Dangote Cement last week in Asaba, Delta State, donated work tools to block moulders in the state. The donation of wheel-barrows, shovels, rainboots and hand gloves formed part of a workshop designed to train block moulders in the state and empower them to adopt current best practices in the industry.
Mr. Ojo Akogu, Coordinator, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Edo and Delta states, in a keynote paper commended Dangote Cement for its support and collaboration in training artisans, including block moulders. He said the efforts of the cement company in training block moulders will have a far-reaching impact on the participants.
“SON is thrilled and excited that the workshop for block moulders by Dangote Cement came up. The workshop is to enlighten and educate them. Dangote Cement is creating awareness at the grassroots of the building industry by educating block moulders.”
Mr Godwin Muoneke, participant and manager, Larfenax Nigeria Enterprises, Asaba, described the workshop as eye-opening. He said, “The idea of coming up with the workshop is commendable. It has broadened our knowledge and understanding in the use of cement especially in block-making. We have been educated.”
Mr Johnson Olaniyi, Regional Manager, Marketing Services of Dangote Cement, making the presentations to the block moulders, told them that the gesture is one of the many incentives lined up by the foremost indigenous cement giant to help them boost their businesses.
According to Olaniyi, the donated items are to enable the block moulders to attain the necessary standards which are necessary to ensure the safety of buildings as well as curb the menace of sub-standard blocks which contribute to building collapse.
He said contrary to what some quacks are saying, cement blocks contribute to the safety and strengthen a building, hence the need to take great care in terms of the components used in moulding them.
Specifically, he explained that the wheel-barrows are meant to assist the block makers in ensuring that they get the right measurements and correct ratio in terms of cement, granite dust and sand while the rainboots and hand gloves are for workers’ protection.
He advised the block-makers to always sieve the sand they use in block making so as to remove all embedded debris which would affect the strength of the blocks if retained. He also asked them to use water free from salt and oil contaminants while making blocks.
Highlighting the advantages of Dangote 3X Cement and other brands in the market, he said: “The 3x is an acronym for more profit to the moulders while allowing the builders to build with peace of mind.”
Olaniyi also informed the block-makers about several benefits that they stand to gain by using only Dangote Cement in their businesses.
He also assured them that Dangote Cement is putting in place adequate checks and measures to prevent adulteration of the product.
The elated block moulders were full of praises and appreciation for the items which they said will enhance productivity and standardization of their products.
Uju Ifeze, a female block making factory operator, lauded Dangote Cement for coming to their aid. She said it is a good development that Dangote Cement is giving back to block moulders who form a substantial portion of cement users. According to her, safety standards will improve because many block makers who are not using rainboots and hand gloves in their work before now have them as gifts from Dangote Cement.
For Kene Okoro, “It is a welcome development which will help moulders a lot. He said a lot of moulders do not have wheel-barrows; they just make assumptions while mixing sand and cement. But with the wheel-barrows in place, standards will improve and business will improve.”
He commended Dangote Cement for thinking of its customers’ businesses because standardization will lead to more profit.