The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, has moved to strengthen ties with Mangal Cement Company Limited as part of efforts to promote industrialisation, economic development and sustainable growth of the media industry in Kogi State.
The partnership initiative was unveiled during a courtesy and facility tour by the leadership of the union to the company’s cement manufacturing plant at Iluhagba in Ijumu Local Government Area.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the NUJ, Kogi State Council, Comrade Seidu Ademu, described the media as a critical partner in national development, stressing that journalists have a responsibility not only to inform and educate the public but also to highlight organisations making meaningful contributions to the nation’s economy.
He explained that the visit was aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of Mangal Cement’s operations, achievements and vision, noting that such engagement would enable journalists to present factual and comprehensive reports on the company’s contributions to Kogi State and the country.
Ademu said the delegation, which included members of the State Executive Council and representatives of various NUJ chapels, reflected the importance the union places on building enduring partnerships with reputable corporate organisations.
He commended Mangal Cement for its rapid growth, investments in industrial development, job creation and economic empowerment, saying the company has become a reference point in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The NUJ chairman appealed to the company’s management to support some of 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 for future generations.
He assured the management that the union would remain a dependable partner, committed to professionalism, objectivity and promoting the company’s positive contributions to national development.
Also speaking, the Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Comrade Momoh-Jimoh Adeiza, described Mangal Cement as one of Nigeria’s outstanding indigenous industrial success stories.
He noted that the media would continue to support industries that generate employment, attract investments and stimulate economic activities capable of transforming Kogi State.
Responding on behalf of the company, the General Manager, Transport and Logistics, Mr. Umar Sanda Mohammed, appreciated the NUJ leadership for the visit and reaffirmed Mangal Cement’s commitment to partnerships that advance development.
He said the company’s products have earned wide acceptance within and outside Nigeria due to their quality and consistency, adding that Mangal Cement remains committed to maintaining high production standards.
Mohammed disclosed that the company has made significant contributions to employment generation, revealing that about 46 per cent of its workforce are indigenes of Kogi State.
He also highlighted the company’s investments in security, infrastructure and community development across its host communities, saying the organisation remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
According to him, Mangal Cement values the role of the media in national development and is ready to deepen collaboration with the NUJ in promoting industrial growth and sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Head of Administration, Abdullahi Ibrahim, and the Head of Finance, Mr. Gbenga David, outlined the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, including payment of WASSCE fees for indigent students, bursary and scholarship schemes, construction of boreholes and youth empowerment initiatives designed to improve livelihoods.
They reaffirmed the company’s commitment to education, human capital development and community empowerment, stressing that Mangal Cement would continue to invest in projects that positively impact its host communities and contribute to Kogi State’s overall development.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the company’s production facilities, where members of the NUJ delegation were taken through the cement manufacturing process and briefed on the company’s operational standards, safety measures and ongoing expansion plans.
