Dangote Cement Engages Drivers On Road Safety At Obajana Retreat
As part of its commitment to promoting road safety and strengthening best practices in fleet management, Dangote Cement Plc on Thursday convened a special retreat for its drivers at the company’s plant in Obajana, Kogi State.
In his speech at the event, the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Arvid Pathak, said the retreat provided a practical platform to sensitize drivers on the importance of discipline behind the wheel.
The GMD said the holding of retreat was a testimony of the company’s core values of safety and responsibility, and the importance attached to drivers as frontline ambassadors of the Dangote brand on Nigerian roads.
Mr. Pathak later told newsmen that the interactive session featured discussions on defensive driving, fatigue management, vehicle maintenance, and awards for deserving drivers.
He noted that the engagement has allowed the management to receive first-hand feedback that will guide solutions to issues affecting drivers.
“Your life is very precious, so take care of yourselves. You have families, and your families need you,” he told the drivers and cautioned them use of illicit drugs and engaging proxy drivers.
He warned that the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy on road accidents.
In his address, the Head of Transport, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, announced that the company is constructing new, technology-driven control towers at Obajana for real-time remote monitoring of drivers’ behavior, to further enhance safety and efficiency.
He advised the drivers against contravention of traffic laws and regulations.
“Over speeding is one of the leading causes of road crashes involving heavy trucks. Always keep within the approved speed limit, especially on highways and in populated areas. You are the face of Dangote. Give way when necessary, be patient in traffic, and respect smaller vehicles,” Mr Silva added.
Also, the Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment and Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd, Dr. James Adenuga said drivers as the image makers of the company must ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.
“Gentlemen, every time you drive out of this plant, you carry not just cement, but lives, reputations, and the pride of this company,” he added.
An expert on Transport, Mr. Samuel Odo, said most auto crashes were within the control of drivers, as such they should prioritize their safety and that of their families, and develop good safe driving culture.
“Culture is built by doing the right thing every time, every trip, every day. From wearing seatbelts, obeying speed limits, to checking tyres, repeat it until it becomes habit,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the retreat, the Divisional Director of Transport Hemant Rana, described the event, themed ‘Drive Safely, Arrive Safely’, as timely, noting that the company has already instituted several measures to curb road accidents.
According to him, the company has successfully curbed auto crashes while simultaneously scaling up the frequency of driver training sessions.
Speaking at the event, the Bajana of Obajana, Mr Idowu Isenibi, said the drivers play pivotal role in the life of the company, urging them to respect road signs and regulations.
Also, the Olu of Apata, Mr. Federick Balogun, praised Aliko Dangote for his role in creating employment opportunities for drivers, saying he was among the first beneficiaries of Dangote’s job creation initiatives at Obajana.
The event featured awards to deserving drivers.
