As part of efforts aimed at strengthening block makers across the country, to become more productive, Dangote Cement has empowered block makers in Ogun and Lagos states with work tools.
The block moulders were at the weekend given items such as wheel barrows, shovels, rain boots and hand gloves. They were handed over to them in Badagry and Ibeju in Lagos State and Agbara in Ogun State.
Making the presentations to the block makers, the Regional Manager, Marketing Services of Dangote Cement, Johnson Olaniyi, told them that the gesture was one of the many incentives lined up by the foremost indigenous cement giant to help them boost their business.
According to him, the donated items are to enable the block makers attain the necessary standards which he said is necessary to ensure 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 strength of buildings hence the need to take great care in terms of the components used in molding 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 rain boots and hand gloves are for protective purposes.
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.
Mr. Olaniyi highlighting the advantages of Dangote 3X Cement and other brands in the market 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 of several benefits that they stand to gain by using only Dangote Cement in their businesses. He also assured the block makers that Dangote Cement is putting in place adequate checks and measures to prevent adulteration of the product.
The elated block makers were full of praises and appreciation for the items which they said will enhance productivity and standardization of their products.
Stephen Olarewaju who operates a block making factory lauded Dangote Cement for coming to their aid. He said it is a good development that Dangote Cement is giving back to block makers who form a substantial portion of cement users. According to him safety standards will improve because many block makers who are not using rain-boots and hand gloves in their work before now have them as gifts from Dangote Cement.
Alhaji Hodonu Sikiru adding his voice to others said that 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’ business because standardization will lead to more profit.
