The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, has initiated a strategic partnership with Mangal Cement Company Limited aimed at promoting industrial development, economic growth and sustainable media development in Kogi State.
The partnership move was unveiled during a facility tour and collaboration visit by the leadership of the union to the Mangal Cement plant in Iluhagba, Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the NUJ, Kogi State Council, Comrade Seidu Ademu, said the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, has a responsibility not only to inform, educate and enlighten the public but also to promote organisations and initiatives making significant contributions to national development.
According to him, the visit was designed to deepen the union’s understanding of Mangal Cement’s operations, achievements, vision and contributions to the economic transformation of Kogi State and Nigeria.
“Our visit today is aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of Mangal Cement—its operations, achievements, vision and contributions to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria. This understanding will enable us to tell your success story more accurately and project your remarkable achievements to a wider audience,” he said.
Ademu explained that the delegation comprised members of the state executive council of the NUJ and representatives of various chapels across the state, underscoring the importance the union attaches to building a lasting relationship with the company.
He noted that strategic partnerships remain indispensable for sustainable growth in today’s business environment.
“We have closely followed the impressive growth and outstanding achievements of Mangal Cement over the years. Your commitment to industrial development, job creation and economic empowerment has earned you widespread admiration. We believe that strengthening our relationship will further enhance your positive image while advancing our shared developmental objectives.”
The NUJ chairman appealed to the management of Mangal Cement to support the union’s developmental projects, particularly the construction of a modern NUJ Shopping Complex and the remodelling of the NUJ Press Centre into a world-class media facility.
According to him, the projects would strengthen the institutional capacity of the union while preserving the historical significance of the press centre.
“Your support for these projects will not only strengthen the institutional capacity of the NUJ but will also leave an enduring legacy. It will stand as a lasting testimony to Mangal Cement’s commitment to supporting the media and promoting sustainable development in Kogi State.”
He assured the company that any partnership established with the union would be sustained with sincerity, professionalism and mutual respect.
“The NUJ remains committed to projecting your corporate achievements, promoting your positive image and serving as worthy ambassadors of your brand within Kogi State and beyond.”
Also speaking, the Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Comrade Momoh-Jimoh Adeiza, described Mangal Cement as one of Nigeria’s indigenous success stories, noting that the company has distinguished itself in the country’s manufacturing sector.
He said the media would continue to support industries that create jobs, stimulate economic activities and contribute to the state’s development.
“Mangal Cement has carved a niche for itself in Nigeria’s industrial sector. As journalists, we are committed to promoting investments and industries that create employment opportunities and drive economic growth in Kogi State.”
Responding on behalf of the company, the General Manager, Transport and Logistics, Mr. Umar Sanda Mohammed, commended the NUJ leadership for the visit and reaffirmed Mangal Cement’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote development.
He said the company’s products have gained acceptance beyond Nigeria due to their quality and consistency.
“The presence of Mangal Cement has attracted significant attention because of the quality of our products and our commitment to excellence. We are proud to be contributing to Nigeria’s industrial development.”
Mohammed disclosed that the company has made remarkable contributions to employment generation, revealing that about 46 per cent of its workforce are indigenes of Kogi State.
He added that the company has continued to invest in security, infrastructure and community development within its host communities.
“Mangal Cement has created employment opportunities beyond Ijumu Local Government Area. We have remained committed to improving security, supporting infrastructural development and ensuring meaningful growth in our host communities and Kogi State as a whole.”
He further assured the union of the company’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the media.
“We appreciate the visit by the NUJ leadership and recognise the critical role of the media in national development. We are open to partnerships that will promote industrialisation, economic growth and sustainable development in Kogi State.”
Also speaking, the Head of Administration, Abdullahi Ibrahim, and the Head of Finance, Mr. Gbenga David, highlighted the company’s numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
According to them, Mangal Cement has consistently invested in education, youth empowerment and community development through the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for indigent students, bursary awards, scholarships, construction of boreholes and empowerment programmes aimed at making beneficiaries self-reliant.
They stressed that the company would continue to prioritise initiatives that improve the welfare of its host communities while contributing to the socio-economic development of Kogi State.
The visit also featured an inspection tour of the company’s production facilities, during which the NUJ delegation was taken through the various stages of cement manufacturing and briefed on the company’s operational standards, safety practices and expansion plans.
