Dangote to float block making academy in Enugu

Enugu - Dangote Group of Companies, on Wednesday, said it would soon establish an academy to train block-making artisans in the South East Zone.

The company’s South East Regional Sales Manager, Mr Tunde Mabogunje, made the disclosure in Enugu during training of block makers at the ongoing 25th Enugu International Trade Fair.

The manager said that the training had become necessary in order to expose artisans to new block-making skills and in line with new technology, as well as create jobs for the unemployed youths in the zone.

Mabogunje said the training was the company’s contributions toward youth empowerment and job creation.

According to him, participants will be provided with machines to start their own businesses after the training.

The regional manager added that the academy would be established in Enugu.

In his presentation, the company’s Head of Training, Mr Johnson Olaniyi, urged block makers to embark on training to enable them to save incidences of collapsed buildings in Nigeria.

According to him, if the mixing of cement and other components like water and sand is wrong, it will affect the block and leads to cases of collapsed building.


"It is also important to use the right tools, including good moulding machines for making of blocks,’’ he said.

Olaniyi said the new brand of Dangote Cement called 42.5Rapid was the best for any kind of building, adding that it was strong, long lasting and easy to mould.

One of the builders, Mr Emeka Nwaka, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that block making business was a good venture.

Nwaka thanked Dangote company for the training and stressed the need for regular training and awareness due to change in technology and for job creation.