakeholder trust, improved financing options, and long-term project success,” the Seplat Energy CFO stressed.

According to her, investors assess potential projects by screening them against ESG benchmarks, and projects that fail to meet minimum ESG standards are often excluded.

She said: “Comprehensive due diligence is conducted to identify ESG risks, including environmental impact, community relations, and governance practices. Investors may use frameworks like the Equator Principles or International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards. In this regard, Seplat Energy is ahead, proactively setting up to ensure readiness very much aligned with Strategy.

“Seplat Energy has shown commitment, which is driven by the top board, the special board committee on ESG matters, and the sustainability management committee chaired by the CEO.”

Eleanor advocated the need for operators in the energy space to building a sustainable business through social development, focusing on environmental care and reporting as well as maximizing returns for shareholders. With a mission to deliver the energy transition in Nigeria through upstream, midstream and new energy pillars, she identified the roles of strong governance and HSE, as is the case with Seplat Energy’s operations in Nigeria.

Investors, she explained, are increasingly pushing for energy transition projects, such as natural gas developments that serve as a bridge to renewable energy; with also a growing interest in carbon offset initiatives linked to oil and gas operations, which could help mitigate climate impacts.

“ESG criteria are integrated into the investment process through rigorous screening, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring, with a focus on environmental impacts, social responsibility, and governance practices. Investors in African oil and gas projects are particularly concerned with climate impact, community relations, regulatory compliance, and transparency,” the Seplat CFO maintained.

She added: “ESG considerations significantly influence the structuring and valuation of oil and gas deals in Africa by affecting perceived risks, financing options, and project attractiveness. Strong ESG performance can lead to favorable financial terms, and key to long term viability of any business while poor ESG practices can result in reduced valuations, higher costs, and a limited pool of potential investors.

“ESG standards and regulatory frameworks in African countries significantly influence investments by shaping the operational requirements, risk profiles, and overall attractiveness of projects. Companies must navigate a complex landscape of varying regulations and expectations related to environmental protection, social development, and governance to ensure compliance while managing ESG-related risks effectively.”

October 14, 2024
Seplat Energy emerges Energy Times’ Corporate Governance Company of the Year

Energy Times Newspaper has named Seplat Energy as the Corporate Governance Company for 2023 business year. Seplat Energy, which is Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy player, was recognised for its effective corporate governance framework and corporate governance standards.

Seplat Energy also got recognition for its exponential growth for the period, which had translated into the creation of significant shareholder value and national wealth.

Energy Times is a leading weekly newspaper based in Lagos, Nigeria, focusing on oil, gas, power, maritime and renewable energy reportage.

Speaking at the Energy Times Awards held in Lagos weekend, the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of the newspaper, Mr. Kayode Ekundayo, said the recognition reflects Seplat Energy’s strong corporate governance structure driven by its Board and effective management. This, he noted, had spurred success and operational excellence for the Seplat Energy brand.

Seplat Energy has continued to drive continuous improvements in its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, which requires an eﬀective sustainability governance structure and a robust approach.

“The company’s sustainability commitments, actions, and outcomes have remained a reference point over the years. The industry has also testified to the progress in Seplat Energy’s sustainability journey. As stakeholders, these feats are worth the commendations,” Ekundayo said.

Seplat Energy integrates human rights considerations, labour laws, equal opportunity principles, and good ethical conduct, among others in its recruitments, procurements, community relations and relationships with governments. The company also promotes mutual respect as well as a free and fair work environment that encourages freedom and enhances productivity.

The company’s work culture encourages openness, freedom of expression, creativity, high productivity, unbiased appraisal system and a fair reward system.

Respecting human rights, Seplat Energy endorses international agreements and protocols including the United Nations guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the company is committed to respecting the rights of stakeholders in all its operations and business conduct.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company, the General Manager, Partner Relations, Seplat Energy, Mrs. Grace Amadi, commended Energy Times for the recognition given to Seplat Energy.

She lauded the newspaper for its doggedness and commitment to professionalism, whilst reaffirming Seplat Energy’s commitment to living up to the expectations of its stakeholders. According to Amadi, the company will continue to adhere to global best practices with the intent to grow more value and remain the delight of investors.

Other members of the Seplat Energy team in attendance were Stanley Opara, Manager of Corporate Communications, and Ahmed Audu, Manager of Branding and PR. Other energy industry players, regulators, government agencies, and the media attended the award ceremony.

April 22, 2024