Ashaka Cement Expansion: Inuwa Demands More Jobs for Gombe Indigenes

Ashaka Cement Expansion: Inuwa Demands More Jobs for Gombe Indigenes

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has urged Ashaka Cement Plc to create more employment opportunities for Gombe indigenes and strengthen its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes as the company moves ahead with its expansion project and transition to HBM Nigeria Plc.

The governor made the call on Tuesday while receiving the Managing Director of Ashaka Cement Plc, Ibrahim Aminu, at the Government House in Gombe. Their discussions centred on the company’s expansion plans, its transition to HBM Nigeria Plc, corporate social responsibility initiatives and tax-related matters.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described Ashaka Cement as one of Gombe State’s most important industrial partners, noting that the company has played a significant role in the state’s economic growth and industrial development over the years.

“Ashaka Cement has remained a key partner in our industrialisation drive and socio-economic development. We appreciate the company’s contributions and encourage its management to further strengthen its Corporate Social Responsibility interventions for the benefit of our people,” the governor said.

He stressed that the company’s expansion should bring tangible benefits to residents by creating more jobs, especially for qualified indigenes from the host community.

“As the company expands, we expect to see more employment opportunities for our people, particularly those from the host communities. This will ensure that the benefits of industrial growth are shared more widely,” he added.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies that promote investment and economic growth, assuring existing and prospective investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.

“Our administration will continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive because industrial development remains critical to our economic transformation and job creation agenda,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Ashaka Cement Plc, Ibrahim Aminu, thanked the governor for the cordial relationship between the company and the Gombe State Government.

He said the investor-friendly policies of the Inuwa Yahaya administration have strengthened the company’s operations and positioned it for sustained growth as it transitions to HBM Nigeria Plc.

“We appreciate the support of the Gombe State Government. The favourable business climate created by this administration has continued to enhance our operations and gives us confidence as we embark on this new phase of expansion and transition,” Aminu said.

He added that the expansion project is expected to boost the company’s operational capacity while increasing its contribution to the state’s economy through greater investment, employment opportunities and community development initiatives.

The delegation also included the Head of Corporate Affairs, Mohammed Aminu. The meeting was attended by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Muhammad Umar.